Are you looking for some tips to buy Car Tyres? If the answer is yes then you are reading the right article. In this article you will find some tips and techniques which will help you a lot in buying right tyres for your vehicle. Tyres are one of the basic parts of a vehicle. It is very essential to invest in high quality tyres. The quality of the tyres affect both performance as well as safety of the car. There are many things which should be considered while buying car tyres and another automotive parts. Lets go through them one by one.

One of the factors which should be taken in consideration while buying the tyres is the season. Nowadays you can find specific tyres for different seasons. Tyres chosen according to the season ensures the safety of the driver.

The next thing which should be taken in account is the condition of the roads. The tyres should be designed according to the local roads.

If you are concerned about the external beauty of the car then it is a great idea to go for stylist tyres. Nowadays tyres can be enhanced according to your needs.Customized tyres can improve overall look of your car.

One should always plan his budget in advance. Proper planning of budget can help a lot in choosing right tyres according to your needs.

It is a great idea to visit a professional before buying any type of automotive part.

Nowadays there is lots of talk about tubeless tyres. This is a new advancement in automobile industry. These type of tyres are beneficial in many ways.

The size of the tyres should also be kept in mind. The size of the tyre varies according to type of vehicle you are driving. Bigger tyres always give better acceleration and increases the point of contact between the road and vehicle.

You should always have some knowledge of tread pattern. The tread is designed to provide optimal grip on the road surface. Nowadays you can find three types of treads – Conventional, unidirectional and asymmetrical.

The type of rubber used to manufacture the tyres decide the life as well as performance of the tyres. So it is a good idea to go for tyres made up of high quality material.

One should also check for warranty as well as guarantee. This help a lot in longterm maintenance of your vehicle.

Many of you may have seen the great interview with one of the most controversial figures in motorcycling, ex-Ducati/MotoGuzzi/Norton (for a little bit) designer Pierre Terblanche. When quizzed on the ‘most beautiful production motorcycle ever built’ his answer was surprising. Rather than a Manx Norton, Vincent Black Shadow or a Ducati 916, Terblanche responded with this strange creation; the Imme R100. On first glance it seems a quaint little thing with art-deco-esque styling and an engine seemingly more suited to motorised-toothbrushes than hauling grown men around at high speed, however the avant-garde details on this thing are amazing and it soon becomes apparent why this little German bike remains inspirational to one of today’s best known motorcycle designers. For us, as everyday, run of the mill motorcycle riders this wouldn’t be our first choice for most beautiful motorcycle ever built, but it would have to be right up there for ‘most interesting’.

The bike was designed by German Norbert Riedel who began production post WWII. The frame and fork tubing is all the same stock; Germany’s steel supply having been thoroughly diminished through the bombing of steel works by the RAF. The economy of materials used is incredible with the bike featuring single fork legs front and rear- the rear also acting as the exhaust pipe!

The engine which moved the 57kg Imme is a 99cc 2 stroke which produces 4.5hp. Not bad considering the post-war BSA Bantam produced the same horsepower with 125cc. The cylinder and head were the one casting and there was no neutral gear at all- why bother when the clutch is all the neutral gear you need! (kind of…..)

Around 12,000 Immes were made. Riedel eventually designed an updated 150cc version of the engine however in 1951 the factory was closed. Interestingly, after the closure, Riedel worked for Triumph- not the English Triumph, but the German based company which had split from the English company and has been running independently since.

Many of the things designers strive for today; finding new ways to consolidate the variety of materials, components and production processes used, combining parts where possible, re-evaluating the necessity of features taken for granted etc are exemplified by the Imme- it’s as though it has been created with half the parts of a normal motorcycle! Hence it’s beauty in the eyes of a designer. We thank Pierre Terblanche for making us aware of this little gem.

WideOpenMoto is a site dedicated to providing high quality images and original articles about classic, exotic and obscure motorcycles paired with interesting, humorous, knowledgeable and generally engaging descriptions. Images and articles are carefully curated; we deal in quality rather than quantity.

Proper Care and Installation Guidelines

Changing spark plugs has to be nearly as simple as replacing light bulbs, but it’s not. Light bulb changing does not involve the use of a socket wrench or gapping tools. A deep socket fitting a spark plug is not a suitable socket. There are two things that differentiate it from a deep socket.

