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How to Simplify Metric Motorcycle Maintenance in 5 Easy Steps

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Step 1: Engine Oil Change

a) Drain and Replace Engine Oil:

  • Use AMSOIL 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil or one of the other specified weights.
  • Change the oil filter. As an Amsoil dealer in Denver, we have black or chrome.
  • Amsoil synthetic oil has the following benefits;
  • Exceeds the standard for high-temperature film strength to deliver excellent wear protection.
  • Keeps engines running cool by effectively reducing friction and heat.
  • Contains a heavy treatment of anti-wear additives to reduce wear regardless of operating conditions.
  • Extremely resistant to volatility and engineered to prevent damaging sludge and carbon deposits for superior engine cleanliness.

b) Oil Quality and Performance Check:

  • After 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of riding, check the oil level.

Step 2: Coolant System Maintenance

b) Check Coolant System for Leaks and Damage:

  • Inspect the coolant hoses, radiator, and water pump for any signs of leaks, wear, or damage.
  • Top off with Amsoil Powersports Coolant which has these benefits
  • Pre-mixed 50/50 with high-purity water
  • Ethylene-glycol formulation meets OEM requirements
  • Extended-life formulation lasts up to five years
  • Borate-, nitrite- and phosphate-free
  • Safe for copper, brass/bronze alloys and aluminum
  • Boil-over protection up to 226°F (108°C)
  • Freeze protection down to -34°F (-37°C)

a) Drain and Replace Coolant when specified by owners manual:

  • Use a high-quality motorcycle-specific coolant like Amsoil Powersports Coolant
  • Flush the cooling system and replace with fresh coolant to ensure optimal engine cooling.

Step 3: Inspection and Maintenance of Clutch System

a) Check Clutch Operation:

b) Clutch System Protection:

  • AMSOIL 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement.
  • Verify high TBN to resist acids that can degrade clutch material.

Step 4: Rust Protection and General Inspection

a) Check for Rust and Corrosion:

  • Inspect the motorcycle for any signs of rust or corrosion.
  • Amsoil has a full line of cleaner and protectants from silicone, Metal Protector, Carb and Brake cleaners, glass cleaner and waterless wash products.

b) General Inspection and Maintenance:

  • Electrical system check: Battery condition and charge, lights and signals operation.
  • Tire inspection: Check tire pressure and condition, inspect for wear, cuts, or damage.
  • Brake system inspection: Brake fluid level and condition, brake pads and rotors for wear and damage.
  • Suspension check: Front forks and rear shocks for leaks, wear, or damage. If needed top off with Amsoil Shock Therapy fork oil.
  • General cleaning and lubrication: Clean and lubricate any moving parts or pivot points, check and adjust throttle, clutch, and brake cables.

Step 5: Final Check and Road Test

a) Final Check:

  • Verify all maintenance tasks have been completed and all components are in good working condition.

b) Road Test:

  • Take the motorcycle for a short road test to ensure everything is functioning properly.
  • Listen for any unusual noises, check for smooth shifting, and ensure the brakes are working effectively.

Recommended Tools and Supplies:

Schedule:

Perform this comprehensive spring maintenance program annually or as recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. Regular maintenance will help ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety of your metric street bike using AMSOIL 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.

Note: Always refer to the specific owner’s manual or service manual for your metric street bike for detailed instructions and specifications. If you are not confident in performing any of these maintenance tasks yourself, it is always recommended to consult with a professional motorcycle mechanic or service center.

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The Ultimate Guide to V-Twin Motorcycle Maintenance: A 5-Step Plan

AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil

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1. Engine Oil Change

a) Drain and Replace Engine Oil:

b) Oil Quality and Performance Check:

  • After 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of riding, check the oil condition and engine performance.
  • Ensure the oil is protecting against wear and deposits.

