Tips On How to Treat Cold Tires & Roads

One of the most common incidents that can happen to any motorcyclist is over judging a cold tire. It doesn’t matter if you’re Valentino Rossi, or, simply taking your second session at an MSF course; cold tires must be treated with respect or they can turn a fun ride into an unexpected hospital visit. As weather temperatures decrease, the road itself is going to be colder as a result which in turn will require even more additional warm up time.

The best thing that you can do if you’re in an unknown situation is to reduce lean angle and throttle inputs. As lean angles increase, the more force there is exerted on the edges of the tires which could result in a potential slide situation on. Treat the scenario as if it were raining and how you would want to maintain as much grip as possible, especially over slick man hole covers. Do not “flick” the bike from one side to the other but rather keep a relaxed feeling on the bars while making smooth transitions.   

Apply brake inputs with a gentle touch. Grabbing the brakes with a forceful grip only increases the chance for them to lock up.

Maintain a clear view of the road ahead and not directly in front of the bike’s front wheel. Even though this may not sound like it has anything to do with cold tires, it will keep you prepared for what is ahead of you and how you will need to react versus being too late for the unexpected.

For more info, refer to here: http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/08/20/cold-tire-crashes-and-how-to-avoid-having-them/#.UhPE4LRKolc.facebook

Post Purchase: Personalization or Education?

One of the most controversial topics among new bike owners is the decision of either taking a personalization approach to make their bike unique to them, or, a more educational angle and learn about how their new bike responds and wants to be ridden.

For some, it is all about exploiting the absolute performance potential right out of the box and the first thing they do after parking it in the garage the first time, tire nubs still intact, is to start shopping for that light weight exhaust system. On top of that of course comes some sort of fuel management system whether it be a programmer, chip or full dyno tune.

Others will argue that performance is secondary and that setting the suspension up to suit their weight and particular riding style is priority #1. To them, the idea of the bike responding to their body demographics as well as it can makes the most logic so a suspension specialist is the first who they call.

Maybe you haven’t ridden in several years and feel as though the tired looking black leathers, now brown that you used to wear with your mid ‘90’s Concours, aren’t going to cut it with the modern lines of your new Trophy. To increase that new bike feeling even more, it is hard to beat the feeling of unbroken-in riding gear. For the stylish minded rider, it also gives them the chance to color match the gear to their bikes style.

Another common decision for new owners is to enter into a class that assists them on how to best handle their bike and really get a feel for it before they enter into mayhem. There is nothing like riding your motorcycle with the confidence of knowing how it's going to respond to different situations and how you the rider should react to them.

For one who really wants to personalize the appearance of their bike, it may involve changing the graphics, paint color, mirror style to rim choice. This is often a decision that is best left to some valuable consideration as the said changes may or may not affect the resale value or desirability of the bike.

These are a few examples of the commonly found decisions that new owners will make after purchasing their bike. 

What decisions do you make after you get your new bike home?

2009 Genuine Buddy 50 Scooter: Pre-Owned Inventory

 Combine fun, affordable, and easy to ride into one package and you get the Buddy. This 2009 has less than 230 miles and is in excellent condition. There are no major scratches or blemishes allowing for a cosmetically clean appearance. The 2 cycle 50cc engine runs strong without any issues and starts very easily. This scooter would be perfect for the individual who is looking to get into a scooter and maybe hasn’t ridden before as the size is very easy to handle allowing for a great deal of confidence for the rider. Buddies are perfect for around town as mpg’s are over 60 and insurance rates are very reasonable. It is fun alternative to a car and makes the morning commute one to look forward to. 

 

2007 Yamaha R6 S Time Capsule: Pre-Owned Inventory

The unformidable R6 S is one of the most sought after bikes in the 600cc class, and for good reason. Impeccable handling. This 2007 is a bit of a time capsule in a way as it has less than 800 miles (yes, you read that correctly) and is in extremely clean condition all throughout. The rear sprocket, chain and surrounding areas look as though the bike has been stored in doors all of its life. It is also in unmolested, stock, condition which will allow its new owner to choose their particular accessories if they so desired. The engine runs perfect and has zero issues. For one who appreciates performance, the R6 is about as good as it gets in terms of handling in its class. There is a reason why it has become so well appreciated among racers as being a competitive track bike. You won’t find a lower mileage ‘07 R6.

 

Coast to Coast On Electric Motorcycles: Electric Cannonball Run

It has been interesting watching the development of electricity become more advanced and capable in both cars and motorcycles. From a performance standpoint, electric vehicles in many cases either matches or exceeds a direct predecessor of a gasoline engine.

The usual plague for most electric vehicles is their range. When teams such as Moto-Electra put the technology to the test by riding coast to coast with successful results, it proves to us there is light at the end of the tunnel and the capabilities are out there.

AMA racer, Thad Wolff, completed the trip in 84.5 hours and stated that he could have shortened the time if he had gone faster and traveled further between charges.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/06/25/electric-motorcycles-prove-long-distance-travel-possible/

1970 Turbocharged Triumph Bonneville Salt Flat Racer

Based on a 1970 Bonneville, creator Derek Pauletto hand crafted a one of a kind turbocharged Triumph that is one of the most unique ways for setting numbers on the salt flats.

The 650cc bore remains the same but the addition of a turbocharger sourced from a 1.8L Audi engine, throttle bodies from an '03 CBR, custom pistons, cams, crankshaft and HKS fuel management system make this bike far from any stock Bonneville.

Derek built the custom rear tubes for the rigid frame, designed one off oil and gas tanks and machined the wheels from solid billet.

http://www.bikeexif.com/turbocharged-motorcycle?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Bikeexif+%28Bike+EXIF%29

Zero Motorcycle Brake Caliper Recall: 2011-2012 S & DS Models

Zero is recalling 268 2011 and 2012 S and DS models that may potentially be affected by corroded front brake caliper bolts.  

The corrosion could cause cracking and possible fracture which could lead to the bolts coming loose and contacting the front wheel.

Zero Motorcycles will be contacting the owner's of the potentially 268 affected units over the next week and dealers will be performing a fix.

If you have any questions about this recall, call us at : 425-774-3538
Zero Motorcycles: 888-736-9376
NHTSA hotline (Campaign No.13V329000) : 1-888-327-4236