Breathe Easy: Taking Care of Your Motorcycle's Air Filter

You know you love to ride. The sound of the wind. The complete feeling of freedom and the open road. Lately though, it seems that you ride lacks the performance that it once did. This can happen when your bike isn't properly maintained. Just as we do, your bike needs to breath freely to perform.
Fresh, clean air is required for your bike to run at its best. If your air filter is clogged and dirty, you'll experience all types of performance degradation such as reduced gas mileage, power loss, rough idling, and lots of other issues. Servicing your bike's air filter is a little insurance to keeping it running at its best.
Does your bike have a rough idle? Does it lack the performance that it once did? Does your bike lack some of the characteristics that actually drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle in the first place? All these things can happen when your bike isn't properly maintained. Just like us, your bike needs to breathe easy.
In order for your engine to run at its best, it must have among other things, fresh, clean air. If your bike's air filter is clogged and dirty, you will experience reduced gas mileage, power loss, rough idling, and a host of other issues. Changing or servicing the air filter is an easy way to keep other bike systems operating at their best.
What does your air filter do?
An air filter basically traps particulate matter such as dust and dirt, and prevents it from entering into your engine. Typically, they are made of resin-impregnated, heat-cured "paper" that's folded into pleats or the air filter can be made of foam. These pleats or foam catch and hold the dirt. Once these pleats and other surfaces are covered with dirt, airflow is greatly reduced. Thus, now your engine is not getting the airflow that it needs to run efficiently.
To illustrate my point, imagine that you were getting ready to take a quick 2 mile jog.
For the first mile, you're running strong and getting all the fresh air you need. Now for the second mile, I want you to tie a handkerchief around your nose and mouth like a bandit of the "Old West". Your second mile is going to be miserable because your airflow is now restricted. Your lungs and your body will not be operating at their peak. I think that if you actually tried this, I doubt you'd ever neglect changing your air filter again!
Different types of air filters
There are several different types of air filters that you can use for your bike and they vary by manufacturer. As mentioned above, you have foam filters, paper filters, and pleated cotton filters.
Foam Air Filters are used in many types of small engines including lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and of course motorcycles. Generally, they are reusable, long-lasting, and efficient.
Paper Air Filters are generally used for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) applications, meaning this is more than likely the type of air filter that your bike came from the factory with. They are also widely used for automobile OEM applications. They are typically pleated and may be reinforced with metal to help them hold their shape.
Some of the best types of air filters available today are Pleated Cotton Air Filters. These reusable aftermarket filters offered by K&N and BMC, bring the best in cost savings and longevity. Once in service, they could last the life of your motorcycle.
Cleaning or Replacing Your Air Filter
Depending on the type of bike you have, getting access to your bike's air filter may be an easy affair or one that will take a little more effort. It may be as simple as removing the air filter cover on the side of the engine or you may have to remove the gas tank to gain access. Check with your owner's manual to determine if you need to remove the seat or any other bodywork to get to the gas tank for proper removal. If you need to remove the tank, be sure to turn your petcock to the "off" position if you have one. No, I don't mean "put the rooster in the barn". Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you don't know what a petcock is, you probably don't have one. A petcock is simply a switch that allows you to select which part of the gas tank fuel is drawn from. Make sure you have some rags nearby to catch spilt fuel. Unbolt the tank and disconnect and label any wires or hoses to ensure proper reassembly. Again, consult your owner's manual for specifics.
Once you have full access to the air filter, give it a quick blast with compressed air to clean dust and dirt from the screw holes before unscrewing it. Be careful not to drop any debris in to the engine compartment. If you drop a screw, use a telescoping magnet to fetch it. Once you've removed the air filter, cover the top of the air box with clean rags to keep the bad stuff out. Especially if the air box is going to be exposed for a prolonged period.
If you have a sponge-type air filter, you may be able to reuse it once or twice if it is good physical shape. Cleaning this type of filter requires a solvent (some kind of soap). You'll need something that can break down any oil or dirt. Rinse clean and let it air dry. If the filter is in bad physical shape, replace it with a new one.
If your pleated paper-type filter is in good physical shape, you may also be able to reuse it once. I don't recommend using this type of filter more than twice. Simply blow compressed air through the back side of the filter to clean it. Don't wet it and be sure to keep it free of oil.
If you have an aftermarket pleated cotton filter, follow these steps to clean it. First you need to spray or pour solvent to break down the oil that is used to trap the debris. Let it soak for a while and rinse it from the back side of the filter. Then you need to let it air dry. You can sit it in the sun for a few hours or hang it in your garage overnight. A few words of caution, don't use compressed air or a hair dryer to dry the filter. The cotton fibers will shrink and your nifty aftermarket air filter will be rendered useless. Next, you need to re-coat the cotton fibers with new filter oil. Don't use any other type of oil and don't over-soak the filter. A thin layer will do. If your oil uses a pour on applicator, pour it into the bottom of the pleats. Let the filter sit for a half hour and re-coat any areas that you may have missed.
Now, let's put the filter back in. Installing a new or freshly cleaned filter is just the reverse of removal. The key here is to make sure that you have the right orientation. You must be facing due-north while you put the filter back in. Just kidding. In other words, the filter should face the proper direction for air flow. If the filter has a rubber o-ring, make sure it is in the proper position. Put the cover back on. If it has multiple screws, tighten them in an alternating pattern so that the cover pressure is evenly applied. If you removed your gas tank or other body panels, you can reinstall them now. See how easy that was?
To keep your motorcycle breathing easy, just get into the habit of changing out or cleaning your air filter once a year. Change it at the beginning of the riding season, every season. Your bike will burble, scream like a banshee, or purr like a kitten when you ask it to perform. I can see you grinning from ear-to-ear already. Let's ride.

