THECGMPL m MOTORCYCL AC BOOK »" s Jim Bennett This one-stop sourcebook includes: A step-by-step guide to buying the right bike An overview of all motorcycle electronic and mechanical systems Vital information on maintenance and safety Descriptions and commentary on a broad selection of motorcycles .* THE COMPLETE BOOK THE COMPLETE BOOK A CONSUMER'S GUIDE Jim Bennett Facts On File, Inc. AN INFOBASE HOLDINGS COMPANY By the Same Author Cheap Wheels: The Complete Guide and Enjoying Used Cars to Buying, Selling, The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide Copyright C 1995 by Jim Bennett Artwork by Susan Toler All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission publisher. For information contact: Facts On in writing from the File, Inc. 11 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bennett, James (James S.) The complete motorcycle book p. : a consumer's guide /James Bennett. cm. Includes index. ISBN 0-8160-2899-0. —ISBN 0-8160-3181-9 1. 3. Motorcycles — Maintenance and Motorcycling. TL444.B46 I. repair. 2. (pb) Motorcycles —Purchasing. Title. 1995 629.28775—dc20 Facts On File 94-20012 books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York Text design by Catherine Rincon Hyman Jacket design by Paul Agresti Printed in the United States of America RRD FOF This book 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 is printed on acid-free paper. at 212/967-8800 or 800/322-8755. 9 3 7 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 . xii WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE 1 THE DECISION TO RIDE JUST SAY NO THE LOGICAL DISCUSSION 2 3 Financial Resources 4 4 5 6 6 Knowledge Base 7 Mental Resources Physical Resources Spiritual Resources for Riding FALLBACK COURSE: BRIBE HIM WITH A CAR DEFAULT COURSE: MAKE RIDING AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE TO RIDE OR NOT TO RIDE? 2. TYPES AND STYLES OF MOTORCYCLES STREET BIKES 1 1 14 15 15 Touring Bikes 1 Cruisers 18 Sports 1 Sports Touring Bikes 20 Custom Bikes Choppers Standards Harley-Davidsons TRAIL BIKES Enduros Motocross Bikes Trials Cross-Countries 21 22 23 26 26 27 28 29 30 DUAL PURPOSE BIKES 31 IMITATORS 32 32 33 34 Mopeds Scooters Minibikes 3. MECHANICS AND MECHANISMS 35 A BASIC UNDERSTANDING EIGHT BASIC SYSTEMS 36 37 MOTORCYCLE ENGINES Four-Stroke Engines Two-Stroke Engines 37 39 40 Wankle Engines 41 Engine Variations: Number of Cylinders Engine Variations: Layout of Cylinders Engine Variations: Valve Layout Engine Variations: Method of Cooling 42 42 43 44 CARBURETION EXHAUST FRAME AND SUSPENSION 45 47 47 48 49 49 Frame Front Suspension Rear Suspension WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES Wheels 50 50 Tires 51 Brakes 52 MOTORCYCLE DRIVE TRAINS 53 53 54 Transmission Final Drives CONTROLS AND GAUGES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 54 56 56 57 58 Charging System Ignition System Accessory System 4. SELECTING THE RIGHT BIKE—AVOIDING THE $7,000 MISTAKE THE TWO MOST COMMON MISTAKES Control Your Passions Use Common Sense as a Guide 59 60 62 A PURCHASING METHODOLOGY Become Educated What Are You Going to Do with What Is Your Skill Level? What Can You Afford? What Is Going to Fit Your Body? What You Should Buy 59 the Bike? 62 62 63 63 64 65 67 5. PURCHASING A NEW MOTORCYCLE SELECTING A GOOD DEALER 68 69 69 70 70 Management New and Used Service Bikes Department Parts 71 CONTRACTING THE BEST FINANCING GETTING INSURANCE STRIKING A GOOD DEAL 71 TAKING DELIVERY 75 WARRANTIES & WARRANTY REPAIRS Know What the Warranty Says Know the Break-in Requirements When You Need a Warranty Repair 75 76 76 »WHEN 72 73 Your Rights YOU GET THE PURCHASE HOME Get to Know the Motorcycle Document the Daylights Outa This Thing Lubricate the Bike Get an Extra Key and Extra Lock Supplement the Repair Kit 6. PURCHASING A USED MOTORCYCLE 77 77 78 78 79 79 79 79 81 THE PRELIMINARY STRATEGY WHERE TO LOOK FOR A GOOD USED BIKE INSPECTING A USED MOTORCYCLE — Over the Phone Inspection 10 Questions Preliminary Once Over 4 Steps Thirds and Inspection Points Full Inspection Wheels, Tires and Brakes Suspension and Steering Instrumentation and Controls — — Engine Fuel System Exhaust System Power Train Cooling Lubrication Frame Electrical System Options Test Ride Further Mechanical Inspection 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 87 88 88 88 88 89 90 90 90 91 91 91 GUIDE TO A FAIR PRICE 91 OWNERSHIP OF A NEW USED MOTORCYCLE 92 92 92 93 94 94 95 95 96 Buy the Book Get to Know Your Motorcycle Derail rhe Motorcycle Buy the Right Tools Change the Oil Perform All Basic Maintenance Adjust the Bike Win 7. 8. Arc You Doing All of This? BEST USED BIKE PURCHASES 97 BMW 98 HARLEY- DAVIDSON 100 HONDA 103 KAWASAKI 108 SUZUKI 113 YAMAHA 118 DIRT BIKE SPECIALS 123 MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE INDIVIDUAL BIKE 127 REQUIREMENTS Design Type of Use Amount Time of Use MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES NEW BIKE BREAK-IN MAINTENANCE ROUTINE FIVE The Objective of Break-in The Break-in Procedure NEW USED MAINTENANCE ROUTINE PRERIDE INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ROUTINE STANDARD MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE BIKE Small Motorcycle Maintenance Large Motorcycle Maintenance Trail Bike Maintenance CHASSIS SERVICE MAINTENANCE NOTES Battery 1 Exhaust Maintenance 29 30 130 130 1 132 1 34 34 134 136 136 1 36 36 139 139 139 139 140 1 1 Brakes Brake Fluid Cables Final Drive Belt 27 127 1 28 128 129 1 1 Chain Maintenance Chain Lubrication Final Drive Gear Oil Final Drive 140 Final Drive 141 Lights 141 141 Spokes Suspension Adjustment Tire Inspection & Inflation Wheel Bearings ENGINE SERVICE MAINTENANCE NOTES Air Cleaner Coolant Engine Oil SparkPlugs Transmisison Lubricant SEASONAL MAINTENANCE Maintenance Winter Maintenance Spring Maintenance Fall 9. 42 42 142 1 43 143 1 Steering &c Steering Bearings SAFE RIDING 1 143 1 43 1 43 144 144 1 45 1 46 146 148 148 150 THE PHYSICS OF RIDING Gyroscopic Principles Principles of Friction STRATEGIC PRERIDE PREPARATION Get Proper Training Helmets Dressing for the Road Packing Loads Preparing Passengers Motorcycle Preride 8-Point Inspection Unfamiliar Motorcycle Preride Inspection THE STRATEGY OF ROAD RIDING The SIPDE Technique Accelerating and Shifting Cornering and Curves Braking Lane Positioning Passing ADVERSE RIDING CONDITIONS Night Riding Inclement Weather Long Downhills Intersections 1 50 151 151 53 54 1 54 1 57 159 1 60 1 1 1 61 1 61 62 62 1 63 1 64 165 1 1 167 169 70 170 1 1 7 172 1 73 Blue Hairs and Q-tips Animals of Field and Air TOURING AND GROUP RIDING TECHNIQUES Touring Group Riding TRAIL RIDING STRATEGIES Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape Keep Your Body in Top Shape Keep Your Mind m Top Shape Dress for the Trail Good ( Jood Trail Technique Trail Triquette Preparing tor I [itting the Trail RIDING IMPAIRMENTS 1 74 174 175 1 76 176 177 177 1 77 177 179 181 181 Alcohol 181 Drugs 182 182 Fatigue 10. 173 174 THE SIX MOST COMMON PURCHASES GASOLINE Gasoline Detergents ( lasoline Alcohol Gasoline Volatility Gasoline Octane Gasoline Lead Gasoline Contaminants Recommendation MOTORCYCLE ENGINE OIL 183 184 184 184 185 186 187 188 188 Motorcycle Specific Oils Mineral vs. Synthetic Oils Two-Stroke Oils 88 189 189 190 190 Recommendation 191 1 Oil Grades MOTORCYCLE CHAINS 191 Types of Chains Replacing Chains Recommendation MOTORCYCLE TIRES Tire Ratings and Belted Tires Matched Sets Tubed Tires Recommendation 91 192 192 93 193 194 195 1 96 196 196 1 Tire Sizes Bias, Radial 1 SPARKPLUGS MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES 197 97 198 1 98 1 98 1 Battery Types and Cold Weather Recommendation Batteries ADDITIVES AND MAINTENANCE FLUIDS 99 99 1 99 1 99 200 1 Oil Additives 1 Gas Additives Battery Additives Tire Additives RECYCLING THE MOST COMMON PURCHASES 11. WOMEN RIDERS ANATOMICAL GENDER DIFFERENCES 201 202 OUTFITTING IMPLICATIONS Seat Height Front Wheel Angularity Control Access Weight Boyfriends, Fathers and Husbands Buying the Right Gear GENDER RIDING IMPLICATIONS 202 202 202 203 203 204 204 205 205 205 206 206 Accidents Cold Weather Riding Carrying Loads and Passengers Solo Riding Considerations 12. 200 WHAT EVERY MOTORIST NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES 207 THE PROBLEM PRESENTED BY MOTORCYCLES 208 WHAT MOTORISTS MUST DO TO SHARE THE ROAD 208 209 209 209 209 210 210 Look Make for Motorcycles Sure the Motorcyclist Sees You Pay Special Attention at Intersections Treat the Motorcycle Like a Car View the Road from a Motorcyclist's Perspective Avoid the Young and the Restless Know How to Drive 211 GLOSSARY 213 INDEX 223 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I and he following people provided their knowledge and energy toward the production of this book, I thank them for their indispensable help: M Sammy White, Kawasaki City, Irving, TX M Ron Seidner, Bert's Motorcycle Mall, Azusa, CA M Tom Blake, No Five Trails, Santa Maria, CA M Diana Pierce, Linder Cycle, New Canaan, CT M Robert Maxant, Illinois Harley-Davidson, Berwyn, IL M Joe Bromley, Bromley Motorcycle Sales, Trevous, PA M Mike Reynolds, Mike's Cycle Center, Belleview, FL M Bill Vickery, Vickery Motorsports, Denver, CO M Brad Niehaus, Niehaus Cycle Sales, Litchfield, IL M Kary Krahel, Portland Off-Road Center, Portland, OR M Robyn Figueroa, Cycle World Motorcycle Magazine Ms M M M M M Leslie Breed, Lichtman, Trister, Singer, Ross, Washington, DC Marv Medlev Mark Clifford Harry Swanson Larrv Havdeen .J.W.Bennett The following companies and organizations were extremely helpful in providing research and photographs: Motorcycle Industry Council Motorcycle Safety Foundation of North America, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Triumph Motorcycles, BMW Inc. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Kawasaki Motors Corporation, USA American Suzuki Motor Corporation Yamaha Motor ATK Corporation, Motorcycles, Inc. Cagiva North America, Inc. Cosmopolitan Motors, Inc., KTM Sportmotorcycle USA xll USA Ltd. Yuasa Exide Battery Corp. Amsoil U.S. Tsubaki Metzeler Motorcycle Tire North America Spectro Oils of America Cycle World Magazine AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Hatboro, PA With special thanks to Roy Marvin and the Tillamook Burn. o w he allure of the motorcycle is is unique and powerful. The motorcycle a cerebral machine, appealing to the intellect, employing technology any technophile can appreciate. It symbolizes cultures social anthropologist can appreciate. The motorcycle machine. in a is way any a romantic evokes deep, bittersweet, nostalgic longings. It is the tool of the lone wolf, the predator, and the free and independent spirit. It Cultures idolize these But most of all, traits. the motorcycle the carnal, the instinctual, is a visceral machine. and the physical senses. challenge and an opportunity to prove yourself. It It appeals to puts before you a No other 20th-century machine has the appeal, charm, and attraction of the motorcycle. The motorcycle's intellectual, romantic, and physical appeal makes its image enduring and makes it a sought-after possession. This appeal explains why owning and riding a motorcycle is such a deeply satisfying experience. But motorcycles are not for everyone. THE DECISION TO RIDE The most fundamental question about motorcycles is, "to ride or not to ride?" The decision to ndc motorcycle, whether it is a decision made by you or by someone you care about, should be ail informed one. The author of this book is an avid motorcycle rider, experienced .1 in the art I and science of motorcycle riding, safety, experienced a bountiful youth comprised of episodes. 1 low ever, as much as I mechanics and care. many motorcycle-related love motorcycles, they are not for everyone. The goal of this chapter is not to convert the masses and spread the gospel of motorcycle riding to every lost soul. contrary, although 1 On the hope to dissuade many loved one who is hell-bent greatly enjoy the sport, I people from ruling. If you are dealing with a on buying a motorcycle, and you are not sure it is in his or her best interest, this book will assist you. et us look at a common example: Your 14-year-old son has just informed you that he must ha\e a motorcycle. The acquisition of a two-wheeled vehicle possessing the same horsepower as your station wagon has suddenly become his only priority. Surprisingly, he has done Ins homework on this subject. He has become friends with several people who own motorcycles. He has smuggled fringe-group motorcycle magazines into the house. He has memorized the horsepower, displacement, features and popular paint schemes of every motorcycle produced on the planet today. He is fanatically driven and ready to purchase a motorcycle. He wants, perhaps needs, your okay. If you are like many parents, the thought of your child racing virtually unprotected down Route 50 at Bonneville Salt Flat speeds fills you with horror. You have spent time, love and money raising him, and 1 1993 YAMAHA GTS1000 Class: sports. Engine: liquid-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 1003cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 5. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: single disc Weight: 637 lbs. (Art courtesy of front & rear. Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.) "HE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK he is perhaps only After all, he is now beginning to show a redeeming quality or two. so soft, and so unforgiving. You have all those things on the road are so hard a responsibility to protect . . . him from death, protect your family from the current dysfunctional trauma, and, de- pending on the situation, protect society from your What should you do? child. There are four basic courses of action. The first choice is to "just The second alternative is to talk the prospective rider out of riding through superior logic and practical reasoning. The third position say no." is to offer a better option to the prospective rider. when action, the others the fact that there option may is a fail The final to produce the desired result, new motorcycle not sound great, but it is is course of to accept rider in the family. (This last realistic.) JUST SAY NO Back to our scenario. Your 14-year-old son has just informed you that he must have a motorcycle. You are in a quandary: What to do? First, let us discuss what not to do. Based on personal experience, you should not trust this decision to any of the off-the-shelf methodologies parents often employ in times of conflict with their young. For example, do not: • punch that Deliver the one-two "not as long as you're under is ready for a motorcycle he really determined to own jabs with "NO!" and my roof." More is likely also ready for his crosses with than not, own if roof. If he a motorcycle, this will only he is compound your problems. • Refuse to talk with him further on the subject. He doesn't really you about it anyway. He wants you paperwork, maybe loan him a few bucks, etc. want • him to sign the you rode a motorcycle in the old days, and that you about them. Motorcycles these days bear about as much resemblance to the motorcycles of 20 years ago as a bottle rocket does to a space shuttle. Tell know • to talk to that all Think that particular part thrill this mind is only a phase which will pass quickly. The set that compels people to ride motorcycles (oneand one-part death wish) is seeker, one-part exhibitionist often a lifelong condition. • Threaten to write him out of your will, spend his college fund on a Army trip to the Bahamas or deliver him bound and gagged recruiter. Chances are these things don't matter to him or don't scare him at all. Besides, basic training is to a U.S. not nearly as scary as a high speed turn on a motorcycle. WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A MOTc = 9 You may have already made precipitous courses of action. rable. You can a mistake by taking one of these not worry; the damage is not irrepa- gain your son's respect (and gain credibility in future some discussions) by learning know. The next young lad. Do step is things about motorcycles that he does not to use logic and common sense to dissuade your THE LOGICAL DISCUSSION It jrou tried the part is "|ust-say-no" option, perhaps a shiny things that go fast. potent, exotic machinery. little growth on your who likes He is drawn by the urge to skillfully pilot He may even be afflicted by the most virulent required. Face the fact that you have raised a child form of the disease: the uncontrollable desire to see the overtaken in his rearview mirror. Lament if you must, spend sleepless nights wondering where you went wrong, but do not confuse the issue. To deal intelligently with your child about motorcycles, you must know something about them! This course of action rests on two important questions. One is, "Should your loved-one ride?" Does he have the mental, physical, spiritual and financial resources to responsibly operate a motorcycle? Does he have the knowledge to combine these resources into a smooth, adversary (amidst clouds of dust) error-free ride? The other question enhance or degrade sequences if not decision to ride question is "What should his resources? he ride?" Will this bike Both questions have profound con- fully explored and rationally answered. Since the the most fundamental of the two questions, that examine what to ride, should is examined the situation is, come here. Later chapters to that. So, does your son have the mental, physical, spiritual and resources to responsibly operate a motorcycle? Does he motorcycle riding and fair is about? Discuss the following topics financial know what in an honest conversation with your son. Mental Resources Does your loved one possess the mental cle? faculties to handle a motorcy- Riding takes composure, maturity, respect and a continuous atten- tiveness that is unique to the sport. Motorcycle riding is defensive The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune driving in the extreme. happen, and it is the motorcycle rider's personal imperative to prevent may have the legal imperative, but if you who has the legal imperative, something very catastrophe. (Other drivers find yourself arguing over bad has probably happened to the motorcycle and possibly to the D'/PlETE motorcycle book rider.) Even your son if is good motorist a he does not (a.k.a. car driver), necessarily possess these faculties. To ride a motorcycle safely, a motorcyclist most of which are not applicable crucial tasks, Not only must he follow must • must perform many to automobile travel. the rules of the road like all other drivers, he also: Take full common responsibility for being seen by other motorists. The most explanation offered by motorists at the scene of an auto- motorcycle accident is "I never saw him 'til I hit him." • Pay special and constant attention to the road surface. A pothole that wouldn't even ripple your coffee inside a Cadillac Seville can send a motorcyclist head over heels (known as an "endo"). • Maintain a constant and intense level of scrutiny on a variety of objects and situations on or near the road that are of little or no concern or danger to motorists. Is that loose muffler on the Studebaker Lark two cars ahead going to fall off onto the road ? Is that raven, picking away at road kill, going to fly into my path? Is the wind burst from that Freightliner going to blast me out of my lane? Is that a shiny tar spot in my path or wet pavement? Is the bee that just flew up my shirt A upon going to sting me so badly that I lose control of the bike? motorcycle rider must anticipate, recognize, evaluate and act many the smallest clues about aspects of driving that are incon- sequential to the automobile driver. quickly —often very, very quickly. It practice to learn to evaluate the road will include mistakes and errors in And he must do these things takes acute mental and its drivers. judgment, many It is skill and a process that of which can put the motorcyclist in harm's way. ACTION: Anyone who rides should demonstrate good mental skills. How has your potential rider shown these skills? Take your young rider for a drive in your car. Ask an experienced motorcycle along. During the trip, ask both to keep a list rider to ride of potential motorcycle hazards. After about a mile drive, the experienced rider will probably your son does not come close, give him two weeks to read up on motorcycles and offer a re-test. If the second test brings poor results, shut the book on motorcycle riding for have a now list of 30 or 40 different hazards. —your young rider is Physical Resources motorcyclist must be A just If not ready. a healthy, physically fit, fully functioning person. Here's why: WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A MOTORC • an emergency, an average motorcycle traveling In The m.p.h. needs seconds (220 feet) ro come to a hill stop on good halt second is reaction time, or the amount of time approximately road. (>() five first takes the rider to recognize a need to brake and then activate the it brake lever and pedal. During that tune, the bike will travel 22 The remaining A brakes. may distance is consumed by applying pressure drug inhibited, eyesight or hearing fast enough or apply the proper rider with poor, or not identify a feet. to the braking situation braking force to safely stop. • When the rider cannot brake his may need gency maneuver way out of a situation, an emer- to be performed. Often this entails countersteermg, an action where the bike steered in one direction is while the rider leans to the other. This maneuver takes strong arm and upper torso muscles, along with a very leg, good sense of balance. • When is blows out on a motorcycle, the survival response to grip the handlebars firmly and keep the bike on a straight a rear tire course while the rear of upper body, fishtails wildly arm and hand behind. This takes a great deal strength. (By the way, the rider shouldn't brake. Braking changes the suspension telemetry and reduces the rider's grip on the handlebars, neither of which is desired.) In all other words, riding a motorcycle takes a strong, agile body with senses working fully. Does your potential rider display these physical skills? Spiritual This is Resources simple. Does your son have a spiritual understanding that will allow him to appreciate the honor, privilege and responsibility vested in him whenever he is on the road? Does he have the respect for life someone who has the potential to take life? Does he have required of respect for his filled own life? These are often difficult concepts for a teenager, with immortality and life, to understand. achieve this understanding, but that child ride without this respect for more protection than a full face is life! (Many people never beside the point.) A spiritual Do not let this grounding can offer helmet and leather chaps. Financial Resources Somehow motorcycling has a reputation as a fun and inexpensive sport. It is fun. It is not inexpensive. A safe and reliable machine can cost anywhere from $1,000 (if you look long and hard at the used bike market) to $16,000 and more if you finance the purchase. In addition, — OMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK there are the costs of licensing, taxes, insurance, protective wear, gas, maintenance, tags and a host of accessories. In the motorcycle may final analysis, a not be as inexpensive as a used automobile. Here are some costs of riding: Insurance (if he can get it) can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,600 a year. Insurance is a must, not just for the rider, but for the innocent bystander that may be injured. about $300 a year over the life of an average motorcycle. Maintenance will be more if the bike is raced, not garaged or otherwise abused. Motorcycle parts, often made out of rare materials, are very expensive. Using a Yamaha Virago as an example, good tires cost about $100 each; a battery costs $75; the air filter costs $26; a complete tune-up costs $186; non-competition muffler replacements cost $150. Your son might mention that he can get a job if he has a motorcycle. He may propose doing yard work for Mrs. Jones three miles away, flipping patties at the burger joint or working as a motorcycle courier in the city. You will need to weigh the relative practicality of this claim. If he makes a deal that depends on the motorcycle for transportation, he will need backup transportation for those days when the weather prohibits two-wheeled travel. [Note: My advice is not to let your son become a motorcycle courier in a city. It is bad, dangerous work.] Maintenance ACTION: will average List the costs and savings of motorcycle ownership. around for insurance quotes. Do not forget to have your son call ACTION: Your son may not understand the significance of riding without insurance. May I suggest that, with some finesse, you take something he values, perhaps his favorite album or guitar. Hold on to it and refuse to replace it when he really needs it. This may seem to you to be a shallow, materialistic gesture only simulating about a hundredth of the agony suffered by a victim of an uninsured motorcycle accident. You are right. But do not underestimate the shallowness and materialism of a young male. Knowledge Base for Riding Does your young rider really know what he is getting into? Motorcycling involves more than just owning a motorcycle. Even with the individual mental, physical, spiritual and financial resources, he must have the knowledge that brings these skills together. This book is part of that knowledge base. But since this chapter is about the question of whether or not to ride, here are some discouraging ideas few novices think about. — An old motorcycler's adage goes, "There are old motorcy- Safety cle riders, and bold motorcycle riders, but there are no old, bold WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A MOTORC = 7 On average, there are motorcycle riders." 100,000 reported motorcycle accidents resulting in 3,200 deaths each year. But these statistics tell the whole One of the most influential research studies was produced by H.L. Hurt of Traffic Safety Center in a motorcycle. A few of Not unexpectedly, get hurt • • less 1 98 its 1 . safety It is required reading for anyone wanting findings are especially relevant here. it is who the inexperienced or incapable riders half the motorcycle riders having reportable accidents than five months' experience on that Ninety-two percent of riders without training. Almost on motorcycle the University of Southern California often: More than had • most do not story. in vehicle. reportable accidents were essentially show half the motorcycle accidents involving fatalities alcohol involvement. Although the percentage of motorcycle riders who drive under the influence of alcohol is no higher than that of (DWI) is car drivers, a motorcycle rider driving while intoxicated two-and-a-half times more likely to be seriously injured than motorist DWI. Inexperience the is dents. Alcohol use dents. Combined, is most common contributor to motorcycle most common factor in serious injury the two conditions these is a acci- acci- are deadly. Why? When on a motorcycle the rider must protect himself not only from his own mistakes, but from those of other drivers. And other drivers make many mistakes. Multivehicle accidents make up 75% of all motorcycle accidents. Sixty-six percent of these (i.e., 50% of all motorcycle accidents) are caused by a motorist's failure to see the motorcycle. Out of the 25% of accidents that are single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, a car forced the motorcycle out of the rider's lane two-fifths of the time. In other words, nearly 60% of all accidents are the fault of a car driver! The failure rate of car drivers apparently attention they pay to the task of driving. remaining error. shows It the dismal lack of also suggests that the 40% of motorcycle accidents are caused by motorcycle rider Many motorcycle accidents are totally within the power of a motorcycle rider to avoid. In the final analysis, a new rider like your son is more likely to be much more likely to be involved in a fatal involved in an accident and is to stay out of something inexperienced riders do not do as well accident than an experienced rider. Clearly, the trick an accident. This is as seasoned riders. 8 COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK The statistics show that there are a large number of whose risk of a fatal accident is almost number of immature, untrained or inexperacking up some frightening fatality statistics. trained motorcycle riders negligible. There rienced riders is a small There are several myths about motorcycle riding that the Hurt report dispels: • Myth: Motorists attack motorcyclists. Fact: Deliberate hostile ac- tion by a motorist against a motorcycle rider • Myth: Bad weather causes many factor in • 98% a rare accident cause. Weather is not a of motorcycle accidents. Myth: Road defects cause many accidents. Fact: Road defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) are the cause of 2% of accidents; animal involvement • is accidents. Fact: is responsible for Myth: Helmets make riding 1% of accidents. less safe. Fact: not increase the probability of an accident. Wearing It a helmet does also does not reduce Wearing a helmet does not increase the probabilIf the only thing you or your son learn from this book is WEAR A HELMET, WEAR A HELMET, WEAR A HELMET, you have your money's worth. There is an old motorcycle adage that goes "If you have a cheap head, get a cheap helmet." Better advice was never given. vision or hearing. ity of neck injury in an accident. The Hurt report is available through the University of Southern California Traffic Safety Center or through the National Technical Information Service in Springfield, Virginia. ACTION: Alcohol plays a major role in half the motorcycle accidents. Discuss the implications of driving while intoxicated with your son. Even at 14, he has access. ACTION: Ask your son driveway, and get to put on shorts and a tee shirt, go out in the down on his knees and elbows. Now tell him to crawl Chances are that he will explain you how that would leave his elbows and knees raw and sore. Query him about how pleasant cascading down 150 yards of asphalt at 50 m.p.h. would be. the length of the driveway three times. to ACTION: Take your son to talk to an emergency room doctor. One I knew, who worked at a U.S. Air Force emergency room, said that motorcycle accidents rival airplane crashes for the kinds and amounts of damage done to human beings. WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE 9 2 Clothing — Proper sunny the day, all motorcycle arrire how pretty the girl, how is essential. light the traffic, No matter how how compelling the reasons to ride less than properly clothed, the rider properly swathed The in case of a must be fall. comes from those items that are rigid, padded, some combination of the three. The list of mandatory clothing is expensive. Take your son to the local motorcycle shop or get a parts and accessories catalog and price the clothing. Here is a representative list of what the rider must have, with modest best protection and abrasion tear resistant or current prices: Full Face Helmet Thick Leather Jacket Leather Chaps Leather Boots Boot Socks Leather 1 Summer Gloves eather Winter Gloves Optic Yellow Rainsuit $250 $250 $150 $150 $ 1 $35 $55 $85 These clothing items total almost $1,000. Note that saving a few bucks on motorcycle clothing usually buys you an inferior product and a reduced margin of safety. Motorcycle clothing is different from the clothing required by most other sports. Motorcycle clothing should be chosen with protection, not fashion, in mind. Also note that denim jeans and jackets are not on the list. Although denim is the material of choice for many motorcycle riders, and is preferable in an accident to being nude, it affords little protection in case of a hard fall. Denim and we're talking about the industrial grade, ditch digging kind offers good protection against small airborne rocks, bugs and wind. It offers almost no protection against concrete or asphalt at 60 m.p.h. We are not talking about fashion leather, either, which is not heavy enough to provide the abrasion protection motorcycle riders need in a wipe out. For leather protection, go to a motorcycle dealership or to the local leather smith and buy a jacket or chaps made for motorcycle riding. These will have special features to make riding safe, warm and enjoyable. Fashion leather does not have these features, although it probably costs as much or more. The temptation to shed any or all of these items on a sunny day is great. It is indescribably pleasant to zip down a windy country road clad only in shorts and flip-flops. It is also indescribably stupid. Because the laws of physics are not suspended on sunny days, some kind of compromise between comfort, protection and enjoyment must be — _ = -E COMPLETE 10 MOTORCYCLE BOOK — reached. In practice, smart riders wear the most and best clothing they can stand to have on. Smart riders never ride barefoot, shirtless, in shorts or without a helmet. At a minimum, total body coverage must be maintained. Weather — Only an Arctic explorer knows more about cold than an Most new riders do not consider or understand the physiological implications of riding at 55 m.p.h. on a chilly day. Unless you live in Southern California or along the Gulf experienced motorcycle rider. Coast South, you can build a very compelling argument against motorand doing a little math. cycle riding by getting a wind-chill chart ACTION: Go to the library and get some rain and temperature statistics for your area. There are going to be some very cold and wet days every year. Using the wind chill chart found in the chapter on Safety, calculate the average wind chill for each month in your area. Explain to your son how cold this will make him when he rides. Tell him that at calculated temperatures below about 30°F, no amount of clothing will help. If your area has cold weather, have your son ride his 21 speed bicycle in the cold and rain. Any trip of more than minutes will be agony. five ACTION: To prove your point, have your son dress as warmly as he can and hose him down with the garden hose for 10 minutes. Be sure to get a good soaking spray over his face to simulate the low visibility he will have when driving in a downpour. Sex —While teenage girls have an affinity for motorcycles, they are not as compatible as one might think. Dating on a motorcycle and limited. Besides not having a back seat, is difficult motorcycles have other drawbacks when it comes to dating. Here are two facts that might impress your son: serious • In the entire history of the world, no parents have knowingly let daughter go out on a date on a motorcycle. Ever! Having a motorcycle can, then, be the same as going to an all boys' their teenage school. • wear high fashion clothes on a motorcycle. They oil on their dresses, burn on the engine and get bugs in their hair. They know this, Girls cannot safely will melt their their legs boots on the muffler, get and frequently will not be willing to subject their fashion statement du jour to the buffeting effects of a motorcycle trip. ACTION: know Have him call around for a few dates. Be sure the girl's parents that there is a motorcycle involved. WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A = MOTORC - 11 Horror Stories — No other mode of transportation or recreational pastime has a vocabulary as lethal as motorcycle riding. The lexicon of motorcycle wrecks includes names such as "T-bones," "low-sides," "high-sides," "flips" and "endos." These phrases. Thev names are more than colorful more common are shorthand jargon describing the motorcycle mishaps. The most frequent accident, according to the Hurt report, is an automobile making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. If the motorcycle proceeds at roughly a 90 angle into the side of the car, the rider has just executed the classic "T-bone." axes of the vehicles form a That is, the longitudinal "J." When a motorcycle is turned too sharply and loses traction, von have what is known as a "low side." In a low-side accident, the bike slides along the pavement on its side, with the rider on top. Thus, the on the "low-side" of the rider. The proper rider response to a is to sit on top of the bike and ride it out until the bike comes to rest, being sure that no legs or arms are pinned between the motorcycle and the road. Should the rapidly decelerating motorcycle hit an obstacle or a patch of pavement having high traction, a low-side may turn instantaneously into a "high-side." A high-side is one of the most dangerous motorcycle accidents. During a high-side, the downed and sliding motorcycle snags, rotates on its longitudinal axis and begins to roll. The bike is low -side unsuspecting rider can be launched with considerable velocity off the island of safety afforded by the top of the motorcycle while to a halt. This happens very quickly, and usually it is grinding results in the rider being tossed some distance. A "flip" is just that. Flipping a wheel raise straight up past continuing its arc until the motor- dow n, with its rear wheel in the front. An "endo" is not named for the fact that it might end your life, but might. An endo is the mirror image of a flip. That is, the rear wheel cycle it motorcycle involves having the front vertical, is upside and continues its arc until it is the leading wheel. Again the motorcycle is upside down. These terms refer only to how a motorcycle accident is started, or to the way in which control of the vehicle is lost. The variety of motions and the unlimited number of obstacles into which the out-of-control motorcycle rider may impact defy cataloging. In retrospect, each accident warrants, and will undoubtedly receive, individual description. For example, "I swung left to avoid T-boning the bus, tried a low-side to avoid the guard rail, high-sided on the curb, and cracked my skull on the median 25 feet away." You can surely find a motorcycle rider (or ex-rider) who is willing to talk to your son about the hazards of riding. Just ask around at the rises past vertical, = THE 12 I DMPLETE 3TC ~ Z :_E 3( Everyone knows someone who has given up riding because of accident. One relative smashed up my Honda SL125 horrendous some jumping a deep rut along a fire road in the Siskiyou mountains of office. Oregon. The bike leaped into the air in "Hi-Ho Silver" fashion as he gunned the motor, hopelessly out of control. The entire bike landed on his knee. It ended any chance of his going to Vietnam (he was rated 4F), and ended any chance of his playing professional football. Damage to the bike was $350. ACTION: It is possible in many communities to arrange for your son to ride along with a law enforcement officer or paramedic crew for an evening. He might see the lump of human flesh that is the aftermath of a T-bone, low-side or high-side. FALLBACK COURSE: BRIBE HIM WITH A CAR After you have exhausted the advice and strategies already detailed, and tranquility in the family has vanished, situation. you himself. you may have to reassess the quite likely that your son has displayed a single-minded- you have never seen ness that told It is before. If he has held true to form, he has buy that motorcycle He may or may not purchase insurance and protective gear. that he can muster the resources to He may or may not take a safety course. He may startle you with his resolve to work nights and weekends pumping gas or frying hot dogs. His plans may include forgoing school, sports, girls and family Peace family in the until he has managed to purchase a motorcycle. may never exist again unless this issue is successfully resolved. If you are dead set against helping him buy a car. If he is him having a motorcycle, consider not mature enough for a car, sacrifice peace in the family: For his sake and for that of other motorists, KEEP HIM OFF THE ROAD! DEFAULT COURSE: MAKE RIDING AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE Your son may buy Or, all your anyway, without your approval or support. notwithstanding and against your better judg- a bike fine logic may capitulate and let him have a motorcycle just to bring back to your household. If either of these situations should happen, try to remember that your position about motorcycles was based on your concern for his safety. Hold that thought, and take the ment, you serenity WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE WANTS TO RIDE A MOTORC = • 13 stops that are available to you to ensure that he rides as safely as now rides a motorcycle. You can help him ride more safely by giving him a copy of this book to read. You can help him ride more safely by reading this book yourself, especially the sections of the book on how to buy, maintain and ride a motorcycle. You can help by participating in the decisionmaking process. You can help by finding the right motorcycle for him. If he plans to buy a new bike, read chapters 2, 4 and 5. If he wants to possible. I ike it or not, your son and 7. If he buys a used bike without book, offer to take it through the inspections described. If the bike does not measure up, consider helping him get something better. No matter what he wants or buys, read chapter 9 on safe riding and quiz your son on its contents. When someone makes the decision to ride, the best thing you can do is make it as sate a ride as possible. A friend went through this process buy a used bike, read chapters 2, 6 the benefit of the with knowledge his parents. He in this finally got the motorcycle against his parents' The next day his father bought him a $300 Vanson leather jacket. There is good sense in that. There are only so many things you can do to protect someone from their craziness in a democracy. Those protests. things \ou can do, Make you do. sure he gets insurance, especially catastrophic health insur- ance (required for motorcycle drivers in some states). enrolls in a safe driving course through your local police Make sure he department or community college. Make sure he buys some protective riding gear so he can make it through the first year of ownership. If he does, his odds of not being involved in an accident dramatically improve. TO RIDE OR NOT TO RIDE? Motorlife with a teenager is often a series of Richter Scale increases in and drama. This is nothing new for parents. You are not a bad parent for incurring your son's wrath when trying to save his life. Not everyone has a 14-year-old son to look after. Perhaps it is your daughter who has just announced that she needs the money to buy a bike, or your 22-year-old boyfriend, 45-year-old husband or good friend. Or maybe you are thinking about a motorcycle. No matter. We all share that same fever of the 14-year-old (albeit with less hormonal discord). We all have some deep primal craving to satisfy. Everyone should have the benefit of the knowledge in this book, whether they read the book themselves or you read the book and tell them about it. intensity The point is this: It is decisions are made. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 14 everyone's business to be sure that the best o What one manufacturer an off-road. What one calls a cruiser another may call a street bike. And so on. For clarity, this chapter divides motorcycles into street bikes, trail bikes and dual purpose bikes. There are also the imitators and motorcycle wanna-bees: mopeds, lotorcycle terminology refers to as is not precise. an enduro another may call scooters and minibikes. STREET BIKES Street bikes range in size Each is from 50cc (cubic centimeters) to over 1300cc. on macadam or asphalt rather street bike is a bike designed solely for use on built to serve as transportation than on unpaved dirt. A paved surfaces. The term "street bike" is used by some to refer to any bike that legally capable of being licensed for the street. machine must have lights, To is be "street legal" a brakes on at least one wheel and a rearview 13 Most wear and have eye Many states require additional street equipment such as turn signal^ speedometer, passenger seat and buddy pegs. A motorcycle must also be approved by the federal Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency and possibly your local mirror. stares require the rider to a helmet protection. ,i bureaucracy responsible for vehicle regulation or environmental quality. However, make motorcycle allow it on the street. to operate optimally in the dirt, legal. The high fenders for a bumpy made to even though an off-road bike will not provide protection spray should you cross a wet surface. make For example, an off-road not a street bike because of the compromises is can be street tire the ability to license a bike for the street does not in itself the bike sate to operate The knobs on from the tires will low speeds and are nothing short of treachis geared for low speed and would have trouble keeping up with traffic on the ride at erous at highway speeds. The transmission high torque. A rider freeway with Mich a bike. Other bikes, such as SOcc minibikes or professional cafe racers, are also not street bikes even it street licensed. The first is the other too bra win to be safely operated one that can be legally licensed riding on the street. A to ride true street bike has street legal too gutless and on the road. on the street and equipment and A street bike is designed for is street tires, street suspension, street riding position, street instrumentation and street mufflers. These are very distinguishing features. These features not only mark a true street bike, they make it virtually impossible to use off-road. by the following features and Street bikes are usually characterized attributes: • Engine n Single cylinder Multicylinder if if less than 250cc more than 250cc n Low slung exhaust systems n Five- or six-speed gear box Relatively low power-to-weight Q Key ignition switch • ratio Frame, suspension and steering Q Seating capacity for two a Smooth suspension n Short travel suspension Q Center and side (kick) stands Low fenders narrow and swept back handle bars o Moderate to extreme steering rake Relatively = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOO^ 16 • Wheels and tires Relatively small diameter wheels weak wheels Relatively Wide radius tires Shallow tread patterns • Controls and gauges Speedometer Tachometer Turn signal indicator Neutral light (gear indicator on large machines) High beam indicator Gas gauge (on larger Oil pressure or level • Electrical bikes) lamp system Large, high powered head lights Large, conspicuous blinkers and taillights Loud horn Electric start Relatively large and high capacity battery Obviously, there are exceptions to these generalizations. For example, a 125cc bike, be it street or off-road, is not going to have elaborate controls or need an electric start. come Street bikes in the following variations: touring, cruisers, sports, sports touring, customs, choppers, standards and Harley-David- sons. Touring Bikes Also called full dressers, touring bikes are designed to virtually self-contained, gas station. Long range make you TOURING BIKE independent of anyone and anything except the riding is the purpose of touring bikes. Riders The ride is extremely smooth, and plush. Modern touring bikes offer plenty of performance, too. are surrounded with creature comforts. quiet Some common features of a touring class motorcycle include: • Large fairings to provide excellent protection from wind and rain • Plenty of cargo space incorporated into the bike's design • Radios, tape decks, CBs, intercoms, short waves, • Trip computers, cruise control, digital displays etc. TYPES AND STYLES OF MOTORCYCLES 17 YAMAHA VENTURE ROYALE • Air compressors and easily adjustable suspensions • High Engine: liquid-cooled 70 degree • Trailer towing capacity V-4 4-stroke. Displacement: 1294cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. • Shaft or belt final drive Class: tounng. Weight: 732 front, disc rear. lbs. (Photo courtesy of "Freightliner" lighting 4. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc visibility Cruisers Cruisers are large displacement, long distance machines. A cruiser is designed for a comfortable full-day ride. Cruisers are not cluttered all the motorhome accoutrements of a full dresser. Power comes from raw, brutal displacement. Enjoyment comes from the fundamental blending of man, machine and road. Features of a basic with Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.) cruiser include: CRUISERS Massive displacement Enough power Heavy, but to scorch who young punks cares Relatively easy to ride Relatively easy to maintain .E 18 E '/10TORCYCLE B KAWASAKI VN 1500 VULCAN 88 Class: cruiser. Engine: liquid-cooled 4-stroke V-twin. Displacement: 1470cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 4-speed. 4. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: disc Weight: 557 & front rear. lbs. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motors Company, USA.) • • Comfort enough for a long day's Mellow, satisfying exhaust note Room for ride two Sports Modern sports bikes right off the showroom floor are just a step shy of what competes on the cafe racing circuit. The technology of racing bikes SPORTS combined with the creature comforts folks require for a day of swift canyon blasting is the basic formula for a sports bike. The look of the bike is that of a race bike, with plenty of aerodynamic fiberglass molded around the engine and rider. Features include: SUZUKI GSX-R1 100 Class: sports. Engine: liquid-cooled 4 cylinder 4-stroke. Displacement: 1074cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 509 lbs. (Photo courtesy of American Suzuki Motor Corporation.) TYPES AND STYLES OF MOTORCYCLES = 19 High tech designs and materials I o\\ "sport" riding position High performance suspension, engine, brakes and Enough off-the-line power to beat all tires but the most specialized drag bikes Enough top end to beat all but the most specialized race bikes Abbrc\ lated fairings Rear set tootpegs Clip-Oil handle bars Sometimes called crotch rockets, these bikes are also known rooms as "donor-mobiles." in hospital emergency Sports Touring Bikes SPORTS TOURING Sports touring bikes are a cross between sports and touring bikes. That from blending the best characteristics of both into one machine. But a sport touring bike should not be confused with a motorcycle that is a collection of components from the parts bins of sports and touring machines. The sports touring motorcycle has its own unique technology blend. classification steins Compared to touring bikes, sport touring motorcycles are lighter, handle better and offer more performance than a sports bike, these bikes often feature: BMW R100RT Class: sports touring. Engine: air- horizontally & oil-cooled opposed twin 4 -stroke. Displacement: 980cc. Valve Arrangement: OHV Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, drum rear. Weight: 472 lbs. Torque: 55 Ib.ft. Horsepower 60. (Photo courtesy of BMW of North America.) = the ::\'-_e t e motor: 20 -book full dresser. Like a • Leading edge, high performance engines • Aerodynamic • High tech suspension Compared fiberglass fairings HONDA MAGNA 750 and panels Class: custom. to sports bikes, the sports touring motorcycle offers some long distance features of the touring machine, such as: Engine: liquid-cooled 90 degree V-4 4-stroke. Displacement: 748cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC 4. Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: o-ring chain. two smooth Brakes: disc Weight: 505 Plush seating for Low vibration, drum rear. shaft drive train Luggage (saddlebags) often incorporated into frame Fairing providing front, lbs. good wind and (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company.) rain protection Adjustable suspension Custom Bikes The variety of motorcycles found in today's exist. This the 1970s, is a recent coming to phenomena full in fruition in showrooms did not always motorcycle history that began in the 1980s. It used to be that you bought a basic motorcycle and customized it to suit your needs and taste. You chromed it, repainted it, added lights, changed the forks, did whatever you wanted to create an individualized machine. This is how the custom was born. 1 21 today, factory-made customs arc produced, despite the fact that "factory-made custom" is an oxymoron. These bikes have various Styling flairs and are chromed to the max. Customs feature: CHOPPER • Unique exhaust systems that produce a deep, heart-thumping exhaust note • Class: outlaw chopper. Engine: Shovelhead V-twin 4-stroke. Displacement: +74 cid. Valve Arrangement: OHV Transmission: 4 speed. to 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: drum front & Weight: 430 lbs. Torque: 75 lb. ft. Raked front forks, svvept-back or high handle bars, position creating a laid-back Jimmy Dean and low the babes seat come me" look • Seating tor two • Eye-catching, high fashion paint jobs • Lots of chrome rear. Horsepower: 54. Choppers In the 1940s, "chopper" described a bike that possible by "chopping off" every unnecessary (Photo courtesy of Gypsy Jokers.) 22 "I'll let _E~E V term referred to a bike that had .OK its was made as light as component. Later, the geometry radically changed. The chopper was the way to customize a motorcycle in the 1950s, and you can see the chopper heritage in many customs. Factories do not make true choppers. There are various legal and market reasons for this. Given that the factories now produce "customs," bikes truly made CHOPPER unique by their owners are even more radically chopped than ever before. Features of a chopper include: Highly raked front forks Often ape-hanger handlebars Way, way back seating One-of-a-kind paint job Often austere human interfaces Often minimalist to an extreme Often stylistically Thematic exaggerated in design, death, rock &c roll, perhaps embracing sex, drugs, God, satan, pig farming, etc. By today's definition, a chopper is a handcrafted artistry here —a real personal statement about the man. The medium affair. made through is the message. is difficult to define. There is true machine the Standards STANDARDS This category of motorcycles of the diversity of the machines in this class; it is This is partly a result also a result of the size of engine displacement, which ranges from lOOcc to over 1300cc. partly, this is And because a standard motorcycle was viewed as a pariah, a The manufacturers felt was simply unworthy, and no one would buy a bike without a market, by world manufacturers. that a universal bike standard. But the world motorcycle manufacturers learned from this grievous mistake, and standards are A now part of all full market line-ups. standard should be a good city commuter bike, yet also capable two long distance trips per year. It should have enough power of one or and performance to be competent on the highway or a river valley road. It should accommodate a load and passenger. Standards are often characterized by: Clean, simple designs "User-friendly" ergonomics Multipurpose road capabilities Limited molded plastic body work Up-right "American" riding position Pullback handlebars TYPES AND 23 HONDA CB250 NIGHTHAWK Class: entry level standard. Engine: air-cooled in-line twin 4 -stroke. Displacement: 234cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: o-nng chain. Brakes: drum front & rear. Weight: 298 lbs. (Photo courtesy of American 2. Honda Motor Company.) Standards can be dh ided into three displacement divisions: entry level LOOcc to SOOcc), multipurpose (500cc to lOOOcc), and muscle i hikes (lOOOcc up). / cle. TRIUMPH TRIDENT 900 Class: multipurpose standard. Engine: liquid-cooled triple in-line 4-stroke. Displacement: 885cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 212 kg/468 Torque: 8.26 kg.m. Power. 1 0OPS Din. lbs. (Photo courtesy of Triumph Motorcycle Umited.) 24 = E — ntrx I evei Small standards are often the best "first" motorcyThese hikes are easy to purchase, easy to master and easy to MOTORCYCLE BOOK repair. To be an entry level standard, a bike must meet three it must be versatile; (2) it must be practical (in a motorcycle sort of way); and (3) it-must be inexpensive. To meet all these categories, small standards are often older technology bikes that use what's available in a manufacturer's parts bin for components. Multipurpose Multipurpose standards handle all road conditions competently. You can take a standard on a round trip of the Continental Divide and use it everyday to commute to work. You can load two people on it and still merge into Houston beltway traffic or roll through the curves on a Black Hills ridge road. More technology is applied to this category of standards than to the entry level motorcycles, so the "relatively inexpensive" requirement gets stretched. But insurance is affordable, and repairs are not too expen- conditions: (1) YAMAHA V-MAX — sive. Muscle Bikes —Muscle bikes are standards with one very impor- tant difference: massive, unforgiving bulk power. Straight testoster- Class: muscle standard. Engine: liquid-cooled transverse 70 degree V-4 4-stroke. Displacement: 1 198cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 4. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 596 lbs. Torque: 80 Ib.ft. Horsepower: 115. one. Displacement uber alles. There are no secrets, no hidden agendas, no tricks of the trade. The concept is simple enough. Slam in the largest engine the cradle will hold. (Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.) TYPES AND 25 HARLEY-DAVIDSON DYNA WIDE GLIDE Class: Harley. Engine: air-cooled 45 degree V-twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 80ci/1340cc. Valve Arrangement: OHV 2. Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: poly chain belt. Brakes: front & rear Weight: 618 lbs. Torque: 82 Ib.ft. Horsepower disc. 69. (Photo courtesy Harley-Davtdson.) HARLEY DAVIDSONS Harley- Davidsons \ logs I 1 larle) -Da\ idsonsj are in their own class for several reasons. No other manufacturer throughout the world produces a bike with the iconoclastic image of Harley. is the machine And world, the "I-do-it-my way" crowd. a lifestyle. It's an art form, r It's is the rebel without a cause. larley-Davidson survives despite super or superior technology. Harleys though the competition less image cuts several ways. Harley that or the lone wolf, the desperado, the one-against-the- higher tech, its It's lack of command premium dollars, even more competently executed and expensive. Ergo, Harleys must be something different. There is something about them, and most people entertain the idea of owning one at some point in life. TRAIL BIKES Trail bikes, or off-road bikes, are designed to take you wherever you want to go, accepting the terrain as it comes. These bikes are built for dirt, mud, sand, clay, colechie, brush, desert, swamp, jungle and ancient forest. Trail bikes are usually characterized • by the following features: Engine Single cylinder, often 2-stroke n High routed exhaust systems Five- or six-speed gear box Chain final drive n Relatively high power-to-weight a Spark arresting muffler 26 ^^ OK ratio • Frame, suspension, and steering Minimal seating Q Long travel suspension Neutral steering geometry No center or side (kick) stands High fenders Straight across handle bars n Smaller, weaker disc brakes • Wheels and tires Q Deep, biting tire tread patterns Relatively strong wheels • Controls and gauges Q Often none Sometimes a speedometer or tachometer • Electrical system Small head lights (if any) Incorporated blinkers and taillights (if any) n Loud horn Q Electric start (on newer bikes) Relatively simple and light weight charging and ignition systems Off-road bikes are classified by the type of racing competition for which they are designed The four most common competiand cross-country. to compete. tions are enduro, motocross, trials Enduros Enduros waste no energy conforming to street requirements. The ENDUROS bikes have a straightforward mission: Conquer the wilderness. Enduros are legal (under federal law) for use on designated public lands. They must meet certain noise restrictions and have a spark arresting muffler. (Some states require lights, brakes, off-highway registration and vehicle title.) Enduro competition is called "time trials" in Europe. Rules vary, but generally competitors are started one at a time, with one minute intervals between to a check point riders. Points are lost on time. The winner is when a rider does not make it the rider with the fewest penalty points. Characteristics of these bikes include: • Light weight • Strong frame Advanced travel front and rear suspensions TYPES AND STYLES OF MOTORCYCLES 27 SUZUKI RM125P Class: enduro. Engine: liquid-cooled 2-stroke reed valve single. Displacement: 124cc. Valve Arrangement: n/a. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: disc Weight: 207 front & rear. lbs. Horsepower 28. (Photo courtesy American Suzuki Motor Corporator).) Powerful engines Knobb) tires designed for soft or hard terrain ( lenerally, light engines ( )ften water cooled Strong muffler/spark arrestor Plastic gas unk Skid plates and brush guards MOTOCROSS Motocross Bikes Motocross racing used swarm and hopes Motocross is simply same time in one huge to be called "scrambling." a race to the finish line. Everyone starts at the they aren't crushed, side-swiped or run over in the Motocross bikes are designed for "closed course" competition races. Closed course means that the route is fixed and on private land. As such, features that add weight, and would make a motocross bike legal for enduro riding, are missing. These bikes are similar to enduro bikes, and often have the following features: first turn. Technologically advanced suspensions Powerful two-stroke and four-stroke engines Knobby tires designed for course terrain Often water-cooled Sophisticated brake systems Engines tuned for low range power 28 = 1 >« ATK 604 DUAL SPORT "* 2i |A Class: motocross. ^^^^ ^^^^p R4K ^^ v- Engine: air-cooled single 4-stroke. Displacement: 562cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 5-speed. ^^^^ 4. Final Drive: chain. * v^ 1 /" Brakes: disc front & Weight: 268 lbs. ^r ~^~^^^*^^ Photo courtesy Cycle World Magazine.; tf Trials from street bikes and share ancestry with road racing bikes, although you wouldn't recognize it today. In the 1930s road courses were set up for riders to negotiate within certain time restrictions. Today, trials competition resembles sadomasochistic enduro events, and the trials bike resembles a minimalist interpretation of an enduro bike. The competition challenges a rider to negotiate a course of tortuous terrain, large boulders, fallen trees, cliffs and rock Historically, trials bikes originated rear. TRIALS GAS GAS CONTACT-T25 Class: trials. Engine: liquid-cooled single 2-stroke. Displacement: 239cc. Valve Arrangement: n/a. