Articles explaining technical details of products or how things work
One of the most common desires we see from our customers is to go further on a tank of gas. While many of you install a larger fuel tank on your bike, improving your MPG will also help extend your range.
There are a few simple maintenance items that can make a big difference in getting better MPG.
#1 is a clean air filter. A good, clean air filter will allow your engine to breathe more easily, improving its operating efficiency.
Today, we look at the brake fluid in your bike. What types there are and which one is best for you.
The four most common grades of brake fluid are DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. Each grade is manufactured to a specific performance standard. DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are glycol-ether based, and DOT 5 is silicone based. In general, the higher the number, the boiling point of the fluid (more on this later). Fresh and clean brake fluid will have a higher boiling point than old and dirty fluid.
Today, we look at the benefits of the over-size aluminum handlebars.
Most new motorcycles come standard with steel handlebars that are ⅞” in diameter. This has been used for decades, and all after-market products (accessory mounts, hand-guards, etc.) are made to fit this.
The steel bars have proven to be rugged and relatively low-cost to produce.
More recently, aluminum over-size bars that are 1⅛” in diameter began showing up in the aftermarket. At first, these were used for MX & off-road racing only, but these have big benefits all types of riders.
No, not that bag of caps and stems your buddy has brought on your annual camping trip. Your tires ability to hold air depend upon the valve stem cores and caps. These tiny items make a big difference with tire performance.
LED lights provide huge safety benefits and are must-have items that help you see and be seen, especially when riding at night.
LED headlights are significantly brighter than stock halogen bulbs. They create a bigger, brighter pattern that reaches farther down the road and wider on the sides, making obstacles easier to spot sooner. Just as importantly, the hue of the light is more noticeable by other motorists, helping you stand out when you are in traffic.
Motorcycle headlights usually leave a lot to be desired when it comes to actually seeing where you are going in the dark. This is especially true of the DR650. With my eyes no longer working like they did when I was 20 (or even when I was 40) getting more light in front of the bike is more important than ever.
