Posts Tagged ‘Brakes’
Understanding The Brakes On Your Motorcycle
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
You know that the first thing that you thought of when you went in to get your bike was how to go faster, but what about how you are going to stop? This may not have been on your mind, even if it should have been.
Getting your bike to go faster is one thing, but when it comes to stopping there is only one thing that you can rely on, and that is your brakes. These little motorcycle parts are going to help you to keep from crushing your head and not being able to avoid that brick wall that is in front of you. Where are you going to get them at?
These motorcycle parts are also available on the Internet and can be bought online there as well. You just have to do a short search on the Internet and then you will probably bring up a lot of results. Don’t get overwhelmed with this because you will probably only need to look at certain results and then chose the one that will work for you and the motorcycle parts that you are looking for.
Once you have found the motorcycle parts that you need, you can get to work putting the breaks on the bike. This may get a little complicated because of the work that goes into getting it just right. You can hire a professional if you are not good at this kind of work. Many people have tried to change the breaks on their bikes and have gotten lost with it. Having a pro do it for you insures that it’s right and that your bike goes and stops on a dime.
When you are looking at what breaks to have on your motorcycle, you should not go with the first ones you see, but rather the motorcycle parts that will work well with the bike that you have and need the breaks on. You can get the right motorcycle parts for your needs if you take the time to look at all your options.
Getting your bike to go faster is one thing, but when it comes to stopping there is only one thing that you can rely on, and that is your brakes. These little motorcycle parts are going to help you to keep from crushing your head and not being able to avoid that brick wall that is in front of you. Where are you going to get them at?
These motorcycle parts are also available on the Internet and can be bought online there as well. You just have to do a short search on the Internet and then you will probably bring up a lot of results. Don’t get overwhelmed with this because you will probably only need to look at certain results and then chose the one that will work for you and the motorcycle parts that you are looking for.
Once you have found the motorcycle parts that you need, you can get to work putting the breaks on the bike. This may get a little complicated because of the work that goes into getting it just right. You can hire a professional if you are not good at this kind of work. Many people have tried to change the breaks on their bikes and have gotten lost with it. Having a pro do it for you insures that it’s right and that your bike goes and stops on a dime.
When you are looking at what breaks to have on your motorcycle, you should not go with the first ones you see, but rather the motorcycle parts that will work well with the bike that you have and need the breaks on. You can get the right motorcycle parts for your needs if you take the time to look at all your options.
Acceleration And Breaking - First And Most Important Element In Riding
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you’re on your favorite road with a familiar bike. You flow through corners as if on a rail, senses peaked, adrenaline raging uncontrollably throughout your body. When it’s done right, it’s almost as though everything is moving in slow motion.
You’ve done it dozens of times before; coming into the corner hard on the brakes. You feel the rear tire slide and skip slightly to the side as you approach the corner. You ease off the brake as you push the opposite grip, forcing the bike to lean into the turn, with your knee sticking out as if it were a wing. You continue to slow until you reach full lean and approach the apex, covering the brake and looking deep into the turn.
Then you see it. From the corner of your eye you see what appears to be a rabbit running towards the road. In an instant your mind calculates paths between you and the rabbit, and you realize they will intersect. You’ve already committed to the corner, and you know if you remain on your present line you’ll hit the rabbit. You also know that at that speed and lean angle, hitting even the smallest of animals will greatly upset the bike and likely result in a crash for you.
What happens next has many variables. Some were determined before you ever entered the corner; others will be determined by what you do next. Motorcycling can be an absolutely great sport, but it can also be frighteningly dangerous if you get into a situation like the one described above without the proper skills or preparation.
Your riding skills are something to be mastered through practice, patience, and as you will (hopefully) soon find out, common sense and natural reaction. These skills should be honed into a natural reaction by those of us who weren’t born with them.
The first and most important element of riding is acceleration and braking. They involve (and are largely dependant on) several other elements including dynamics and physics, grip, and sudden inputs. These elements are mastered only with practice and are the foundation for nearly every other element.
