Check Your Knowledge
See How Much You Know About Maintaining Your Motorcycle
Spring Quiz
Test your Tune Up Knowledge
Test your Tune Up Knowledge
The days are getting longer, the weather a tad warmer and like all other good bikers our thoughts are turning to spring time rides.
Did you forget to leave the battery tender on last fall? If you haven't started her up for awhile probably a good time to check the battery.
Your bike is off and you check the battery:
1) What is the proper voltage for your motorcycle, checked with the bike turned off?
a) 5.7v - 8.0v b) 9.6v - 10.5v c) 12.6v - 13.0v d) 13.6v - 16.0v
Tire condition is another important ingredient for a safe first ride once spring arrives.
2) What is the minimum recommended tread depth?
a) 2/32" b) 1/8" c) 5/32" d) ½"
Riding around on under or over inflated tires can cause a myriad of safety issues. A motorcycle that has been parked for the winter will definitely need the air pressure checked before that first ride.
3) Where do you find the correct tire pressure for your particular motorcycle?
a) Owner's manual b) On the rim c) On the sidewall d) On the valve stem
A clean air filter is vital.
4) How often should you clean or replace your air filter?
a) Once a year in the spring
b) Right after riding through a Nevada Sand Storm
c) When your ash tray is full
d) Every time you change your oil
It's good to be able to stop as well as go, right? This is a good time to check your brake pads front and rear. 5) How do you know when your brake pads need replacing?
a) When you hear or feel them grinding
b) When you see sparks during braking while riding downhill
c) When you have a low brake pedal
d) When your mechanic loudly exclaims, "Geez, how've you been stopping this bitch?"
Springtime in Colorado includes the occasional snow/ice storm. Most municipalities and many private roads/parking lots use chemical de-icer products, such as Mag-Chloride, which can be problematic for motorcyclists.
6) Which of the following is not caused by chemical de-icer?
a) Chrome Corrosion b) Oxidation c) Low Tire Pressure d) Slippery Roads
7) When is the best time for a springtime ride?
a) During foul weather
b) Right after a really long hard day at work
c) When feeling fat & happy
d) Any day that ends with a 'Y'
Answer Key
Question 1 ~ Correct Answer: c) 12.6 - 13.0 volts. Lower voltage readings may indicate a battery or charging problem. Higher voltage readings may indicate a regulator or charging problem. Take it to a pro for diagnosis and repairs.
Question 2 ~ Correct Answer: a) 2/32" Remember that is minimum recommended tread depth, we prefer to install new tires way before the tread is that low. An easy way to measure your tire tread depth is to take a Lincoln Head Penny and insert it into the tread, noggin' side first. If Lincoln's forehead is hidden in the tread - your tire has plenty of tread left. If you can see the entire forehead, it's time for a new tire (see photos).
Another indication that it's time for new rubber would be if you see the 'wear bars' installed by the tire manufacturers. These are transverse, raised strips of rubber, meaning they run cross-ways to the tread. They become exposed gradually as the tread wears thinner and thinner. Some tires have little raised triangles along the sidewall pointing to the bars, to help you find them. If you can easily see these wear bars - head down to your favorite tire dealer and get a new one.
Question 3 ~ Correct Answer: Either a) or c) would be correct. a) If it is a new motorcycle with the factory rubber still on it, c) if you have put after market tires on your motorcycle.
Question 4 ~ Correct Answer: d) Every time you change your oil; IF you ride in the desert - b) certainly applies.
Question 5 ~ Correct Answer: e) ALL OF THE ABOVE Any or all of those symptoms require immediate professional attention. Take it to the Shop and let the pros diagnose and repair any issues with the braking system.
Question 6 ~ Correct Answer: c) Maintaining proper tire pressure is your responsibility. Riding through de-icer has no effect on the air pressure in the tires; however, the cold temperatures that exist when they are using these chemicals can definitely affect your tire pressure. If you're riding on these colder days - check the tire pressure before every ride.
Question 7 ~ Correct Answer: Do we really need to tell you the answer to this one? d) Any day that end in 'Y'
Other Motorcycle Maintenance Articles Available Online
by Jasmine Bluecreek Clark
Diagnostic Tips
Winterizing Your Motorcycle
Tune Up Tips
BLUECREEK MOTORCYCLE TRAINING BLUECREEK ART WORKS
MC MAINTENANCE CLASS SCHEDULE
***Disclaimer Repeated: The decision to work on your own motorcycle ~ or not ~ is a personal choice. It is possible to do serious damage to both you and your motorcycle. Jasmine Bluecreek Clark, Bluecreek Art Works and Bluecreek Motorcycle Training Co. creates and shares these articles to be an aid in understanding how your motorcycle works.
They are not a substitute for professional repair or maintenance work done by a certified mechanic or technician.
In some cases, working on your motorcycle could void your warranty, if you motorcycle is still under a manufacturer's warranty.
While the information shared is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, motorcycle technology is a rapidly changing field.
All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the Author and/or Publisher, who also disclaim any liability incurred
in connection with the use of the data or general or specific details included within this web site.
Did you forget to leave the battery tender on last fall? If you haven't started her up for awhile probably a good time to check the battery.