The first is a foam rubber insert that pads the spark plug when it is within the socket. The second is the hexagonal part around the top of the socket. The hexagonal area allows a wrench to set on the socket if there is not enough clearance for a ratchet. Bikes generally have enough space for torque wrenches or ratchet, and yet the ability to accommodate a wrench to the socket comes in handy for bikes with Fat Bob tanks and several automotive applications (like a Corvette with headers).

For many decades there have been two common sizes of plug sockets. 80″ Big Twin Evolution and Shovelhead engines need a 3/4″ socket, while Twin Cams and Evo Sportsters need a 5/8″ one. Then something took place: plugs that needed an 11/16″ socket appeared on the market, and 11/16″ sockets are sometimes scarce. I’ve seen people put a short length of foam pipe wrapping (usually used in water pies) in an 11/16″ deep socket to make their own. This technique is effective and is also an inexpensive approach to improvise a tool for people who does not change a lot of 11/16″ plugs.

Spark Plug Gaps

A plug gap is crucial in getting proper firing. Many people assume plugs already have gaps from the manufacturing plant, which is not generally correct. However, even if plugs are pre-gapped, activity during shipping could make the space several thousandths inches shorter. Spacing a plug just isn’t rocket science. You only need the right tools, a bit of repeated attempts, and a bit of patience.

To begin with, feeler gauge and pliers are not the correct tools. My preferred gapping tool is the simple, good-old wire-loop tool where each wire loop represents a specific gap size, and the metal tabs suit different ground electrodes. My very least favorite may be the disc with the ramp around the edge. The first disadvantage in the disc type is that it exerts tension in the core electrode while gapping. Another problem is that often one side of the ground electrode may end up a bit farther out from the middle electrode. On SplitFire and Screamin’ Eagle plugs, 1 part of the ground electrode’s prong could be higher than other plugs.

Observing 3 simple rules will help you effectively space plugs. Initially, don’t try to flex the core electrode. Next, never ever bend the ground electrode laterally. Work with the gapping tool to gently walk the tip of the ground electrode nearer or farther from the end of the center electrode. Additionally, check out the gap by working out the correct wire loop through the gap. The gap is correct once you feel a little amount of rubbing between the gap as the wire moves in the gap.

Replacing Plugs

Right before the removal of a plug, hold off until the engine has cooled off, and then start using a burst of pressurized air to clear dust and dirt from the area surrounding the plug. A ratchet and a spark plug socket are the desired utilities for this particular part of the task. Once gently removing the plug wire by drawing on the boot, not the wire, we will take out the worn out plug with a ratchet and plug socket by rotating them counter-clockwise.

As soon as the worn out plugs are finally out, you’re all set to set up the correctly spaced plugs. Begin by applying a bit of lubricant around the threads of each plug. Present day Harley Davidson motorcycles have aluminum heads and plugs have a steel shell. Repeated cooling and heating of the heads may trigger a chemical reaction involving the aluminum cylinder head and steel plug shell. The result is a plug that acts like it’s welded in place.

After putting the lubricant oil on the plug threads, start turning the spark plug in a tighten manner. Try using your fingers rather than a socket and ratchet. A best practice that reduces the possibility of getting a cross threaded plug as well as the costly damage that can be caused.

Once the fresh plug is finger tight, reach for the plug tools. The torque spec for plugs in a TC 88 is 11-18 ft-pounds, so split the difference and choose 15 ft-pounds.

That way, if the torque wrench is a little off for some reason, you’ll still be within the required spec. Is proper twisting vital for plug installation? Basically, yes! If the spark plug is a bit wobbly, high temperature transfer in the cylinder head can be reduced, while the spark plug may overheat. When a plug is left loose, it can actually find its way out of the head resulting from vibration and combustion pressure. And that is certainly very unhealthy. Poorly tightened plugs have been held accountable for combustion chamber deposits being added to the threads of the plug hole.

On the other part, adjusting plugs excessively tight can cause other problems. When a spark plug is tightened too much, the chances are it will be difficult to take out. Turning the plugs too tight could also break the gasket within a gasket seat plug. Over tightening can damage the threads in the head and has been blamed for distorting the gap.

Without a torque wrench, have the fresh spark plug finger tight and use a ratchet to slowly tighten the plug an extra quarter to half a turn. Using this method is clearly a lot less accurate as compared to utilizing a torque wrench, however it can get you somewhere in the 11-18 ft-lb range.