To learn more, download my free copy of The Garage Insider:  The Top 10 things your mechanic doesn't want you to know that can Literally save you Thousand$!
Courtney Evans is the Publisher and Editor of www.GreaseMonkeyJunkie.com, the premier weekly newsletter for the DIY Mechanic

The European Sports Car

A review of The European Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of each model in the range, from the Golf GTi Mk1 to the Peugeot GTi 1.9.
In this Article, I offer a nostalgic review of two popular European sports cars, which were manufactured during the period 1975 to 1999.
GOLF GTI
Mark 1
In 1975, the VW Golf GTI sports car was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It was one of the first small cars to use fuel injection instead of carburettors.
This, coupled with its light weight and 1.6 litre engine, helped to create its high performance.
It was offered as a 3 or 5 door hatchback, and was an immediate success.
The Mark 1 Golf GTI was one of, if not the first, cars to be designated as a "Hot Hatch", referring to it being an upgraded small family saloon.
Although some left hand drive cars reached the UK market in 1977, it was not until 1979 that the first right hand versions arrived.
One motoring magazine trumpeted that the Mark 1 Golf GTI was the third best car of the 1980's.
Mark 2
In 1984, the now successful Golf GTI sports car was presented in the Mark 2 version, again as a 3 or 5 door hatchback.
Like the later Mark 1's, it used a 1.8 litre, Bosch fuel injected engine.
It had a different chassis, and the new styling introduced it to a wider audience. Sales of the Mark 2 exceeded those of the Mark 1.
In 1986, the Golf GTI 16v was introduced. It used a 16 valve, double overhead cam, 1.8 litre engine with a compression ratio of 10:1.
This model was distinguished by red and black "16" badges at the front and rear.
In 1990, as part of a facelift, the Golf GTI Mark 2 received a distinctive "Big Bumper" at the front, which became standard on all future models.
This addition made the Mark 2 extremely desirable.
Also, that year, the Golf GTi Mark 2 G60 was launched.
It used the 16 valve, double overhead cam, 1.8 litre engine fitted with a G60 supercharger, and a compression ratio of 8.8:1.
Its performance was impressive. The G60 16V engine was the toughest G60 unit that VW produced. It was a limited edition model, with only 71 ever built.
Mark 3
In 1992, the Golf GTI Mark 3 sports car was launched. The basic model used a 2 litre, 8 valve, single overhead cam engine, developing 115 bhp.
However, in 1993, the Mark 3 was fitted with a 2 litre, 16 valve, double overhead cam engine which developed 150 bhp.
In 1992, a version of the Golf GTI Mark 3 was introduced.
Called the VR6, it was powered by a 2.8 litre, 12 valve, double overhead cam, V6 engine, developing 174 bhp. It was an instant success.
Mark 4
In 1998, the Golf GTI Mark 4 sports car was introduced with improved body styling.
The basic model used the 2 litre, 8 valve engine as in the Mark 3.
However, five high performance variants were also available:

