Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle’

Motorcycle Accessories – PTBATTENDFUSED-Battery Tender Fused Ring Connector

August 17th, 2010

Motorcycle Accessories – PTBATTENDFUSED-Battery Tender Fused Ring Connector Review

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Motorcycle Accessories – PTBATTENDFUSED-Battery Tender Fused Ring Connector Overview

Attach this to your second motorcycle so that you can quickly and conveniently charge it.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 17, 2010 09:34:12

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Motorcycle Batteries

August 6th, 2010

All motorcycle batteries look small. The biggest ones you can find seem to be heavily burdened with the gigantic machines they operate. But its size does not mean easy maintenance for the <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery.

For one thing, these batteries lose one percent of their charge per day just sitting there doing nothing. So you can see that you just can’t park it, walk away, and come back in four or five months and expect it to work. Amazingly some of them do work after that kind of abuse, but a greater number of them don’t.

A modern motorcycle <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery is a marvel of compact packaging. A motorcycle may look smooth on the outside, but inside it’s a different story. Every single part of the motorcycle is vibrating when you start the engine. These vibrations affect the performance of the motorcycle <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery, as they are made with lead plates that rattle as your engine churns. Common sense will tell us that vibrations cause motorcycle batteries to lose their stored power. Don’t be deceived by the looks of the plates, they are not as sturdy as they seem.

The lead plates are good active ingredients, but they are only tender pastes cast into intersecting wires. They are pretty much like your waffle batter. This characteristic of lead plates helps in allowing better chemical reaction. Like waffles, lead plates are very porous. This allows the electrolyte to be easily absorbed.

Motorcycle batteries serve more than just motorcycles; in some parts, they can be actually modified and used in small boats or as a generator for a household. Batteries will fail without warning. Knowing this, you can take some precautions and be prepared. For one, you can post a note indicating when you last charged your motorcycle battery. It is not recommended that you buy a backup battery. Do not liken a battery to a spare tire; batteries tend to loose their charge even if you don’t use them. A better thing to do is keep the number of your mechanic, so you can call him in case of emergency.

Batteries work like humans, too; you don’t really have to check on them every time but it would help if you include it on your car/motorcycle maintenance routine.

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Winterizing Your Motorcycle

August 3rd, 2010

Son of a gun!

Winter arrived before you even saw it coming. Time to put the bike to bed for a few months and spend your nights dreaming about springtime and the open road.

Well springtime might be a real let down if your bike refuses to start because you didn’t winterize your motorcycle properly. Let’s take a quick look at a few ways to ensure you have an easy transition from hibernation to running free.

1. Like a fine wine.

Seriously, like a great wine your bike needs the proper environment while resting. Keep it in a stable environment away from sunlight, moisture, and temperature extremes. You want to keep it away from the windows and water. Also, cover it with a motorcycle cover. Stay away from blankets, tarps, and other covers that will hold in moisture and cause rust.

A specially designed motorcycle cover is made of a mildew resistant material.

2. Oil

Many people argue this one with me, but I always advocate changing the oil before putting up the bike for storage. Acids are formed by a running engine and I don’t like them sitting there all winter doing want acids do. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll forget over the winter when that last oil change was. Better to know you have fresh oil in there at the start of every season. Just do it – trust me.

3. The gasoline situation

Is your bike going to sit for 4+ months? If so, drain the carb! If not, just fill your tank to 95% full, add fuel stabilizer, and run it for 5-10 minutes to make sure the stabilizer is in the carb. This prevents moisture build up, and prevents the fuel from turning into “varnish” – a term used to describe the gummy, clogging residue of bad gasoline.

4. Lube the cylinder(s)?

This is a wasted step unless you’re talking about LONG TERM STORAGE (6 months or more!). For a winterizing process, forget about it – totally unneeded.

5. <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery

You have two options – the easy one and the smart one. You can hook up a <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery tender to the battery right on your bike and leave it there, or you can disconnect your battery, remove it from the bike, and hook the tender to it on a shelf. On protects both the battery and the bike, the other is faster to set up. Seriously, a motorcycle battery often has a small draw on it even when off and electrical gremlins just plain suck! Take the battery off and store it on a shelf. DON’T BE LAZY! Also, if you do not have a “tender“, but instead have a regular charger you MUST remove the battery and charge it every 2-3 weeks to keep it fully charged.