This year, motorcycle festivals are going to kick off all throughout the US. A ton of riders will be congregate for 1 week of celebration all sharing their adoration for bikes. You will hear many stories and building tricks to converse about with different mates while you ride the time in the rally. Make sure to drive safe and put on the required safety equipment like carbon fiber helmets. All the best and have a wonderful ride.

If you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle, a certified pre-owned Porsche is a good choice, as evidenced by the fact that owners of new and used Porsche vehicles demonstrate brand loyalty.

In a recent JD Power & Associates survey, the Porsche 911 was the top ranking model, as determined by the number of reported problems per 100 cars. This kind of dependability is common in new and used Porsche models. Porsche drivers also appreciate the powerful performance and luxurious driving experience that a new or used Porsche delivers.

However, not all brand loyalty is based in such practical reasons. The 2012 New Luxury Vehicle Loyalty study, from Polk and AutoTrader.com, asked brand loyalists why they stay dedicated to a certain automobile brand. According to respondents, the most important factors in brand affinity are:

-Brand Affinity. (44% of respondents Brand Affinity as the top determining factor in brand loyalty.)

-Quality/Reliability, as cited by 33% of respondents.

-Driving Performance (24%)

-Price/Finance/Value (16%)

-Styling/Design (16%)

An interesting corollary of this study is that brand loyalty motivations shifts according to the brand at hand. For instance, Acura drivers list innovation and technology as one of their top five reasons for brand loyalty. In contrast, Cadillac owners cite Brand Affinity more frequently than any other group of drivers. For BMW drivers, Driving Performance is the top reason for brand loyalty. Mercedes-Benz and Lexus owners reported that dealership loyalty is most important to their brand affinity.

Car manufacturers track brand loyalty very carefully because it guarantees they will enjoy a steady stream of return buyers.

That same set of research results from Polk and Autotradrer.com found several explanations for why luxury car buyers switch brands.

The Main Reasons Why Car Buyers Switch Luxury Vehicle Brands

1. Price/Finance/Value (24% of surveyed car buyers)

2. Size/Body Style (20%)

3. Brand Affinity (17%)

4. Time to Change (14%)

5. Driving Performance and Styling/Design (both cited at 13%)

These are the reasons why a loyal Cadillac man might switch to a new or used Porsche.

How Age and Gender Impact Brand Loyalty

Age and gender demographic splits demonstrate significant differences in brand loyalty. For instance, considerably more women (17% of women compared to 11% of men) remain dedicated to a luxury brand because they feel loyalty to a certain dealership. In other words, a woman is more likely to continue driving her new or used Porsche because she loves the welcome she gets at her local Porsche dealership. Women appear to value vehicle safety more than men as well – 10% cited safety as a factor in brand affinity, as compared to 5% of male respondents.

Age also influences brand loyalty. Brand affinity is important among those who are older than 55 years of age. 47% of 55+ respondents rated affinity as important, versus 37% of those younger than 55. Quality and reliability are key for younger drivers, 54% of whom cited these factors as important to their brand loyalty. In contrast, just 31% of drivers over 55 cite quality and reliability when explaining why they stay loyal, according to the Polk/Autotrader.com study.

Clearly, several factors drive automobile loyalty. For a reliable, fun car, you can’t go wrong with a used or certified pre-owned Porsche. Call your local Porsche Dealership to learn about their available inventory of new and used Porsche vehicles.

The main drive moves power from the engine to the back wheel. Alternating power that is provided through the engine’s crank shaft is converted into revolving energy from the major chain and sprockets that rotate the transmission’s input shaft. Once the energy regroups inside the transmission it’s sent out through the gears and into the secondary drive, which is the chain or belt drive that rotates the bike’s rear wheel. This is a short explanation of a Harley power train and every piece plays a vital part in running you and your bike around the road.

The fact that powertrain is made up of a series of moving parts; you will have to carry out regular alterations in them so they will work effectively. Eventually, dynamic parts, just like the main drive’s sprockets and chain, degrade. As things wear, they need adjustment to keep correct tolerance. And it’s the primary driver’s multi-row roller chain that needs to be checked out and tweaked on occasion. It’s a fairly a clear-cut procedure, and at the same time, one that you can perform within your own garage or shop.

