Tools

Motorcycle headlight bulb buying guide 2024 - The pros and cons of LED, HID and halogen tech

10 December 2024 by Robin Kirkley

In the warmer months when the sun rises early and sets late, we hardly give a thought to our headlight bulbs. The headlight just comes on when we start our bike and goes off when we power down. But...

How to replace your own motorbike fork seals | Save money with this guide from MCN's expert mechanic

29 July 2024 by Bruce Dunn

A weeping fork seal is never a welcome sight on your bike, particularly in the run-up to your next MoT test, but it doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip to the mechanic. With the right tools and...

MCN's expert guide on removing bug splats, tar or any other stubborn stains from your motorcycle

08 July 2024 by Bruce Dunn

Summer in the UK brings with it lots of positives for bikers. Bright mornings, long evenings, warm sunshine and sticky tarmac are all positives but the downside is that your fairing, headlamp and...

How to deep clean your motorcycle's wheels and get them looking like new with MCN's expert mechanic

02 July 2024 by Bruce Dunn

You motorbike’s wheels can be one of the trickiest areas to clean, but they’re also prone to getting absolutely filthy. Related Best products for cleaning your motorbike Best deals on...

Here are the best motorcycle chain lubes we've found after thousands of test miles - From just $16

02 July 2024 by Anders Carlson

Any motorcycle that uses a drive chain will need chain lube, an essential maintenance spray. Modern X-ring or O-ring chains have built-in lubricant on the inside of the rollers but the outside of the...

Rabaconda Dirt Bike Tyre Changer - "I only wish I'd bought one sooner"

18 June 2024 by Michael Guy

Having spent my trials bike riding youth having to change my own tyres it’s not something I’m unfamiliar with, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy it. In fact I’d go further and say I dislike it. Chasing...

Save money and learn how to do basic oil and filter servicing on your motorcycle with MCN's expert

13 June 2024 by Bruce Dunn

The oil in your motorbike’s engine plays an incredibly important role. It acts as a cushion between moving parts, such as between camshaft and head, reducing friction and wear. Jump to: The right...

Best motorcycle paddock stands as tested by MCN for stability and value

04 June 2024 by Jim Blackstock

There are lots of reasons why a motorcycle paddock stand is a fundamental accessory, even if you’ve only got a basic tool set-up. First and foremost, bikes like being stored upright. There are...

How to fit a Scottoiler or other automatic motorbike chain oiler at home

20 May 2024 by Bruce Dunn

An automatic oiler can take a lot of the work out of looking after your chain and sprockets and can actually extend its life. It’s especially useful in the winter months when salt, dirt and water from...

MCN's chain and sprocket buying guide | Find out the pros and cons of the different types

15 May 2024 by Ben Clarke

A motorcycle’s chain and sprockets may, at first glance, seem like slightly old-fashioned bicycle technology but are actually one of the most sophisticated bits of kit on your bike. Related: Save...

The Muc-Off Powersports Dirt Bucket kit is your one-stop shop for easy bike cleaning

15 May 2024 by Saffron Wilson

Muc-Off is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, and during that time they have stood by their iconic pink cleaner and expanded to a wealth of other products. If you’re anything like me, the worst...

Save money on motorbike maintenance and learn to change your own chain and sprockets with MCN

15 May 2024 by Bruce Dunn

Well-maintained motorcycle chains and sprockets will last thousands of miles, but like all service parts they will eventually wear out. The majority of motorcycles on the road use a chain and...

Vulcanet motorcycle cleaning wipes offer the ultimate in cleaning convenience

29 April 2024 by Michael Neeves

I’m a late comer to the waterless wash thing. Bike cleaning needs a hose and bucket of soapy water, right? And surely, you’ll scratch your paintwork if you wipe it without rinsing the dirt off first?...

Here's your guide to preparing your bike for winter storage so it's good to go in spring

05 February 2024 by Bruce Dunn

Plenty of bikers in the UK prefer not to ride through the winter months – whether that’s because they don’t want to expose their pride and joy to road salt, they ride focused sportsbikes that wouldn’t...

Best motorcycle suspension upgrades and tools

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Forget about engine tuning or performance pipes if you want to make a dramatic change to your bike’s performance. If you’re looking for something that’ll affect every aspect of your riding,...

Best Motorcycle Mirrors and Accessories

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Sometimes, no matter how hard they try, manufacturers can’t get everything right. And something that can be completely dependent on the size and shape of the rider is how well the mirrors and...

The Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Replacement Screens

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Part of the attraction of motorcycling is the freedom, the exposure to the environment, the wind-in-the-hair (helmet notwithstanding, of course) riding experience. Sometimes though, that can get a bit...

