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Karla Weinbrenner

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Essential Tools to Keep on Your Motorcycle!

Motorcycle Tools Tools that may be useful to have on your Motorcycle. Most riders who ride older bikes tend to carry tools because they know they may need them. But even a new bike might need something minor done to it that will require tools. Some bikes come with a tool kit but those kits don’t always have everything you need. You can get some multitools that will take the place of several tools, but they don't always work as well as if you had the actual tool for the job. Electrical and Duct tape Knife Zips ties Hex and Torq wrenches Tire pressure gauge Flat head screwdriver Phillips screwdriver Pliers and/or wire cutters Adjustable wrench Spark Plug tool Small flashlight Bungee cords Jump Box (Juno Jumper or similar) Optional Additional Items: Reflective safety vest Road reflectors Work gloves Kickstand […]

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Motorcycle Laws when Traveling

Motorcycle Laws when Traveling It is important to know what laws are in effect when you travel outside your normal riding area. Today's tip is when traveling outside your normal area, make sure you research the laws that are in effect for the places you will be visiting. It’s not just the helmet laws, although those are good to know. You can check them out at www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/helmetuse/mapmotorcyclehelmets  But you should also look at concealed carry, knife, and rider requirement laws. There are some states that have some different laws than you are used to and even if you are not from that state, you are required to follow those laws when riding in that state. For example, in Illinois, you are required to wear eye protection unless you have a windshield. Do you have neon lights? If so, you can run […]

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NHTSA Investigates Tesla Again…

NHTSA Investigates Tesla Again... In a letter made public this week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking answers from Tesla on the company's "Autopilot" system. The letter sent on July 26th states, "Recently, NHTSA became aware that Tesla has introduced an Autopilot configuration that, when enabled, allows drivers using Autopilot to operate their vehicles for extended periods without Autopilot prompting the driver to apply torque to the steering wheel." As the letter notes, the ramifications of this feature are worrisome. "Relaxation of controls designed to ensure that the driver remains engaged in the dynamic driving task could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot." It is unclear whether Tesla responded by the August 25th deadline noted in the correspondence. However, this action by NHTSA comes on the heels of several other investigations […]

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Be Seen

Be Seen Tips to help you Be seen A major cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other motorist to “See” the motorcycle.  This can be verified by many studies, and it is the reason that especially in May, you see many signs that say “Look Twice”, “Start Seeing Motorcycles”, or “Look Out for Motorcycles”.   We as motorcyclist, are asking for others to look for us but we have a responsibility as well.  There are things we can do to help be seen. Wear bright Colors or ride a bright colored bike. You need to stand out and get attention.  All Black will cause you blend and maybe overlooked especially at night.  Another thing you can do in some states but not all is accent lighting on your bike.   The more noticeable you are the better chance you will […]

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T-Clocs – Final Part (part 6) – Stands

T-Clocs - Final Part (part 6) - Stands The S in T-clocs stands for Stands Today we come to last part of the in-depth coverage of T-CLOCS. The S in T-CLOCS stands for Stands. Some bikes have center stands and some have side stands. For both you need to check for cracks or other damage. You also need to check the springs to make sure they are in place and not wore out. I have seen riders have to use bungee cords to hold the stand up so they could get to someplace to get a new spring. You should also make sure the bolts holding the stand on are tight. I know of riders who lost their kickstands on a ride and did not know it until they stopped and it was not there. You need to check the […]

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T-Clocs Part 5 – Chassis

T-Clocs Part 5 - Chassis The 2nd C in T-Clocs is for Chassis Today in our in-depth coverage of T-CLOCS we are covering the 2nd C. The 2nd C in T-CLOCS stands for Chassis. The Chassis covers the Frame, Suspension, Drive Train (chain, belt, or shaft) and Fasteners. I know that on my older Harley Davidson, I do a quick look over of the Chassis before each ride. Sometimes when I wash my bike, I find things I maybe should have found when checking the Chassis. Be sure to take the time to find those missing or loose bolts or clips. You can get them replaced or tightened before getting back on the road. Checking the Frame is looking for cracks, rust, and checking to see if anything like engine guards, saddlebags, or luggage racks are loose. Check everything that […]

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T-Clocs Part 4 – Oil

T-Clocs Part 4 - Oil Part 4 of T-Clocs check. Oil and other fluids The O in T-CLOCS stands for Oil and other fluids. You can have a shop change your fluids or you can do it yourself if you are so inclined. The way to check your oil is different on different bikes. Some bikes have to be stood upright to get a correct reading. Most bikes have a dipstick of some sort that you can use to see the level of your oil.  Some, like my old Yamaha V-star, you have to lay on the ground in order to look at a small sight glass at the bottom of the engine. There is a choice when changing your oil.  You can use regular oil, partially synthetic, or full synthetic. I will put some information about them in a […]

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T-Clocs Breakdown Part 3 – Lights

T-Clocs Breakdown Part 3 - Lights The L in T-clocs stands for Lights Today we will continue our in-depth discussion about T-CLOCS with a look at the L. The L stand for Lighting and Electrical. On your normal pre-ride check you can do a lot of these checks at a glance. But if you are not able to ride right now and want to go through a more in-depth check, the following is what you should check:  Start with headlights. Check for cracks in the lenses and that nothing is loose. Then check that the light comes on and the both the high and low beams work. I know that many riders ride with their hi-beams on all the time, but you still need to make sure your low beams work in case you need them.  Check the […]

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T-Clocs Breakdown Part 2 – Controls

T-Clocs Breakdown Part 2 - Controls The First C in T-Clocs stands for Controls. Continuing with the acronym T-CLOCS, today I will go over the first C and that stands for Controls. This is not only a guide for that pre-ride check, but also a more in-depth pre-season (for some it is something to do until you can be out riding) check. You need to make sure your handlebars are straight and can turn from full lock in both directions with no issues. You should make sure there are no dents or broken sections. Also, your bars should not be loose. Some bikes do have some play in the handlebars due to bushings or some bikes with Ape Hangers (mostly older ones) the bars will move because they are designed without a stop to prevent movement. Make sure your grips […]

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T-Clocs Breakdown Part 1 – Focus on Tires

T-Clocs Breakdown Part 1 - Tires Breakdown of the T-Clocs pre-ride check - Focus on Tires In today’s world, some people are not allowed to be out riding. Or in some places, the weather is not yet riding conducive. Today, I will go over things we can do for Motorcycle Safety while at home. Every year we cover T-CLOCS. This is used as a check that should be completed before going for a ride. You can use it now, at the start of your riding season, to make sure everything is ready to go. Now is a good time do it because if you can’t ride right now, you have time to get parts shipped or appointments made at your motorcycle repair shop. Today we will cover the T in T-CLOCS and that is for Tires.  Checking Tires is […]

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