A lot of the activity comes within the inspection window that is reached by detaching the plate held on by four screws. You’ll need to have a ruler to conduct the measurements and a number of essential tools to undertake the adjustments. To fine tune, loosen the adjusting shoe’s 9/16″ bolt a few spins and rotate the shoe upwards to tighten the chain or downwards to loosen.

A good time to inspect and fine-tune the primary chain takes place when you have to drain and change the main case oil. Harley-Davidson highly recommends its manufactured oil, but if you have a preferred brand that’s been produced for the main drive, at all cost, use it. Just make sure whatever lubricant you decide is specifically for this purpose.

When you have removed the inspection plate, you have a decent view of the chain’s parts, so make use of the time to check them for signs of wear. Take a look at the chain’s rollers to find out if they’re getting total lubrication, and check the adjuster shoe for chips and the like. Examining and adjusting the primary chain is quick and easy, and when you’re finished you’ll have one less component to worry about on the next long-distance ride. Don’t forget to replace the inspection plate gasket.

Things You’ll Need:

Pipe sealant
Pan for Draining
T27 Torx
T40 Torx
9/16″ socket (deep)
Ratchet
Ratchet extension
Ruler

1. Standard servicing like fine-tuning the primary chain can be done in your own garage or shop when changing the main oil. Make sure the bike is secured in an upright position once you start.

2. One thing to do is usually to drain the main case of the used fluid. After placing a drain pan underneath the primary, use a T40 Torx to take out the drain plug that’s found just underneath the derby cover.

3. Leave the used primary fluid to drain in the drain pan. As it drains, you can easily look at the main chain to find out if it requires correction.

4. Use a T27 Torx socket to get rid of the 4 bolts that hold the primary inspection plate in position. It’s wise to replace the inspection plate gasket before you start to install the plate.

5. While the inspection plate is removed, you can check out the chain’s rollers for signs of wear. Also, check them for hints of deterioration. With the transmission in neutral, have the engine spin a few turns to inspect the whole chain.

6. While checking several places in measuring the chain, always make two readings. One is with the chain’s top run at slack. For the other, he raises the ruler from the top run to remove the slack and to measure once again. The main difference within the 2 on the chain’s most tight point is definitely the chain’s slack.

7. Try a 9/16″ deep socket to fine tune the chain’s free play. With the chain cold, set up the free play between ” and 7/8″. Once you’ve tightened the nut again, again, get the slack’s measurements to ensure that you have set up the right amount.

8. With the exposed inspection plate, examine the adjuster shoe which is pushing around the chain’s bottom run. On the upper right corner, you’ll find the adjustment nut.

9. Unlike the engine and transmission drain plugs, you’ll notice it doesn’t have an O-ring. To make sure it is sealed, wipe a little pipe sealant along the bottom edge of the bolt head.

10. Once done in wiping all the lube out of the primary cover, reinstall the primary case drain plug. After being fixed, carefully twist the bolt’s from the inspection plate as well as the derby cover bolts to 108 in-lbs.

11. You may now stock up the primary case with fresh new fluid. Most shops use lube from a common source rather than single-quart storage containers.

12. Put in 32 oz. of fluid. Add the right amount for your year and the model of your motorcycle.

Nowadays, only a few people are aware of the fact that their cars are equipped with computers even though most of the car drivers and owners are aware of the fact that there are up to seven microprocessors in the vehicle. These processors are capable of enhancing safety, comfort, performance and they are environment-friendly as well. What is the work of Engine Control Module (ECM) in a car? It controls the ignition timing, fuel injection and everything else that makes the driving to be smooth. In case of any malfunctioning in the ECM, it should be replaced immediately. It has been mandated by many federal governments that the fuel injection systems and ignition in motor vehicles must be controlled by computers.

Reason for mandating of computerization of these systems is safety, fuel efficiency and finally to bring down emissions. In many cases, it becomes difficult for car owners to find out the real cause for starting problems in cars. Some people spend lots of money on repairs and replacement of parts before realizing the fact that the Dodge ECM should be replaced. To avoid wastage of money, it becomes essential to identify the problem properly. Parts like intake cam sensors, Throttle position switch, injectors, ISC motor, battery and battery are generally misdiagnosed as faulty. Therefore, if the mechanic is not able to realize that that fault is with Dodge ECM, the car owners will have to spend a lot of money in replacing parts that actually do not require any replacement.