6. Give it a bath

Wash it. Wax it! Wax is a barrier between your beautiful paint and corrosive moisture. Wipe down exposed metal with WD-40. It’s all about fighting moisture. Don’t use a heavy oil instead of WD-40 or you will have to clean and scrub it all off before riding the next spring. WD-40 just wipes off. Get the exhaust pipes too. Many people even plug their mufflers with plastic bags and wrap them. If you live near an ocean or large body of water you might want to do this. I just rely on WD-40 and it works for me.

7. Tires

1. Make sure they are properly inflated. As it gets colder, air condenses in your tire so check them regularly.

2. Don’t let them freeze – BAD for the rubber

3. DO NOT use Armor-All or tire cleaning foam because this will make the tires hard

4. Keep the tires off the concrete – carpet is fine. It helps prevent flat spots from the tires sitting in one position for so long. Some may recommend racing bike stands,but I think that’s a little bit overkill.

8. Fluid change

Every motorcycle is different, but as a rule I think you should change your brake / hydraulic clutch / coolant fluids every 15000 miles or every 2 winters – whichever comes first. If you don’t want to do this yourself, many dealers offer winterizing services where they will perform many of the steps outlined here. Either way – get them done.

9. Tuck it in for the night.

Use that quality motorcycle cover and start dreaming of the new cool parts you will want to put on your bike over the winter – now’s the time to customize her!

10. Spring is in the Air

Ready to ride? Wait up a second.

1. Uncover sleeping beauty.

2. Reconnect the battery (please hook it up positive to positive and negative to negative…)

3. Top off all fluids in case you have a minor leak

4. Inspect tires.

5. Go for a ride, but remember you’ve been out of the saddle for a while. Take it easy for the first hundred miles or so.

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Is Your Motorcycle Safe To Ride? How Do You Know?

July 30th, 2010

The importance of a motorcycle safety check-over can never be stressed enough. Not enough riders are aware of how to perform a proper inspection or when to do it. There are two types of safety checks that I recommend. The daily and the bi-weekly check over.

The daily check over is the inspection you give your motorcycle prior to each ride. Before you get on your bike, start with a walkaround inspection. Visually scan the motorcycle for anything out of place. Look for missing hardware, loose components, or broken lenses. This might sound silly, but items frequently loosen and break due to a motorcycles’ vibrations.

Are the tires visibly low on air? Are there any obstructions in or around the wheels? During the walkaround I always like to squat for a second at each wheel. I consider the tires, wheels, brakes and drivetrain to be the most important parts to check and like to get a closer look at each.

Once the walkaround is complete, check the fuel level, and your motorcycle’s safety equipment. This should include all lights, switches, turn signals, and horn. Adjust your mirrors, helmet and eye protection.

If you have completed all of this you’re ready to ride. If you complete this before every ride, you are helping to insure that every ride is a safe ride.

The bi-weekly check over is recommended for the normal daily rider. If you ride more or less, adjust your intervals accordingly. The purpose of this inspection is to monitor normal wear items that may expire or need adjustment between regular services. The most common components are the tires, brakes, drive train, <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery and engine oil. Most owners manuals have instructions for checking and adjusting each of these items. If yours doesn’t or you need further information purchase a repair manual, a valuable resource for any motorcyclist.

You already visually check your tires before each ride, but now is when you check and adjust the pressures. Use a good quality gauge and while you are down there, look closely for any cracking or bulges. Take note of the remaining tread depth.

Motorcycle brake pads are designed to last as long as normal service intervals. The reality is, the rate of wear depends more on riding style and conditions than a set mileage. It is imperative that they be checked regularly between normal service intervals. For this, grab a bright flashlight and consult your manual for wear specifications.

The typical motorcycle drive train consists of a chain and two sprockets. The sprockets rarely fail between services, but the chain is constantly stretching and in need of lubrication. The motorcycle needs to have it’s rear wheel off the ground to properly lube and adjust the chain. With a centerstand or rear stand, a few tools and proper specs., any motorcyclist should be able to service their own chain. In doing this, the life of the chain and sprockets will greatly increase while the chances of failure will decrease.

