Archive for February, 2011

Motorcycle Repair Manual
by admin

Many people think it is difficult to repair their own motorcycle. I can prove you the inverse. It is not hard to do if you have a motorcycle repair manual. A useful step-by-step, detailed instruction.

Let me make a few examples to encourage you. Let’s say you want to reshape your saddlebag. There is no need to pay for a mechanic to get the job done. Neither to buy extra tools. So let me start. Soak the bag in hot water for a minute. Then stuff it with newspaper, at least a weekend edition. When still wet, put the top back into shape. Just leave to dry for at least one day. Then take out the newspaper. That’s it. Quite simple. If you wish to have the shape longer, you can put stiffeners in.

For an other example I will tell you how to change your motorcycle’s disc brakes. You may know, if you have disc brakes, you need to change the pads once in a while. When you have the new pads ready to built in, get your bike on a stand, so the wheels hang freely. Then loosen off the calliper assembly intact. After remove the used pads. Put the new ones on. Don’t forget to change the brake fluids. Finally replace the calliper assembly.

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February 10th

6:16
Motorcycle Repair

Motorcycle Repair
by admin

When setting out to repair any part of your motorcycle there are several key factors you need to consider.

1. Am I qualified?

2. Is it cost effective?

3. Where can I find the parts?

4. Is the cost worth the work?

When thinking about number 1 you should consider how many years of training you have, how many times you have completed projects on your own, your ability to read mechanical drawings, do you have the right tools or have access to the right tools. You have to remember motorcycle maintenance is different than car maintenance as far as safety is concerned. A simple task such as tightening your chain may seem arbitrary but if one side of the back tire is not matched to the other side by the given manufacturers marks, your chain can fly off. Think about going 70 miles an hour on the interstate and your chain gives way, knocks out your oil pan causing your bike to stop then wraps around your leg. You must remember working on motorcycle may be fun and challenging but if you are new to it get help from an experienced mechanic.

With number 2 it will usually be cost effective unless you find a shop that is struggling through the winter and they will do the work at cost. This takes away from the experience of repairing your own motorcycle but still gives you a working bike.

When looking for motorcycle parts, 3, you will always want to go OEM. This means Original Equipment Manufacturer which means the part was designed for your bike by the manufacturer of that bike. Your safety is worth it and with the online stores we have now such as Indy OEM you will get the right product delivered fast and hassle free.

When considering number 4 this is a personal decision. Do the pro’s, outweigh the con’s. If you are spending family time working on a bike then it is probably worth. If you are spending time working on your bike to hide from the wife during a fight, it is probably worth it. If you could be riding your motorcycle down the road instead of wrenching on it, it is probably not worth it. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion even if you are confident in your work. After replacing any part I take mine to the local mechanic who will do a quick inspection at no cost. If something needs tweaked a bit they will do it for a small fee.

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February 10th

6:16
Motorcycle Repair

Why You Should Get Professional Motorcycle Repair
by admin

If you are a motorcycle guru, chances are you might already have knowledge regarding motorcycle repair. Yet, this does not necessarily mean you should forego getting help from a professional.

Why? Well, motorcycle repair professionals: use specialized equipment, possess advanced training and have the ability to get your motorcycle fixed in a reasonable amount of time.

One of the best reasons you should go to a motorcycle repair professional is because they use specialized equipment. Sure, you may think ordinary tools will do the job, but sometimes they could do damage to your vehicle. But in the case of motorcycle repair professionals, any tools they use are designed just for motorcycles. And in some cases, these tools might be too expensive to get as an ordinary person. So, don’t think that you’ll be able to get a hold of them yourself at least not at a decent price.

Another reason why you need to consider motorcycle repair professionals is because they have been trained for the job. Since most reputable repair shops require some type of certification, you can be assured that the person working on your bike knows what they are doing. You, on the other hand, may only have a street knowledge of motorcycle repair. And while that may work fine for minor issues, major repairs will require additional skills, skills that take more time to learn.

Finally, motorcycle repair professionals can get your bike fixed relatively quickly. Since they already know what to do, they won’t have to spend hours or even days pondering their next move. But if you do it, you may have to get books and other resources explaining the repair process. And, going through all of this information takes time. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll understand what to do even after doing your research. And, if this happens, you might spend even more time either looking for more research materials or trying to fix the motorcycle with your current understanding. But if you do the latter, you could put your bike at risk.

In conclusion, unless you happen to be a motorcycle repair professional yourself, you’re better off taking your bike to a shop the next time it breaks down. Yes, you will have to pay some money, but the reward is much greater than getting your biked fixed without any further hassles. And that in itself is very valuable. Maybe even more valuable than the money you would’ve saved originally.

