June
What effect does ride height adjustment have?
24 June 2009 by
Ride height adjustment is usually only found on top-of-the-range sports bikes, nakeds and the occasional sports-tourer, It raises or lowers the height of the rear shock, lifting or lowering the entire...
How to scrub in your tyres
24 June 2009 by
In a word ‘gently’. When the tyre comes out of the mould there are release agents that need to be removed before the rubber performs at its optimum. Compare and buy motorcycle tyres To do that you...
How much to spend on a rear shock
24 June 2009 by
If you’re thinking of replacing your rear shock and are unsure of how much to spend, consider this… Choose a specialist supplier/manufacturer who can give decent back-up and advice. You are going to...
Firmer brakes overnight
19 June 2009 by
For an easier way to get better brakes, use a cable-tie or similar to hold the front brake on quite tightly and leave overnight. When returning to the bike next day tap the brake hoses thoroughly to...
Suspension advice: Stopping my bike 'flopping' into corners
18 June 2009 by
Q. My 2004 Kawasaki ZR-7 has a tendency to flop into corners although I fitted a new rear shock recently. Compare and buy suspension products I’ve checked the head bearings for play and set the tyre...
How to extract a weathered header pipe bolt
18 June 2009 by
If your socket just spins on the bolt, don’t panic! Go for a run on the bike to get it really hot, then when you get back leave it ticking over for 5-10 minutes. Compare and buy motorcycle...
Why does a single-shock set-up work better than twin shocks?
18 June 2009 by
The greatest difference comes from how the dampers are driven. With twin shocks the dampers travel almost the same distance as the wheel. Compare and buy suspension parts The tends to over-heat the...
Tyre advice: I need a tyre for high mileage commuting
17 June 2009 by
Q. I just took the plunge and bought a Sprint 955 which I’m loving but I need a new rear tyre. The bike is currently fitted with Bridgestone BT014s. Compare and buy motorcycle tyres However, I am a...
Kit: Choosing the right kit
17 June 2009 by
Choosing the right kit for any motorcyclist, new or experienced, should always follow the same guidelines. Just because you’re a new rider, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the optimum level of...
Top five helmet tips from Arai race truck
12 June 2009 by
Arai is celebrating its 25th anniversary appearance at the TT this week, commending their TT relationship with a special celebration helmet and giving MCN readers the fruits of their...
Tyre Advice: are some tyres better than others at resisting punctures?
11 June 2009 by
Some high mileage commuters find themselves picking up punctures every 2-3000 miles and they start searching for more puncture-proof rubber. But that puncture rate is more a comment on the type of...
Suspension advice: When your used bike is like a rocking horse
11 June 2009 by
If you¹ve bought a used bike that¹s over five years old and it rocks back and forth even when you¹re feathering the brakes chances are the fork springs are more than a little tired. Fortunately...
Tyre advice for Triumph Daytona 675
11 June 2009 by
Q. I’m getting through the rear Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa on my Triumph 675 on my daily commute and I want to switch to a tyre that will give me better mileage and decent levels of grip. I don¹t...
Suspension advice: Nitride coating on forks
11 June 2009 by
Q. What is nitride coating and what does it do for your forks? A. The structural elements of a fork leg are two precision-made tubes, one sliding inside the other. When the forces of riding are...
Mystery Rossi helmet
08 June 2009 by
I purchased a racing bike back in 2001 and this helmet came with it. I have since sold the bike but the helmet has been hanging in my office ever since. I would like to know were it came from or what...
What's the difference between race and road suspension?
03 June 2009 by
What’s the difference between suspension on my road bike and a race bike? In two words, quality and focus. Pukka race suspension is far more adjustable than road suspension but within a narrower...
Tyre advice: I can only lean so far
02 June 2009 by
MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. My Kawasaki ZX-636 is fitted with its standard Dunlop tyres...
Technical advice: Stalling on downshifts
01 June 2009 by
MCN expert Chris Dabbs is here to answer any questions you have on anything bike related. If you have any questions, ask an expert here Q. I got a Ducati Monster 1100S a couple of weeks ago and I am...