Motorcycle Care – From Cruisers to Crotch Rockets
By Daniel M Cruse

Whether you’re somewhere on a desert highway driving a Harley-Davidson or flying around the back roads on a Honda CBR model, a little bit of zen and some motorcycle maintenance can often mean the difference between making the curb or not. You only have to land on your back in the middle of a grassy field once to appreciate just how important this difference can actually be.

Obviously, your cleaning requirements will vary depending on how many miles you log and what the road conditions are like when you’re racking them up. Regardless, it’s not a good idea to get your motorcycle washed and cleaned at a commercial car wash. So, unless you’re independently wealthy and can afford to have your bike hand-washed by a bunch of bikini-clad supermodels, you’re going to end up doing it yourself (probably just as well… supermodels aren’t really known for their attention to detail). Here are some recommendations for keeping your bike in top condition.

Before beginning, always consult your owner’s manual. If you don’t have it or bought the bike used, try to track one down on the internet (most manufacturers will offer them as a free PDF download via their respective websites). A motorcycle owner’s manual will contain specific instructions for washing, including cleaning tips and products recommended by the manufacturer.

Always make sure the engine has cooled before washing. Wash your bike in a shaded area as the sun can dry the soap solution before you can rinse it, leaving soap marks on the surface (which more or less defeats the point of washing it in the first place). When you’re scrubbing off the road grime, give all the parts a thorough check. Be on the lookout for leaks and loose hardware, making sure everything is snug and secure.

After thoroughly rinsing, dry your bike with a soft white cotton cloth or towel that doesn’t have loose fibers. Cheap towels leave behind loose fibers that show up like cat hair on a business suit. Also, avoid using a paper towel as it might scratch the painted surfaces. Taking a cue from the commercial car washes, compressed air is a great option for drying and works especially well in hard to reach places, like around the motorcycle license plate frame. If you don’t have an air compressor, you can use a vacuum in a similar way by attaching the hose to the exhaust port, although a modest investment in a motorcycle dryer will pay off with just a few uses. Follow the cleaning process with a good coating of car wax to protect the finish and block dirt from taking hold as easily.

For those who have a collectible model or just don’t have the time to get on the roads as often as they’d like, there are a number of handy accessories – like a motorbike cover or motorcycle loading ramp – that protect your bike and prevent you from having to wash it as often.

Motorcycle covers provide a high-quality way to shield your bike from the elements and other airborne corrosives like dust. Don’t use a plastic tarp. They trap moisture and don’t breathe, allowing mold and corrosion to take hold. Motorbike covers also protect against UV rays, rain, dirt and pollutants while the built-in air vents let moisture evaporate.

Another handy accessory, Motorcycle ramps, features a strong weight capacity, wheel-guider sides, and sure-grip ramp surfaces, providing traction, stability and safety when transporting your bike from one location to another or onto a raised or lowered platform.

Storing your bike requires a little extra care. First, bring the tire pressure for both the front and rear up to the recommended PSI. Next, find an out-of-the-way spot to store it, and put the bike up on its center-stand. Then, block it up just enough to raise the front wheel off the ground and either remove the battery or hook it up to a trickle charger, maintaining the charge and health of the battery while not in active use.

With motorcycle covers, motorcycle ramps or a motorcycle dryer, you can prevent corrosion and damage, keeping your bike on the road and off the sidelines.

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Buying a Harley Davidson Motorcycle
By William Stearns

Over the years I have owned and ridden many other makes of motorcycles in all engine sizes. None of them had the look, feel, ride or sound that I get from my 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster. Now I’m not a Harley owner that’s knocking other brands either, I still own an older Yamaha 650 that I will probably never part with. I bought my Sportster because I like the bikes style, the low center of gravity, the rumble of the exhaust and riding it. I purchased it new in 2004 and before doing so I did a little reading on what the bike is all about, how it works and what it can and can’t do. I take pride in owning it and have it serviced from top to bottom every six months and plan on keeping it for at least the next ten years. The best part about that is years down the road when and if I do decide to sell it, I will probably get what i paid for it.