ECM in a vehicle is also referred by other names like Digital Diesel Electronics, Power-Train Control Module, Digital Motor Electronics and it is essential for keeping the modern day engine to keep running without causing any problems to the owner. In recently manufactured vehicles, Power Control Modules are capable of handling the sensor of the engine in real time. The software aspect of ECUs is referred to as firmware and these software programs are reprogrammable in some cases by chip replacement or with the help of updated code.

There are companies offering service of quality replacement of auto computers and they are experienced in replacing the power control module devices in such a way that the car owners can make their vehicles to run smoother as it ran when it was purchased. Moreover, some of these service providers sell ECMs online in such a way that car owners can purchase them at the comfort of their home and can get them replaced with the help of their own mechanic.

Solo Auto has dedicated technicians that can repair PCMs, transmission control module, ECUs and ECMs, usually within 24 to 48 hours and have your unit back in the mail.We specialize in flashing and calibrating all Jeep pcm, Crysler, and Dodge Computers Programmed to vehicles and Mileage.We sell and service all makes and models of vehicles,may be impossible to repair.For more details please visit us in online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7023735

The official photos and videos of the 2013 Cadillac CTS were recently released for the buying public to view. Upon the release of these images, a lot of car experts have noted that the Cadillac CTS was built using the company’s new engineering concepts as well as the so-called revolutionary mechanical designs. In addition to this, the images as well as some of the information about the model’s starting price revealed that the ATS is bigger in size but this would go on sale with a starting price similar to those that are tied on most medium-sized cars.

But aside from relatively lower price considering its actual size, the photos, videos, and some of the information provided by Cadillac representatives unveiled that the 2013 Cadillac ATS was using the new all-wheel and rear-wheel drive platform referred to as the “Alpha” platform. The vehicle’s set-up also suggests that fifty percent of its overall weight will be confined on the rear while the remaining fifty would be handled by the front wheels. In addition to this, it is also quite obvious that the dimension of the 2013 Cadillac ATS is quite identical to what the popular BMW 3-series has.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will also be offered with three engine options and any buyers are free to choose which of these are suited to their driving lifestyle.. This includes the 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The 2.5-liter in-line four would be the model’s base powerplant that could produce 200 horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque. This is mated to 6-speed automatic transmission and offered as a rear-wheel drive vehicle only.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder pumps out about 270 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the only ATS that is mated to 6-speed manual transmission but its matches power output produced by the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine used in the Buick Regal GS. Finally, the 3.6-liter V-6 engine produces an impressive 318 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. Due to this, the V-6 is considered as the most powerful engine among the three engine options available on the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

By the time the 2013 Cadillac ATS goes on sale, this is expected to compete with the BMW 5-series and Audi’s A6. However, the 2013 Cadillac ATS is targets the Audi A4, the BMW 3-series, the Infiniti G, and other entry-level luxury sedan models.

Are you in the market for a new motorcycle? About 500,000 people each year are in the United States alone. If you are new to the sport and are looking for some advice, perhaps I can help you narrow your focus a bit.

The first question to ask yourself is what is your planned use for this bike? At a very high level, motorcycles are grouped into some pretty broad categories. Are you looking for a bike to be ridden off-road, or are you in the market for an on road (street) bike? For this article, I’ll focus my guidance on those of you who seek some form of street legal road motorcycle.

On road motorcycles are typically grouped into various classes based on the general style. Then within that style they are often sub-classed based on the size of the engine. For this discussion, we’ll classify on road bikes as follows:

• Touring
• Sport
• Sport Touring
• On/Off Road (often referred to as dual sport)
• Cruiser

Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are bikes which are designed with longer distance travel in mind. Examples of bikes in this class include: Honda Goldwing, Harley Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star, BMW K1600. These bikes tend to be on the higher end of the price range most of them topping the $20,000 mark and topping out in the $30,000 range. These motorcycles tend to come with long distance travel in mind and often come with creature comforts such as large luggage bags, heated grips, GPS Navigation, CD changers, power adjustable wind screens, integrated intercom systems and other creature comforts. These bikes tend to be the heaviest you can buy and usually come with the largest engines available. If you plan to take weekend or longer trips crossing hundreds of miles at a time you should seriously consider a bike in this class.