Your bike is off and you check the battery:
1) What is the proper voltage for your motorcycle, checked with the bike turned off?
a) 5.7v - 8.0v b) 9.6v - 10.5v c) 12.6v - 13.0v d) 13.6v - 16.0v
Tire condition is another important ingredient for a safe first ride once spring arrives.
2) What is the minimum recommended tread depth?
a) 2/32" b) 1/8" c) 5/32" d) ½"
Riding around on under or over inflated tires can cause a myriad of safety issues. A motorcycle that has been parked for the winter will definitely need the air pressure checked before that first ride.
3) Where do you find the correct tire pressure for your particular motorcycle?
a) Owner's manual b) On the rim c) On the sidewall d) On the valve stem
A clean air filter is vital.
4) How often should you clean or replace your air filter?
a) Once a year in the spring
b) Right after riding through a Nevada Sand Storm
c) When your ash tray is full
d) Every time you change your oil
It's good to be able to stop as well as go, right? This is a good time to check your brake pads front and rear. 5) How do you know when your brake pads need replacing?
a) When you hear or feel them grinding
b) When you see sparks during braking while riding downhill
c) When you have a low brake pedal
d) When your mechanic loudly exclaims, "Geez, how've you been stopping this bitch?"
Springtime in Colorado includes the occasional snow/ice storm. Most municipalities and many private roads/parking lots use chemical de-icer products, such as Mag-Chloride, which can be problematic for motorcyclists.
6) Which of the following is not caused by chemical de-icer?
a) Chrome Corrosion b) Oxidation c) Low Tire Pressure d) Slippery Roads
7) When is the best time for a springtime ride?
a) During foul weather
b) Right after a really long hard day at work
c) When feeling fat & happy
d) Any day that ends with a 'Y'
Answer Key
Question 1 ~ Correct Answer: c) 12.6 - 13.0 volts. Lower voltage readings may indicate a battery or charging problem. Higher voltage readings may indicate a regulator or charging problem. Take it to a pro for diagnosis and repairs.
Question 2 ~ Correct Answer: a) 2/32" Remember that is minimum recommended tread depth, we prefer to install new tires way before the tread is that low. An easy way to measure your tire tread depth is to take a Lincoln Head Penny and insert it into the tread, noggin' side first. If Lincoln's forehead is hidden in the tread - your tire has plenty of tread left. If you can see the entire forehead, it's time for a new tire (see photos).
Another indication that it's time for new rubber would be if you see the 'wear bars' installed by the tire manufacturers. These are transverse, raised strips of rubber, meaning they run cross-ways to the tread. They become exposed gradually as the tread wears thinner and thinner. Some tires have little raised triangles along the sidewall pointing to the bars, to help you find them. If you can easily see these wear bars - head down to your favorite tire dealer and get a new one.
Question 3 ~ Correct Answer: Either a) or c) would be correct. a) If it is a new motorcycle with the factory rubber still on it, c) if you have put after market tires on your motorcycle.
Question 4 ~ Correct Answer: d) Every time you change your oil; IF you ride in the desert - b) certainly applies.
Question 5 ~ Correct Answer: e) ALL OF THE ABOVE Any or all of those symptoms require immediate professional attention. Take it to the Shop and let the pros diagnose and repair any issues with the braking system.
Question 6 ~ Correct Answer: c) Maintaining proper tire pressure is your responsibility. Riding through de-icer has no effect on the air pressure in the tires; however, the cold temperatures that exist when they are using these chemicals can definitely affect your tire pressure. If you're riding on these colder days - check the tire pressure before every ride.
Question 7 ~ Correct Answer: Do we really need to tell you the answer to this one? d) Any day that end in 'Y'
Tune up your ride, take an experienced rider class to hone your rusty skills, and get out and ride!
See ya on the road this spring and summer. Jasmine Bluecreek Clark and Roger Clark
Find More Maintenance Tips in Jasmine's "ABC's of MC Wrenching"
See ya on the road this spring and summer. Jasmine Bluecreek Clark and Roger Clark
Find More Maintenance Tips in Jasmine's "ABC's of MC Wrenching"
Other Motorcycle Maintenance Articles Available Online
by Jasmine Bluecreek Clark
Diagnostic Tips
Winterizing Your Motorcycle
Tune Up Tips
BLUECREEK MOTORCYCLE TRAINING BLUECREEK ART WORKS
MC MAINTENANCE CLASS SCHEDULE
***Disclaimer Repeated: The decision to work on your own motorcycle ~ or not ~ is a personal choice. It is possible to do serious damage to both you and your motorcycle. Jasmine Bluecreek Clark, Bluecreek Art Works and Bluecreek Motorcycle Training Co. creates and shares these articles to be an aid in understanding how your motorcycle works.
They are not a substitute for professional repair or maintenance work done by a certified mechanic or technician.
In some cases, working on your motorcycle could void your warranty, if you motorcycle is still under a manufacturer's warranty.
While the information shared is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, motorcycle technology is a rapidly changing field.
All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the Author and/or Publisher, who also disclaim any liability incurred
in connection with the use of the data or general or specific details included within this web site.