Most riders assume that their motorcycle charging system maintains the <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery sufficiently. Ideally this is true, but its not always the case. The majority of <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery usage occurs when starting your motorcycle. Short trips may not always allow your <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery enough time to fully recharge. Add in a few accessories like a radio, heated vest or a GPS and your battery may always be lagging. If you are not regularly plugging your motorcycle into a battery tender, consider giving it a charge at this bi-weekly inspection.

All motorcycles consume oil at slightly different rates. It is important to keep an eye on the level. Consult your owners manual for the proper checking procedure. This can vary widely between models.

Finally, make sure you pass inspection as well. Is all of your riding gear in good shape? Is your vehicle registration up to date and your insurance policy current? Proper preparation and a little preventive maintenance can go far in increasing the safety and enjoyment of riding your motorcycle.

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The Best Motorcycle Battery Tender Chargers

July 26th, 2010

If you’ve been searching for <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery chargers for quite some time now, you’ve definitely came across the <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery tender brand. If you haven’t, I don’t know if you’re hiding under a rock, or you just haven’t come across the brand. Regardless of the fact, they are probably one of the most popular brands on the market. They have fantastic reviews, great prices, as well as features that many other brands just don’t carry.

Now, before you head out, whip out your wallet, and purchase one, there are some thing that you should know about them. I wanted to show you what sets them above the rest. You’re soon going to find out that they are one of the best chargers that money can buy. No, it isn’t going to cost you $250 to purchase one, nor will they break down in the next 6 weeks.

A great warranty: A good company is always going to stand behind it’s product. This is what battery Tender has done here. Just about every product that they carry, they have a great 5-10 year warranty. If something goes bad and it’s their fault, you will find that they will most likely fix it up.
Great features: One of the most common problems that many motorcycle owners come across is that they overcharge their battery, just causing damage. With some of their features, you’re going to be able to know when the battery is charged, as well as an auto shut off. No longer will you have to worry about your battery getting damaged!
Great reviews: I generally get a good idea on if a product is good or not just by reading the reviews. The reviews online are fantastic for any battery tender product. What I have found is that they have a ton of products, all recieving great reviews!

Here are a few brands that you should check into made by Battery Tender

The 021-0128 12V (regular sized)
The 021-0123 (junior size)
022-0150 (waterproof version)
022-0165 battery management system

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5 Reasons Why a Motorcycle Battery Charger Should Be on Your Shopping List

July 25th, 2010

Car <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery chargers are common items of vehicle maintenance equipment – they’re cheap, portable and easy to use. But if you ride a motorcycle, a <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery charger is often one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in the average biker’s workshop. There are several good reasons why (if you haven’t already bought one) a motorcycle <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger”>battery charger should be on your shopping list.

Motorcycle batteries are much smaller than car batteries and loose their charge relatively quickly. Wet cell batteries also require topping up with distilled water more often, and when carrying out regular maintenance on a motorcycle battery they may require a booster charge to bring them back up to the correct voltage. Motorcycle battery chargers quickly recharge the average motorcycle battery, getting you back on the road within minutes rather than having to wait overnight for the battery to charge.

Motorcycle batteries are exposed to the elements to a much higher degree than car batteries, and so are more susceptible to losing their charge due to cold weather. Motorcycle battery chargers are designed to deliver a rapid charge to a battery that has been affected by cold weather, enabling you to start the engine quickly and use the motorcycle’s internal charging system to finish the job.

A motorcycle battery charger is compact, taking up very little room in your garage or workshop. If you carry out your own servicing, detaching the battery and doing a full check and recharge means that your battery is ready for action when the next sunny day comes along. This means that you can get out and enjoy a good ride without having the frustration of a bike that won’t start because the battery is flat!

Letting the battery run flat repeatedly can actually damage the internal plates that are an integral part of the battery’s structure. This can become expensive very quickly, as motorcycle batteries are costly items. A motorcycle battery charger will pay for itself very quickly by keeping your battery in tiptop condition. It also means that you are doing your bit for the environment as batteries cannot be recycled and go to landfill. By maintaining your battery, you’re saving money and the environment.

