Why Choosing the Right Motorcycle Handlebars is Important?

Handlebars are a great way to add personality to your motorcycle, but for everyday use, it’s important to clean your motorcycle parts and more importantly, choose a style that’s comfortable. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, so you’ll need to know what set of bars will work for your application.

To begin with, you need to know the diameter of the existing handlebars. Most Sports bikes have 22mm bars, while Harley-Davidsons/Japanese Cruisers have 25mm handlebars. Keep in mind that if you dramatically change the height or width of your handlebars, you may need to buy longer control cables (idle, clutch, throttle and brake), which will usually cost more than the handlebars themselves.

If you don’t know the diameter of your bars, you can measure the circumference (around the outside) with a soft tape measure in millimetres. If it’s around 79mm, then you have 25mm bars, but if it’s around 69mm, then your bars are 22mm.

Once you figure out the handlebar size you need, check the spacing on your risers and you’re ready to choose the look and style of your motorbike controls. Even though handlebars might seem like they only impact the look of a motorcycle, they have a significant impact on how a rider positions their body on the bike as well. There are many different handlebars to choose from and here are some of the general styles you may find.

Drag Style

Drag bars are a type of straight handlebars that come with an aerodynamic design. This ensures that the rider can enjoy better speed. They are completely level and have no rise. Drag-style handlebars come in a range of widths with limited pullback.

T-Bars

T-bars fit directly into the triple trees (yokes) unlike other handlebars which have a separate riser clamp securing the bars.

Source: willamettevalleyhd.com

Cruiser or Dresser

As the name suggests, these are made for comfortable long rides, offering a high degree of pullback.

Ape Hangers

The ape hanger is the classic chopper look and this type isn’t about handling or comfort as much as it’s about looks and the vibe it creates. You can find different riffs of this theme, known as mini apes or buckhorns. They both have a shorter rise and the buckhorns have grips that are angled downward.

Flyer or Beach Bars

Beach handlebars have many things in common with ape hangers, but there is one main difference between the two – beach handlebars come with no rise or very little rise height. Instead of going up, it’s curved towards the rider.

Clip-On

Clip-on handlebars are one of the most common handlebars you’ll see on racer bikes. As the name implies, you can adjust the width to suit your ride, and their placement allows you to lean forward into the wind to increase speed. Clip-on handlebars are generally attached to the front forks of the motorcycles, below or above the triple tree. If you mount them straight on the triple tree, they’ll be non-adjustable.

One of the greatest advantages of clip-on handlebars is that they come in two parts, allowing you to adjust the handlebars from close to far, depending on the requirements. They are great for racing, but not for longer rides.

Z-Bars

This is a versatile and popular motorcycle handlebar style that gets its name from the sharp angles between the mounting points and the end of the handlebars. Z-bars have a relatively low-profile design that invites a comfortable riding position and are great for riders who like a versatile and easy-to-handle style that works on most motorcycle types.

Source: rideapart.com

The Importance of Good Handlebar Grips

Balance and steering are two main aspects of riding a motorcycle. However, many riders ignore the role handlebar grips play in this. Grips can provide you with better stability and control when steering and balancing on your bike. So, it may be time to check your handlebar grips and consider replacing them.

Old or damaged grips may affect the way you ride, without you even realising it. Grips attached to the handlebar allow riders to better steer and control the motorcycle. Having a bad grip is uncomfortable and dangerous. If you lose grip or don’t feel comfortable, it may lead to an accident in all aspects of riding, from road riding to dirt bike racing. If you find your grip slipping or frequently get hand cramps when riding your motorcycle, it’s worth considering new handlebar grips.

Performance

When selecting motorcycle grips, it’s important to remember that functionality matters more than style. Due to grips being integral to the steering, balance and control of your motorcycle, having grips that meet your performance needs is crucial.

Purpose

You need to make sure you find grips that can fit on your bike. Different grips will lend themselves better depending on the type of bike you have or what you use it for, whether it’s dirt bike racing or day-to-day use.

From exhaust systems to lights, everything plays a part in how your journey is going to go and what your ride is going to look like. Most importantly, they all have a say in your safety on the road. When on the subject of safety, there is one item that is considered the holy grail and should never be a subject of compromise, especially if your driving is mostly done after the sun has set – lights.

Having quality-made, sturdy, and highly functional lights for your bike means that you’ll have optimal visibility of the road and you’ll also be visible to other drivers, which as a biker you probably know can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. If you want to buy motorcycle lights for your bike, keep on reading because I’m going to go through some of the specifics of bike lights and why some are better than others.

Source: news.rice.edu

Material: It’s What’s On The Outside That Counts

Most motorcycle lights are now LED, which is wonderful as LEDs are truly the most effective and durable lights out there. However, what casing they’re settled in is something you really need to pay attention to. The material your light is made from is extremely important. Having a light, no matter where it will be positioned, that’s made of cheap, easily breakable material is a definitive no-go.