2. Transmission and Primary Chaincase Fluid Change

a) Drain and Replace Transmission and Primary Fluid:

  • Use one of the many AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid choices for transmissions and primary chaincases.
  • AMSOIL V-Twin Oil performs like a gear lube without the negative effects of extreme pressure additives.

b) Check Transmission and Primary Chaincase for Wear and Damage:

  • Inspect for any wear or damage to the transmission and primary chaincase.

3. Inspection and Maintenance of Clutch System

a) Check Clutch Operation:

  • Ensure smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement.
  • Check clutch cable adjustment.

b) Clutch System Protection:

  • AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement.
  • Verify high TBN to resist acids that can degrade clutch material.

4. Rust Protection

a) Check for Rust and Corrosion:

5. General Inspection and Maintenance

a) Electrical System Check:

  • Battery condition and charge.
  • Lights and signals operation.
  • We recommend Battery Tender trickle chargers (they do a lot more than trickle charge).

b) Tire Inspection:

  • Check tire pressure and condition.
  • Inspect for wear, cuts, or damage.
  • Ask yourself do you really want to be going 75 mph beside a semi truck in Denver or over a mountain pass on THOSE tires?

c) Brake System Inspection:

  • Brake fluid level and condition.
  • Brake pads and rotors for wear and damage.

d) Suspension Check:

  • Front forks and rear shocks for leaks, wear, or damage.

e) General Cleaning and Lubrication:

  • Clean and lubricate any moving parts or pivot points.
  • Check and adjust throttle, clutch, and brake cables.

Recommended Tools and Supplies:

Schedule:

Perform this comprehensive spring maintenance program annually or as recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. Regular maintenance will help ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety of your Harley or v-twin motorcycle using AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil.

Note: Always refer to the specific owner’s manual or service manual for your Harley or v-twin motorcycle for detailed instructions and specifications. If you are not confident in performing any of these maintenance tasks yourself, it is always recommended to consult with a professional motorcycle mechanic or service center. Amsoil Dealer in Denver Amsoil Dealer in Aurora Amsoil Dealer in Lakewood Amsoil Dealer in Colorado Springs Amsoil Dealer in Fort Collins Amsoil Dealer in Boulder Amsoil Dealer in Greeley

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Fall Bike Ride MO and KS 

I spend most of the day today out on the Harley. I went over into North East Kansas and then back into Missouri. Here’s a few pictures from the ride​.

  

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AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost (MOB)

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost

 

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost

Maximizes Power and Efficiency

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AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost (MOB) increases octane for power and efficiency. It is designed to improve startup performance and eliminate engine ping and knock for increased power at low-rpm operation. Motorcycle Octane Boost contains detergents that help combustion chambers and fuel delivery systems maintain cleanliness for optimum performance. At the recommended treat rate, it does not harm catalytic converters or oxygen sensors and is compatible with all other AMSOIL fuel additives.

Maximizes Power & Performance
When treated at 1.3 oz. per gallon of fuel, MOB increases the octane of gasoline up to three numbers. Increased octane improves power and can eliminate performance-robbing and potentially damaging engine knock or ping (see below).

Motorcycle Octane Boost

Improves Low-rpm Performance
Engine knock is especially noticeable in some motorcycles during idle or low-rpm operation and high-temperature driving. Most modern bikes are equipped with sophisticated knock-detection systems that can alter spark timing and the air-to-fuel mixture until knock ceases. Although these systems protect the engine from damage, they can also cause reduced horsepower and poor low-rpm operability. AMSOIL MOB helps reduce the need for knock-detection systems to compensate, ensuring maximum low-rpm power and performance in modern bikes.

Cleans Harmful Deposits
Because Motorcycle Octane Boost contains active detergents, it can help maintain efficiency. For clean up, however, AMSOIL recommends treating gasoline with AMSOIL Quickshot®, which contains a greater concentration of cleaning agents.

