A Common Oversight

Long distance travel plans for the season are here! I asked our terrific tech Trent what advice he would give to our customers, both seasoned and new riders.  Trent is a man of few words, so I can sum it up pretty quickly:

• Look over your bike before traveling: tire pressure, fluid levels, lights/electronics, controls 

(I would say T-CLOCKS)

• When packing put all your personal hygiene items at the bottom of the bag along with extra pair of shoes i.e. the stuff you don’t need until you stop for the night.  Pack gear you may need quickly on top i.e. rain gear, chaps, jackets (you don’t want to dig when you’re hit by rain).
• Balance out your saddlebags!  Trent said that most of the motorcycles he works on have one saddlebag loaded down with extra gear and the other side empty.  This is the common oversight Trent sees over and over again.
• When you stop for fuel, look over your bike from front to back again, especially on those cross country trips.  Tires still have the right amount of air pressure?  Any leaks?
• Look over your buddy’s bikes also when traveling with others.  You might notice something they don’t!

Jan would like to add that you should schedule a general maintenance i.e. fluid changes and/or tire changes a minimum of four weeks before your trip.  That way you can be sure you will be able to get in and have it serviced before your trip as the shop is very busy this time of year.  If you want to make major changes like changing out handle bars six to eight weeks out is best.  That way we can be sure to, not only get all parts ordered and changes made, but also so that you have several weeks to ride and get used to the change made before going on a long trip.

Hmmm, thinking about that “common oversight” Trent mentioned, as a passenger, maybe some off those saddlebags empty on one side are for the passenger.  What do you all think?  

Peace Out and Safe Travels, Reine

Some of the Top Summer Motorcycle Trips You Should Take

Are you looking for some fun new places to travel to for the summer? Here are some of the top ranked trip destinations for motorcyclists!

Peak-to-Peak Highway – Colorado: Colorado’s Peak-to-Peak Highway is considered by many motorcyclists to be a biker’s nirvana, despite its 60-mile length. The Peak-to-Peak Highway combines some of the most beautiful scenery in the world with sensational twists and turns!

Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming: Many bikers claim that the Beartooth Highway along U.S. Highway 212 is the best highway for motorcycling in America. There are many hairpin turns and switchbacks found along the Beartooth Highway, along with mountains and valleys, and some spectacular views and vistas that can be enjoyed along the route!

Tail of the Dragon North Carolina and Tennessee: What’s known to motorcyclists as “Tail of the Dragon” consists of U.S. Highways 129 and 318 that flow through North Carolina. Many movies and TV shows have been based on this route, not to mention several songs. With it’s tight curves, swift dips, steep drops, and spanning just 11 miles, it is one of the most well-known and popular rides in the world.

When it comes to customizing your motorcycle, the sky’s the limit!  You can add all sorts of accessories to make it stand out and look unique. One popular accessory is underglow lighting. This adds a cool effect under your bike that makes it stand out when you’re riding. There are a few things you should know before adding underglow lighting to your motorcycle.

Know Your State’s LED Rules for Motorcycles

First, underglow lighting can be illegal in some states. Before you add underglow lighting to your motorcycle, be sure to check the laws in your state to make sure it is legal. Depending on where you live, you may be required to have a certain type of underglow lighting, or you may not be allowed to have underglow lighting at all. For the state of Missouri, it is legal to have underglow lighting for your motorcycle.

Cheap vs Quality Lighting: Know the Difference

Second, not all underglow lighting is created equal. Motorcycle LED lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including pod lights, strip lights, and lights that can change color and even have lighting effects. There are many types of underglow lights on the market, but they are not all the same quality. Some underglow lights are very cheaply made and will not last long. Others are quite expensive but are made with high-quality materials that will last for years. It’s important to do your research and find underglow lighting that is right for you and your motorcycle. Our shop will guide you through the decision making process, and inform you on all of the best underlighting options for you and your bike. 

Brightness and Safety

Third, underglow lighting can be very bright! If you are not careful, you can end up with a blinding light show under your bike that is more annoying than anything else.  Be sure to consult with an expert or do your research to find underglow lighting that will provide the right amount of light for your needs. At Chariots of Fire Customs, we help you determine the proper brightness and saturation for your lights so that your bike can look just the way you want it and ride safely on the roads also.  Be sure to educate yourself on how to utilize the controls to change the colors and patterns as needed.

Underlighting and Motorcycle Battery Life

Fourth, underglow lighting can drain your battery. If you are planning on using underglow lighting for long periods of time, be sure to have a backup plan in case your battery dies. If you are not driving the motorcycle or if you are away from it, you should turn off the LED lights. If done frequently, leaving the LED lights on while the motorcycle is turned off will drain the battery and eventually cause it to fail. We recommend only using the LEDs in small time frames and start the bike periodically to ensure battery voltage is adequate.

April’s Lighting Specials at Chariots of Fire Customs

Adding underglow lighting to your motorcycle can be a great way to make it stand out and look unique. If you are considering adding underglow LEDs to your motorcycle soon, this is a great time to do so!  Now through the end of April, our shop is running specials on all lighting projects. Our team is equipped and ready to help you install your lighting safely and legally, so that your bike can get that killer glow just in time for summer and all the competition shows! Come by the shop today to talk about what you’re looking for.

Ahh, the smell of fresh rubber tires…

To me this means a safe ride.  We’re stocking up on the best motorcycle tires for riding season at Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC.

Tires play a big role in the safety department of your motorcycle. As you ride those new tires begin to break down.  The way you ride and your bike’s set-up will determine the wear on them as you rack up the miles.  Some riders just naturally have a longer life on their tires than others.

