Zen
and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values -- by
Robert M. Pirsig;
Amazon.com review:
In Zen and the
Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Phaedrus, our narrator, takes a present-tense
cross-country motorcycle trip with his son during which the maintenance
of the motorcycle becomes an illustration of how we can unify the cold,
rational realm of technology with the warm, imaginative realm of artistry.
As in Zen, the trick is to become one with the activity, to engage in it
fully, to see and appreciate all details--be it hiking in the woods, penning
an essay, or tightening the chain on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle
facts:
Motorcycle
is a two-wheeled vehicle resembling more to a heavy bicycle. Motorcycle
create a great sensation of freedom to one who ride this vehicle. You become
one with Motorcycle body and have a great control over this vehicle. Motorcycle
is for stong persons, for a man of action. Motorcycles have three- to five-speed.
The motorcycles engine is two-stroke or four-stroke.
Motorcycles
is started by a foot-activated starter crank. Some larger motorcycles have
electric starters but you fell some times motorcycle like an extension
of your body.
A motorcycle
has al brake operated by a foot pedal and a brake operated by a hand lever.
Some motorcycles use drum brakes.
In order to
operate a motorcycle a driver's licence is required. The engine of
a motorcycle is usually air-cooled, but racing motorcycles, are water-cooled.
The sensation
of air fowing around you is unique in riding a great motorcycle.
Motorcycles
accommodate a passenger in addition. Vehicles similar to the motorcycle
are scooters. Three-wheeled motorcycles are used occasionally.
Another strong
sensation in riding a motorcycle is in receiving a great hug from your
girl friend behind you. The greater the speed of the motorcycle the greater
the hug.
Motorcycles
are popular because of their size, easyness, ability to accelerate quickly,
and economy. Motorcycles are used for transport, recreation, and racing.
Motorcycles are used by police and military around the world. Motorcycles
are a modern horses for modern knights.
Motorcycle
- article index
Shift
Into High Gear Safely
(ARA)
- The Energy Department estimates that the average gas prices between April
and September 2004 will average $1.76 per gallon nationwide, a record high.
When it costs $30 to fill your car’s gas tank, you may start to think of
canceling your summer travel plans. Instead of staying home due to high
prices, why not add a new twist by traveling by motorcycle instead of car?
Your gas money will go a lot farther, and you’ll experience a whole new
sensation on wheels.
Motorcycles
are by far the most fuel-efficient class of highway vehicle, getting about
50 miles per gallon, so you can see lot of the open road. Before you take
that road trip, though, make sure you’ve taken time to do some safety planning.
“If your bike
has been in storage over the winter, don’t overlook the basic safety checks,”
cautions Dustan Hahn, chief technical officer for Big Dog Motorcycles.
“Be sure to recharge your battery, and check your brakes, lights and tire
pressure before you even go around the block,” he says. Hahn also stresses
that experienced riders know it’s safest to assume that they’re invisible
to other motorists and operate their motorcycle accordingly. “This is especially
true in early spring when motorists aren’t used to seeing motorcycles on
the road yet,” he says.
New riders
should take a rider safety course that will cover everything from what
to wear while riding, to basic operating procedures, street-smart driving
strategies and how to avoid collisions. An added benefit is that many states
waive portions of the motorcycle endorsement test if riders have successfully
completed a safety course. In addition, many insurance companies offer
discounts on motorcycle insurance to riders who have taken a safety course.
“Many community colleges or local continuing education programs offer these
courses,” says Hahn. “Riders who take these classes have more fun on their
motorcycles by riding safely.”
If you’re in
the market for a new motorcycle this summer, look for those that incorporate
safety features such as 4-piston brakes for superior stopping power and
vibration-resistant mirrors for improved visibility. Even something as
simple as a kickstand can play a role in safety. Look for a rear-mounted
kickstand that is spring loaded so it remains retracted while the motorcycle
is in operation and will pop up if the driver fails to lift it before riding.
“Our motorcycles
and wheels, brakes, mirrors, controls and all components are designed and
tested to meet or exceed federal transportation requirements,” says Hahn.
Among the features unique to Big Dog motorcycles are a two-button starting
procedure that eliminates unintentional engagement of the starter and a
disabling start button so the starter is disabled after the engine is running.
Big Dog bikes also feature LED turn signals and brake lights which provide
both brilliant luminosity and improved longevity and reliability. “LEDs
are less susceptible to vibration than lights normally used on motorcycles,”
says Hahn.
Although all
the ten-year old company’s cruisers offer the same quality and safety features,
each one is truly unique. Big Dog Motorcycles offers customers a myriad
of choices for their custom bikes. Choose from one of six models, then
add a bigger engine, custom graphics and paint, full polished motor and
transmission, painted struts, accessories like a luggage rack, and more.