Braking is probably the single most important element used in controlling your bike in an emergency. When done correctly, it can produce several Gs of stopping power, easily lifting the rear wheel completely off the ground and flipping the bike over completely if you have the grip. The front tire of a street bike is responsible for 70% to 90% of braking power under normal or semi-hard braking, and up to 100% in emergency or stunting situations. The only exceptions to this are in low traction conditions such as wet, dirty or oily roads, or while at high lean angles.
Under low traction conditions, the front brake can be extremely dangerous and should be used with extreme care, or not at all. When the brakes are applied (either front or rear), weight is transferred to the front of the bike. If traction conditions are less than favorable, front braking will load the front tire which will result in a skid and likely a crash.
Braking while leaning over in a corner will cause the bike to either stand up, changing your line drastically, or a loss of traction causing the bike to wash out from under you. Which is often called a low-side. Be sure to allow yourself enough extra grip and lean angle reserved (not used) in case you need to get hard on the brakes in a turn. It’s not a good idea to EVER go into a corner at max speed unless you’re on a race track. You need to have an out in case of emergency, like a rabbit running into your path. Changing course mid corner in a split second requires at least a small amount of reserve lean angle and/or braking ability. Going in at 100% doesn’t leave you any wiggle room.
Get to know your brakes and your accelerator. They can be your best friend if you get to know them well or your worst enemy if you don’t understand them.
You’ve done it dozens of times before; coming into the corner hard on the brakes. You feel the rear tire slide and skip slightly to the side as you approach the corner. You ease off the brake as you push the opposite grip, forcing the bike to lean into the turn, with your knee sticking out as if it were a wing. You continue to slow until you reach full lean and approach the apex, covering the brake and looking deep into the turn.
Then you see it. From the corner of your eye you see what appears to be a rabbit running towards the road. In an instant your mind calculates paths between you and the rabbit, and you realize they will intersect. You’ve already committed to the corner, and you know if you remain on your present line you’ll hit the rabbit. You also know that at that speed and lean angle, hitting even the smallest of animals will greatly upset the bike and likely result in a crash for you.
What happens next has many variables. Some were determined before you ever entered the corner; others will be determined by what you do next. Motorcycling can be an absolutely great sport, but it can also be frighteningly dangerous if you get into a situation like the one described above without the proper skills or preparation.
Your riding skills are something to be mastered through practice, patience, and as you will (hopefully) soon find out, common sense and natural reaction. These skills should be honed into a natural reaction by those of us who weren’t born with them.
The first and most important element of riding is acceleration and braking. They involve (and are largely dependant on) several other elements including dynamics and physics, grip, and sudden inputs. These elements are mastered only with practice and are the foundation for nearly every other element.
Braking is probably the single most important element used in controlling your bike in an emergency. When done correctly, it can produce several Gs of stopping power, easily lifting the rear wheel completely off the ground and flipping the bike over completely if you have the grip. The front tire of a street bike is responsible for 70% to 90% of braking power under normal or semi-hard braking, and up to 100% in emergency or stunting situations. The only exceptions to this are in low traction conditions such as wet, dirty or oily roads, or while at high lean angles.
Under low traction conditions, the front brake can be extremely dangerous and should be used with extreme care, or not at all. When the brakes are applied (either front or rear), weight is transferred to the front of the bike. If traction conditions are less than favorable, front braking will load the front tire which will result in a skid and likely a crash.
Braking while leaning over in a corner will cause the bike to either stand up, changing your line drastically, or a loss of traction causing the bike to wash out from under you. Which is often called a low-side. Be sure to allow yourself enough extra grip and lean angle reserved (not used) in case you need to get hard on the brakes in a turn. It’s not a good idea to EVER go into a corner at max speed unless you’re on a race track. You need to have an out in case of emergency, like a rabbit running into your path. Changing course mid corner in a split second requires at least a small amount of reserve lean angle and/or braking ability. Going in at 100% doesn’t leave you any wiggle room.
Get to know your brakes and your accelerator. They can be your best friend if you get to know them well or your worst enemy if you don’t understand them.