Years back Harley Davidson had a bad reputation for reliability and quality. Today if you take a good look at the fit and finish of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, I think you will be impressed. The paint, chrome and style all show excellent workmanship. As far as engine and drive train reliability go, my 2004 now has over six thousand miles on it and has never needed an engine repair, proper service at regular intervals pay off. If you can not afford to maintain a motorcycle properly then don’t buy one.

As far as resale value, the Harley Davidson models may cost more at original purchase than other makes but have a proven track record of selling at higher prices used than comparable makes. I know from past experience that on the Sportster models you own it for a number of years, take good care of it and sell it for just about what you paid for it. See you in August at Sturgis!

For more information on buying Harley Davidson motorcycles visit Harley Davidson Motorcycle Sales Own and drive a legend!

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What Are the Benefits of Using Aftermarket Motorcycle Exhausts?
By John Kirzno

If you are a fan of motorcycles and love the chopper or the racer that you have, then it is almost certain that you have at some point in your motorcycling life considered modifying it for some reason or another. The first question that every rider faces after having had fun with his new bike for a few months is if he should modify it to look cooler, be more efficient, give more power or sometimes even make more noise. Motorcycle exhausts are usually the first thing that any bike rider considers changing on his bike. The following are some reasons why.

Power:

1. Most motorcyclists would say that they love the power of their bike between their legs when they are cruising somewhere or even speeding on the highway. The rush of a motorcycle that shoots off the starting line is something that any motorcycle enthusiast enjoys. Acceleration is one of the most basic factors of a motorcycle for its owner. Replacing the existing equipment with aftermarket motorcycle exhausts can allow a biker to improve the peak engine horsepower of his bike. These are known as free flowing exhaust systems that usually give the exhaust a straight path without the hindrance of shape change, catalytic convertors, complicated mufflers etc.

Noise:

2. The vroom of a motorcycle is one of its most important aspects for the bike rider. In fact, many motorcycle enthusiasts even take the noise factor into consideration when they are buying a new bike. An Original Equipment Manufacturer exhaust system is designed to reduce the sound levels of the bike. However, some bikers have opposing views. These bikers use exhaust systems that actually promote the amount of sound that the bike makes.

Performance:

3. In contrast to the above mentioned points, there are also bikers who look for the maximum fuel efficiency and the least sound. These are motorcyclists who prefer more futuristic bikes in comparison to raw, animalistic, conventional exhaust systems with lots of noise and power. Using well designed aftermarket motorcycle exhausts can improve the mileage of the bikes as well.

Looks:

4. There is also the factor of looks to consider here because many bikers like to have the whole diehard, hardcore biker look. This is achieved by flashier and bigger exhaust systems that announce the presence of a traditionalist biker.

Maintenance:

5. Sometimes, the demand for the aftermarket motorcycle exhausts is nothing but simply the fact that the Original Equipment Manufacturer exhaust system needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. Aftermarket exhausts are used as some original equipment exhausts may be hard to find or too expensive to purchase.

There are many reasons why exhausts are changed by the owner in their bikes. Similarly, there are many sources from which you can purchase a new exhaust for your motorcycle. However, the best medium to do so would be online because you get a lot more options to choose from.

Biker Supply House offers a wide variety of Motorcycle exhausts. We carry the top selection of Vance and Hines Exhaust products and offer the best pricing on all Vance and Hines Motorcycle Exhaust. Browse our incredible selection now and see how Biker Supply House can help you save on the brands of Motorcycle Exhausts and Motorcycle Parts.

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What is a Bobber?
By L Chambers

So first of all, what the hell is a Bobber? Most people think it is something you put on your fishing line so you can sit around with your feet up drinking beer while you watch for signs of a bite. In more recent trends, as this term applies to bikes, there are fiery opinions flying everywhere. For those of us trying to understand the controversy over what a real Bobber is, I’ve done some homework.