“Each bike we turn out is truly custom,” says company president Nick Messer.
“Your bike will stand out even among other Big Dog motorcycles.”
The leading
designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled custom cruisers,
Big Dog Motorcycles is celebrating ten years of perfecting custom bikes.
The company’s network has grown to 90 dealers and 120 authorized service
centers nationwide.
“There is an
adrenaline rush that comes with riding a bike of this caliber, not just
from the power and the thrill, but from the looks you’ll get,” says Messer.
To see one of its bikes in person, you can visit a dealer near you, or
look for the 2004 Pitbull that is part of the “Run for the Wall,” a cross
country motorcycle ride to raise awareness and money for families of Vietnam
Veterans. The black Pitbull features a custom paint job with ghost flames
and the POW/MIA insignia on the dash.
The Run for
the Wall starts May 18 and reaches Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day, when
300,000 motorcycles parade through downtown Washington en route to the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Along the way, the ride stops in 12 cities where
people can donate $20 for an opportunity to take the Big Dog Motorcycles
Pitbull home on May 31.
For more information
on Big Dog Motorcycles, visit www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.
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Prepare
Yourself and Your Motorcycle for Spring and Summer Fun
(ARA)
- New motorcycle sales increased for the 11th consecutive year in 2003,
and with the riding season here, many two-wheelers will be on the highways
and country back roads having a great time. But before heading out, smart
riders will take the time to both prepare their bikes and tune up their
riding skills.
“Spring is
the time to make sure your bike is ready to roll, especially if it spent
the winter in the garage,” says Dr. Ray Ochs, director of training systems
for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). “It’s also the right time to
get refreshed on the golden rules of motorcycling and sharpen your riding
skills by taking an MSF RiderCourse.”
Start by checking
out your riding gear. Are you due for a new helmet, one that is manufactured
to Department of Transportation standards? Also take a look at your face
shield or goggles to make sure there are no scratches or distortions. Is
your motorcycle jacket or riding suit in good shape and do you need brighter
clothing to be more conspicuous in traffic? How about the condition of
your boots and gloves?
Next, consider
the all-important golden rules of motorcycle riding:
1. Take the
MSF Basic RiderCourse if you haven’t done so already, or sign up for the
Experienced RiderCourse to expand on your current skills.
2. Make sure
you are properly licensed to ride, and know that in most states your MSF
RiderCourse certification can make things easier at the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
3. Always avoid
alcohol or other drugs before or during a ride.
4. Always wear
the proper riding gear, especially a helmet.
5. Always ride
within your skill limits.
Prepping the
motorcycle involves 10 simple steps that can be handled over a weekend:
1. Clean the
bike by hand. Besides winding up with a shiny machine, your close attention
to details will highlight loose fasteners, leaks and any damage you may
not have noticed otherwise. Once you’ve cleaned the bike, finish up by
wiping the brake discs with denatured alcohol.
2. Lube everything,
according to the owner’s or shop manual, check all fluid levels (cooling
system, hydraulic brake reservoirs, battery, chain or shaft drive) and
adjust and replace as needed.
3. Fully charge
the battery.
4. Change the
engine oil and filter.
5. Check drive
chain tension (as needed) and check the tires for wear, punctures and cuts,
then inflate to the recommended pressures.
6. Adjust the
mirrors and test all the lights, turn signals and horn. Then check all
the controls (throttle, brakes, clutch, shift lever), ensuring that they
smoothly operate and that the brakes work in proper fashion.
7. Turn the
engine over several times manually, using the kick starter (if it has one)
or by placing the transmission in high gear and rotating the rear wheel.
8. With fresh
gasoline in the tank, open the fuel valve (to “prime” if it has that setting)
and start the engine, slowly warming it up and listening for anything that
sounds wrong.
9. Walk around
the bike, check for leaks, perform a thorough visual inspection, and make
sure the side stand and center stand (if there is one) fully retract as
designed.
10. Take a
brief, easy test ride to make sure everything works properly.
See a dealership
or qualified professional if you’re not able to do all of this maintenance
yourself, or if anything doesn’t seem right with your motorcycle.
Follow these
suggestions and you’re likely all set for a summer of two-wheeled enjoyment.
For more information, visit www.msf-usa.org
or call (800) 446-9227 to get enrolled in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation
RiderCourse.
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Start
Your Motorcycling Adventure the Right Way
(ARA)
- Start your motorcycle adventure the right way in May during Motorcycle
Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to gain riding skills through a
special course designed to help those new to motorcycling feel comfortable
on two wheels.