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: disc Weight: 160 front & rear. lbs. 29 slides. Penalty points are awarded tor putting a foot down, walking bike, stopping or riding outside the course limits. Total DOt speed, wins trial races. Engines tuned for Wide the machine control, Trials bikes have the following features: maximum low speed torque ratio gear boxes, usually with six speeds Super low first and second gears Often water-cooled Sophisticated brake systems Controls set for a Virtually no standing rider (since most riding is done standing) seat long action suspension Extremely high ground clearance (12 inches minimum) Extremely austere so there is not one extra ounce of unnecessary weight Cross-Countries CROSS-COUNTRIES A variation of the enduro and the motocross is the long-distance, arduous terrain race. The Paris-Dakar and California Baja 1 000 are the two most famous of these races. Bikes designed for these races must be able to carry lots of cargo and fuel. In addition to the features found on enduro bikes, the bikes often have "desert" features for crossing large expanses of wilderness or wasteland. These features include: • Engine torque tuned for both on- and off-road riding • Oil-coolers or features to reduce engine temperature KAWASAKI KLX650-C1 Class: cross country. Engine: liquid-cooled single 4-stroke. Displacement: 651 cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: disc Weight: 337 front & rear. lbs. (Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corporation, USA.) 30 MPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK Front and rear disc brakes Expanded Extra engine guards Headlights (often with protection wire) Large capacity fuel tanks (up to 10 gallons) Baggage racks and storage compartments Modified cafe fairings DUAL PURPOSE BIKES Dual purpose bikes are also called dual sport or "universal." Their is similar to sports touring bikes. Once a manufacturer had both street and trail versions of a motorcycle, it was a small evolutionary step to get a "dual purpose" bike. Manufacturers simply took a k\\ parts from the street bike parts bin and a few from the trail bike parts bin to make the dual purpose bike. However, instead of being univei sally good, the parts bin approach created a bike thai was universally history HONDA XR650L tool kits Class: dual purpose. Engine: air-cooled single 4 -stroke. Displacement: 644cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: o-nng chain. Brakes: disc front & rear. Weight: 324 lbs. (Photo courtesy 4. ofAmencan Honda Motor Company.) DUAL PURPOSE bad. 31 This has changed. Dual purpose bikes are now specially designed, highly advanced machines that incorporate specially tuned suspensions, tires and components to suit highway and trail use. Features of these bikes include: Street legal lighting Mirrors and gauges 1 arge gas tanks Universal tires designed for street or trail Electric starters Engines tuned for mid-range power Battery operated lighting Wider range transmission speeds IMITATORS Mopeds, scooters and minibikes seem like miniature versions of motorWhile they do have the same basic construction, these motorcycle wanna-bees are not reasonable substitutes for most riders. cycles. MOPEDS Mopeds Mopeds combining features of a bicycle and motorname: "mo" for motor, "ped" for pedal. A moped is powered by the rider via pedal or by the engine, or both. A clever mechanism called a centrifugal clutch smoothly transfers power to the rear wheel from either or both sources. The machine is usually peddled only to help accelerate from a stop or up a steep hill. On flat smooth ground a moped will maintain a speed of about 35 to 40 m.p.h. Mopeds are commonly 50cc machines with very low tech design and cheap construction. (Many European countries allow youngsters to get an early driver's license that is restricted to under 50cc, one horsepower mopeds). Advantages of the moped ex cle. 1 arc hybrid vehicles lenee the include: • Inexpensive to purchase • Very high gas mileage (over 100 m.p.g.) • Easy to repair But mopeds are not particularly reliable or mopeds THE 32^= include: OLE BOOK safe. Disadvantages of , Under-powered (under-powered machines are more dangerous than over-powered machines) Inadequate suspension Inadequate brakes Rudimentary controls Difficult for Cheap automobiles to see in design and materials Generally unsafe These machines are generally acknowledged as the least desirable of the motorcycle kingdom. Poor performance, poor safety, shoddy construction and low status combine to make them a nonstarter for almost any rider or riding situation. Scooters Scooters are which is more They do not have pedals, you'll pardon the pun). Most SCOOTERS sophisticated than mopeds. a step in the right direction (if scooters have the engine situated over the rear wheel behind a vented and bulbous cowling. Scooters have wide monocoque frames which are shaped to create a floor board for the rider's feet. Footpegs are absent. This arrangement allows for a variety of foot and riding positions. All controls other than a foot brake are at the rider's hands. To change gears, the rider must pull in the clutch lever and rotate the lever, and the housing to which it connects, to one of (usually) three gear positions. The engine placement prohibits proper weight distribution. Too much of the weight is rearward and high. Thus, scooters do not handle well. They are also relatively heavy, generally under-powered (although a major Japanese manufacturer is producing a scooter that really scoots!), and equipped with pathetic suspensions. The floor board arrangement fails to ensure that the rider's weight (via the footpegs) is positioned correctly on the machine, and that the rider's foot is near the brake, which is located on the right side of the floor board. Even worse, the scooter has small 1 0-inch diameter wheels, a feature that has been abandoned on most other vehicles and all motorcycles. Here's why: • A 10-inch diameter wheel will fit in a 10-inch diameter hole. Thus, would be spanned by a (commonly, motorcycle wheels range from scooter, every bump is felt, and there is risk the scooter wheel will "fall" in a hole that larger motorcycle wheel 16 to 21 inches). On a on every pothole. • Ten-inch wheels have considerably less gyroscopic effed than, s.u an 18-inch motorcycle wheel. The gyroscopic effed is key to ' 33 keeping .1 motorcycle upright at speed. Remember the grade school science class experiment that had you "balance" a three-inch diameter toy gvroscope on how hard was a pencil point or trame on a taut string? Remember gyroscope once its wheel \\ as spinning? The force that kept that gyroscope in position is more or less the same force that keeps a motorcycle on the road upright. it The smaller to turn the ot the the gyroscope (wheel), the less the force. Scooters have \ery small gyroscopes. Advantages ot scooters include: • Inexpensive to purchase • Very high gas mileage (up to 100 m.p.g.) • Easy to repair • Can) • Great own spare humor value their tire Disadvantages ot scooters include: Under-powered Poor and nonresponsive suspension Awkward controls Poor weight distribution W eak small diameter wheels They are slow, poorly designed and moped, scooters are particularly poor machines for The common belief that small, slow and simple Scooters are not recommended. unstable. L.ike the the novice rider. machines are best suited for beginners is not correct. In fact, the opposite is true. It is much wiser to learn on a machine that incorporates safe and sophisticated technology. MINIBIKES Minibikes Minibikes are the most primitive of all powered two-wheeled trans- Minibike engines are often nothing more than lawn mower engines fitted with a centrifugal clutch. The frames are simple, the ports. suspension often nonexistent. Front brakes are optional. Wheels are often small-diameter pressed steel affairs. Weighing in at less than 100 pounds when fully gassed, minibikes are designed for slow, off-road use only. It's unfair to trash minibikes with the other half-breeds. They're fun, and not intended for more than backyard excursions. I recommend that you remain within walking distance from repair facilities at all times! 34 = RCYCLE BC o loday's motorcycles are very high tech. Even your common garden is found only on the most make the motorcycle go, stop employs technology that and expensive cars. Super performers employ materials and technology that would be at home on an AB-2 bomber. Fact is, any Joe with several thousand dollars can purchase a 100-horsepower, 160mile-per-hour machine off today's showroom floor that could have won the Daytona 500 just a few years ago. Motorcycles are collections of castings, tubes, wires, hardware and materials formed and machined into "components." Components are united into "systems" that perform particular functions. Systems are united into a whole that becomes the romantic machine we know as the motorcycle. This is a classic, real world example of Plato's philosophical one and the many. The one (the system) has an identity and existence all its own. As a part of the many, it shares in a totally new identity. To understand the one, notes Plato, you must understand the many. To paraphrase: "To understand the motorcycle, you must unvariety motorcycle exotic derstand the systems." Systems give the rider the and turn. systems The average level facilities to must have a basic understanding at the to properly select and safely ride a motorcycle. Underrider st.l tiding .\ motorcycle component and materials at a level important is to the technophile and engineer, but generally not required of the .. average However, basic knowledge rider. maintain and detail of materials is useful to motorcycle properly. a A BASIC UNDERSTANDING Once you nave a basic understanding of motorcycle systems, you will be prepared to purchase, ride and maintain the motorcycle knowledgably. Admittedly, some of these components are so simple and have purposes that are so ob\ ions that they warrant little or no description. I OOtpegS, tor example, ser\ e a crystal clear purpose: They support your Probably no one ever spent much time trying to figure out teet. how they work, or what kind to nave on their motorcycle. i l\ • >n second thought, maybe this is not true. There are many different pes of toot pegs: Big rubber oiks that dimmish vibration to your feet to provide comfort on long rides • Serrated ones that dig into your boot soles to give when \ou are standing maximum on drag bikes • Solidl) affixed pegs as used • Pegs that told up • Rakishly forward-placed highway pegs for comfort and style • • luge 1 flat when you ( let take a high speed corner ones that offer long distance comfort but not Running boards (not grip up and riding off-road much grip really pegs at all) the point? Every part of a motorcycle has been through tremen- dous design research nent parts This — — including the lowly footpeg, simplest of compo- yielding considerable variety. may have you thinking, "How can one possibly choose among the dozens of different types of engines or frames or brakes or drive on the market?" It is not so tough. You do not need a vast knowledge to purchase or to ride a motorcycle. You need a basic understanding of the machine, and of the systems that make it go, stop and turn. This lays the foundation for: trains technical • Choosing the proper motorcycle to match your • Riding safely • Making an • occasional emergency roadside or shade-tree repair Ensuring your professional mechanic does a good, repair job at a reasonable rate • lifestyle Being cool, fashionable or totally retro fair and safe Warning: Without a basic understanding at the systems level, you You may discover you purchased a machine that won't do what you want. You may make a haphazard or dangerous decision about when or what to repair. Or, perhaps worst of all, you may commit an unforgivable fashion faux pas in the complex and unforgiving world are at risk. of motorcycle vogue. EIGHT BASIC SYSTEMS All motorcycles, from the cafe racer to the 125cc standard, share eight basic systems. These systems are: Engine Carburetion Exhaust Frame and suspension tires and brakes Wheels, Drive train Controls and gauges Electrical Each system comes executing its function. in a variety of designs for, and methods of, The design can be quite specialized and therefore correct (or incorrect) for your riding needs. This chapter explains the variety of basic systems available in motorcycle design and presents the basic understanding of motorcycle systems every motorcycle rider needs. MOTORCYCLE ENGINES were three basic types of motorcycle engines: fourand rotary. Alas, the two-stroke is all but gone for street bikes. Stricter noise and emission regulations have made the two-stroke uneconomical or impossible to manufacture for street use. This apparently has changed manufacturers' engine choices for most of In the old days, there stroke, two-stroke the other street/dirt bikes in their line-ups as well. On the bike shop, two-stroke engines were found only on a recent trip to jet skis, snow- mobiles and some motocross racing bikes. The rotary engine never caught on, and although in production, it almost extinct. Poor marketing strategies and rider unfamiliarity caused the rotary's unpopularity. The last producer, Norton, tell victim is buy-out greed of the '80s, and seems that only the four-stroke is able to survive decade to Thatcherism, the leveraged Reaganomics. It after decade. MECHANICS AND M 37 This section gives you a rundown or the significant differences and and all three engine types, along with variations. This is done partly for nostalgia, soon as manufacturers' partly because the two-stroke will return as conquer noise and emissions problems are successful. we begin, a bit of elementary rubbish about internal combustion engines. The name stems from the fact that the combustion efforts to Before happens internally. This is contrasted to, say, an old steam engine where was burned externally beneath a closed tank of water to produce steam power. The first internal combustion engines were built in the 1820s, but the concept of combustion under high pressure was not theorized until 1838 (by William Barnert). In 1876, the German firm of coal Otto and Langen began producing Beau de Rochas's 1862 theory of modern a "silent engine," based on Alphonse a four-stroke engine. This four-stroke engine. Hence, the four-stroke engine an Otto engine. Otto's engine, like most of the era, is was the first often called burned coal gas. 1878 Dougald Clerk developed a two-stroke engine. Clerk's design used a secondary piston and cylinder that would take in a charge of fresh fuel vapor. It would pass this charge to the working cylinder, scavenging the working cylinder of burned fuel and providing fresh fuel. In It was not until 1891, when Joseph Day simplified the two-stroke engine by using the crankcase to perform the duties of the secondary cylinder, that the modern two-stroke was born. In Day's design, the fresh charge is drawn into the crankcase, rather than a secondary cylinder. To round in 1892, Rudolf which very high compression (l/>5th of high enough temperatures (538° Centi- out our discussion of engine history, Diesel patented an engine in original volume) resulted in grade) to ignite fuel sprayed into the cylinder. This is, of course, the combustion engine. Internal combustion engines are wonderfully simple in concept. An internal combustion engine requires three things to run: air, fuel and spark. Diesel internal • Air — A colorless, odorless, 78% nitrogen, 21% tasteless gaseous mixture, containing oxygen, with small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium and other trace gases. • — Fuel Usually gasoline or gasoline mixed with oil or alcohol. Fuel can also be more exotic. Internal combustion engines run on diesel, propane and other combustible substances as odd as fumes from decomposing chicken droppings (methane). The best economy is obtained when one part fuel is mixed with 17 parts air (notated as 1:17). For power, a richer 1:12 mixture is required. For a cold engine, an extraordinarily rich mixture is required. • = — Spark In gasoline engines, detonation is caused by a 20,000 to 30,000 volt electric spark. The spark plug provides a gap between THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 38 which the high tension voltage jumps, which is the is caused by the heat of extreme compression in electrodes across spark. Detonation diesel engines. These are combined via compression to produce an associative event called combustion, which produces power, as defined below: — Compression Usually attained by pushing a piston up a closedended tube (i.e., the cylinder) toward the closed end (a.k.a. combustion chamber) to squeeze the fuel and air to a density that will permit detonation via spark. Combustion —The rapid oxidation of fuel, or the conversion of gasoline and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water (CsHis + 12.5 O2 = 8 CO2 + 9 H2O). 4-STROKE ENGINE When and you have a running internal combustion engine. Of course, the engine won't run for long if you do all these factors are present in the proper quantities, delivered at precisely the correct time, not have other systems dealing with many residual by-products of the detonation, such as a cooling system for excess heat, a lubricating system to keep metal parts from grinding themselves into shavings, an exhaust system to control noise and fumes, Knowledge of etc. It is all quite clever. and spark is an important trouble shooting tool. A motorcycle mechanic will begin a dead-engine diagnosis by searching for air, fuel and spark. Finding all three operating correctly, a check for compression comes next. The absence of one of these is an immediate clue to what is ailing the engine, and directs the mechanic where to focus his attention. air, fuel Four-Stroke Engines The name "four-stroke" comes from 4-STROKE INTAKE the fact that the piston passes (strokes) in the cylinder to complete an entire cycle. makes four The strokes power and exhaust. Two of these strokes are and two are up (compression, exhaust), of course. Valves open and close to route gases or create compression. are intake, compression, down (intake, power), Further defined, the strokes of a four-stroke are: • Intake — Let us begin with the piston At TDC, the piston The piston starts ber, creating a valve is its is way down, away from low pressure area closed. at top dead center, or TDC. as high (or far) into the cylinder as possible. The intake in valve is chamThe exhaust the combustion the space vacated. open, allowing the pressure >MS 39 4-STROKE COMPRESSION differential (vacuum or suction, you it will) or the retreating piston to pull fuel vapor into the cylinder. — Compression At the bottom or the intake stroke (called bottom dead center or BDC), the intake valve closes. The piston reverses its course and heads tor the combustion chamber. The fuel and air have • now now here to go since both the intake valve and exhaust valve are The mixture compressed between the advancing The compression ratio is the measurement of the extent to which the fuel and air are compressed within the cylinder. Most gasoline engines have somewhere around c ratio (total BDC' cylinder volume compared to TDC volume). a >: Diesels run from 12:1 to 25:1 ratios. closed. gets piston and the top of the cylinder. 1 4 STROKE POWER — fully At almost exactly TDC, when the fuel and air mixture are compressed, the spark plug .gnites, causing expansion of the fuel mixture. With both exhaust and intake valves closed, the Power • detonation forces the piston back down the cylinder under consid- erable force. Exhaust • — When The the piston again reaches BDC, the exhaust valve upward toward the combustion chamber. The burned fuel and air that just powered the piston on its downward journey are pushed out the open exhaust opens. piston changes direction and heads valve, into the muffler Prett) neat, It huh? and eventually the atmosphere. All of this happens thousands of times a minute. which the piston is affixed via a results in the crankshaft (the item to connecting rod) circulating to power the vehicle. Two-Stroke Engines 4-STROKE EXHAUST Two-stroke engines manage to achieve all four functions (intake, compression, power and exhaust) in only two strokes. Examine the illustration of a two-stroke engine. Two-strokes do this by letting the crankcase handle the intake functions. Two-strokes route the incoming fuel mixture first into the crankcase, then into the cylinder (not directly into the cylinder as in a four-stroke engine) via a transfer port. This tricky move allows produce power on every second power on every fourth stroke). a two-stroke to stroke (four-strokes produce The Two-Stroke Intake/Compression and Two-Stroke Power/ Trans- show the two-stroke sequence. These figures show the intake of air, fuel and oil into the crankcase via the intake port. The vacuum required in the crankcase to draw in the fuel mixture is caused by the piston moving to TDC, increasing the crankcase volume. The force necessary to push the fuel mixture from the crankcase, through the transfer port, into the cylinder, is created by the piston moving down fer/Exhaust illustrations first = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 40 to BDC. Fascinating! Forcing the mixture into the cylinder also has the burned effect of flushing the fuel 2-STROKE ENGINE out the exhaust port. Two-stroke engines use one of three intake designs: piston-port, reed valve or rotary-valve. In a piston-port engine, the piston alternately blocks the intake piston port and intake transfer port, channeling the direction of fuel mixture flow. port as it reaches The skirt of the piston blocks the intake BDC while the intake transfer port is unblocked. The pressure caused by the piston forces the fuel mixture from the crankcase into the cylinder via the transfer port. the transfer port is As the piston moves back to TDC, is opened, drawing fuel blocked and the intake port into the crankcase through the intake port. In a reed valve engine, a set of thin metal flaps controls entry of fuel mixture, rather than a piston port. The of the piston piston moves moving to to TDC vacuum opens the flaps. created by the motion The flaps close as the BDC. cut-away disk on the crank, rather than controls the intake port, leaving it open or closed as In a rotary-valve engine, a the piston skirt, 2-STROKE INTAKE/ COMPRESSION the crankshaft rotates. A new breed of motorcycle two-stroke is on the horizon. using any port controls at all, the fuel mixture is Instead of directly forced into the intake transfer port via supercharging. This engine, when combined with modern computer and emissions technology, will burn clean enough to meet clean air standards. In each of the three types of two-stroke engines, the fuel is initially routed into the sealed chamber that surrounds the crankshaft and and drawn into the cylinder space (i.e., compression area) above the piston. This one/two approach to intake means that the flywheel, two-stroke does not have camshafts, valves, timing pushrods, lifters, belts, valve covers, valve guides, etc. This stroke considerably lighter and rocker arms, makes the two- more powerful pound-for-pound than the four-stroke. Though a two-stroke has twice as stroke, a two-stroke is many power 2-STROKE POWER/ TRANSFER/EXHAUST strokes as a four- not twice as powerful as a four-stroke engine of equal displacement. There are three reasons for this. First, there is a volume of a two-stroke due to the piston movement required to cover exhaust and transfer ports. Second, there is appreciable mixing of burned exhaust gases with the fresh combustible charge. Third, some of the fresh combustible charge actually passes straight across from the transfer port to the exhaust port reduction in the effective cylinder during the scavenging phase of the two-stroke sequence. Wankle Engines Rotary engines are a motorcycle curiosity and worth mentioning. Rotary engines have been around since the dawn of the piston engine. 41 WANKLE lr was not until c) l 54, when Felix W ankle developed Ins breakthrough became more than great interest was paid rotary that the design a curiosity. world to the oil crises, During the 1970s Wankel rotary engine. BSA, Norton-Yilliers-Triumph, Hercules and Suzuki experimented with the engine. Su/uki and Norton are the only two motorcycle manufacturers to put the engine into production. (The 497cc Suzuki w ankle produced 62 horsepower and was capable of 115 m.p.h.) Koran engines achieve compression by concentrically m rotating a convex triangle an oblong chamber. At various points along the triangle creates compression between itself path its and the chamber. See the \\ ankle drawing. Rotanes have fewer parts And weigh less than piston engines of alent power. They are quiet, produce very little vibration and offer cqim an extremely sweet power curve. But the Wankel has not enjoyed the success ot the piston engine tor several reasons. Probably the significant reason is that the piston engine is most simple, abundant and understood. Engine Variations: Number of Cylinders The majority si\ ot motorcycle engines have one to tour cylinders, although and eight cylinder models are not unknown. Multicylinder engine design otters the great advantage of allowing for large displacement w ith relatively smaller mass parts. For example, a 500cc single cylinder tour-stroke engine must have one very large piston, a strong and heavy connecting rod and great big valves. This kind of engine thumper, tor vibrates like a is known as a obvious reasons. This design produces gobs of torque, washing machine on an out-of-balance spin cycle and is unable to attain very high r.p.m.s. Alternately, a multicylinder 500cc four-stroke engine can have either two, three or four smaller pistons, each serviced by commensu- rately smaller parts. This design will vibrate less, rev higher and produce more high-end power opposed to torque). In a multicylinder engine, and forth) parts is smaller per cylinder. Overall, the total reciprocating mass of a multicylinder engine is higher. More cylinders equal: more parts, more power, more weight and more (as the mass of reciprocating (back IN-LINE ENGINE stuff to break. Engine Variations: Layout of Cylinders There are several different multicylinder layouts. The three most com- mon • designs are: In-line — In an in-line layout, the cylinders and crankshaft are usually perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bike (i.e., sideways to the front and back of the machine). The more cylinders, 42 e ; : • ; the longer the crankshaft, the wider the engine, the smoother the With this layout, pistons are usually pointed slightly down from vertical toward the front of the machine. At one time or another, nearly all motorcycle manufacturers have embraced this design. HORIZONTAL LAYOUT engine. Horizontal pancake) — Horizontal engine layout (also called flat, along the longitudinal axis of the bike. That the line of the front BMW opposed or fundamentally different in that the crankshaft runs is and back wheels. Its is, the crank runs along pistons are set 180' apart. most notable of the horizontal engine manufacturers. The horizontal engine is ideal for machines having shaft drive is the because the front-to-back crankshaft revolves fW ^ —^^0 1 V ENGINE LAYOUT the proper direc- in tion for mechanical attachment to a driveshaft. "V —The name describes the cylinder arrangement well. The cylinders are set at 90°, 45° or other variation of degrees apart. Taken to son, its extreme, "V" engine design will result engine in a radial ones found on larger aircraft powerplants. Harley-David- like the Moto for their Guzzi, Hesketh, Moto Morini and Ducati are famous V-twin layouts. In fact, they have produced virtually nothing else for many years. Over the last decade, all of the Japanese manufacturers have been producing "V" designs. The "V" because the design has a natural tendency to vibrate design while being more compact than less is a favorite than an in-line a horizontal design. Engine Variations: Valve Layout Four-stroke engines genetically employ one of three basic valve and camshaft layouts: side valve flathead, pushrod overhead valve (OHV) and overhead camshaft (OHC). • Side Valve will find it —The side valve layout is almost a thing of the past. One on older machines and on intentionally simple machines like minibikes. Side valve head design, where layout is almost synonymous with flat- "cap" the top of the cylinder. It generally houses no moving parts, although there are combinations of overhead and side valves. In a side valve layout, the valves run along the outside of the cylinder. The business end a flat piece of metal serves to of the valves point "up" and the stems point down. The valves are actuated by a camshaft driven through meshed gears or chain off the crankshaft. This design is simple to manufacture, but does not produce high compression ratios or • OHV — Overhead valve layout, though to flathead design, it is still common let in the engine breathe easy. more advanced compared found on few motorcycle engines today (but many modern automobile engine designs). This is design allows the valves to be housed in the head, "above" the 43 combustion chamber from the top. Pushrods activate rocker arms that open the valves. An OHV layout allows tor more efficient routing of fuel and air into the combustion chamber, but has the disadvantage of considerable reciprocating mass in pushrods, rocker arms, and sometimes lifters. OHC pistons, so that they enter the OIK- — Overhead camshaft is the most advanced of valve design found on most modern motorcycles. The valves and the camshaft are situated above the combustion chamber. See the OHC diagram. With valves and camshaft in close proximity (i.e., no more pushrod, and often no lifters) the camshaft actuates the Knouts. It is valves. This layout greatly reduces reciprocating mass, and allows the engine to rev higher before valve float occurs. This layout can employ cither a single cam (SOHC) or dual cams (DOHC). With SOI [( one camshaft actuates both the intake and exhaust valves. With DOHC, intake and exhaust valves are actuated by indepen, dent camshafts. Overhead camshaft designs often have three, four or even five valves per cylinder. Additional valves and valve actuating mechanisms seem at first glance only to create extra reciprocating mass, reducing the effectiveness of the design. This of multivalves lies a m is not always the situation. The value the fact that single exhaust and intake valves cross design line between mass and the size of the opening they can regulate. Stated differently, two small valves can control a larger total port opening than one large valve, while having a combined mass less than one large valve. Multivalve design also permits the fuel mixture to be routed into the combustion chamber via a more efficient path. There is a fourth valve mechanism variation: Desmodronic. The closing action on a traditional valve system uses a spring to retract the valve. The OHC Desmodronic valve control system, unique to Ducati, uses no springs. Under this cam is used to open the The Desmodronic system was arrangement, one valve and another to close the valve. developed because springs become unpredictable at very high r.p.m. With the Desmo system, valve closing is more precise at high r.p.m. Engine Variations: Method of Cooling Motorcycles are cooled by three. Air-cooling is air, water, oil or some combination of the no moving parts. Water simple, light and requires and oil-cooling is more effective, but is heavier, requires a radiator, some moving parts and is more expensive. Air-cooling works very well on motorcycles, although the recent trend is for water-cooling. In fact, Soichiro Honda was adamant that engines should be air-cooled. (Pollution control laws ended that!) With an air-cooled engine, the motion of the bike causes air to pass over 44 = E MOTORCYCLE BC cooling fins located on the cylinder and heads, the hottest part of the engine, to are added draw heat from The fins work as heat sinks. They amount of surface area that is More fins or fin surface area means the engine. to the engine to increase the available to contact flowing air. more cooling. This method works extremely well is unless: the motorcycle running for a long period of time and no or the fins are clogged with mud or other stopped while the engine air is flowing over the material (as happens is fins; when riding off-road). in the cylinder block and head through which coolant can circulate. The coolant collects the excess heat from the engine and transports it to a radiator. Cool air is pulled Water-cooling requires passages though the radiator via a fan or forced air, dissipating the heat. Oil-cooling is similar in concept to water-cooling. Oil naturally picks up heat as it is pumped through the engine. Passing this oil through a radiator dissipates the heat. There are three main advantages to liquid-cooling. First, it continwork when the bike is stopped with the engine running. Second, is easier to keep the engine within defined temperature limits, giving ues to it the design engineer greater control over the engine. The greater control an engineer has over an engine, the more efficient, clean and powerful it can be designed. Third, addition of a water jacket reduces engine noise. CARBURETION The carburetion system supplies a controlled mixture of fuel and air to the engine, taking into consideration engine temperature, load and speed, to optimize engine performance and fuel economy, while keeping in one methods can be assisted through engineering designs, computer control and turbocharging to make the engine more efficient. Fuel injection is the current rage, although it has been around for emissions low. This of two is not a simple task. Carburetion is achieved basic methods: fuel injector or carburetor. These years. This system delivers fuel to the fuel injectors via a pressurized The an electromechanical device that sprays and air. In other words, the injector is nothing more than a solenoid through which fuel is delivered to the air fuel line. injector is atomizes the fuel into the intake stream. Modern fuel injection systems are computer controlled, although older systems were mechanically controlled. Using a series of sensors, the engine, exhaust and environmental conditions are monitored. This information, accompanied with throttle position information, by the computer to determine the optimal fuel mixture. When is used deter AND Ml 45 mined, the computer instructs the injector system to provide a certain quantity of atomized fuel. A carburetor is a mechanical Fuel atomizing device. Carbureted systems can also be computer controlled, using the same types of sensors for controlling the fuel mixture as noted above. The major difference is, instead of electronic devices controlling the amount of fuel delivered to the air stream, mechanical devices are used. Inside a carburetor, fuel is pulled into the air stream by creating lower pressure vacuum) areas around fuel. a venturi cluster The higher pressure in the intake (i.e., high supplied with higher pressure flow to the lower pressure air stream fuel will manifold. This concept, known as Bernoulli's Principle, is mechanical atomizing devices. Added complexity comes from the fact that the engine does not the b.isis for all draw a smooth stead) air flow. Instead, the air flow is a series of high-demand/no-demand draughts compounded with reverse valve shock waves and exhaust suction. C 'oupled with the need to change the fuel mixture based on engine speed, engine temperature, air pressure, etc., the role of the carburetor is very complex. The advantages of fuel injection are obvious. A mechanical device cannot control the countervailing forces and demands as well as an electromechanical device. Fuel injection measuring fuel. Fuel injection is a more precise method of can increase horsepower, increase torque, improve fuel economy, improve cold starting and reduce emissions. The disadvantage has been cost, although computer controlled carbureted cm systems be .is expensive computer controlled .is fuel injection systems. How the c.uburetion system channels air to the intake valve is extremely important. The engineering of the air intake path plays a significant role m engine power. Designs that provide a lower resistance much more powerful than designs that An engine is an air pump. For any given path for the air to flow will be do not. engine, The reason if is simple. you reduce the energy it must expend pumping increase the energy available for other uses. would be An a straight line from the alternative to designing a engine's efforts to pump air filter The you flow through to the piston. low resistance air via air, ideal path for air air path is to assist the turbocharging or supercharging. Both devices help to overcome the friction losses of the intake systems by blowing air into the cylinder. Superchargers and turbochargers perform the same function. They use a turbine or impeller to compress the intake air. Superchargers derive their power from power the compressor. Turbochargexhaust systems to power the compressor. Both systems have found little acceptance in the mass produced motorcycle market. the engine using belts or gears to ers use a turbine in the 46 MPLETE MOTORCYCLE BO EXHAUST Exhaust systems perform four basic functions: direct burned gases away from the engine and passengers, dampen noise, enhance performance and control emissions. On trail bikes, a fifth function is performed: spark arresting. Moving from the engine to the back of the motorcycle, the major parts of the exhaust system are: exhaust cooling flange (handles exhaust immediately from the exhaust valves); exhaust pipe, catalytic converter (on a (reduces broad band few bikes to reduce emissions); the muffler and spark arrestor (incorporated into the noise); muffler design). The exhaust system is designed according to use. Trail, motocross and dual purpose motorcycles route the exhaust high on the frame to keep the system from being damaged in the brush or submerged in water. Cruisers, and bikes designed for riding two people, will route the exhaust low on the frame to allow for a passenger on the back and to create a lower center of gravity. Sport bikes and racers route the exhaust so to reduce back pressure and maximize engine performance, which may be high, low or somewhere in between. In the past, mass produced bikes came with dismal exhaust systems. The exhaust was one of the first components to be modified. A simple change of the exhaust system delivered whopping increases in power. This is no longer the case. Modern motorcycles right off the showroom floor come with advanced exhaust systems. It is an old wives' tale that modifying the exhaust system will improve performance on a contemporary motorcycle. Even a straight pipe does not help performance of modern emission controlled bikes. Check with an expert before modifying the exhaust system. Your plans may actually decrease performance or require rejetting of the carburetor. Be particularly conscientious when replacing a two-stroke exhaust system. Two-stroke exhaust systems are designed to assist in the scavenge and intake of the cylinder through the control of secondary reverse exhaust gas pulses. FRAME AND SUSPENSION Frame and suspension have evolved slowly, but steadily. As far as the is concerned, evolution was slow in part because the first designs were sufficiently suited for the stresses and demands of other motorcycle components. The diamond steel tube frame did the job well, and no new frame technology was needed for decades. As far as the suspension is concerned, evolution was slow because the problems th.it needed to be resolved were significantly beyond the available technology. In the 1890s motorcycles had no suspensions. It was not until l^Oft when frame Alfred Drew invented the parallel-slider front fork that a good trout 47 PRESSED STEEL FRAME suspension became available. until the A good swing-arm was invented rear suspension in the l l would nor arrive >40s. Frame The frame components A frame must he light, strong and rigid. Although often hidden from view, made of simple materials and manufactured using pro\ ides the supporting skeleton to which rhe are attached. simple techniques, the frame contributes as of the motorcycle as any other much component. To to the "personality" a large extent, frame geometry determines the motorcycle's handling characteristics. Modern frames on standard production motorcycles can be grouped into three basic types: tube, pressed steel and monocoque. Tube frames are historically the oldest and now the most common. uhe frames are inexpensive to manufacture yet are light weight and otter good strength and high stability at highway cruising speed. Like bicycle frames, tubed frames come in welded and "tube and lug" varieties. The welded frame is self-explanatory. The tube and lug variety fits the tubes into manufactured joints, much like a tinker toy. I Frames may be either "cradle" or "spine" designs. design, single or double bicycle "diamond" down from downrubes support the engine In the cradle in the classic design. In a spine design, the engine literally hangs the frame. Pressed steel or Fabricated sheet metal has been used to create "backbone" frames. These frames consist of stamped sheet metal that welded together, as shown in the accompanying figure. It is economical, but heavier and less rigid than tube designs. This makes the pressed steel frame ideal for small, inexpensive motorcycles. Although through extensive engineering and use of modern materials, pressed steel frames is are also well suited for larger applications. Monocoque frames are an extension of the pressed steel frame. Monocoque frames incorporate many bike components (e.g., fuel tank, rear fender, seat pedestal, engine prise the mount) frame structure. Scooters are the into cast sections that classic com- example. it is not uncommon for One common variation is the using a down tube, this frame incorpomember of the support skeleton. The Variations of these frames exist, and manufacturers to combine technologies. engine-based frame. Instead of rates the engine as a stressed Yamaha Virago and BMW Rl 100 are good examples. Frames are traditionally made of steel, aluminum alloy or chrome alloy. Each has its appropriate use. Aluminum alloy is one-third the weight of steel, but also one-third the strength. There is no inherent weight-to-strength advantage for aluminum or steel. Steel is used in traditional triangle frames, where the tubes can be connected in a series of triangles. Steel has properties that make it great for this purpose 48 ^^ ITORCYCLE BOOK because it is strong and resistant to fatigue. But the tubed design does not withstand super-bike racing stresses. Aluminum can be designed in boxed tube sections that have greater stiffness for a given weight compared to steel. Front Suspension borrowing so heavily from bicycle technology, the first front suspensions were nothing more than bicycle forks reinforced with various forms of link girders. The link girders provided Historically, with motorcycles movement limited vertical of the front wheel. Slowly, better systems were developed. Front suspension systems come in three basic varieties: leading and swingarm. Leading link, began appearing as optional add-ons to rigid forks. Leaking links are characterized by a fork pivot positioned behind the wheel spindle. Vertical wheel movement is allowed by the action of the link. Damping is then possible through some form of spring or hydraulic device. (You may have heard about an Earles suspension, which is a variation of leading link.) Although not common, this design is still in production and found on low end motorcycles and scooters, and the upper end retro-classic Harley FXSTS Springer. Originally found on production motorcycles as early as 1908, the telescopic fork telescopic front fork did not War II. Most modern link forks become the standard until right after scopic fork. This type of fork uses a progressively fitted inside the fork World bikes use a double-acting internal spring tele- wound coil spring tube to provide most of the suspension action. Components inside the fork are activated anytime load is placed on the whenever the front wheel receives a shock. Shock absorption is accomplished through spring action, air compression in an inner tube and resistance to the flow of oil forced into a cylinder by outer tube movement. There is a compression stroke action and an extension stroke action to provide constant shock absorption and rebound control. If both directions of fork travel were not regulated, the bike would buck uncontrollably. Front wheel swingarm design has only recently been introduced into mass produced motorcycles. Bimota and Yamaha lead the pack, but front fork or other manufacturers' designs are sure to follow. In this design, the steering and shock absorption functions are separated into two totally independent mechanical systems. This separation provides engineers the luxury of tuning each system to perform at maximum effectiveness. Rear Suspension Historically, rear suspensions have been plunger and swingarm. Hardtails still one of three designs: exist in name through hardtail, the 1 larley AND M 49 line, but this a is marketing and fashion statement rather than a technological need. Real hardtails have no shock absorbing features Other than the cushioning provided by the Modern spinal column. tire, and rider's mechanism keenly seat springs hardtails have a shock hidden from view to provide the "hardtail" look. The plunger suspension separated Via a small spring device After the rear wheel permuting limited from the wheel vertical rear rigid frame travel. World War 11, the swingarm design became the standard rear The swingarm design is a pivoting fork (or cantilever) suspension. generally attached to the lower section of the frame. Shock absorbers can be placed on both sides of the swingarm, which layout. But there single shock is (a.k.a. is the conventional no inherent reason tor this design. On trail bikes a monoshock) is attached to the frame and swingarm near the fulcrum, allowing for greater suspension travel. WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES No how matter sophisticated the rest of the motorcycle, the wheel and tire (literally JUSI the tire) are the motorcycle's only contact with the earth. Together, they are critically important to motorcycle perfor- mance and safety. Fortunately, wheels more complex. are simple to understand. Tires are a bit Wheels Motorcycle wheels come in three basic varieties: pressed steel, spoke and "mag" casting. Pressed steel wheels are found almost exclusively on cheaper, lower performance machines such as entry level standards and scooters. Everybody knows about spoke wheels they're found on bicycles. The spoked wheels designed for motorcycles are larger, stronger and more expensive. There is some variety in design of spoke wheels. The major design variables are the shape and material of the rim and the pattern of the spokes that hold the rim to the hub. — • — Rim design Commonly, rims are made of steel, and usually this works fine. If one has some real performance considerations, one may want rims made of alloys such as aluminum, titanium or another stronger and lighter material. Alloy rims are found on off-road bikes and high performance machines on which the wheels are going to take a real beating. Rim maintenance involves a periodic check to determine that they are true and round, and firmly affixed to the • = — hub by the spokes. Spokes Spokes come in a number of sizes or gauges, and are laced between the hub and the rim in a variety of patterns. The engineers THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 50 who designed your machine know more about spokes and rims than you do, and settled on a spoke gauge and match lacing pattern to the motorcycle's intended purpose. Size or lacing pattern knowledge is not required unless you are planning serious riding. Increasingly, the trend in motorcycle wheels wheels are generally lighter, stronger is and more to mag wheels. Mag likely to stay "true" (i.e., round and straight) than spoke wheels. Mags require nance and inspection. Wheels size plays a significant role in bike less mainte- performance. Larger diameter wheels are more stable, but they require more effort to turn. Smaller wheels are more responsive, but are not as stable. This cruisers have large diameter wheels is why and sport bikes have small diameter wheels. Tires Tire designs into six basic categories: high performance/sport, fall touring/sport touring, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), classic replacement, motocross/enduro and dual purpose. Within each of these you can buy a tire that matches exactly the surface conditions you expect to encounter. Tire categories are various subdivisions such that variations include: speed rated, radial, bias, belted, rain tread, touring knobby, raised white letter, load rated and multicompound. High performance tires maximize grip. They provide excellent traction and confident cornering capabilities, usually at the expense of carcass life. Touring tires are designed for carrying heavy loads and for high mileage, although offering less high performance traction and cornering capabilities. Sport tires, and sport touring tires, are hybrids of performance tires and touring tires. OEM tires are the same quality or design as those that come with a new motorcycle. In theory, the OEM tire is designed and tested for maximum compatibility with the capabilities and characteristics of the tread, slick, motorcycle. This tires. is not always true. Some bikes come with great OEM But too often, manufacturers save a buck and put crummy squared off tires on their new bikes. These tires barely meet the minimum requirements for the motorcycle. Junk these. The difference between a great tire and a mediocre tire is almost immeasurable. Classic replacement tires offer the proper style motorcycles, and often come in uncommon sizes and design to fit older or offer unique features, such as wide white side walls, to complete the classic look. These tires new technology and are better tires than those they replace. Motocross/enduro tires are designed for chewing the earth. These tires come in subgroups specifically designed for hard (baked adobe), medium (clay or grass) or soft (loose, loam, sand, mud) ground condiincorporate MECHANICS AND MECHANISMS = 51 You can which arc tires that turn your motorcycle into a virtual stern wheeler. The paddles are tor riding in dunes or swamps. tions. also get "paddle" tires, Dual purpose tires are hybrids between enduro and street tires. You can buy these tires designed for mostly street use, 50/50 street/trail use or mostly trail use. Dual purpose tires are sometimes mistakenly called universal all There tires. is no true universal tire; no tire can be great for purposes. See Chapter 10 for more information about tires. Brakes Motorcycle brakes come in two basic varieties: drum and disc. On all but the smallest and slowest of machines, or the biggest and fastest machines, the rear brakes are engaged by a foot lever on the right side of the machine. (Several race bikes are now using hand-operated rear brakes.) The front brakes are activated by a hand lever near the throttle or right handle grip. Brakes work through friction. Most apply force against a rotating disc or drum countershafts. affixed to a wheel. The • Drum .1 force to the engine no more sophisticated than is Motorcycle brakes are important to safety and you should know a bit about them. motorcycle to slow. In theory, dragging vour critically Some apply force causes the wheel to turn less freely, causing the feet to brakes is tricycle. — Drum brakes are named for the drum-shaped item, ttixed to the wheel, to the wheel. Force inside the this slow a moving is which force is applied to slow rotation of applied by two semicircular "shoes" that reside drum, positioned to press against its inside surface. When disengaged, the shoes are retracted just enough to not touch the inside surface of the drum. When engaged by a cam, the shoes are forced outward, pushing against the inside surface of the drum. Sufficient friction is created to slow the wheel and, consequently, the entire motorcycle. Drum brakes may be either mechanically or hydraulically activated. • Disc brakes which force — Disc brakes are named is for the disc-shaped item to applied. This design has the disc affixed to the wheel outer edge passing through a U-shaped part (called the which is affixed to a non-rotating portion of the motorcycle. To slow the rotation of the disc, pads are forced in by hydraulic activated pistons from the inside arms of the caliper, "squeezing" with its caliper) the disc until it slows. Both disc and drum brakes work well, though disc brakes are have more stopping power, are easier to maintain and work lighter, more consistently THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 52 when wet or muddy. MOTORCYCLE DRIVE TRAINS The drive train consists of the transmission, primary drive drive. All components are perfectly mated and final to the intended use of the motorcycle by the manufacturer. Riders are confronted with few choices of transmission and drives once been made. A brief description of each more important choices have component here is sufficient. Transmission Transmissions range from one-speeds to clutchless two-speeds to six number of speeds, the duty of the power from the engine to the final drive. The emphasis here is on usable power. One engine cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) produces a small amount of power. Usable power is created only when many of these cycles are combined. Combining them, however, is not sufficient. Engines produce good power only within a narrow range of r.p.m.s. Too few speeds to automatics. Whatever the transmission is the same: to transfer usable r.p.m.s, no power. Way too many r.p.m.s and the engine self-destructs. The transmission allows the engine to operate within a selected r.p.m. range to produce usable power. Most motorcycle engines have an integrated case that contains both and the transmission. Usually, the gears are changed via a lever extending from the left side of the engine. Some bikes are hand shifted using a lever on the fuel tank or left handlebar grip. On some older bikes (Harleys and BSAs, for example) the gear shift is on the right. Right hand shifters are so uncommon as to barely warrant the engine mention, but are still produced. The most common motorcycle transmission is the constant-mesh design, which has two shafts: the primary shaft and the countershaft. The primary shaft is driven via gears or a chain by the crankshaft. The countershaft is driven by the primary shaft, and is also connected to the which powers the rear wheel. Power comes from the crankshaft, is transmitted to the primary shaft, meshed to the countershaft, driving the rear wheel. The primary shaft and countershaft each have one straight cut drive chain, drive belt, or shaft drive, or cross cut gear for each of the "drive" speeds of the engine. A five-speed engine will have 10 transmission gears, five on the primary and five on the countershaft. In this design, all gears on the primary and countershafts (1,2,3,4,5 and sometimes 6) are in constant contact with their mate on the other shaft (hence the name constant mesh). All gear pairs except the selected pair (i.e., the selected speed) freewheel on their shafts. Instead of engaging and disengaging gear pairs to select a speed, this design locks and unlocks shaft specific pairs to the shafts. MEC 53 Final Drives One of throe methods is commonly employed to transfer power to the Each has different performance characteristics. Each has inherent advantages and disadvantages. Of the three, belt drive is actually the oldest final drive method. The first belts were made of leather. Belts fell out of favor when chain real wheel: heir, chain or shaft. technology advanced to a sufficient level to be used as the final drive. have always been used on some smaller bikes, and are becoming popular again on larger bikes. Modern belts are constructed out of Belts special synthetic rubber with elastic reinforcement. sive, belts have significant advantages over other Although expen- final drives. Belts are and simpler than shaft drives and rob less power. Belts are smoother than chain; there is no lash when you roll off the accelerator. Belts are low maintenance, experience almost no stretch, require no lubrication, and last three to four times longer than a chain. C ham drive is the most common of the three final drive types. Leonardo da Vinci produced a series of sketches illustrating the basic lighter roller chain concept century when in the 15th century. But it was not until the 19th were adapted to bicycles that chains were the first motorcycles were produced, however, roller chains mass produced. When were not sufficiently strong, so belt technology was used. C ham offers several important advantages compared to belt or shaft drive. First, chain is inexpensive, making it ideal for standard and roller chains introductory motorcycles. Second, chain grading conditions such as a mud pit or is extremely durable swamp, making it in de- ideal for motocross, off-road and dual purpose motorcycles. Third, chain is light weight and does not produce additional forces that impact handling and control (as does shaft), making it ideal for high performance sports bikes. Finally, if properly adjusted, a chain consumes only about of the transferred power, which is extremely 1% efficient. Chains have a few disadvantages. They are not as smooth as the is why touring motorcycles do not favor chain. Chains need constant maintenance: An improperly maintained chain can consume 20 times the energy of a properly maintained chain. other drive mechanisms, which Shaft drive is similar to a driveshaft of a car, only totally enclosed. Shaft has several advantages. nance. Shaft is desirable for trail riding. torque, which It is ideal for cruisers. is And smooth, durable and low mainteshaft is heavy, which is not However, shaft produces a good deal of gyroscopic not desirable for high performance bikes. CONTROLS AND GAUGES Controls and gauges handle the man/machine interface. An inexhaustive list of controls and gauges includes: seat, handle bars, footpegs, = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOO^ 54 CONTROLS TOP VIEW II Light Instrumentation cluster rn indicators Rear view Kill mirror switch Front brake lever Clutch lever -Throttle Gas tank Rear Gear brake pedal lever Buddy peg Rear turn indicators speedometer, tachometer, neutral light, gear indicator, rearview mirror, brake pedal, gear selector, horn button, turn signal switch, throttle, switch, high beam indicator, light switch, oil pressure indicator, oil indicator, temperature gauge, starter button These all do one of two • Let the bike • Let you It is tell tell and turn kill level signal indicator. things: you something the bike something beyond the scope of this text to devote detail to every possible A few axioms of ownership should A motorcycle should have the necessary controls and gauges control and gauge combination. suffice. to: 55 CONTROLS SIDE VIEW .Mirror rA iTail light rp^. iTurn indicator \ \C\ \ W \ \ Stepped seat /Turn indicator / / *j£-~^X*(X Li 9 ht /Shock a Disk Horn 'Fender >ide stand Mufflers Reflector Disc brake caliper — • Be legal where you want to ride • Provide the information you need to ride • Suit • 1 your riding street or trail style nhance your pride of ownership ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The system can be viewed as three basic systems: charging, and accessory. These systems can work independently or in electrical ignition concert with each other. Charging System The charging system consists of an alternator, rectifier, battery and regulator. The alternator generates alternating current (AC) electricity. The rectifier transforms the AC into direct current (DC). The battery accepts the charge and stores the charge until The it is required. alternator does not produce a constant quantity of electricity. The quantity increases with engine r.p.m. At low r.p.m., the battery must be called on to supply extra power. At high r.p.m., extra power must be channeled to the battery until charged. Once fully charged, electricity must not be sent to the battery at all. These systems go about their business all under the control of the regulator. The regulator controls the charging system so that the voltage and current output will not exceed predetermined specifications. The regulator senses the amount of voltage present, determines whether the 56 = MORCYCLE BOOK battery needs charging, and directs and controls the alternator output accordingly. Ignition System The two most common and magneto. on most cars and many ignition systems are battery/coil Battery/coil ignition systems are standard motorcycles. Battery/coil ignition systems are logically divided into primary and secondary sides. The primary side consists of the compoThe secondary side consists of nents that carry battery level voltage. those components that are part of the circuit once the electrical voltage is boosted to 30,000 volts. For our purposes, we will discuss the ignition system in terms of functionality and parts, ignoring the primary and secondary classifications. A basic battery ignition system consists of a battery, coil, spark timing mechanism (either distributor or electronic ignition) and a spark plug. is The battery provides the initial current to the coil started. This current coil is when the engine directed to the primary windings of the ignition by the electronic ignition, or by the distributor when the points are At the direction of the electronic ignition (or when the points closed. open), the electricity stops flowing. What happens electrical events. next The and then into 30,000 is coil one of those incredible, hard to understand transforms the six (or 12) volts into 400 volts volts which rip out of the coil to the spark plug. Viola, spark. This process happens once for each cylinder during every power stroke, and takes only a fraction of a second to complete. The major types of battery ignition systems are either electronic or mechanical. Mechanical systems use some form of distributor (consisting of points, capacitor and cam) to direct electricity to the coil. Electronic systems use an electronically controlled switch to perform the same function. Electronic ignition is higher tech, providing more dependable timing control and better spark. The disadvantage of is that when the system fails, it fails completely. The magneto, invented in 1903 by German engineer Robert Bosch, electronic ignition combines most of the features of a battery/coil ignition system into a single unit. Driven directly from the engine, it performs the same functions as the coil and distributor of a battery/coil system. The magneto ignition has the advantage of generating its own power, eliminating the need for a battery. Therefore, a magneto is used on motorcycles where reducing weight is important, such as trail bikes. Magnetos operate on a very simple principle. An armature wound with a primary and secondary coil rotates between poles of a Stationary magnet. As the armature rotates, current is "induced" in the primary winding when the contact breaker points are closed. open, the magnetic When rlu- breakers field associated with the current collapses, and vcr\ MECHANICS AND M 57 high voltage is induced in the secondary winding. This voltage discharged through the spark plug. The ignition system is critical to the is operation of the motorcycle. Every motorcycle must have some version of the ignition system, although some have highly abbreviated versions. Motorcycles of am size .\nd bike away is complexity have some version of a charging system, unless the highly specialized and the charging system has been stripped to save weight. Everything else but not part of the- hanging off the charging or ignition systems electrical harness lumped together is in this final category: accessories. Accessory System Although variations ^\o exist in accessory systems, buyers are not given a choice ot basic wiring harness and design options. a choice ot options to string onto the system. Here You certainly get where caution is advisable. Motorcycle electrical systems are incredibly fragile. systems don't produce one extra volt of power. reverse grounding can overload system. One small anomaly may New and destroy part or all lead to several vexing accessories or of an electrical symptoms. anomalies, independent yet happening simultaneously, situation that is = :ycle book Two create a electrical system! If Do not mess you are not sure electrical repair or modification, seek the help of a professional mechanic. 