In terms of handling and performance, motorcycle tires set the tone for your journey. When your tires exhibit substantial indications of deterioration, your bike may feel very different, increasing the risk of losing control. Here’s what you should know about taking care of your motorcycle’s tires, whether you do it yourself or have a reputable professional do it for you.

Check the Pressure 

It’s critical to double-check that both tires are adequately inflated. Pressure is affected by a number of things, including how long you’ve been riding on the tires and the current weather.

If the pressure is low, you’ll need to use compressed air to inflate both tires to the necessary PSI. If the tires are over-inflated due to warmer weather or the load you’re hauling, use the Schrader valve to bleed them and recheck with a tire gauge.  Don’t just kick them and say “that should do”.

You should also thoroughly inspect both tires for nails or glass shards embedded in the rubber, broken material, tread separation, bubbling, or bulging. These factors affect tire pressure as well as your likelihood of an unsafe tire which could potentially cause a blowout.

Look at the Tread

Worn tread is a warning sign that your tires are nearing the end of their useful life and will no longer be able to withstand slick or harsh conditions. Make it a practice to inspect your tire tread each time you go for a ride.

Check to see if the rubber has begun to create a smooth appearance. Too much material has worn away if the rubber and wear bars look the same. If the cord on the tire is visible, there isn’t enough material left to ride safely. A gauge or penny can also be used to show how many millimeters are left.

Since there are only two tires, tread plays a vital role in safety as you ride. Direct touch with the road and how quickly a tread pattern deflects water can reduce your chance of hydroplaning.

Check the DOT number on the sidewall.  The last four digits are the only ones you need to concern yourself with.  How do you decipher these numbers?  For example, 0218 means that the tire was manufactured in the 2nd week of 2018.  Tires older than five years need to be replaced no matter how good they may look.  Reasons:  tire deterioration starts from the inside out because of moisture from compressed air and temperature variation.  Also, tire rubber gets harder with age and does not have the same traction as when new.  This means wet riding is compromised when taking off and stopping power is not as good.  Look at the tire tread closely as it will show you whether cracks have begun forming because of aging.

When to Seek Help

Not all rubber compounds are the same. Having a professional help you decipher the best decision to make for your bike’s tires is the best solution. Need new tires, or help checking your old tires? Stop by our shop during the month of March and April for special deals on tires.  20% off all Dunlop and Metzler tires while supplies last!

Because of today’s manufacturing standards, a lot of motorcycle manufacturers will leave plenty of room for improvement with most bikes that roll off an assembly line. They use affordable, standardized parts to fit a large quantity of mass-produced motorcycles. They aren’t concerned about maximizing each vehicle’s performance, especially when it comes to torque and horsepower. 

Because of this, there are many benefits that come from adding an aftermarket exhaust to your bike. Not only can it drastically improve horsepower, but it can also help with some other key components too. Read on to see how an aftermarket exhaust is able to benefit you and your bike. 

Performance

There are two ways that an aftermarket exhaust might improve performance. For starters, it helps you lose weight. Exhaust manufacturers frequently use ultra-lightweight metals in their systems. They even “forget” about hefty items like catalytic converters on occasion. As a result, you’ll have a slimmer system that can help you lose roughly 20 pounds.

The second performance benefit is increased power; an aftermarket exhaust can improve both horsepower and torque. At first, this appears strange, because whatever happens in your pipes happens after the engine cycle. Consider this: altering your exhaust will alter the way your engine breathes. You’ll obtain more combustion if the motorcycle can breathe more air via the engine and the fuel intake is adjusted proportionately. Larger explosions produce more power.

Significant top-end power improvements can be achieved with a complete exhaust system and the accompanying fuel modification. It can reach as high as 15% in some circumstances.

Noise

The brass intensifies the sound from your lips when you play the trumpet (like a boss). When you play the same buzzing sound on the tuba (like a gigantic boss), the instrument makes a different sound. The source is the same, but the modifiers are different.

Exhaust from motorcycles works in the same way. The sound is created by your engine, and it is altered by the exhaust. Most exhausts attempt to soften the noise of internal combustion because it is so loud. Much of the sound is cancelled before it reaches the muffler by reflecting pressure waves back on themselves.

Exhausts, on the other hand, do more than only reduce volume.

The sound can be changed in a variety of ways depending on the materials, diameters, shapes, and inner cores. It makes little difference whether you ride a 49cc scooter or a 2.3L Rocket III. The tone might be rich or “tinny,” and the pitch can be high or low. The volume of exhaust notes might be loud or low, and the notes can be rough or smooth. Whatever noise you’re seeking for, an exhaust will be able to provide it.

Style

High and low mounts, gleaming and matte finishes, and large and small sizes are all available. There are many styles to pick from, and the “perfect choice” is the one that appeals to you. At the end of the day, any aftermarket exhaust will set your motorcycle distinct from the rest of the pack.

One thing to keep in mind is that exhaust colors change. Almost every system will experience discoloration as a result of heat cycles and contaminants. For the best results, have a professional, like ourselves, help when it comes to choosing a perfect match for your bike.

AFR

Although exhaust change will bring changes in tone and flow, flow is the next concern.  Why?  Because more air means more fuel needed to complete the upgrade. By having more air flow through the motor it will change the AFR (air fuel ratio) to a leaner condition causing the motor to run leaner than 14.7 to 1 ratio. To get back to the proper AFR you will need to upgrade the fuel program to stage 1. This will make the bike run cooler and more be dependable for a long life ahead.  We are able to do these upgrades on the computers and dyno bikes if needed.

February is HorsePower Month

Looking to increase your horsepower soon? February is the month to do it! Now through the end of the month, all horse-power increasing products, including exhausts, are 15% off! Take advantage of this special while it lasts, and get your bike prepped and ready for the upcoming riding season!