Motorcycling
is more popular than ever. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council,
the U.S. motorcycle market has experienced 11 consecutive years of growth.
In addition, the sport is attracting a wider range of riders who wish to
experience the unrivaled spirit of freedom that motorcycling provides.
As the only
motorcycle manufacturer that offers a branded rider education program in
more than 30 states through its authorized dealerships, Harley-Davidson
has seen its Rider’s Edge New Rider Course grow in popularity and has trained
thousands of riders. Enrollees include a significant percentage of women
and younger people: women account for 41 percent of enrollees, and 33 percent
are aged 18 to 34.
According to
Dave Koenings, Harley-Davidson director of Rider’s Edge, the course provides
a welcoming atmosphere and an opportunity to network with others who love
the sport. “The course teaches skills that give new riders more confidence
and make the riding experience more enjoyable. Our instructors are expertly
trained and committed to the sport. Best of all, students get a personal
introduction to the riding experience, straight from the enthusiasts who
live it at Harley-Davidson and Buell,” he says. Those who enroll in the
New Rider Course gain more than riding skills. On successful completion
of the course, they receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Course
completion card. Depending on the person’s state of residence, this card
may exempt the rider from having to take the written and/or riding portion
of their motorcycle test. Also, depending on the person’s insurance provider,
the card may also qualify the rider for a discount on motorcycle coverage.
Classes are
presented in an experiential, interactive format that includes both classroom
instruction and experience on a controlled range. Instruction starts slowly
as the rider becomes familiar with the feel of the bike and then kicks
into gear with basic skills like braking, turning and other maneuvers such
as controlling skids and surmounting obstacles. Rider’s Edge participants
learn on the exciting Buell Blast, a lightweight, easy-to-handle motorcycle
with a rider-friendly design.
To enroll in
the course, riders must have a valid automobile driver’s license or learner’s
permit, be able to ride a bicycle, and provide their own protective riding
gear, such as a helmet and footwear. Courses are typically scheduled over
several days, with instruction taking place at both a Harley-Davidson dealership
and on a controlled riding range near the dealership. Cost is determined
by each participating dealership and ranges from $195 to $350 and includes
use of the Buell Blast for class riding sessions.
Rider’s Edge,
the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling, offers three training courses:
the New Rider Course, the Skilled Rider Course and the Group Riding Course.
For more information on courses throughout the country, please visit www.ridersedge.com.
Harley-Davidson
Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces
heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories
and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's
Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
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Summer
Motorcycling Tips for Beginners
(ARA)
- As summer heats up, a growing number of people will enjoy the freedom
of the open road from behind a pair of motorcycle handlebars. If you’ve
been considering a two-wheeled adventure of your own but thought it was
too difficult or intimidating, think again.
Just as U.S.
motorcycle sales have risen for 11 straight years, the population of riders
has grown more diverse and mainstream. Long perceived as the domain of
biker gangs and others on the fringes of society, today’s community of
riders includes people from virtually every walk of life.
“We’re seeing
all different types of people getting into motorcycling today, including
women, professionals, empty-nesters and others,” says Eddie James, road
riding director for the American Motorcyclist Association. “It’s really
all about individuality and freedom. A big part of the thrill is not knowing
what you’ll find around the next corner.”
James says
just about anyone can enjoy two-wheeling, with the right approach and preparation.
“Most new riders grow into it gradually, starting with short day trips
and then taking longer tours over time,” he says. “All you really need
is a comfortable bike, good balance and a sense of adventure.”
Finding the
right bike at the right price is another key part of a rider’s initiation
to the hobby. “Buying a motorcycle is an emotional process, but riders
can’t afford to overlook the financing part of the deal, and the Internet
can be a huge help,” says Brian Reed of Capital One Auto Finance, which
provides consumer motorcycle loans on the Web. Approximately one-third
of all new motorcycle purchases in 2003 were made with a loan.
For those itching
to explore the world of motorcycling, experts offer the following tips
for getting started the smart way:
* Take a Training
Course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse provides the
motorcycle, helmet and 15 hours of classroom and on-bike instruction. Courses
for beginning and experienced riders are offered at 1,000 different sites
in all 50 states.
* Decide What
Type of Riding You Like Most. Motorcycling comes in a wide variety of forms,
ranging from dirt bike riding to long-distance touring to sport riding.
How you plan to ride will determine what type of bike you select.
* Set a Budget.
The price you pay for your motorcycle will depend on several factors. For
example, a nice reliable touring bike that’s a few years old can be found
in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. A new, top-of-the-line model with all the
extras can run upwards of $20,000.
* Find a Bike
that Fits You. Focus on identifying a bike that feels comfortable to you.
