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Spring Motorcycle Top Ten Checklist
from: JG MashinoIf your motorcycle has been sitting all winter here is the top ten checklist, before you take that first ride of spring.
1. Check fluids; The oil should be at the same level as your last ride. If not chances are you have oil on your floor or in your gearbox, don’t top off your oil, after going through this checklist, let your motorcycle reach operating temp and do a oil and filter change.
The trans case oil should be changed. The fork oil should be checked. Check the
brake fluid level and top off if needed, being careful with this one, you can remove paint with break fluid.
2. Battery; If your battery was stored so it would not freeze, check your fluid level, top off with distilled water, if needed, and give it a 2 amp charge for about two hours. If you let your battery set in freezing conditions, toss it and get a new one. Check your cables when installing, and make sure the vent hose is sound with no kinks or breaks, the vent should hang about 2 in. below your frame.
3. Chains and Belts; Check your rear drive chain or belt for wear, note the sprocket teeth also looking for wear. Adjust your rear drive according to your shop manual. Inspect the primary chain and adjust according to your shop manual.
4. Tires; Check the tire pressure and inspect for tire wear and service. Normal tire mileage is around 8,000 miles, that is if you are not doing burn outs all the time.
5. Engine and Carb; Look over your engine and carb, remove, and clean the air filter, If you did not drain the gas, you may have to clean the carb.
6. Cables; Lube your cables so they work free, checking the brakes and clutch by rolling the bike back and forth. Your brakes should grab and not stick, the clutch should work freely. Your throttle cable should work forward and roll back freely, unless you are using a dead-man throttle, like the stock throttle on my 68 FLH.
7. Lights and Turn Signals; Operate all lights and turn signals, make sure to double-check your brake light and license plate light.
8. Brakes; You checked and lubed the cables, made sure the bike would roll free, now take a close look at the brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear and proper function.
9. Nuts and Bolts; Depending on what you ride, nuts and bolts that loosen up may be a problem you need to check over your complete motorcycle, checking every one. Nuts and bolts on the engine should be checked after the engine has been warmed up to operating temp. Consult your shop manual.
10. Wheels and Spokes; Check for loose spokes, raise the wheel up so you can spin it around, checking for loose spokes as you go. Note the travel of the wheel for being straight and true. You can tighten any loose spokes with a spoke wrench, being careful to not exceed more than ¼ turn per adjustment, again consult your shop service manual for technical details.
Motorcycle Helmet News
Motorcycle Deaths Remain High Nationwide - Reuters
Motorcycle Deaths Remain High Nationwide Reuters High gas prices encourage people to drive motorcycles. More motorcycles on the road equals more motorcycle deaths. They also believe the numbers reflect changes in mandatory helmet laws. In 1975, all but three states required helmets, explains MSNBC. |
Motorcycle deaths remain steady as overall vehicle deaths drop - Los Angeles Times
 New York Times | Motorcycle deaths remain steady as overall vehicle deaths drop Los Angeles Times But the group also sought to use the data to make the case for mandatory helmet laws, which are under attack in five states. The group projects about 4500 motorcycle fatalities for 2011, about the same as the year before. Motorcycle deaths increased in ... AMA 'encouraged' by potential drop in 2011 motorcycle fatalities No Increase in Motorcycle Fatalities New study shows motorcycle deaths are not declining |
Report: Michigan injury rate lower than most states, but repeal of motorcycle ... - MLive.com
 MLive.com | Report: Michigan injury rate lower than most states, but repeal of motorcycle ... MLive.com In fact, the state took a step backward by repealing its motorcycle helmet law, according to a report from the Trust for America's Health. The nonprofit, nonpartisan group, with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, rated states based on ... Florida injury rate ranks No. 18 in nation, with 12000 deaths per year Injury prevention laws save lives, report shows Study: Most injury-related deaths in US occur in New Mexico |
Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally remembers POWs - Washington Times
 Washington Times | Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally remembers POWs Washington Times By Meredith Somers ** FILE ** Bikers in the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally ride across Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC In Michigan, the repeal of the helmet law is gaining traction. (Drew Angerer/The Washington Times) For years, that's what Cottage ... |
HEAT is on for the 100 deadly days of summer - WPDE
HEAT is on for the 100 deadly days of summer WPDE HEAT stands for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic, the Highway Patrol's campaign for safety on the road, including greater use of seat belts and motorcycle helmets. At a kickoff event for the 100 Days of Summer HEAT campaign in Myrtle Beach ... |
Officials urge safety as motorcycle deaths remain high - The Detroit News
 Ultimate MotorCycling | News and Reviews | Officials urge safety as motorcycle deaths remain high The Detroit News He said he hopes the state will encourage riders to wear helmets. "Every state that has repealed their mandatory helmet law has unfortunately seen a requisite increase in fatalities in motorcycle crashes," he said. After their laws were repealed, ... Motorcycle deaths remain steady as overall vehicle deaths drop As crash deaths continue to decline the number of motorcycle fatalities have not Motorcycle deaths stay at same level despite overall safer roads |
Motorcycle Crash Victim Urges Safety On Roads - KTSM News Channel 9
Motorcycle Crash Victim Urges Safety On Roads KTSM News Channel 9 My helmet saved my life," Keagle said. Keagle is thankful he's alive to spend time with his family but others have not been as fortunate. According to a report by the Governor's Highway Safety Association, motorcycle deaths totaled 4500 in the United ... |