What you need to look for is a material that will keep everything in place, allow the lights to function as intended, and will also last for a long time, nullifying the need to replace the unit often. It’s important to note that when you’re looking to buy motorcycle lights you understand that there is a primary material and then additional ones. What I’m talking about in this article is the primary material and my vote goes to metal. There are a few different types of metals that can comprise your motorcycle lights, and each has its own intricacies and pros.

Source: tk.gov.ba

Aluminium

In 1825 aluminium was refined from ore for the first time, and ever since, this metal has steadily taken over industries and is now one of the main metals used in the production of many items. When it was first refined it was so rare it was considered more valuable than silver and gold. Its strength and sturdiness, accompanied by an unusually lightweight composition make it perfect for items that need to be durable, but not add unnecessary weight. Because of this, I’ve chosen aluminium as the first metal on the list of best metals for motorcycle lights. Mind you, this isn’t a numbered list and every metal that will be talked about is just as good, but these two properties of aluminium are too good to ignore

In terms of motorcycle lights, when aluminium is the primary material, it provides a great casing that is bound to keep everything in place and prevent damage. Aluminium is also easy to work with, which makes it perfect for smaller lights and lights that are intended to be a certain shape or form. Furthermore, aluminium is basically resistant to both rust and corrosion, which is an amazing aspect for anything that is going to be exposed to the elements for long time periods, like motorcycle lights! As they tend to be small, it may be difficult to protect them or clean off any developed damage, but with aluminium lights, you don’t have to worry about it at all!

You can find aluminium headlights in various shapes and models, aluminium tail lights, bolt lights for your license plate (which is something you should consider buying if you don’t have it, as it provides further visibility), brake lights, and more.

Source: speedmotoco.com

Steel

With a history much longer than aluminium, steel has been used since around 1800 BC. Firstly used for the production of weapons, it had a pretty complicated process of extracting. However, in 1856, an inexpensive method of producing steel was invented and that’s when the game changed. Now we can find steel in many items, both as a primary and additional material.

In terms of motorcycle lights, steel provides similar benefits as aluminium, though it isn’t as lightweight. Steels composition being the way it is prevents it from being as light as aluminium, but this aspect adds hardness. While aluminium is sturdy and durable, steel is still better in this department. Because of how hard it is, it is very hard to dent or crack it once it’s in its final form. For motorcycle lights, this is a very important feature.

Furthermore, as steel is a bit more common and somewhat easier to manufacture, it’s also cheaper than aluminium. This means that your steel lights will provide you with that sturdiness for a lesser price than aluminium lights would, but with added weight. However, if you’re looking for lights that can add luminosity as well as an interesting style to your bike, you might want to go back to aluminium, as steel is a bit harder to bend into unusual shapes.

You can find steel taillights, headlights, brake lights, and more, and you can also purchase headlight visors made of steel that will give your main light extra protection and uninterrupted visibility.

Source: sw-motech.us

Alloy

Finally, we have alloy. Alloy is basically a mix of two metals – an admixture that combines the two, making a new sort of metal that can have the strengths of both of its composing materials and provide a higher level of performance.

When talking about motorcycle lighting you can find alloy versions for every part of your bike. From headlights and rear lights to indicators and stoplights. They can also be very interesting in shape and looks, so they are worth looking into as you may find something lights made of a single metal just can’t provide.

Still, whenever you’re looking into alloy lights make sure to check the properties, as sometimes a single main material might be best for a specific type of light! Knowing the option exists and being able to research it and figure out if it’s the best one or not adds to the liberty of owning and riding a motorcycle – the very foundation of this method of transportation!

Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, I’d just like to say that you should always look for trusted vendors and stockists of quality brands. You don’t want to end up with lights that aren’t functioning properly and jeopardise your safety and comfort on the road. Whichever metal you choose to go for, by following this rule, I’m sure you won’t have any issues. Pay attention to the brand, make sure to check everything out before purchasing, and be careful when installing. Other than that, I wish you all the sunny days and friendly winds on your journeys!

Source: motohart.blogspot.com/

As new technological advancements were being incorporated into motorcycles, the culture behind it was being shaped too. But the shape of motorcycle culture as we know it today didn’t come at that stage until after World War II. This is a period where motorcycles were becoming more popular and more advanced too. Especially with the entrance of Japanese manufacturers, which have retained a high level of dominance in the market since the late 50s. Nowadays, motorcycles are more advanced than ever and thus more complex which requires more care with different motorbike parts.

Well, apart from checking the bearings and the exhaust tone, you also need to keep an eye on other bike parts.

Common Motorcycle Failures

Handlebars

Essential for steering, the handlebars, believe it or not, are a component that can become defective. Usually, the handlebars can cause your bike to wobble or leave you unable to steer your bike at all. These Moto Parts are widely available making it easy to find the right ones for your motorcycle.

Chain

The most important link between the motor and wheels is the chain. This workhorse of a component spins around at a high rate and since it’s used so much it usually u goes out before the sprockets. Again they are pretty reliable nowadays and last quite a bit but can easily fail if they’re not looked after.