As the Bobber is discussed in Wikipedia, it is a post WWII historical custom minimalistic style of bike and a precursor to the Chopper. The front fender is removed and the rear fender is shortened or bobbed. Most anything that doesn’t make the bike run is discarded, making it light weight and faster. The original Bobber is considered the Granddaddy of the custom bike which took off just after WWII. Men returning home from Europe sought to recreate the look of the stripped down, light weight European motorcycles they’d seen. With the exciting wartime and Depression era unveiling of the groundbreaking Harley-Davidson OHV 61, or Knucklehead, custom bike enthusiasts had some good bones to work with.

Today’s controversy flairs up over the question: What are the true characteristics of a Bobber? In some circles it is said that a true Bobber will have small fatbobs, floorboards, a bobbed stock rear fender – generally cut at the rear fender hinge, a stock exhaust, and stock handle bars. Any bike called a Bobber that doesn’t follow these standards is more likely to be called a short chop or custom bike, but not a Bobber. The primary difference between Bobbers and Choppers is that Bobbers are built around the stock frame, while Choppers of course have the modified raked and stretched frames.

From the 1940′s – 1960′s the Bobber [http://10kh.com/1940-knucklehead] held it’s ground as the primary custom bike in the United States amongst bike enthusiasts and war time vets. Then the Chopper came on the scene, becoming the new drool tool to have in the mid to late 1960′s. The Chopper explosion officially hit in 1969 when the movie Easy Rider immortalized it. Custom bike builders scrambled to transform the light weight, stripped down dirt track style Bobbers into custom raked out, chromed up Choppers. This is where the term “Chopper Bobber” came from. So now we have Bobbers, Choppers, and Chopper Bobbers. Remember, this is all based on cultural and historical opinions. It’s really all subjective with some general guidelines that most stick to.

History lesson aside, where does that leave us on the topic of the Bobber controversies of today? Some Old School Bikers ( See what Sugar Bear has to say ) are getting their blood pressure up over the recent trend of using the term Bobber as it applies to some of the current custom bike configurations. It appears that the modern Bobber style bikes are really Short Chop Bikes and are primarily minimalistic in their overall stylization. Many of today’s Custom Bobbers even sport blinkers, a front fender, and full rear fender, all of which are taboo on an original Bobber. No wonder you old school bikers have your shackles up. “How can you call that a Bobber for Christ sake?” Well, here in life on the third rock from the Sun we call it evolution. Bobbers have evolved just as all other things do.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about the Bobber dilemma, and at the moment, many are disgruntled about the way the classic name is being tossed around. Custom bike enthusiasts everywhere will need to find some sort of a common ground definition and configuration for the new custom class of Bobber motorcycles that are emerging. From what I can tell, today’s Bobber terms and parameters are very loose at best. In my opinion most of the bikes being dubbed as Bobbers are really Bobber Style Short Chop customs. My advice is; don’t be referring to your new custom bike as a Bobber around Old School bikers unless you’re ready for an attitude packed history lesson.

L. Chambers

http://www.10kh.com

Creative Commons License: What is a Bobber? by Lori Chambers is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Based on a work at 10kh.com.

copyright © 2009

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Performance Upgrades With the Harley Davidson Exhaust
By Elanora T. Kelly

If you are searching for new levels of performance through your bike, then one of the replacement parts to upgrade is the Harley Davidson exhaust. This can provide you with a complete alteration in the performance and looks of your bike while allowing you to enjoy even more of the ride. If you are considering a replacement part; however, then you want to make sure you get the perfect fit for your bike. Knowing which characteristics to include in your bike can then provide you with a better ride.

When you begin to look at the Harley Davidson exhaust parts that are available, you want to make sure that you are able to get the right set of characteristics. One of the considerations many make is the type of performance that is carried. Getting an exhaust that has a mid to hi-end torque can help to improve the overall quality of riding available. Some will also find different systems that have looks to their bike that helps with the overall ride. The specific shape and system that you consider will also alter the noise level of your bike. Considering these qualities can then help you to find the best bike for your needs.

