Check All the Nuts and Bolts
Everyone knows how important oil and air filter changes are to the health of a bike. Checking the condition of brakes, greasing the pivot points in the frame and keeping clean fuel in the intake system all top the list of tasks that must be done to make sure customers’ rides are ready to go
Shaft Drive Systems Maintenance for Motorcycles
Six ways to keep your shaft drive systems up to snuff.
Powersports Vehicle Starting System Troubleshooting
Electric starting systems are now found on almost all powersports vehicles. All electric starting systems have two separate circuits: one for low-current, and one for high-current. Both circuits are connected to the battery. When the starter motor is activated, it requires a large amount of current to turn the engine over. The high-current circuit carries
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
A funny thing happened at the bike shop one day. We were all hanging out in the back, telling lies like a bunch of dirt bikers do, when a guy came up to the back door pushing his bike. He had a tire over one arm while he pushed his XS650 Yamaha into the shop.
Winter Motorcycle Storage Guide
Cyclepedia explains how to keep your ride safe from cold weather and ready to go once the snow melts. The two most important items to pay attention to are the fuel system and the battery. A battery left out in the cold can easily freeze, and a mistreated fuel system can gum up.
Snowmobile Prep Tips
Techs universally hear one common complaint at the onset of sled season, “My snowmobile won’t start!” Maybe the machine in question will crank over, but fire eludes the cylinders. The machine owner doesn’t understand why — it ran when he put it away and it sat in the barn under a cover for the entire off-season. Share some of these best practices with your customers to help them avoid unnecessary service and convince them of the importance of proper storage!
Pilot Screw Adjustment
Pilot screws are preset from the factory and should only be adjusted under necessary circumstances. In this installment, we’ll cover pilot screw adjustment basics.
Exhaust System Installation
Exhaust systems often need to be removed for vehicle service. The components of the exhaust system may be few and simple, but installing and removing them can be frustrating. Be prepared for the removal and installation of the exhaust system. Allow the components plenty of time to cool before touching them. Make sure to have
Shock Absorber Service
Most motorcycle technicians are far more familiar with servicing forks than shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are a bit mysterious with their pressurized nitrogen gas and minimum maintenance requirements. Before the shock absorber is removed from the vehicle, check the movement of the suspension. The shock absorber should move smoothly through its stroke. When released,
CVT Transmission Service
The continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is a common component in the powersports industry. This is the transmission that has given scooters and snowmobiles the ability to be “gas and go” for decades. The CVT has also found a home in ATVs where a simple automatic transmission is desired. The vast majority of CVTs, on
Using Powersports Diagnostic Tools
With the widespread use of computer controlled ignition systems, ABS and fuel injection, the modern powersports technician should be comfortable using diagnostic tools.