Another good reason to use a motorcycle battery charger is to increase the potential lifespan of the battery itself. Motorcycle batteries take lots of abuse, from heat and vibration to weak charging systems and too many power-draining accessories. If you’re a dedicated all-weather rider, accessories such as heated grips or even fog lights can quickly drain a small battery. Once the bike has been parked up attaching a trickle charger will boost the battery, ensuring that it’s ready to go when you next start the bike up.

If you’re serious about motorcycle riding or just a fair weather rider who only takes the bike out on sunny days, motorcycle battery chargers are a must-have item in your workshop. You check the oil, you check the petrol so why not check the battery? Without it, your bike isn’t going anywhere and you’re missing out on all those fun rides for the sake of a flat battery. Motorcycle battery chargers are cheap, portable and efficient and if you haven’t invested in one already, they should definitely be put on the top of your shopping list.

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Difference Between a Conventional and a Maintenance-Free Motorcycle Battery

July 20th, 2010

Most modern motorcycles require a motorcycle <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery to power its electrical systems. Currently, there are two main types available in the market: the conventional type and the maintenance-free type. Although they are an often overlooked component, knowing the differences between the two types of batteries can help one better understand their specific maintenance needs and cost.

The conventional type of <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery consists of flooded electrolyte and cell accessible construction. Although these are less expensive than maintenance-free batteries, they require more attention. Because of the process of electrolysis and evaporation, water loss is normal and therefore, the periodic addition of distilled water is required. If the <a href="http://batterytender.cmbazar.com” title=”battery charger“>battery’s water level falls below the minimum fill line, permanent damage to the battery can occur as the lead plates become exposed to the air. For this reason, it’s important to maintain the water levels above the minimum fill lines.

With a maintenance-free battery, on the other hand, water loss is eliminated since the unit is designed to remain permanently sealed once it is filled with acid. Although slightly more expensive than conventional batteries, it is currently popular among many motorcycle enthusiasts. Because the battery unit is completely sealed, all of the acid is absorbed in the special plates and separators – there is no need to worry about acid leaks, or refilling the battery with distilled water. Even after months of normal use, there would be enough electrolytes to keep the plates covered because of the amount of free-standing electrolytes that are above the plates.

Knowing the difference between the two types of batteries can help a rider make a better decision as to what type of motorcycle battery to use for his bike and maintenance habits. Either way, properly maintaining battery will help ensure its long-term use, and can save money in the long run.

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A Motorcycle Gear Check Will Keep You Safe

June 26th, 2010

While the wind and snow blow outside, it’s likely that you’re itching to get back on your bike. It may feel like those warmer spring months will never come, but they will, and you’ll be out their riding again soon enough. While you’re waiting though, you can do something that will both make your riding experience more enjoyable, and make yourself safer. While you’re not using your gear, it’s time to go inspect it, and make sure it’s all up to snuff. What isn’t, you should replace. Take advantage of the off season and do a motorcycle gear check.

When you begin your motorcycle gear check, the first thing to inspect is your helmet. Your helmet is the piece of safety gear that will make or break your survival should you be involved in an accident. You will first want to think back on whether or not your helmet has fallen at all, even if it’s just from as far as your handlebars. If so, this means that you should replace it before you ride again. Any fall will damage the foam inside the helmet, designed to protect your brain from shock. You want that foam perfectly intact, every time that you ride.

As you’re doing your motorcycle gear check, you’ll also need to do a visual and manual inspection of your helmet. This will let you know about any damage you may have missed. Look over the helmet for dents or deep scratches, and feel along it for the same. These are both signs that your helmet has been damaged, and it’s time for a new one. If you find issues with the internal padding, designed for your comfort, you can get it replaced without getting a whole new helmet.

The next part of your motorcycle gear check should be your jacket. This is a piece of gear that is second in importance only to your helmet. Should you be thrown from your bike, your jacket is what will help to keep your upper body protected. First, make sure that it’s made out of the right material, either tough leather or another strong and thick material that is resistant to tears. If it does have any tears, make sure that they are repaired before you’re back on the road.

When you’re getting close to the end of your motorcycle gear check, it’s a good time to make sure that your more minor, but still important, pieces of gear are in order. These include your gloves, boots, and your leather riding pants. Each of these things will add not only to your safety, but also to your comfort.

A motorcycle gear check is a great way to make sure that when you’re ready to ride in the spring, all of your gear is safe and ready for you. Take advantage of the time you have now to make sure that everything is in proper working order, so that you’ll be safe on the road. If a piece of gear is damaged, make sure that you replace it.