• There was the VR6 version, with a 2.8 litre, double overhead cam, 24 valve, V6 engine which developed 204 bhp
• A variant of this was the 4Motion, a four wheel drive, Golf GTI, based on the 2.8 litre, V6 engine, with a six speed gearbox, developing 201 bhp
• There was a version with a 20 valve, turbocharged, 1.8 litre engine, developing 150 bhp
• If this was not enough, the turbocharged, 1.8 litre model was available with a six speed gearbox, which developed 180 bhp
• Finally, in 2002, the capacity of the 2.6 litre, V6 engine was increased to 3.2 litres. It had a six speed gearbox, a compression ratio of 11.3:1, and developed 238 bhp

PEUGEOT 205 GTI
In 1984, the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 sports car was launched.
Offered as a three door hatchback, it was considered to be among the most popular hot hatches on the decade.
Due to its light weight, it had a high power to weight ratio.
Early versions were powered by Peugeot's 8 valve, single overhead cam, 1.6 litre engine with Bosch fuel injection, a five speed gearbox, and disc brakes all round.
The engine was an all aluminium unit, being flexible and easy to rev.
In 1986, it was slightly modified with larger valves, an uprated camshaft, and a close ratio gearbox.
That same year, a convertible version was introduced.
Also in 1986, the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 sports car was introduced.
This used a long stroke, 1.9 litre version of the original engine. The result was greatly improved flexibility.
The suspension was stiffened to reduce pitch and roll.
The shorter stroke 1.6 litre engine had the reputation of being eager and easy to rev, whilst the 1.9 litre had more torque, and felt lazier but with more torque.
Strict emission regulations caused the 1.6 version to be withdrawn in 1992.
However, by enabling the 1.9 version to perform effectively with a catalytic converter, which reduced bhp to 122, production was maintained until 1994.
Post 1990 cars are the ones to look out for. A total of 332,942 inits of the three variants were built.
It has been suggested, but yet to be proved, that the Peugeot 205 GTI stole the crown from the VW Golf GTI in terms of who was the king of the GTI's.
This marked the end of my Review of The European sports car
Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
Which European Sports Car is Your Favourite
However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, this range of European sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1950 to 1995.
I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

If you would care to view my Original article, containing Photographs, Videos, Technical Data, and Charts not shown in this Article, then please click the following link:
http://www.sportscar2.com/sports-car-european.html
Alternatively, please view my Website on:
http://www.sportscar2.com/

Dirt Bike Racing Styles

Find the right dirt bike style for your outdoor fun!
The dirt bike was also known as off road bike was invented in 1945 by Kyle Crammer. The first modern dirt bike was made in 1968 by Husquavarna and was called "the rat with no face". They were made for mud and rough obstacles and go great on dirt roads. Trial bikes are light and small and are used for motorcycle trials. The children that purchase a bike will buy a dirt bike that is smaller with a small size engine, like 50 cc to 150 cc but when you grow older you can buy ones that can go up to 650 cc's. Some of the best dirt bike manufacturers are: Ram and X-Sport, Lonestar, Kawaski, J.C.M., Aprilla, Fantic, EML, DB, Cobra, CCM, Bultaco, BSU, Yamaha and Honda.
Dirt bikes can bring images of fun afternoons with mud flying in your face. They can be used for different reasons but fun is usually the best one. You can ride and tour on these, the size and function depends on the type of riding being done and the rider.
The motocross bike is the most common, and its purpose is for off road racing. It has a strong frame and two wheels, and is made to be lightweight, powerful and fast. They have tires which can take on varied fields from rocks to dirt to going on smooth roads or trails made from dirt. They are measured in cc's which refers to the size of the engine. As a rule the stronger the bike is, the more the cc's. To consume contact from fields and big jumps and to bypass obstructions, they are made with rear shocks and suspension forks. Besides the motocross, there are other types of dirt bikes. One is the dual sport bike that is for the off road and road use and is street legal. An adventure touring version of a dual sport bike is made for longer trips and is equipped with cargo spaces that are great for those camping trips. This type of bike will carry a larger gas tank than others and are meant to go longer distances.
Another dual sport bike is Enduro motorcycle. To make them legal for use on the streets and highways, they are fitted with head and tail lights and turn signals. They have long travel suspension forks and rear shocks with high ground clearance, and they are like the motocross with the off road functions that are alike. They are suitable for the road with other features such as silencing that make the motors quieter. It is not made for long trips since they are made mostly made for off road use. They are a good choice for a rider that is looking for a legal way to get them to the trail, since they have the same functions as a motocross bike.
Make sure you plan your day by buying a bike helmet and accessories to protect your eyes, your face and to increase the internal comfort of your helmet. You may want to buy shields to protect your face and visors to help with the sun and many more accessories to add comfort to your biking experience.

