As winter approaches, many powersports vehicle owners will need to store their vehicle until the spring. Maintaining the battery state of charge during extended periods of storage is essential to ensure that the maximum service life is delivered. Owners should also note that many newer-model motorcycles have more key-off drains...
Servicing and repairing powersport vehicles requires replacing gaskets and seals on a regular basis. Trying to reuse seals and gaskets can leave a technician in a world of hurt and wasted time redoing work. Always be prepared to replace any seals and gaskets that are removed during a service or...
Static Sag or “Race” Sag is the amount the bike compresses from fully extended, with the rider on board. Here’s how to measure it the Race Tech way. It is a little different than how you may have done it before but is much more accurate as well as consistent....
The decompressor system reduces cylinder compression at low rpm for easy starting. Decompressor systems are often used with single cylinder four-stroke engines, but manufacturers sometimes utilize these benefits on other engine configurations including V-twins. The compression is reduced by momentarily opening an exhaust valve on the compression stroke of the...
The CV axle boot is a weak link in the final drive systems of four wheel drive ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles. If the boot is damaged the joint can lose its lubricating grease and pick up debris to contaminate the joint. If the boot damage or deterioration is not addressed...
Computer, Igniter, CDI, ICM, ECU, and ECM are all names for the black boxes that are the brains behind modern engines. Depending on the type, they control ignition, fuel injection, ABS, display meter or a combination of all. They are very important and often very expensive. Unfortunately, they often unnecessarily...
For years now technicians and educated vehicle owners have enjoyed the benefits of the self-diagnostic functions of fuel injection systems. Evaluating fault codes is now a standard task in powersport vehicle service. Some fuel injection systems have expanded onboard diagnostic abilities that can be used to troubleshoot issues in addition...
In a previous issue we went over mechanical fuel delivery system problems associated with carburetor equipped engines. The final mechanism of fuel delivery to the carburetor is the float valve. The float valve is a fantastically simple mechanism to regulate fuel needs for the carburetor. Unfortunately, it is often problematic...
Old fuel is clogging up fuel systems and seals are deteriorating as power sports vehicles sit idle over the cold winter.
Many industry folks have predicted the end of powerful air-cooled engines with emissions regulations pushing manufacturers to move toward leaner, hotter-burning fuel mixtures that have increased cooling needs.
The following tips will help you change coolant in powersports engines.