What You Should Know About Electric Scooters
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Many people love the freedom of riding a motorcycle as well as the economical value it offers, especially now with fuel costs at an all time high. However, some people just aren’t comfortable operating a motorcycle. A great alternative is to choose an electric scooter. They are also very economically as well as easy to operate. This is a great option for riding around town. I know many parents who compromise purchasing their teenager a scooter rather than an actual motorcycle. Scooters also cost less than a motorcycle.
Safety is still a necessity while operating an electric scooter. It is important that you wear a helmet as well as long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent road rash. You also need to follow the rules of the road. Too many people have the misconception that a scooter can be operated like a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle on the road. In many states you have to obtain a motorcycle license to legally operate one on the street. Children must be the legal age to drive one as determined by their state regulations.
Electric scooters are frequently referred to as mopeds as well. They are very environmentally friendly so you don’t have to worry about pollution issues. Many of the features on these scooters are similar to those of a motorcycle including the seat, brakes, tires, and turn signals. While scooters are definitely easier to learn to ride, they won’t offer you the same speed as a motorcycle. Don’t expect to get on one and take off like the wind. You also won’t want to ride them on the highway or interstate as they just aren’t designed for that type of speed or travel.
Depending on the type of electric scooter you purchase, you can anticipate spending from $200 to $1,000. The prices are very reasonable, so that your time finding one that fits you perfectly. There are many styles and colours available from a variety of manufacturers. Many women love operating a scooter as opposed to a motorcycle because of the weight difference.
You will also find scooters that feature a stand up or a sit down design. The younger kids definitely seem to favour the stand up type but it certainly isn’t going to be comfortable when you are on it for a length of time. You also won’t have the storage space if you need to carry anything with you.
Most electric scooters require very little maintenance, further adding to your transportation savings. In most cases you will be able to do the basic maintenance and even repairs on your own. You may be wondering how fuel efficient an electric scooter is. While the specific savings will vary by model, many of them can get 60 miles per gallon of fuel.
Since electric scooters don’t take up much space and they are light weight, may college kids prefer to use one instead of a car. They can even ride it around campus and secure it on the bike rack. Most of them can get up to 30 MPH so a quick trip to town or the grocery store is even possible with one.
Electric scooters have continued to grow in popularity in areas where the fuel is high and the weather is nice most of the year. Consumers are looking for an economical means of transportation and they have found in with electric scooters. You can find a great deal of information about them on the internet as well as motorcycle and electric stores.
Safety is still a necessity while operating an electric scooter. It is important that you wear a helmet as well as long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent road rash. You also need to follow the rules of the road. Too many people have the misconception that a scooter can be operated like a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle on the road. In many states you have to obtain a motorcycle license to legally operate one on the street. Children must be the legal age to drive one as determined by their state regulations.
Electric scooters are frequently referred to as mopeds as well. They are very environmentally friendly so you don’t have to worry about pollution issues. Many of the features on these scooters are similar to those of a motorcycle including the seat, brakes, tires, and turn signals. While scooters are definitely easier to learn to ride, they won’t offer you the same speed as a motorcycle. Don’t expect to get on one and take off like the wind. You also won’t want to ride them on the highway or interstate as they just aren’t designed for that type of speed or travel.
Depending on the type of electric scooter you purchase, you can anticipate spending from $200 to $1,000. The prices are very reasonable, so that your time finding one that fits you perfectly. There are many styles and colours available from a variety of manufacturers. Many women love operating a scooter as opposed to a motorcycle because of the weight difference.
You will also find scooters that feature a stand up or a sit down design. The younger kids definitely seem to favour the stand up type but it certainly isn’t going to be comfortable when you are on it for a length of time. You also won’t have the storage space if you need to carry anything with you.
Most electric scooters require very little maintenance, further adding to your transportation savings. In most cases you will be able to do the basic maintenance and even repairs on your own. You may be wondering how fuel efficient an electric scooter is. While the specific savings will vary by model, many of them can get 60 miles per gallon of fuel.
Since electric scooters don’t take up much space and they are light weight, may college kids prefer to use one instead of a car. They can even ride it around campus and secure it on the bike rack. Most of them can get up to 30 MPH so a quick trip to town or the grocery store is even possible with one.