58 may virtually impossible to troubleshoot. haphazardly with a motorcycle about making an is Some o he most fundamental question to ask that in Chapter 1. —which If the answer is "Should I ride?" I addressed you need to know what to is, yes, will be carefully examined in this chapter. Be forewarned: Motorcycles are designed to appeal to the heart, not the brain. It is extremely easy to make a $7,000 mistake purchasing a ride motorcycle. Conversely, you avoid the most it is common just as easy to make a great purchase. If mistakes and follow a dedicated method- ology for selecting a motorcycle, you will select a fine machine that fits your needs well. THE TWO MOST COMMON MISTAKES The worst purchase scenario goes something storefront window like this: You pass the of a local motorcycle dealer on a beautiful 82' Fda) Sunlight flashes off the chrome fuel tank of a Tricati I500cc C m\ , c Charger, catching your eye. You stop to admire the well-groomed lines tnd swept hack four-intO-one exhaust. It's hot. You've toyed with the idea ot getting some sort ot two wheeled transportation since you were tour years old. Hiose passions are rekindled. There is no reason you money and buy that bike. Ten minutes later, you sign the papers and drive home a bike you know nothing about. Congratulations, you made the most common mistakes of motorcycle purchasing. You did not control your passions or use a little common can't take your hard earned sense. Control Your Passions Buying a motorcycle is made cles are part utility, part toy difficult by the simple fact that motorcyand part personal statement. The motor- cycles thai strike von, those thai cripple the unprejudiced left side of our brain, are the ones that totally seduce the bestial right. These are them by the marketing department. Oon't let the carnal and erotic override the cool, calm and collected. If you do, you will waste your money, and possibly your life. Some motorcycles sell si//le, some sell steak. Given today's slick capabilities in one-piece injection molding plastic technology, there is if least a 50/50 chance that the bike that is best for you is not the one that strikes your fancy when you walk into the showroom. Consider, for example, one of the most popular of today's motorcyde Styles, the cafe racer. These are sleek, low and potent looking machines. Usually they have a small "cafe" fairing, a "rider forward" seating position and are adorned by prominent decals proclaiming their manufacturer and heritage. You crave one of these. The author longs for one too, for the same reasons as you. These machines are stylish and often tremendous performers: nine-second quarter miles, zero to 60 in 5.5, face melting 140 m.p.h. top end speed! A bike like this will make you an instant bad boy hero and broadcast to the world in no uncertain \ the ones that have all the si/xle designed into terms your sexual prowess. Your wants a bike that is fast and looks assume you are purchasing the bike primarily for your "Rodger Flannel" life consisting of short trips around the suburbs and a daily commute to work. These are not high speed trips. Your instinctual feelings are not leading you toward a smart purchase. Why is this bike not for Rodger Flannel? The seating position causes you to lean forward. Much of your weight is supported by your wrists. Only during relatively high speed highway riding can you settle comfortably. On a short trip, the eventual aching of your wrists from supporting your body weight will detract considerably from the pleasure of your ride. The rider forward position also makes it difficult to maneuver at slow speeds. Other bikes will better suit your needs (short primitive, instinctual self fierce. But, = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BC 60 and commuting) and your wants (performance and style). Off hand, a good recommendation would be either a sport touring or dual trips purpose bike. Consider, for example, the is easily seduced by the clean time or inexperienced buyer, first lines, of the latest high-tech enduro style bike. But he alone on a Sunday afternoon sits (a when all may find himself riding hopped on the other guys have run to the local beach party hangout. their street bikes for a There he who jaunty stance and overstated prowess guy much less intelligent than you), with his leathers, gas can, gloves, tools and other expensive (and equally seductive) paraphernalia. Meanwhile, all his buddies take off for a high speed, got-your-honey-and-picnic-basket-on-the-back run to the ocean. Not around in the woods by himself, but wouldn't it have been nice to have a street bike, too? Conversely, Dad, (this kind of talk was big when I was learning to ride) consider that the race bike guys have their bad days, too. They can't bushwhack around in the woods on a sunny day, nimbly scoot through congested traffic on the way to work, zip past the gas pump or smile as they sign the check for their insurance premium. In any of these scenarios was a bad bike purchased? No. Great bikes were purchased. These bikes were just the wrong bikes. Try to be realistic about your needs. A bad purchase is made when someone buys a motorcycle that: that this novice won't enjoy plunking Does not Does not serve the purpose deliver the it economy Is not reliable Is not easily maintainable was intended Does not possess the too darn slow Is too darn fast (the most Well built as they may (if (if mind needed) needed) or elan the purchaser desired style Is fulfill the purchaser had in Will not carry a passenger comfortably Will not carry enough cargo to common be, some purchase mistake made) bikes are not powerful enough to take on the highway. Others are fast enough to keep up with a Tomahawk cruise missile, but are extremely uncomfortable for some riding (albeit quite stylish). Others simply aren't economical. Others maintenance nightmares. Others are not under- or overpowered. Also, clists If some reliable. .i re Others are grossl) are just stupid looking or unfashionable. Yes, motorc] are style conscious. Very style conscious. So you show up at the is the \ iewing public. Burger Princess Drive-Ill on your new m.ime 6 1 450cc Kowadaka rend Bender, no one will talk to you. You may hear a few snickers, or, it you parked at the wrong place, even receive an invitation to get beat up. Showing up at a larlev Da\ idson convention without a larlev can get you the same invitation, c lontrol your passions and take the time to make an informed decision. 1 1 1 Use If it Common Sense looks want/need like a this as a Guide rocket ship, kind of power nance costs that it probably performs accompany will like one. Do you — and the danger, expenses and mainteit? If it looks like a tinker toy, it is probably as light, nimble and under-powered as one. Do you want/need this kind of agility and the fragility and lack of power that . . . A common tell you how well and attention to derail are all good indicators of the overall quality of the machine. Do not confuse these surface indicators with marketing techniques or gimmicks such as good accompany the it? machine tcle\ ision m.\\ is built. sense look-over will also Finish, tit erriscments, really cool paint )obs or sleek molded plastic- side panels. A PURCHASING METHODOLOGY buy, then? You should buy do what you intend to do, given the skill price you can afford. Profound, no? But it is What should you a to level motorcycle that you bring to a simple fact that is made it, is at a often overlooked in the passionate heat of a motorcycle purchase. Determining what you should buy is a simple five-step process. First, become educated. Second, decide what it is you are going to do with the bike. Third, make an appraisal of your riding and mechanical skill levels. Fourth, determine what you can afford. Finally, combine the information from the four previous steps. There will only be a few motorcycles that meet all of your criteria. Become Educated Most of today's motorcycles are marvels of technology. The technology is comparable to what was only available to the average buyer today found on the big-time race circuit just a few years ago. Almost every model built today is well engineered and superbly crafted, although lemons are not extinct. Choices in style and technology abound. There are literally hundreds of different motorcycles on the market. They range from 50cc mopeds, suitable only for short slow trips to the corner store, to 1300cc behemoths capable of eyeball-flattening 160 m.p.h. acceleration. Obviously, no one would be in the market for a single motorcycle with all of the positive characteristics of a moped and a behemoth. The person shopping for a 50cc Yamokozi Turtle Chaser is = THE 62 : I ' IPLETE MC not usually the person who would also want a 1600cc Motodevarnaski Canyon Raptor. The purchaser must deal with a wide spectrum of choices in which every conceivable niche or specialty purpose has been filled (and usually A filled quite well). savvy purchaser will become familiar with models, types, styles and features offered by before buying. A all all of the makes, the manufacturers purchaser should understand the trade-offs made in and performance with respect to price, style, frame geometry, suspension, engine type and maintenance schedules. A smart purchaser will understand what it takes to operate and maintain a machine, and know how his own experience and capabilities rate. These are very important considerations that should be totally detached from the heart because these aspects determine which new or used relationship to safety motorcycle What is is best for you. significant is this: You must know the nuances as well as the outright functions of a type of motorcycle to down on hard earned cash you plunk make the most of the Few people want a a purchase. motorcycle solely for the economy and simplicity it offers. A greater majority of riders have some additional passionate attachment for their machine. At a minimum, most riders have a strong appreciation of the intricacy and beauty of their machine, and some sense of pride ownership. At the extreme end of the scale are people in its who immerse themselves in motorcycle culture and motorcycling to the point that their identity So how is inseparable from the machine. does one educate oneself? The motorcycle press is the first place to look. There are dozens of magazines dedicated to motorcycles. Many and cover only trail bikes, street bikes, touring bikes, classic bikes, race bikes, European bikes, British bikes, Harleys, etc. The next place to look is the library for books on the sport. Finally, visit as many dealerships as you can. are specialized What Are You Going This is simple enough. a motorcycle will fit to Do with the Bike? Look at an average week of your life. into that week? If you are only going be best off with a motorcycle dedicated to motorcycles. If you are only going to do trail use. street riding, How would to trail ride, you Look at off-road you need a bike dedicated to paved surfaces. Look at cruisers, sports, touring, sports touring, customs, choppers and standards. If you might do both, you need a dual purpose motorcycle. What Make a a Is Your Skill Level? you are a beginner, bu\ low end, inexpensive motorcycle to learn on. This most often means used motorcycle. Most beginners overestimate their skill level and bll) an honest appraisal of your skill level. If SELECTING THE RIGHT BIKE — AVOIDING THE ! 63 w much motorcycle. Your first bike will be dumped once or twice least), sustaining some cosmetic damage (at a minimum). This is not too .n tat you want to give to a $ 12,000 motorcycle. you have over one year of safe riding experience, almost any motorcycle will work tor you. But remember that experienced riders on unfamiliar motorcycles have a higher rate of accidents than experienced riders on familiar hikes. Even experienced riders must be careful on an unfamiliar hike, and it takes about a year to become accustomed to any the sort of treatment If new purchase. Also remember that tew riders are prepared for their first true sports bike. If you are you need to consider which you wish to compete. a seasoned rider looking to compete, the top of the line motorcycles in the area in What Can You Afford? is, "What can you is, Second "What do you want to spend?" It is, of course, the afford?" lower of these two numbers that restricts your motorcycle purchase. A motorcycle purchase involves many more expenses than just the COSt ot the bike. The purchase also involves buying those things that This question needs to be asked two ways. First make and enjoy the bike, such as: insurance, gas/oil, equipment (tools, manuals, locks, covers, waxes, etc.), clothing (leathers, helmet, etc.), license/registration and user tees (parking, park entrance fees, etc.). Even if you pay cash for the motorcycle, these are significant additional costs that you must budget for. The Equipment Costs table illustrates the costs of owning a used bike for one year. These numbers are conservative. It is not uncommon for the total cash outlay during the first year of motorcycle ownership to exceed $5,000. Expect the costs to be much greater if you are buying a new bike, a fast bike or a bike coveted by motorcycle thieves. it possible to use repairs, safe riding classes, EQUIPMENT COSTS Purchase Motorcycle (1982 750cc) Monthly Cost ($) Total Annual Cost ($) 2,800 732 61 Gas/Oil (@ 5.000 miles) 20 240 Repairs 40 480 50 50 200 200 Clothing 350 350 License/Registration 200 Equipment Fees Total iE ($) 2.800 Insurance Safe Riding Course 64 One Time Cost COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 200 20 240 5,292 Given such high initial costs many purSome folks think a motorcycle transportation. One might think of motorcycle ownership, chasers rely on credit to acquire the bike. like a car since is both are forms of you can afford that if Not true. a $5,000 car, you can afford a $5,000 motorcycle. A motorcycle is a luxury purchase, pure and simple. You can afford a lot less motorcycle than car. This is how the banks and finance companies look at it, and this is how you should, too. Also keep in mind that during bad weather most people will need another mode of transportation in addition to a motorcycle. It is on a how much motorcycle you can buy budget of your current debt and expenses. If you are not difficult to figure out credit. Make home owner, a know that home buyer's or are thinking about becoming one, you lenders operate under the 28/36 rule. This rule says that a no more than 28% of gross income. It payment plus total long term debt (i.e., installment or revolving debt having one or more years remaining contractual payments) should be no more than 36% of gross income. This means that a mere 8% of your gross income is available for covering debts such as car, furniture, credit card and motorcycle purchases. If home buying is not part of your economic profile, you need to payments for housing should be also says that house use different budget metrics. Most people find that they have over extended their capabilities to pay off debt if their debt to net income ratio is above 15%. Thrill seekers may let this ratio go to 20%. What Is Going to Fit Your Body? Motorcycle manufacturers design bikes for average Homo sapiens with ordinary dimensions. If you are far from average in size or shape, getting a motorcycle that is compatible with your body dimensions can be a chore. Almost any bike should fit you if you are of typical size. But everyone is Average height does not mean average reach or is not just an issue of comfort, it is an Be sure that your hands, arms, feet, legs and head fit the different. inseam. Fitting a bike properly issue of safety. bike you are buying. Arms & Hands —A motorcycle that fits allows you to perform various tasks without extra effort. For example, you should be able to do the following: • — Cover the hand brake This is a safety requirement. You need to have your right hand covering the brake at all times. This means fingers over the brake lever and thumb firmly wrapped around the handlebar grip. • Rest with weight on the palm or heel of the hand favored position of most riders. It —This is the distributes your weight better, reduces strain on the back and keeps fingers from suffering fatigue. SELECTING THE RIGHT BIKE— AVOIDING Tl 63 • — Reach die clutch lever without moving arms In an emergency, from your standard riding position, you need to have instant access to the clutch. It you cannot reach out with your fingers and have tn control, the level needs to be moved and perhaps the handlebars 1 1 need to be adjusted or replaced. • Ride one-handed —There will be many situations when this is neces- Examples include shading your eyes from the sun, adjusting a sar\. rearvicw mirror, putting a tape into the stereo or shooing a hornet. • Turn the fuel petcock — You must be able to reach the while underway. There will berimes the / highways and have nowhere to egs & Feet fuel petcock when you run out of fuel — lor short-legged riders the most limiting factor height. For those with long legs riding exit to switch to reserve. is seat footpeg placement. Every rider it's should he able to do the following: • Maneuver this is the bike in tight parking lot situations a critical test. You must — For short riders, be able to turn the handlebars into a sharp turn and push the bike backward while retaining your grip on the handlebars and keeping the ball of your foot on the ground. Although this riding position is awkward, you will encounter it main times. • Pay at a toll booth — You must be able to down, roll to a stop, put the bike and search your pockets. This scenario happens elsewhere: you might be searching for change, sunglasses or a map. in neutral, • put a foot Leg grip the tank —This is release the handlebars an issue for tall riders. pegs must not cause you to spread eagle. the tank, you • Shift do not have and brake full If your The location of the do not firmly grip legs control over the motorcycle. —The brake and shift levers on most motorcycles are adjustable. For the brake, your foot needs the ability to activate the full power of the rear brake. You must be able to lock the rear wheel. For the shift lever, you need to have instant access to both lower and higher gears. The lever should not be so high that downshifting is a problem, or so low that upshifting is difficult. fairing, although Shifting should be a simple toe flick action. Head — Your head has a unique relationship to the might not be obvious at first. Fairings offer two very detracting and optical distortion. Both depend on the positioning of your head relative to the fairing. this features: turbulence = THE 66 : ' =_E~E MOTORCYCLE BOOK The wind pocket behind the fairing (basically where the rider is located) can experience a great deal of turbulence. This turbulence can be deafening, quite literally, if your head is buffeted by it. Fairings are supposed to improve the field of vision. But they can much as they can help it. First, few fairings are Most have some distortion in the plastic, right in your line of vision. Second, some fairings are meant to be looked over, some are meant to look through, some offer a rider the choice. If the top of obstruct vision just as optically perfect. the fairing is set such that you cannot fully look through it or fully look your view of the road. The ergonomics of any motorcycle can be adjusted or modified. Handlebar levers can be moved and foot levers raised or lowered. Fairings can be adjusted. Some bikes even come with adjustable handlebars. But these are minor adjustments. If a minor adjustment cannot solve the problem, consider a different motorcycle. Replacing a handlebar, seat or suspension system can cost hundreds of dollars. over it, it will obstruct What You Should Buy Once you have determined what you will do with the bike, what skill you bring to the situation, what you can afford, what you want to spend and what fits your body, your choices will be narrowed to only level a few motorcycles. By identifying these few motorcycles, you can use your time becoming fully literate in all their features and capabilities. This is time well spent. An obvious choice will emerge. SELECTING THE RIGHT BIKE — AVOIDIN 67 e Pw is fun. Putting together the deal and purchaswork. Previous chapters have discussed selecting the motorcycle that is right for your particular needs, temperament, style and ego. However, the motorcycle purchase involves more than just walking into a showroom and riding out with a dream machine. It 'electing a ing the bike motorcycle is involves, in order of priority: selecting a good dealer, contracting the best financing, getting proper insurance, striking an honest deal taking delivery. Note that striking a deal with a salesperson to-last thing you do, although it is often the first is and the next- and only thing some buyers do. Doing the groundwork quarter mile on that bike, is it is very important. yours. And its Once you put value is the first significantly less when the sales manager rolled it into the parking lot just minutes The last thing you want is to get a bike home only to discover you cannot insure it, park it or get warranty/repair work performed on it. Worse, you could wake up one morning to discover that the repo man than ago. performed 68 a midnight collection. Be smart: Do the groundwork. SELECTING A GOOD DEALER How significant is you have picked out the the dealer? Let us say that Hawker Blackburne 350. There is only one place to Hawker dealership. Your second motorcycle choice, bike, a get local a Miller- Bolsame Jupiter 250, Hawker that the My advice is a it, the somewhat dealership is distant second. But you can tell not as well run as the Miller-Bolsame. buy the second bike at the quality dealer. That is how is! The dealer makes all the difference. A knowledgable, well run dealership will provide you with the right motorcycle, service and parts. A poorly run dealership will provide you with the is to important the dealer opposite. Selecting a motorcycle based on the quality of the dealer may seem inconsequential, too difficult to figure out and not worth passing up the motorcycle that gives you Technicolor dreams. the agony caused by thumb It is not. jaws of needle nose pliers comes in the I cannot explain a poorly run dealership (clamping the meat of your close). Non-skilled mechanics, uninformed parts counter personnel and fly-by-night sales staff can make life hell. Imagine come back time and time again makes you warranty work. Imagine a parts a service department that for department where the staff does not know the subtle differences between virtually identical parts in virtually identical parts bins, and sells you the wrong part. Imagine an accessories department where the staff will only sell you what they have on the floor, rather than work with you to get the accessory you really need. A poorly run dealership can make your motorcycle experience a nightmare and can result in many wasted Saturdays. Why? Basically, a poorly run dealership fighting for its economic life. It is corners over the years, slowly reducing customers leave, more corners get cut. When you see a dealer who is one that And It is is probably cuts corners, it its customer base. As the then more customers leave. goes hand-in-hand that the dealer puts short-term profit ahead of other priorities. the dealer is a dealership that has been cutting And you can bet going to cut corners with you. not difficult to check if a dealership is well run. Dealerships are management, new bikes, used each department and look for signs of a generally divided into five departments: bikes, service and parts. Visit well run business. Management Management attitude dealership. Are is the single managers on the they treat customers well? well? Do Do most important aspect to a good floor scrutinizing the operation? Do they expect their staff to treat customers they treat their staff well? Do they invest in their business In PURCHASING A NEW MOTORCYCLE 60 new equipment, keeping purchasing the facility clean and modern and supporting the training of their staff? Does the dealership participate in the community (e.g., helping with poker runs, trail cleanups, charity fund raising)? Does the dealer work to create a positive public image for the sport? A dealer who does all this is clearly in it for the long haul will work to keep your business. Management attitude is of special importance when and warranty repairs, a New and Used A good about it comes to fact discussed later in this chapter. Bikes dealership will have sales personnel on the floor their manufacturer's full line-up of who know motorcycles and about the who know more about sales than about the sport. You may also find sales personnel who know more about the lawn mower or ski jet lines than the motorcycle line. If you find no one who knows about the sport and competition's bikes as well. Often you will find sales personnel A dealership the motorcycle line-up for that manufacturer, be cautious. that is more interested in closing deals or selling generators may not be so interested in dealing with you after the sale. Do not let poorly run. a small inventory A good dealer may persuade you that the dealership or may is not have a large inventory of motorcycles. Service Department The motorcycle industry innovation and change. motorcycles. to the You should new breed is an industry that Many lives off technological first seen on make repairs great engine advances were be sure that the dealer is able to of motorcycle. In other words, the dealer has the modern repair facilities to do the job. when the dealership keeps statistics on its mechan- trained mechanics and One good ics. Ask the sign is service manager. If the dealer keeps stats, you know that they monitor the performance of their mechanics and really care about You should also ask how long the mechanics have A long work history suggests that the dealership tries to keep the quality of work. been there. mechanics (and other employees) happy. This is a critical detail that employee is working on your motorcycle. The last thing you is some disjointed mechanic taking out management enkindled aggression on the head bolts of your Moto Morini. their when want Another good sign is a well organized work area. Look at the service department and see how they do business. The area should be clean and organized, with good working areas and space. You should not see bikes on makeshift apparatus, greasy floors or mechanics yakking to their girlfriends (or boyfriends) while working on a motorcycle. = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 70 Another sign is up-to-date mechanic certifications from the manuand motorcycle training institutes, often proudly displayed on shop walls. It takes great skill to diagnose and repair super modern, computer regulated, pollution controlled motorcycles. Manufacturer and institute certifications tell you that the mechanics are receiving continuing education on modern diagnosis techniques, system designs and high-tech repairs. It also tells you that the dealership is willing to invest time and money into developing a strong staff. facturer Parts If you plan to do any of your own work, the counter help in the parts department is an invaluable resource if they know their stuff. If they are unknowledgable or uncaring, you will experience many exasperating weekends at their hands. Like the service department mechanics, parts personnel should be well trained and have long tenures in the job. The parts department should be well organized and clean. If the dealership does not care about these employees, the dealership also does not care about you. You want counter help that will recognize the part you need (and if the part they gave you even comes close to looking like that part), know the parts they have in stock and can offer some advice (just a bit, they are not in the business of training). CONTRACTING THE BEST FINANCING New motorcycles routinely cost several thousand dollars. Almost ev- eryone needs some financing to buy a new bike. There are three basic sources for this money and two basic types of loans. The sources include manufacturer sponsored financing, financial institution financing and repo artist financing. The loan types are motorcycle loans (where the bike is the collateral) and personal loans (where you are the collateral). Since the financial market changes rapidly, the best that can be said here is to shop around. The manufacturer may help, but not all credit unions offer some financing dealers offer their manufacturer's financing. Banks and may offer either a motorcycle loan or a personal loan, depending on the motorcycle and your credit history. If these sources do not want to lend you money, you can get financing from "organizations" that specialize in high risk loans. However, if you need to go to one of these "organizations," seriously question your need for a motorcycle. Lenders view motorcycles as luxury purchases. This means that, in borrower will make car, rent and other debt payments before the motorcycle payment. Ergo, compared to other things in your life. motorcycle is expendable (i.e., a luxury). Lenders also recognize that a pinch, a .1 = PURCHASING A NEW MOTORCYCLE 71 motorcycles depreciate tion. They do not tast, like to and are subject to theft, abuse and destrucloans where the motorcycle is the make loan only I traction of the motorcycle's value, collateral. So, they meaning you need to come up with a large down payment. Or you must otter another form of collateral. Or you must take out a personal loan with no collateral and pay a tremendous interest rate. Or you need a cosigner. Note: Many finance companies insist that you have comprehensive insurance on your hike. insurance. It is Some also insist that not that they care so you have much about you. life It is and/or health just that they want their money back it you T-bone a Freightliner with your Lambretta 200 Super Scooter. These additional costs can be significant, so shop around tor your loan before you shop your motorcycle. GETTING INSURANCE Given the rider, the location and the bike, some motorcycles simply cannot be insured. Some can only be insured at extortionary rates. Won't you be surprised if you buy one of these bikes before finding out you can't insure the beast? Are you a first time buyer, male, under 26, not married, buying a bat out of hell? Do you have a few traffic transgressions on your driving record? Are you buying a Harley and living in a low income neighborhood? Lots o' luck finding insurance! Be smart. As with financing, the savvy motorcyclist shops around for insurance before purchasing a bike. There are eight basic flavors of motorcycle insurance. These are: passenger, uninsured motorist, comprehensive, collision, personal injury protection, no-fault and road service. liability, • Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage for damages you cause to other people or property. A motorcycle can do just as much damage to human flesh as a car. You should carry enough liability insurance to fully rehabilitate a victim. This means several hundred thousand dollars of coverage. Anyone who has been hit by a punk knows that no amount of money fully restores the body, mends the spirit, recovers lost time or compensates for pain. At the very least you must carry enough liability insurance to restore the body of someone you annihilate. (It is too common for motorcyclists to carry very • some stupid little are at fault. In 72 = ETE little liability insurance. It is too common no insurance at all!) Passenger insurance covers claims by your passenger when you for MOTORCYCLE BOOK jerks to ride with some states this is included in bodily injury liability, but it may be an option (or you may increase the limits separately). • • Uninsured motorist coverage pays you and your passenger for injuries caused by other drivers. [Note: Most collisions between motorcycle and car are the fault of the car driver.] Comprehensive covers your bike from damage due God, etc. to such things as fire, theft, vandalism, acts of • Collision coverage will cover accident regardless of fault. • No-fault insurance is damage and medical It damages offered in bills to your bike caused by an generally covers driver and passenger. some areas. It covers the property of a motorcycle rider involved in an accident despite fault. • Road service protection covers the cost of on-site repairs and towing when your motorcycle is disabled. Most states require drivers to have some minimum level of liability insurance. Others also require uninsured motorist insurance. Lenders will insist on comprehensive insurance for bikes they finance if the bike The deductibles are often quite high for comprehensive coverage. The market value of your bike is often much lower than you would imagine, so you won't get a lot if your V-twin Russian 1200cc Ish is totaled. However, even the smallest parking lot incident can result in over a thousand dollars in damage. Mix and match the various insurance types as you will, but you must have enough insurance to cover the damage you do to others. It is the fair thing and the right thing. If you have not yet read enough reasons to take a Motorcycle represents collateral. Be realistic about motorcycle insurance. Safety Foundation novice or experienced rider course, this: Many how about who take insurance companies offer discounts to riders these courses. STRIKING A GOOD DEAL Motorcycles are "mixes" of technology. Tradeoffs are made for comfort, speed, handling, performance and cost. The idea that one bike is "better" than another only applies to a specific riding situation. No one it all. If you have an open mind and are willing to from one of several motorcycles, you can generally negotiate good price. If, however, there is only one bike that will do, you may be forced to pay a premium price for a premium bike. The first and best advice is to have an open mind. Select two or three motorcycles that will fit your needs from two or three different dealers. motorcycle can do select >i 73 Some riders motorcycle. edition to a the "machismo" of one particular ego to have the most recent motorcycle particular market niche: to have the highest horsepower, get carried away with really Strokes the It do latest innovations, fastest track rimes. some serious ball-busting, talking trash about someone's bike because it do sub-eleven quarter can't also deeply satisfying to It is miles, or won't do three seconds, or tops out at less than to 60 173 m.p.h. In in less reality, than many are overbuilt tor how the average Joe will use them. The one bike has higher performance specifications over another is interesting, but hardly applicable to any riding other than on the Autobahn. It you won't be riding this bike in Deutschland, consider a "slower" bike that only tops out at 57m.p.h. It can save you thousands motorcycles tact that 1 of dollars. pounds will you must have 120 horses at the rear wheel and 92 foot ord know 5 \\ In your choices are limited. And you It of torque 1 1 j, pav dearly. The second piece of advice is some backbone. Getting to have some panache and best deal requires Haggling over prices guts. is the not 20th-century Western tradition. Most of us are conditioned to I great On some p.w the price bar-coded onto the product label. motorcycles, you will be forced to pay full price simply because that is what the market will bear. On showroom dogs, you can negotiate several thousand dollars oft the price. The is way best to acquire information for negotiating with a dealer to talk to his competition motorcycle. showroom results why They may reasons will otter and and read the motorcycle the competition's bike also know what is is and press. Other dealers not as good as their is not selling. A little reconnaissance talking to sales personnel will yield good is fun. In general, you can get a better price at the end of the season. Dealers do not want to hold stock over winter if they do not have to. Conversely, do not expect a dealer to take an end of season trade-in willingly. (Of course, you will always do better selling your motorcycle yourself. A dealer sees every flaw, many that an average buyer does not see. A dealer must also make a small profit on the transaction that cuts into the trade-in value.) Unless you are a mail-order mechanic, or experiencing poverty, buy the bike fully equipped from the dealer. discount on options that you are adding You can (e.g., negotiate a heavy case guards, back rests, good deal for both you and the dealer since the dealer on the entire package, but you save off the full retail. Many dealers throw in free labor on these options. One note on "sticker" prices. If the bike is in high demand, you will probably pay sticker or more. Otherwise, have some respect for yourself and for your own self-interest, dicker with the man. fairings). still _ -E COMPLETE 74 MOTORC This makes :_E BC is a a profit TAKING DELIVERY Too many buyers take delivery on a Inspect your new motorcycle new motorcycle with before you drive it off the lot. defects. Check it Have the out just as you would a motorcycle with 50,000 miles on it. no matter how minor, before you drive away. dealer fix any defect, Once you are off that lot, your odds for getting a quick and satisfactory warranty repair diminish. Check for the following: • No nicks, cracks or cuts in the paint, plastic or vinyl and accessories are and working properly • All options • With the bike on the center stand, check and that the chain is aligned • Check • Have lighting and that the tires are aligned electrical options the dealer start the machine. Be sure down idles • all installed Check to its normal for the tool kit it warms up well and idle r.p.m. and any other included options (e.g., wheel chain lock, vent covers) If there is anything wrong or missing, the dealer will probably try on the spot. Otherwise it will be only a day or two. But leave the bike on the lot! That few days wait will be much shorter than the amount of time it would take if you drive off the lot first. Remember that you do not formally take delivery of the bike until you ride it out to correct onto the The it street. sales And then, all things change. person should provide you with an orientation to the bike. He or she should go over all of the controls and features, show you where numbers are stamped and is located and demonstrate how to remove the quarter panels that you will often remove. Be sure you understand all of this before you hit the road. If the bike checks out, enjoy. But take your time on the way home. These first few miles are the most dangerous miles you will ever ride. Studies show that motorcycle riders on unfamiliar motorcycles are at all the technical information serial extremely high risk of accident. WARRANTIES & WARRANTY REPAIRS is a big issue in the motorcycle industry. Dealers have a contractual requirement with the motorcycle manufacturer to perform warranty This repairs some on any bike brought to them of that dealers refuse to perform warranty manufacturer. work on a bike- In reality, bought from ... NEW MOTC 73 Some dealers take this too tar, refusing to do any work on any motorcycle not bought at that dealership. warranty have sympathy tor the dealer who refuses to perform warranty work 00 a bike bought from a competitor. Warranty work does not pay the bills. the local competition. I Most manufacturers pa) a reduced rate or attach caveats to what warranty work they will and will not pay tor. If you did not give a dealer the fat, juicy business opportunity to sell yOUI dregs a arrant) work? If it is you a bike, why should this dealer not too far to go to buy the bike, it take should work performed. not be too tar to go to have the warranty But there are situations where a dealer should perform warranty work on a bike not bought at the dealership. I have heard plenty of stones of military personnel and other folks being moved across the country only to find that some local gootball dealer will not make good on the manufacturer's warranty. This is not only unpatriotic, it is an If you find you have tough choices. You can force the dealer to perform the work through legal wrangling and much letter writing. This wastes a good deal of energy and takes time. Then again, do you really want that dealer touching your bike? Take your business elsewhere and spread the word about the jerks at the intransigent shop. Some dealers will do warranty work on bikes bought at other dealerships. These dealers are saints and should be rewarded with your insipid business practice that alienates potential customers. yourself in this situation loyal business. To be reasonably sure that the dealer is willing to make repairs, check consumer groups and before you buy. the dealer's reputation with motorcycle groups, local the Better Business Bureau. The time to Know What the Warranty Says Know what the warranty says before warranty on motorcycles is do this is buying a motorcycle. The typical 12 months with unlimited miles. This changes from time to time, with the big cruisers generally covered with warranties more like those found in the automobile industry. Some manufacturers offer warranty transfers for a small Know the fee. Break-in Requirements and machined parts can be worked out (i.e., rings to seat, gears to mesh, etc.). Read your owner's manual. Know what the required break-in period is. Know the technical requirements and limitations during this time. Learn the maintenance requirements. In most cases you must maintain your motorcycle according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to collect on warranties. It is for Break-in is the process of deliberate riding so that the anomalies irregularities of this reason that I recommend having all service during the first year performed by the shop where you bought the motorcycle. This may cost = THE 76 _ETE MOTO- a few more dollars, but it is well worth the "insurance" should a component fail. Remember that a good break-in covers a variety of riding conditions and situations. During the break-in you want to expose your motorcycle to a variety of loads, speeds and engine temperatures. That means doing some city driving, some freeway driving, some hills, some country roads, some touring and perhaps some two-up riding. Do not hit the turnpike with the intention of doing all couple-of-hundred miles of break-in during one day. Document all maintenance. Save the repair orders and sales receipts. These prove you maintained the motorcycle according to the maintenance schedule. You will have fewer (or no) courses of action in a warranty or "lemon" dispute without this documentation. When You Need When a a Warranty Repair component fails, or your motorcycle is not performing as should, take the bike back to the dealer as soon as possible. a small problem turn into Your might include observations that answer questions such What does the not it let a big problem. Provide the dealer with a full description of the problem, preferably in writing. Where does Do problem sound/feel/smell the sound/feel/smel! description as: like? come from? Under what weather and road conditions does the problem happen? Under what speed/engine temp/r.p.m./gear does the problem occur? Under what load conditions does the problem occur? How does it affect your driving? How do you respond? Do your gauges provide any helpful information? Be as specific as possible. Vague descriptions such as "it makes a And no matter how much you ping sound" will not help the mechanic. know about motorcycles, be descriptive, not prescriptive. Provide the symptoms and let the professionals diagnose the cure. the cure, such as "I need a new recommend and it is not the cure new alternator needlessly. If you tell them alternator," and they do the cure you at all, congratulations, you bought a Date the written description and include the current odometer reading. Keep a copy for your records. If you do not put these observations in writing, make sure the service technician writes Your Rights A warranty gives you failed covered part, down a full description. During the warranty period, any which has been properly maintained, must be fixed certain rights. PURCHASING A NEW MOTORC 77 by a dealer. In addition, there are special circumstances thai warrant] work, lust, may qualify you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where a component under warranty tails and you cannot get to a Factory authorized repair shop, you may qualify tor financial reimbursement from the manufacturer, To qualify, save the failed pans, fully document the repair and contact your manufacturer service rep- a repair .is it resentative. Second, it a problem with your motorcycle exists during the rant] period, you have the right to have the problem resolved even war- when qualify, you must be able to prove that the problem existed during the warranty period. Without full documentation the dealer ma) claim thai what you think is ail old problem covered under warranty is really a new problem not covered under warranty. the warranty expires. Finally, it ma) be [*0 thai the definition of "lemon." you get A typical motorcycle that legally a legal definition of a falls into "lemon" would be: A passenger car, pickup, van, motorcycle, off-road vehicles, thai requires tour or problem, or either ( I | is the RV more or moped, except same repairs tor the out of service tor JO days tor multiple problems, during first 1 2 months or (2) I 2,000 miles of ownership or (3) during the warrant] period. 1 acfi state number of repairs and the time and Some "lemon" laws describe the costs to made when determining a settlement value. defines vehicle types, the mileage periods differently. include and deductions to be Your Attorney General's Office can provide your state's definition. Most motorcycle buyers would refer to their new motorcycle as a "lemon" long before it met the legal definition requirements. To be exact, if the dealer you bought your motorcycle from is unable or unwilling to make warranty repairs, you have a "lemon" on your hands, and a real problem. The dealer's ability and willingness to make a good faith effort performing warranty repairs is the single most important difference between owning a motorcycle you enjoy or owning a "lemon." As noted above, check out the dealership before buying. WHEN YOU GET THE PURCHASE HOME Get to Know the Motorcycle The very first thing you do is park that puppy and read the owner's manual cover to cover. This is sure to save you hours of grief and several hundred dollars in repairs. Memorize that maintenance chart. Memorize those tire pressures, shock settings, etc. If you can't remember them, = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BO 78 them down and stick them in a storage compartment or under the Also seat. buy a service manual, such as the manufacturer's, or a Haynes or Chilton manual. write Document the Daylights Outa This Thing You I recommend an your local stationery store. Stuff every receipt, instruction booklet, warranty card, repair order and document related to your motorcycle into the wallet. You might also collect all those articles you've read over the last 12 months will also expanding want file to start a on file this motorcycle. folder, called a wallet, available at about your bike here. Keep all sales brochures. While you are at the stationery store, get an automobile log that lets you enter all kinds of repair information about the vehicle. (Those pages in the back of the owner's manual will not be sufficient.) Be diligent and enter every repair and interesting piece of motorcycle information you can. Why do all this work? Well, first, it will increase the odds that you keep the bike properly maintained over the years. Second, will it means a higher resale value at trade-in time. (Used bike purchasers look for the conscientious owner.) Third, in the it holds the information you may need event of a "lemon" dispute. Lubricate the Bike Start the bike out right all by coating polished metal with a polish You all plastic parts good wax, and all rubber with a rubber all with a good protectant, chrome with preservative. a quality chrome Don't use the cheap work just as hard only to have it last half as long. There is some contention in the industry about changing stuff. will Some say to change the oil the oil. immediately after delivery because some Others say to change the oil and filter once before the recommended first break-in oil change. Others say to simply follow the owner's manual. dealers fill their bikes with cheap oil. Get an Extra Key and Extra Lock You only get two keys, so immediately get is the standard for the space shuttle, and a third. Triple it redundancy should be for you. Also, down the number on the key in your owner's manual. Even without the key a locksmith can make a new one with just this number. Get a good security lock. It is easy to for some punk to smash an ignition write lock with a screwdriver and ride Supplement the Repair The tools in the kit that away on your Norman Villier 197. Kit comes with your bike will probably be filled with real cheesy, knuckle-buster gadgets. There will also be some PURCHASING A NEW MOTC 79 common sockets, drivers, Allen and box wrenches, etc. that you will want that are not in there. Take the time to find out what you need, what is cheesy m^\ what is missing. Then go to vour local hardware shop and gel some good tools. There is nothing like being in the boondocks with nothing but cheap tools and a tew stripped nuts on your Motosacoche MAC 850 to make you wish you'd spent the extra cash J up-front IV sure your tool kit includes the following Spark plug wrench Wrenches lor all Allen head bolts Wrenches or sockets Needle nose I ire pliers tor removing irons Valve stem puller Gapped spark plug Flat repair kit Master chain Duct or link electric tape Vise .unps Phillips screwdriver Air pressure gauge Three teet ot electrical Three teet ot Two 80 wire baling wire extra fuses tire axles with wire cutting jaws critical items: o Purchasing he cost of a new motorcycle would-be motorcycle owners. a bike was a lot. Now, grand barely gets you and insurance, with in the It all five many grand on of the specialized high tech bikes, five market. total cash outlay has become prohibitive for used to be that spending w When you add the cost of financing can approach $10,000 (even $20,000). This does not take into consideration depreciation. After you drive your bike has depreciated considerably. The wholesale value is about 40% to 50% less than the new full retail price after the first year of ownership. This, of course, varies widely. Some bikes hold almost all of their retail value, like BMWs and Harleys. Some bikes hold none at all, such as dirt race bikes. This is off the lot, of an average motorcycle why how most used bikes are riders "get into" motorcycles. And there are plenty of great used bike values out there. THE PRELIMINARY STRATEGY It may seem some degree like there are millions this is more analyze your needs, will of motorcycles to choose from. true of used bikes than of skill level, new bikes. After budget and determine what fits To you you, there only be a few motorcycles that will work for you. In the used 81 market, there may be 10 or more examples of those models in the Sunday paper that meet your needs. Each is unique, individual and must be inspected as such. ou should know the following before looking V The style or type oi Your price range How you I will get insurance low you will get cash to the will seller you get the bike home It ou know these wrapped up in them. \ you motorcycle you want will get financing Where you How tor a used bike: you also know that many other issues are you do not understand that now, read on and things, It will. one major postulate of used bike purchasing: Keep it is the quintessential essence of a good used motorcycle. Bourgeois exotic bikes, rare bikes and bikes with super high technology and lots ot slick options are cool and exciting. But exotic bikes are difficult and expensive to repair and maintain. Rare bikes are often too valuable to ride, and finding parts for them is difficult. Super high technology bikes fail more often than time-proven "old" technolOgJ bikes. Slick options tail even more than high technology. For these reasons, low tech bikes make the best used bikes for the proletariat. There is simple. Simplicity This is especially true for buyers laving the bike down who are learning to ride, a lot, or for those who and may be are short of cash. WHERE TO LOOK FOR A GOOD USED BIKE Bikes can be bought from a private seller, from a manufacturer's franchise dealer, from a secondhand dealer or at auction. Each has method particular points. its Manufacturer dealers need to turn over trade-ins because their is often locked up in the trade-in. These dealers generally keep the cream puff trade-ins and sell the less desirable used bikes to secondhand dealers. The advantages of buying from a dealer are: profit • Wide selection in one location The selection is of higher quality • Financing • Knowledgeable • 82 = COMPLETE MOTO z E I OK is often available sales staff bikes • Warranties are sometimes available (although most bikes are sold "as is") The disadvantage is that you will manufacturer dealership than at a if pay more for a used motorcycle you bought the bike from the owner directly. Secondhand dealers offer the same wide selection, but of older bikes that need closer scrutiny. Secondhand dealers offer lower prices, often on very good bikes. However, do not expect all of the services you find at a manufacturer dealer. Dealers of both ilks may not let you check out a bike as well as this book suggests. You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get. Auctions are the only places to get some bikes (such as police specials and collectibles). Auctions are also interesting places to get a standard machine. A word of warning: The uninitiated should be very cautious and do a great deal of research about the bike(s) they are interested in and the rules of the auction. For example, bidders often have to pay a registration fee. Bikes are sold as is, usually for cash only. You arrive early to review the offerings and make detailed inspections of the bikes you will bid on. The owners may or may not start the bike for you. Auctions are a high risk way to buy a bike. The advantage is that you might get a great bike at an outrageously low price. Check with the police and local wrecking yards for upcoming auctions. Private sellers are the preferred source for used bikes. Advantages of buying from a private seller are: original • No middlemen, which makes the price more attractive to both seller and buyer • • • You have a better chance to fully inspect the You can inspect the owner's records You meet the person who cared for the bike But private • It sellers are not without disadvantages, which include: can take a substantial amount of time to go from • He • The bike may be a lemon The bike may be assembled from • bike or she may seller to seller be selling "hot" goods several junked motorcycles. INSPECTING A USED MOTORCYCLE No rider them wants a "lemon." No rider wants a used bike that will cost ransom to keep on the road. Therefore, the inspection of a small PURCHASING A USED MOTORCYCLE = 83 a used bike should be ical a methodical practice based ou modern mechan- techniques. Fortunately, you do nor need to be a mechanic to properly inspect I used motorcycle. The following Good bikes are easier to spot than one might think. inspection process will give you a high degree of confi- dence that the bike you are looking at is sound. Followed order, the in inspection process will also help you quickly eliminate a dog. Over the Phone Inspection Surprisingly, with the you can seller. What What How How learn a lot — 10 Questions about Take notes while you ask a bike during the first phone call the seller the following questions: is the general condition of the bike? is the history of the bike? has the bike been used? has the bike been stored? Does the seller have documentation, such as title, tags, repair orders, etc.? What repairs and maintenance have been performed? What enhancements and modifications have been made? What repair does the bike need right now? What "extras" come with the bike? How mam What Why is is miles on the bike? the selling price? the bike being sold? Although you have not seen the bike, you will know a great deal about the bike, and the person who rides it, after this first phone call. Perhaps knowing about the person who rides it is more important than knowing about the mechanical condition of the bike. No matter how favorably a motorcycle guide rates a particular model, who maintained the bike and how well it was maintained are more important factors than who manufactured it. For example, most folks entious owners, which is a who good keep documentation are very consci- sign. On the other hand, someone who keeps no records, or whose answers are vague, maybe seems a is probably someone with Do not try whom bit shifty, you do not want to do business. to negotiate the price over the phone. It is ridiculous for you to set a price without seeing the bike. If above your price range, and you like what you have heard, go look. Be cautious of the seller who drops the price over the phone or is trying to push a sale. the price = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 84 is within or a bit Preliminary Once Over—4 Steps The preliminary check is a simple "at-a-glance" check. It is your first face-to-face meeting with the motorcycle. Like a first date, this will be somewhat superficial. No reason to get your hands dirty if the bike cannot pass the simplest of requirements. Follow these four steps: • You want to accomplish two you want to repeat the questions you asked over the phone. Be cautious if you get dramatically different answers. Second, you want to develop some sort of simpatico rapport with the seller. The better the seller feels about you, the better the bargaining Engage the seller in conversation. things. First, will go. • Check the documentation. Match the license plate number with the number on the registration. Sometimes plates are switched! Match the odometer reading to the title. Match the frame and engine identification numbers to the numbers on the title. If they don't match, you may be looking at stolen goods. Look for sales receipts and repair orders. You want to know about major repairs and see a constant attention to scheduled maintenance. • Check general wear and bike should with use show (e.g., tires, hinges) should tear. If the bike • it, the wear footpegs, seat, grips, knobs, buttons, handles, match the odometer. Areas that age with time (e.g., rubber boots, plastic parts, the bike. If these has 15,000 miles on signs of being used that long. Areas that do not match, finish) should match the age of the find out the reason. Everything should be clean and straight. Clean not only means free from leaks and stains, it also means that the seller does some on the bike to keep it polished and bright, or at least respectable. If the bike has lots of road grit on it, be wary. A head leak, cracked case or leaking shock may be hidden by the dirt accumulation. Note anything brand new. Brand new parts may suggest a recent fix of crash damage. Ask about it. detailing Clean means clean everywhere, not just in the easy-to-reach places. Ask the seller to remove all easily removable plastic covers and to pop the seat. Have a look. Look under metal fenders for rust. Straight means, quite simply, straight. Forks should run parallel when examined from different angles. Handle bars should align with The front wheel should align with the back wheel. The the front wheel. back wheel should align with the frame. on many good used bikes some things If things are not straight, and will not be straight, know tin- reason. PURCHASING A USED MOTO-'- 85 If you have it an honest chance want to examine pleasantly say your good-byes and go on to the bike passes these four inspections, there a further. good used bike on your hands, and the bike If fails, is you'll the next motorcycle. Full Inspection— Thirds and Inspection Points A systematic way cluck of the motorcycle to ensure that thirds. The you do not miss front third bars forward. is is the most efficient critical details. and effective Divide the bike into everything from the steering head and handle The middle third is the engine cradle. The back third is everything behind the engine. Examine each third. Start at the stem. Work to the stern. A motorcycle has Wheels, tires only twelve major inspection points: and brakes Suspension and steering Instrumentation and controls Engine Fuel system Exhaust Power Train Cooling Lubrication Frame Electrical system Options Most of these inspection points independently reside in one of the thirds of the motorcycle. So, by dividing the motorcycle into thirds and then checking the inspection points that reside in that third, you will perform a quality check of all systems of the motorcycle. Wheels, Tires and Brakes — — Wheels Spoked wheels should be free from defects. Defects include major impact damage, and bent, missing or twisted spokes. Tires Tires are visually inspected for wear, abrasion and damage. Look at the entire tire. Sidewalls should not have cracks from aging. (Tires must be at the recommended pressure or you may not see these cracks.) Use the Lincoln head penny test to insure that tread depth is not less than ^Amd's for a front tire, and ^32nd's for the rear. Insert the penny into the main tread groove, Lincoln's head first. If the tire tread is not deep enough to cover the top of Abe's head, the tires need replacing. = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 86 —Drum brake wear can be noticed in two areas. First is at on the cam arm. Second is at the slack adjustment on the brake cable or rod. These can give you a good indication of remaining shoe life. Disc brakes have windows for pad inspection. The disc itself should not be deeply grooved or scored. Brake lever and pedal action Brakes the indicator should be smooth. If check the reservoir window all the brakes are activated by a hydraulic system, for fluid level hoses for cracks and fluid leaks. and fluid condition. Inspect Pumping hydraulic brakes should not significantly help build up additional brake pressure after one or two pumps. This would suggest the need for brake servicing. Suspension and Steering Suspension —The suspension is checked while sitting on the motorcycle. Pump the front forks. Then do the same on the back shock(s). The forks and shocks should take no more than two and a half strokes to absorb The movement down should be resistant but smooth. This is the first stroke. The bike should not bottom out. The movement up should be just as smooth. This is the second stroke. The bike should the push. settle in. This is the half stroke. On oil monoshocks, check bushing areas for excess wear. Check leaks around seals. On coil spring shocks, check the springs breaks. for for — Uncertain or wobbly movement of the handlebar sugworn bearings in the steering head. With the bike on the center stand, move the handlebars from full left to full right. No roughness Steering gests should be felt. To check for bearing wear, push and pull the handle- bars. Instrumentation and Controls — Instrumentation All gauges, indicators and switches should be in working order. Some components cannot be checked without the engine running or without a test ride. Others can. With the engine off, turn the ignition on. Look for the warning lights (euphemistically called "idiot" lights) and neutral lights to come on. These lights come on when the ignition is on (but engine off) to show that the bulbs are not blown. may mean only that the bulb mean that the seller has disconnected the light you from knowing there is a problem. out. But If the bulb does not light, this is it may to prevent also — While Controls lever, clutch lever, thing should for cracks in the saddle, choke, kill work smoothly. check all controls, such as the brake switch, gas reserve petcocks, etc. EveryInspect the clutch and brake lever clamps around the mounting bolts. Check that the cable adjustment screws are not stripped. PURCHASING 87 Engine Note the motorcycle it A warm the bike. A r.p.m. if this is is warm hot, or cold. Ask for the owner to start hike should start ri^ht up and idle reliably near 1,000 cold