What is engine knock and why does it matter?
The tendency of a hydrocarbon fuel, such as gasoline, to knock is measured by its octane number. Lower numbers denote a greater knock tendency; higher numbers denote greater knock control. “Engine knock” is a reference to the sound made from an uncontrolled and early ignition of fuel in the combustion chamber. It causes a knocking or pinging sound, robs the engine of power and can cause catastrophic engine damage. Knock may be eliminated by increasing the fuel’s octane.

What is Research Octane Number?
Research Octane Number (RON), Motor Octane Number (MON) and Anti-Knock Index (AKI) are the three most common octane ratings. AKI, the rating with which most North American motorists are familiar, is typically displayed on gas pumps as the average of the fuel’s RON and MON [(R+M)/2]. RON, however, is the most common industry rating. Therefore, AMSOIL uses the RON rating when conducting performance tests and product validation. Gasoline’s RON generally is a few numbers higher than the AKI posted on the gas pump (e.g. 87 octane fuel, or regular pump gas, has a RON of about 91-92).

 Motorcycle Octane Boost

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When marketing their products, some additive manufacturers have adopted a points system where 10 points equals one octane number. A claim that an additive increases octane 30 points translates into an increase of three octane numbers. This approach is often used only to artificially strengthen marketing claims and is not endorsed by AMSOIL.

Treat Rate
One 4-oz. bottle of AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost treats four to six gallons of gasoline. Slight overtreatment causes no issues,

APPLICATIONS
Motorcycle Octane Boost is primarily recommended for use in four-stroke air- or liquid-cooled motorcycles manufactured by Harley-Davidson®, Yamaha®, Honda®, Ducati®, BMW®, Triumph® and all other four-stroke motorcycles. It may be used in off-road applications, including ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles, as an alternative to AMSOIL DOMINATOR® Octane Boost. Note: Clean spills immediately using a clean towel. If left standing, Motorcycle Octane Boost can stain painted or metal surfaces. If cleaned immediately, there is no need for concern.

AMSOIL,Motorcycle,Octane,Boost,efficiency,performance,engine,operation,combustion,chambers,systems

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The Many Advantages Of Driving A Motorcycle

By Kathy Jenkins

When you became of legal age to drive, you probably thought about what you wanted to ride around in. There are some people who have a preference for motorcycles while many people rather have cars. You will find people who want to do both which you can learn how to do at anytime. You’ll find certain advantages to riding a motorcycle if you intend on learning how.

While cities and towns end up more and more populated, the traffic is now almost unbearable. By using a motorcycle, you will be able to maneuver through traffic and get to where you need to go on time. This is often the same on any road where there has been a crash or there is any sort of delay. Should you be a car or truck driver who has ever been stuck in a long traffic jam, I am sure you have been a little envious when you see a motorcyclist making their way through the congestion and leaving you behind them.

Riding a motorcycle can be quite exhilarating to do which is the reason most do it for fun than car drivers. There isn’t any doubt that you can truly feel the experience of speed and mobility on a bike and this is why many see it as a hobby as well as a way to go from place to place. In addition they want to see how their riding abilities improve as they gradually move up from one type of motorbike to something more powerful.

If you like to interact socially, you are likely to find some type of motorcycle enthusiasts group that you can sign up with. It is a typical sight to see groups of motorcyclists riding collectively and stopping at various destinations and generally enjoying their experiences together. There seems to be a reciprocal admiration between motorcycle enthusiasts and you will often see riders admiring the machines of others or acknowledging each other when riding. If it is possible to afford it, you can go to other parts of the world and go on motorcycle tours.

In terms of the cost and maintenance of a motorcycle you may well find this to be cheaper and easier than with a car. There are things to be maintained on a motorbike but are much quicker to do than a car. An additional advantage is how uncomplicated it is to find a place to park your motorbike wherever you go or to easily pull over to the side of the road.

You can find great reasons why one should get a motorcycle, if you way the pros and cons, you find that getting one is the right decision.

Kathy Jenkins writes about Driving A Motorbike along with Mother of the Bride Wedding Speech . To know more about Mother of the Bride Speeches click here.

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