Best motorcycle indicator upgrades

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Motorcycle indicators are hardly the stuff of legend or discussion; you will rarely get another biker coming up to you at a bike meet or a bacon-butty stop to ask where you got them, how you find they...

Keep it under wraps | Best motorcycle covers for indoor and outdoor use tested by us

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Not everyone will feel that they need a cover for their motorcycle, after all aren’t they supposed to be pretty weatherproof already? However a cover can be really useful for a number of reasons,...

Best Motorcycle Cleaning Brushes

10 October 2023 by Jim Blackstock

It’s always nice to be able to spray a cleaning product onto a bike, let it dwell for a little while and then, simply rinse off. We all love it when cleaning the bike takes no more effort than that to...

Shiny, happy people: Best motorcycle chrome cleaners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Chrome cleaner will let you take care of the ultra-reflective plated surfaces on your motorbike, especially common on customs, cruisers and some retro models. Cleaning a motorbike properly involves...

MCN's guide to the best motorcycle maintenance sprays

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Any self-respecting motorcyclist will have a cupboard full of lotions and potions to look after their bike. Anything from cleaning it to preventing it from corroding; keeping rain off your visor to...

Tried and tested: ACF-50 corrosion preventer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

It’s a sad fact of life that, unless you only ride on dry days and in the warmer months, you will need some form of corrosion prevention on your bike. It might just be a light dusting if you prefer...

Jet wash: Best motorcycle carburettor cleaners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

While for most engine work, a can of degreaser will suffice to clean up parts prior to reassembly. However, when it comes to fuel systems, you need a motorcycle carburettor cleaner. Something that...

A guide to cleaning your motorcycle chain including tips and the best cleaners

14 September 2023 by Charlotte King

Looking after your motorcycle chain is a really important chore, after all it is the part of your bike that runs the power to your rear wheel unless you own a belt or shaft-driven motorcycle. So chain...

Care for your bike and the planet: Best eco-friendly motorcycle cleaners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

We all want to keep our bikes clean. Not only is it the best way to pride and joy looking its best but it’s an important part of its maintenance schedule and a vital way to ensure it’s performing to...

Shift the toughest crud: Best motorcycle degreasers

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

No matter how scrupulously clean you keep your bike, there will come a time when you need to clean something that is particularly filthy or has a build-up of old oil or grease, meaning you need a good...

Tried and tested: Worx Hydroshot brushless review

14 September 2023 by Adam Binnie

While it’s not a great idea to blast your wheel bearings or electronics with a pressure washer, you can safely clean your motorbike with Worx Hydroshot Brushless if you are careful. Thing is, going...

Keep corrosion at bay with the best rust-prevention products for your motorbike

14 September 2023 by Ben Clarke

Rust is the enemy of the motorcyclist, especially if you ride all year round, whatever the weather. Once corrosion sets in it is extremely hard to get rid of and can make a once beautiful machine look...

We ride hundreds of thousands of miles per year and these are the best chain lubes we've found for all conditions

14 September 2023 by Ben Clarke

Chain lube is an essential maintenance spray for any motorcycle that uses a drive chain (which is the vast majority). Chain cleaning and lubrication is an important step in chain care and should be a...

Save yourself money by following MCN's guide to looking after your motorbike chain

14 September 2023 by Bruce Dunn

A motorbike chain is a vitally important bit of kit. It’s essentially the part that connects your motor to your back wheel in most cases, so careful maintenance is key to keeping your bike...

Drip feeders: Best motorcycle chain oilers as chosen by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Aftermarket, motorcycle chain oilers have proved popular with bikers who want to keep their chain lubed without the hassle of getting down on their knees with a spray can and a paddock stand. These...

Tried and tested: Muc-Off Pressure Washer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Generally speaking, if you want to clean a motorbike, then you will probably find a pressure washer useful. However – and it’s a big however – sometimes, you need to be careful, particularly around...

Going nowhere: Best motorcycle rear wheel spinners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Unless your bike has a centrestand, cleaning and subsequently lubricating and protecting the chain or cleaning the wheels can be a real pain. That task is made easier with a motorcycle wheel...

Fluid dynamics: How to change your motorcycle engine oil

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The oil in your engine is its lifeblood: it lubricates the moving parts and stops them wearing or destroying themselves. It helps to keep everything cool, particularly on ‘air’-cooled engines and it...

Power play: How to hard-wire heated motorcycle gloves into your bike

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Heated kit is a brilliant addition to your winter riding kit. It allows you to wear less insulating clothing and instead, generate heat to maintain your body temperature while remaining comfortable...