The Harley Davidson exhaust makes and models will differ because of the torque that is used for performance. For instance, short drag pipes can be added in but will often offer lower engine power, dependent on the length of the pipe. Long straight pipes can also be used for continuous power and more stability to the system. True duals are another make, which consists of two systems on each side of the bike for even more power. The slip – fit mufflers are also known for better performance and are able to lower the sound that is on your bike.

No matter what your preferences, you can find the best upgrade to match your system. If you are looking into a new Harley Davidson exhaust, then knowing what to look for can provide you with the best return. The specific makes and models that are available through this can then provide you with the best alternatives for power, performance, looks and sound.

Learn More about Harley Davidson Motorcycle Parts

For information on all types of ways to find Harley Davidson Exhaust come to harleybeltbuckle.com.

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How To Install Custom Motorcycle Exhaust
By Garret McLaughlin

Buying custom exhaust for my bike should be easy right? That’s what I thought until I started looking around at all the different styles. But it ultimately comes down to owner choice, after all isn’t that what biking is all about? The freedom to make your own decisions an be who you want to be. That loud rumble when you go cruising isn’t simply because “Loud pipes Save Lives”. It screams look at me! I’m free, doing my own thing. There are so many choices to make when replacing a stock exhaust system. 2 into 1 systems, Y pipes, Straight drag pipes, baffled or unbaffled. I found so many name brands, there seems to be hundreds of manufacturers out there these days. Two-in-One pipes, styled after the classic Street-Rod side pipes, 2″ head pipes constructed of 16 gauge steel contour around your engine in classic I mean business appearance. Taper into 1 pipe with a 5″ outlet.

hese pipes were created to make a statement and make it with authority. This stunning looking exhaust will compliment any custom chopper and it sounds as wild as it looks. Straight drag pipes, classic lines and premium performance are exactly what they sound like drag pipes. Loud low rumble that will surely wake the neighbors. When using straight pipes torque cones are a must for performance. Torque cones improve power by increasing the exhaust gas velocity, they also help to reduce exhaust reversion. Simple installation requires no permanent modifications. Great for use with unbaffled exhaust that require some type of back pressure to run right.

Also some people like exhaust wrap, it helps to retain heat in your exhaust system, which increases horsepower while reducing radiant heat against your leg. By wrapping the exhaust system it maintains hotter exhaust gases, decreases the density, and allows the exhaust gas to exit the system faster, that equals more horsepower!

Now installing your new pipes, simple right? Just unbolt an replace. It’s not hard, but there are a few things to know before you try to mount that new exhaust pipe on your motorcycle.

Common hand tools are all you’ll need to perform a pipe change. A few common combination wrenches and a matching socket set (metric or functional sizes) will cover most of it. In some cases you may also need an Allen wrench or two. Start by giving the OEM exhaust the quick once-over. Will you need to remove any major components other than the exhaust itself? Probably not, but on some liquid-cooled cruisers, the radiator may have to be removed or loosened to gain access to the front cylinder’s head pipe. Try to determine if the exhaust will need dismantling or if it can come off in one big chunk. It’s also a good idea to compare the head sizes of the fasteners to your tools. It sucks when your 13mm socket rounds off that 12mm bolt head. Now is also the best time to find out if you’ve forgotten anything, like that 8mm Allen socket you lent your buddy, as opposed to when the exhaust is half off and you realize the last bolt holding the old pipe to the bike requires an 8mm Allen socket.

