Bike Maintenance Fails Most Beginners Make

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If you have bought your first motorcycle, you will no doubt be excited to hit the road and enjoy the freedom and thrill that comes with this mode of transport. However, this thrill won’t last very long if you do not maintain your motorcycle properly. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the most common motorcycle maintenance mistakes people make, so that you can avoid them.

1. Poorly inflated tyres – There is only one place to begin, and this is with poorly inflated tyres. This is an error a lot of beginners make because they are simply not used to adding air to their tyres, and so they forget about it. Plus, a lot of people don’t realise how often you need to do this.
2. Using poor quality parts or parts that are not compatible – This is a mistake that a lot of people make, especially those with second-hand motorcycles. At Clean Harleys, you can see our preowned motorcycles, and it is always recommended that you replace any parts with a like-for-like piece. If you cannot find the exact part you need, consult with professionals, rather than engaging in a bit of guesswork. If you fit something that is not right for your motorcycle, you can end up causing more harm than good, which could mean that you have a very expensive repair bill on your hands.
3. Over tightening bolts – Any decent mechanic will tell you that this is one of the most common errors they see. Stripped threads often occur when too much force has been applied when tightening the bolts on a motorcycle. This can also lead to broken sump plugs and damaged bolt heads.
4. You don’t get your motorbike checked enough – You are probably well aware of the fact that cars need to have an MOT every year. They also need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in good working order and there are no issues. The same applies for motorcycles, yet for some reason a lot of people don’t tend to take maintenance as seriously. An issue with a motorbike can be just as damaging and expensive as one with a car, if not more so. So, make sure you do regular checks and if you notice a problem, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible rather than letting it get worse.
5. Incorrect chain tension – Last but not least, we have incorrect chain tension, which is a major problem. If your chain tension is not correct, you can knacker your bike’s sprockets, which will result in the gearbox bearings being worn out prematurely. Moreover, the incorrect chain tension will also stop the rear suspension from working correctly.

So there you have it: some of the most common motorcycle maintenance mistakes that beginners make. If you can avoid the errors that have been mentioned above, you can ensure your new investment lasts for years to come so that you get plenty of enjoyment out of your motorcycle.

Motorcycle Racers: Finishing First

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Finishing first is something all racers want to do. It is in their blood. No one takes part simply for the fun of it. They aren’t happy if they have a ‘decent’ performance. They want the number one spot. Of course, achieving this is a lot easier said than done. No matter what level you are competing at, read on to discover some top tips on taking the number one spot.

• Don’t launch at the redline – You can end your race before it has even begun if you launch at the redline. In fact, if you watch the beginning of any road race, you are bound to notice a few riders that are doing it wrong. The majority of road racers will hold their engines near or at redline, and then the clutch gets dumped, which causes a squawking clutch, a wild wheelie, or both. The best thing to do is hold the engine revs at peak torque – rather than peak horsepower – then quickly let the clutch out and pin the throttle.

• Maintain your motorbike – You are only as good as the bike you are riding. This is why it is vital to keep your motorbike in prime condition. Make sure you conduct maintenance before and after every race. It is important to also only use premium quality spare parts whenever you are replacing anything. The likes of Solomotoparts offers premium quality aftermarket parts. However, there are other companies that cut corners in terms of quality and their products really aren’t up to standard, especially for racers. This is why you need to do your research and choose sellers with extreme care.

• Brake where you need to – A lot of racers make the mistake of braking where they think they should brake, rather than braking where they need to. This is one piece of advice that has been provided by Freddie Spender, who has his own High Performance Riding School.

• Learn how your suspension works – If you have ever seen a rider that has had to swap motorbikes and use something they are unfamiliar with, you will probably notice a distinct difference. This is especially the case if they have not had any prior testing. It is important to use practice sessions and testing to explore the full range of chassis and suspension adjustments before you even think about going fast. Getting to know your bike is of the utmost importance.

• Ride proud – Last but not least, arguably the most important point of them all – you need to ride proud and you need to ride confidently. Your attitude will make a massive difference. They often say the motorbike can sense if you’re not entirely happy. You need to be in harmony with one and other.

So there you have it: some top tips for ensuring that you beat the competition and take the number one spot. No matter what level you are competing at, or what your aspirations and goals are, follow the advice that has been mentioned above and you are assured to notice some improvements.

San Pablo Coco festival Car show to draw motor aficionados on Jan. 14

Car enthusiasts and motorcycle aficionados of all ages are invited to watch and participate in the San Pablo Cocofestival Car and Motor exhibit on January 14, 2017, Saturday at San Pablo City Central Gym in San Pablo City, Laguna.

A lot of surprises await visitors and participants for the one-day car show affair that includes Audio Competition, Car Club Meetings, Car babes, Twerk Battle, Auto show, motor show, among others.

Various and colorful motorbikes and cars will be some of the attractions in the fair. The event will be co-sponsored by Herald group of Publications, Tribune Post, The Southern Tagalog Herald, Bubble Bath, Tahanan ni Aling Meding, Hot FM, among others.

This is part of the weeklong celebration of the Cocofestival in honor of the City’s Patron Saint, St. Paul the first Hermit. Special thanks to the festival’s overall chairman, Honorable City Mayor Amben Amante and the City government of San Pablo City. For more information, text 09193377726 and look for Mark Mallari.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

Race track heartthrob James Christopher ‘King James’ Barcial steals thunder in motocross world

In one of the world’s most dangerous sports, it takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work to attain such discipline in the world of motor sports.

Meet motocross rider James Christopher D. Barcial. Born on August 3, 1994 and hails from Balagtas, Bulacan, the 5-foot-6 motor sports athlete started in his sports at the tender age of 6. His father, Jaime Barcial, taught him the ways of motocross. The young rider has already won several titles and competitions in this sport like the 2008 Underbone King 115 Super Stock, 2009 Underbone King 115 open category, 2013 IRGP Champion, and 2014 IRGP Champion in the 160 and 180cc categories.

He recently won in the Inside Racing Grand Prix or IRGP motocross competition held at Carmona, Cavite last November. He is currently studying as a 2^nd year Information Technology student at STI Balagtas. At 20, the promise of a great career is on the way. With nerves of steel and unmatched talent, he took the risk and overcame the challenge that was ahead. 

Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom. Motocross is a physically demanding sport held in all-weather conditions.

The fast-paced world of riding can be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, yet despite this hard, cold fact, this young athlete remains resilient and brave on the race track of life. Indeed, only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com or text 09184059751