Tech Tips: Winter Pre-Storage Service
If you’re not selling winterization packages, there’s still time.
Neglected 4-stroke Bottom Ends
1. We are now well into our second decade of high performance 4-stroke motocross bikes and their derivatives. Most folks have become accustomed to the maintenance-needy valve train components and small oil change intervals. The titanium valves cost an arm and a leg and the short skirt pistons don’t endure for long. That is
Exhaust System Service
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. Use these tips gained from years of experience to make it easier for the technician and a better experience for the customers. 1. Be prepared for
Technical Training Opportunities
The end of winter is in sight. To be clear, I’m talking about spring coming not the international scientific consensus on human influenced climate change and record high temperatures this past season. Anyway, service business is going to be booming with the warmer weather. This is a great time for technicians to catch up on
Torque Specifications
1. Tightening fasteners correctly is key in mechanical work. Most folks are familiar with torque specifications as the common form of estimating fastener tension by how much force it takes to rotate the component. The fastener tension can vary at an identical torque spec under different conditions, and it is the tension that matters. 2. The
CVT Clutch Tuning Part 2
Driven clutch and belt System [dropcap]P[/dropcap]art one of CVT clutch tuning focused on the tunable aspects of the drive clutch. Part two will focus on the driven clutch and belt. While initial belt engagement and engine rpm adjustments should primarily be adjusted with the drive clutch, the shifting characteristics (especially downshifting) and belt squeeze should
Top 3 Tech Tips From 2015
Specialty Tools: The Right Tools Make for Correct Repairs (Jul. 2015) A knowledgeable home mechanic or professional technician can carry out the majority of their work with basic hand tools. A major dividing line appears when the service manual calls for the use of a special tool. The professional technician should have a large selection
CVT Tuning: Part I
Many CVT systems can be tuned. The service manual will usually include information on CVT tuning based on altitude similar to carburetor jetting changes. At a minimum the service manual will include an altitude chart with spring and weight options to optimize performance at specific altitudes.
CBR250/300 CRF250L Valve Clearance
The single cylinder engine that Honda debuted with the CBR250R is also the basis for the CBR300R power plant as well as the CRF250L. This engine is a DOHC type with shim type valve clearance adjustment. Unlike many engines of this type it has a handy feature that allows for quick shim changes without having to remove the camshafts.
Nostalgia Requires Work
Vintage bikes are a disease. Long time motorcycle riders regularly become infected with a desire for a vintage machine.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Jackshaft Assembly
Big Harley-Davidson motorcycles are tough on starter motors and starter system mechanical components.
Tech Tips: Repairing and Servicing Fuji 400, 450, 500 and 550cc Engines
Many of the engines that power Polaris ATVs are liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC 4-stroke units manufactured by Fuji. The 400, 450 and 500cc engines are nearly identical outside of bore and stroke. The newer 550 engine is updated, but some of these tips still apply. The 570 engine has a DOHC head and is unrelated for
