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Technical Information Pool

by Gypsy Spirit
(Ulster, NY)

Photo taken at Motorcyclopedia in Newburgh NY

I'd like to issue a "technical challenge" to the riders on the forum to share something learned about bikes. It might be as simple as learning what a shifting pattern is; or more complex like understanding bore and stroke; anything about motorcycles not known before.

Part of riding is knowing your bike; how it works, why it works and what its limitations are. Knowing how to do your own work doesn't mean you have to. You're just less likely to get stranded somewhere!

Comments should include:
Year, Make & Model and/or type & brand of accessory (if applicable).

Comments for Technical Information Pool

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Sep 09, 2012

Reserve Valve Reminder
by: Gypsy Spirit

Great Tip Bo'dacious!

Just remember to return the valve to the standard "on" position when you fill up with gas ... or the next time you run out you will have already used your reserve! Been there, done that!

Sep 09, 2012

Cut out while riding
by: Bo'dacious

2007 Yamaha V Star 1100, the first time my machine cut out while riding, it was a simple out of gas stall and being 'a new rider' I did not get the valve turned in time while still going down the road. I gave myself a tip: pointing the valve up 'to heaven' for help kicking on my reserve.....always remembered that and can do it very simple from that 'on the job training'. Very simple tip, hope to learn more about my bike.

Aug 23, 2012

Technical info pool
by: Chief gopher

When taking the rear tire off of a 2006 Honda shadow aero make sure the spline stays on the wheel. Hubby and I wasted a good bit of time trying to get the tire off with the spline still attached to the bike. Moved it in place and the tire came right out like it says in the maintenance manual. The manual did not say to make sure it was on the tire before removal. I made notations for next time. Lol

Aug 23, 2012

Technical information pool
by: AnonymousChiefgopher

I ride a Honda 750 Shadow Aero. My hubby rides a Kawasaki 900 Vulcan LT. We work on both of our bikes together. We downloaded the complete maintenance manuals for both. We follow the schedule and keep records for each task. Oil changes are easy now for both of them. Mine is a V-twin with a carb so we had to do the adjustment on the valves at 9000 miles. That took ue most of the day but my baby runs smooth as a baby's butt. We have put on many accessories to my bike since it came stock. Windshield, ISO grips, saddlebags, mustang seat, backrest and luggage rack. I am very in tune with my bike and can tell when something is off and we go through the check list and find what's wrong. I love the whole aspect of riding and maintenance of my bike. The only time I have had it to service is to take the wheels to have new tires put on and balanced. We took them off ourselves saved us over 50.00 in labor for the new tires. When I got my baby for Christmas 2011 it had 3500 miles on it. In 6 months I now have 9258 miles on her. We just got back from west Virginia it was 1100 miles each way. The Natchez trace is a beautiful ride in a day. We rode the 1100 miles in two days in the rain. I got over many fears of riding on that trip. Riding in rain, darkness, big trucks on highway rain after dark rain after dark on the interstate. You name it we went through it. But all in all it was a great ride and we are planning a trip to California soon. Working on our own bikes will come in handy for these long trips.

Aug 23, 2012

Great thread!!
by: Angie

Don't have anything to share (yet), but am interested in reading what others have to offer, so I'm adding this comment so that I'll receive an email notice when others add more. Thanks everyone!

Aug 23, 2012

Road Service
by: Lynn - FL

Lucky for me my hubby is a mechanic and I've seen him plug tires, tighten battery cables (on those bikes that vibrate them loose regularly) and troubleshoot many a road problem. He carries a Leatherman-type tool along with plug kit, etc. After fixing someone's bike, he shows them the Leatherman & recommends they keep it on their bike.

When I was a kid my Dad showed me how to service my dirt bike so I could change my own oil, plug & filter, tighten spokes,etc. Looking back, I'm so glad he did that because I'm not afraid to tackle problems when I can now.

Also, for about $10 a year it's worth having road service added to your MC insurance policy. Great to have when you just can't fix it yourself.

Aug 22, 2012

'95 Sportster 883
by: Gypsy Spirit

When I broke a throttle cable on a mountain road, I learned to disconnect the end from the handle bar and wind the end connected to the engine into a loop handle to operate the throttle. It's a bit awkward getting started with one hand on the clutch and the other pulling the cable ... but it got my bike home under it's own power!

Once home I learned how to put on a new cable!

Love the comments so far, but I can't help wondering ... what screw that holds what ground wire? ... and did you have to take the tire off the rim to use the plug kit? Please help the rest of us with your experiences.

Ride free, Ride safe!

Aug 22, 2012

2012 HD Dyna Superglide
by: Stephanie

I learned how to plug a tire...darned screw, and lucky the only quickstop for miles had a tire plug kit...

Aug 22, 2012

2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750
by: Anonymous

When I put a small windsheild on my baby she started stalling - I learned that no matter how much the throttle cables are arched - Never move the natural flow of them.........

Aug 22, 2012

Add to T-Clock
by: EveHD

When my bike died 2.5 hours away from home I finally found the problem. I've learned to check that damned screw that holds the ground wire :)

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