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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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Oil changes seem to come too often, but they are very important. Be sure to investigate the oil you use. Oil sold by dealers can sometimes be very high priced and not be any better than the lower priced oil you find at the discount stores. Check the heat range, the wear test, and the viscosity retention. These are the things that will hurt you the most. Contrary to popular belief some automotive oils work better in motorcycles than motorcycle oils if you avoid those that contain Moly. Synthetic is usually better than non-synthetic oils. Never be afraid to ask the questions because the reason for having a business is to separate you from your money, so make sure you are getting your money’s worth. What kind of fuel do I need? Check the book for the correct fuel. A low compression engine (10:1 or less) should not require high octane fuel unless the heat they generate causes them become subject to pre-ignition. Pre-ignition is not good. It is like beating the top of the pistons with a ball peen hammer. Remember the higher the octane rating the less volatile the fuel. That is why you do not need spark plugs in a diesel engine. The compression generates enough heat to cause diesel fuel to explode. Octane is used to control the timing of the explosion in the cylinders. Octane rating explained another way is the wife is going explode a lot quicker (low octane) if you are watching the girl in the bikini than she will if (high octane) you are staring at Old Ms Hazel next door. Seems kind of backwards! It takes a lot of juice for your electronics. Before you load down your electrical system with fancy lights,heated suits, and DVD players be sure the electrical system will handle it. That heated suit will not feel too warm when you have to walk home in it because you drained your battery. It can be calculated, even by an amateur. Look up how many amps and watts your electrical system can handle and then deduct how much it takes for your accessories including the ones that came with the bike. If the number is negative it is not good and you may want to keep the number for a good tow service handy. If motorcycle maintenance is not on your list of hobbies or occupations, then find a maintenance provider that you trust. Ask other riders who they use. Find out the mechanics qualification and training. If their shop area is in a shady spot under a tree, you may want to continue to look. Horror stories always seem to travel faster than Superman trying save Lois Lane, so if you are not hearing any of those stories about your choice, you are probably ok. Don’t believe everything the dealer tells you, but do believe some of it. Check it out. There are many sources you can use to verify things. Sometimes all it takes is a little thought. The next time a dealer is trying to sell you some miracle additive or add-on that is better than Miracle Whip, ask them why it is not an option by the manufacturer. After all, if it is so good would they not want to use it to their advantage or at least recommend it in their advertising. Just because they slap you on the back and tell you a lot of funny stories it does not change the facts, they are in business to separate you and your money. Probably the bike purchase has already done a fair job of that. There are a lot of things you can do for yourself that does not require a certificate from a motorcycle institute. These are things like checking air pressure, checking oil levels, looking for items that may be loose, and items that are damaged. Loose items falling off and hitting your friends riding behind you will not get you invited on many rides . . . not to mention all the chrome would be scratched. |