bike may normal or You must be tough to start. a sign of problems. A use your judgment hard-starting cold engine is a sign of wear. As the bike is started, listen tor noise and notice the exhaust. Unusual warm-up noise may be due to piston slap. Unusual noise after the engine is warm (and the oil has thinned) may be due to worn main bearings. These noises can be very hard to distinguish by the uninitiated. But after vou hear several motorcycles, you will have an idea of what a smooth engine sounds like. ook around the head gasket. Small areas of burned gas may be an indication of a detective head gasket. Crystallization around the head 1 gasket is a possible sign ot a water leak. Visually check the shift lever rod for damage. Oil leaks often develop here. Fuel System Check the fuel tank tor rust. the edge ot the fuel cap. C Look inside with a flashlight. Feel around heck the petcocks for smooth operation. You don't want to be fighting to get your bike on reserve while going 65 m.p.h. in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic. Exhaust System 1 \haust on a cold engine warmed. Notice is a moderately expensive to smoke is fix. may the exhaust as bad sign of be white from steam, but not after you a rich fuel mix, Black has smoke which may be cheap or Four-stroke exhaust should never be blue. Blue exhaust bad sign of burning a lightly blip the throttle. it oil for a four-stroke engine. This may worn valves, guides or rings. Blue smoke from a two-stroke is expected. The exhaust system itself should be free from pinhole leaks suggest and heavy rust. Power Train The power train consists of the transmission, clutch transmission and clutch should checking the tranny and clutch without a Final drives about shaft come and final drive. work smoothly and never slip. The But test ride is difficult. and shaft. There is not much to say you can look for is fluid leaks. Shaft drives are in chain, belt drive. All smooth and quiet. If the bike has a center stand, raise the bike and push on the rear wheel side to side to check for bearing wear. generally If the final drive and the sprockets. = ^-E COMPLETE MOTORC/ClE BOOK 88 is It is toothed belt, look at the condition of the belt possible for the sprockets to become chipped from show Although life road debris. This flying rarely of belts many have a service motorcycles, may reduce the life They simply haul signs of failure. of the off belt. But belts fail one day. and that is often longer than the expected important that the belt be on a rigorous life it is replacement schedule just so you do not get stranded. the final drive If inspection ment is is chain, there you are looking checked several ways. behind the motorcycle. is, First, sight down Most links links. Align- chains are not properly aligned. So the how poorly aligned is it? Look at the chain for unusual wear, signified by bright shiny spots Kinked and kinking the chain from above and should be straight between the countershaft It sprocket and rear sprocket. next question quite a bit to inspect. For this is for proper alignment on and sprockets either. can be seen on the rear sprocket. Put the bike on a center stand so the rear wheel turns freely. Rotate the wheel and notice links do not follow the sprocket smoothly. Check for worn sprocket teeth by rotating the rear wheel. Worn chains and worn teeth go hand-in-hand. Sprocket teeth should not be hooked, bent, broken or filed on one side or another. If the chain is out of alignment or the sprockets worn, have the owner pitch in toward a new chain and sprocket set. Check the chain for wear. You can visually inspect the chain, but visual inspection will only uncover the most abused cases. The only way to know if a chain has been stretched beyond safe limits is to take the chain off the bike and measure. This is far beyond the scope of this inspection. Checks such as trying to pull the chain off the rear sprocket tell you nothing. The chain may come off for a variety of reasons, one of which is that the chain is worn beyond the manufacturer's specification. Then again, the chain may not come off even if stretched beyond if any of the specification. Cooling Motorcycle engines come air-cooled, oil-cooled and water-cooled. Some offer a combination of the three. Air-cooled engines must be inspected for improperly added by the owner that may fin damage and for options inhibit cooling. Transverse V-twins are of special concern. With the rear cylinder receiving so air off the front cylinder, Oil-cooled engines must be inspected for and much hot V-twins often run very high head temperatures. damage to the radiator and from the radiator. Water-cooled engines should be checked for proper coolant level and condition. You don't want to find oil or corrosion in the coolant. You want to see fresh, clean coolant at the proper level in the radiator. Check the radiator and radiator hose for cracks, damage and leaks. Also oil leaks along the oil lines to check for a properly functioning fan. 09 Lubrication level. Look at the oil. It should There should be little or no grit and no sludge. Smell the oil. It should have the dull, soft, sweet smell o\ clean, tresh oil. There should be no burned odor. Oil with a gray color is an indication of water contamination. It is critical that the Inspect the oil. It should be up to a proper look clean and translucent. Feel the owner show proof oil. of regular oil changes. Frame The frame is inspected for damage and repair. Look for scrapes impact damage. This may be covered by new paint and welds. and Damage does not automatically disqualify a bike as a good purchase. But you do need to ask the seller about it. Inspect all frame member welds, such crown welds, for cracks. Try to get a good look at the underside of the bike. Check that all motor mount bolts are in place. Visually check the alignment of the rear wheel and rear fender with the frame. (It this alignment is incorrect, the bike has landed on its rear as the steering fender hard!) Electrical The System electrical plex. If systems of many motorcycles are quite fragile and com- anything seems wrong with the electrical system, walk away problems can be the most vexing to diagnose, and can leave you stranded at any time. Be sure all electrical parts work. Check all lights, horns, instruments and turn signals. Check accessories such as radios, CBs, air horns, etc. Check the wiring harness for reworked, supplanted or bypassed circuits. Check the battery for proper maintenance. The acid level should be correct, the battery posts free from corrosion and the battery top from the bike. Electrical impossible to fix should be free of dirt. The cradle holding the battery should also be and corrosion. The battery case should be free of cracks and small holes. If the battery has been neglected, be concerned that the rest of the electrical system has been put under additional strain. free of dirt One or two other electrical parts may be ready to fail, especially with worry that the owner really has not given a damn about the bike. The battery is the most critical component of the electrical system and deserves proper care. If the seller misses doing battery maintenance, he's probably missed other important electronic ignition. Also maintenance. When brighter the motorcycle when the engine is running, check that the headlight gets is revved. This properly working charging system. = ~~E COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 90 is normal and suggests a Options There are too many options to discuss an inspection of every type. But do try each option to make sure it works. Be realistic about options that do not work. Some options are important to your riding needs. Others are not. Do not be gun shy of buying a used bike with one or two broken options if you would not use them anyway. It is more important that the powerplant, drive line and safety features check out well. Test Ride Test riding is a big issue in the motorcycle trade. cannot thoroughly plenty of good cycle culture is filled have been ripped off by giving test rides. Motorsellers who had an uninsured rider with stories of crash the bike on a test ride. And, there are let some guy test ride their bike, horizon, never seen again. If a test ride is one hand, you bike without a test ride. But on the other, test a sellers On Do many stories of sellers who only to see the rider disappear over the not expect to test ride a motorcycle. important, there are several solutions to this situation, none of which are really good. The first is to offer the seller enough ID and perhaps something of value (such as your car) to settle his mind that you won't steal the bike. Another is to get, in writing from the seller, the contingency agreement that he offers you a 15-minute full refund warranty if you buy the bike. If, within the first 15 minutes of owning the bike, you are unhappy with how it fits you, you can bring it back for a full refund. A third is to have along a legal document saying that you will take full responsibility for all damage done on a test ride. A fourth solution is to have the seller take you for a ride on the back of the bike. Some dealers resolve this problem by putting homing devices in the frames of their demo bikes. Further Mechanical Inspection you really want to be certain about If you can have it the health of a particular bike, good tests on a motorcycle, including a compression test, leak down test and several inspected by a mechanic. There are several that only a trained mechanic can perform spark plug inspection, electrical system tests. GUIDE TO A FAIR PRICE Checking the classifieds, bikes will give you some going to dealers and looking at various used idea of what various bikes are worth. But, if you are going to spend several thousand dollars on a bike, it is worth it to buy an NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) motorcycle appraisal guide. Although a year's subscription costs about $50, it's a bargain compared to paying $1,000 too much for a motorcycle. PURCHASING A USED MOTORCYCLE = 91 Determining a tair price with the seller inspecting the motorcycle you will have a made or potential problem Always the hike. components .1 matter of dickering. After list of repairs that need to be is that increase the risk oi buying otter a seller a lower price than advertised. OWNERSHIP OF A NEW USED MOTORCYCLE some point you will buy a used motorcycle. Once you give the seller have little or no recourse should you have made a mistake. you But you have gone through the steps m this chapter; you are confident. At the cash Once you motorcycle. It ^ii is owner forge that gulf, you are the \ours. Whether you did it right or cut ot a new used some corners, know that everyone who purchases a motorcycle, new or used, has some lingering doubt. And that causes stress. Many people do not sleep well the first meant tew nights ot motorcycle ownership. Your motorcycle has monetary resources put into a depreciated land depreciating) asset. That is stressful. The motorcycle ma\ have mechanical problems (unlikely tor anyone who has read this book). That is stressful. And the motorcycle might not live up to the job you have decided it must Ao. That is stressful. a significant allocation ot scarce To have reduce this stress, follow a basic strategy of business: Always secondary plan ot action. In this case, the primary plan is that love this motorcycle and keep it for 150,000 miles. The secondary you plan is that the motorcycle is a lemon and you will want to unload it. No a first few days of ownership you same procedure. These processes will help you discover if bike you can love, or if this bike is a lemon. matter which scenario, during the follow the this is a Buy the Book NOw that you own a new used motorcycle, it is imperative that you maintain the bike properly. Buy a manual covering basic repairs of the motorcycle. Become familiar with the basic maintenance repairs for If you do decide to sell the motorcycle, the book will and the buyer will feel like he got a little extra premium free. your motorcycle. go with it Get to Know Your If Motorcycle an owner's manual came with the bike, it is required reading. Although these manuals bike, they contain the most important information about the bike. Read the repair manual to figure out how to operate the cruise control, set the radio/clock, operate the power controls, fill the tank without are often superficial in their coverage of the = THE 92 - - pouring fuel down the side of the fender, adjust the chain, check and increase tire pressure, etc. Detail the Motorcycle Wash that bike. Go buy some good motorcycle detergent. Mild soap is best. Don't be cheap and use that bargain basement white dishwashing detergent. It doesn't work worth a darn, and some newer paints can be damaged by some of these basic detergents. Get yourself a good sturdy sponge, several plastic wire brushes and a window sponge covered with nylon mesh maybe a chamois cloth if you are really into it. As your sponge passes each washed surface, look for signs of corrosion or damage that you may have missed. Be careful when pressure washing a motorcycle. A forceful spray from even a garden hose can force water into electrical parts and intakes where water does not belong. The chain is the only component that should be pressure washed. This removes all road and trail grime. If — you oil the chain immediately, this will help the chain last much longer. Wax that bike. Waxing protects the custom paint jobs of street bikes and makes cleaning a trail bike easy. A good paste wax is worth the price. A good wash and wax takes an hour or two. Given that kind of you want the wax to shine for a couple of months. Cheaper waxes do not last. It is not worth anyone's time to save a few cents on the materials only to have to repeat the process every few weeks. If you don't have five or six old soft shirts or diapers, buy some cheese cloth and rags for waxing the motorcycle. Wax it right. Don't do it in direct sunlight or on tremendously hot days. Don't splay on huge gobs of wax. Apply an even coating. Avoid covering all the decals, brand insignias, locks, handles and side molding with wax. Gently wax around and over these items. Nothing looks worse in the nooks and crannies of a motorcycle than crusting wax baked in the summer sun. If you do get wax in unwanted areas, use a semi-stiff paint brush to "dust" away the wax. Buy the necessary leather, vinyl, plastic, aluminum and chrome effort, cleaners. Products designed for motorcycles or top quality products sold in auto parts shops are best. Avoid "one-product-does-all" and generic products. want to If buy you have some particularly gruesome cleaning to do, and a specialty product, be careful. Alloy and plastic surfaces can be destroyed by using the wrong chemical cleaner. is, clean every area you under the gas tank, behind removable Clean the "inside" of the motorcycle. That can get to, such as under the seat, accessories, etc. The idea is to become intimately acquainted with the motorcycle. Going over it in detail will give you a better understanding of its mods, parts and repairs. You may uncover some great flaw missed in previous PURCHASING A USED MOTO = 03 inspections. You want the hike polished to showroom event that you discover something fatal and must in his book The Art of The Deal, explains it this sell condition, in the it. Donald Trump, way about cars (which applies): you want to sell a car and you spend five dollars to wash and it and then apply a little extra elbow grease, suddenly you find you can charge an extra four hundred dollars and get it. 1 can always ... if polish tell | — when see someone with make it look better. loser easy to I a car for sale that is filthy. It's so Buy the Right Tools made wrenches and Purchase a few good American tools to use on the motorcycle. Don't buy inexpensive foreign sockets or universal imple- ments. They fail at the worst moments. Buy the right tool and treat it with respect. Whatever you do, do not attempt to use an adjustable wrench for repairs on your motorcycle. You will strip the nut or bolt and bust your knuckles once or twice. Buy a quality tool, something that will work hard for many years. It will become your friend and ally. Check the tool kit that comes with the motorcycle. If it is lost (something you should have picked up on the initial inspection), replace it. At a minimum you want all the tools necessary to change a fuse, replace a cable, adjust a shock, take off a wheel, remove a spark plug, adjust a mirror, remove the oil plug (some bikes require special sockets), adjust a chain and change a light bulb. You also want the requisite Allen wrenches, Phillips screwdrivers, and regular screw drivers. Also throw in a spare fuse and master link (very important!). • • The right tools also include: The The right cover, if you will be storing the bike outdoors right antitheft device, such as chains, cables, steering crown locks, alarms, etc. • Straps and bungee cords for carrying loads Change the Oil No matter what the owner told you about the motorcycle, christen the means practice don't want to this as basic changing the oil. Of course, you do a since we are all business people and hate to waste money. And we are all environmentalists wishing to make the world better for our children and therefore do not want to waste precious resources such as oil. But, in this one case, we will rationalize. An oil change only costs a few bucks motorcycle by putting = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 04 it on a regular maintenance schedule. This and keeping a used motorcycle on the road is far more environmentally sound than junking it and expending resources building a new motorcycle. owner did the oil changes personally, you may want your motorcycle to your local dealer for an oil change and lube. Most backyard mechanics change the oil but neglect to lube the chassis. If you do the work yourself, be sure to lube the chassis. Inspect the oil plug when it is removed. Some plugs are magnetized If the previous to take to collect metal flakes. Retain the sealable containers the fresh oil for recycling. Or buy oil comes in to hold the old a five-gallon jeep can designed to hold the oil. Consider doing your neighbors a favor and collect their used oil, too. This insures that more oil gets recycled, and helps improve relations with those in the community. It from also keeps your neighbors dumping the oil in their backyards and contaminating the water flowing your roses. law that anyone who does oil changes for a business Federal says must take your oil for recycling. This is a good law, but rarely enforced. Gas stations and repair shops do not like to take your old oil for two basic reasons: cost and contamination. When raw crude sells on the open market cheap, service stations must pay to have someone come pump their holding tanks. Many backyard mechanics contaminate the oil with other products. The major problem is antifreeze contamination. Put a little antifreeze in your oil and you have changed it from a into your backyard, killing recyclable resource into hazardous toxic waste. oil tank at a gas station can turn the entire far more expensive Perform All waste. This is to dispose. Basic Maintenance Get the motorcycle up to standard. All Check the brake tire air A little antifreeze in the lot into toxic fluids should be at proper fluid, clutch fluid, battery acid, radiator pressure levels. If levels. coolant and headlights need aiming or bulbs need replacing, do it. Lubricate all control cables and hinges (including the kickstand and luggage lids) with a good all purpose, water displacing lubricating spray. You want this motorcycle road ready. See the chapter on maintenance for more detailed information. Adjust the Bike The controls and suspension will need to be adjusted to match your physical dimensions and riding style. Forks and shocks should be set at the air pressure and damping settings that suit your taste. Handlebars, mirrors, levers and footpegs should be adjusted so that you are com- fortable in the saddle. PURCHASING A USED MOTORCYCLE = 95 Why Are You Doing It you all All of This? are going to keep this motorcycle for these things so that the lifetime any other. You want to like fullest potential. never rail you You want in a is a .1 long time. know how you want to do motorcycle is a tool lifetime, A to safely use that tool to to take care ot that tool so it its and some good will last crunch. In the process you will also get maybe induce a little pride ot ownership. more important, you'll get to really know your motorcycle. exercise and \\ You hat is see things you missed. If you find something surprising, something that means you made a mistake buying the motorcycle, you now have a fresh and clean vehicle to put on the market. A clean, fresh motorcycle will he easier to sell than a motorcycle that is not in such will fine shape. = THE 96 : : '-_ETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK o w Dw N I ew bikes are frightfully expensive, drop precipitously in value once driven off the dealer's lot and cost a fortune to insure. In comparison, a used bike can be a great buy. Granted, four-year-old bikes are is more and more good two-, difficult to come for people to nurse their favorite steeds longer excellent values can be found in bikes 10 or even three- and by. (The trend and longer.) Many 20 years old. They than $1,000, making entry into the sport affordand keeping the sport affordable for everyone else. You don't have to compromise. Many older bikes perform just as well as the current modern motorcycles. Some older bikes outperform the newer competition. Try putting anything off the showroom floor against a 1981 Kawasaki GPz 550 in the quarter mile. A good used bike shares some of the following qualities: long production run, bulletproof drive train, proven engine, plenty of trained mechanics available, easy repair for the backyard mechanic, good supply of parts, good road/trail characteristics, technological competence and excellent resale value. It probably strikes you immediately can be found for less able for beginners, that some of these characteristics directly contradict others. For exam- Or a bike ple, a bike that holds its resale value with great road characteristics may may not be inexpensive. be somewhat high tech and thcre- 97 tore expensive to repair. Or a very simple motorcycle might not be compared to bikes on the showroom floor. you understand that the contradictions You must evaluate these trade-offs and find a used technological!) competent True. What is important represent trade otts. bike that best fits is that vour needs. Note that really old bikes, bikes produced 25 years ago or longer, can be good used bike purchases. Although these bikes may need some repair, and parts may not be instantly available, they have the advantage of being simple and rugged. Newer bikes are often computer controlled, work on. Older bikes are and steel, rather than composite and plastic. Classic and collectible motorcycles (i.e., anything you would not want to ride on a daily basis for fear of pillaging its value) are a different story. There have been a number of great motorcycles produced. The 998cc Vincent Black Lightning. The 1956 DOHC 500cc Moto Guzzi V8. Triumph Bonnevilles. 105 horsepower Honda CBXs. Harley knuckleheads. Indian 45s. Benelli 750-Sei's. These bikes are truly fine, and rare, which makes them interesting to collectors, but bad purchases for the average ruler. You want a bike you can get cheap, ride cheap and enjoy for years. Be that as it may, the following motorcycles are good values for most of the reasons noted above. The reader must be cautious, however. Despite these recommendations, no abused bike is a good value. And even though a particular motorcycle is not listed here, most motorcycles that have been given appropriate care are worth a look. rare alloy affairs that are simply impossible to made of iron BMW In Germany was at the dawning of World War I, Bavarian Motor Works machines and castings, marine engines and truck engines. The infamous Baron von Richthofen (a.k.a. the "Red Baron") attributed some of the success of his biplane engines. squadron to the superiority of the has always been at the forefront of design and technology, with many firsts, such as being the first to use supercharging in road racing, hydraulic damping telescopic forks and a fully floating axle. produced the first moped, called the Flink, in the 1920s. In 1923 a builder of airplane engines, agricultural BMW BMW BMW BMW produced its first flat twin. This bike came with shaft drive. World War II ended BMW motorcycle production until 1 948 when the company boomed, producing over 100,000 machines by 1953. The late 1950s market slump that put many motorcycle makers out of business BMW, too. But a revival in demand for the Beemer brought almost took production back to over 20,000 units a year = THE 98 I : : MOTORCYCLE BOOK in 1971. BMW 1981 R65LS Class: sports touring/commuter. Engine: air-cooled opposed twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 649cc. Valve Arrangement: pushrod OHV2. Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: front disc, rear drum. Weight: 407 lbs. Horsepower: 50. Variations: 1981 to 1985. Also look at 980cc, 798cc, 750cc R series. (Photo courtesy of BMW of North America.) BMW has earned its The used bike shopper reputation for longevity and dependability. will find that, by and large, BMW owners maintain their vehicles well. They also tend to put more miles on a bike than average. This should not deter you. Mileage alone does not indicate value. There are reliable, marketable many BMWs with units. over 100,000 miles that are one that has been ridden steadily for long periods. Also, some BMWs have a Look for rather one that has sat idle no charge, transferable three year warranty. 1981 R65LS: The BMW R series horizontally opposed has been around since 1 923. All flat twin design R series are worth looking at. The basic engine style has not changed, although the engine and motorcycle have gone through constant upgrades. The R65 is an excellent introductory BMW. It is simple, light weight and nimble around town. This is due to a shorter wheel base and lower center of gravity on 1979 to 1984 models. Despite its displacement, when properly equipped with bags and shield the R65 is perfectly suited to cross-country touring. Nineteen eighty-five and later 65s are monoshock equipped. you need more speed and power, take a look at the R 00s. These pounds of torque at 3,500 r.p.m. and 60 horsepower 6,500 r.p.m. Top speed is around 125 m.p.h.; the bike will cover the If 1 bikes produce 55 at standing quarter mile in just over 13 seconds. BMW often sets the pace for technological advancements, and many advancements have debuted on the R series. One note Due to the constantly changing technology, one year's model state-of-the-art of caution: BEST USED BIKE PURC 99 BMW 1985 (AND LATER) K1 00 Series Class: touring, sports touring, sports. Engine: liquid-cooled horizontal four cylinder fuel injected 4-stroke. Displacement: 987cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: front dual disc, rear disc. Weight: 569 lbs. Horsepower. 90. Torque: 63 Ib.ft. Variations: single and multivalve, 1092cc, 740cc three cylinder. may (Photo courtesy of BMW of North be substantially improved over the previous year's. The most BMWs tend to be very pricey used bikes. For any high mileage bike, including BMW, check the rubber parts significant America.) drawback is that for cracking, the service record for maintenance, battery was and see when the last replaced. The K series was introduced in 1 985 as BMW's bold The power plant is an in-line fourcylinder engine mounted on its side. The K100 and K75 models share the same frame except for engine mounting members. The K75 (as opposed to the K75S and K75RT) has a 2-inch lower seat height. The 1 905 AND later: step into the latter 20th century. K75 is an excellent bike for smaller riders. Owners tend to really nurse these babies, so you may not find many, and those you find will be at a high cost. Be sure to test any full dresser on a hot day. There is almost no air moving behind the fairing on some, other than heat rising from the engine. By comparison, the 987cc Kl (introduced in 1988) produces 100 horses, 73 pounds of torque, and does 100 m.p.h. The llOOcc version of the K (introduced in 1993) produces 100 horsepower and 77 pounds of torque. The K75 produces 75 horses and 50 pounds of torque. HARLEY-DAVIDSON Many motorcycle companies got their start during World War World War I battlefield strategies incorporated thousands of motorcycles with sidecars. But long before World War I, the single motorcycle that I. THE COM-_E 100 _ E MOTORCYCLE BOOK defined United States' motorcycles began production: Harley-Davidson. Their motorcycle, produced in 1903, was a single cylinder, first air-cooled job. The trademark 45° At 61 cubic inch displacement power and raced at 60 m.p.h. V (cid), : twin was first produced in 1909. the engine produced seven horse- In the 1960s, Japanese motorcycle makers launched an impressive market development campaign in the United States. To broaden its line-up and fend off the Japanese challenge, Harley-Davidson joined forces with Aermacchi (a.k.a. Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A), an Italian manufacturer of aircraft and motorcycles. The merger led to the production of light- and medium-displacement motorcycles for touring, racing and trail use. In 1969, Harley-Davidson merged with AMF. By 1 976 the Harley line-up included the Electric Glide 1200cc), two Super Glides (1200cc), two Sportsters (lOOOcc) and six lightweights ranging from 125cc to 250cc. But Harley lacked the ability to compete against the Japanese in the lightweight markets, and by 1979 the only sub-liter ( class bike in the line-up As was the XR750 OHV aluminum engine racer. modern OHV V Evolution engines (intro- a general rule, the 1 966), panheads you don't plan on making your motorcycle a weekend hobby, or you don't want to engage in a bidding war with motorcycle collectors, go with the modern engines. Another good rule is that used Harleys can be substantially cheaper ($1,000 cheaper!) in the winter. People who are more into fashion than motorcycles get into them in the spring, and discover they either cannot or do not want to pay for the bike when winter sets in. Harley-Davidson has one unique feature that few modern motorcycle have: part interchangeability and availability. Engines are not duced in 1 984) are preferable to the older shovelheads (1948) and knuckleheads (1936). radically redesigned every three or four years, as Japanese bikes. New parts often longer supplies a part, there is ( If fit older engines. is common If the factory with no almost always a third party accessory an accessory firm does not make it, you can probably somewhere off of a bike 10 years older or newer. Today, Harley-Davidson manufacturers over 20 motorcycle variations that surround three power plants. With custom detailing and after-market add-ons, the Harley owner, like no other, can express his firm that does. If find the part used or her own unique personality — Harley is a lifestyle! FLSTC HERITAGE CLASSIC: The Harley Classics recreated older designs using modern equipment. The Heritage is a current production model of the old full dress "Hydraglide" touring bikes of the 1 940s and 950s. These 1 bikes are designed to look like their predecessors with styling such as tin covered front forks, wide-wide tires and studded leather sens and saddle bags. Fat Bob fuel tanks are a signature of this Harley. You could go buj 1 01 HARLEY FLSTC HERITAGE CLASSIC Class: cruiser. Engine: air-cooled 45 degree V-twin 4-stroke. Displacement: I340cc/80cid. Valve Arrangement: OHV 2. Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: poly chain belt. Brakes: single disc Weight: 650 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 82 front & rear. 69. Ib.ft. Variations: Many. Production years 1987 and up. (Photo courtesy Hariey-Davidson.) 950 monsters and be happy you did. Or you can have all the reliability and efficiency of the newer versions. one of those 1 the ith all st\ ling \\ XLH 883 SPORTSTER: The first gallon "peanut" gas tank. This HARLEY XLH SERIES 883 SPORTSTER the trademark of the bike today, and can be (bund on the 883. Other signature design features of the Sportster include austere instrumentation and few features. Even the passenger seat is an option. Independent staggered dual exhaust on the bike's right side emits the unmistakable Harley exhaust note (i.e., rumble thunder). The aluminum Evolution 883 Sportster captured the Class: sports. Engine: air-cooled 45 degree V-twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 883cc. Valve Arrangement: OHV Transmission: 4-speed. 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: single disc Weight: 478 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 54 front & rear. 52. Ib.ft. Variations: Sportster, Hugger, Deluxe, 900cc, 1000cc, 1200cc, etc. Production years 1957 and up. (Photo courtesy Harley -Davidson.) = Harley Sportster came with a 2.2 THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 1 02 is still essence of the new design philosophy at Harley: low maintenance, new technology, extended service intervals (5,000 miles). and highly sought after, new and The wise choice for the average buyer is the 1 986 or later Sportster with the evolution 883cc or 1200cc engine. (The 1200 offers 71 lb. ft. of torque.) The 883s are good entry level Harleys, often with seats that All years are potential classics used. ride as low as 26 inches off the ground. Good for stubby legs and stubby Range can be a problem, though, given the small capacity people. "peanut" gas tank. If you are interested in more speed, try to find a 1984 Sportster XR1000. 1984 was the first year of the Evolution engine, and also the first year for belt drive, five-speed transmissions and rubber isolated engines. The "Buckaroo Banzai" XR1000 featured twin carbs, dual front discs, and protruding air filters stuck on the end of each carb. Or buy an 883 and spend two or three thousand boring it out and souping it up. solo seat HONDA Honda Motor Company, Ltd. is the archetypal Japanese business Honda, founder of Honda, is the quintessential entrepreneur. Before World War II, Honda owned a factory Japanese success story. Soichiro producing engine rings for Toyota. In his typical bold fashion, Soichiro company knowing nothing about the product. Immediately after the war Honda looked for ways to meet the transportation needs of Japan's people given that the country's economy and started his engine ring manufacturing capabilities were destroyed. His solution was to surplus military gasoline engines (originally designed to power fit electric generators) to bicycle frames. This solved a transportation problem, but it Honda bought a pine tree manufacture turpentine (allegedly mixed with black market did not solve the fuel shortage problem. So, forest to gasoline) to power his motorbikes. With the supply of surplus engines running out, and the need to build a sturdier form of transportation, Honda designed his first motorcycle. This bike went into production in Honda is number one in world motorcycle sales. The Honda Motor Company is credited with creating the modern U.S. motorcycle market. In 1 962, Honda hired Gray Advertising of Los Angeles to improve U.S. sales. Gray founded their Honda program on late 1949. Today, was the American public's lack of From this notion came the "You meet the belief that the primary resistance social acceptance of motorcycles. the nicest people on a Honda" campaign, one of the most successful advertising campaigns in the history of U.S. promotion. holds 50% of the U.S. motorcycle market. Honda was Japanese motorcycle company to open a production plant in Honda now the first BEST USED BIKE PURCHASES 1 03 the United States with beginning in Gold Wing production m Marysville, Ohio 1979. 1984 GL1200 GOLD WING INTERSTATE: The Cold Wing first appeared 70 horsepower 1)1)0 that you could custom into a long distance Kill dresser. In 1^80, Honda introduced the 84 horsepower L085CC as a 1 GL1 100 Interstate. The Interstate defined the modern touring cruiser londa has owned the market ever since. In 1^84, Honda tipped the engine displacement to L200cc. In 1^88, the massive six-cylinder class. 1 GL1500 was introduced. The horizontally opposed engine provides a low center of gravity and has demonstrated unbelievable reliability. It is not uncommon for C .old Wings to go 00,000 miles. Several have been documented at over miles. Great values can be found in those bikes with between 200,000 40,000 and 50,000 miles. The Aspencade is the top of the line Gold Wing. It comes with every 1 high technology gadget a cruiser can offer. plush. Although the complexity in a mendation is Aspencade used bike is The for the Interstate. Early used what the (.11 200 good its is a bit less own right, models provide The GL1 100 all of the most of but with an engine that shows prices. offers, at a lesser price, negligible reduction in Interstate a great used bike in not so desirable, and therefore the recom- essential touring necessities at some is offers low end power. Test ride several manufacturers' cruisers before buying a touring HONDA 1984 GL1 200 GOLD WING INTERSTATE hike. Each handles very differently. A newer Gold Wing might not be commuter, given its size and ride. a great city Class: tounng. Engine: liquid-cooled honzontally opposed flat four 4-stroke. Displacement: 1 182cc. Valve Arrangement: hydraulic adjust SOHC 2. Transmission: 4-speed plus overdrive 5th. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 702 lbs. Horsepower 86. Torque: 75 Ib.ft. Variations: afl years, Aspencade, GL1100. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company.) 104 = ~E MOTORCYCLE BOOK HONDA 1982CB900C Class: cruiser. Engine: in-line air-/oil-cooled four 4-stroke. Displacement: 902cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh 4. with dual-range sub-trans. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 571 Variations: lbs. all years. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company.) 1982 CB900C: The CB series of four cylinder engines dates back to the 1970s and the classic CB500 and CB750. The lineage includes 350s, 400s and 1 100s. All have well balanced, reliable engines. The CBs are easy home mechanic projects with good parts availability. The early smaller versions are great introductory bikes for learning to ride, repair or restore. But you'll want more power, like that of the 900, after a season with a smaller bike. Honda included key features such as rubber mounted engine designs borrowed from the CBX and RCB endurance racing engines. Special combustion chamber design, four 32mm carburetor, and 4-valve cylinders give the 900 high combustion efficiency. An oil-cooler and air adjustable shocks round out this well thought out motorcycle. 1971 CL350: Honda has produced a lot of successful motorcycles from The step-through 90s are a good example of one pattern that keeps coming back every decade in a new version. The CL/CB/SL twins are like this. The CL has raised pipes with street fenders for dual purpose use. The CB has street pipes. The SL has a spark arresting muffler and high fenders for trail use. The CB twins offer only one pattern. simple engines without a lot of high tech. There are on other many plastic parts one of the reasons the small bikes "weather" better than others. The power plants have been around that are metal bikes, but this for ages, including runs as Hawk is 400s. Look for years starting 1968. The 1974-77 models were punched up to 356cc. The small displacement CIVCB line makes for grc.it starter bikes as is good and the electronics are not shot. The bikes are long as the price 1 05 HONDA 1971 CL350 Class: dual purpose. Engine: vertical twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 325cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: drum front & Weight: 360 lbs. Horsepower 36. Torque: 19 ft. lb rear. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company.) light, handle well tor the beginner, and provide respectable power for modest touring. These are very easy home mechanic is right out where you can get to it. There are 200cc and 175CC versions that have similar characteristics. the street or projects. Ever) thing 1984 CB700SC NIGHT HAWKS: Hawks make periodic debuts in the londa line-up. These are great hikes. londa introduced the CB700SC as an attempt to make the near perfect universal machine. Do not be I I tooled. I his HONDA 1984 CB700SC HAWK S NIGHT Class: sports tounng. Engine:air-/oil-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 696cc. Valve Arrangement: hydraulic adjusted DOHC 4. Transmission: 5-speed with overdnve 6th. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, drum rear. Weight: 474 lbs. Horsepower 80. Variations: 1984 to 1986. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company.) THE 106 = _E BOOK is a hike designed for a chicane (a series of turns). Features of the CB700 include a high concept engine layout tuned for top end performance and an easy to adjust suspension. Low maintenance shaft drive, hydraulic valves and oil-cooling reduce maintenance requirements. For a small bike it is quite comfortable on long trips. The high 1 1,000 r.p.m. redline gives you a lot of top end. Features of the 700 include hydraulic clutch, automatic tensioner, hydraulic valve adjust, oil-cooler, spin-on oil filter mounted engine. Honda dedicated a good deal of research the total dimensions of the engine. Oil the height of the engine. is The generator cam chain and rubber stored in the frame to minimize is located behind the cylinders Although the 650 Night additional. it 1991 CBR600F2 Class: sports. Engine: liquid-cooled Hawk too has that the many CB700SC replaced of the same merits, and is a two Honda flooded the market with these 650 babies in the early Displacement: 599cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. Brakes: dual disc the 700, the average Joe can work on the 650. Joe probably never needs to go into the 700. rear. Of course, the average Weight: 429 and the 600 front, disc lbs. Horsepower Torque: 43 Anyone looking 4. Final Drive: chain. 1980s. There are lots of them around, lots of parts available, and, unlike 1991 CBR600F2: in-line four 4-stroke. to reduce engine width. totally different bike, HONDA into reducing 86. Ib.ft. for a recent sports bike that offers race track performance agile will be looking at class motorcycles. handling right off the showroom floor Legendary names have (Photo courtesy of Cycle World Magazine.,) 1 07 been built in this class: Ninja. There Suzuki Katana, Honda Hurricane, Kawasaki constant technological leapfrogging of one manufacturer over another in this class. No one is king of the 600 hill for long. Of is a this class, late takes its model CBR600F2s are what gether a different motorcycle. Others 600s or less speed. expensive, but the If to look for. The lineage from the Hurricane introduced in 1987, but \(Hi want may is CBR alto- be faster, more nimble CBR offers a great blend of cost, handling and to cut cost, look at a Hurricane or Katana. One note about the 600 class: You gotta know what you are doing. These bikes are fast, very fast, 143 m.p.h. fast in this particular case. The average guy can ride out on one of these puppies and think he has mastered all of its capabilities in a few miles. Forget it. The capabilities of a 600 dass bike require training and experience to master. Take it easy. Check insurance before buying. KAWASAKI one of the world's largest industrial, was founded in 1878 when Shozo Kawasaki built a shipyard at Tsukiji, Tokyo. Kawasaki had long been in the business of making steel, locomotives, rail cars, automobiles and aircraft before becoming concerned with motorcycles. Immediately after World War II, Kawasaki put its engineering skill to work producing engines and gearboxes for motorcycle companies. During the 1950s there were at least 40 motorcycle manufacturers serving the Japanese domestic market. Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki were alread) well established both domestically and internationally. To enter the crowded field, Kawasaki Aircraft set up a research and development center in 1959. In 1960 the aircraft division bought its way into the market with the purchase of Meguro, a motorcycle company. It is doubly interesting that the aircraft side of the company decided to enter the motorcycle market, and that they would decide to Kawasaki Heavy Industries multinational corporations. is It build extremely potent motorcycles. Kawasaki made its reputation racing. The first time the name Kawasaki was seen at international race events was in 1963. Their first grand prix entries were in 1965. By the early 1970s Kawasaki was racing and winning with production line motorcycles instead of purpose-built racers. Kawasaki's in-line fours have made a great impression on many all purpose machines, espe- people. Their early 80's models are great cially if you like speed. Kawasakis seem to hold their value better compared to other Japanese bikes. Super-K (a.k.a. Kawasaki, Big Green) also made some notable two-strokes beginning in 1969. These = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 1 08 bikes, coming in 250cc, 350cc, 400cc, 500cc and 750cc varieties, have extremely high power-to-weight ratios. They offer more off-the-line punch and stunt/wheelie popping power than virtually any other bikes. For example, the 1972 350 S2 weighed 335 pounds, produced 44 horsepower, and had a maximum speed of 106 m.p.h. 1985 ZL900 ELIMINATOR: In the years that have passed since the first ZL900 came out, the market has gone full circle from loving these bikes to hating these bikes to loving produced the ZR1100 (earlier known them again. Kawasaki also as Zephyr), a direct descen- KAWASAKI 1 985 ZL900 ELIMINATOR Class: cruiser. Engine: liquid-cooled horizontal four 4-stroke. Displacement: 908cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC 4. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: front dual disc, rear disc. dant of the Eliminator. The 900 was produced for two years before it was punched up to a 1000. The ZL900 has proven itself to be a Weight: 550 maintenance free, rock-solid machine. All of the bikes in this lineage are good, but the 1985 is becoming a collectable, worth more now than new. Torque: 63 lb. ft. Variations: 900cc & lbs. Horsepower 77. "lOOOcc. production years 1985 and up. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motor KZ1000P POLICE BIKE: Bulletproof is more than just a cliche for some bikes. The KZ1000P is a special edition made for police work. The frame and drive train are heavy duty for added loads. The suspension is upgraded. The electrics are extra heavy duty for the lights and equipment used in daily police work. Safety tires come as original Company. USA.) 109 equipment. This KAWASAKI 1982 KZ1000P POLICE BIKE 1 a lot of top Class: sports. end a highly stable bike that will stay together for is 1)0,000 miles easy. It also is (relatively). great off the line, although The bike, in it does not offer current form, has been in its production since 1982. Engine: air-cooled horizontal four 4-stroke. Displacement: 1015cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. The average 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: front dual disc, rear disc. Weight: 562 lbs. Horsepower 93. cannot buy one of these new, but you can find One word of warning if you buy at a police auction. Some police departments take great care of their motorcycles. Others, engaged in lease arrangements and service contracts, do not. Any motorcycle officer will tell you how well his department takes care of its bikes, and how well other departments keep citizen them around used or at police auction. their bikes. Variations: production years 1978 and up. 1 986 VOYAGER: In the touring category, the (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motor best values for the dollar. Company, USA.) price in the 1 10 CLE BOOK new The Voyager has bike market. Voyager one of the competed on offers traditionally The Voyagers were produced first in 1983. These were very heavy motorcycles (900 pounds!). In 1986 the Voyager XII was introduced showing Kawasaki's new philosophy: lighter, narrower, less expensive, quicker. Voyager is the lightest of cruisers by as much as 100 pounds. KAWASAKI 1986 VOYAGER This reduced weight allows the Voyager a whopping 440 pound load Class: touring. capacity. Not surprisingly, Voyager offers the best handling characteristics in slow speed city driving of all of the full dressers. It is also faster off the line than the competition. This is an important consideration for commuters and multiuse riders. Voyager's power plant is strong and the package comes with many modern features such as stereo, radio, tape, cruise, clock, saddlebags, top case, etc. But other features like an compressor or reverse gear will only be found on the competition. No big deal. In the used bike market extra complexity cuts two ways, good and bad. Complexity is only great if it works and is inexpensive to maintain. The Voyager may not have all the features, on-board but it air has a great price/performance ratio. Engine: liquid-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 1 196cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed wet 4. clutch. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: front dual disc, rear single disc. Weight: 735 lbs. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motor Company, USA.) 1 1 1 1973 zi KZ900: This bike, nicknamed "Zapper," dethroned the super-bike category. The Zl has had a ! [onda in long production run with minor changes. It has been one of the best selling Kawasakis ever. There are a lot of them out there and lots of parts available. It is flat out one great piece ot engineering these bikes do not break. The first year's production is becoming a collectable. \Uo to be considered is the younger brother of the 900. Near the end ot this bike's production, Kawasaki produced 750cc and 700CC K/s. he smaller air-cooled, eight-valve, in-line four presents the buyer I with a great multipurpose motorcycle. These engines take abuse and never whimper. b\ K\ I way, the ook if for the I TD editions. speed and turns are what you are into, look at 750 of the same year. All ot the two stroke three cylinders from Kawasaki produced at this time had awesome power. This one was the leader: 74 horses, 57 pounds torque. Very reliable, parts are still available and main are still on the road. Super 1 12 smooth and fast. The ZX 00 covers all the bases makes an excellent commuter bike (when was the last time you looked forward to the ride to work?), makes quick work of winding back roads (unless you turn around and run them again!) and is comfortable enough to knock down big mileage at whatever speed \oti choose. B\ 990, Big Green had proven the technologically impres- 1990s ZX11: tor street use. Sleek, It l KAWASAKI 1973 Z1 KZ900 Class: cruiser. Engine: horizontal four 4-stroke. Displacement: 903cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5 speed. 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: front disc, rear drum. Weight: 540 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 54 82. lb. ft. Variations: production years 1973 to 1982. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motor Company, USA.) 1 12 DTORCYCLE BOOK I 1 1 KAWASAKI 1990's ZX1 Class: sports touring. Engine: liquid-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 1052cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 549 lbs. Horsepower 145. Torque: 80 Ib.ft. Variations: 1990 to present. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki Motor Company, USA.) sive 1052cc power plant. With the ZX-1 1, they went farther by adding forced air induction, digitally controlled main pistons. The suspension Look is for the smaller jets, and light concave every match for the engine. ZX editions, the 997cc and 748cc, too. SUZUKI Suzuki succeeded as much through of the 20th century. A series of ingenuity as luck in the early part wars and natural disasters favored the company in its beginning years. The company that Suzuki was manufacturing treadle type cotton looms name Looms bears the in 1908. were to remain the backbone of Suzuki for at least the next 30 years. The outbreak of World War I offered an unexpected bonanza for Asian companies like Suzuki, and the company flourished while its European rivals floundered. In 1920 the rice, cotton yarn and silk yarn markets collapsed suddenly, forcing many of Suzuki's competitors into bank- 923 an earthquake destroyed many factories in Japan, but not Suzuki's. In 1937 Suzuki began research into the automotive and motorcycle arenas. But World War II ended all plans. Suzuki's manufacturing plants were converted to making war munitions. In 1944 the company experienced its first setback. An earthquake did severe damage to several Suzuki plants. In 1945 even more damage was sustained during air raids. After the war, Suzuki suffered cash flow, problems and union unrest. Silk was difficult to obtain. The loom market was in a highly volatile state. Suzuki decided to diversih rather than lay off workers. Suzuki manufactured whatever was in short ruptcy, but not Suzuki. In 1 1 13 SUZUKI 1978 GS1 000 Class: cruiser/muscle bike. Engine: air-cooled honzontal four 4-stroke. Displacement: 997cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: single disc Weight: 542 lbs. Variations: years 1 front 978 & to rear. 1 980. (Photo courtesy of Cycle World Magazine^). supply, which meant electric beaters and farm implements, to note product In stir at two lines. 1951, ideas oi entering the automotive market again began to Suzuki. Just as tor the other giant Japanese motorcycle nies, the destruction of Japan's economy in World War II compa- presented an opportunity and challenge. At that time, scooters were quite popular since supplies of everything from fuel to production capacity were market with one caveat, components in-house. Su/uki produced its first prototype engine in 1952. The engine was a .7 hp 36cc two-stroke to be "clipped on" to bicycles as a power assist. This engine was named, interestingly enough, the Atom. The engine was sold under the name "Power Free." The success of the Power Free and its 6()cc cousin, the Diamond Free, led Suzuki toward full scale limited. Suzuki decided to enter the cycle engine that the company would make all motorcycle production. In 1954 the one-cylinder four-stroke 90cc Colleda was launched. A year later a two-stroke racing version was produced. By 1958 Suzuki was producing 50cc, 125cc, and 250cc motorcycles. Suzuki made its name worldwide in the 1 960s with some truly mean 250cc and 500cc two- and three-cylinder two-strokes. Suzuki also manufactured the rare 1974 RE5 497cc Wankel, one of the few rotary motorcycles produced. It produced 62 horsepower at 6,500 r.p.m. and could top 1 1 15 m.p.h. 978 GS1 000: Cycle News The GS 1 000 was voted readers. It the machine of the year by Motor competes well against the muscle bikes of its era. A strong engine and general purpose design make the GS1000 appealing on the open road as well as on the drag strip. User accessible THE COMPLETE mot: 1 14 __E BOOK components for backyard mechanics are a plus. Later models have zoopier features, like an extra disc brake, shaft and a sports design. Performance features found on the smaller GS's are rarely found on the competition. The GS came in ST, SZ (Katana), EN, LN and SN versions. The ST came in white and offered a cafe fairing, chrome pipes, seating for two, oil temperature gauge and quartz clock. The Katana came in silver and offered a lower riding position, sport fairing, seating for one, antidive The EN was minus any fairing, but did have chrome mufflers and air boxes. The LN had a two-tone blue and maroon paint job. It offered leading axle forks, pullback handlebars, chrome front and rear fenders, chrome exhaust and mag-type wheels. The SN came in a blue and white paint job and offered low racer handlebars, mag-type wheels and a sport fairing. Also take a look at the GS750 and 850 of that era. Both are capable of +124 m.p.h. suspension, black exhaust pipe and clip-on type handlebars. came in black, 1982 GS850G: The GS850G is noted above as a variation of the GS produced in 1980, the 1982 and 1983 model years have proven themselves to be particularly strong. The bike is easy to maintain and easy to accessorize. Features found on the GS850G that are attractive to the used motorcycle buyer include long lasting engine, large comfortable seat and low maintenance shaft drive. series. First SUZUKI 1982 GS850G Class: sports touring. Engine: air-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 843cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, single disc rear. Weight: 558 lbs. Variations: 1982 and 1983. (Photo courtesy of Cycle World Magazine,) = BEST USED BIKE PURCHASES 1 18 The GS850 offered cam chain tensioner, air with SUZUKI 1988 (AND LATER) GSX600 KATANA five CV load settings and tour Engine: air-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. damped rear swingarm damping adjustments, mag style wheels The bike comes in GT, GX, GZ, GD, and quart/halogen headlight. GLT, Cil.X and GLZ variations. If you want a good lightweight cycle to fashion into a touring machine, this is a great model to build around. Do not overlook the 850's smaller brothers, the Class: sports touring. carbs, transistorized ignition, automatic assisted front forks, oil GS650E and GS650G (with shaft drive). 988 (AND LATER) GSX600 KATANA: The GSX600 has great looks and performance supplied by a l6-valve, four cylinder engine. There is strong usable power throughout the power curve. Roomy seating 1 lively Displacement: 600cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. 4. position provides full-size comfort. Special performance features in- advanced cooling system, high compression Final Drive: chain. clude Brakes: dual disc 52 lean angle, large valves, cool air induction system, "full floater" rear front, single l Weight: 429 lbs. Horsepower scr\ ice Ib.ft. ratio, steep The Katana is advertised as balance of performance, comfort and convenience it lives up to its billing. It is a best value in the sports bike ,i — (Photo courtesy of American Suzuki market, selling tor around half of what a of this class, this bike = 1 stand were optional. Motor Co.) 16 .3: 70. Variations: 1988 to present. 1 l suspension and decapiston brake system with metallic pads. Center or disc rear. Torque: 38 ail is better than most new bike costs. Like riders, so all bikes be careful. Take your SUZUKI 1985 GV700GLF MADURA Class: cruiser. Engine: liquid-cooled 82 degree V-four 4-stroke. Displacement: 698cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC 4. Transmission: 6-speed overdrive. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: dual disc front, drum rear. Weight: 503 lbs. Variations: 1200cc. (Photo courtesy Cycle World Magazine.^ time to get to know the motorcycle. Within the 600 often leads the way. Also look at the GSX1100E. The four-cylinder series, this bike DOHC 1075cc 10 horsepower at 8,500 r.p.m., producing a 140 m.p.h. top speed and 11.6 second quarter miles. engine delivers 1 Check insurance first. 1985 GV700GLF MADURA: The GV700 offers a smooth, comfortable V-4 engine coupled with shaft and powerful 6-speed transmission. The bike is a combination of ultramodern power plant and customized cruiser frame. The very comfortable riding position is enhanced with forward mounted pegs and pull back handle bars. Well laid out speedo, tach, fuel gauge and gear indicator make the GV700 an easy cycle to ride. Features on the Madura include maintenance-free hydraulic valve adjusters, hydraulic clutch, overdrive, rubber mounted engine, "full floater" rear suspension and custom flat spoke chrome wire wheels. Unfortunately, they did not Also take a look at the offers more of make a lot of these guys. GV1200GLF Madura. The the gut level furor found in the l L66cc engine GV700. 1986GS450L: Suzuki made four variations of the GS450 Starting in 1980 the E, L, S and T. These were smooth, comfortable, standard machines. The different designations were for different stj ling features. All had the excellent 450 engine. — 1 1 7 SUZUKI 1986 GS450L Class: standard/cruiser. Engine: air-cooled in-line twin counterbalanced 4-stroke. Displacement: 448cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC 2. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: single disc front, drum rear. Weight: 379 lbs. Variations: 1986 and 1988. (Photo courtesy of Cycle World Magazine; Features of the GS450 included longer extended air forks, large 3.2 gallon Fuel tank, counterbalanced engine, "custom look," fuel gauge and a tar 6-inch rear tire. The hike was marketed as a "middle weight custom cruiser" with "big bike features, styling and performance performance on a packed into a nimble, low cost middleweight budget." These claims are not puffery or overstated. This is a good, 1 . . . solid motorcycle. he I ( and easy IS4501 is .i great beginner's motorcycle. pro\ iding a stingy 69 m.p.g. on the way. only a 29. 46 inches 1 inch height. tall and has It is easy to learn on The long lasting engine simply runs forever, to maintain. The bike a is The low, comfortable seat has only 84 inches long, 34 inches wide, wheelbase of 56 inches. It's great for smaller riders. The 1983 GS450G1 Disa curiosity. It came with unique two-speed semi-automatic transmission and shaft drive. YAMAHA Torakusa Yamaha, a clock smith and self-employed general engineer, founded Nippon Gakki in the 1880s. By the time Torakusa died, in 1916, Nippon Gakki was firmly established as a musical instruments company. This would soon change. In 1940, the military government of Japan took control of Nippon Gakki's factories to produce war materiels. Nippon Gakki produced metal aircraft propellers and musical instruments during World War II. After the war, Nippon Gakki had = THE COMPLETE MOTOR' 1 18 ;OOK J excess metalwork machinery that was put German DWK, to work at motorcycle YA-1 125cc off the assembly line in Dragonfly" rolled 1955. Yamaha Motor "Red shortly after the YA-1 went into producCompany, Ltd. was founded tion, when the Motorcycle Manufacturing Division was separated from Nippon Gakki. Although the Japanese domestic motorcycle market was crowded with over 40 different manufacturers, the YA-1 attained acceptance by production. Based on a the two-stroke winning the prestigious "Mt. Fuji Ascent" and " Asama Heights" races. It was a pattern to be repeated. Yamaha's philosophy has always been that to move motorcycles out of the show room, win on the racetrack. That is how they gained acceptance in Europe and North America. Yamaha made its name in two-stroke production. By 1969, Yamaha was producing a full line-up of bikes from 50cc to 350cc. Of special note was the Enduro class of dual purpose bikes. Eyeing the small number of riders who were enjoying off-road riding in unsettled areas of the American West, Yamaha developed the 250DT1, the first Yamaha. dilemma with its two-stroke dependent line-up. Two-strokes suffer from natural disadvantages when applied to large capacity engines: poor fuel efficiency and high exhaust emissions. In response to changing times, Yamaha produced its first fourstroke in 1970, the 5-speed OHC 650cc XS1 twin. Yamaha introduced an impressive number of four-stroke bikes between 1970 and 1974. By 1982 Yamaha had grown into a huge multinational corporation. Today, Yamaha is producing motorcycles, snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVs, automobile engines, multipurpose engines, outboard motors, unmanned helicopters, powerboats and sailboats (although 47% of "true trail But bike," according to Yamaha was facing a their business continues to be motorcycles). 