Do you want to maintain your bike's good looks and performance? Cleaning your motorcycle on a regular basis will keep it looking sharp (and make you look better too), and it can also help keep your bike running smoothly. The following are recommended steps for cleaning your motorcycle.

Pre-Wash Steps

First, water doesn't mix well with every part of your bike, so make sure that the necessary parts of your bike are protected from water. In order to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe, or pipes, plug the ends. Most dealers or parts stores carry universal exhaust plugs, but if you are without them, you can carefully place a plastic bag around the opening and either tie it in place, or use a strong rubber band.

Also, the air filter will need to be protected. The best way is to simply remove it, or you can use a plastic bag to keep water away.

If you find the engine cases are really greasy, use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, and apply engine degreaser. Steer clear of the chain, sprockets and wheel axels, as the degreaser can potentially cause some nasty problems.

Finally, ensure that the spark plugs, battery caps, gas cap, oil filler cap, and the engine oil lever cap are all secured so no water can get into the engine.

Washing Your Bike

You can rinse off the dirt and the degreaser using a garden hose--be careful that you're not using too much water pressure. You want to use just enough to clear your bike of dirt and degreaser. Using too much pressure could get water into the front forks, or transmission seals. Wheel bearings can be susceptible to water creeping in also.

When most of the gunk is rinsed off, go over your bike with warm water and mild soap. Don't forget that toothbrush, or some other type of small brush for areas that are tough to reach.

After washing the bike, it's not time to take a break yet--you should immediately rinse it off with clean water, and then dry it as best you can. Pay particular attention to the chain--you don't want rust to develop, so make sure it's good and dry, and then lubricate it with chain lube. For your chrome parts, you can make those shine with auto chrome polish.

If you would like to wax the painted and chrome parts of your bike, make sure you use an automotive wax. You don't want to apply wax that contains abrasive material that could scratch or damage parts.

When you are finished, don't forget to remove any plastic bags you used to cover the exhaust pipes or air filter, and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes to let all the water dry, and to ensure there is no water damage.

Now take that beautiful bike out on the road . . .

Author: Jim Buchanan

About the author:
Jim Buchanan is a writer for Honda Parts House. For more information and for all your motorcycle parts needs please visit http://www.hondapartshouse.com.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.

Of course you already know that it's even more important than usual to drive safely when the weather is cold. In bad weather conditions, it's necessary to pay attention to wet and icy roads, to make the riding experience as safe as possible.

Don't forget to keep warm. Liners under helmets can help keep heat in, and of course don't forget to dress properly--hopefully you have some cold weather riding gear. It's much easier to drive, and keep your concentration sharp when your body is warm. Getting too cold can cause our body reactions to slow down, and if you start thinking about how cold you are, you might not notice the patch of ice that's coming up. Especially keep your hands warm--a good pair of gloves are vital to ensuring an enjoyable ride in cold weather.

It's always best to completely avoid slippery spots in the road. If those spots can't be avoided, make sure you are driving at a reasonable speed to be able to deal with any wet and/or slippery areas. Be sure to reduce your speed enough when you are going around corners--it can be harder to stop if the roads are in less than perfect shape.

When you need to brake on slippery surfaces--it is usually best to use both brakes. Applying the brakes slowly and gradually can help keep the front wheel from locking up. Also, if you are moving at a very low speed, you can try using your feet to help by letting them slide on the road--this can also help prevent a fall.

Be especially vigilant for obstacles, debris, and oil spots in the road--anticipate any potential problems, and manage your speed appropriately.

By being smart, and keeping warm, you can effectively and comfortably ride in cold weather, which can extend your riding season.

Author: Jim Buchanan

About the author:
Jim Buchanan is a writer for Honda Parts House. For more information please visit http://www.hondapartshouse.com

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.

If you are anything like me, and for your sake, I hope you are not--when you want something, you don't always take the time to think things through and get the best possible product. For some reason this seems especially true when dealing with items that are very costly, which makes that instant gratification habit doubly worse. Today I want to discuss some steps to take when purchasing a motorcycle.

Sure, it would be cool to buy the biggest baddest bike on the block, but you will be much better off if you can display a little patience, which in the long run could save you some trouble and lots of money.

Research

First, you need to decide which bike is the best for you. Figure out what you are going to use your motorcycle for--cruising on the road, taking on trails, going super fast, etc. Talk to someone knowledgeable and do some research online. Really try to narrow down your choices of the type of bike you want. One of the most important starting points is--what can you afford to pay? It's vital to remember that insuring a motorcycle can be costly, particularly if you are young.

More Research

Getting the idea? Knowledge is power, and in this case, it's the power to make a better decision. There is nothing worse than running out to get a motorcycle only to find that it's too much for you to handle, has too much upkeep, you can't afford it, etc. Look at the market. What benefits are offered by each brand, and more importantly, which benefits work for you the best. Find out all you can about the models you are interested in, visit online forums, read reviews, and by all means don't be afraid to ask the dealer questions. Make sure you get what you want--if the bike you want isn't available, go somewhere else to find it, or wait until it becomes available. Take it for a test ride, see how you feel while riding, is it easy for you to handle? Does it fit you?

Go with Your Gut

Finally, after going through the data gathering stages, narrowing down your choices, and taking the bike for a test ride, if you feel a little odd about the bike, if something doesn't feel quite right, allow yourself some time to think about it before you make the commitment to buy. Another bike will always come around, so you should never feel like you are being forced into anything.

The bottom line is make sure you get something that you want, and are happy with . . . it will make the riding experience that much better.

Author: Jim Buchanan

About the author:
This article was written by Jim Buchanan. For your Honda motorcycle parts and accessories needs, visit http://www.powershondaparts.com.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.