Start by loosening, but not removing, all of the nuts and bolts that attach the exhaust system. If you’re only replacing the muffler with a slip-on, there is probably no need to loosen the head pipe. Once everything is slack, remove the bolts holding each component, then remove the components, starting with the muffler. This may be easier said than done, particularly if the bike has some miles on it and heat and corrosion have done their dirty work. If the muffler is just stuck, spray some sort of rust-busting lubricant, into the muffler joint, let it stand for a few minutes and then try twisting the muffler slightly as you pull backward. If it simply won’t budge, place a block of wood against the mounting bracket and give it a few good raps with a hammer. If you have a helper handy, have him (or her) pull and twist the muffler as you pound on it. In most cases this method will free up the most recalcitrant muffler, though it may not look like much when you’re done.

Once the muffler is off, you can remove the head pipes. These may take some juggling, and a wise man will protect any nearby painted pieces with some old towels or rags. Removing the head pipes may be complicated by a crossover tube on some models. A little physical exertion (a.k.a. pulling and prying) will usually get them off as a unit. In some cases, though, the crossover tube will have to be removed.

Some bikes use one-piece exhaust systems.

These systems are usually a bit easier to remove. Once the bolts are loose, support the system with the aid of a friend, a small jack or a few pieces of strategically placed twine or wire. Remove the bolts and carefully lift out the exhaust system as a unit. This can be a bit heavy and unwieldy, so take care not to drop it on any painted parts!

Remove the old exhaust gaskets (if they haven’t fallen out already), take a good look in the ports and excavate any loose carbon that might prevent the new pipes from seating properly. Install the new gaskets. A dab of grease or anti-seize will help hold them in place. Next, place the head pipes into position, put a smear of anti-seize on the studs or bolts and tighten the retaining collars just enough to keep the pipes from flopping around. Give the open end of the pipe a light coat of anti-seize and slip on the collector (Y-pipe) or muffler as the case may be. All the pieces should fit together with a minimum of force. If you need a sledgehammer to pound any part of the exhaust system together, stop and find out what’s gumming up the works before proceeding. Resist the temptation to force everything together, since all that will do is preload the exhaust system. After a few miles the tension will combine with the vibration to snap off the mounting bracket or crack the exhaust pipe. Better to spend an hour filing, shimming or doing whatever you need to do now to achieve a proper fit, than to ride home with your recently installed exhaust dragging along the pavement.

After everything has been properly installed and correctly aligned, you can tighten it all up, starting at the cylinder head. By tightening the head pipe first, you ensure it seats correctly in the port and seals properly against the gasket. After the collar bolts are snug, proceed to tighten the rest of the hardware in turn, working your way backward toward the muffler. Reinstall any ancillary components removed during this process.

Fire that baby up, basking in the aural ambiance. In other word wake up the neighbors!

Demon’s Cycle Inc. http://demonscycle.com started as a custom built motorcycle company over fifteen years ago by Tom “the German”. Demon’s quickly established its reputation as a pioneer of radical motorcycle designs, euro style bikes and custom chopper concepts. Demon’s Cycle today is a multi-million dollar wholesale company with its headquarters in South Florida as well as locations around the world.

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Working For You, Not You Working On It Cruiser Exhaust Systems, one must take absolute proper care of your motorcycle therefore it can last for the longest time that’s can. You should be sure to use the required Cruiser Exhaust Systems for the best possible overall performance out of your model. To begin with, you should make sure which you use certified spare components when repairing or servicing your Cruiser Exhaust Systems. This really is one from the most important Cruiser Exhaust Systems tips; it not only ensures that your motorcycle has a longer road life, but that it is safe for use. This is simply because should you use sub-standard or the wrong parts, they could loosen or quite functioning altogether and this could be dangerous particularly if it occurs when you are about the road.

Another 1 of the top Cruiser Exhaust Systems tips is which you use the best cleaners for your motorcycle. Most motorbikes were designed to keep the water out of the engine, for riding in all-weather conditions. Therefore, it’s vital that you wash and dry your bike afterward including your pipes, and pick the right kind bike cleaners is very important and will add extended existence to your Cruiser Exhaust Systems.