1982 VIRAGO 750: Yamaha, and other Japanese motorcycle makers, flooded the market with bikes in the early 1980s. The 75° V-twin 750 Virago was Yamaha's largest wave, starting in 1981. All Viragos have good peak torque and horsepower, with the larger bikes providing solid power all through the band. Early bikes were general purpose, but lacking in fuel tank capacity. custom, low slung and a low Newer built to cruise. All seat height even on bikes are chromed out, have great ergonomics. With the larger bikes (28 inches on the 1 100), small riders should consider Viragos. Yamaha built the Virago with one word in mind: simplicity. Back yard mechanics will find the bike easy to work on and parts widel) available. With so many of them out $1,000 used Virago. Older bikes have there, a it's easy to find a grcal monoshock suspension th.it * 19 YAMAHA 1982 VIRAGO 750 Class: cruiser. Engine: air-cooled 75 degree V-twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 748cc/46cid. Valve Arrangement: SOHC 2. Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: single disc front, drum rear. Weight: 496 lbs. Horsepower: 60. Torque: 46 lb. ft. Variations: 700cc, 920cc. 1000CC. 1063cc. should be upgraded for carrying passengers. Be sure the starter has been replaced, or expect to do it soon. Some Viragos come with an oil "level" light. This should not be confused with an oil pressure light. This light helped earlier Viragos gain an undeserved reputation lor insufficient oil flow to the head. When this light comes on, it is time to add oil, not rebuild the engine. With excellent handling, this is one of the finest road The FZR600 was one of the best selling and best performing bikes ot the 1980s. The bike is powered by the forward angled Genesis engine, which offers good performance across a wide range of r.p.m. The bike is easy to repair and service. Upkeep is inexpensive. Dual headlights on the 1989-90 bikes are well liked and worth the extra margin of safety. Brakes on the 1990 are substantially upgraded. As with other bikes in this class, be cautious. These bikes easily outperform the skills of the average rider. Check insurance first. 1989 FZR600: racing bikes around. 986 YX600 RADIAN: The 600 Radian was constructed from parts bins Yamaha. Their idea was to make a technologically competent motorcycle at an entry level price. The YX600 did the job marvelously. 1 at This is a fun, all of the raked out, purpose bike that is great in city traffic. It chromed up sizzle of other bikes, but with a very well and parts, the bike has staying power for a used bike established engine buyer. 120 = '/lOTORCYCLE Look BOOK for lacks a lot its predecessors, the FZ600 and the FJ600. YAMAHA 1989 (AND LATER) FZR600 Class: sports. Engine: iiquid-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 599cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 406 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 43 74. Ib.ft. (Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.) Sport riders should look for the 1985 FJ11. This bike had great horsepower and low weight. Sports touring riders should look for 1985 FJ: The FJ12 had bigger and better Some newer models have ABS. the 1184cc FJ12, introduced in 1986. brakes, and a taller and larger fairing. The Its FJ is one of the most a great thoroughbred. in. reliable motorcycles capable of 130+ m.p.h. long history and Yamaha's constant attention to refinement makes this The bike is plush and carries two well. The 72.5 engine produces good low r.p.m. torque and high r.p.m. power. cu. YAMAHA 1986 YX600 RADIAN Class: commuter-standard. Engine: air-cooled in-line four 4-stroke. Displacement: 599cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 6-speed. 2. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: iual disc front, drum rear. Weight: 408 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 35 56. Ib.ft. Variations: 1986 to 1990. (Photo courtesy of Corporation. Yamaha Motor I 121 YAMAHA 1985 (AND LATER) FJ1 100 & FJ1200 Class: sports. Engine: air-cooled in-line four 4- stroke. Displacement: 1098cc. Valve Arrangement: DOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 4. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: dual disc front, disc rear. Weight: 553 lbs. Horsepower 102. (Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corporation. USA.) YAMAHA 1985 RZ350 Class: sports. Engine: liquid-cooled twin 2 -stroke. Displacement: 347cc. Valve Arrangement: n/a. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: o-nng chain. Brakes: dual disc front, rear disc. Weight: 329 lbs. Horsepower Torque: 26 122 = 40. lb. ft. •PLETE MCT _E BOOK FJs have good ergonomics. Given the luxurious mounted engine, beefy suspension and economically seat, rubber correct rela- tionship between handlebars, seat and footpegs, the bike can be ridden day without all ated on Two-stroke 1985 RZ350: mand fatigue. Top quality tires are really appreci- this bike. became obsolete street bikes for better air quality in cities increased. But By applying modern technology and give up. they created a clean two-stroke that could slay the size. RZ The as the de- Yamaha did not catalytic converters, many bikes over twice out of the box can do a quarter mile in under 13 seconds, topping out at over 100 m.p.h. Modifications can shave an And entire second off that. live in this best of plenty of inexpensive wheelies all, puppy. Production lasted only two years. Yamaha's RD series is also worthy of consideration. The line 1973 with the RD350, and ended in 1980 with the RD400. There was also an RD250. All were excellent motorcycles. Powerful front disc brakes, stiff reinforced frame and perfect balance were the hallmarks of these bikes. Some would say that the RZ was nothing more than an RD with a radiator. started in DIRT BIKE SPECIALS A great many excellent off-road motorcycles are manufactured in the world. The problem used trail to be, so bike is making is that off-road bikes get abused. much more an a As such, each individual than a used street bike tends recommendation is more difficult. Technology also plays a keen and interesting role in the dirt bike industry. In the 1970s a dirt bike was often nothing more than a street bike with knobby tires, higher fenders and a spark arresting muffler. Today, dirt bikes are highly specialized machines heaped with technology and amalgam. Before you buy a dirt bike, make the riding you are going to do. newest bikes will get and objective evaluation of you are going to compete, only the a serious If you across the finish line with a competitive time. If you are working in the backwoods where reliability is more important than speed, many mechanically sound two-strokes will do the job. Buy accordingly. A simple 1971 Yamaha 17.5 Enduro may fit your Sunday riding needs. If you are looking for a recent year bargain, look for the following: 1990 ktm turer making some of KTM is a small specialized Austrian manufac most proven competition dirt bikes around. We're talking serious mud slinging here. These bikes get trophies. hes< 300E/XC: the I 1 23 \\ in oul oi the crate. Hie E/X( Is are the most popular enduro and the $00 (and its 150 cousin) are the besi of breed. Tins hike comes w itli .ill the requirements tor racing enduros. It mixes solid power and performance with very light weight. An excellent open class machine, special features include lights, spark arrestor, sale stand, White Power suspension, o-ring chain and speedo. You can even trim a tew bikes can bikes, 1990 KTM 300E/XC pounds it you want. Perhaps the best quality of the K M is ns manners. It has an engine \ou can reall) wind up. There's lots of good mid-range power. And even though it is ,\w open-class motorcycle, it is as smooth as a tour stroke, and \er\ cas\ to nde no matter what the terrain. It you are I Class: dirt. Engine: liquid-cooled case reed induction single 2-stroke. Displacement: 297cc. Transmission: 5-speed. Brakes: dtec Weight: 216 Variations: front looking for take Final Drive: chain. & rear. a look a hike with at the k I more low end torque and a snappier response, 250 E/XC supereross. These hikes share the \l same frame. lbs. 1990 through 1992. 1990 ATK 406 CROSS COUNTRY: A Ik is small specialized American manufacturer making some great competition dirt hikes. The 406 is a simple and durable motorcycle. here are \u) radiators, no water pumps ,i (Photo courtesy of KTM Sporfmoforcycte USA.) 124 = I 1990 ATK 406 CROSS COUNTRY Class: dirt/enduro. Engine: air-cooled single reedvalve 2 -stroke. Displacement: 399cc. Transmission: 6-speed. Final Drive: chain. Brakes: disc Weight: 236 Variations: front and rear. lbs. 1990 through 1992. and no hoses to worry about damaging. The air-cooled Rotax engine has no power valves to clean. It does have the excellent ATK patented chain torque eliminator system. This adds up to a simple, enjoyable, low maintenance dirt bike. Special features include lights, spark arrestor, side stand, White Power suspension, nickel-plated 4130 chromemoly steel frame and swingarm, stainless-steel and aluminum exhaust, and o-ring chain. The Cross Country has a large 3.7 gallon fuel tank for avoiding the authorities or the commies, whomever you think are coming first. Note: Also take a look at the 244cc same features (and only weighs 205 pounds. with all of the ATK 250 Cross Country. Even its big brother, the 250 simplicity) of 1987 KAWASAKI KLR650: The KLR650 descends from a fine 600 that was brought into production in 1984. But Kawasaki rethought the entire bike for 1987, and came up with a truly great dual purpose machine. The 600 was hard to kick over, so in 1987 Kawasaki added an electric start. Nineteen eighty-seven also saw the addition of an extra large steel fuel tank (6 gallons), bigger 6 SO engine, fairing, hand guards and big cargo rack. This new version also received a new chassis and long travel suspension. If you are stout, this bike can go anvw here you are brave enough to navigate. It is claimed that the hike- L.\n do 100 m.p.h. Not bad for a trail bike. 1 25 1990 BMW R100GS "PARIS-DAKAR" Class: dual purpose. Engine: air- opposed & oil-cooled twin 4-stroke. Displacement: 980cc. Valve Arrangement: SOHC Transmission: 5-speed. 2. Final Drive: shaft. Brakes: front disc, rear drum. Weight: 443 lbs. Suspension: rear paralever. (Photo courtesy of BMW of North America.) 1990 ( IS bmw rioogs "Paris-Dakar": come technology, ["he referred to as Introduced in I98l, the BMW purpose models have earned their nicknames, sometimes designation has GS UAVs to stand tor cutting edge, dual (urban assault vehicles) or "desert panzers." It surprisingl) nimble on unpaved road and The GS is one of the few dual purpose hikes that truly is as well mannered in sand or on logging roads as it is under good street conditions. It comes fully complemented with engine guards, high rise exhaust, floating front disc brake, tubeless cross-spoke rims and integral handles effortlessl) .\n<.\ is superslab. torsional damper. It can be fitted with hard luggage creating the quintessential adventure machine. Four models have been available: R80 G/S, R80 G/S Paris-Dakar, R GOGS and R100 GS Paris-Dakar (now called the RIOOGS PD due to the trademarking of the Pans-Dakar name by the event organizers). l Research shows owners do about 70% of their riding on paved road. Recent tire improvements have really enhanced the multisurface characteristics of the bike, and purchase of modern dual purpose an older bike should be considered. 126 = ^E BOOK tires for o lore and more of the service and repairs for modern motorcycles must be done by trained service technicians. But there is still a great deal that can be done by an average owner. As long as you have a good set of tools, a service manual and a solid understanding of basic motorcycle mechanics, you can do plenty of maintenance yourself. In fact, maintaining the bike yourself can keep ownership cost low, double or triple the life of your motorcycle and help you develop the skills required for an emergency roadside repair. INDIVIDUAL BIKE REQUIREMENTS Modern motorcycles some basic care and grooming. Older The maintenance that your particular bike four things: design, type of use, amount of use require bikes require even more. requires is a function of and time. Each of these has particular maintenance requirements. affect on your motorcycle's Design Maintenance requirements are often designed mro the motorcycle. goes without much debate It thai a bike with self-ad justing valves requires 127 less valve maintenance than a comparable bike without valves. require more maintenance than is sclt adjusting obvious that smaller engines rack up greater r.p.m.s and It features such as an that body aerodynamic design can dramatically reduce the w ork required engine as well as reduce the need tor maintenance. ot the larger engines. 1 essoin ious is Similarly, an engine design that encourages heat dispensation increase the ot the lite engine may thus reducing maintenance require- oil ments. Type of Use Maintenance requirements are also a Function of how the motorcycle is used. A cruiser lumbering along on open road is under little stress, and its maintenance requirements are quite modest. However, fully loaded and pulling a trailer, the cruiser is under considerable stress, and its maintenance requirements increase. Sports hike riders can tour the outer hanks and piedmont with little concern about additional maintenance. But that same bike canyon blasting through twisting mountain passes putting maximum pressure on drive tram and suspension systems requires additional maintenance. Motorcycle commuters whose daily routes cover freeways and suburban boulevards have low maintenance requirements. That same bike driven in downtown stop and go, high r.p.m., low speed traffic, creating a hot-hot engine and worn brakes requires additional maintenance. Street bike ules w hen owners are advised the bike is are these conditions? and ram); to accelerate the maintenance sched- subjected to severe riding conditions. Exactly I hey are: (2) inordinate!) dust) trips that require excessive ( I ) high humidity conditions conditions; amounts I J) (i.e., what mud stop and go driving; (4) ot stopping and starting of the engine; (5) extreme temperature conditions (either on the hot or the cold side); and, ot course, (h) boulevard drag racing. Amount of Use Motorcycles want to be used and need to be used. If you use your bike a lot, you will naturally perform more maintenance over a given period owner who puts a standard number of miles on his bike each year. However, the owner who rarely rides should perform more maintenance over a given amount of miles than the owner who puts a standard number of miles on his bike each year. This is because bikes age with both time and use! Lack of use is probably harder on a motorcycle than constant use. Without use, contaminants, acids, ozone, of time than the ultraviolet rays, oxygen and other environmental corrosives attack the motorcycle. Mobile environmental hazards, such as insects and rodents, find an idle motorcycle the ideal home. Some of these corrosives and hazards are purged from the motorcycle with use. 128 = Time Everything atrophies. Everything ages. Items such as vinyl accouterments, tank paint, fiberglass shields, rubber gaskets and synthetic hoses age more with time than use. FIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES Standard civilian motorcycles will be on at five basic • Break-in Maintenance Schedule —Manufacturers virtually every piece of the engine the one of the following least maintenance schedules: and drive train. recommended break-in requirements to virtually nothing. How- ever, following a deliberate break-in procedure schedule will ensure that your new — New Used Bike Maintenance Routine Similar to the break-in maintenance schedule, a new used bike (i.e., a used bike you have just purchased) should be taken through the same inspections and fluid changes that a new bike goes through after the first 500 to 800 miles. • and maintenance bike lives a long and prosperous life. • have perfected This has reduced Standard Warranty Maintenance Schedule —To keep a bike under warranty, an owner must perform periodic maintenance at given time or mileage intervals. nance. You must It is not enough to simply do the mainte- be able to prove you performed the maintenance to keep the warranty valid. • Trail Bike Maintenance Schedule — While street bike use sured in miles and months, these metrics have little is mea- relevance to the A street bike engine might propagate 150,000 revolutions A trail bike might consume twice the number of revolutions per hour and cover only five miles. Trail bike maintenance is therefore predicated on hours trail bike. per hour of operation and cover 50 miles. or races, rather than miles or months. • Seasonal Maintenance Schedule — Unless you live in an area with a 12 month riding season, you will be performing special maintenance for the fall, winter and spring. In addition to the above schedules, every motorcycle is on a d.uK preride inspection routine. Motorcycles have no secondary or backup systems make is the in case of a major component failure. It behooves the rider to A prende routine a habit of performing a basic preride inspection. most basic form of maintenance. Ml 1 29 This chapter covers those maintenance routines in the order that \ou are most likely ro perform them: new break-ill maintenance, used break-in maintenance, prende maintenance, standard warranty maintenance, trail hike maintenance and seasonal maintenance. NEW BIKE BREAK-IN MAINTENANCE ROUTINE New and must be "broken rebuilt engines manufacturer. Break-in in," as prescribed by the the process of deliberate riding so that the is anomalies and irregularities of machined parts can be worked out (i.e., Time was when engine break-in was rings to seat, gears to mesh). a major production. Owners were required to restrict r.p.m.s and speeds for thousands of miles before full throttle acceleration could be attempted without risk ot throwing a bearing or busting a few gears. Modern engines built with alloys and not require the Even SO, it is same level of best to err as older, pre-1980s engines. on the side of caution when The Objective of Break-in The good break-in objective ot a modern machining techniques do pampering is it comes to break-in. to allow parts to properly mate. The engine must be considered. The engine needs the valves to seat, rings to seal, bearings to turn true, modern cam bikes the critical parts are the valves. and rings w ere also critical. It piston rings will actually be seated within the cycles or after the is needed only Most new engines have smooth bores coated with high resistant alloys so ring seating down gears, etc. For used to be that piston But piston and ring break-in for cross-hatched cylinders. The cam chains to mate with first full is a thing of the past. first few heat-up/cool- tank of gas has been burned. But this does not mean that you simply take the bike through a couple of warm-up sprints and then go to Daytona. The transmission must be considered, too. You want to let it "settle in." Transmission gears, mate. Some shifters, dog faces and such must mesh and gears are designed so that the teeth are polished and Not enough presand not mesh properly. Too much pressure can create extremely high load areas on the gear imperfections are smoothed out during this period. sure on the gears may cause them teeth, causing breaks or cracks to "glaze" during full throttle acceleration. The Break-in Procedure Read the owner's manual on this one for sure! There will be at least one requirement or caution in the break-in procedure that will surprise you. 130 = - ' The best way to break-in operating conditions. The make sure you vary the make is to get on the Manhattan and back. You want to vary any vehicle is to biggest mistake riders turnpike and do 55 m.p.h. to the r.p.m.s, vary the load, vary the speed and vary the Varying throttle. the engine speed allows the various parts to be "loaded" and "un- loaded." That is, pressures and forces are applied, then reduced, allowing the parts to heat, mate and cool. WOT (wide open throttle) during the break-in period A not only is WOT do apply, however. is good as long as the engine is warm, redline and r.p.m. restrictions (noted in your owner's manual) are observed, and the machine is not continuously operated in full-load conditions. The greatest danger to a new or okay, good! it is rebuilt engine is few restrictions not r.p.m.s; the greatest danger to the engine the engine or exposing the engine to hard load, is lugging low r.p.m. conditions. Lugging puts great pressure on critical areas, particularly the crankshaft. At the same time, the low r.p.m. means less oil is being pumped to those critical pressure areas. Some engines have an r.p.m. limit that should not be exceeded during break-in. For instance, 4,000 r.p.m.s should not be exceeded during the the next first 500 500 miles, 6,000 r.p.m.s should not be exceeded during miles, etc. This is not a problem unless the bike is not equipped with a tachometer. Without a tack, you must figure out the maximum allowable speed for each gear, and then never exceed that speed. As a rule of thumb, stay off the throttle for the first tank of gas. Being too gentle during break-in is just as detrimental as being too Operating the engine at a constant low speed under light load conditions can cause parts to glaze and not seat or mate properly. In severe. addition, oil may not reach engine extremities. Do some city, do some country, do some hills, do some bayou. yourself the opportunity to shift the gears up and transmission will make is what you are really breaking in. down Give a lot since the Varying the throttle a big difference in the seating of the gears. Perhaps the best riding, both for a pleasurable experience, is street motorcycle break-in and as to cruise an old highway. Here you will get you will the city, the country, the burbs and the open stretches. Plus, visit a Much part of America that of this has given boutiques. (Thomas was once way the backbone of a great country. to strip malls, video parlors Jefferson once said, "It is and nail hard to build a nation superpower on an economic foundation of taco joints and through New England, the Blue I recommend Route Ridge Parkway through the South, Route 50 through the mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states, Route 66 through the Midwest and Southwest (the parts you can find), 97 and 16 through British Columbia and Route into a minimarkets.") I 1 along the Pacific Coast. 1 31 1 1 rail rail hikes are totally different animals hikes must go through .1 when comes it to break-in. break-in procedure whenever the piston, piston rings, cylinder, crankshaft or crankshaft bearings arc replaced. While the principles above apply, the actual procedure is different Some trail hikes must he processed through a warm up/cool-down procedure. he actual procedure depends on the hike, but one principle is the same: et the new engine warm up before doing more than moderate speed. Never ride at more than half throttle at first, and avoid 1 I more than Mths 1 oil) wo throttle until fully broken in. Never accelerate hard. strokes often require a lower gasoline:oii fuel mix during break-in. For example, a common (i.e., operating mixture is more 32:1. During break-in, you may run 20: 1, reducing the gasoline and increasoil m the mix to keep the top end well lubricated and avoiding ing the piston seizure. \ t\ pical break In panying table. Opinions about maintenance schedule oil with BMW. I miles to change removes all s.n BMW he .;// presented on the accom- changing during break-in vary widely. Some folks just got to get those peskv soon as possible. Others is it little metal flakes out of the engine as makes no difference. The author concurs 600 factory requires the hikes returned after the fluids except brake) and Doing filters. those flakes after only a few days of riding. this The next required service comes at 4,500 miles for an oil change. BMW further recommends you change the oil every 1,500 to 2,000 miles if you ride in severe conditions. BMW knows what they are doing because they send ever) hike out with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, and they don't have to eat very many. If you want to change the oil one extra time during the the crankcase oil. If first 1,500 miles, feel free to do so. It may help something to he said for that. If in douht, smell you detect a burned smell, change the oil. Oil is marginally, and there is cheaper than rings. NEW USED BIKE MAINTENANCE ROUTINE The used motorcycle you just purchased instantly becomes your new used motorcycle, and deserves special treatment. The Break-In/Maintenance Table shows a new used bike maintenance routine. You will want to perform all of the maintenance noted there for two reasons. The first maintenance schedule. No matter you want to be sure that the bike is on a proper maintenance schedule. You must assume that the previous is to bring the bike what 132 = the previous up to grade on owner its told you, BREAK-IN/MAINTENANCE TABLE Chassis Service Battery Electrolyte Level —Adjust Brake —Change Break-In New Used Maintenance Maintenance Pre-Ride Inspection —Check Brake Fluid Brake Fluid— Inspect Brake Pads/Shoes — Inspect Cables— Lube Clutch—Adjust Clutch Fluid Level—Check Electronics Final — Inspect Bevel Gear Case Chain Final Drive Chain/Belt Fork Oil Forks Oil — Lube Final Drive —Change — Inspect —Change — Inspect —Change — Inspect Fuel Strainer— Service Lights—Check Lights — Replace Fuel Filter Fuel Lines Nuts, Bolts —Tighten — Inspect and Fasteners Spoke Tightness — Inspect —Grease Pressure—Check Tread — Inspect Wheel Bearings— Service Steering Swing Arm Tire Tire Engine Service — Replace —Service Cam Chain—Adjust Carburetors —Adjust Coolant —Change Air Cleaner Air Cleaner Coolant- lir.poot Engine Mounts Engine Oil — Inspect —Change — Inspect — Replace Primary Chaincase Lube— Replace Primary Drive Chain— Lube Engine Oil Engine Oil Filter Level Spark Plugs— Replace Spark Plugs— Service 1 hi lino Adju-.i Transmission Fluid —Change 1 33 owner did nor care one iota for the bike. This might be the case. If it is, some tender loving care. performing the new used bike maintenance the bike might not last long without The second reason is tor to provide peace of mind. By performing this You need through another rigorous inspection. confidently ride it to know your motorcycle intensive maintenance, on the road. If If you will well. take the bike the bike checks out, you can not, the bike will be in great shape to sell. PRERIDE INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ROUTINE In the chapter on safe riding techniques, a great deal of detail is given That detail will not be restated, but riders should be aware that a good preride inspection is a good mechanical inspection. The previous table shows those mechanical inspections that should be performed before hitting the road. Trail riders should pay special attention to the preride inspection. The constant punishment absorbed by the bike jars parts loose. Components can shake loose. Tires can be damaged. Shock seals can burst. Brakes can suffer impact and fail. Everything is more at risk on a trail bike. Failure to perform basic preride checks can result in serious engine damage, severe accident, dismemberment and death. to the preride inspection. STANDARD MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE All motorcycles must have have maintenance requirements. For example, each tires replaced and filters cleaned or changed. must happen is a function of the design of the bike, the size of the engine and how hard the bike is used. The manufacturer's recommended schedule should be followed to keep any warranty valid. If you do not have the schedule, use the generic schedules in this chapter. When its oil changed, this Small Motorcycle Maintenance Small motorcycles (motorcycles under 500cc) put greater demands on chassis, drive train and engine components than do larger motorcycles. In addition, smaller motorcycles are often designed as low cost intro- ductory bikes, meaning they are often made of lesser quality components. Therefore, they must be on a rigorous maintenance schedule. The maintenance schedule for a generic small motorcycle is presented in the accompanying = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 134 table. SMALL MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE Months/1 ,000 Miles 4 Notes Chassis Service Battery Electrolyte Level Brake Fluid Brake Fluid —Change — Inspect Brake Pads/Shoes —Adjust — Lube Clutch—Adjust —Check 1 23 8 45 16 12 20 67 24 28 89 32 36 40 10 O o — Inspect Brakes Cables Clutch Fluid Level—Check —Inspect —Lube Drive Chain/Belt— Inspect Fork —Change Forks— Inspect —Change Fuel Lines— Inspect Electronics Final Drive Chain Final Oil Fuel Filter Fuel Lines — Replace —Service o Fuel Strainer —Check —Replace Lights Lights Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners —Tighten © —Inspect — Inspect Swing Arm—Grease Pressure—Check Tread — Inspect Spoke Tightness Steering Tire Tire Wheel Bearings — Service Engine Service —Replace —Service Cam Chain—Adjust Carburetors—Adjust Coolant —Change Coolant — Inspect Engine Mounts — Inspect Engine —Change Air Cleaner Air Cleaner © © Oil Engine Oil— Inspect Engine Oil Filter — Replace —Replace Spark Plugs —Service —Adjust Spark Plugs © • Timing; Transmission Fluid Notes: O= —Change monthly service © = annual service ©= biannual service © = every 4 years • = each race • = as requrod 1 35 . Large Motorcycle Maintenance The maintenance schedule an engine over SOOcc) (i.e., one with on Large Motorcycle are not appropriate tor some motor- tor a generic large presented is Maintenance. Some services listed motorcycle in the table cycles. Trail Bike Maintenance on a totally different maintenance schedule. Service measured in races raced or hours of operation. The Trail bikes are intervals are maintenance schedule presented in the tor a generic two-stroke motorcycle trail is following chart. Again, some services listed are not appropriate for some trail motorcycles. CHASSIS SERVICE MAINTENANCE NOTES These tables are not without need of explanation. The following notes provide added details about the suggested maintenance. Battery Regular maintenance will extend the life of your battery. Make the following checks: 1 2. Be sure the battery is securely in the battery rack. tight. Loose connections reduce the power and reduce the charge the battery receives. Keep cables and posts free of deposits. A metal brush or shop rag can be used. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can conduct electricity and Be sure the cables are on the battery can deliver 3. 4. drain the battery. 5. Keep the electrolyte at the proper level. acid just touches the •yiPLETE distilled water until the electrolyte should never the battery maintenance-free, you if the top of the is should check the acid level is not sealed. Only use distilled water. (This does not apply maintenance free batteries.) Put a light coating of petroleum jelly over each terminal to prevent this coating each time you remove the battery cables. Keep the battery vent tube open, free of debris and venting away from motorcycle parts, especially the final drive chain. acid from forming. Clean 136 Add The if to 7. hole stem. be so low that battery plates are exposed. Even battery 6. filler MOTORCYCLE BOOK and reapply LARGE MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE Months/1 ,000 Miles 6 Notes Chassis Service —Check Battery Electrolyte Level Brake Fluid Brake Fluid —Change —Check Brake Pads/Shoes —Adjust — Lube Clutch—Adjust 2.5 12 5 18 7.5 24 10 30 12.5 36 15 42 17.5 48 20 54 22.5 60 25 o o — Inspect Brakes Cables Clutch Fluid Level—Check — Inspect — Lube Drive Chain/Belt — Inspect Electronics Rnal Drive Chain Final Gear Case Final Drive —Change Forks — Inspect Fuel —Change Fork Oil —Change Oil Filter — Inspect — Replace Fuel Strainer— Service Lights —Check Lights — Replace Fuel Lines © Fuel Lines Nuts, Bolts © and Fasteners—Tighten Spoke Tightness— Inspect Tire — Inspect —Grease Pressure—Check Tire Tread Steering Swing Arm — Inspect —Service Wheel Bearings Engine Service — Replace —Service Cam Chain—Adjust Air Cleaner Air Cleaner Carburetors- Coolant Coolant 1 Adjust —Change ngin<; M'.uni Engine Oil o Inspect Inspect —Change — Inspect Engine Oil Engine Oil Filter — Replace —Replace © Primary Chaincase Lube Lube Primary Drive Chain- Spark Plugs— Replace © Spark Plugs— Service Timing —Adjust Transmission Ruid Notes: 9 Change O = monthly service © = annual service © = biannual service © = every 4 years O 1 37 — TRAIL BIKE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Notes Every Every Every Meet or 1.5 Hours 2nd Meet or 2.5 Hours 3rd Meet or 3.5 Every Hours 5th 5.5 Meet or Hours Service ter • —Service FMd—Inspect Brake Brake FHjd —Change • • B ake H ose— Repi ace ' Inopod Dratoe • Brates—Replace Cabtoo Inspect Coolant —Change Engine • Mam Bearing—Replace Engine Sprocket— Replace Exhaust Valve Drive —Clean Chain Dnve Chain—Replace Final ' Fork —Inspect .lace Fuel L Fuel Une—Replace Fuel System—Clean Tank—Clean Fuel • • Kick Starr—Grease Muffler—Clean Nuts. Bolts and Fasteners—Tighten P ston—Replace PtetoT R'ngs— Replace RarJator —Service —Replace • • Rackator Coolant Rear Sprocket—Inspect —Replace —Replace Spark Rug—Service Spokes—Inspect Steering— Inspect Pressure—Check Tread—Inspect Transmission —Replace Wheel Beanngs— Service Rear Sprocket Spark • Rug Tire Tire Oil Notes: 138 O = monthly service = © = annual service © = biannual service BOOK © = every 4 years © = each race © = as required about .5% to 1% daily. some motorcycles have electric accessories which continuously draw power. So, even a good battery needs a supplemental charge Batteries self discharge over time at a rate of In addition, every 30 days if left idle. But avoid quick charging the battery. charge can damage the battery plates. it And A quick cease charging a battery if gets hot. Brakes Brake pads and shoes should be replaced when either the lining or pad thickness, measured at the minimum depth, is Vi6th of an inch (2 millimeters) or less. Disc brake systems generally provide a window of pad thickness. Some pads come with markings that show when they need to be replaced. Those without markings need to be measured with a micrometer. Drum brakes often have indicator arrows on the arm connected to the brake cam that shows brake shoe wear. Also, you know you have some sort to allow visual inspection of worn the brake shoes slack taken down dangerously thin by the amount of cable up by brake adjustments drum and handlebar. Other drum dragging on the brake at the worn brakes include hearing shoe pad mounts when the wheel is signs of the rotated and seeing black specks around the brake drum. Brake Fluid Always use the recommended brake fluid. As with any hydraulic system, be extremely careful to prevent dirt or water from contaminating the brake fluid. Brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture. Moisture is detrimental to hydraulic systems. Store the fluid in a sealed container so neither dirt nor water will contaminate the fluid. power Do not substitute steering fluid for brake fluid. Cables Cables can be lubed with a specially designed commercial pressure Lacking such a device, try attaching a funnel (using alumimodeling clay or a plastic sandwich bag) to the cable end. Fill the funnel with a little bit of oil and allow the oil to drain through the oiling tool. num foil, cable over night. Dry graphite is also a good cable lubricant. Exhaust Two agents attack the inside of the exhaust, reducing carbon and its effectiveness: Exhaust carbon build up will reduce engine output. If rust is permitted inside the system, the exhaust pipe, baffles and packing will age rapidly. If you keep the engine tuned and ride the motorcycle enough so water evaporates from the exhaust pipes, neither of these agents should be a problem. rust. MOTORCYCLE MAINTENA'. 139 hat you look tor are signs of leaks w here the muffler connects to \\ Under head and damage to the exterior of the muffler. It there are it the header gaskets appear damaged, replace the gaskets. It am part ot the exhaust system is badly damaged, cracked or the c\ leaks at the head, or rusted, replace the swem. Final Drive Belt Maintenance Small cracks can be welded closed. is no sign that the belt is about They simply haul ott and spin. This situation is, of course, totally debilitating. You do not want to be riding Route 5 up to the 14,260 toot summit ot Mt. Evans when the belt rips. There are only three Belt failure to problematic. Often there is tail. maintenance I tips that nst, belts this, belts may prevent you from being stranded. should be adjusted at the 500 mile break-in mark. After should be adjusted e\er\ 5,000 miles. The belt between Hlths and Vi. inch play (i.e., deflection) when pounds is applied in the center of the top strand. Second, is belt should have a force of sprockets should be inspected for nicks and gouges. 10 It possible, although not very probable, that the sprocket could get spurred b\ road debris. and accelerate I A spur on the sprocket could chew on the fabric belt deterioration. bird, replace the belt at the recommended interval. It's expensive, but well worth the peace ot mind and extra protection. Typically, you do not need a chain to change the sprockets at the same time (as you might with final drive). Final Drive Chain Maintenance Lubricate the chain after each ride rather than just before a ride. This technique has three benefits: First, this gives the lube time to work removes grit and grime. Third, for O-rmg chains, this dissipates water on the chain. The technique is simple. Brush off heavy accumulations of grit. Point the spray into the area between link plates and bushings. This is the area you need to lube. You do not need to lube the roller faces; these faces are designed to contact the sprocket. After the lube sets up, wipe off the excess so it does not collect road kill. Periodically check the alignment and adjustment of the chain. The between the chain is links. Second, not aligned properly wear. Unusual wear is this if the chain or sprocket teeth easy enough to detect. spots where as the rest of the chain is It's dark with show unusual those bright shiny oil and grime. The bright spots suggest misalignment of the chain, sprockets, chain guide and/or swingarm. Bright spots some other also look for the chain rising 140 = may also be suggesting abrasion against part of the motorcycle (like the engine case). on the sprocket. You should Standard chains should be checked every 200 miles for proper tension on a street bike, or before every ride on a dirt bike. A properly tightened chain will have three-quarters to one inch of play (measured in the middle of the bottom chain run) on a street bike. can vary up to two inches. On a monoshock dirt bike, play Battery acid corrosion of the chain is a major problem for cycles that have a battery vent tube discharging near the chain. of acid on a link in modern case hardened chain link will visually motordrop A damage the minutes and destroy the link within 24 hours. Acid will etch grooves into the chain and create black discoloration. Other signs of acid corrosion include flecks of rust or oxidation around the battery, frame or swingarm. Be sure the battery vent tube to is discharging close the ground and away from the chain. Final Drive Only use Chain Lubrication on a chain. Motorcycle Never use heavy oil, low grade products, impure oil, grease, kerosine or used oil. These lubricants will not lubricate the chain effectively and will reduce service life. a high-grade oil of suitable viscosity dealerships sell a variety of these products. Standard chains require different lubes than O-ring chains. Stan- dard chains need lube that will dissipate heat, absorb shock and prevent corrosion. O-rings only require lube that dissipates water. Motorcycle dealers sell lubricants specially designed for use on motorcycle chains. These lubricants are several dollars more expensive per can than household spray lubricants, but only a fraction of a penny more expensive per use. (Do not use lubricant on an O-ring chain that is not designed for this use!) Special motorcycle chain lubricants offer several key properties. First, the lubes are generally formulated with extreme pressure alumi- num complex tives grease containing molybdenum disulfide antiwear addi- that have greater lubricating properties. Second, the lubes penetrate pins and rollers, resist water washout and will not O-rings. Third, the lube stays where you spray damage Motorcycle chain lube has tackiness agents so the lube hangs on the chain, and the spray nozzle is designed to spray on a chain, instead of over a wide swath. Final Drive Gear it. Oil Final drives for shaft drive motorcycles generally require SAE 90 weight hypoid Cold temperature gear riders Lights Check the operation of and dull with use. As a oil that may want all lights is little API rated GL-5 is attention. often used. to run SAF. 80. before each rule. Bulbs become weak safety measure, replace bulbs every two years. Mi 1 41 you replace bulbs yourself, be sure not to touch the glass of the bulb. This can cloud the glass with dirt and oil, and result in premature failure ot high temperature halogen bulbs. It Check \\ ill the headlight adjustment every year. The owner's manual To ha\ e the proper adjustment measurements. properly adjust the headlight on an average large motorcycle, park the motorcycle on a level surface headlight above the twenty-five beam should floor. beam should feet from a wall. With a rider on the bike, the shine straight ahead, approximately 35 inches Or, on open road with a rider on the bike, the low intersect with the road 150 to 200 feet directly ahead. Spokes Broken spokes should be replaced immediately. A extra strain on the remaining spokes and leads to missing spoke puts more spoke failures. Spokes stretch during use, so check the tightness. Standard torque specifications can be found in your motorcycle manual. The wheel may need to be trued number — to make perfectly round — if there are a considerable of loose spokes. Steering & Steering Bearings Steering should be tight but not prevent you from turning the handle- To check bars qukkly. steering tightness, put the motorcycle center stand so that the front wheel lightly to tight. one Check if side. It steering is If is play on its off the ground. Push the handlebar the wheel continues moving, steering the steering the forks at the axle. is is not too too loose by grabbing the lower ends of is felt when pushing back and forth, the too loose. Steering stem bearings should be free of cracks and excessive wear. Suspension Adjustment Motorcycles that place great demands on the suspension generally offer several fork and shock adjustments. There are two basic rules of thumb for suspension adjustments. First, both the front and back suspension should work in harmony. This means that they are set for the same and the same load level. Second, the suspension should be set to work within the first third of suspension travel for normal trip conditions. If the suspension travels more than a third when loaded and on open road, it needs to be adjusted. You need at least two-thirds of the travel for when you hit unexpected hazards like pot holes and opos- riding sums. There is stiffness of an extensive number of ways to adjust the rebound and modern shocks. Fork oil can be changed, fork springs replaced, air pressure setting adjusted, etc. Consult your owner's manual. : 142 ^~E MOTORCYCLE BC Tire Inspection & Inflation Tires should be replaced after suffering a major gash or contusion, or when the tread depth for a rear tire. The is less than 3/32nd's for a front and kind's tire, Always replace the tube when you replace a tubed tire. correct tire inflation for average, fully loaded use will be stamped on the measured in pounds per Use this as a general guide for maximum tire inflation. Solo riding does not require the maximum p.s.i., and you will get a more comfortable ride at a lower inflation (approximately four pounds less than maximum p.s.i.). However, you may need to increase the p.s.i. if you are riding with two passengers, fully loading the bike or pulling a trailer. Under no conditions should you exceed the maximum cold p.s.i. Ask your tire dealer or manufacturer for correct inflation pressures based on your riding needs. square inch side of the tire. This will be (p.s.i.). Wheel Bearings Replace wheel bearings if there is out. A burned out bearing Some- noticeable side-to-side play. times a high pitch whining sound represents a bearing that will eventually seize. Incidences recorded of burned bearings actually catching burning is have been fire. ENGINE SERVICE MAINTENANCE NOTES Air Cleaner Air cleaners come in disposable paper element and reusable plastic foam can be cleaned by applying air pressure from a compressor to the inside of the element. This will force some dirt out of the filter. Never use the air hose on the outside of the element types. Paper element air cleaner filters element, or dirt will be forced deeper into the filter, restrict- ing air flow. Foam elements are cleaned with either soap and hot water, or bath of high flash-point solvent. with foam filter oil, others do Some require that the not. Consult your owner's in a be oiled filter manual for proper foam element care. Coolant Radiator maintenance are two years apart. is often overlooked because the drain intervals However, motorcycles use aluminum and alloys their cooling systems that are highly susceptible to corrosion. ( in onse quently, a 50/SO mix of coolant and distilled water must be maintained. 143 Sonic folks believe that if 50/50 mixture a coolant must be twice as good. This above 60% is 100% good, is not true. Running at straight concentra- actually increases the freeze point of the mixture and remove Heat from the block. Also, at higher concentrations of antifreeze the coolant mixture can jell at low temperature, offering almost no cooling capability. Running a mixture that is less than .•>()".> coolant will not provide the necessary rust and corrosion inhibiting protection. This can result in rapid corrosion of the aluminum tions reduces capability to its radiator. The use of distilled water that can clog the system is Tap water critical. and may rust contains minerals and corrode the aluminum radiator. The common procedure is used antifreeze tor recycling. simple. Drain the system. Recover the system with water. Run the Refill the motorcycle until the engine reaches operating temperature. Drain the s\srem again. Repeat this process until the drained water is colorless. Refill the radiator system with coolant and cap when the engine is distilled water. hot. Hot vapor Do not open the or coolant can escape and burn you. Engine Oil hange your motorcycle's oil at leasl as often as recommended by the manufacturer. It is better to err on the conservative side and change the oil more often. But remember that, from a financial, trade sin plus and en\ ironmental standpoint, it is best to get the maximum use out of each quart of oil. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do ( without. 1 \pcrts say you do not need change. Experts say to change the from our poll of Joe-Backyard to change the filter every other Do filter oil with every oil change. Results mechanics, representing over 2,000,000 miles of driving and twenty rebuilt engines, change the filter every time you change the not substitute a spin-on car filter show that 100% say to oil. for a spin-on motorcycle filter you are sure the filter is rated for motorcycle use. Some car filters have no by-pass valve. On others the by-pass valves are set for greater unless pressures than that of a motorcycle filter. Spark Plugs Spark plugs are cheap, but that does not mean they should be needlessly Most backyard mechanics replace, rather tossed out instead of serviced. than clean, an old plug. This is rarely necessary. Unless the plug dead, the insulation cracked or the electrodes burned away to a is totally shadow of their former selves, cleaning and regapping will restore them. 144 = COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOO^ Spark plug service is a lost art. It involves three steps. First, inspect the plug. Spark plug conditions that indicate problems include: • Wet Black Shine due to worn —This rings, probably a plug fouled from excess is worn worn piston, wrong or loose valves, oil oil ratio or faulty ignition. • —Plug electrodes coated with a dry indicate a mixture that too Glassy Electrode — Plug electrodes covered with a Coated Electrode fuel • black soot rich. is light glassy deposit have overheated. These plugs insulators or eroded electrodes. ature range, the condition too lean, an engine that is may If the plug is may brown, also have cracked of the correct temper- be caused by a fuel mixture that is running too hot, improper ignition timing or poorly seated valves. A normal plug will have a white, yellow, light tan or rusty brown powdery deposit on the electrode. If the plug is fouled, corroded, burned or cracked, you have some other problem on your hands that a new plug is not going to fix. Second, clean the plug electrode. a simple light cleaning of solvent Some shops have Most and a plugs will little (very last for little) a sandblasting tool for cleaning plugs. plug with sharp electrode edges requires ages with light filing. Note that a 25% to 40% less firing voltage than one with rounded electrode edges. Third, gap the plug. A properly gapped plug results in hotter spark, end performance. Fuel economy is also improved. Check the plug gap with a wire feeler gauge. The flat metal feeler gauges used for ignition points and valves will not be as crisper throttle response and better top accurate as a wire gauge. When reinstalling the plug, do not coat the threads with either antiseize compound or oil. This will reduce the thermal transfer through the plug. Gasketed spark plugs are put in finger tight, then turned one quarter turn further, no more. Tapered seat plugs get only an additional sixteenth of a turn after finger tight. Always use the correct heat range plug as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure that the cap is tightly seated to the top of the plug. Transmission Lubricant Most motorcycles use the same oil for the gear This puts an extra burden on the engine oil. box as for the crankcase. Some motorcycles, most notably Harleys, Triumphs and two-strokes, use separate lubrication for transmission and engine. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for these bikes. MOTORCYCLE MAINTENAV 1 45 SEASONAL MAINTENANCE It we all lived in rrnpic.il climates (or cared less about the cold), we might all ride our motorcycles every day. But for the most part, even the most fanatic rider bangs it up tor some part of the year. Any time vou are going to leave the bike in storage you should take it through a proper storage maintenance procedure. This helps prevent corrosion, preserve the battery and reduce gum and varnish build-up in the fuel s\ stem. Therefore, tor the average rider living any place but where there a 12-month riding season, there maintenance to be performed. is Fall is significant fall, winter and spring Maintenance Sometime in the fall you will be forced to put the bike into storage. A good storage maintenance routine can be the difference between a bike th.it is ready to ride and a bike that must be towed to the shop in the spring. It makes the difference between a bike that looks like hell in three years or a bike that shines up showroom pretty when 10 years old. When it comes time each year to put the bike into long term storage, the following steps should be taken: • Detail the Motorcycle — Clean the bike of Cover all plastics, rubber, and preservatives. • Stabilize the Gasoline vinyl all road grit and grime. and metal with waxes, protectants — Gasoline stabilizer is sold at motorcycle and auto retail outlets. The gasoline must be stabilized to prevent gum and varnish from building up in the fuel line and carburetors. Follow the directions on the can. Fill the tank to the stores top with fuel. This reduces the condensation inside the tank that can cause rust. Add the amount of gasoline stabilizer recommended. Purge all fuel from the system if it contains any alcohol. This becomes more important as more metropolitan service areas are required to sell oxygenated fuels (a.k.a. gasohol). These fuels collect water into the fuel system, corroding the gas tank, fuel lines and carburetors. Alternatively, you can drain all gas from the tank and the carburetor float bowls, coat the float bowls with light the tank interior with a rust preventative. much • easier. Change the Oil —There You fall. oil stabilizer and treat seems so Some experts Some say spring big debate over this issue. oil in the spring, some say the fall. Some experts say change the oil in the fall but not the say to change the and is The filter. have noticed that it is the philosophy of this author that you can't change the oil enough. Change the oil in the fall. = will THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 146 Changing the oil may seem like a waste of money, but it is not. The old oil in the engine contains acids. These acids corrode the oil and engine parts when the bike is hot in operation. Changing the oil minimizes the acids Change the Coolant — left in If the engine. a coolant change will come due during storage, change the coolant. This keeps the cooling system Run from and corroding over the winter. rusting the Engine —This may seem surprising to many, but this is a very sound practice. Running the engine after detailing the bike, and changing the coolant enough so that any water that has accumulated in the mufflers has a chance to evaporate. At the same time you need to allow the stabilized gasoline to fill the entire fuel and carburation system. Running the motorcycle adding gas makes stabilizer, changing the after changing the You want sense. oil to run the bike long oil dilutes the acids in the oil lines to the lowest possible level. Add Extra Lubrication to the Cylinders —Once you have run the Pour two tablespoons Use a major brand SAE 30. Install the plugs (but not the caps) and kick the bike over once or twice. This gets extra lubrication to the upper cylinder which prevents rusting. There are also special antirust coatings available for this. Follow the directions on the can. bike for the last time, of fresh engine oil directly Prepare the Battery tion, which the battery is is a in distilled water. remove the spark plugs. into the spark plug ports. —Proper battery storage prevents battery sulfa- major reason motorcycles "eat" batteries. Be sure good shape before storage. Top off each cell with Charge the battery if it is not fully charged. Discon- nect the leads from the motorcycle. Connect a trickle charger. If the bike will be kept in an unheated space, consider storing the battery where it will not suffer freezing temperatures. Batself discharge is minimized if the battery is stored in a cool, dry someplace tery else location. A trickle charger keeps the battery at a given state of charge. does not increase the charge. Unless the battery before storage, the danger of sulfation will charger is still is fully exist even if It charged a trickle used. In addition, during extreme cold the electrolyte can The weaker the charge, the more likely the electrolyte is to expand and crack the battery case. Lubricate and Grease Lube and grease all lubed and greased parts freeze. freeze, — such as the chain, cables, swingarm, exposed unpainted surfaces. etc. Apply a light film of oil to — Get the Tires off the Ground Tires should be inflated to proper the motorcycle is to be stored for any extended period of p.s.i. If MOTORCYCLE MAINTEN 147 rime, securer] support the motorcycle under die frame so that weight is off the tires. Cover the Motorcycle • —Close off the intake and exhaust This prevents moisture from entering the system. It all orifices. also keeps out of the bike, such as rodents and insects. Cover the bike critters with a cover designed for motorcycle storage. Use a material which breaths, such as light canvas. The cover should not promote con- densation. that These steps are over and above standard maintenance and assume vou are also keeping the bike on a regular maintenance schedule. Winter Maintenance It you are a home mechanic and have the perfect time to get you have maximum all a protected repair area, winter of those long is and involved repairs done so riding time the rest of the year. Take a strategic planning perspective. Review the upcoming season's agenda and main- your tires, brakes, valves or other major components need repair, get them done now. If you are not handy with tools, get the bike to a shop during the off season. You will avoid the long spring and summer repair lines. It there are no major repairs to perform, put the bike into storage and forget it. Starting it up periodically can do as much harm as good. tenance schedule. If If you do not have a trickle charger hooked up to the battery, perform a monthly recharge. Charge the battery at a rate (ampere) of Vioth of its capacity. Spring Maintenance Bringing a motorcycle out of storage has as rigorous a maintenance routine as putting it into storage. has not suffered during It still • its The goal you went through a rigorous storage procedure Uncover the Motorcycle • the Battery = : : = _= z — lost — — all ~~e 148 in the fall, you — Remove all of the protective coverings, box intake and the exhaust. The battery should be in top shape, although it some electrolyte during the winter. Fill each cell to the recommended level with distilled water. Recharge the battery. Change the Oil Even without the engine being run, acids were at work breaking down the oil in the sump. Change the oil and filter. Check Air Pressures Air has been leaking from shocks and tires Check may have • to be sure that the bike have some work ahead of you. Perform the following services: especially those covering the air • is winter hibernation. winter. • — Perform Regular Maintenance Keep your bike on its routine maintenance schedule by performing all regular maintenance at this time. • Detail the Bike —All of those protectants, preservatives and waxes have evaporated away by now. Clean and polish the motorcycle again. you did not go through a rigorous storage procedure in the fall, shame on you! Perform the following services in addition to those noted If above: • — Drain the Fuel System Get all of the old fuel out of the system. Drain the carburetor bowls, the fuel lines and the tank. Replenish with fresh slides fuel. If have the carburetor floats, gummed up carburetor rebuild. • Check the Fuel Tank the tank, past the clogged. If — may be in for a —Small flakes of rust can get from you will where jets can become need to clean and seal it. Charge the Battery If there is any life in the battery at all, you through another summer. Top off the cells with water and properly charge the battery to its full state. get • needle valves or throttle to the carburetors the tank has rusted out, the tank before using • for Rust filters, jets, during the winter, you it might distilled — Lube the Cylinders Follow the same procedure performed before Pour two tablespoons of fresh engine oil directly into the spark plug ports. This gets extra oil to the upper cylinder area where it has been missing for months. Although you will not get the benefit of the rust protection, starting the bike after months of sitting only makes matters worse if you do not lube the upper cylinder. storage. • There are several tricks you can use to help lubricate the cylinder. For bikes with a kick start, kick the bike over several times with the ignition off. For bikes without an on/off switch, or for bikes where the ignition and kill switch must be on to turn the bike over, put the bike in second or third gear. Then rock the bike back and forth with the throttle wide open. This will force gas into the cylinder, which also helps lubricate. This technique is quite common at race tracks, and especially important for two-strokes. 149 o I f you remember only three postulates about motorcycle them be the following: • Wear helmet a • Don't drink and drive • Take a motorcycle safety course Postulates, however, details. safety, let The do not tell the whole story; the devil is in the details are in this chapter. This chapter begins with basic information about the physics governing motorcycles. Pre-ride preparation volves all those to stay in one technique for little steps piece. is covered next, which you must perform before you ride if The remaining chapter covers on-bike street, trail and in- you want riding special situations. THE PHYSICS OF RIDING Two-wheel transportation is not intuitively natural. There seems no reason for a motorcycle to be stable in motion when it is unstable while Motorcycles are stable in motion through the observance of several physical principles that govern their operation. These are the principles of gyroscopic forces and of friction. The motorcyclist should standing still. be acquainted with these principles. Violation of these principles often results in 150 some sort of mishap. Gyroscopic Principles Two-wheeled scope is vehicles stay upright through gyroscopic force. A gyro- nothing more than a spinning wheel on a movable axis. The motorcycle's wheels are gyroscopes. Gyroscopes have interesting properties that do not seem to agree common sense. First, a gyroscope will maintain its axis of spin. Once a gyroscope is started spinning, it will resist moving off its original plane. You start the bike upright. The gyroscopic force of the wheels with keeps the bike upright. The faster the spin, the greater the gyroscopic force. The greater Ergo, if the gyroscopic force, the more stable the motorcycle. other forces such as aerodynamics were not at the faster the bike, the Second, if force is more work on the bike, stable the bike. applied to turn the axis of a gyroscope, the gyroscope leans as well as turns. If force is the gyroscope turns as well as leans. This applied to lean the gyroscope, is how motorcycles are turned Try this experiment on a bicycle. Have one person hold the bike up. Another spins the front wheel. A third turns the handlebars left. Note how the wheel wants to lean and twist the bicycle frame to one side. This action can also be demonstrated on a moving motorcycle. If you quickly push the handlebar right (or left), you will have changed the axis slightly. According to gyroscopic principles, the bike will lean and go right (or left). This is why you will often hear this statement in a motorcycle safety course, "Push left, go left. Push right, go right." at speed. Third, gyroscopes want to return to their original axis of spin. Once is removed, the gyro- original plane of spin. This is the force that brings a motorcycle upright coming out of a turn. This is also the leaning or turning force applied to the axis scope will return to you "slow in, its accelerate out." In other words, that keep the bike stable and upright as you go why, in a turn, you reduce the forces As you pull into a turn. out of the turn, you increase the upright forces. Principles of Friction All motorcycle navigation is achieved by controlling the forces at work and riding surface. The critical point is the friction point, or "contact patch," where tire meets road. If not for the contact patch, you would have no leverage to manipulate the gyroscopic forces, no ability to force the bike forward and no ability to bring the bike to on the wheel, tire a stop. The first systematic analyses of the laws of friction were made by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. The French Physicist Charles Coulomb further advanced da Vinci's work in the 1780s. Friction, as defined by Coulomb in classical mechanics theory, is the resistance to motion which occurs when an attempt is made to slide one surface over another, such as a motorcycle tire over a roadway. The amount of 1 51 surface adhesion contact patch is friction, traction or (i.e., the coefficient ot traction rather than grips exceeded, the is side force. Driving force is driving force, braking force and tire: move force used to only applied to the rear wheel. Braking force the motorcycle. Side force is is the bike forward, w and the tire, When the bike is the traction reserve equals ot traction. As forces are applied, the reserve Unused is traction total force that be applied as dictated by the coefficient of traction. called the "traction reserve." and the force applied to slow the force used for turning. een the force applied the difference bet acting on the When over the roadway tire slips it. Three applied forces work on a is "grip") available at the numerically stated as the coefficient of traction. could Unused traction is and no forces are at rest 100% is of the coefficient reduced as traction is consumed for turning, driving and braking. The traction reserve is the margin of safety available to make an emergency maneuver. When the traction reserve is equal to zero, adding any additional side, driving or braking force will cause the tires to slip rather than grip, as in these examples: • When much too acceleration force the coefficient of traction reserve is is applied to the rear wheel, and exceeded, and by definition the traction reduced to zero, you have what is is known in motorcycle vernacular as a "peel out," a "burnout" or "burned rubber." The and smokes, laying down rear tire slips, spins excessively a patch of black rubber on the pavement. • When too a situation spinning much braking force is applied to either wheel, you have known as a "lock-up." The tires in this situation stop all together and slip over the pavement. Again, a patch of black rubber • When too is often laid on the road. much turning force applied, the tires slip out from is low-side or "wipe out." under the motorcycle in a classic In all three situations, however, the rider has lost control of the bike by reducing the traction reserve to zero, or conversely stated, exceeding the coefficient of traction available at the contact patch. The coefficient of traction varies with the design of the tire road surface. Normal approximately amount of road is [200 x = 40 pounds. = rE rORCYCLE street riding This means that on if a good a tire is carrying 200 pounds, on force that can be exerted before the tire loses grip Therefore, the THE 152 1 .0. 