Start by researching different makes, models and styles on the Internet.
Then visit a few dealerships in your area and throw your leg over a few
different models to see how they feel. Remember, even the coolest-looking
bike in the world will end up collecting dust in your garage if you’re
not comfortable riding it. Bring your motorcycle license and riding gear
to the dealership so you can take a test drive.
* Get a Loan
Before Visiting a Showroom. New riders are often revved up when it’s time
to buy their bike, but few think about the best way to finance their purchase.
Take the time to explore all of your financing options, including online
lenders. By logging on to www.capitaloneautofinance.com, you can apply
for a motorcycle loan quickly, securely and at no charge. You’ll receive
a reply within 15 minutes during normal business hours, and if approved,
you can receive a no-obligation Blank Check as soon as the next day, which
you can use just like a personal check to buy your bike. This approach
gives you the negotiating power of a cash buyer. And unlike some introductory
interest rates, Capital One’s interest rate will stay the same for the
life of the loan.
* Dress for
the Occasion. Find gear that will protect and feel comfortable. Riders
have traditionally worn leather for protection and rain gear for inclement
weather. But new textile garments offer more versatility, with their light
weight, abrasion resistance and breathability. Helmets are not required
by law in every state, but the AMA strongly recommends them for all riders.
Don’t forget the gloves and boots.
“With motorcycling,
how you get to your destination is just as important as where you’re going,”
says James. “On a bike, you experience the landscape in a much more exhilarating
way than you do in a car, but you can still be safe and comfortable.”
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Motorcycles:
The Cure for Spring Fever
(ARA)
– Bikers who have been cooped up inside during the long, cold winter are
aching to get outside and ride as soon as the snow starts to melt.
If the thought
of hitting the streets for that first springtime ride has your motor revving,
here is a simple checklist of 10 basics to inspect before taking your motorcycle
out for the first time this year, courtesy of the experts at Big Dog Motorcycles.
1. Remove and
inspect the spark plugs, and replace if necessary.
2. Clean the
air cleaner element.
3. Start the
engine and run until it reaches normal operating temperature, then turn
it off.
4. Check the
amount of oil in the oil tank.
5. Check the
transmission lubricant level.
6. Check controls
to be sure they are operating properly.
7. Check steering
for smoothness by turning the handlebars through the full operating range.
8. Check tire
pressure. Incorrect pressure will result in poor riding characteristics
and can affect handling and stability.
9. Check all
electrical equipment and switches, including the turn signals, headlight
and horn for proper operation.
10. Check for
any fuel, oil or brake fluid leaks.
Even minor
mechanical problems could spoil a trip. Before you hit the open road for
one of the spring rallies or for just an afternoon ride, make sure your
bike is running well.
Bikers are
marking their calendars for upcoming spring rallies where they can get
a jump on the latest trends and newest bikes, like the Republic of Texas
Rally scheduled for June 3 to 6 in Austin, Texas.
If you attend
either of these rallies, you'll have a chance to see Big Dog Motorcycle’s
10,000th bike ever made. The leading designer and manufacturer of high
performance, highly-styled custom cruisers, Big Dog Motorcycles is celebrating
ten years of perfecting custom bikes and will be showcasing their commemorative
bike at all of these rallies.
The bike, a
misty midnight blue chopper-style Ridgeback, is nearly 9 feet long, features
a 117 polished cubic inch engine, Baker 6-speed transmission, a 250 rear
tire, and a custom graphics package with a patriotic theme. “There is an
adrenaline rush that comes with riding a bike of this caliber, not just
from the power and the thrill, but from the looks you’ll get. It has what
we call ‘stoplight appeal,’” says company president, Nick Messer. The Ridgeback,
introduced in 2004, was awarded the “Best New Model of the Year” at the
V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati in January.
If you need
a new bike to start the season, there are all kinds of custom options.
Big Dog Motorcycles offers customers a myriad of choices for their custom
bikes. Choose from one of six models, then add a bigger engine, custom
graphics and paint, full polished motor and transmission, painted struts,
accessories like a luggage rack, and more. “Each bike we turn out is truly
custom,” says Messer. “Your bike will stand out even among other Big Dog
Motorcycles.”
“The first
Big Dog motorcycle was put together in a garage; the company’s reputation
grew by word-of-mouth from one loyal customer to the next,” says Messer.
“What started as one bike has grown to a six-bike arsenal of radically
styled models, all with big tires and equally big engines. The passion
to build cutting-edge cruisers for real-world riding will always be at
our core.” The company’s network has grown to 90 dealers and 120 authorized
service centers nationwide.
To see the
special edition 10,000th Big Dog, head to any one of these events, or visit
the company’s Web site, www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.
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