An overlooked yet as essential of these motorcycle performance tips is practice and being match enough. A motorcycle will succumb to your weight if you’re over weight, so it you wish to have it for a long time, you need to maintain match and maintain typical weight so you are able to also fully appreciate your motorcycle. One more factor although keeping fit is to possess normal test your riders abilities on your motorcycle particularly if you usually also use other forms of transport to get around.

Cruiser Exhaust Systems – Built for speed

The majority of Cruiser Exhaust Systems are created to be atmosphere friendly but their performance will improve horsepower plus helps on overheating. With most high-performance motorcycles, the muffler within the exhaust system is normally changed. However, although producing this change, the filter and jet kit, which all work together for optimum wear out overall performance. If you alter one and leave the others, the performance won’t be adequate and may even reverse any advance created although growing your Cruiser Exhaust Systems requirements.

Cruiser Exhaust Systems

Cruiser Exhaust Systems – Install Tips

Most important tips among the top Cruiser Exhaust Systems is ensuring when adding the new pipes in your bike you will have to put on gloves so the oil in your hands dont leave marks. You are able to begin by taking out all the needed tools, plus open and spread out the package contents. Then carfully take off your stock program and package it up for storage. Installing your new Cruiser Exhaust Systems should only take an hour or much less. When we install these make certain that you maintain all of the bolts loose intill the the complete program is installed then tighten them down beginning at the header. We provide a unique price on the best selling brands from the Cruiser Exhaust Systems.

The motorcycle desires to become serviced a minimum of once a year for it to hold up within the lengthy hall. You must be certain to use the mandatory motorbike overall performance tips for optimum performance out of your machine. To begin with, you need to guarantee which you use licensed spare elements when repairing or servicing your motorcycle. This is frequently one in every of the foremost essential motorbike overall performance tips; it not just ensures that your motorbike includes a longer road life, but that it’s safe for use. This is as a result of should you use sub-customary or the incorrect parts, they may loosen or quite operating altogether and this may be risky particularly if it occurs when you are on the road.

Exhaust Motorcycle Store – Add Performance to your bike

An additional 1 among the high motorcycle performance ideas is that you utilize the correct type of wheels for your motorcycle. Most motorcycles had been manufactured to become used for street, but a number of use then on all-weather roads on normal blacktop roads. Thus, it’s required that you choose wheels that operate your rims, were manufactured for your motorbike, and choose the correct kind for the right road conditions that your motorbike frequents. You desire to replace wheels that are a lot of than 2 years recent as a result you’ll have the ability to save on any future unnecessary repair costs for your bike.

Exhaust Motorcycle Store Picture

Exhaust Motorcycle Store overall performance from the bike will alter if you add fat towards the bike. A motorbike can adjust to your weight if you are overweight, therefore it you wish to possess it for any really lengthy time, you have to stay fit and maintain typical weight therefore you can conjointly completely get pleasure from your motorcycle. An additional issue whereas keeping fit would be to possess regular observe sessions on your motorcycle particularly should you usually furthermore use other varieties of transport to urge around. Saddle Luggage can add fat to you bike if you’ve got them packed for any long trip.

Exhaust Motorcycle Store – Jetting Specs

An additional tip is using the acceptable exhaust program. Most exhausts are produced to become setting friendly nevertheless their performance is regular. With most high-performance motorcycles, the muffler within the exhaust program is usually altered. Nevertheless, whereas producing this variation, the filter and jet kit, that all work along for optimum exhaust performance. We have discovered that when changing to a after marketplace pipe system that in times it can amendment the jetting and may have to be fined tuned.

In all of the most essential information among the prime motorcycle overall performance info is making particular that your brakes are in check. You are able to start by having normal brake pads modification and if possible invest in stainless steel ones which will not wear out too quick and don’t swell following they heat up like the regular edition rubber brake pads that develop the brake program soft and rather unreliable. They have to conjointly be brakes that might permit you to avoid at no matter speed you are riding following these tips together with normal servicing of one’s machine can make sure high performance, safety, and enjoying the adrenalin rush that comes with riding an optimal performing Exhaust Motorcycle Store user manuals.