1] or 200 pounds. amount of Mud and the tire has a coefficient of the the has a coefficient of about 0.2. force that can be exerted in mud is 200 x 0.2 So, how are the and the principles of friction coefficient of traction related to gyroscopic forces? Well, a motorcycle "steered" like a car with the front tire is never really pointing where you want to go (except at very slow speeds). Motorcycles are turned by leaning. But you could not lean the bike unless you had something to leverage against. What you leverage against is the contact patch. At slow speeds, such as maneuvering out of a parking space, the bike is maneuvered left or right by actually turning the front wheel left or right. This is done since the gyroscopic forces are nonexistent at these speeds. At moderate speeds gyroscopic forces are in full bloom. The bike is down toward the direction desired, rather than by turning the handle bars and pointing the front tire. Riders keep their torso straight up and down to the road, rather than leaning turned by leaning the motorcycle with the motorcycle, so their total weight is never fully applied to make done since only moderate gyroscopic forces are created, and so only moderate leaning forces are required to turn the motorcycle. At normal highway speeds, the bike is maneuvered left or right by leaning the full weight of both the bike and rider toward the direction the turn. This is desired. This applies greater force in response to the greater gyroscopic forces being generated. this is Lean left, go Lean left. right, possible as long as the coefficient of traction the traction reserve not fully is go right. Again, not exceeded, or consumed. At very high (i.e., illegal) speeds, the rider leans the bike to an extreme attitude. The handlebars are turned away from the turn. This is to known as countersteering. In a countersteer, the bike go hard right (or left) but the front direction. This creates a tire is moderate right and rider lean turned toward the opposite (or left) turn. This technique permits the skilled rider, with a motorcycle equipped for this type of turning, to commit the turn at greater speed. An improperly equipped motorcycle attempting this unskilled rider is lucky if on an he does not lose control. STRATEGIC PRERIDE PREPARATION Motorcycle riders make before they with full mount lots the beast knowledge, make of decisions that affect their riding well and kick over. Good decisions, made riding safe and enjoyable. Poor decisions, based on folklore and old wives' tales, The marketplace of ideas every rider needs to do before riding. agonizing. it is make full riding perilous of folklore. Here is and vvh.it 1 83 Get Proper Training Most riders get their training, quite literally, at the school of hard knocks. Training, however, should be under the direction of motorcycle experts. Every motorcycle rider should take a beginning and experi- enced rider satet\ class, taught by a certified riding expert. You can Find the location or such classes from your local motorcycle dealer, insurance agent, community college or police department, [fall else Motorcycle Safety Foundation In a beginning riding class, in Irvine, you tails, call the California. will learn the basics of motorcycle operation and control. Often, small specially designed motorcycles are pro\ ided. A riding course is set up turning and emergency techniques. governing motorcycle material, but more time own use. for you You to try out various stopping, will learn The experienced about the local class covers the laws same spent on the riding course and riders use their is motorcycles. Aside from your courses —they can own commonly over $1,000, \er\ tune safety, there's .mother reason for taking these lower your insurance premiums. With premiums the payback can result in substantial savings. vou purchase a motorcycle, review the training material your rider safety course. Studies show that it is not just new or inexperienced riders who are at high risk, but also those experienced 1 supplied in riders with recently acquired (thus unfamiliar) motorcycles. Helmets Whenever you are on a bike, wear reduce head injuries threefold: and abrasion; tion (2) the a helmet. Studies (1) the hard outer show that helmets shell resists penetra- inner liner absorbs shock; and (3) most helmets offer some form of shield for eye protection. It The debate concerning mandatory helmet use has raged for years. on the conflict between individual freedom and the cost centers society pays for disabilities resulting from motorcycle riders who fail to protect their heads. Those against mandatory helmet laws often claim and hearing, which leads to more accidents, and cause spine and neck injuries. The University of Southern California Hurt Report of 1981 (considered the authoritative source by safety that helmets reduce vision experts) concluded that wearing a helmet does not increase the probability of an accident. Hurt also concludes that wearing a helmet does not reduce vision or hearing, or increase the possibility of neck and spine injury in case of an accident. Although persuasive, the Hurt Report was not conclusive. More American Medical Association in 1992 are conclusive. The findings come from a survey of deaths due to motorcycle-associated accidents in the U.S.A. between 1979 and 1986. The survey found that: recent findings published by Daniel Sosin in the Journal of the THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE 154 BOOK • Motorcycle deaths resulted primarily from head • States with full helmet use laws head • injuries (47% compared change States that their laws from partial to The survey full to partial due to head full resulting from 56%) laws from significant increases in death their to FULL-FACED HELMET injuries had fewer deaths helmet use show injuries. States that change helmet use decreased these deaths. also found that individuals who died in motorcycle accidents had five to six times higher risk of death from a head injury than those who died in other types of motor vehicle accidents. The survey concluded that use of motorcycle helmets decreases the severity of nonfatal head injuries and incidence of fatal head injuries. Helmeted have fewer injuries, have less serious injuries, are less likely to have spine and neck injuries and are less likely to die in a motorcycle accident. The use of helmets was strongly recommended. riders THREE-QUARTER HELMET not to say that a free society should force motorcycle riders to wear helmets. There is a lot of destructive activity out in the populace that costs society far more than motorcycle riders who do not wear This is helmets. Alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse are the classic examples. This only to say that the research implies that wearing a helmet will reduce your injuries if you are in an accident. So, no matter what the laws, is wear a helmet. If it happens that you are a Jeffersonian Constitutionalist and you live in a state with a mandatory helmet law, work for its repeal. The best helmets meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Snell Memorial Foundation and/or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. DOT sets the minimum standards for helmets DOT standards cover impact resistance and sold in the United States. penetration resistance, chin strap strength and available peripheral vision. The Snell foundation was established helmets. At that time there were no DOT in 1969 to certify full-face DOT standards for these helmets. have been broadened and realistic motorcycle hazards. For example, Snell employs a different penetration test than does DOT. Snell also tests the chin bar in full-face helmets. ANSI standards were developed by a committee of representatives from consumer groups, helmet manufacturers, testing organizations and the Department of Defense. The standards they developed, ANSI z90.1, are more stringent than the DOT standards but less demanding than the Snell standards. Helmets come in full-faced, three-quarter, skullcap and motocross varieties. Full-faced and motocross helmets offer the most protection. Since then both and Snell standards updated. Snell testing attempts to simulate more Full-faced helmets have the advantage of incorporating a face shield 155 — SHORTY HELMET and chin bar. Motocross helmets incorporate the chin bai but arc designed to be used with goggles, although motocross helmets with face becoming popular. shields are A properly is snug, but comfortable. Cheek pads your face. There should be no gaps at the temples new helmet will tit much tighter than a helmet that has helmet that should tit fits tightly to or the brow . A Why do you need a snug fit? The won't shake loose while you are riding or if you an accident. Your head and helmet should move as one. been broken answer are in is in, so buy a tight helmet. simple: so it A helmet should a HELMET much pressure on your skull, causing our helmet hot spot, either you need a larger headaches. It helmet or small adjustment needs to be place FULL-FACE MOTOCROSS not exert too "hot spot." These pressure points can be quite painful and cause a a thill \ padding ot is some causing sort — a made to a folded the lining. You might washcloth or soft sponge It is also possible to compress the internal liner spoon very slightly if there is only one small area giving you a problem. Hut di) \cr\ little ot this. Too much adjusting can compromise top ot the helmet. in the with a the integrity of the liner. [elmet si/es are measured several ways: in inches, centimeters, hat 1 size or helmet size. Use the helmet sizing table below to properly fit a helmet. The inch and centimeter measurements are taken around the head one inch .ibove the eyebrows and across the largest portion of the back of the head. Note that different manufacturers use different helmet size systems, so it is best to use head or hat size measurements. But the way to truly know if a helmet fits right is to try it on. The Snell foundation makes the following recommendations: only (1) always use the chin strap; (2) have the helmet inspected if it ever receives severe blow; (3) never wear a helmet tilted back; (4) never ride with i the helmet strapped to the helmet holder; (5) never a projection, damage hang the helmet on such as a bike's sissy bar or rearview mirrors, which will the soft liner; (6) use only warm water and a few drops of mild cleaner to clean the helmet; (7) replace a helmet that has been damaged. Helmets need to be replaced about every two to four years because is compromised through normal use. Replace any helmet that may have been damaged in an accident or through simple abuse (such as falling off your motorcycle the padding wears out and/or shell integrity HELMET SIZE CHART Inches Centimeters Hat Size Helmet Size 156 ~;OOK 20.5 21.25 52 54 6.5 XXS 22 56 6.75 7 XS S 22.75 23.5 24.5 25.25 26 58 60 62 64 66 7.25 M 7.5 L 7.75 8 XL XXL 8.25 XXXL and rolling 120 downhill coming to feet rest under Uncle Phil's Studeba- ker Superhawk). Unseen cracks developing from these small episodes of abuse can compromise the integrity of the helmet. Dressing for the Road The clothes you wear should do four things: (1) protect you from the elements; (2) protect you in a fall; (3) make you more visible; and (4) help you enjoy riding. The following figure shows a well dressed rider. Eye Protection protection. — It is wise to use two or more devices for eye A fairing provides good protection. Adjusted correctly it can send rain and bugs over and around you. However, turbulence behind and bugs to your mouth and eyes. A fullface helmet or a three-quarters helmet with face shield is good protection, but without a fairing or goggles, dirt and insects can still be blown into an eye. Goggles, made with impact-resistant lenses, provide good eye protection, but used alone they do not cover the entire face. Impact the fairing can direct road grit resistant glasses, lacking side protection, are barely than nothing. Jacket and Pants — Despite the season, all adequate but better skin should be covered by abrasion resistant clothing. That means expensive leather or synthetics Denim made for motorcycle riding. offers almost no protection against abrasion. But denim is Sturdy work denim (not fashion denim) not a good substitute. is the best of is what Denim affordable. is available department store. Whatever you wear, the fit should be snug and let you move freely. You want a snug fit so that cool air is not leaking in. You want to move freely so that you can manipulate all of the bike's controls. For this reason, clothing designed for motorcycle riding is a good value for the at your local discount serious rider. It is designed not only to for the motorcycle environment. the arms and fit right, but it also offers features Motorcycle clothing is legs for full protection in the riding position. and adjustments that keep the rain and wind out. materials, and it looks great! It's cut longer in It offers flaps made of the right Some motorcycle clothing has special retroreflective stripes or fabric for night riding. It is These fabrics increase your visibility in daylight, too. that you wear over 70 inches of retroreflective recommended material. One vest with two inch back on each of the best high tech articles of clothing stripes of retroreflective material is a lightweight running front to These vests offer over 100 square inches of reflector and can be worn over any riding apparel. A warm, dry rider is much more alert than a cold, wot one. Therefore, in inclement weather, you need clothing that is wind proof, side. waterproof, visible and insulated. Wind- and waterproofing means not only that the elements will not penetrate the fabric, but also that the 1 57 and waistband prevent wind and rain from you Jo any significant wet weather riding, invest in a rainsnit. These are usually made out of brightly colored PVC plastic or nylon. Not only do rainsuits keep you dry, but their emergency orange or yellow color enhances safety in low visibility weather. zippers, cuffs, collars leaking in. If WELL DRESSED RIDER Leather or abrasionresistant Wind jacket collar protecting Zippered wind flap Long sleeves Waist adjustment Snug fitting cuffs and gloves Deer skin gloves Full leather Heavy over- or the-ankle boots abrasion resistant pants Low 158 iplet :rcycle book heels —Although high tech fabric alternatives are widely Gloves able, I leather. recommend you buy Gloves should fit gloves made out avail- of deer skin or other well and be designed specifically for motor- cycle riding. This means: (1) the stitching will not abrade; (2) the lining will not bunch when the hand is clenching the handle grips; (3) extra leather, studs or other protection devices are strategically placed in the areas most likely to suffer abrasion or impact topside of fingers); and (4) padding is (e.g., knuckles, palms, added to absorb vibration. No gloves should be so bulky that you have trouble operating the controls. Gloves should not contribute to numbness in the fingers or hands, often caused by the glove reducing blood circulation. If you ride in the Yukon, New England or elsewhere in the cold North, you'll need two pairs of one for summer and one for winter riding. Boots must protect your ankles and shins from road or trail debris, from burns caused by contacting the engine or muffler and from rain and cold. Boots should be waterproof with a steel toe and shank. Get lined boots for cold weather riding. The sole should provide some traction even in oily conditions (such as when you stop at a toll booth). The heel should be short so that it does not catch on road debris or the gloves, Boots — motorcycle's footpegs. Stilettos are out, ladies. Packing Loads No matter how short the trip or small the load, pack properly. your bike's rated load capacity, the The tires' Know rated load capacity and how found in your stamped on the side of the tire. These ratings may not be the same. Never exceed the lesser of the two. Be sure to adjust the suspension (if your bike has adjustable suspension) and tire pressure for the extra weight. Properly packing the load will insure that you and the cargo arrive in one piece. It also ensures that a shifting load does not interfere with riding the bike. Load the bike with these rules in mind: to properly secure a load. bike's load capacity can be owner's manual. The load capacity of a Pack bags so that contents cannot tire is shift Put the load as close to the rider as possible. Tank bags are good for this. Keep loads low, such as with saddle bags Maintain the normal weight distribution. Maintain the normal center of gravity. Balance the load. Each side of the bike should carry about the same weight. Let the bike do the work. Backpacks should be secured not the back of the driver. It is better to let to the hike-, the bike carry the load. = SAFE Rl. 159 • Secure the load. Everything and is firmly hold in place. Use bungee cords elastic netting. Take slow the it first time you ride with an extra load. The extra weight can change the handling characteristics of the bike. Increase your margins of safety: ride slower, brake sooner and allow more space between vehicles. Preparing Passengers Most states require that your bike be equipped with a passenger seat to ride two-up. To carry a passenger a long distance, your bike should also have a backrest for the passenger. Inexperienced passengers should be briefed on what to expect, how to ride on the back and how to communicate with the rider. Here are some things passen- and buddy pegs know gers should • before mounting the bike: Passengers should be properly dressed • Do • Hold not mount the bike until instructed by the driver firmly onto the driver's waist, hip or belt on the buddy pegs • Keep both • must be kept away from hot components, the drive chain and wheel spokes • Legs and feet feet Lean with the driver, never more or line up with the driver's. less. A passenger's torso should always • Avoid sudden motions. Even simple arm waving can influence the path of the motorcycle. • The passenger's helmet can be in the way when the driver looks to his blind spots. The driver is more likely to need to check his left blind spot, so the passenger should favor looking over the driver's right shoulder. his his • head head If the driver looks right. If the driver left, the passenger should looks right, the passenger should move move left. Communication with the driver is limited unless you are using an intercom. Work out some rules for communication. This may take a few rides to iron out, but some simple hand signals and an understanding of what is important is sufficient. Do not take a passenger on your bike until you are adept at solo change the riding characteristics of the bike. Passenaway from you, especially large ones. Further, never carry an intoxicated passenger. riding. Passengers gers can also take control of the bike = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 160 Motorcycle Preride 8-Point Inspection less forgiving than cars when something goes wrong. Motorcycles are It is therefore wise to perform a bike safety inspection before each ride. Minor on technical failures can be lethal a motorcycle. Conduct the following 8-point inspection before each ride: • Lights —Operate This includes the low-beam, high-beam, all lights. turn signals, taillight, brake light and running lights. the ignition switch on, be sure to light, • Horn it generally all "idiot" lights means the bulb is When you come on. Mirrors —Adjust the mirrors so you can may show the edge of your Throttle, Clutch weak your bike it. of each lane next to you, as possible. • If flip fails lenses. ineffective, horns that are worthless getting someone's attention. • one blown. Clean any dirty —Sound the horn. Many motorcycles have has one of these, replace If see behind you, and as much When properly adjusted a mirror arm or shoulder. Clean any dirty mirrors. Check the action of the levers and and Brakes — They should operate smoothly. Test the operation of the throttle. Worn throttles may have weak springs that cannot return pedals. the throttle from open to closed. These are euphemistically known good reason. If you have one, don't ride as "suicide" throttles, with until • it's been fixed. —Inspect damage, worn tread and invanails. Do this visually and by lightly running your hand over the surface. Check the air pressure. Inspect wheel rims for damage and loose or broken spokes. Wheels and Tires sive foreign objects • tires for such as glass and — Final Drive Belts and pulleys on belt drives should be checked for wear and missing teeth. Chains should be inspected for proper lubrication and worn links. Sprockets should be checked for worn or missing teeth. • Fluids —Check for gas, oil or other fluid leaks. Leaking fluids may accumulate on the ground or on various components of the motorcycle. • Keep the oil, antifreeze and hydraulic fluids to recommended levels. — Loose Fittings Everything on a bike should be held tightly in place. Anything that might fall off or snag could lead to trouble. Unfamiliar Motorcycle Preride Inspection As noted in previous chapters, motorcycles have varied designs and characteristics, from the • The and what may enhance the skill of one another. For example: rider may detract abilities of seat height may be high, making it difficult for a short legged rider to stop SAFf 1 61 • The distance between the footpegs and seat may the bike difficult for a long legged rider to turn • be short, making and uncomfortable on a long run The handlebars may be high and chopped, making anyone but a 6*4" weightlifter difficult steering for There are many other examples. Therefore, in addition to making you should acquaint yourself with an unfamiliar bike before hitting the road. The last thing you want to discover on the road is that you don't know where a particular control is located. Or that you can't reach it. Or that you don't know how it works. Or that ir takes more strength than you have to operate. Sit on the bike and observe how the controls are laid out. Study the instrumentation and "idiot" lights. Check the location and operation the regular preride inspection, of the horn, high beam switch, turn signals, engine kill button (i.e., compression release and ignition. Note the position and action of any options you may use, such as a CB, intercom, ignition cutoff switch), cruise control or stereo. Find the fuel petcock and discover how to move the petcock to Note the location and action of the front brake lever, clutch lever and rear break pedal. Look for the optional decompression valve lever if you are on a bike with a two-stroke engine. Practice using and adjusting these controls, until you're able to do so without looking. reserve. THE STRATEGY OF ROAD RIDING Understanding the physics of riding properly prepare to ride is is not enough. not enough. It is Knowing how important for riders to be familiar with basic safe riding concepts. all to motorcycle The following have been tried and tested by professionals. They will work for the average rider if properly followed. However, the following strategies cannot make up for an unsafe motorcycle. Nor can the strategies following strategies make up for the stupidity of the rider. It supplement these strategies with a motorcycle safety course! is best to The SIPDE Technique SIPDE is the acronym is for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. SIPDE the mental process suggested by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for making judgments and taking action when riding a motorcycle. Scan Always be looking. Your eyes should follow a standard threepoint rotation checking mirrors, controls and ahead. Your eyes should constantly patrol all areas for potential hazards and opportunities. — THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 162 Scan your rearview mirrors often. Check your mirrors whenever is the potential for changing speed or lane position. When coming there to a stop always scan your mirrors for a driver who may not recognize you are slowing. Most riders look ahead to where they will be in four or five seconds. is known as your "visual lead." But a four or five second visual lead is not enough. Take a defensive posture and increase your This distance 12 or 15 seconds. If, due to twists and bends in the road, you cannot see 12 seconds ahead, slow down. Increase your visual lead in situations that offer few escape routes or present added hazards. Scan ahead for approaching opportunities, too. Opportunities invisual lead to clude areas to pass (or to buy gas. let Monitoring your are not isolated. people pass you), rest and, in isolated areas, fuel supply can be crucial, even in areas that Some motorcycles have less than 100 miles range. When you are in the boondocks, start thinking about gas whenever your tank goes below half full. —Identify the situation ahead. Does Identify or an opportunity? The Motorcycle it represent a hazard Safety Foundation recommends dividing these hazards into three categories: other vehicles sharing the road, pedestrians and animals and stationary objects. Each category presents its own unique challenges to the motorcyclist. —Anticipate the hazard or opportunity. What Predict is the situa- when you come to it? Predict what might happen and visualize escape routes. Decide Select a course of action from the available alternatives. Actions include communicating your presence, adjusting your speed, adjusting your course or some combination of the three. These actions are limited by road conditions, the condition of the bike and your skill level. Execute Do it. Take the action necessary to avoid the potential hazard. In general, responding to a potential hazard means creating a larger "envelope of safety" around your motorcycle, increasing your visual lead and scanning behind you more often. The "envelope of safety" is the space between you and all vehicles around you. Normal driving conditions require a 2-3 second following distance. This "envelope of safety" should be expanded to 4-5 seconds when following large vehicles, and to at least 6 seconds if the roads are wet. Avoid situations where you find yourself surrounded by truck traffic. Yield to road hogs, hot heads, youth gone wild, blue hairs and other drivers who put you in jeopardy. tion going to be like — — Accelerating and Shifting In physics, acceleration time. axis. Torque is is the rate of change of velocity with respect to defined as the force that produces rotation about an Thus, engine torque is the measurement of the power that creates SAFE Rl. 163 and peak torque levels at keep the engine operating in the useful torque range. You must have a "feel" for the torque curve of the motorcycle for efficient mk\ effective accelerating and shifting. acceleration. Engines achieve different useful different r.p.m. Shitting is how you Acceleration from a dead stop requires coordinating the transfer of power from the engine, through the clutch, to the drive train and rear Too much engine (i.e., excessive throttle) with too much clutch may cause the hike to jump or the rear tire to spin out. Too much engine wheel. w ith too much little clutch will burn out the clutch. clutch will ver\ hard kill Too engine with too little the engine. Incorrect acceleration of on the engine and drive train. any type is Control the flow of power by balancing the engine's r.p.m.s with the degree to which the clutch is engaged. Keep the throttle even, increasing the throttle as the clutch engages. In general, vmi want to shift so that you keep the engine's speed high on the ascending side of the torque curve. This "sweet spot." This is where there both lower and higher r.p.m.s. If is a is the engine's good deal of available power you are running at at an engine speed where you still have power for powering out of a had situation, but also have power if vou lose a thousand r.p.m. or two, you are running in the engine's "sweet spot." Everyone has own their Upshifting too early (i.e., idea of at too low when to shift a rare of r.p.m.) up and down. "lugs" the engine and contributes to overheated valves. Upshifting too late wastes fuel. Upshifting way too late can cause major engine damage (e.g., thrown rods, scored bearings, busted gear teeth) if r.p.m.s reach redline. Within these guidelines rests most of the tachometer and torque curve, so should never commit these Downshifting action tle as to a is different. you is a bit trickier than upshifting When you sins. because the throttle downshifting, you actually increase the throt- and engine power surge can cause mass engines (mostly older European release the clutch so not to subject the drive train power surge from massive bearing failure and American bikes). the rear wheel. This in large It is for this reason that downshift points are at lower r.p.m.s than upshift points. For example, you might upshift into fifth at 3,000 r.p.m., but downshift out of fifth at 2,000 r.p.m. Cornering and Curves Cornering and handling curves takes a great deal of experience. Curves are inherently more dangerous because: (1) the roadway is often obscured; (2) the chosen path through the turn limits escape options; and (3) some traction reserve that would be available for braking or accelerating in a straightaway THE COMPL 164 ". TORCYCLE BOOK is being used for turning. It is therefore important to learn proper cornering technique before plowing into a hairpin curve at high speed. Cornering is line (a.k.a route) deceptively complex. Decide as soon as possible the you will take through the curve. Then "set up" the turn by taking the best position from which to attack the curve. Setting moving the bike to the right side of the lane on a and the left side of the lane on a right-hand turn. This gives the best view of what is ahead and puts you at the best angle from which to assault the curve. Once in the turn, always look ahead to where you want to go. This is known as "looking through the turn." A good rule of thumb is: slow in, accelerate out. Reduce your speed before going into the turn. Gradually accelerate as you come out of the up a turn involves left-hand turn, can destabilize the motorcycle. Another good rule of thumb is: start wide, go in close, come out wide. As you go into the turn start on the outside of the curve, or "wide." Lean the motorcycle inside, bringing the bike "close" to the apex of the turn. Exit the turn by moving to the outside and accelerating. Remember to lean. Motorcycles are cornered primarily by leaning, not steering. Push right, lean right, go right. Push left, lean left, go left. The tighter the turn or the faster your speed, the more you must lean. Lean your entire body with the motorcycle in a fast turn. Lean only the motorcycle in slow turns, keeping your body upright. One of the most common errors riders make is giving up on a turn too early. Modern motorcycle tires offer a tremendous amount of cornering capability. Usually you will be scraping a footpeg before you have the bike leaning beyond the traction reserve of the tires. In other words, if you find that you have taken a turn much too fast, hang in there and lean the bike harder. Push the tires to the limits of the bike's capability and the limits of your skill. You will find that trusting the technology can get you out of bad situations. Of course, you must later reconsider how you got into a bad situation in the first place, and avoid making that mistake again. A quick series of two or three turns in order to avoid an impediment or hazard is called a "swerve." For example, push hard right, go hard right. Then quickly push hard left, and go hard left. Swerving is a good skill to learn since this is how you avoid many sudden road hazards. turn. Deceleration while in the turn Braking You will often hear says, heroic stories of the dare devil motorcyclist "Car pulled out in front of me so I had to put it who down!" These riders are talking about putting the entire side of the motorcycle down on the pavement to stop the bike before it collides with a car. They often command a good deal of folk hero status among motorcycle buffs and groupies, but in fact these guys are dimwits. Think about it. What is SAF! 1 65 going to stop faster? Metal on asphalt or rubber on asphalt? Rubber will win out every time. Straight-line stopping using good braking techniques will slow the bike faster and bring distance than any other technique. it to a stop in a shorter Anyone who "puts the bike down" whatever they hit needlessly or at greater speed than if they simply kept the bike up and applied good braking technique. Slowing the bike is accomplished by increasing the drag on the front and rear wheel. Drag can be increased by allowing the engine's natural drag to transfer to the rear wheel (through deceleration and downshifting) and by applying the front and rear brakes. Engine drag is best used when only moderate slowing is required or on long downhills where the brakes can overheat. Four-stroke engines are not harmed by this action. Two-strokes, however, should only be used in this manner for very short periods if not equipped with a decompression valve. There is international disagreement about how to brake in an emergency. Some countries teach that you apply the rear brake first to stretch and lower the suspension. The U.S. method is to apply the front brake just a quarter count before the rear wheel. Slowly reduce pressure as you come to a stop. The direction of force when braking increases front tire grip, so the front brake has about 70% of the total stopping hits power of the motorcycle. Don't lock up either wheel. Locking a wheel can be a major emergency on a motorcycle. The proper reaction to a front wheel lockup is totally different from a rear wheel lockup. Locking the front wheel reduces the bike's navigation capacity to zero. If the front wheel locks, and re-engage the brake quickly and repeatedly. A rear wheel lockup is more common and not nearly as dangerous as it may seem. The tail of the bike will fishtail left and right when the rear tire is locked. Ride it out. A firm grip on the handlebars will allow you to keep the bike under control and in a straight line. Do not release the rear brake! Releasing the rear brake frees the rear wheel to roll. The instantly disengage rear wheel will roll in the direction most likely is not in the same it faces, which, during direction as the front wheel. fishtailing, The bike will jackknife, sending the motorcycle end-over-end. Locking a wheel is is more common in a turn since less traction reserve available for stopping. There are also fewer opportunities to corrective action while turning, so a lockup is make extremely dangerous. Be when braking during a turn. Avoid braking while swerving. Brake immediately before and after a swerve. Braking with only the rear wheel may be necessary under certain cautious conditions. For example, the front brake when = may when the front wheel not straight, applying cause the front wheel to skid. Another example loose gravel covers the road but THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 166 is you must slow rapidly. is Braking Distance MPH ^^^^^V Reaction 0.5 Sec. "^^^^r 20 Distance 15 ^^^k_ Distance 21 Reaction 0.5 Sec. *^^^^r 30 + Ft. Distance Reactbn 50 0. 5 Sec. Distance 36.5 Braking + Ft. 3. Reactbn 0. 20 • • 40 • Total Breaking Distance 60 in 80 • • Sec. 2. Distance 43 Reaction 0. 5 Sec. 65 Braking 2.6 + Ft. Ft. 100 • Braking + 120 Ft. 106 140 • Ft. 3.8 Sec. 3. —^"l^ ^^^^r 9 Sec. Distance 172 • Ft. 3.1 Sec. 9C. Distance 76.5 "^^^^" 5 Sec. Ft. 2.5 Sec. Ft. ^^T^k 3 Sec. Distance 44 Braking Sec. .9 36 Distance 29.5 Distance 114.5 Ft. 60 1 Ft. + 22 Ft. _^^^^w_ "^^^^r 40 Total Braking 1.4 Sec. 160 Ft. • 180 • 200 • 151 Ft. AA Sec. 216 Ft. 220 .240 Feet Motorcycle <«b^^» Legend Wet road conditions can increase braking distances 300%, as on the chart. Water on the road reduces the coefficient of traction, so you cannot apply your brakes as hard as when the surface is dry. Water also increases braking distances if the water gets on the brake pads. Just as there is less friction on a wet road, there is less friction on a wet brake rotor. Water can be purged from the disc by BRAKING DISTANCE illustrated periodically applying the brake delicately. Lane Positioning Traffic lanes are about 12 feet wide. the lane and is From a motorcyclist's perspective, divided into three sections each four feet wide: left, middle The following illustrates these sections. The middle third is meaty third of the roadway generally designated by an oil slick right. that created by years of dripping fluids from passing vehicles. There Some is some debate about say that, left third. all lane positioning among the experts. things being equal, a motorcyclist should ride in the Others advocate riding in the middle third just left of the oil SAFE Ri: 167 slick. But there is agreement that a rider should keep to the left when given a choice. There are many reasons for riding on the left, whether in the middle left third of the lane, or left of the middle in the middle third of the lane. First, this is where you can see the most. Second, this is where you can most easily be seen. Third, this offers you the greatest number of avenues for escape since you have paved areas to both your left and right. Fourth, this is where you have the most time to react to hazards (such as bicyclists or small, yappy black dogs) coming from either curb. of the But you will not always ride the left position to set up You will move from something up the road that another driver see you or avoid a in the left position. a turn, view represents a potential hazard, let hazard. For example, a car driver entering from the right may not notice you behind a van. If you can make yourself known to the car driver by moving right for a brief period, do so. Or, if an oncoming Freightliner is plowing a huge wake of wind, you can avoid the worst of the blast by moving right. Respect, but do not fear the oil slick. Dangerous oil buildup is rare. In dry weather, the slick itself provides sufficient traction and can be ridden on safely in most instances. Significant oil and grease accumulations occur where traffic stops, such as at intersections and toll booths. Be extremely cautious at toll booths! Often large, deep lakes of oil can be seen. The oil slick is also wide, virtually the entire width of the lane. When stopping to pay the toll, you may not find the traction you expect when you put your foot THREE LANE SECTIONS mm « »* ^^ THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 168 .o' w ."-0 &VV% down. away slowly and cautiously. find that the tires have received a coating of oil and do not When you You may leave the booth, drive grip as well as they should. with oil and do You may also find that your soles are coated not grip the footpegs or road surface well. Passing Passing is in the left a four-step procedure. First, establish your pre-pass position third of the lane, scan in front and check your rearview mirror. Second, identify a good passing opportunity. Third, when the opportuyour intentions, check your mirror and left blind spot, nity arises, signal PASSING PASSING LOW-SPEED INITIAL SPEED, 20 MPH LIMITING SPEED, 35 TOTAL PASSING DISTANCE, 382 FEET TOTAL PASSING TIME, 8.2 SECONDS 40 [ZIP55 , c3d =t "1-40 CONSTANT 20 MPH MPH n.*\ ft. TRUCK PASSING HIGH-SPEED INITIAL SPEED. 50 MPH LIMITING SPEED. 80 MPH TOTAL PASSING DISTANCE, 1095 FEET TOTAL PASSING TIME, 12 SECONDS « 100 ft. ! CDLTJ55 CUE !— CONSTANT 50 MPH 100 ft — ft. TRUCK Center LaneTruck CZD3 Motorcycle Legend SAFE Ri. 169 mow and into the middle ot the left after passing the vehicle, signal right, lane while accelerating. Fourth, check your right blind spot and return the original lane. Not all motorcycles are capable ot passing at high speeds. Some The smaller motorcycles are not capable ot even low speed passing. Passing figure illustrates the distances covered tor both low speed pass. For this example, a high speed pass is a high speed and defined as a pass where the initial speed is 50 m.p.h. and the terminal speed is 80 m.p.h. How your motorcycle performs depends on many things, such as your motorcycle's ability to go from 50 m.p.h. to 80 m.p.h. But, for the purposes ot this example, assuming an average 350CC motorcycle, and an average passing speed of 65 m.p.h., a high speed pass will cover about 1, 100 teet and require about 12 seconds to complete. A low speed pass is defined as a pass where the initial speed is 20 m.p.h. and the terminal speed is 35 m.p.h. Assuming that the motorcycle is a typical 12 vv bike, a low speed pass covers about 400 feet and takes about 8 Seconds to execute. W hen passing or being passed, there turbulence being plowed by many is generally a large wake of air large vehicles. This turbulence is strong enough to push even small cars out of the lane. Anticipate the w.ike. ADVERSE RIDING CONDITIONS Motorcyclists face A full list is many more adverse riding conditions than motorists. impossible to compile, but night riding, inclement weather, long downhills, intersections, older drivers, and animals represent six unique situations for the motorcyclist. The general rules about adverse riding conditions apply to risk. • These any situation that represents increased riding are: Reduce speed • Expand • Increase your visual lead the envelope of safety Above and beyond these general rules, here are some suggestions for handling the dark, the storms, the long inclined plane, intersections, blue hairs and Rover. Night Riding Night riding The = is the most enjoyable riding around. There is less traffic. The air seems cleaner, more aromatic. The sights are glorious. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 170 sounds are thick and sensuous. You make better time. But night riding offers four additional risks not present during the daytime: First, and most obvious, you can see less due to reduced natural light. Contrasts are less obvious, making road debris and other hazards difficult if not impossible to see. Even with your headlight, your ability to see is cut by up to 50%. Second, your visual lead is in front of the motorcycle. It cut. is Headlights illuminate about 220 feet very easy to override the visual lead provided by your headlight. Under prefect conditions going 60 m.p.h., you need 220 feet to stop. Anything beyond 220 feet will not be visible have enough time to react instantly SIPDE. Third, it is easy for an oncoming driver to lose your headlight or tail lamp among the other night lights. So, you do not want to rely solely on your lights to make yourself visible and obvious to other drivers. Always ride with brightly colored and retroreflective clothing at night. Finally, there are other hazards at night. More fatigued drivers are on the road. More drunk drivers are on the road. Road grime on fairings and goggles can make seeing into lights more difficult. The list goes on. to you. This means that you will just barely should an emergency situation develop, if you Inclement Weather Rain, wind and cold weather present unique hazards to the motorcyas noted below: Rain Rain reduces the traction coefficient of the road surface, tripling braking distances. The first few minutes of a rain storm are the most dangerous. Rain lifts and spreads road oil. Until this oil is washed away, the entire road surface is one massive oil slick. Rain makes markings painted on the road as slick as ice. It makes railroad tracks, which are a trick to cross in good weather, as slick as wet painted roadway markings. Periodically check your brakes in wet weather. This clist, — means after lightly applying them to be sure they still grip. going through a large puddle or stream. — Sudden wind, Wind toss a like the air blast motorcycle from side-to-side. A Do this especially from an oncoming truck, can can put you really strong blast in the ditch! Cold — Cold weather also creates surface hazards. Bridge surfaces often collect moisture that freezes before roadway surfaces. But perhaps the greatest danger of rain, wind and cold weather is hypothermia. Hypothermia is the condition when human body temperature drops so low the body can no longer warm itself. Hypothermia the loss of coordination. Conditions need not be extreme for hypothermia to develop. The same air that is insidious. It quickly results in cools the engine also cools your body. This cooling effect of air passing over a warm body, whether the body be an engine or a human, is called SAFE Ri: 171 : WIND CHILL CHART Actual Thermometer Reading Fahrenheit 50 30 35 40 20 25 15 5 10 10 Wind Speed Equivalent Temperature Fahrenheit "Wind Chill Factor" (m.p.h.) calm 50 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 48 37 30 27 20 16 10 6 20 16 10 -5 -10 -18 10 15 36 22 15 9 20 32 18 10 4 25 30 16 10 30 28 13 5 35 27 11 5 40 26 10 Wind speeds greater than 40 m.p.h. have little added effect Lrttle danger -2 5 -5 -9 4 -10 -15 -5 -15 -20 -10 -18 -15 -30 -21 ." -33 -36 40 -45 -39 -45 -53 -29 -35 -44 -50 -59 -40 -48 -55 -63 -4 -10 -20 -30 -35 -40 -49 -60 -67 -6 -15 -21 -30 -37 -45 -53 -60 -69 for property Increasing danger clothed nder chill." Wind chill is by wind and cold. There is iikI -10 -15 -33 —exposed within "u -5 -10 flesh may freeze one minute. one measurement of the danger represented between wind chill and a direct relationship hypothermia. Unhealthy wind chill conditions increase the chance of a from hypothermia. rider suffering The chart above shows the wind chill speed and temperature. For example, speed of 40 m.p.h., the wind your body still is in 26°F. If you do any suit Wet weather air same is rate significant cold 26°. This it would pockets for insulation. ing properties of the clothing is that chill. Water conducts Most cold weather clothing relies on exacerbates wind air. means lose standing weather riding, consider designed to protect from wind heat 25 times faster than trapped riding in 50°F weather at a equivalent chill losing heat riding at the buying a riding equivalents for a given wind when chill If lost conditions. water replaces the air, the insulatis conducted rapidly from and heat the body. Long Downhills Long and/or under these grades. expressed steep grades present hazards to motorcycles operating load conditions. Roadside warning diamonds often full in The warning diamond THE 172 : is falling. 0TORCYCLE BOOK you two things: the grade, percent and the length of the grade. The grade percent on slope tells mark A 5% the warning grade diamond falls five feet for tells you how fast the every 100 feet you drive. Grades 5% are generally not freeways, unless the grade like is than less extremely steep, grades greater that falls 10 is marked on well designed roads extremely long. feet for every- 100 feet A 10% you grade, which drive. DOWNGRADE SIGN Roads with 10% can feel unnatural to drive, such as the famous San Francisco, some of which have grades that exceed 20%. These factors create the potential for building up excessive speed. Controlling this speed can cause excessive heat to build-up in the brakes. When overheated, brake pads and shoes can fade, losing their ability to slow the motorcycle. Severely overheated brakes can fail totally. To reduce the chance of brake fading or failure, use engine drag on long downhills to slow the motorcycle. Shifting to third or lower and periodically braking should be enough to control your motorcycle's speed. In a brake fading emergency caused by overheating, pump the brakes to regain braking power. Pumping the brakes helps to cool the brakes while still slowing the motorcycle. Fading brakes often recover if cooled. Brakes that have totally failed will not recover by pumping since total failure is usually due to the pad or shoe coming unglued. If your brakes have failed, try downshifting further. If the bike has an streets of engine "kill" switch, turn the switch off to increase engine drag. In a worse case scenario, many mountain roads have run away truck ramps you can use. However, these ramps are often filled with gravel. Gravel that is good for stopping trucks, but crummy for stopping motorcycles. Intersections Sixty-six percent of accidents involving motorcycles colliding with other vehicles are the fault of the other vehicles. Car drivers contribute 10% to another of motorcycle accidents by unintentionally forcing a motorcycle out of its lane. Intersections are where most of this action takes place. The most common car/motorcycle accidents happen intersections where a car turns "T-boning" in left in front of a motorcycle motorcyclist vernacular). As the more at in-town (known as vulnerable, a motorcyclist must pay special attention at intersections and in situations when you! and cars are turning or changing lanes. Be sure the other drivers see Wear bright clothes, run with the high select a lane position beam on during where other drivers can daylight see you. Blue Hairs and Q-tips We will all be old and gray someday. Lord help us to meet the challenges of old age with grace and dignity. But the reality of the older driver is Older eyes have a difficult time focusing and adjusting from near far. For example, it takes older eyes an extra second after scanning this: to and interpret road conditions near and then road the distance. It also takes an older driver an extra second the speedometer to see conditions in 1 73 ro interpret the scene when scanning from one side to the other. These second delays, along with reduced physical reaction capabilities, make older drivers more dangerous to the motorcycle rider. Watch for older Give them a wide berth and pleasant smile. Help them along in a courteous manner. Treat them with the respect any tribal drivers. their way elder deserves. them know And, as with any other driver, when they mess up, let it. Animals of Field and Air Animals represent panic when a unique problem to the motorcyclist. Some animals they hear your motorcycle and run into your path. At night, some animals become hypnotized by headlights and will not move out of your path. Some animals are attracted to the motorcycle, such as dogs. If asmall animal human life, hit a larger it is is in vour path, and you cannot avoid better to hit the small animal. animal, such as deer, moose, cow it without endangering However, it can be fatal to or water buffalo. number and disquieting temperament. Some dogs simply must attack any two-wheeled vehicle. It's a karma thing, their purpose in life. The best stratagem is to feint and throttle. Go slowly and steer slightly toward the animal, changing the dog's line of attack away from your intended course of travel. As you reach the perpetrator, turn and speed away. Do not attempt to kick or strike an animal that is threatening you. This is quite dangerous. Not only might the animal inflict some harm to your arm or leg, you may lose control of the motorcycle. It is also bad public relations. Citizens have a low enough opinion of motorcyDogs clists are of special concern given their large without believing that motorcyclists are out to (or Flipper or kill Benji or Lassie Bambi). TOURING AND GROUP RIDING TECHNIQUES Motorcycle touring along the back routes and old highways is a great land and its people. Motorcycle touring is nothing like car touring. Motorcycle touring is a vastly more rich and robust experience. On a motorcycle, you experience the land and environment. way to get to know a You see much more of separated from the land it. You feel —cramped, and smell it. In a car, you are enclosed and isolated from the outside world. Touring Planning and preparation are key to any motorcycling situation. If you have a destination in mind, establish a detailed route plan and timetable. = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 1 74 Your route plan should include important road markers before, at and will not only help you know where to you know when you have gone too far. Your timetable should include planned rest stops, gas stops and breaks for roadside attractions. The timetable should also take daylight hours after important junctions. This turn in advance, it into consideration. will help If the roads are poorly maintained or the weather you may want to avoid driving at night. Even if you have not planned a destination or picked a route, you still must plan for the conditions you expect to encounter. In some outland areas the weather can change in a matter of minutes from threatening, sunshine to rain, fog or blizzard. If severe conditions are possible, take along provisions that would be necessary if you get stranded, such as blankets and food. Do not drive when when driving in new To stay fresh, take a Part of your plan should be to start out fresh. tired or fatigued. territory. To start You must out be alert and observant pack the night before. fresh, 15-minute off-the-bike break every two hours or whenever you gas up. Many people plan too much riding on their trips. We have all heard about the "Iron Butt" awards for guys who try to go 1,000 miles in a day. It is hard on the body and spirit to average over 45 m.p.h when touring, unless you are on interstate highways the entire way. But even on the interstates it is hard to average more than 55 m.p.h. Plan accordingly. Group Riding Touring is even more fun in a group. When touring in a group, stagger your riding position, as shown in the next figure. The first rider leads the group by riding in the left section of the lane. The second rider takes the right section of the lane. The third rider rides in the left section again, providing a two second riding cushion between himself and the first rider. This staggered technique does two things. in single file, it allows the riders without the riders in First, the back to see in the front totally compared farther up to riding the road obstructing the view. Second, compared to riding two abreast, this technique provides each rider with the most area for emergency maneuvers. Never bunch up. Never ride two abreast. Always leave yourself and the other guy a full lane to use if an obstacle or hazard must be avoided. This has special significance when passing other vehicles. staggered formation, the lead motorcycle should be about When in the two seconds riding time behind the vehicle to be passed. After the lead rider passes, move up one position in the were on the outside of the lane (in the right the riders behind the vehicle he just passed riding formation. Bikes that third of the lane) now move over to the inside of the lane (the left third) 175 ' STAGGERED RIDING „•.'„•<•» II/ • • .'• „' ? It" ° O ," „' - » ° I t „ • » ,' • .. O *-2 SECONDS-* — 2 SECONDSv 'o «.• '»°.-^:;.^:/^j '»'.:.-:.:,i.eA'».». .«' a -.b-:;:^:^.»:.-..o «°:;;;.;vi;;W. .° V :.;,:> >:°. -.»,,•''" Motorcycle Legend move outside. The new lead bike establishes a two seconds behind the vehicle to be passed, and makes his pass when safely possible. As he falls in behind the first rider, he takes and the inside riders position proper group riding position sion continues until It is pass. critical to treat in the right third of the lane. This proces- have passed the vehicle. riders all any motorcycle like any other vehicle you might Do not assume that the motorcycle rider you are passing sees you. Never pass him on the right third of the lane. TRAIL RIDING STRATEGIES Trail riding requires all of the Here are some pointers skills that street riding requires, and more. for trail riding. Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape obvious that the bike should be in top shape with no questionable running characteristics or weak links. Breaking down along the AlCan It is highway or deep forever. And when your in the Sierras may mean abandoning the bike . . . nothing destroys your buddy's Saturday fun more than bike breaks Trail bikes require since they are subject down. much more attention to maintenance and to so much more punishment than street repair bikes. (Hard ridden bikes need engine rebuilds and suspension rebuilds after only a half dozen races.) Do not wait for the bike to show signs of = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 1 76 Clock your hours trail riding and replace or repair parts accordingly. Since you will never be any better rider or any safer rider than the bike allows, always keep the bike in top shape. fatigue, failure or wear. Keep Your Body It in Top Shape should be obvious that trail riding is physically brutal. If you ride your bike, and not your body, will take the pounding of the trail. On the trail you will constantly stand on the bike's footpegs. Your arms and legs will manhandle the bike and prevent the shock of the trail from reaching your body and brain. You must often lift the front tire on the approach to a hazard, toss or bounce the bike left or right around a hazard, and hang on for dear life or lose control of the bike. Therefore, you must be in good physical shape. correctly, Keep Your Mind in Top Shape The mental demands of trail riding are just as great as the physical demands. Hundreds of snap decisions are made over each mile. Your brain is constantly SIPDEing. Be rested. Be sober. Dress for the Trail Not all trail riders wear proper protective gear. This is foolish. Safe riding is also more enjoyable riding. At a minimum you must wear the following: • • —preferably a face helmet Eye protection —goggles are the only acceptable protection. More Helmet debris full is thrown at trail your face during one day on the year on the street. This debris comes from all trail directions than one and it all seems to be aimed at your eyes. Odds are, one or two of these projectiles will be bull's eyes. • • • • — shank and toe Gloves — leather with brush protection devices sewn on and sturdy No Jersey and jeans — long sleeve Chest protector— body armor. Boots all leather, steel steel jersey Good Trail shorts. Technique Trail riding requires the constant shifting of weight and jeans. flexible from front-to-back side-to-side. Radical terrain requires adjusting the traction applied each tire while minimizing the impact and danger of each obstacle. Here are a few tips for riding the range: Keep the r.p.m.s up In most situations you want to be able to harvest instant power from the engine. This means knowing the bike's power curve and keeping the engine operating within its "sweet spot." at — SAFI 1 77 It this means downshifting, downshift! periods in second gear, run long periods It this in means running for long second gear. Trail bikes are designed tor high r.p.m., low speed riding. — Sand and mud In sand and mud you need to maintain momentum and power. Often your momentum helps lift you on top of and through sand and mud. Smaller hikes may not have the power to go through large mud holes or sand pits, so you will need to either go around or walk out (which is very humiliating). TRAIL DRESS Chest protector Full protection jersey Motorcross helmet Gloves Race pants Goggles Shin and ankle plates THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 1 78 Heavy-duty leather boots Ruts by —Riding over a rut or a lifting over the series of ruts made easier on the rider is and carrying the wheel up on the pegs and shift your weight a rut, ride it out. Trying to cut up the the front wheel before the rough spot rut. For a series of ruts, get you get to the rear wheel. If side of a rut can be in difficult to impossible. The front tire often gets out, but not the back, causing the bike to sidewind and buck. Water —Many a trail rider has lost his bike to unfamiliar water. new water situation before attempting to cross. Slow water moving water is often the most shallow. You may ride along the bank until you find a spot providing a good crossing with good access and exit. Inspect any often runs deep. Fast have to straight Experts say the best way to cross short water is to wheelie across. This keeps water off the rider and keeps the front brake dry. great a distance, it's best to transfer weight to the rear wheel If it's too and keep a constant pace while crossing. —Items such Obstacles as rocks and logs should be avoided. If you cannot avoid them, try to lift the front wheel over the obstacle and power the back wheel over. If you must hit the item, hit it square and near the middle so you are is Good Trail Etiquette less likely to Trail riding is less likely to snap up and object hit be tossed from the bike and the you. under increased scrutiny as the sport grows and land for It is important that trail riders follow some basic the sport diminishes. rules. Disregard for these rules by trail riders has tarnished the off-road and resulted in further restrictions on areas where outdoor recreation vehicles (ORVs) can be used. If this keeps up, no land will be available for dirt riding. Tread lightly and follow these tips. Travel only where permitted Take your bike only into areas where ORVs are permitted. Be aware that some areas may be open only certain times of the year. Some areas may be closed temporarily due to environmental damage, fire hazard or industrial operations (e.g., logging, mining). Do not assume that an area that was open to you last spring is still open to you today. Use a proper muffler The muffler should limit the exhaust noise to 105 decibels measured 20 inches from the exhaust. Many riders do not want a muffler. They still believe the old wives' tale that a muffler hurts performance. This is no longer true. Modern motorcycles work sport, — — best when back pressure is controlled. A straight pipe, or simply louder improve stock performance. Straight pipes are very annoying to other riders and other users of the forest. Loud motorcycles also traumatize wildlife and farm animals. The stress brought on by their fear of your motorcycle can kill them. pipes, will not = SAFE RIDING 179 — Most trail hikes incorporate a Forest >v a proper spark arrestor Service-approved spark arrestor. Kxhaust sparks are bits or super heated ( carbon that, the lives of when elected from the so many animals and tail pipe, can start a tire. the livelihoods of so Given that many people depend on the forest, never ride without a spark arrestor. They do not reduce power! Factory equipped enduro bikes come with spark arrestors. Bikes designed for competition motocross do not. Pack it out empty It is an old woodsman's saying that if you can pack it in full, you can pack it out empty. Take your trash out of the forest when you leave. Maybe take out trash left by some slob from last week, too. Respect public and private land Unless you personally have permission from the owner to ride on private land don't! If you do have permission, respect the owner and the land. If it is public land, know that you are not the only "owner." Treat the land as if it belongs to someone else. It does. ORV owners have for a long time taken the attitude that public land is tor them to use as they please. The result has — — — been an onslaught of legislation restricting — ORV access to public lands. Ruie at a safe speed Keep speeds below 25 m.p.h. Run with your lights on at all times, if your bike Lights — equipped. Be "trail legal" — Some states require that is so your motorcycle have certain equipment, such as spark arrestors, mufflers, lights and a trail permit (different from a license to ride on public roads) to legally ride Note that some Forest Service and park roads are public Your motorcycle must be street legal to use these roads! Stay out of environmentally fragile areas Staying on the main trail is the best way to reduce your impact on the environment. The best way to stay on the main trail is to consult a topographical map of the area. on their trails. roads. But a — map is not required to recognize areas that are environmentally and where you should not ride. Avoid running over young trees, shrubs and grasses. Cross streams only at designated areas. Stay off soft roads and trails. Travel around (not through) meadows, steep hillsides, stream banks, spawning grounds, lake shores, wetlands and estuaries. Do not bushwhack new trails or short circuit switchbacks. Obey regulatory signs. Obey gate closures. Do no vandalism. Stay out sensitive of wilderness areas; these areas are closed to damage is all vehicles. Repairing the expensive, and the taxpayer takes note of — this. Respect the rights of other users Hikers, skiers, campers and others have just as much right to the outdoors as you do. Respect their rights. right-of-way to them. Pull true for horseback riders. : 180 as much as yours, and they vote. When do the courteous thing and yield the off and stop your engine. This is particularly Their love for their land you meet others on the COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK trail, is — Purchase your ORV tags Even if your bike does not need to be street legal, your state may operate an off-road vehicle tag program. The program helps pay for the maintenance and development of off-road vehicle parks and education programs. other hand, sheriff. It it may may result in a hefty ticket ORV result in Buy your from a state trooper or local riders losing the right to ride in certain areas through legislative action taken by irate campers lovers. Violating these rules by an rock irate private tags. may not have any consequences. On the Violating any of these rules and nature may also result in confiscation of your bike land owner wielding a two-barrel shot gun filled with salt. Preparing for Hitting the Trail Proper preparation for the day's riding can between having a good time or having a Here are some preparation tips: Prepare for the day tions. Know Make as well. Go You in a group and plan the —Do not home folks know know this information ride alone. Trail riding is inherently risky. don't want to be alone 12 miles into the wilderness with a standard first aid Take time member to get to are going into know — flat tire of the group should be trained and adult cardiopulmonary Know the route— If you ride. a big difference route. Let the sure your riding buddies or broken femur. At least one in make threatening experience. — Check the weather. Know the riding condi- the terrain your ride plan. life new the area your resuscitation. territory, plan a first slower time through. Prepare for the worst Carry enough tools and spare parts to common mechanical failures. Take along a few emergency handle supplies in the event means you must stay the night — make in the wilderness. This and a first aid kit. Inspect your machine before you a small shelter device, tools to a fire Perform a preride inspection leave home, as noted in this chapter. Inspect it again at the Make sure everything works. Check your fuel supply. trail head. RIDING IMPAIRMENTS most common impairments to safe riding are alcohol, drugs and fatigue. They result in the vast majority of fatal accidents, and are The all three within your control. Alcohol Alcohol's primary effect on the body it is to distort judgment. Secondly, impairs vision and small muscle movement. These impairments make RIDING 181 riding a motorcycle safely virtually impossible. that 50% In of most all ratal states, a low Some levels of alcohol will It is states put this limit at reduce your ability to scan the environment. Alcohol reduces night vision. objects. wonder then .08%. But your riding be affected long before you are legally intoxicated. Even legally intoxicated. capabilities will It is little motorcycle accidents involve alcohol. person with a blood alcohol content of .10% interferes with It reduces your ability to recognize moving your coordination, inhibits your sense of balance and slows your reaction times. Drugs Drugs, legal and illicit, also impair a rider's ability. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs often come with user warnings against operating machinery when taking the medication. Follow this advice. Even drugs considered by some to be "harmless" (e.g., marijuana, antihistamines) can impair visual cognition and reduce reaction time. Fatigue There are more collisions during evening rush hour traffic than during the comparable morning rush hour. This may be due to fatigue. A fatigued driver is less alert, more irritable and more likely to make rash decisions. If you are tired, take it slow. If you are exhausted, stop and get some rest. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 182 o DW I very time you buy something for your motorcycle, whether it's wax, you are making a decision that makes a big difference in terms of bike cost, performance and life-expectancy. Knowing what you are buying will maximize your enjoyment and minimize the cost of owning a motorcycle. The most common purchases are: gas, oil, tires, roller chains, spark plugs and gasoline, chain lube or #1 white carnauba paste batteries. This chapter provides the motorcycle consumer with the knowledge to make better purchases. The intent is not to detail every step for performing a specific task. Maintenance and repairs performed by the uninitiated or uninformed can result in financial loss, injury or death. If you plan to do your own repairs: manual • Buy • Purchase the right tools • Purchase high quality American tools • Read If in a repair the directions doubt, pay a pro to do the job right the first time. GASOLINE Given that gasoline is purchased almost daily, a great deal of attention should be given to this purchase. Some motorcycles run well on any fuel. (My grandfather ran a 1963 step-through Honda Trail 90 on turpentine.) Others will spit hi-test. When and sputter on but the most expensive all purchasing gasoline, you should be concerned about: Detergents Alcohol Volatility Octane Lead Contaminants Gasoline Detergents Detergents in gasoline bond with contaminants, preventing the dirt from bonding to the engine or fuel system components. The critical areas where dirt is likely to build up are at the fuel injector nozzle and carburetor jets. To prevent dirt build up, detergents are added to gasoline. Not all enough detergent agents gasolines have fuel injectors to prevent clogged or carburetors. The only current standard for testing gasoline detergents is the BMW valve test. This test measures the deposits on engine valves after 10,000 miles. If the gasoline passes the has plenty of detergents in it. The only way BMW valve test, is it to know to ask at the service station. Gasoline Alcohol To reduce the amount of imported oil, and to increase octane, refineries blend gasoline with alcohol. For years this fuel has been called gasohol. Now there is a new alcohol fuel being sold in metropolitan areas is called "oxygenfrom gasohol. Oxygenated fuel is gasoline mixed with either ethanol or methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The major difference between gasohol and oxygenated fuel is that oxygenated fuel has no more than 10% alcohol content, while fuel sold as gasohol may have up to 40% alcohol content. Many motorcycles run well on gasohol fuels while others get cranky and pout. suffering significant air pollution problems. This fuel ated" fuel to distinguish it On the good side, alcohol: reducing knock and ping; ( 1 ) increases the octane rating of the fuel, adds oxygen to the combustion formula, causing cleaner combustion; (3) vaporizes earlier; (4) requires a lower = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 184 (2) than gasoline; (5) acts as a fuel system cleaning agent; and removes water from the fuel system. These qualities are good for some motorcycles, bad for others. As a cleaner and solvent alcohol can be too effective. Gasohol can strip the air/fuel ratio (6) protective liner off a gas tank, put so much crud into the fuel filter that and dissolve some fuel system gasket materials in the fuel system. If you take care of your motorcycle, your fuel system should not be so dirty that a clogged fuel line becomes a problem. If your bike was manufactured after 1975, it has no organic-based hoses, float-needle tips or plastic floats to dissolve. (Organic materials were replaced by 1975 to make way for higher levels of certain additives to resolve knocking problems brought on by unleaded gasoline.) Alcohol's propensity to collect water will work against you if there is too much water in the system. Water occurs naturally in gasoline, but too much causes the gas, water and alcohol to separate. The engine will first burn gasoline that is waterless (not good). The engine will then try to burn water and alcohol (also not good). Methyl alcohol is the biggest water absorber. Ethyl alcohol at less than 10% concentrations and MTBE are supposed to be free of this water separation problem. Incidentally, alcohol's tendency to collect water means death to a it clogs two-stroke engine. Racers tions above 10% recommend avoiding gasohol at concentra- at all costs. Oxygenated fuels introduce more oxygen into the combustion mix, more carbon dioxide and less carbon monoxide exhaust gases. All motorcycles will run leaner. If your motorcycle is running lean already, you may experience a small power loss (under 5%). Older bikes with naturally rich fuel mixtures may see performance improveresulting in ments. Gasoline Volatility Gasoline is a mix of high and low volatility hydrocarbons. Volatility is defined as the propensity to vaporize. Gasoline must vaporize at a certain rate to burn efficiently in your motorcycle engine. Volatility critical when you are trying to start a motorcycle. is When you choke your bike during your cold engine start-up routine, you are increasing the amount of highly volatile hydrocarbons reaching the cylinder by in- amount of hydrocarbons reaching the cylinder. You want enough highly volatile hydrocarbons to creasing the total is a tricky act. same time you are dumping This start low hydrocarbons into the cylinder as well. You are betting that the high volatility hydrocarbons get the engine started before the low volatility hydrocarbons drown the spark plug, known as "flooding" the the bike, but at the large quantities of volatility engine. THE SIX MOST COMMON PURCHASES 185 is measured in pounds per square inch (p.s.i.). Gasoline changed depending on whether the hid is for winter or summer Oil refineries produce winter grade fuel at 12 p.S.i., and summer Volatility p.s.i. is use. grade fuel at 9 p.s.i. vaporize. Summer Increased temperatures has additives that reduce volatility. winter gas, would tend it The lower temperatures m In It summer and gas were as volatile as "vapor vapor lock. to vaporize in the fuel line, causing move through lock." Fuel can't m the summer help gasoline gas, therefore, does not need to he as volatile the fuel line it there is a the winter inhibit gasoline vaporization. winter the fuel must he more volatile or your motorcycle would never gas does not vaporize, the fuel mixture will not be ignited start. If the will flood. Therefore, summer additives are You do not have to worry if the gas you buy is for the right season. The refining companies seasonally change their product. Motorcycle manufacturers design motorcycles to tolerate some by the spark and the engine not used. variations the in p.s.i. It wrong and the p.s.i. is too far from the norm, the air/fuel There are four ways wrong p.s.i. First, you might have a tank of winter fuel, yet experience summer conditions, such as in the spring. Second, you might have a tank of summer fuel, but experience ratio will be that you might get fuel with the w mter conditions, such less the engine will run rough. .is than reputable dealer fourth, the fuel in the who fall. Third, you might buy gas from a has tampered with the fuel mix. Or, may have come from a less than reputable refinery. For example, a refinery may add butane to the cheap way to increase octane, but fuel. Adding butane is a this also increases p.s.i. Gasoline Octane An internal combustion engine When is powered by exploding a fuel vapor at vapor does not burn all at once. Ideally, the spark sets off an even burn sequence with the flame front traveling away from the plug consuming unburned vapor. Gasohigh compression. line that burns unevenly Knock is ignited, the fuel in the cylinder causes "knock." the uncontrolled explosion or detonation of gasoline. is not good for a motorcycle, although some periodic newer motorcycles is expected. To create an even flame front, gasoline comes with additives called octanes. The octane rating is a measure of the antiknock properties of liquid motor fuel. The octane number is a measurement of the gasoline's ability to resist spontaneous detonation due to factors other than the ignition spark. There are two octane rating systems. One system is the Research Octane Number (RON). The other is the Motor Octane Number (MON). RON is a good indication of low speed antiknock performance. is a good indication of high speed antiknock perfor- Violent knocking knocking in MON = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 186 mance. The octane rating on the fuel pump is an average of RON and MON. The higher the octane number, the less likely the fuel is to knock. Engine design can affect the engine's propensity to knock. High compression engine designs increase the likelihood of gas detonating violently in the cylinder. Special head domes and piston faces, highly advanced timing or the spark plug position also affect the gas burn and can increase the likelihood of knock. Engine condition can influence knock. Specifically, knock is more likely to occur in an engine with carbon buildup. When this carbon is super heated, The term it can act the ignition turned is engine glow-plug, igniting the like a diesel was coined "dieseling" fuel. for engines that continue to run after off. Engine temperature can also induce knock. In hot weather or when pulling a large load you may want to run high octane fuel. The difference between regular and premium gasoline is the octane Premium costs more because it is refined to increase the percentage of octanes that resist knock. High octane numbers do not equate rating. to high quality in other key areas of gasoline performance, such as detergency. A gasoline. does not mean more additives or better quality compared It high octane rating means only one thing: high octane to lower octane fuel. Running high octane gas will do nothing for the performance of the motorcycle alone. In fact, you may find especially at high altitudes that higher octane fuel hurts your bike's performance. The only way to get better performance from premium fuel is to tune the motorcycle for premium fuel. Some bikes come from the factory this way. Others need — modification. You can buy This is race gasoline that has octane ratings as high as 102. a waste of money unless You might higher octane fuel. the bike is ported and tuned for the also have heard about "avgas," or gasoline refined for aviation. Avgas is cold temperature environments. unlikely that any motorcycle rider It is for high altitude, fixed-throttle, ever encountered these conditions. Don't waste your money. Gasoline Lead Lead (tetraethyl lead) is a highly toxic fuel additive used to improve gasoline octane ratings and to lubricate the intake and exhaust valves. Some fuel. states Do still sell do not need leaded if it is leaded fuel, which not buy leaded fuel. is often cheaper than unleaded your valves require it. Two-strokes Only really old four-strokes demand it. Even fuel unless cheaper at the pump, leaded run. Mufflers and other components Burning leaded fuel also fuel last poisons the air is more expensive longer we if leaded fuel in the long is avoided. breath. THE SIX MOST COMMON PURCH-1 87 Gasoline Contaminants Contaminants arc found how stored, so in gasoline that improperly shipped or is the local gas station handles the fuel as important as is margin service stations that pump CUt corners to save a buck. Corners cut include: the fuel • itself. 1 o\\ Not cleaning in the all • get pumped dirt accumulate must clean their and crud do not build up service stations. Dealers ranks periodically to ensure that the dirt and of gas often Water and the storage tanks regularly. storage tanks of lots into your motorcycle. Allowing the storage tank to be pumped too low. Gasoline, water, dirt and crud exist in layers in the storage tank. The gas is the middle layer. As long as the storage tank is maintained at no less than about 10% of capacity, the pumps be will pumping from this middle layer pumped into your of gasoline, and you will not get water or dirt motorcycle. • Not replacing made tanks of metal tanks. In the past they over time. Small, pinhole size openings in a that rust tank allow contaminants to leach into the tank. • Handling gasohol improperly. tain its tanks, the first metal flake and gunk it If the service station does not main- load of gasohol will collect every bit of rust, finds and send it right out the hose into your tank. • Deliberately buying trash gas and mixing it with good gas. Yes, this happens. Recommendation Buy the lowest octane fuel your bike will tolerate, following manufacrecommendations and your own proven experience. For twostroke engines, this means 92 octane fuel. For street bikes, you should get by on 86 octane fuel. Always buy from a reputable service station. When you find a fuel and dealer you like, stay with them. If you receive bad gas, drain the tank. turer MOTORCYCLE ENGINE Oil performs three tasks in an engine. corrosion and deposit buildup; and it It OIL lubricates; it prevents rust, cools the engine. Motor oils come in various "grades" or "weights," rated for compression ignition (diesel), spark ignition (gasoline) or both. Oils can have detergents or not. They can be multigrade (e.g., 1 OW-40) or single grade (e.g., 30). Oils can be specifically designed for motorcycles or for general automotive use. Finally, THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 188 oil can be natural or synthetic. Oil Grades OIL LABEL The American Petroleum developed a service rating Institute (API) system to identify the qualities and characteristics of the appropriate uses for that container, as engines shown and oil That rating can be found on the oil. in the figure. Oil suitable for oil use in spark ignition labeled "S." Oil formulated for vehicles built in 1988 or later is marked "G." Oil formulated for 1994 "H." The first "C" indicates that the oil engines, meaning diesels. The second "C" vehicles or later is is marked is suitable for compression is a classification for diesel engines. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE rating specifies the oil viscosity. Viscosity a fluid's resistance to flow. is easier to understand this rating system single grade oil means faster it is rated. A SAE 20 by understanding first than oil is lighter flows faster at any given temperature. Both when SAE cold it like 10W-40. winter, a redundant bit of information.) Additives, called viscosity index improvers, are is and flow heated. "W" means the oil a 30. Lighter oils thin Multigrade refers to the two number designation, (The It is how flows like an flows like a heavier SAE mixed with the SAE 10 40. This oil. means When oil the oil so that is when hot, the oil that the oil has thinned less over the temperature range. "Energy Conserving" oils have additives that increase gas mileage. oils have additives called dispersants (alkaline earth "Detergent" adhere to dirt and contaminants such as combustion by-prodcarbon particles, unspent fuel and acids. Detergents suspend these contaminants in the oil so they do not block oil passages or adhere to engine parts. Non-detergent oils were used in older motorcycles because salts) that ucts, these by-products were important for breaking in a new engine. Left unchecked, lacquer developed from the by-products. This lacquer filled gaps between bearings, rods and cranks, making up for the lack of extremely high precision engine parts. Today's manufacturing techniques are extremely high precision. Lacquer is now the enemy. Motorcycle Specific Oils Motorcycles have unique lubrication, corrosion protection and cooling requirements. Motorcycle engines run at high r.p.m.; use the same oil for engine, transmission and clutch; and often operate temperatures. This puts a greater strain on the oil at extreme compared to machines where these components are lubricated independently with their own special lube stock. (Cars, for instance, usually have separate lubrication for transmission and engine.) This requires oil with highly compounded metallic detergents (magnesium and calcium), greater antiwear/anti'.1MON PUFh 189 scuff agents (zinc and phosphorus) and greater shear pressure prolix tion additives than required by automobile engines. Automobile oils are not designed tor the punishment assoeiated with motorcycle engines and transmissions. The antiwear additives car oils are rapidly destroyed by the shearing of gears in a in motorcycle transmission. Motorcycle oils are designed to perform the lubrication of clutch, transmission and engine. Is the added expense worth it? Yes. Mineral vs. Synthetic Oils Mineral oil hydrocarbon molecules (esters and polyalphaolefins) vary and lubricating properties. Some of these molecules greatly in structure become too thick when too soon. Synthetic cold, boil off too quickly oils are when hot or oxidize hydrocarbon molecules engineered by man Compared to mineral oils, synthetics flow better in cold temperatures, are more stable under high temperatures, do not break down as easily and require fewer additives so there is more of the all important base stock. that do not \ar\ in structure or lubrication properties. Two-Stroke Oils must perform additional duties not required of fourit must provide greater corrosion and off-season rust protection. Second, it must prevent piston seizure and scuffing. Finally, it must prevent spark plug fouling. Two-stroke oils come in three types: mineral, synthetic and syn- Two-stroke stroke oil oil. First, thetic biodegradable. Like four-stroke synthetics, two-stroke synthetics and condido mineral oils. Biodegradable oil breaks down after being released into the environment several times faster than mineral oil. Two-stroke oils also come blended for specific applications. For example, chain saw oil is specially designed for chain saws. Outboard offer greater protection over a wider range of temperatures tions than oil is designed for marine two-strokes. like a A motorcycle chain saw or a boat. Only use two-stroke motorcycles in is not very oil much designed for motorcycles. One selects an oil based on how it is delivered to the fuel system. Some two-strokes have no automatic delivery system for putting oil in the gas. These motorcycles must have the gas and oil mixed by the rider. Other two-strokes have automatic oil Special oils are designed for this. injection systems. injection pump These systems require oil varies the gas to oil ratio designed for injection. The from 20:1 to 100:1. The oil must be designed to provide adequate lubrication at the higher ratios while having low smoke and fouling characteristics at the lower ratios. The best way to match the oil to the bike is to find the recommendation in the owner's manual. Lacking this information, most twostrokes start with a 32:1 gas:oil ratio. THE COMPLETE 190 : 'CO^C'CLE BOOK You can experiment (at your own risk) is with different ratios until the proper ratio for your type of riding achieved. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Recommendation If you maintain your bike according oil to schedule, use a mineral/synthetic Do not use non-motorcycle oil in a motorcycle. 100% synthetic motorcycle oil under three conditions. blend. Use you plan to subject the bike to extra stress, First, if such as a summer vacation tour through the high desert, or pull a trailer or any activity that will create additional heat build up, use a synthetic. Synthetic oil when beneficial Second, is most the engine runs temporarily hotter than usual. you cannot follow the maintenance schedule, and can oil once or twice a year, better run the most if only find time to change the expensive synthetic available. Third, use a 100% such that it often runs at will affect synthetic less if you your bike short distances ride than operating temperature. This condition more motorcycles than one would think. It takes a great deal warm up. Under these conditions, water and of time for a motorcycle to acids build up rapidly in the crankcase. Unless there are rare circumstances relating to your motorcycle, run a multiweight detergent oil. It just between a multigrade and a insignificant compared single makes grade to the price of a sense. oil is The price difference only a few nickels. This is blown engine. However, the wider COMMON ROLLER CHAIN the multigrade range, the greater the percentage of additives. Additives break down possible. If faster than the base stock oil, so keep the range as small as you can run 10W-40, do so and shun running 10W-50. Run biodegradable oils in two-strokes. MOTORCYCLE CHAINS Motorcycle final drives come in three varieties: chain, shaft and belt. Shaft and belt drives have been touted as superior to chain drive. Yet still we have chains. Why? Basically because chains have characteristics that prevent shaft and belt drive from totally replacing them. Low cost, high efficiency and low weight are three of these characteristics. But chains wear out faster Captive/ O-RING CHAIN than belts or shafts and require more maintenance. Types of Chains As with most motorcycle components, chains have gone through a technological revolution in the last 20 years. There are three basic types of chains: common O-ring chain. are made roller chain, lubricant OEM chain is often common impregnated chain and roller chain. Roller chains of five components: pin, pin link plate, roller link plate, roller and bushing (see the accompanying figure). SIX MOST COMMON PUFU 1 91 Lubricant impregnated chains have the additional feature or lubricant impregnated bushings. O-ring chains have two additional nents: lubricant (lithium grease) and O-rings that compo- seal the lubricant into the bushings. Replacing Chains An improperly adjusted chain is the motorcycle owner's nemesis. It needs replacing more often and absorbs energy that should be going to A chain should be replaced if you notice unusual wear on the chain or sprockets. Unusual wear is easy to spot. Look for bright worn "polished" spots on the chain and sprocket. A worn out chain needs replacing. The only way to know if the chain is worn out is to remove the chain from the motorcycle and measure it. If it is more than 3% longer than a new chain, it has been stretched to its limits and needs replacing. Motorcvcles come with frame guides to help you tighten the chain and keep the rear wheel axle at right angles. Unfortunately, these guides are not sufficient proof of properly aligned sprockets and chain. Over time bike components can become misaligned. For example, engines can move in the cradle (especially rubber mounted engines). A good second check for proper alignment is to look. The rear sprocket should be directly in line with the front sprocket. This can be checked using a the rear wheel. straight edge or string. Chains and sprockets tend to eat each other when not aligned or maintained properly. split. A worn A worn sprocket will destroy a chain will destroy .1 new sprocket new chain licketyOne rule of just as fast. thumb is that sprockets should be replaced every third chain. However, if you do not replace the sprocket, you must be sure the reason for chain failure is only due to age. Most often misalignment has played some role. Unless you are certain that the sprockets are the sprockets and chain simultaneously is in top shape, replacing a wise investment. Recommendation Buy the you can afford. A broken chain is not only a major can also be a major heartache. Engine cases, drive line best chain inconvenience, it components, plastic motorcycle panels and fleshy human body parts can be damaged when a chain link bursts apart. A broken chain can also lock up the real wheel or drive sprocket! Replace the chain with, at a minimum, the same OEM type, size and quality. (Size is often stamped on each link.) Your motorcycle owner's manual should be consulted since there are often warnings about the type of chain that can be used. Using the wrong chain can void the motorcycle warranty. If your motorcycle came with an O-ring chain, replace it with an O-ring chain. If your bike came with a standard the 192 = \e~e •:':- :_E BOOK you may have the option to upgrade. The decision to move to an O-ring depends largely on how well you maintain the chain. If you are conscientious about chain lubrication; alignment and adjustment, an chain, O-ring chain only offers a bit more life and peace of mind. to forget chain maintenance, an O-ring chain will last If you tend twice as long as a standard chain. MOTORCYCLE TIRES The previous chapter on mechanisms discusses motorcycle tires components of a motorcycle. Below is detail about buying tires. as Tire Sizes There are several motorcycle sizing and rating systems. Before the 1980s, tire manufacturers used a simple number scheme, such as 3.25x16, which means that this tire has a section width of 3.25 inches and fits wheel with 16-inch rim diameter. Currently, a tire measured in inches will have a size code such as 4.00S18. The first digit refers to the width of the tire in inches. The second and third digits are code for the aspect ratio of the tire. Aspect ratio is the height versus width of the tire (see figure). Dividing the section height by the section width produces the aspect ratio. If the number is 10 through 19, or in the sixties, the profile is about 90%, which is a low profile tire. If the number is 25, 50, or 00, the tire is a higher profile tire, with an aspect ratio over 94%. The letter refers to the speed rating. The final two digits are the wheel rim size. Street tires are sometimes designated with an alphabetic code such as MT90-16 B (see Alpha Tire Codes). The "M" is the motorcycle code. The "T" is a tire width code. The "90" is the aspect ratio, or the height of the tire. This tire's height is 90% of its width. The "16" is the rim and "B" is the load range. more common for the tire to be measured in metric scale, the accompanying figure. A metrically measured tire will code on it such as 130/90VR16. The first three digits are the diameter as in inches, Today it shown in have a tire's TIRE ASPECT RATIO width is in millimeters. (100 millimeters is approximately four STREET TIRE SIZE INCH DESIGNATION 5.00H16 4PR Section width (inches) ' ! 'i Rim diameta Casting strength 5.00 H rating 16 (ply rating) 4PR COMMON PURCHASES 1 03 ALPHA TIRE CODES STREET TIRE SIZE ALPHABETICAL DESIGNATIONS MT90-16B M Motorcycle code Tire wridth Aspect T code Rim Diameter Load Mnge 90 (90%) ratio 16 (Inches] —a numerical code Load Rating indicated by the Load Range B that corresponds to the total load carrying capacity at the speed speed symbol. METRIC TIRE CODES STREET TIRE SIZE METRIC DESIGNATIONS 130/90-1 6 67H 130 Section width (mm) 90 Aspect ratio (90 R.m Diameter 16 (inches' 67 Load rating Speed H rating _ — Section height . Aspecf Ratio = = re- ; section width The second set of numbers (90 in the example) refers to the The 6 refers to the wheel diameter (i.e., rim size) in inches. Several different sizes may fit your motorcycle. Then again, only inches.) aspect ratio. one size 1 might fit your bike. Just because a tire fits your motorcycle. A tire must also the small clearances between fenders and forks, a mean or too is it will tall to fit fit fit the rim does not the frame. Given tire can be too wide your bike. Haphazardly playing around with tire sizes dangerous. The motorcycle and rim dimension limits mean that the of the tire cannot be increased too dramatically and still fit the unmodified bike. A dealer will know what will and will not fit. To some degree you can resolve the anxiety of tire size selection by buying the same size tire as is currently on the bike. size Tire Ratings Tires are speed and load range rated. Ratings are assigned based controlled indoor testing. A on speed rating indicates the top speed at which the manufacturer believes the tire can be continuously run safely. A tire may have an "N," "S," "H," "V" and "Z" speed rating. "N" rated tires are good for sustained speeds up to 93 m.p.h. "S," "H" and "V" tires are good for sustained speeds up to 112, 130 and 149 m.p.h. respectively. "Z" rated tires are recommended for applications where THE 194 = I i: z _E'= MOTORCYCLE BOOK speeds above 149 m.p.h. are sustained. Tires at the higher speed ratings dissipate heat better, although they tread life. Never install a tire with may accomplish less this by sacrificing than the speed rating required in the owner's manual. Load range range tires "B" or "C." "B" is the lesser on bikes requiring "C" range tires. "C" ratings are generally either range, and should never be used can be used on all motorcycles. and Belted Tires measurement may also include Bias, Radial The tire or radial tire. Bias and a radial refers to the "B" or "R," indicating way a bias the cords of the tire run Bias tires have a firm sidewall, which makes low speed comfort and bashing into curbs. Radial tires have cords that run the radius of the tire. The major difference between a radial and a bias tire is that radials have softer sidewalls, which helps them hold a firmer contact patch. To compensate through the them tire carcass. better for METZELER BIAS TIRE Courtesy and copyright of Metzeler Tire Company METZELER RADIAL TIRE Courtesy and copyright of Metzeler Tire ST Company COMMON P 1 95 tor soft sidewalk, radial tires are designed mounted on but special wider rims. a liability tor is of being lighter Do dealer. is with sidewall is less sidewall and are good for road racing, touring applications. Radials also have the benefits and running cooler. not run radial There A weak tires without checking with the manufacturer or how radials work, and your bike may a difference to be unable to use them. Belted tires are constructed with extra Kevlar, fiberglass or rayon These belts do not extend down to do not otter greater sidewall strength. Belts tread surface and improve the tire's characteristics. belts to increase carcass strength. the sidewalls, so they Stabilize the Matched Sets All but the smallest and rear. "Tires motorcycles require different tire designs for front have turning and riding characteristics that must match, and motorcycle manufacturers work together to on the same bike are known as match matched sets. Two great tires can be deadly when put on the same bike if their characteristics are not compatible. Always buy matching tires. This does not mean, tor most riders, that you must buy two tires every time one needs replacing. It does mean that the replacement tire must be designed to match the characteristics of the older tire. For performance riders, always replace both tires at the same time. and trout rear, lire tins. Tires that can be put Tubed Tires Tires come tubed or tubeless. You can rim designed for them. Tubeless is immediate blow-out replace a tubed if use tubeless tires only tires are safer since their if the wheel design resists punctured. Always replace the tube when you tire. Recommendation and put good money into them. Ninety percent happens during the last 1 0% of tire life. Buy a tire that honestly matches the driving you do. If you don't ride at 100 m.p.h. hour after hour, you don't need high speed tires. Do not replace bias tires with radials unless the manufacturer says it is acceptable. New tires must be broken in. The tires come with a protective coating that must be worn off. This coating reduces the tire's grip. Tires also need time for their cords and belts to stretch. Do not put your new tires to speed or cornering tests until you have ridden several hundred Replace your of all tire tires often, failure miles. Always have your = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 196 tires balanced. SPARK PLUGS Spark plugs in design, ignite the air/fuel SPARK PLUG mixture spark plugs consist of only in the five to combustion chamber. Simple seven parts. The design is really Post ingenious. Every feature of the plug performs several critical functions. For example, the ceramic insulator (the white part of the plug) not only keeps the spark from grounding out before reaching the spark gap, it prevents Resistor flashover and helps control the heat range of the plug. Spark plugs are engineered to match the engine exactly. If the plug Insulator is too short, the electrode will not be deep enough into the combustion chamber, resulting the plug may in poor idle and uneven running. If the plug Heat range refers to the temperature of the electrode when temperature. plug. is too long, be struck by the piston or valves. at operating A "cold" plug is a plug that dissipates heat faster than a "hot" Shell A colder plug may be needed if the engine is burdened for a long time full load. A hotter plug may be needed if the engine is run for long under a Threads periods at partial throttle. Changing to a colder or hotter plug must be done with great also possible to If care. If the plug runs too hot, preignition will result. damage the pistons and valves It is Electrode Ground electrode when the plug runs too hot. the plug runs cold, deposits will build up, resulting in fouling. Some spark come with plugs a resistor element. This element reduces radio interference originating in the motorcycle ignition system. If the bike has lots of radio equipment, or if it has electronic ignition, use a resistor plug. Spark plugs are often thrown away needlessly. Unless the plug is dead, the insulation cracked or the electrodes burned away, the plug can be cleaned, regapped and used again. MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES A battery performs three critical functions. First, it supplies electricity your motorcycle's engine. Second, it supplies additional power when the alternator is unable to meet electrical demands. Third, it acts as a capacitor absorbing high voltage peaks that could damage electrical components. Given its critical role, the right battery makes a for starting BATTERY great deal of difference. Any rider will tell you that motorcycles eat batteries. This is because: • Most motorcycles • means that the battery good charge every time you ride. The battery loses 1 % of its power every day it sits are designed with alternators that barely meet the bike's requirements. This is not receiving a idle, such as in winter storage. • Vibration shakes the plates (i.e., grid) in the battery apart. 1 97 The low charge and high w hich is losses create ideal conditions for sulfation, the destruction of the battery grid. Vibration the destruction. This is why the average life damage adds for a motorcycle battery to is about two winters. ma\ appear It for that there are endless your motorcycle. This is not so. numbers of replacement batteries There are only a few possible replacement choices. Battery Types Just like car batteries, motorcycle batteries are rated by size, and reserve capacity. batter) case. Size is Size refers to the physical important because the battery must the batter] Era) of your bike. tray will to the A amps, volts dimensions of the fit properly into battery that cannot be secured in the bounce around and suffer damage. Size of power a battery holds. is not directly related amount Amp delivers. amount of cold cranking power the battery means more power for cold weather starts. rating refers to the A higher rating Reserve capacity gives you power every critical system a general idea of if how long the battery could the alternator failed. But motorcycles, unlike cars, have few replacement choices. Motor- and battery manufacturers work closely to design batteries that You must replace your battery with one that is virtually identical to the OEM batten Not only must the physical size of the battery match the battery cycle exactly meet the requirements of a particular motorcycle. . tray, but the terminals (including their polarity), terminal leads included) and vent tube must match the (if OEM. You may have the option of upgrading to a high capacity lead antimony battery, lead calcium battery or a maintenance free battery. In fact, it you have a bike with lots of electrical accessories, or if you have modified the engine with high-lift cams, high compression components or exotic carburetion, you should consider upgrading the battery. Batteries and Cold Weather Cold weather makes starting difficult. Cold temperatures reduce the chemical activity of the battery, which results in less power. Cold weather also makes the engine more difficult to crank or to turn over. Compared to starting the engine at 80°F, a cold weather start at 32°F 65% more power. Unfortunately, at 32° the battery can supply 80% of peak output. On the first really cold day of fall all those requires only neglected batteries that were fine for summer are worthless. Recommendation To save money some batteries at the the 198 = : : iplete motorcycle book buy you buy mail order, folks mail order batteries, others like to shop and install them personally. If know that the battery does not come with acid, and the acid will cost you about $5. Also know that you need to charge the battery at one-tenth its amp hour rating (generally less than one amp) which probably means the investment in a small trickle charger. If you want to save money, and you know that your present battery is dead because of age, buy a battery at a battery store instead of a motorcycle shop. You can save as much as 50%. If you do not know why the battery failed, it could be that there is another electrical problem. Best take the bike to an expert. Be careful when working around batteries. Batteries produce exploand can leak acid. Never smoke or create sparks around a battery and always keep the battery upright. sive gases ADDITIVES AND MAINTENANCE FLUIDS Additives are little Oil made for oil, gas, batteries and tires. Some work, most do or nothing for you. Additives Oil additive products generally are concentrations of additives already found oil. These additives include sulfur, chlorine, phosPTFE), kerosene and zinc. These additives do have important qualities. The question is whether you need more of these additives than provided by motorcycle oil. The oil additive industry has not done a good job providing in motorcycle phates, teflon (i.e., convincing evidence that these additives are worth the cost. You are better off using a high grade motorcycle oil than buying a low grade oil and adding an additive package. (In fact, some additives contain solids and screens.) It is best to follow the recommendation that can clog filters of the motorcycle manufacturer. Gas Additives Motorcycles have smaller carburetor jets and ports than cars. Using automobile gas additives can clog these jets and ports. However, gas stabilizer is one additive that should be used. Gas stabilizer is available who put the motorcycle up for long winter storage but for those of us refuse to drain the fuel system. Battery Additives Battery additives boost the charge of a low battery. This to what may be a major problem. It outrageous cost of motorcycle batteries. is is a quick fix very tempting, given the Do not do it. It is better to THE SIX MOST COMMON PURCH-'- 199 why discover the bike is having battery trouble than to attempt to solve the problem with an additive. By the way, don't add straight sulfuric acid ro a battery. sulfuric acid solution to a battery will The strong. make Adding the electrolyte solution too battery will be ruined in a short time. Tire Additives There are two types of products that can be squirted into the tire's air chamber: tire balancing agents and flat guards. The former balances the tire, keeps the tire running cooler and can temporarily seal a small puncture. These are generally used by backyard mechanics who replace their own tires. They work. Flat guards are designed to stop the vast majority of small punctures a tire may suffer. Their intended purpose is to provide you with just enough range so that you can limp your bike to the shop for a repair or replacement tire. Some are put into the tire after a puncture has occurred. Some are designed to go into the tire before you ride. The author has had good experience with these additives, although you should inspect your tires frequently for nails, glass and other punctures when using them. They only keep air from leaking out of the tire. They do not restore the structural integrity of the tire carcass. RECYCLING THE MOST COMMON PURCHASES Oil, tires and batteries represent be recycled. Used come oils in, oils, and the major disposal problems and should plastic quart or gallon containers are valuable resources communities offer curb side and should be pickup of oil. Many recycled. new Many gas stations offer a home mechanics. Be sure to keep the from contaminants such as antifreeze or other chemicals. If you replace your own tires, recycle them. Tires represent a major solid waste disposal problem in land fills, yet they can be incinerated or recycled into other oil products. Your tire dealer should take your used oil collection service free to oil free old carcasses. Batteries represent a real solid waste hazard properly. An if not disposed of average automobile battery contains twenty pounds of recyclable lead and three pounds of recyclable plastic. Several states require that batteries be recycled. Usually you can return an old battery to any store two selling batteries for recycling. for old batteries. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 200 Some even offer a dollar or © According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the profile of the average motorcycle rider has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years. Then, the average rider was single, under 30 years of age, with some high school education and probably a high school diploma. Only 9% of riders earned over $35,000 a year. Today's profile is considerably different. The average rider is married. Fifty-three percent of all are over the age of 30. Forty percent are high school graduates. 35% riders Another have a college degree or have taken some college courses. Forty make over $35,000 a year. percent of these riders The is still dominated by men. In 1980, 92.1% of owners were male. In 1990, 92.7% of the owners were male. Therefore, motorcycles and motorcycle riding products are produced and marketed first and foremost for men. Only recently manufacturers have produced a line or two of motorcycle apparel in women's sizes. While the author wishes to avoid sexist stereotypes, the fact is sport, however, the motorcycle that the sport does not men. These statistics less accessible For make and more this reason, this itself demonstrate as available to why difficult to women a female rider may as it does to find the sport enjoy than her male counterpart. chapter covers some of the unique issues faced by the female rider. 20 ANATOMICAL GENDER DIFFERENCES The average female is smaller in mass, height, weight, leg length and than the average male. The average female has a lower center of gravity and greater tendon laxity than the average male. total surface area Compared to the average male, the average female is different in the following ways: Three to tour inches shorter 2 s to 20% 33% 30 pounds less mass less lean Smaller hones 1 eg length 5 I to body mass % compared to 56% pounds more 10 to 15 40% 1 lighter 45% S"<. less in a man fat less fat free weight surface area OUTFITTING IMPLICATIONS There are important outfitting and riding implications to these figures. All smaller riders, male or female, must be more careful when buying a motorcycle. There are four critical measurements to which attention must be paid: seat height, front wheel angularity, control access and weight distribution. Seat Height is no mystery. If your feet cannot reach the macadam when on the bike, you're going to lay that bike down a lot. The Seat height you sit humiliation is tremendous. The damage to the motorcycle great. The body of significant concern. New riders must be able whole foot down on the pavement heel and toes. This can be critical for dismounting and in slick environments like toll booths, parking lots and gas stations. Experienced riders can usually control the bike with just the ball of the foot on the ground. damage to your — to get the Front Wheel Angularity Front wheel angularity is called wheel caster. Caster is the steering angle that places the weight of the bike behind the vertical centerline of the front wheel. It is euphemistically called "rake" or "chop," and prominent feature of a "chopper." 202 = COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK is a The significance of front wheel angularity is that greater positive makes the bike more stable in motion and more difficult to turn. Too much caster makes the bike too stable at speed, too difficult to turn at speed and too unstable in a low speed turn unless you have good arm strength. Too little caster makes the bike unstable and too difficult to control at speed unless you have good upper torso strength. Individuals caster with less muscle mass should look for a motorcycle with moderate caster. Control Access Access to controls is a concern for those with short hands. You must be able to riding. Not that folks with too. It's It just reach all arms and small controls that need adjusting while longer arms don't need to reach the controls, not an issue for them. goes without saying that you need to be able to reach the clutch, brakes (front and back), shift lever and controls used less frequently are lights. somehow But do not think that important to reach. less These include the turn signals, horn, ignition switch, cutoff switch, radio and fuel petcock switch. (Some fuel petcocks tend to be in less than easy-to-reach positions. Many are very difficult to switch when riding.) Control access also means the ability to properly manipulate the control. Of particular importance and clutch controls. Some mind here) take a great deal of engagement of these controls can are brake of these controls (and Harley comes to hand strength to engage. Repetitive hand fatigue, a hazardous condition for a motorcycle rider. lead to Weight — There are two weight issues total weight and weight distribution (how top-heavy the bike is). The total weight of a bike, its passengers and its cargo must be The more the bike weighs, more important it is to keep the bike vertical. Total weight becomes more of an issue in low speed situations. Anyone can tilt a 250-pound bike well over to the left or right and still hold it up and recover to a full upright position. But this is not so true of a 900-pound full dresser. In a parking lot situation where you need to turn the steering sharp left or right, the bike will naturally lean away from the vertical. It is under these conditions that total weight really makes a difference. Get a huge bike just a little past vertical and it really wants to go down. You've got within the smaller rider's capacity to control. the to be strong to hold that bike up. Weight distribution can exacerbate the heavy bikes are more of gravity. If difficult to control total weight problem. Top than bikes with a low center you do not have much muscle mass, buy a bike with a low MEN RID 203 center of ^r.w it\ Finding such a bike is difficult since manufacturers hike is top heavy or not. (Being top heavy .1 . do not advertise whether is a not considered a feature b) the manufacturers.) low center of gra\it\, tr\ out Women rulers will gladly give riding a new bike gasl A a bike it heaw vim 1 find a bike with Ask around. on their advice. At the dealer, insist von are unsure. And ride it with a full tank of way up nigh can do a lot to make . Otherwise, small people are no large people. To variet) of motorcycles. gallon tank perched full five top first .1 less able to handle heavy bikes than [owever, your riding Strateg) must be somewhat differ- people may not be able to manhandle a bike out of a dangerous situation as quickly, or in the same manner, as a larger person. The author does not believe in formulas that say if you weigh only \ than you should have a bike with no more than Y displacement that weighs no more than Z. No matter what your sex, all beginners should start out on a smaller bike (both m weight and displacement). What you finally end up with after a tew years riding is your choice. ent. Smaller Boyfriends, Fathers and Husbands Do not your husband, boyfriend or father pick out a bike for you. let them talk you out of the bike you want in favor \pcncncc shows that a man will suggest a bike to his female soul mate more in line with what he would purchase as a second bike. A male will make a major display of anger, hurt and In particular, do not let of the bike they want. anguish in if his 1 female companion does not take his advice. This can result actions not unlike a tantrum. Ignore it just as you would the tantrum of any other child. Make your own choices and get something that you are comfortable with. You'll never ride that bike unless comfortable with it. you are physically and mentally Your enjoyment of the bike will be diminished if you are uncomfortable with its quality, performance, fit, finish, fashion and social statement. Keep in mind that there are many after-market products that can make your bike perfect. (For example, if the seat is too high you can get it adjusted. There are many companies that will custom build a seat to your specifications.) If you buy the bike your boyfriend wanted, and there is something wrong with it, you are never going to even attempt to correct the problem because you don't even really like the beast (the bike, not him)! Buying the Right Gear In the past, women had no choice but to buy small sizes of men's no manufacturers made a of women's riding gear. This has changed, but given the riders riding apparel (or large boy's sizes) since separate line limited = THE CC 204 : number BOOK of female riders, the selection is still not great. Women who want top get custom and a perfect designed clothing. What you want around. It is quality is fit have two choices. The The second out there, but it first is to and look takes some hunting down. is to be patient extremely important to find apparel that fits properly, especially when buying cold weather riding gear. Given the greater possibility of hypothermia (see below), female riders should seek and demand only the best. GENDER RIDING IMPLICATIONS Accidents from the Hurt report: Women are overThere are several theories on why women should be more likely to be involved in an accident, although none of this is backed up by facts. Women may tend to buy motorcycles of a lower quality. Just walk into a large motorcycle dealer and look at the pastel colored bikes marketed for the college coed. More likely, however, is the fact that sometimes the only thing that can pull a rider out of a bad situation is a power maneuver that requires real upper torso strength. With only two seconds to make several combined course maneuvers, the strong have a better opportunity to survive. Men have, on average, more muscle mass than women and therefore a better chance to muscle a bike out of a bad situation. Here is an interesting fact represented in accident statistics. Cold Weather Riding Generally speaking, other animals, fat is women have a higher cold weather. So one might think that men when riding. skeleton, fat humans relative is is percentage than men. In Nope! Given the women would body warmth be homo sapiens. in warmer than overall structure of the not a survival device for more fat a survival device for conserving Heat human loss in a function of the ratio of exposed surface area to weight or body mass. Women have more curves than their male counterparts and therefore have a higher ratio of surface area to mass, women. The conclusion that can be reached especially slender is one that many women have known for years. Women tend to lose significant amounts of body heat when exposed to a cold environment. They tend to feel the cold sooner than their male counterparts. It is more than just perception. Women wind chill situation such as cold are at higher risk of hypothermia in a weather motorcycle riding. WON' 205 Carrying Loads and Passengers hook discussed carrying cargo and Read that section. The author reiterates here that large passengers and heavy loads present an added danger factor tor any In the riding skills section of this I passengers. motorcycle rider. 