Electric scooters have continued to grow in popularity in areas where the fuel is high and the weather is nice most of the year. Consumers are looking for an economical means of transportation and they have found in with electric scooters. You can find a great deal of information about them on the internet as well as motorcycle and electric stores.
Are You Thinking Of Shopping Online For Motorcycles?
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
At this point in time, you might have made a decision to shop online for a motorcycle. It is true that nothing may stop you or make you take a u-turn. But before you go ahead, the following tips may be of great help to you. You may just be looking for a motorcycle or you might be leaning on a particular make. There is a lot of information over the internet. The question is, what amount and what quality of research will you carry out to ensure that you get what you want and at your budget.
First and foremost, you are not into direct contact with the seller and if you conclude on a deal without taking the prescribed steps, the sale contract will be binding on you. Repudiation will be impossible at law. Every businessman is out to make profit even at your own detriment, although there are some few honest dealers. So ensure that you are dealing with the manufacturer directly. Dealing with agents will imply that the agents’ fees will be added to the total price you pay. No agent is there to work for free. Weigh every possible price against the others and choose on the best one that will cost the smallest amount of your finance.
When shopping online, take note that there are certain things which might not be disclosed to you. The subject of disclosure is mainly the product and the price. Taxes and expenses for delivery may be included. So check out for the actual price to see if taxes and may be custom duties are included.
Another fact is that you are shopping online and there will never be that prospect to come face to face with the dealer to test the bike. This is mostly the case with used motorbikes. You will not have the opportunity of verifying any existing defects. For example, an oil leakage or worn out brakes and tires may mean the bike is not in good condition. These will automatically affect the price of the bike. The best option is to get access to auction sites. Items like motorbikes and other engine propelled devices are always sold at a cheaper rate when auctioned.
Check out for other accessories that you may want to use simultaneously with your intended bike. If it is being offered by the same dealer, it will be advisable to buy them from the same source as these will be sold at a reasonable discount.
How do you intend to pay for your new motorbike? To pay in installments or hire purchase is usually an easy means to acquire a bike. What I would advocate is to make a once and for all payment and in cash only. There are a lot of hidden dangers when using your credit card or making bank transfers online. First your credit card number might be stolen and take note that each time you pay in installments, you get charges deducted for making that payment from your account. Thus the final amount you pay for the bike will be more than the initial price.
First and foremost, you are not into direct contact with the seller and if you conclude on a deal without taking the prescribed steps, the sale contract will be binding on you. Repudiation will be impossible at law. Every businessman is out to make profit even at your own detriment, although there are some few honest dealers. So ensure that you are dealing with the manufacturer directly. Dealing with agents will imply that the agents’ fees will be added to the total price you pay. No agent is there to work for free. Weigh every possible price against the others and choose on the best one that will cost the smallest amount of your finance.
When shopping online, take note that there are certain things which might not be disclosed to you. The subject of disclosure is mainly the product and the price. Taxes and expenses for delivery may be included. So check out for the actual price to see if taxes and may be custom duties are included.
Another fact is that you are shopping online and there will never be that prospect to come face to face with the dealer to test the bike. This is mostly the case with used motorbikes. You will not have the opportunity of verifying any existing defects. For example, an oil leakage or worn out brakes and tires may mean the bike is not in good condition. These will automatically affect the price of the bike. The best option is to get access to auction sites. Items like motorbikes and other engine propelled devices are always sold at a cheaper rate when auctioned.
Check out for other accessories that you may want to use simultaneously with your intended bike. If it is being offered by the same dealer, it will be advisable to buy them from the same source as these will be sold at a reasonable discount.
How do you intend to pay for your new motorbike? To pay in installments or hire purchase is usually an easy means to acquire a bike. What I would advocate is to make a once and for all payment and in cash only. There are a lot of hidden dangers when using your credit card or making bank transfers online. First your credit card number might be stolen and take note that each time you pay in installments, you get charges deducted for making that payment from your account. Thus the final amount you pay for the bike will be more than the initial price.