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February 10th

6:15
Motorcycle Repair

Engine Repair Tools: Essential Element for Your Car or Motorcycle Upkeep
by admin

Are you planning a motorcycle road trip? Made all the travel arrangements – hotel booking, side seeing planning etc.! Have you made packing properly? Think again! Well, when you are planning a biking trip with your friends then make a complete list of all the supplies and the activities you are going to perform in your tour. Usually, in excitement we miss out some of the essentials. But you make a smart move and list out all your essentials like your clothes, eateries, accessories, motorcycle tools and have a joyful vacation. You must be thinking why tools. Let me tell you that more than anything else your safety is supreme. So, for that you require engine repair tools that can safeguard you against any mishap that might occur in your expedition.

Not only on these special events you require these vehicles but even in our day-to-day life these vehicles are very important part of our lives. Without them our life is just so meaningless and go standstill. For such important elements of our life, don’t we need special care tools? Indeed, engine repair tools are a must in our kit. Safe driving ensures long living for which a smooth and healthy vehicle is required, which definitely ask for timely maintenance. So, make sure to keep all the essential car or motorcycle tools in your baggage.

To enjoy safe and smooth ride of your vehicle you need to get it checked from a good mechanic but for that you have to shed big amount. A better and more economical way is to buy good quality engine repair tools which can aid to low maintenance cost. If you don’t know how to handle these equipment’s then don’t feel sad you have these online tutorials or user manuals who can guide you through. But if you don’t like these ideas then ask for a family or friends help. I am sure they won’t mind doing this in exchange of a dinner or a drink party.

So, spend some dollars on your car or motorcycle tools purchase and enjoy a long life of your vehicle.

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February 10th

6:15
Motorcycle Repair

Repair Parts For Your Motorcycle Models
by admin

Don’t cut the stock air filter housing. It is not only the housing that is restrictive but also the air filter element. Just put the screaming Beagle so called Hi-flow air filter kit on and is done with it. You will be throwing away money for the down load kit. It will not help. The two best performance items you can install is one, the high flow slip ones (which you did) and the high flow air filter kit. The calibration chip comes with it.

That is why it costs so much. Just punching a hole in the breather casing is a bad idea. You don’t know how it will flow. When you do the above you are leaning out the bike. Hunch the chip. Spark plugs will not help in the slightest. They all perform about the same.

On most models you adjust beam angel by turning in or out the adjustment screws on the headlight-housing frame. One screw is for distance (up/down), the other for wind age (left/right). Some models have only a wind age adjustment screw. The actual housing mounting bolts adjust for distance. I would be more specific, but there was no year, make, and model provided. Buy a copy of the service/repair manual. Learn about this and all maintenance and repair tasks.

These tacks were defective from the factory. A cold solder joint on the circuit board is the culprit. The problem can be fixed at home. The challenge is getting them open and putting them back together. It’s a permanent fix if you do manage to get it open without damage. The 1984 and 1985 VT700 Shadow tachometers share the same part numbers. I haven’t found a parts inter-changeability list for the Shadows.

K1-K4 models have 20mm float level settings, a #65 main jet for AT7B crabs and #58 Main jet for 533A models. Needle clip is #2 slot from the top, but you can play with it to increase throttle response. Adding choke as you indicated means that it is running lean, more than likely. Make sure that the gaskets/O-rings on the intake manifold, insulator and carb flanges are in good shape and there are no vacuum leaks between the carb and the head. These bikes tend to strip the threads in the manifold to head boltholes.

Be sure that the fuel tank is clean, the petcock (fuel valve passages are clear) and that the gas cap vent is OPEN when riding. Timing is fixed at 25 degrees before TDC at the F mark alignment. Points should just break open at the F mark. Valve clearances are critical on these small motors. .002″ COLD for both intake and exhaust valves at TDC compression stroke.

There are tons of mini-trail type websites out there, plus lots of stuff on EBay all the time. Duplicator makes silver wheel paint for steel wheels that is pretty good for that application. Suzuki makes many models of bikes, and all the wheels are different. I would need your model and engine. Size to figure out which wheel you have.

Some models may have a clutch safety switch. Also there is a disconnect switch which turns off the lights while starting. If you have a millimeter or test light, check for power to your solenoid. Turn on the key, pull clutch lever, pushes the starter button and you should have power at the solenoid on the red/yellow and red/green wires.

They may be just yellow and green) If there is power their (12volts) and your battery is good, the solenoid should work. If it does nothing it is likely defective. A defective unit can be checked even off the bike. Ask the dealer to check it. If it doesn’t connect the two big posts when activated it is defective for sure.

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February 10th

6:14
Motorcycle Repair