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Keep Your Motorcycle Secure With A Bike Alarm

June 23rd, 2010

You’ve got a good chunk of money invested in your motorcycle and keeping your machine secure and safe is very important to you. There are several things you can do and adding a bike alarm is one of those things.

Motorcycle lovers have proven to love their bikes more than the average car owner investing quite a bit more money on them, especially in customizing them.

Each year more than 50,000 motorcycles are stolen. That’s astounding and each year the numbers continue to grow which is of great concern. And what’s really sad is that probably 75% of these thefts could have been prevented.

1. Think Smart

Common sense can go along way towards keeping your bike safe. Never leave the keys in the ignition if you aren’t on the bike. Don’t ever leave your bike in a way that would encourage someone to try to steel it.

2. Light It Up

Always park your bike in a place that is well lit and exposed to activity by people passing by. Never park it in a dark area such as an alley as it makes a great target then. Try to park in parking spots designated for motorcycles as they are commonly towards the front of the parking lot.

3. Bike Lock

A bike lock is a great way to ensure your bike stays right where you put it. By securely locking your bike chances are it will be bypassed for a simpler target.

There are several different styles of bike locks available each with a purpose so you will want to do some research to ensure you get the best style locks for your bike.

4. Bike Alarm

Your bike should have an immobilizer so that a theft can be stopped before it occurs. With an immobilizer it isn’t worth your thieves’ time to try and steal it. It’s great for you.

Your bike alarm should also make plenty of noise. This will attract attention and scare off the thief before more damage can be done.

5. Two Way Paging

Many of the newest alarms offer two way paging which lets you not only become notified if there is a threat or problem, but also lets you control the alarm.

6. GPS

Tracking systems are a great way to keep tabs on your bike and they offer global coverage. They do however have a monthly fee attached to them.

7. Accessory Locks

Don’t forget to also lock your accessories. This means your saddle bags, helmets, and chain, or any other potential target.

8. Alarm Warnings

Place alarm stickers on your bike letting others know that you have your alarm on your bike. Make sure they can easily be seen so that they can serve as a deterrent.

Layering your motorcycle security will increase your ability to keep your bike safe. Start with the bike alarm and incorporate these great ideas to make sure your bike stays right where it is suppose to be.

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Motorcycle Helmet Features Overlooked When Shopping Online

June 21st, 2010

When you purchase a motorcycle helmet online, most shoppers will typically use the shape, size, and color of the helmet as the main driving factors behind their decision making process. It is quite possibly true that these features are the most important features to be considered when making a purchase, but there are others that will affect your overall acceptance of the helmet when you purchase one.

One factor that many shoppers fail to overlook is the way that the helmet straps are fastened together. Usually you’ll find that most helmets utilize the traditional D rings to fasten the helmet straps together when putting on the helmet. These work fine and have done so for many years, but there is another solution that can be used in place of the D rings. The quick clip is the solution that many helmet makers are beginning to turn to. The quick clip acts just the way it sounds, it clips the straps together which eliminates the need for you to feed the straps through the D rings. The quick clip makes it very easy to fasten the helmet straps and only requires a one time adjustment to get the straps in the right position to provide the best fit for your helmet. Once fitted, all you have to do is snap the clip together to fasten, and release the clip to unfasten the helmet straps.

Another important factor of the motorcycle helmet that many shoppers overlook when making a purchase is whether or not you can attach a removable shield to the helmet. The shield can be a very handy piece of equipment especially in sunny conditions where glasses just won’t cut it. Helmet shields also provide extra protection against dirt and flying debris that regular glasses wouldn’t be able to provide. If the helmet that you’re purchasing also has a removable shield, then you may want to consider using that shield as much as possible. The same is true with removable visors which can provide extra protection for your eyes from the sun, which can also help reduce your level of inattentiveness while driving because you won’t be worrying about how to avoid being blinded by the sunlight.

These are just a few features that are often overlook on motorcycle helmets that can help make a big difference in the way you see your helmet from a comfort and convenience standpoint. If you’re shopping for a new helmet, be sure to keep them in the back of your mind when reviewing the different types of helmets available. They just might help tip your decision one way or the other.

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