Purchasing a Motorcycle Helmet

When looking to purchase a new motorcycle helmet, there is a lot more to think about than what cool colors and designs are available--the helmet needs to fit properly and be made of material that satisfies your safety needs. It's important to remember that not all helmets are made the same--some helmets are safer than others.

There are a ton of helmet makers out there, so you will have to sort through some information. Online research is a good place to start, also you can ask a local dealer or an experienced rider for their input.

One extremely important safety factor that often gets overlooked when shopping for a helmet is the visibility of the helmet. You need to make sure that the helmet doesn't impair your peripheral vision. A motorcyclist needs to be able to scan constantly, and you don't want any blind spots caused by your helmet. Quick reaction time is vital to avoiding accidents, and a helmet that limits visibility is an open invitation for trouble.

Another factor is the performance of the helmet--is it made of sturdy enough material to protect you in an accident?

When searching for a helmet, you should consider a brighter color, which can be seen easier by other drivers, even at night. Car and truck drivers sometimes have difficulty in seeing bike riders, and a brightly colored helmet can make the rider's presence stand out.

The shape of the helmet must also be considered. You need to ensure that your head fits comfortably into the helmet--don't make any concessions on this point just because of the looks of a helmet. People's heads are shaped differently, so be certain you get a comfortable fit. If you are struggling to find a good-fitting helmet, sometimes it helps to also obtain a liner. Helmet liners are made for comfort, but can also help a helmet fit better. You need to try them on with the helmets to ensure that you get a proper fit.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with buying a helmet online, it's imperative that you actually try helmets on before buying. You want to be sure that it fits properly. Perhaps you have found a website with great deals on motorcycle helmets--rather than simply firing off an order, visit a local dealer, and try on the helmets that you like, so you know exactly what size and type of helmet fits best. Probably the biggest problem with buying helmets is that buyers frequently put factors like appearances or availability ahead of the fit and safety of the helmet, which could lead to some serious results. As with almost everything in life--safety first!

Author: Jim Buchanan

About the author:
Jim Buchanan is an Internet Marketing Specialist for Mindscape at Hanon-McKendry. His hobbies include reading, writing, going to concerts, sports, and riding motorcycles.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.

As summer draws near, the call of the open road beckons you to seek out new adventures. Here are a few tips to help you plan for your next motorcycle road trip.

Packing for a motorcycle trip takes a little more thought than packing for a trip in the car. You have limited storage space and plenty of items that you might need along the way. The key is to pack as compact and lightweight as possible. If you're not sure you'll need an item, remember that you can always pick up an extra sweatshirt or other item along the way.

Instead of packing bulky clothing for cold weather, pack layers. The warmer it gets, the more layers you can shed, and if the weather turns colder, you can always pile on more layers. Remember to pack your rain gear and a safety and repair kit for emergencies on the road. If you plan to pick up a few souvenirs along the way, leave enough extra storage room for those as well. Don't forget to pack a travel motorcycle cover to protect your bike on the road. A cover not only shields your bike from the elements but it also keeps it out of sight from vandals and thieves. Secure a lock through the grommets for extra protection.

When you fill your saddlebags, try to balance out the weight on each side as much as possible. Pack heavier items in the bottom for a stable base, and leave the lighter items for on top. Engine guard chaps serve a double purpose by keeping your feet warm and dry and providing extra storage space for maps, sunglasses, a water bottle, cell phone, flashlight, or other small items. Engine guard chaps, or soft lower covers, keep your feet from getting soaked in the rain or chilled in cold weather.

Perform a thorough maintenance check on your bike to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Follow the T-CLOCS method compiled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

Tires and Wheels: Check for proper inflation and make sure you have enough tread left for the miles you plan to cover.

• Controls: Inspect the throttle, cables, hoses, and levers.




• Lights: Check the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights.




• Oil: Check fluid levels and top off or change as needed.




• Chassis: Make sure your frame, suspension, belts, and fasteners are working properly.




• Stands: Make sure your center and side stands are able to support the weight of your motorcycle.

As a safety measure, let someone know your travel plans and when you plan to come home from your motorcycle trip. You can still be flexible along the way. Just let that someone know if your plans change. Leave room to be spontaneous. That's where you make the best memories.

Author: Jesse K. Taylor

About the author:
� 2009 DuraShield Covers. Save up to 50% off retail on DuraShield travel motorcycle covers and engine guard chaps at www.durashieldcovers.com. Free shipping on all orders!
Find more motorcycle travel tips at the DuraShield Blog.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.

Do you find difficult to restore or repair your motorcycle?Well,you are not alone with this problem.Most of us are not too handy,specially,if we need to deal with a complicated technical issue.Don`t worry about this,that`s fine.Probably you could do it if you would have a Motorcycle Repair Manual.Without a detailed,step-by-step instruction everyone feels lost.

Perhaps it isn`t easy to do it yourself,but let me make a few examples.Let`s say you want to reshape your saddlebag.There is no need to pay for a mechanic to get the job done.Neither you need to buy extra tools.

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.

Here is an other example 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 caliper assembly intact.After remove the used pads.Put the new ones on.Don`t forget to change the brake fluids.Finally replace the caliper assembly.

Now you can see you don`t have to feel difficult to repair your motorcycle by yourself. Motorcycle Repair Manual is very helpful of course and easier to restore your bike if you have a good description in your hand to follow.

Author: Zoltan Torjeki

About the author:
If you are ready to get your hands oily,jump on your bike and spin along to http://tinyurl.com/MotorcycleRepairManual for more repair instructions.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.