1 arge passengers can actually take control of the bike away from you by leaning incorrectly. This problem is of greater concern tor smaller motorcyclists. Solo Riding Considerations No matter what gender \ on arc, vou air safer riding with a buddy than something goes wrong, you've got a pal to assist or get Someone gets too interested in your stuff, you've got a buddy to riding alone. help. It outflank the intruder. Otherwise, female riders have the author that, in their view, riding solo presents no Female rider than to a male rider. The author weird stuff there. = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 206 is going down on is made it clear to more danger skeptical. to a Too much the roads these days. Let's be careful out © w lotorcyclists difficult and motorists (a.k.a. car drivers) seem to have a time getting along on the road. Motorcyclists are often viewed as outlaw hooligans or irresponsible speed freaks by the public. Al- though some motorcyclists fall into these categories, the vast majority are law abiding citizens no different from the average automobile driver. Motorcyclists view motorists as inattentive adversaries them out and cut them the National Highway off. Statistics support this view. who crowd According to Traffic Safety Administration, 66'%) of accidents 207 in\ oh mg motorcycles colliding with other vehicles are the fault of the other vehicles. Motorists contributed to another 10% of motorcycle accidents by unintentionally forcing a motorcycle out of its lane. book to your automotive friends so they might learn something about the danger they This chapter is tor motorists to read. Please lend this present to motorcycles. THE PROBLEM PRESENTED BY MOTORCYCLES Visibility is the big issue. Motorcycles have smaller profiles harder to see in traffic. This problem is exacerbated if and are the rider is not wearing brightly colored clothing or running with the headlight on. A motorcycle only a few hundred feet away occupies less of a driver's field ot \ ision than does a pencil held at arm's length. Obviously, the smaller profile means that a motorcycle can more easily be: • Hidden • Obscured by other • Camouflaged in a driver's blind The small The motorist. in the traffic spots or roadside structures background, or "visual noise," of urban profile also means that there is no reference scale for the lack of reference scale can lead a driver to: • Misjudge the distance between the car and motorcycle • Misjudge the speed of the oncoming motorcycle it traffic Motorcycles can also accelerate much faster than cars, so the time much less than what takes the motorcycle to close any distance can be a motorist expects. Motorists often conclude that a motorcycle away and traveling slower than it really is farther is. WHAT MOTORISTS MUST DO TO SHARE THE ROAD In a typical car/motorcycle accident scenario, a motorcyclist has 1.9 seconds to avoid an accident. This is not much time. Therefore, preven- and circumvention, by the motorist, are key. Motorists should take the following six defensive driving steps to avoid an accident with a tion motorcycle. = THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 208 Look for Motorcycles Studies show that drivers most often they expect to see. Motorists must see make what they look for and what a conscious effort to look for motorcycles. Motorists must mentally think about motorcycles in advance. The most critical time is when a driver, either of the motor- cycle or car, changes speed or position of the vehicle. Scan 20 seconds ahead (about a quarter-mile at 50 m.p.h.), check to the side and your rearview mirrors often and perform a shoulder check when changing lanes. For older drivers older we we this get, the longer are looking at when is even more important. Studies show that the it takes for our brains to recognize what it is the scene changes. This cognitive convergence problem can only be addressed by older drivers who take their time and deliberately look for motorcycles. Make Sure the Motorcyclist Sees You more easily seen with headlights on, so are cars. Use headlights at all times, even in good daylight conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers always signal turns, even if there are no other vehicles in the Just as motorcycles are area. There may be a motorcycle in the vicinity the driver does not see. Daytime headlights and signaling alert the motorcycle rider to the motorist's location and intentions. Pay Special Attention at Intersections when turning or when changing The most common car/motorcycle accidents happen at in-town intersections where a car turns left in front of a motorcycle (known as Pay special attention at intersections, lanes. T-boning of the in motorcyclist vernacular). If you cannot determine the speed oncoming motorcycle, allow the motorcycle to pass before proceeding. The next most common accident left Don't is is a car cutting off a motorcycle in a or right lane. Be sure to check your blind spots when changing lanes. on a simple mirror check. Look over your shoulder as well. This in states such as California that allow lane splitting, which is the rely critical practice of driving a motorcycle along the white lines of a freeway. Treat the Motorcycle Like a Car Legally, motorists must provide the same right-of-way and a motorcycle as to any other vehicle. privilege to Although the motorcycle does not physically take up the entire lane, the motorcyclist needs this space to maneuver around road hazards. Do not crowd the motorcyclist. Allow at least a two-second cushion between your car and the motorcycle when traveling under 40 m.p.h. Increase this cushion to at least four seconds when traveling faster. WHAT EVERY MOTORIST NEEDS TO KNOW 209 When passing a motorcycle, use your turn signals and Do into the passing lane. move entirely not return to the right lane until you ean see the motorcycle in your rearview mirror. In congested traffic, suppress the urge to make a lane change by forcing your car into the motor- cyclist*s space. View the Road from a Motorcyclist's Perspective 1 he motorcyclist motorist. is Main road confronted with far more road hazards than a automo- situations that are inconsequential to the bile driver are potentially fatal to the motorcyclist. All things being equal, the motorcyclist will ride to the where the motorcyclist can of a lane's left the most easily seen. But the motorcycle faces far most and is more hazards on the road than Road middle oil slick. This is a car, so all things are rarely equal. railroad tracks, see the oil, pavement seams, road debris, merging trucks and turning vehicles represent situations that may pot holes, traffic, large require special maneuvering. Weather, such as strong wind gusts or high glare situations, have a greater impact on a motorcycle. Not only does the more hazards on the road, same preventative action as a the motorcycle rider face motorcyclist does not take the motorist. Motorcyclists react differently to hazards because of the limitations and nature of their machines. It takes an average motorcycle, traveling at 50 m.p.h., about 3.8 seconds (about 150 feet) to stop under good conditions. Bad conditions such as greasy wet pavement can triple manhole a motorcycle's braking distances. Threats such as gravel, which present little threat to a braking car, may make braking hazardous for the motorcycle. In such cases some motorcyclists will "power-out" of the hazard. Some motorcycles, especially mopeds and scooters, have no torque to "power-out" of a bad situation. The only option for these bikes is to maneuver around a hazard. And this option may not be available from a poorly maintained or overloaded motorcycle. Therefore, the motorist must give the motorcyclist covers and steel plates, room so that all of the possible escape actions are available. The only way for a motorist to be sure he is not taking away any of the possible escape actions is to (1) scan around and beyond the motorcycle to get a good view of what the motorcyclist sees and the motorcyclist room (2) give to react. Avoid the Young and the Restless Many of today's motorcycles can go from zero to 100 m.p.h. in under 10 seconds with top speeds nearing 150 m.p.h. Very few motorcyclists have skills equal to the capabilities of these machines. One of the most influential research studies on motorcycle safety is the 1981 Hurt Report by the University of Southern California Traffic THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 210 Safety Center. This report notes that, not unexpectedly, inexperienced or incapable motorcycle riders are hurt most often. For example: • More than 26% of year's experience on all crashes involved riders with less than one their motorcycle • Ninety-two percent of riders in reportable accidents were essentially without training (i.e., self taught or learned from family or friends) • Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly over represented in accidents; riders between the ages of 30 and 50 are significantly under represented. And • here is one more critical fact: Twelve percent of all motorcycle accidents show alcohol involvement. However, almost half the fatal motorcycle accidents show alcohol involvement. Inexperience is the single most important factor motorcycle accidents, followed closely by alcohol use. in the It cause of makes every- one angry when a motorcyclist is riding like the road is his own private speed way. However, if you are near a motorcyclist who is young, driving recklessly or riding a poorly maintained motorcycle, the best course of action is to give that rider a wide berth. Know How to Studies show Drive that the typical driver thinks his or her driving is pretty darn good. This typical driver also thinks that most other drivers' driving is pretty darn bad. The truth is, none of us are really that good 100% Most of us are ignorant about what "good" driving And, most of us are not aware of how our driving skills and habits change with age. "Good" driving was probably defined for most of us in high school of the time. really is. when either our folks taught us What our how to drive or we took a safe driving was probably not "good" driving. What the safe driving course taught us, if we remember any of it, has probably been radically updated. It is beyond the scope of this text to describe "good" driving. The only logical course of action is have every course. folks taught us driver take a student driving course every five or ten years, because our driving habits and skills change with age. This knowledge will help any what the heck it is he is are doing, and what he up against, out there on the big macadam of life. Young Motorists Young drivers lack experience and a healthy respect for death. Therefore, young drivers tend to take unnecessary driver understand just is — WHAT EVERY MOTORIST NEEDS TO H 21 1 risks. I [owever, young drivers do possess the best physical eyesight skills allow them to process tar more information action taster, than older drivers. and skills. Their keen. Their mental and physical capabilities are fast. These is and take tar taster, — Experienced Younger Motorists Motorists between the ages of 25 $5 have acquired the necessar) experience to drive safely, and still have good physical, visual and mental skills. They have seen enough disaster and tragedy m their lives to respect the destructive power of the automobile or motorcycle. These diners are the lowest insurance risk ot am age group. — Middle-aged Motorists By age 40, our bodies have degenerated enough to affect our driving. The most significant change is with our become more light sensitive. 'yes do not adjust from light do not focus as well, and because eyes need ever increasing amounts ot light to see, night driving becomes more difficult. Driving into and out ot shadows is troublesome. Main details are not seen in low light situations. And, compared to younger drivers, our vision. Eyes 1 to dark as well. Eyes mental abilities relatively have declined. Motorists good physical diminished skills r embrace the engine. 215 Crankshaft Rotating part of engine to which connecting rods are attached. Crotch rocket Small, fast motorcycle. Cruiser Factory made descendants of customized choppers offering a classic look. Characterized by low seat, swept back look, lots of power with a strong exhaust note, lots of chrome. Cylinder Parallel sided circular cavity, usually Cylinder sleeve Liner for a cylinder. Dampen The housing a piston. unwanted act of eliminating, or device used to eliminate (damp), oscillations and unwanted energy. Damper Device for controlling unwanted movement or absorbing unwanted energy. DC Direct current. Deflector piston Piston designed for two-stroke engines to channel fresh fuel up to the head forcing burnt fuel out the exhaust ports. Desmodronic Ducati designed valve opening and closing system that does not rely on springs. Design offers better high r.p.m. valve control. Detailing make In-depth cleaning, polishing, waxing and other maintenance to a motorcycle look great. Dieseling Ignition in a gasoline engine of the fuel vapor by means other than the spark plug. Also called preignition or run-on. Disc brake Brake that utilizes friction pads held in a caliper on either side of a rotating disc. Displacement Distributor Engine capacity measured An at the breaker often consisting of points, timing advance and cam used to direct high tension current to spark plugs proper timing. Often replaced with electronic ignition. Tendency of front suspension DOHC DOHV Double overhead Drag The brake Dry sump to compress during hard braking. Dual overhead cam. valves. resistance of the air to forward motion. along Drum cubic inches or cubic centimeters. electrical circuit device, condenser Dive in its axis has a A flat disc moving broadside nominal rating of 1.00. Brake design with brake shoes forced out against a rotating drum. Lubrication system in four-stroke engines in which the separate container. Oil drains into the separate container, keeping the THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 216 sump sump and "dry." is oil is carried in a pumped into the Dual purpose bike Designed for most types of terrain, the name describes a bike that has off-road capabilities with street legal accessories. Duck Ducati. Dynamite Slang for instantly applying a system to full force (e.g., "I dynamited my brakes"). Electrolyte Battery acid. Electronic ignition Computer controlled method to convey high tension current to spark Enduro Strictly interpreting Common off-road FIM regulations, an enduro bike is plugs. a trials bike. use of the term describes bikes used in enduro racing, which trail is riding competition. Fatigue Tendency of material FIM Federation Internationale Motocyclist. International governing body of motorcycle sport. Final drive Mechanism to fail that delivers under repeated use. power to the rear wheel, usually chain, shaft or belt. Fins Heat sinks on an air-cooled engine. Fishtail Rear wheel swinging from side to side caused by increased rolling resistance of the rear tire (often caused by over braking, flat tire or frozen drive train). Flashover Generally an unwanted electrical discharge through the air to the ground. Flathead Early head design where the valves resided in the block so the head only covered the block and held the spark plug. Also called L-Head or side-valve. Flat spot Term refers to the condition where opening the throttle results in a reduction in speed or power output caused by incorrect fuel mixture. Fly wheel Rotating weight used to damp engine vibration or to improve smooth operation of the engine between power strokes. Footprint Four-stroke Contact patch of Engine with the tire with road surface. common induction, compression, power, exhaust stroke sequence. Designed by Dr. Nicolas Otto in 1876. Freightliner Big truck. Fuel injection Replaces carburetors. Uses small nozzles, called injectors, supplied an injector pump, to inject fuel into the intake manifold. Gearbox Transmission housing. Goose Moto Ground The earth pole of Hairpin turn A fuel by Guzzi. a battery, usually negative on most motorcycles. decreasing radius turn. Turn that gets progressive!) "tighter." GLOSSARY 21 7 Head Also called c\ Under head. This piece covers the top of the cylinder and often houses valves, rockers and overhead cams. Head Gasket between the cylinder head and the block or piston cylinder. gasket Heat sink A device Hog Nickname One Horse power channel heat away from to source. a heat Harley-Davidson motorcycles. tor horse power is the force necessary to lift 550 pounds one toot in one second. Hurt Report 1981 stud) by University of Southern California of 3,600 motorcycle traffic accidents. Husky Husqvarna. Hydrometer Device to measure the charge Hydroplane A m which the tires lose contact with the road on top of a shallow film of water. highly dangerous situation surface and actually Hypoid gears lead acid battery. in a lift mated so that the pinion does not intersect the axis of the gear used in transmissions and Paired beveled gears with spirally or nonradially cut teeth final drives. Identification Idiot light numbers I actory Stamped frame and engine numbers used Control panel indicator light that warns of a problem situation. Commonly called an idiot light because it neither warns you before the problem develops, nor Impeller De\ Injector Mechanism Jet to identify the motorcycle. tells ice that assists stream. the movement opening More in is after the bike is disabled. of fluid. to squirt fuel or lubrication Precisely drilled air you what the problem where required. carburetor through which fuel passes into the generally, any hole used to control the passage of gas or fluid. Knucklehead Slang for Harley-Davidson engine produced between 1936 and 1947. Name comes from the valve covers that look fist like the knuckles of a clinched (or so the legend goes). Line Path selected by the motorcycle rider to take through a turn. Low-side A type of motorcycle crash that involves laying the "low side" of the bike too low Lug Magneto in a turn, resulting in loss of traction and grounding the bike. Operating engine at lower than normal r.p.m.s. Self-contained device that can be easily driven by an engine to produce ignition spark. Manifold Pipes that supply fuel to and channel exhaust from the head. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 218 Master cylinder Forces hydraulic fluid to the brake cylinder, activating the brakes. Minibike A miniature version Monocoque chassis Moped of a motorcycle. Steel pressings welded together, providing structural equivalent of a frame and body work. Unitized frame structure with stressed sheet metal panels. A motorized bicycle, often will pedals attached for still assistance, usually legally defined in states and provinces than 50cc and cannot be capable of propelling the on level ground. human power as having fewer moped over 30 m.p.h. Motocross bike Motorcycles designed for closed course or cross-country competition. These bikes are generally more technologically advanced than their offroad siblings. M.P.G. Miles per gallon. Muffler Exhaust device that cools exhaust gases, quiets exhaust noise and provides pressure to improve engine performance. Nut cracker Slang for motorcycle fuel tank cap hinged closest to the front of the bike, so named for the tendency of the rider slides cap to flip open in a collision while the up the tank. Octane rating Indicates the ability of a fuel to resist early detonation called knock. Off-camber turn Turn that Off-road bike Term for a motorcycle designed specifically for off-road use. OHC OHV is banked higher on the inside than on the outside. Overhead cam. Overhead valve. Oil bath Lubrication by complete submergence into oil. Oil-cooler Engine cooling system where the engine's oil is sent through an external radiator to help remove heat from the engine. Overdrive Transmission gear such that one revolution of the engine produces more than one revolution of the driveshaft. A gear ratio of less than 1:1. Oversquare Cylinder diameter (bore) greater than stroke. Also called short stroke. Pancake engine Horizontally opposed engine. Panhead Slang for Harley-Davidson engine produced between 1948 and 1965. Named PCV after the valve covers that look like small turkey roasting pans. Positive crank ventilation. Vents crankcase vapors into the intake manifold to control pollution. Pctcock Fuel valve. Play the clutch Use of partially engaged clutch. GLOSSARY 219 Positive camber turn Turn that banked such that the outside of the turn is higher than the hanked speedways and freeways have positive is inside of the turn. Properly camber turns. Power band Range of Power plant The Power Components train r.p.m. where an engine produces the most power. engine. that deliver rotary motion from the engine to the drive wheels (transmission, clutch, primary and secondary drives). Pounds per square PSI Pushrod In o\ erhead inch. from the camshaft to the rockers, activating alve engines, rods V the valves. Radial Tire design where the cords of the tire run from the left side of the tire to the right side. Radiator In liquid-cooled engines, the heat sink where excess heat is purged into the em ironment. Rake Slope of the front forks. Reciprocating weight The Redline Indicates the A Relay total weight of moving all maximum parts. r.p.m.s an engine light current electrical may run. switch that triggers a heavier switch capable of carrying heavier current. Repo artist Business thug experienced at repossessing motorcycles for finance companies. Retard To Road crown Arc of road, high at the middle Rodger Flannel Boring. Dull. Desk job. R.P.M. Revolutions per minute. SAE Society of Automotive Engineers. Scavenge Clearing of exhaust fumes from a two-stroke engine. Scooter set back the ignition timing before the piston reaches Motorcycle design where the line, to tires are TDC. allow for water drainage. small and fat, the engine resides over the rear wheel permitting a sheltered driving platform for the rider's feet. Seizure The locking in place of moving parts due to overheating, lack of lubrication or opposing pressure. Also called freeze-up. Sending unit Electrical or mechanical device for sensing some physical property of the motorcycle's operating conditions. Also called a sensor unit. Shaft drive Direct connection method between transmission and rear wheel, as opposed to chain or belt final drive. THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 220 Shim Small piece of metal used to set clearances between valves or other parts. Shock absorber Also known damper, shocks absorb road surface vibration through as hydraulic friction. Shovelhead Slang for Harley-Davidson engines produced between 1966 and 1984, so named because Slave cylinder the shape of the head resembles a coal shovel. Hydraulic cylinder activated by master cylinder, usually referring to clutch or brake cylinders. Slick Treadless SOHV Single overhead valve. Solenoid A cylinder of wire Spine frame Main frame tire. magnetically controlling a free sliding metal core. structure made up of two sheet steel pressings welded together along the center line. Also can be tubular construction. Often called a "T" or "7" frame as this describes the shape of the frame. Sport bike Motorcycle offering the high performance characterized by leading edge engine design, heavily applied racing technology, radical aerodynamic styling, low handlebars, high performance tires and suspension, big disc brakes. Sport touring bike Sport touring bikes offer more comfort than a sport bike and more speed than a touring bike. Standard bike Term Stroker Two-stroke engine. Sump for a basic, universal, multipurpose motorcycle design. Oil reservoir that either scavenges free draining engine holds Tappet Device to self-adjust valve clearances. T-bone Common or separately crash condition where a car turns in front of a motorcycle and the connecting vehicles are perpendicular TDC oil oil. Top dead center. The point at — hence "T-bone." which a piston is at its highest position (and therefore point of greatest compression) within the cylinder. when Thermostat Controls engine temperatures by preventing coolant flow is cold and permitting flow when the engine warms. Torque Measure of force producing torsion and rotation around an axis. A measurement of engine power described as the ability to turn or twist. Maximum torque is produced when an engine is operating at maximum combustion efficiency. Touring bike Luxurious motorcycle with many comforts and amenities the engine tor long range travel. 221 Transfer port Tyro-stroke fresh Fuel port between crankcase and cylinder. Trials bikes For competition over radical, rough terrain. Trials motorcycles are designed to be extremely light, minimalist off-road specialties with low gear rations, high ground clearance and control layout suited for a standing ruler. Turbocharger Arguabb a more efficient variation of the supercharger. Impellers in the exhaust are turned by the exhaust gases, which powers impellers intake forcing more in the air air past the carburetors. Two-stroke Mechanically simple, light and powerful, two-stroke engines combine the exhaust and intake strokes, making every other stroke a power stroke. Undersquare Stroke greater than "bore." Unsprung weight Part of the motorcycle V An Valve Control gate that allows or prevents passage of fluid or gas. Vapor lock Condition where fluid expansion into a vapor state prevents a system from working, traditionally the fuel delivery system. Vespa Italian scooter V Name Evolution engine designed for below or not supported by the suspension. in a "V" configuration. manufacturer. Harley-Davidson engine introduced VIN Vehicle identification number. Viscosity Measurement of the thickness or denseness of Voltage regulator Controls the output from the generator. Wankle A in 1984. a fluid. rotary engine using a triangular rotor creates three chambers, each performing the same cycles as a four-stroke engine. Water jacket Wear bar Wheelbase Passages between cylinder walls through which coolant circulates. Raised ridge in tire tread to indicate Measurement from when tire needs replacement. the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel. Wheelie 222 Running the motorcycle on the COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK rear wheel only. Index blow-by 214g blower 214g BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) 98-100, 2 14g 43 horizontal engine K100 models: page numbers indicate illustrations. Page numbers followed by "g" indicate glossary. Italic see antilock brake system 163-164 152, acceleration accelerator Art of the Deal, The (book) 94 aspect ratio 193, 214g models: 250 Cross Country pump 213g 125; 406 Cross Country' 124-125, 125; 604 Dual accessory system 56, 58 accidents 5, 8, 211 with helmets 155 at intersections 173 9, motorist related 9, 207-209 statistics on types of 8, 8, 21 Atom, the ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) 114 atomized fuel 46 axle battery 95, 136, 147, 198- corrosive 128, 189, 191 189-190, 199-200 additives 103 Aermachi (Aeronautica Macchi advertising S.p.A.) air 101 additives 143 compression 49 air cleaner air air 7, 213g air fuel ratio 21g, air 185-186 horn 90 types 198 air use alcohol systems 38 100; street BMW 213g 56 alternator 56-57, 197, 213g aluminum 50 American National Standards alternating current (AC) (ANSli IJj American Petroleum (API) 189, 213g ammeter 21 ?g Institute anatomy 65-67 women ndcrs 202 bike purchase animals. 170, 174 5 antifreeze 95, 144, 161.21)0 brake system (ABS) 213g ape hangers 21 ig apcrature 21 ig apex 21 1g see 2Hg belt drive 214g belted tires 51, final drive 195-196 18,54, 191,214g inspections: prc-ride 161; used 88-89 maintenance schedule 140 transmission 53 Benelh 750-Sei 98 Bernoulli's Principle 46 2l4g 195-196 black m- 2l4g blacklist 214g blind spot 170,208 blinkers l~ blip 2l4g block 2l4g bias tins GL SI. CL350 108; 1200 Gold Wing 104; Magna 750 21;XR650L 31 inspections: pre-ride 161; used 86-87 Police Bike 30; 110 VN1500 Vulcan 88 19 111; Zl KZ900 12; ZL900 Eliminator 1 KTM:300E/XC chlorine 199 choke 87, 215g "chop" 202 16, 42, 214g choppers cam cam cam chain 1 30 Suzuki: GS450L 22; 15; trial feature of: trail Honda Nighthawk 52; 107; ig- 57; two- nition system stroke engine 4 87 coil "cold" plug 197 198 133t, I37t, Honda CB900C 105 carburetor jets 1 84, 1 99 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 181 caster lis. GS1000 s; 47, 12i, 215g 14;GSX600 Katana llh RM I Madura II : th; disc drum brakes BMW brakes 52; s2 1 R65LS 204 riders 12, *4 ceramic insulator 19" I'M I i ! classic coverage 73 combustion 39 combustion chamber 39 design of: overhead cam 44; overhead vabe 44 collision 14-40; Honda CB900C 197 105; spark plugs common chain I9J roller communication 160, 163 compression ignition 188 compression ratio 40,215a, compression release lf<2, 21 compression stroke action • condensation condenser 2|sg v 4s" connecting rod 42, 2 1 5g constant mesh transmission 1 s'l-l si s ' contact patch 193 feature ot: final contaminants controls and gaoajd drh ' 5 t inspection: pre rule used SS |9 maintenance see bikes I 71 transmission Yamaha: PJ1100 122; /RhOO 120-121. (.is loon 2. RZ350 cure Roy ale 18; VL 99; 100 Interstate centrifugal clutch chain collectible bikes comprehensive coverage 73 compression 39-41,40 sg 104 cenitication Triumph: Trident 900 24 1 exhaust svstem 4~ women 19 I25P 28 tvpes ot 14 CBs 17,90 (.1 cold starting 46 feature of: 4 -stroke engine 215g catalytic converter Honda 215g cold 171 146, 149 in: mini- clutch lever 66, 87, 162 45-47 maintenance 161; maintenance schedules 133t, 135t, 137t, 138t models: Honda CB^OOSC oil for carburetor 45—46, 2165g use 164: used 88 Nighthawk S 107; bikes 34; mopeds 32 189-190 carbon 139 carbon dioxide 185 carbon monoxide 185 battery nders 204-205 inspection: pre-ride capacitor 57, 197, 21 5g carburetion nding 177,178 164 drum brakes inspection of 157-159, 7, 14, control access 203; shifting engine valve layout 43—44; models: i.sVRHOO GV700GI 51 clutch 21 5g feature of: acceleration case guards 74 bikes I tires Clerk, Donald 38 women 130, 133t, 135t 214g gears 130 campers 180 cam shaft 215g drive center of gravity 202, 2 20; street bikes 2", bikes 38t; i replacement cleaning 93 158, 173 bikes i classic riding gear 215g 215g calipers 52, catastrophic health insurance GS850G 22-23,23, 63, 1", 22. 215g chrome 22, 48 classic bikes 98 costs of 10, 64, 64t 30 downhill riding 173; enduros 27; minibikes 34; motocross bikes 28; sports trail choppers clothing cargo see load 124 maintenance schedules 133t, 135t, 137t, 138t, 139 styles for: Beau de Rochas, Alphonse 38 bias ply 106; Interstate 109;ZX11 113 bottom dead center bead 214g 87-88, 130, 164, bearings see belts analog gauges 21 Ig antiupation BDC CBR600F2 105; Voyager Bavarian Motor Works alcohol abuse see intoxication alignment 90, 140, 192-19 > antilock BMW CB900C 106; KZ1000P bikes 17 gasoline 184 Institute in: XLH 883 Sportster 102 Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 147 sulfation 149 pressure gauge 80 air pressure alloy 57; 200 inspection of 90 maintenance of 133t, 135t, 136, 137t, 139, 147-149 recyling purchases 183 airlock 21 3g fuel Heritage Classic 102; 56; ignition system 213g FLSTC 26; Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; CB700SC Nighthawk S feature of: charging system 44—45, 89, R100GS "Paris-Dakar" R100RT 20 Series 197-199 199-200 7 costs of compressors 18 air-cooling system air filters 197, R65LS Gas Gas Contact-T25 29 Harley-Davidson: Dyna Bamett, William 38 BSA Arms) California Ba|a 1000 100; Wide Glide see chest protector 177, 178 chicane 21 5g chin strap 155 calcium 189 126; baling wire 80 battery 38-40,40, 213g 99; backbone frames 48 backfire 214g backrest 74, 160 balance 6, 33-34 models 125 129- 76-77 Arms (British Small 214g buddy pegs caliper BMW: K100 200 Small 134, 133t, 135t, 136-143, 137t closed course racing 28 125; 604 Dual Sport 29 acids maintenance breaker points 214g break-in cables 95, 139 ATK: 406 Cross Country 142,192 chassis braking force 152 "burned rubber" 152 "burnout" 152 bushings 140, 191-192, 214g butane 186 brakes 52,203 avgas 187 205 riders in 41,214g brake cam 139 brake pads 139 brake pedal 55, 162 vocabulary for 12-13 charging system 56-57 BSA automobile driver see motorist automobiles 13, 43, 57, 119, women chaps 10 physical skills 6 British bottom dead center (BDC) 40- auctions 83 190 12 types of 191 brushes 214g brush guards 28 boot socks 10 bore 214g 192 repairs braking distance 167,210 process of brake fluid 95, 139 brake lever 87, 162 brake light 161 119 YX600 25; braking 165-167 maintenance schedule 132 anatomy see brake cylinder 214g brake fading 173 Sport 29 alcohol related 8-9 experience/skill related "Paris-Dakar" (1990) 126; R100RT 20;R1100 48 body dimensions boost 214g Bosch, Robert 57 ATK accelerator 54 100; boots 10, 158, 159, 177,178 arms and hands 65-66 ABS (1985) R65LS(1981) 99;R100GS Boldface page numbers indicate main subjects. V-Max 120; Radian 121 f> 160 • I 1 inspection ot use I passenger satet\ 1 in • dual purpose hikes '2. moped t >. scixxen >4, 223 3 hikes street Ir. trial 17; damper 216f dating tafctt siess ot 55, $6 J.i coolua Hi, 147 1 in engines g 44 "i . inspection ot ml — l U 6S-71, dealerships RM 13, 91 ndem MO 24 122; Yamaha: FJ1100 73-J4 deals corrosion maintenance 141,143-144, 14r lS^-l^l oil use oaaana costs s/r i- s firuncmg S I 1 counrersteenng r. S counterweight 21sc 21 ;, 1 deflector pLston delis 2 s 1 detailing re- log cradle frames 4S. K,215| «$. 14s. I91,215f M crankshaft 21t>g Diesel. Rudolf 38 131- 41,41; 4-stroke 40. in-line horizontal lavnut 4 see jlso specif* models (e.g..Kawasak,kl V r-i; I 30 17, KWE/X( 124 W, 216g J2, 87 maintenance 216g use BMW in: < 1 g R 12h, scries cross countrs bikes 31;trail maintenance 128 models: Harley FLSTC Hen Honda 102; tage Classic 2"; hikes Yamaha Kawasaki ZL900 Elimiru BMW: K100 GS1000 GV^OOGLF Suzuki 14; Madura 11*; Yamaha Vi- rago 750 120 custom bikes (CO 1", 2 J. 215g 21-22, 63 203 cylinder head 140 cylinders 216g cutoff switch 39-40; 40-41; V layout 43 feature of: compression 39; cooling systems 45; layouts 42—43; numbers 42; side 43 valve gasoline for: atility octane 18 T ; vol- 185 maintenance of 138t, 147, 149 in: 40h t mss Country 604 Dual Sport 2 g feature of: cylinders 42. 130, 132, Honda CB900C 105 216g 26; = FLSTC 102; Classic 106; XLH CBR600F2 105; CL350 108; GL 1200 Gold Wing Interstate 104; Magna 750 21; XR650L 31 Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 KZ1000P 30; 110 Police Bike haust system 109;ZX11 113 KTM: 300E/XC 124 1 nres 47 BMW 31 pitfalls 22; pitfalls engine I th. k 49 cooling methods 164; valve lay- V engine 164 feature of: acceleration 186-187 identification numbers 85 kill burton 162,173 Gas Gas Contact-T25 29 gasoline octane Harley-Davidson: Dvna Wide Glide 26; FLSTC Heritage 102; XLH Series 883 Sportster 102 Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; CB700SC Nighthawk S CB900C 108; 105; CL350 1200 Gold Wing 104; Magna 750 21;XR650L wire 80 197 feature of: cruisers purpose bikes 17; dual 32; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 16 equipment see clothing ergonomics 23, II 9 esters 190 184 185 179-181 evaluation 5 nrhailH system 47, 139-140 design for: 2-stroke engine 39, 40-41; 4-stroke engine 39-40, 40 inspection of 86, 88 maintenance of 138t, 148 in: custom bikes 22; Harley XLH Series 883 Sports- use ter 102; touring bikes 47, 139-140; 39, bikes 26, trail 1381 exhaust valve 187 experience accidents 2 1 bike purchase 64 rider safety 8 extension stroke action 49 155-156 face shields fairings BMW K series 100; cross country bikes 31; design: sports bikes 20; sports tour- 31 Police Bike 88 21; touring bikes ing bikes inspection of 85-86, 88 17 30: 110 19 Voyager 111; Zl KZ900 112; ZL900 Eliminator 109;ZX11 113 KTM: 300E/XC 124 maintenance schedule 127- 143-146 for 188-191 oil electric start BOOK layout 132, 133t, 134, 135t, 137t, 27 91 25 OuntT] 4i KZ1000P used bike inspection 86, 90- 23- ( 24-25 envelope of safety 163,170 exhaust cooling flange 47 VN1500 Vulcan Earles suspension entry level standards exhaust pipe 47, 139 GL iS; Venture Royalc 18; Virago 750 120; V-Max 25; YX600 Radian 121 98;K100 100;R65LS 99; R100GS "Park-Dakar" l>. RI00RT 20 Classic 4- in line engine 125; 604 Dual Sport 2 g designs for: ; ankle 41-42 etiquette ross ( Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 earthquakes 1 1 elderly dnvers 170, 173-174 electrical system 56-58 street bikes 17 19-40; ethyl alcohol BMW 106; 8-9 dynamite 21 7g 14 II". ethanol 37-45 40ts Interstate DW1 (driving while intoxicated) bikes 123 61 i| CBR600F2 duct tape 80 trail . mount 48 engines \ RM ny 180 engine guards 106; 61 Ducati (Duck) 43, 217g electricity 56, 136, choppers R100GS 51-52 electrical 18; standards i/,31- 5, "Pans-Dakar" 126; Honda 106; Honda CL350 Voyager 111; Zl KZ900 112; ZL900 Eliminator street bikes: (DOHV) I6g 19 88 THE COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE 224 Series CB900C 105-106; (DOHC) feature of: chain drive 54; ex- XR650L Yamaha 'nrting 216g purchasing KTM 124; Suiuki out 43-44; 1 dual purpose hikes Heritage roil I 42-4?, horizontal layout 216g 52, 139, tg slump 216g dual overhead cams models: 406 125; 44—45; cylinder vanations drs two Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; t 87008 Nighthawk S cruisers dampen 216g dry graphite Gas Gas Contact-T25 29 Harlev-Davidson: Dyna Wide Glide see (driving while mtoxi- drum brakes 100; R65LS 99;R100GS-Pans Dakar" 126;R100RT 20 VN1500 Vulcan inspection of 89 cylinder sleeve DW7 dual overhead valves 883 Sportster 102 in engines: 2-stroke 4-stroke K 125; driving while intoxicated stroke engines 41 purchasing 63 wheels 51 cubic centimeters \ T 2 44.216g displacement 21 tig 109; Suzuki sc 189 CB900C 105; Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan 88 19; Kawasaki Zl KZ900 112; tor Rl> ncs 123 dispersanrs s ATK Yamaha 175 Endure drag 166. 216g Dkw, Alfred 47 drive train 16, 13-54 64 acceleration maintenance 129-132, 134 shirting 164 1 27 28 riding Rl 100 GV700GLF Madura \\ 27-28, 30, 27, 2ft 10 Yamaha: PJ1100 122; FZR600 121;RZ350 122; J purchaamg trail cMeJi drugs 181-182 inspection 18-1«». IS. KTM disc brakes 125P I driving force 187 119 I00E/XC • bikes slice! 42; internal combustion micction system 46 .uiiitrs ^ 1, Su/uki: GS450I 118; GS850v. lis I16;GS1000 I14;GSX600 Katana 116; strokc 217g 1 124-125; BMW "Paris Dakar" I2r. Kawasaki Kl R650 125; 1 crotch rockets 20, 21 tig cruise control l". g 2, 1*2 15. 1 R100GS cross-hatched cs linders cruisers ' Countrs transmission 53 cross countrs bikes l~ exhaust sssicm 47 models: .' 125P 28 Triumph: Trident 900 24 type ot 2 stroke 40-41; 45 engine regulations 37-38 15, bikes RM 2-stroke engine 41 i i, 16; trail bikes 2h; trial bikes GSX emissions features downshifting IX (6, 2 123-124 sham maintenance 141 1 C 172-173 downhills |7 dirt bikes models: A s 217g downgrade sign t dow nhill riding 170 117,216- digital displass direct current 133 engim- n lllg emergency maneuvers 6 emergeiKs room 9 endJM I, enduroi Mow JOOct / dicseling 132 break-in maintenance so Yamaha K) 1 1 sporis bikes 20, spoils loin 144, 197 electrolyte 136, 14*. 149, 217J electronic ignition 57, *M), l g ", i.irburction 25; KOOteri bikes dea gasoline lead donor mobiles JO double-acting internal spring telescopic fork 4 y 14 1 diesel bearings ins„ - Free faces DOH< 1S4. IS diagnosis techniques "1 detergents crankcase use dog 125; 17 bikes electric tape fuel 216g Jlrg divumcnt.it ia 2 2 Ire, Diamond YX600 25; 149 disc 30 I2h desert panzers Maa \ distributor 5 7 , g2 . - xv cardiopulmonars 1 120; Radian 121 distilled water 136, 143-144, en 73 drsmodromic 44, suscitation 31 lr2 Irs rr re. I 1 FZRt>00 121; GTS 1000 2; K.' 150 122; Venture Royak is. \ irago 750 l»»f> demographics 201 denim 10, 157 desert features s cowlu-.c 1'R lll» I decompression salve depreciation 8 Coulomb, Charles couric n~jim | I25P 28 Inumph: to cornering 51. 164-165 i eorurdo 54. 151 I Is • trail i direct current SSSICIH Kawasaki Kl R650 IIS; GSS50G 15; GS1000 114; GSX600 Katana lin 1" GSX Kl 100 Madura 117 G\ nOGl Day, losrph 31 cooling tins 45 COOUM. GS4501 Suiuki: 1 Vitxi, 1 purchase of 63 style for: choppers 22; cross country bikes 30; dual purpose bikes 32; enduros 28; motocross bikes 28; muscle purchasing pitfalls 66-67,74 safety measures: goggles 157; night riding 171 fan 89 fatigue 181-182, 217g Internationale Federation Motocycliste (FIM) 217g fenders 56 design: frames 48, 90; CL350 16; tires Honda 105; street bikes 1 94; trail bikes 27 50cc Yamokozi Turtle Chaser 62 filters additives 199 maintenance schedules shoes for 159, 162 132, 146 FIM final forks 217g see also chain custom bikes 22; frame 47; Harley FLSTC Heritage Classic 101; suspension ATK: 406 Cross Country 29 125; 604 Dual Sport BMW: K100 99; R65LS 100; R100GS "Paris-Dakar" R100RT 20 FLSTC 26; Heritage Classic 102; Series XLH 883 Sportster 102 GL 106; Interstate CL350 108; 450cc Kowadaka Trend Bender 62 497cc Suzuki wankle 42 four-stroke engine 37, 39, 39- 40,217g ATK: 604 Dual Sport 29 BMW: K100 99; combustion Wide Glide used bike 88-89 30; 110; 114;GSX600Katana 116; GSX-R1100 GV700GLF Madura 19; 117; RM 125P 28 Triumph: Trident 900 24 Yamaha: FJ1100 122; FZR600 121; GTS 1000 2; RZ350 122; Venture Royale 18; Virago 750 V-Max YX600 25; Radian 121 financing operation of 4, 6-7 purchase of: clothing 10; equipment 64t; new bikes 64-65, 68, 71-72; used 81-82 217g bikes 89, fins Series 6, fittings 161 CBR600F2 1200 Gold Wing 104; Magna 750 21;XR650L 31 KZ1000P Police Bike 30 110 VN1500 Vulcan 88 19 Voyager 111; Zl KZ900 112; ZL900 Eliminator 109;ZX11 113 GS450L 118; GS850G 115; GS1000 Suzuki: 114;GSX600Katana GSX-R1100 GV700GLF Madura 116; 19; 117 Triumph: Trident 900 24 Yamaha: FJ1100 122; FZR600 121; GTS 1000 2; Venture Royale 18; Virago 750 120; V-Max 25; YX600 Radian 121 frame 36,47-49 design: ATK 406 Cross Country 125; K series 100;enduros 27; mini34; scooters street bikes 27; 33; 21; 16; trail bikes Yamaha RD series 123 inspection 85, 86, 90 purchasing 98 pitfalls 63 type of: pressed steel 98 floating axle "flooding" 185 41,217g footpcgs adjustment of 95 18,72 151-153 front suspension 49 front wheel angularity 202203 friction S2, ISO, fuel see gasoline controls .Mid gauges design: scooters 54,55 >3j 20 inspection of 85, 162 sports dressers see touring bikes 1SS full-faced helmet tin I fuel Wide Glide n unomy injection 45, 46 217g fuel injector nozzle 185-186 184-185 gasoline alcohol 31; dual purpose bikes 32; enduros 28; Harley XLH Series 883 Sportster 102; Yamaha Virago 750 119 fuel 185 inspection 88 maintenance 149 transmission 53 gear see clothing 184 33; street 16; trail bikes 26; trial bikes 30 maintenance 131, 145 gear indicator 55 10, 1S8, 159, 177, 178 156, 157, 171, 177, 178 golf carts 119 Goose see Moto Guzzi g"P inspection 85 tires 152 101 head gasket 88, 140,218g headlights 17, 27, 31, 90, 95, 120-121,142,171,208-209 hearing 6, 9 heat sink 218g 119 helicopters helmets 154-157, 1SS cost of 10 9, 20; impeller injector Hogs see Harley-Davidson Honda 103-108 models: CB250 Nighthawk 24; CB700SC Nighthawk S 106, 106-107; (1984) in-line 105-106, 106; GL GL 1100 Interstate 104; 1200 Gold Wing Interstate 104; Hurri- iransniissiiin Si l(S(S; 54; 99; rulers 180 engine 42, 42-43 inspection delivery 75 maintenance 129, 134 by phone 84 pre-ride 14,129, 134, 161 unfamiliar bike 161-162 82,83-86 used bikes insurance 7, 13, 14, 25, 64, 68. 72-73.81-83,108, 117, 212 intake manifold 46 intake port 40 intake stroke 40 int.ikev.iKc intetnal I S4. | 12r. combustion engine 38- intersections lr,H. 1 209 Kin. R651 *> R100RT 20 engines: 2-stroke stn.ke 218g 218g 39 162,203 horsepower 21Sg BMW: kino 27 braking Minimis .uid gauges features of: 27, 56, 57-58, integral torsional clamper i 17, 27, 55, 56. 90, 161, kuk 86 203 149, 162, 197 hinges 95 hurst 145 1 ignition system hikers 180 horn numbers 218g 218g ignition switch horizontal layout 4 23; street bikes forks 98 hydraulic fluids 161 ignition spark handlebars 22; sports bike "hot" plug 197 "hot spot" 156 ignition points hairpin turn 217g hand brake 65 adjustment of 95 design: choppers 23; custom 122; hospitals 9 idiot light indicator 55 103, RZ350 identification high-sides 12 (1984) 121; hoses 89,129 16, 150, cane 108; Magna 750 21; SL 125 I3;XR650L 31 Honda, Soichiro 44, 103 bikes FZR600 Virago 750 120; V-Max 25; YX600 Radian 121 64 pitfalls measures 177, 178 size chart 156t Hercules 42 Hesketh 43 safety beam RM 125P hydraulic system 139 hydrocarbons 185, 190 hydrometer 21 8g hydroplane 218g hypoid gears 218g hypothermia 171-172,205 128 heat dispensation (1971) 33-34, 54, gyroscopic effect Suzuki Hurt.H. L. 8 Hurt Report 8-9, 12, 154,205, 210, 218g husky 218g hydraulic damping telescopic CB900C (1982) 105, 10S; CBR600F2 (1991) 107108, 108; CBX 98; CL350 51 ground 117g ground clearance 30 group riding 63, 174-176 16; trail bikes 45-46, 883 high performance/sport tires 5 1 safety Series 102, 102-103; Hawker Blackburne 350 69 hazards 5, 12 head 66-47, 21 8g head domes 1 87 high gear selector 55 gloves XLH purchase 217g goggles 28 Triumph: Trident 900 24 Yamaha: FJ1100 122; XR750OHV feature of: cross country bikes GSX600 Katana 116 Suzuki: Sportster design 48, 66 109; 74 pitfalls FXSTS 101; gas tank bikes purchasing tage Classic XR1000 (1984) 103; Super Glide 1200cc 187 gasoline octane 186-187 gasoline stabilizer 146-147 gas stabilizer 199 gas stations 95, 188,200 gasoline lead design: scooters Heri- Sportster gasoline detergents 184 gear box FLSTC 101-102,102 49 Springer knucklehead 98, 101 21 8g; panhead 101,219g; shovelhead 101, 221g Sportster lOOOcc 101 199 contaminants 187-188 costs 7,64,132, 183 octane 186-187 ZL900 Eliminator ZX11 113 Dyna Wide 103; 101; XLH Honda: CB700SC Nighthawk S 106; CBR600F2 108;CL350 106; GL 1200 Gold Wing Interstate 104 Kawasaki: KZ1000P Police Bike 110;Z1 KZ900 112; 26; Electric Glide 1200cc 38,184-188 standards system XR1000 Glide additives volatility 26, V 43 models: Buckaroo Banzai gas mileage see mileage gasohol 146, 184, 188 girls 49-50 17, 26, engines: gaskets 140, 185 Dyna FLSTC 883 Sportster 102 Series 100-103 Gas Gas Conuct-T25 29 26; Heritage Classic 102; hardtail suspension gas gauge 17 gasoline tem 46 Harley-Davidson: handling chain drive 54 frame 48 scooters 33 80 fuses 22; cyl- inders 42; fuel injection sys- maintenance 142 steering used bike inspection 88 full feature of: choppers 139,162 safety 6, 48 freightlmer lighting 126 system 86 150-151 fmghtlmer 117g floating front disc brake bikes CL350 108; sports touring bikes 12 flywheel 105; Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 bikes 217g flathead 217g flat repair kit 80 flat spot 217g Flink, the GL 106; Interstate flashover flips CB900C 106; 21 7g fishtails XLH 883 Sportster 102 Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; CB700SC Nighthawk S BMW aid 181 first 26; Dyna FLSTC Heritage Classic 102; Police Bike VN1500 Vulcan 88 19; Voyager 111; Zl KZ900 112; ZL900 Eliminator 109;ZX11 113 KTM:300E/XC 124 maintenance schedule 137t Suzuki: GS450L 118; GS850G 115; GS1000 120; 38; valve lay- 43^>4 Harley-Davidson: outs 161; Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 KZ1000P R100GS "Paris-Dakar" R100RT 20 design: choppers 22; internal 31 inspection: pre-ride R65LS 100; 126; 1200 Gold Wing 104; Magna 750 21;XR650L 87 maintenance of 133t, 135t, 137t, 138t, 142 Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; CB700SC Nighthawk S 106; CB900C 105; CBR600F2 pump 187 fuel Harley-Davidson inspection of 85, feature of: choppers 22; trail Wide Glide fuel 49-50 126; bikes 26 Gas Gas Contact-T25 29 Harley-Davidson: Dyna 23; 85-86 inspection purchasing pitfalb 65, 66 seasonal maintenance 146 adjustment of 95, 194 feature of: choppers 191-193, S3-S4, drive 66, 162, 203 217g footprint see Federation Internatio- nale Motocycliste petcock switch fuel types of 36 133t, 134, 135t, 137t, 144, 39-40,40 %-9t 160, 171, intoxication 181 40; 4- is:. 211 WjIki DW1 Mini ing u hilf in/nt "Iron Hint" I if Mr J' 7i 225 1 1 Jenon leans see **0 maintenance new bike ~4 »2. 147, ad IM need b ja 218g mmibikea inspection 86, 1 15, 14, 14,43, 219g mirrors Sff jfco martWfW «nr 149 Amen. of the ijMiSiuufi."! nournjl 154 1 mature Itavaaaki 125; n.'IOOOP Pol.ce Bike 10. lid. \,.v. 10 ,o ss 110-111, |986 r KZ900 /i Illi 1973 Z1400 Ehmina- 112, /l^. |4Ssi n magOBti liw. 109; /\n 1 kerosene brc.ik in 199 51 tires MM mode ;ser>.ross MOETXi l*"i. 124 lead itetraethvl leadi 127-121 engine 14V I 154, 19 140 157 legs and tcet 6h lemon 62,77-78,79,83,93 leaks leather I7| liability coverage "2 licence * trail 41.44 lifter, 124. :, try 125;enduros 2"; 300E/XC KTM 124; street bikes IS 20" (, maintenance 133t, I35l, I37t, 141-142 purchasing pitfalls 90 safety measures 180 women riders light switch 55 line 218g link girders link plates 203 14, I 1 foundation lithium grease 192 load capacity 1". 159-160,206 "loaded" 131 load rated tires 51 79 I 178 i 5r>. I 21 9g enduroi wttiaj sKt * 1 52 "looking through the manifold 218g master chain link 80 master cylinder 21 9g mechanics certification 71 low -sides 12, 218g 226 o,l dicki 5 187 tires >tto ene.nn 18 14 outboard motors Outdooi Recreation Vehicles 1 '" (ORVa) 51 st.ind.ir>: Yamaha V Max 25 NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) 91 207, 209 ndmg 170-171 142, 159, 190, 145 il. oxygen 128 oxygenated fuel 84-1 8 5 128 tires enduros 27 32; scooters engines 37-38 exhaust system 47 Villier 197 79 Norman COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK 145, 90 piston slap SS Plan *5 2|4g 49-50 pl.n the clutch plunget suspension J7 198 polarity police si, 104-110 190 polyalphaoleiini cambei turn 220g positive crank ventilation (PCV) 2l4g potholes 5,4, U, 142,210 pounds per square inch (PSI) IS6, 220g power see bompOWtf power band 220g positive Tower I I Free" 4 14 1 "power-out" 210 power plant 220g powei rtcering power I '4 86, 88, train 220g 147 protection 155,157-159 purchases 64-65 59-62 strategy 1-15,62-67 type of 68-80,81-98, 184- cost down" 166 "puts the bike paint |obs 22, 23 pancake engine 219g racing models: cross country 30; en- pan head 2l9g pants 157-158, 158 duros 47 Paris-Dakar race 30 parts 71,97, 101, 119, 181 oil I >2, 188 pushrods 41, 44, 220g 52 98 90ccCollcda 114 Nippon Cakki 118 73 i2, I I pitfalls 1 parallel-slider front fork noise piston sei/uie W, protective gear see clothing 998cc Vincent Black Lightning no-fault insurance I 2l9g ovenquare 219g owner's manual 78, 92, 130- paddle 17, 55 42; in-line engine overhead valve 44 I; pressed steel wheels 50-51 primary drive 53-54 propane >8 ( (ASE) 213g 41; pressed steel frame 48 i National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence 12 4 overhead camshari (< >i l( 44,44. 2|4g overhead valve (OHV) 43-44, I rTraffic Safety Administration 4 preignidon i overdrive 219g muscle bikes 24-25 models: Suzuki GS1000 114; National Highway 1 I stroke engine 2 powerboats [40 124, 125, III. [91, 142 night 190 66 options 86, 91 methyltertiary butyl ether iMTBF.i 184-185 metzeler bias tire /95 metzeler radial tire J95 oil 167, 171, 210 optical distortion neutral light mineral 5 5 pressure indicator 55 methyl alcohol 185 engines 39 89 J, 17 oil panels 21 chains 140-141, 191-193 10, 4 89 indicator needle nose pliers 80 (MPG) 219g 100; moped 112, 5, pressure methane 38 BMW l| 1 H), I pollution 44 W ring chain design in^s maintenance 197 points 94 oil mental resources 4-5 models: 141; mineral IS", lyn ing lyitemi leak* i I ' sttoke engine 39-40; cyl- I 190; final 9, 14 is pon piston design: cooler 2l4g / 150 153 pision meet piston 149 14, 146, pads 52 34 189 Miller Bolsame Jupiter 250 69 lubrication changa 40 pistons bath 219g National Technical Information Service 9 neck injuries 9 69-71 miles per gallon rum" 165 I. I 4 rtroke engine 40; lav system 4"; gasoline us<- I wheel hearings 4 \ maintenance chart see mjmte nance maintenance free battery 198 1 i.ir multipurpose I lh; tr.nl bikes I multicompound 12", oil oil 79 USt. trail riding I" maintenance I8t, lead 1 oil 2 26. schedule micrometer 139 "lock-up" S 190 , 1 bike schedule 2 street bikes 14- used bike inspection 91 49 140 JO, 190; mnltu;r.ule merit *6 I 191 inders drive geai oil oil level S5t 142 selection of I.,, biodegradable Momaacoche M VG 850 80 MM mi Ifl per gallon MI'l le.mire ol 1 manhole cover 210 161 inspection 189 ounoil ( 1 ATK 406 Croat design: grade* oJ 1 pin link pl.ite aVrl hikes: tr.nl 199 (magazine) i coam 142 I In aim i 9g iff mod 1 schedule WaiiaUJ used bike lights locks 14 Si oil label 124 tires 16 116 136 suspension i Motor Octane Numbei Mi >n 142 steering 1 maintenance 18, 128, 144 purchaiing pirfalb 64 recyling 200 190 191; type* ol: 1 stroke ll mutller seasonal schedule si.ind.ird pin dditivea oil motorisis 50 ird bike leading link 4* phyaia 2 ( 114 141-142 maintenance shan ~8 198 S4; i 9g S S I phyakal reaource* 4-5, 5-6 ovtrbttd camshaft M iv km ovtrbttd r.ihe oil 183, 180-191 2l"g Motorcycle Safetj lights spokes rin M road bikes 01 H k 604 Dual spon \ 14* small bike schedule . cambei hum 201 150 I6"-168 lane positioning i Motorcycle Induirrj 136-143 132-134 72 \ Mom Gibs 4?. Mom Morini >4 design of) 1 I '' phosphorus I 198 batter) I design nm chain dri\ m s\ motot raaafenduro neve used bike schedule laoqua lamhretta 200 Super Vixurr 28 29, >.i i . M M oil virion petroleum jelly phosphates I"" 187 S4, 2 I9g I 01 01 lues 152 ' ill petcock 2i4g " I 184, is.. odometei 29 Baal drive chain 140-141 large bike schedule 136, I knucklehead 218g ' motoci oai bebnei 155,1 exhaust system kaod 124: models •i U switch eshauet I3« I chaaau lerricc 14-* "peel out peripbj I 1 ti'.mircs of 10 schedule dm e chain sand 16,27,95 iiuniph 42 I !9g 1 octane ratings 2 motocroai hike* 121 129 132, l*»h kick start I 1 » 1 » brakes i 10, maintenance 16, 12" kitten >K belts 54, 140 bike purch.o hike usage 114 199 kill 1 obatadm octane 98.210.219g S IS g magnesium magneto Kavraaaki, Shoio 108 knohhv bdenum disultidc 4 monocoque frame 13,48,2 I9g I" monoahock suspension S mopeda 15, 12, *2-". 14,62, rnoij nag cueing whirls SO N VN1500 Vakan tide 161, 163, 209, ', klV kevlar 15-16 210 I I64,218| i kl K 1 2 maintuincn.. in os- i mode- mad mamgj uwiiuj bikes oroe* sports touring bikes Uj dual purpoae bikes ofi sinvi bike* 12. design: \ illieis crackei permit* adiusinient oi 95 191 lu»yia>;e .. Norton nm ror • jonnul 1 27-28; Kawasaki 28-29; 108; motocross 19-20; trail bikes 27; Yamaha 119 sports tires 196 passenger insurance 72-73 radial engine passengers 160,205 radial tires 51, passing 169, 169-170, 176, 43 195-196, 220g radiator 44-45, 89, 124, 138t, 210 pavement seams 210 radiator coolant 95 PCV radio tion see positive crank ventila- 143-144, 220g 17,90 railroad tracks 210 rocker arms 41, 44 Roger Flannel 220g 17,21,171 rain 158 rain tread tires 51 raised white letter tires 51 "rake" 202, 220g reaction time 6 rainsuit 10, rebound control 49 reciprocating mass 44, 220g rectifier 56 "Red 95,200 Baron" see von Richthofen, Baron 220g redline 85 220g 79-80 repair manual 183 repairs 127,183 costs 64, 68 models: mopeds 32; scooters 25; used 84,92 Research Octane Number (RON) 186 element 197 197 220g 1-14 clothing and equipment 157-159 demographics 201 physics of 150-153 retard riding road preparation: load capacity 159-160; passengers 160; pre-ride inspection 134, 161; pre-ride strategy 153-162 road strategy 162-170; 166-167; cornering 164-165; downhills 172-173; group riding 174-176; intersections 173; lane positioning 167168; night tiding 170-171; passing 169-170; trail riding 176-181 braking 150-183; accidents 9-13; adverse conditions safety 170-174; impairments 181-182; motorists 207212; weather conditions 11 and resources: knowledge base 7-13; mental 4- skills S; physical 4, 5-6; spiritual 6 riders 201-206 models: sports 20; standards 2?; street bikes 16 rmns 77-78 196 50, 126, I 10, 145 RMd uown 220g road service protection 73 road strategy 162-170 road surface S, 9 1 Honda CB900C 105 shoes 52 shorty helmet 156 shovelhead 22 lg side force 88, 139, 140, 144, 146, sidewalls pitfalls 63 road preparation: clothing 157-159; helmets 154159157; load capacity 160; passengers 160 road strategy 162-170; adverse riding conditions 170-174; braking 165164-165; 167; cornering group riding techniques 174-176; lane positioning 167-168; mopeds 33; pass169-170; trail riding ing 176-181 and resources: anatomy 65-67; riding impairments 181-182; riding knowledge 7-8 7-8, 13, 14, 64, 20, 20-21, 31, BMW models: BMW K100 R65LS Honda models: YX600 Radian 121 24-25; 24-25; mus- multipurpose Memorial Foundation 189,220g trail 154 Sosin, Daniel spark 38, 39 spark arresting muffler 27-28, 47, 105, 123 142 steering head 86, 87 spark plug fouling 190 scooters 15, 33, 33-34, 48, 50, spark plugs 197, 197 spark plug ports 147, 149 feature of: engines 114,210,220g maintenance 190 scuffing seasonal maintenance 129, 146-150 tire 133t, 135t, 144-145,147 replacement 183 137t, 138t, 80 pressure 78, 95, 159 tires 6,51-52,183,193-196 costs 7 198 sulfur 199 design: additives supercharging 41,46,98 inspection 91 suspension 6, 47, 49-50 adjustment of 142 151-153; load capacity 193-194, 193t 159; sizes inspection 87 spark plug wrench 80 inspection of spark timing mechanism 57 load capacity 159 ratings speedo 124 maintenance of 142 models: ATK 406 Cross Country 125; R100GS "Paris-Dakar" recyling fit speedometer 16,17,27,55 inspection of 85 speed rated models: choppers 23; custom bikes 22; sports touring SPIDE technique bikes trial 21; street bikes safety pitfalls 60 161 women riders 202 secondhand dealers 83 seizure 220g sending unit 220g sensors 45—46 service 16; bikes 30; used bike 85 70-71, 127 manual 79 "set up" 16S shaft drive 220g service engine variations 41 tires 162-163, 126; Kawasaki 171,177 125; Kawasaki spine frames 48, 22 lg spiritual resources 17, 19, 19-20,21, t\ features of 19-20; exhaust sys- tem 47; tires BMW 51; wheels 51 K100 100; pitfalls use moped i3; bikes C-SX-RMOO IS; 20; sports tounng bikes trail Suxnki 14; Um sports 1 1, street bikes bikes 2", in-U8 trial bikes |(j M bikes tire bikes 27 spras I* 28; 34; sports bikes 20; street bikes 16, 17; 49-50 !4, Heritage Classic motocros scooters motocroa BR600F2 108;Kaw.ivik> KZ1000P Police Bike 110; Suzuki 63 enduros 27; minibikcs Harley XLH Sportster 102; Honda ( 101; dual purpose Hikes \2; in: 28; scooters Scries 883 FLSTC 124; pes of: front suspension 49; rear suspension 221g models: 1 Yamaha Virago 750 119 purchasing 194-195 200 types of: bias, radial and 195-196; matched belted sets 196; tubed 196 use on: dual purpose bikes 28; Harley 32; enduros KLR650 /Xl 113;KTM300E/XC 6 spokes 50-51, 142 spontaneous detonation 186 sports bikes 135t,137t, 147-148 BMW 5 143; pre-ride 161; used 85-87 maintenance 133t, 134, braking 166 66 controls and gauges 54 body 200; codes 194t; friction adjustment of 95 seat 168 1S5 55,131,161,197 tire irons 15-26 sump 221g 57-58 ignition system scrambling 28 screwdriver 80, 94 91 thumper 42 tune trials 27 sulfation 38, 40; 49 telescopic fork temperature 187, 189 timing 133t, 137t timing belts 41 sand 178-179 scavenge 220g street bikes telemetry 6 throttle 16 stroker 22 lg suicide throttles 161 119 12, 72, 173, 209, three-quarter helmet 159 stilettos T-boning 221g teflon 199 thermostat 22 lg steering bearings steering rake tappet 22 lg taxes 7 three lane sections bikes 27 used bike inspection 87 solenoid 221g 181 7, 27, 56. 161 tape decks 17 thermal transfer 145 16 street bikes tags test ride 210 142 steering 131, temperature gauge 55 55 starter button steel plates Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 24-25 cle bikes storage 146 sailboats 63 pitfalls spark arrestor 124, 125, 180 spark ignition 188,189 150, 151, 154, 162 CB250 Nighthawk 24; Suzuki GS450L 11 8; Triumph Trident 900 24; Yamaha purchasing 17, 27, 55, 164 taillight 23 types of: entry level 155 snowmobiles 37,119 "swerve" 165 48-50, 125, 133c, 135t,137t, 140 symbolism 1 synthetic oils 190 systems 37-58 swingarm tachometer 23-25, 17, 23, 221g 51 small bikes 134-136, 135t 108;RM125P 28 purchase of 108 "sweet spot" 164,177 88-89, 138t, 140, features of 221g Madura 117, 117; Katana (1985) 100; 106; Kawasaki ZX1 1 113; Suzuki GS850G 115; Suzuki GSX600 Katana 116; Yamaha Venture Roy ale 18 purchasing pitfalls 61,63 19; GV700GLF BMW 99; R100RT 20; Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S slick tires Snell GSX-R1100 221g standard bikes 221g models: GS450L (1986) 117-118, 118; GS850G (1982) 115,1/5,115-116; GS1000(1978) 114, 114115; GSX600 Katana (1988) 116, 116-117; features of 20-21; tires 51 161,192 overhead valve (SOHV) slave cylinder 63 pitfalls staggered riding 176 1600cc Motodevarnaski Canyon Raptor 63 skid plates 28 skiers 180 skullcap 155 slick purchasing sports touring bikes 17,17-18, sprockets 43 195,196 221g purchase safety courses 52 124, 125 cam (SOHC) 44 single 150-183 14, 1 side stand side valve 179 skills in: shock settings 78 77-178 running boards 36 running lights 161 purchasing riding position rims riding strategy saddle see seat of: service department 70-71; warranty 70,75-78 repo artist 220g RES 497ccWankel (1974) 114 rights use safety types women maintenance of 142 maintenance 130-131 shifting 164 single 34; street bikes resistor charging system 56 ruts repair kit resistor plug 164 99 BMW R65LS 149,188,190 relay 163-164 shift lever 203 shim 221g shock absorbers 49-50, 22 lg adjustment of 95 inspection of 87 shifting 220g rust regulator 56 98 used bike inspection 88-89 r.p.m. (revolutions per minute) acceleration Yamaha FZR600 121 Yamaha GTS 1000 2 Yamaha RZ350 122 transmission 53 transmission 53-54 56 registration 27, 64, bikes 37 trail reed valve deign 41 reflector 183 Rotax engine 125 rearview mirror 55-56,210 recycling Flink roller chains rotary-valve design 41 49-50 rear suspension 191 roller rotary engine Yamaha FJ1100 121-122 equipment purchases 191 final drive 18,54 trail titanium 50 title toll 1 booths M, »1."M tool kit I \r. H UX 10, top dead senter • W, 4 I torque 2-1* 227 1 1 BMw MOO 100, Rk<1s design: acceleration 1k*- 10k. 1,1 RltVRl *». 1k4. svlmders in- svstem lection 4k. dnsr 1k>-1k4 Harles -Davids* >n. Glide Dvna Wide FLSlt Hentage 2k. H \1 . Series 883 Sportster 103 bs Honda Honda uw. 113 12! M0E/X< 124 maintenance ot 1 50. 109 choppers biki 22; dual country hikes fzrkoo 121. 121-122; r/-- 120. \ si tires km hMtt models 54. 100; Wing J 104. Interstate i2k,riodk; Harles -Davidson. GMt Ik. rread patterns Trican trickle 152-153, 1*7, 51. 171,177 IK. traffic 52, I I< 120-121, 163,208. 210 Traffic Safets Center. Unisersits of Southern California 8 bikes 15.2C-31 feature ot 2k-2~; exhaust system 4"; suspend tern 50 maintenance ot I2S trail I38t nding strategy 1 l 17 ll trail 30- 2~-28; moto- cross bikes 28-2**; 1 Yamaha low 1 41 transmission I 604 Dual Sport 29 125; BMW: K100 100; R65LS R100GS -Pans-Dakar" 126;R100RT 20 99; Gas Gas Contact-T25 29 Harlev-Davidson: Dvna Wide Glide Classic 26; FLSTC 102; Series 883 Sportster 102 228 |7 CB900C = 108; I U rurbocharger signal design RM -» 16. 17, t"-38, 40- powcr'transfer/exhaust 4/ 188; gasoline 125P 28; oils S 105; CL350 11". V Max 2v YX600 Radian 121 208 wheel bearings 143 Ik!. 170, 171 wheel sister -ee voltage regul.it." wheelies wheels 50-51 V twin Russian 1 200a warrant. maintenance 129, need bikes s? ultraviolet rays 128 undersquare 222g uninsured motorist coverage "3 "unloaded" 131 pump 124 2-stroke engine 41; engine 39-40; cyl- inders 42; shifting in: 164; riding skills II. 20 "wipe- out" 10. I S2 winng harness 90 women 201-206 202 204-205 lea 205 I passengers 206 solo riding 206 K100 100; R65LS R100GS "Paris Dakar" I2K;R|00RT 20 I 100 WOT (wide open throttle) I 3 wrecking yard^ wrenches 80,94 99, Gas das ( outlet 12 Harlcv Davidson: Glide 26; 29 s Dvna Wide Yamaha 118-123 models: XLH 121; Honda: CB250 Nighthawk 24; B700SC Nighthawk S CB900C 105; 1 000P VN1500 Voyager I 12; 123; CL350 series (1985) 122, 750 (1982) 7, V-Max YX600 Radian (1986) 5; 120-121, 121 purchases 108 Yamaha, Torakusa 118 Zl KZ900 111; Eliminator 109;ZX11 113 street bikes: J2J.GTS RD 48, 119-120, 120; 2 30: 110 Vulcan 88 19 ZL900 18; Virago II Police Bike RZ350 FZR600 122-123; Venture Royale 1200 Gold Wing 104; Magna 750 Kawasaki: KLX650-C1 122; (1989) 120-121, 1000 (1993) 2; ( GL 175 Enduro (1971) 1985 FJ1I00 (1985) 121-122, 883 Sportster 102 108; 125 cc Red Dragonfly YA-1 119 FLSTC Hentage 102; sic scooters 34 rOOK II. I72l WoridWai oantrj ( 604 Dual Sport 29 vapor lock 186,222g number 7; I weight 203-204 ATK: 406 Cross vaporization 186 V 170-172, 5 weight KTM: 300E/XC VI N. 222g engine layout 43 !4;K0Ot hikes riden 202 203 wheel spokes 160 White I'nvvei suspension 124, 125 i.onrn.1 valve stem puller 80 vehicle identification mm 1~ cold weather nding women KZ 4- stroke 14, |, .iii.itnim 21;XR650I 12~-12X. bikes sl<«hing batten BMw i lr.nl ccidentj 205 wear bar 222g weather undents 9 125; ers vvuuKhill W.lXHIg 91 riders 161; pre-fide. I wind posket 67 1 water S wind 17,21, 171 water nailing svstem 45, S9 106; sparkplugs 145, 197 (urban assault vehiclesl 14 185, I9| Interstate use I >.v clrjitmv valve guides 41 190-191 J2, i warr.intv repairs see repairs 106; maintenance of 130 Impaction on used S6 women -0,75 bike purchase KS. '•'. wheel .in 222s; i. types ot: mimhikes Winkle, Feb 42 W mklc engine 41-42. valve float 44 Yamaha RZ350 73 Ish 12 si/e ot washing frutii guUrity CBR600F2 valves 140 vvheclKisi | valve covers 4 122 two-stroke Madura 1. 120; oils models: ATK 406 Cross Country 125; Gas Gas Contact-T25 29; KTM 300E/XC 124; Suzuki RM 19, Yamaha: FJ1100 122; GTS 1000 2, RZ350 122; Venture Rovale 18; Virago 750 4"; intake/compression 41; >ke F 116; Triumph: Tndent 900 24 tvpes of: overhead ijm 4144; overhead valve 4»—14, side valve 43 use in: choppers 22 55.90, 161. 41; exhaust system gasoline , R1100 GV700GI »e engine UAVs ! IIS. 114. turbulent rum • /Ml in (.s\ tune-up 111). 111; Zl Zl 900 Eliminator 12. Sun,. Trump, Donald 94 "tube and lug" 48 tube frame 48 10; Venture 121 9(1, von Rishthoten. Baron ("Red Rami- 150 U pa Triumph Bonnesilles 98 Triumph Tndent 900 24 126 CB-00SC Nighthavvk CBR600F2 I Police Bike VN1500 Vulcan Heritage XLH Honda: CB250 Nighthavvk 106; > Wing UM; Magna 750 21.\Rkm)1 n harger I 190-191 maintenance 132 ATK: 406 Cross Country 24; 1- •lputers lead 76-181. transfer port BK ts/IOOOP charger fuel: ? riding .;hthawk ,1 I500CC trusks Radian welding v Interstate 41.4/.222g ""6— 181 types of: cro»s; purs hasmg pitfalls 63 traction USD 102; -.-..rtster 24. bin trial Dsna Wide Hon.! ss 1 2k. i Mi, Kawasaki 111 jet FJ 100 1 Mow" 99, K 24 122. s»oo RksIs I 900 24 i motorists -. BMW Transportation. IVpartment ot IHH R/!m> . I89,222| riacariq moped | A IV 604 Dual Sport 2° l»; 11". Radian 121 . engine 4 .Usidcnts valve arrangement FZftfOQ 121; GTS R/tv' 122; Venture is Rovale 121 tounng it* group njmg tounng hikes 17,17 feature ot chain drive valve i; Yamaha Mjv \ Kadian UK; . Rl 100 Triumph: Tndent Yamaha: FJI100 V In.l.iK riden 20 » 204 l|l 100 122. FZR600 121. (.is iooo 2. Vimah.i: 19--|9S tires 2", tnal 10 women 5 > "visual noise 'l.ll Madura RM *0; trial fxkes engine 4 in line i enduros Irm.nph horizontal lavout 4 RM 117; bikes: bikes visual lead US; GSX vibration usibilitv - 114 Ik IS I Ik bike Madam trail vise grip . .* - Su/uki v. ownership 92 pneing 91-W os s purshas satets measures 14 I33t, M 1 MO. H.,r 100-103; 103 lamaha Is. I i.s\ riiiki I9-.GV700GLJ >K. 141 1 222k cylinder! 42 9S kawasak, I0S-I1 /\n H3 KIM Su/u. I 12**. 94, > Davidson lev .err 111; /I 112. /I 900 Eliminator purpose ma visp.i 9 models KMVX 110; N 113 Suzui Triumph: TndVnt g use m: CBOfWl 13-9] maintenance lice Bike oil Eliminate- senrutt ..luster 4k 88 VN1500 V«fcn 112. 10 vent tube used hikes fvivv 104 Interstate unsprung weight 1.2-1 54 •'Cold Wing .. inspostioii 155,. 137k, t. \1 inspections: used 5a, Ik; shaft shitting UM. \ 21; "4; oft road horsepower hike 42. fuel Wing 12(H) v« 116; 190, 199 THK COMPLETE MOTORCYCLE BOOK A Consumer's Guide Buying motorcycle and riding a it safely require careful planning and preparation. Consumers need expert advice in selecting the motorcycle that need will fit their needs. Where can you turn to find the information you about critical purchases, rules o\' the road, cycle mechanics, proper riding techniques, and other important subjects? find answers to all your questions The Complete Motorcycle Book: critical information for enthusiast, or in Inside information on best fits \ all riders, somewhere in to for the first Consumer's Guide contains whether you're this a novice, an book you a wealth of experienced will find: buy a bike, either new or used, that your needs name brand models, Harley Davidson, Honda. Suzuki, ami Yamaha Evaluations of man) of the top A comprehensive chapter on to proper An you can time, one book. between. In how Now safety, ranging including from rider preparation maintenance techniques aceessible. detailed survey of the basie mechanical and electronic systems A chapter on the special needs of women riders Expert advice on atypical cycles from all-terrain vehicles to moped s and More scooters than 90 illustrations and a glossary of commonly used terms The Complete Motorcycle Book who long to ride the open road. is the perfect one-stop sourcebook for those Jim Bennett is a computer business analyst at the United States Bank ol Oregon. He is the author of Cheap Wheels: The Complete Guide to Buying, Selling, ami Enjoying Used Cars and numerous articles published in AAA Bennett has been an avid motorcycle trail and touring enthusiast for more than 20 years. He lives in Portland, Oregon. World Magazine. Cover design: Paul Agresti Printed in the United States of America ISBN 0-8160-3181- $14.95 U.S. $19.95 Can. 9 780816"031818 90000>