Sport Bikes
Sport bikes are built with speed and performance as a primary focus. This type of bike is typically the lightest you’ll find. When shopping for a bike in this class, the more you spend the less the bike tends to weigh. This class of bike is fiercely competitive and the performance bar rapidly changes. Engine sizes tend to fall between 250cc and 1000cc within this class. If you’re plan is to ride the twisties on the weekends while dragging your knee just off the pavement, this is the type of motorcycle for you. Examples of bikes in this class include: Honda 600RR, Yamaha R1, Kawasaki Ninja, Suzuki GSXR.

Despite the fact that people use these bikes in this manner every day, this type of motorcycle is meant for short preferably non interstate highway based trips. These bikes are also less than idea for a passenger. While they typically do offer a second seat, the combination of the hard seat, high passenger foot pegs, and the fact that the two riders weight can be uncomfortably close to the weight of the bike make them a less than ideal choice for hauling a friend.

Sport Touring Bikes
Sport Touring bikes are meant to sit right in between a touring bike and a sport bike. Touring bikes tend to be very comfortable to ride but tend to be really heavy and more difficult to maneuver. They also tend to be geared with highway cruising in mind which means they can be a bit slow off the line. Sport bikes on the other hand are wicked fast and nimble but are very uncomfortable to ride long distances. Sport Touring bikes try to be the best of both. More comfort for longer rides while offering a lighter weight than their touring siblings. The engine tends to be geared a bit more aggressively and the weights tend to be heavier than a sport bike but lighter than a touring bike. Examples of bikes in this class include: Honda VFR, Yamaha FJR1300A, BMW R 1200RT.

On/Off Road Bikes
On/Off Road bikes are meant for the rider who wishes to use the bike for on road riding as well as off-road riding. These bikes are the most versatile but tend to not be well suited for longer road trips. The bikes are typically fitted with off-road knobby tires (to support off-road use) and as such tend to produce a rougher and noisier road ride. Examples of bikes in this class include: Yamaha WR250R, BMW G650S.

Cruiser Bikes
Cruiser bikes are the types of motorcycles most people visualize when they hear the word motorcycle. For simplicity, I’ve included special purpose bikes such as custom choppers into this class. This type of bike tends to be the most highly personalized type of bikes. These bikes are much better than sport bikes on longer rides but not nearly as good as a touring bike which has been designed from the ground up with this type of riding in mind.

They tend to vibrate more and sound a bit louder (in a good way). All of this noise and vibration does tend to fatigue the rider however. If loud pipes and lots of chrome get you really excited, this is the type of bike for you. These bikes tend to work really well for passengers as well (much better choice for two riders than a sport bike and in many cases better than a sport touring bike in this area as well). Examples of bikes in this category include: Yamaha Star, Honda 1300 Custom, Victory Judge.

So you have decided to become a motorcycle rider. Whether you know it or not, you have made a decision that will have a major impact on your life. The first thing you’ve got to understand in order to survive this decision is that motorcycle riding is not all fun and games. It’s not a hobby because your life is at stake, you live motorcycle riding. Many people have lost their lives based upon this same decision. However, there are many people that have expressed experiencing fun and excitement at a level they’ve never known. It really gets your adrenalin going.

There are many things to consider once you’ve made this decision. How are you going to learn to ride? Are you going to just go out and buy a bike and learn through trial and error? Or are you going to enroll in a class, and learn through professional instruction? Once you’ve completed this task, and have a valid driver’s license in hand, it’s time to put some riding time in to build the coordination you’ll need to keep the bike under your control. This is very important. When you’re learning to ride, one of the most difficult tasks is not riding, but stopping. When you’re riding the bike, momentum will keep the bike upright. However when you’re stopping the bike, you’ve got to keep the bike up, and that’s where your coordination comes in.

When you’re stopping the bike you’re hitting the breaks, clutching, and balancing the bike as it slows down. Then there’s that final second when you’ve got to get your foot down. There are several elements than can have a negative effect when this happens. If it’s been raining or just drizzling, the ground can be slippery, and if your foot slips when you’re planting it, TROUBLE. Then there’s leaves, gravel, oil, or any form of debris which if not properly observed can cause you to “GO DOWN”. DO YOU WANT TO GO DOWN, OR DO YOU WANT TO RIDE HOME SAFE?

