When it comes to motorcycle tires, some of us base our decisions on more than just the kind of tread or estimated mileage. We might prefer tires made in this country or that one or a company based in one location over another. There are dozens of other reasons why we choose the tires we put on our bikes as well.
With gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon for 87 octane pretty much everywhere in the country right now, it seems like a good time for some tips on how to improve your fuel economy.
Have you priced motorcycle tires lately? Holy cow! I’d call it sticker shock, but it’s more than that—I’m calling it sticker bludgeoning instead. If you’re shopping for tires in March like I am, well, we picked just about the worst time to do it. By the time I finished digging into it, I realized two things: Why tires got so expensive and when the best time is to buy them if you don’t want to get hammered.
My latest problem cropped up in late February, on a chilly and overcast day when I was headed to my local dealer for a presentation and to meet up with a friend for lunch. I pushed the big GS outside and got my gear on. It struggled to start, but it started. When I got back from closing the shed door, it had stalled. “That’s weird,” I thought, and started it again. After letting it warm up for about a minute, I rode off.
When it comes to filling your panniers, top case, tank bag and dry bag for an extended motorcycle trip, we often struggle to decide what comes with us and what stays home. From “I use this every day” to “but I might need it,” we have to balance limited space and gross weight limits with our needs, wants and comforts.
I know we’re not supposed to talk about oil because *internet* and *reasons*, but it’s got to happen sooner or later. Your bike (no matter how old) might need two or three different kinds of oil, so let’s get into it!
In bars, “top-shelf” refers to premium, higher-priced liquors, while “well drinks” (or “house drinks”) are made with the standard, more cost-effective liquors typically stored in the “well.” We can apply a similar scheme to which fuel we put into our motorcycles.
Digital Content Editor, Wes Fleming, details how to get your bike ready for a long trip. If you are planning a rooute to the National Rally, this is the prep video you need!
If you’ve ever wondered about alternatives to Schuberth’s proprietary comm systems, wonder no longer! Mark Barnes decided to put a Cardo PackTalk Black into his Schuberth C4 Pro.
Any motorcyclist who rides long enough will eventually have to contend with a flat tire out on the road or trail. It can be a time-consuming, ride-ending disaster with all the hassles and expenses of getting the disabled bike hauled to a shop for repair, or it can be a brief diversion that hands the rider an additional victory during their adventure—even if that adventure is merely a quick trip to the store.