Crankshaft Bearing

A crankshaft bearing especially the one on the bottom end of your motorcycle engine is one of those motorbike parts that fail the most out of any down there. Unlike other Moto Parts, the crankshaft bearing isn’t one that you can easily clean or lubricate. Once they seize up this usually results in a broken crank which requires a complete rebuild.

Source: quilageo.com

Tires

With tires it’s dead simple, the more you ride them the more they wear out. Of course, the way you ride also affects their lifespan but not as much as the duration of your rides. Once, they’re flat you just replace them.

Frame

The frame is the most support-oriented motorcycle part which even if a small crack occurs on it it can lead to a serious accident. Structural failure can make your motorcycle pick up rust at many spots which can be detrimental.

How to Clean Bike Parts

Washing & Cleaning

To ensure that none of these parts fail early on during their work life, you should take care of them by keeping them as clean as you can. This includes washing them. To wash a motorcycle you need to use a soft sponge or cloth and cool water. Avoid squirting the water at the muffler outlet as well as electrical parts.

To clean a motorcycle you need to dampen the cloth or sponge into a mix of mild detergent water and rub soiled areas gently. Make sure to rinse the areas you rub with fresh water frequently whilst cleaning the whole bike. When you’re done cleaning rinse the whole motorcycle and dry it off. Lastly, turn it on, let it run for several minutes and test the bakes before you start riding it.

Source: cycleworld.com

Finishing Touches

After you’ve washed and cleaned your motorbike, you need to get a commercial cleaner or polish to give it a new shine or restore it’s old one back. Use non-abrasive polish made specifically for motorcycles and use it according to the instruction manual that is usually provided with it.

How to Get Rust Off Bike Parts

You should inspect your motorcycle for rusty areas before washing and cleaning it so you can remove the rust more easily.

1. Once you’ve washed and dried the affected areas scrape the rust off with an abrasive material. This can be steel wool or some sandpaper. When you’ve removed most of the rust, go ahead and bring it won a notch with the abrasiveness of the paper/ wool. Don’t rub too harshly as it can damage the metal.
2. When you’re done scraping off the rest of the rust get yourself a polishing cloth to remove hard to reach spots. When done clean the rusty area and apply a polishing compound followed by a coat of wax to provide protection for the metal in the future.

Source: skf.com

What Bike Parts Need Grease?

Drive Chain

Probably one of the most important motorbike parts to put grease on is the drive chain. Lubricating the drive chain helps prevent dust and grime sticking to it, which can easily get it stuck. You should apply grease on it every month or even more frequently if you ride your motorcycle more often.

Suspension

Rain and surface water can also affect the performance of both the rear and front suspension. With the formation of corrosion on the rebound adjusters can make the suspension unusable. Just put a drop or two of light engine oil when turning them and they’ll be operational again.

Clutch Cable

Gear changing is a crucial part of every modern motorcycle and this action relies on the clutch cable. If the clutch cable is not greased regularly it can get sticky and make gear changing a lot more difficult.

Switch Clusters

These components need to be sprayed with WD40 to displace any water and then lubricated with light engine oil. To do this, you need to split them open and apply the same solutions to the throttle housing too.

It comes as a surprise to many people that stock exhaust systems aren’t built with performance in mind, even though they have a sports bike. Stock exhaust systems aren’t built with performance in mind due to the fact that the manufacturer usually has to meet a budget, which prevents them from creating the best pipes possible, and using materials of lesser quality than those that aftermarket performance exhaust manufacturers use. Generally, aftermarket motorcycle exhaust Australia manufacturers use stainless or aluminised steel, while stock exhausts are usually made of mild steel.

Moreover, stock exhaust systems oftentimes use a simpler, easier-to-manufacture design instead of the best design performance wise. They’re limited in what they can do, due to having a wide base of customers who are doing different things for their bikes, most of which don’t look to unleash the extra power that the bike’s engine has. Additionally, there are many emissions regulations that they have to pass before they can put the bike on the market. Speaking of emissions, aftermarket exhaust systems typically utilise larger diameter pipes, meaning exhaust gases flow in and out of the engine more freely, thus improving your bike’s fuel economy.

Furthermore, depending on the type of bike and exhaust you have, you can completely change how your bike sounds. Your bike can go from sounding like a broken sewing machine to a raging, fire-breathing beast. While this doesn’t concern most people, almost every rider who has an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust Australia wide will tell you that the aftermarket exhaust adds an extra layer of pleasure when riding.

That being said, aftermarket motorcycle exhaust Australia manufacturers offer two basic types of exhausts – slip-on/bolt-on muffler exhausts and full-on exhaust systems. The first type replaces the muffler and keeps the headpipes, while the full system replaces everything. The bolt-on/slip-on aftermarket exhaust doesn’t boost performance as much as a full exhaust system, but they’re the more affordable option which is also easier to install. That being said, a full aftermarket exhaust system replacement requires fuel management changes to work properly, which usually entails a fuel controller for a fuel-injected bike or a jet kit for a carbureted bike.