Once you’ve stopped the bike, the very next thing you must do is to look in your rear view mirror to see if there are any vehicles behind you. You must give some form of eye contact to any vehicles approaching your rear, whether it’s looking in the mirror or actually turning around and taking a glance at them. This will usually cause them to stop – immediately. This is something you want to do in an informative manner, and not an intimidating one. You just want to alert the driver that they may be just a little too close to the bike.

If you’ve got enough room, pull up a bit giving you some space and making the driver aware of the situation. Often times, people driving cars and other vehicles just don’t pay attention to bikes. This brings up something that you need to know about cars and bikes. If you are struck by a car, nine times out of ten the driver will get out of the vehicle, and the first thing he will say is “I didn’t see him/her”. It’s on you to see them first. Ride like you know they don’t see you, be defensive. It’s your life, and you must be responsible for it. Don’t take it for granted that the vehicles in front of you, behind you, or beside you can “SEE YOU”.

Now, what kind of bike are you going to buy? A cruiser, sport bike, moped, scooter, or a dirt bike? Remember, there’s fun and danger involved with either one. Regardless of which one you choose, the best case scenario is for you to be able to plant both feet firmly and evenly on the ground. Don’t buy a bike where you’re on tippy toe when you stop. You may have fallen in love with that bike that is too tall for you. Do you want to go down, or do you want to ride home safe? That’s the question that must remain in your mind during your biking career. A bike that is too short for you can be a problem also. Make sure you buy a bike you can sit on comfortably when you’re riding and when you stop.

Ok, so you have a license, know how to stop the bike, and you’ve purchased the bike that you want. Now you’re ready to start riding the bike, the best part. Hopefully, by this time, you’ve learned how to shift through all of the gears, if not, sell the bike. Just kidding. You’ve got to learn to lean with the bike when you come to a curve. Make sure your passenger understands this principle also. The two of you must be in sync when you lean into a curve. Riding is all about balancing and maneuvering the bike in the flow of traffic, whether it’s light or heavy. Either way, remember to stay on “High Alert” at all times because they may or may not “see you”. Never make the mistake of taking this for granted, it could be fatal.

Motorcycle riding is absolutely one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in this lifetime. You’re right out there free as the wind, and close to nature. It’s like riding a dream, and it can make you feel like ” you’re eight feet tall and bullet proof”. With all of these emotions coming into play while you’re riding, this thought must remain in your mind – “Do you want to go down, or do you want to ride home safe”?

Anyone who owns one should understand that BMW repair issues can’t necessarily be lumped in with any other vehicle. These precision automobiles are not made the same way a Honda or a Ford is made. And as such, they should seldom be entrusted to a mechanic who has only the basic training needed to work on those general vehicles. Even when it comes to something as simple as an oil change, there is a lot of evidence to argue that you should take your car to a specialty shop. Next time you think about pulling your Beamer into the local 5 minute lube job shop, here are some things to consider.

Intervals

One of the basic concepts of BMW repair is that they don’t need an oil change as often as most other vehicles. They run on synthetic oil, which burns cleaner and provides the engine with a ton of benefits. While you can get synthetic oil at any oil change shop (if you remember to ask for it), they are still likely going to slap that 3,000 mile sticker on your windshield. Ignore it if you must, but what you’re looking at is a shop more concerned with doing business in one particular way instead of giving their customers specialized service. It may not matter that much by itself, but it is symptomatic of a larger problem.

Additional Maintenance

One of the best reasons to take your car in for an oil change in the first place (as opposed to handling it yourself) is getting the additional checks and maintenance that go along with the service. But the last thing you want is some oil change technician opining on BMW repair. He likely hasn’t the slightest idea what he’s talking about! By contrast, if you take your Beamer into an authorized mechanic, you can be sure that he won’t start recommending things that have nothing to do with your maintenance plan.

The Right Tools

BMW repair, done properly, requires specialized tools that won’t work on other vehicles. For that reason, most shops don’t have them around. You can do plenty of things with a BMW with general car tools, but you’re risking breaking something important in the process. Don’t take the chance. You didn’t pay a lot for a luxury automobile to have it pawed at by some guy who doesn’t know the difference between a Volkswagen and an Audi. Take it somewhere that the craftsmanship that goes into one of these vehicles is respected.