MyReviewsNow.net offers information regarding dirt bikes. For more on dirt and street bikes, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net

BMW Is Electric

It is our collective and individual responsibility... to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live - Dalai Lama
BMW cars have always been more than just automobiles. They are something like a Swiss Army knife; a finely crafted tool with everything you need for whatever the road throws at you. A BMW is a purpose built machine that you wear like a Robot Man suit, one so technically advanced; you need to be a rocket scientist to understand all its intricacies. To appreciate all that potential and to fully understand why BMW makes their cars this way; all you need to do is drive one.
With the world spiraling into a climate change abyss, and the future of petroleum about as secure as Lindsey Lohans next movie role, everyone is turning to greener vehicles. Hybrids and electric cars are no longer trendy toys, but have become a necessary and important cornerstone in the plan for freedom from oil. Once limited by bad technology and a microscopic range, the electric car is being reborn as a viable alternative to the beloved internal combustion engine. BMW has joined the fray with not just a new car, but an entire new car line. The BMW i8 Concept is the one of the first of a group of cars being produced by BMW i, a new sub-brand for the commercialization of low-emission (green) vehicles.
Along with the i8, BMW plans to introduce a convertible roadster version called the i8 Spyder, as well as a small electric hatchback called the i3. The i8 hybrid electric vehicles are designed to combine the sportiness of regular BMW cars, with the fuel economy of a small car. The design features a new BMW Vision Efficient Dynamic Concept which is an innovative plug-in hybrid that combines the modified electric drive system of the i3 Concept. The electric motor is fitted over the front axle with a rear mounted high performance three-cylinder combustion engine to extend range. The engine will act as an on-board generator and BMW promises acceleration of 0-62MPH in less than 5 seconds, along with an estimated 86MPG.
Key to this configuration is torque, which is available from a standing start and will give uninterrupted acceleration. The battery technology is based on ultra-powerful lithium-ion cells with an integrated liquid cooling system for ideal operating temperatures. The car can be charged from a domestic power supply system, and can drive 20+ miles on battery power alone. The architecture is known as LifeDrive, and is basically a weight-efficient layered approach to car design. The lower layer is the Drive section, which encompasses the chassis, battery array, powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes. The upper layer is the Life section, which is a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell. This is the first time carbon fiber is being used on a mass-market vehicle, and was developed here in the United States. The two sections are joined by just four bolts and industrial grade adhesive. Using this setup, BMW promises a low center of gravity, perfect 50/50 weight distribution and amazing handling.
The i8 is amazingly beautiful, with sweeping lines and a flat silhouette. It features a large transparent greenhouse (though I doubt the production version will remain unchanged) with doors that swing upwards like wings. The car is sculptural and organic, with a distinctive kinetic wedge shape and a forward-surging stance. From the front, the car has typical BMW design cues which are augmented by two U-shaped full-LED light configurations. There is also a black semi-transparent V that rises from the hood and offers a glimpse of the electric motor and carbon fiber Life cell. In the back there are three-dimensional air outlets, a massive rear diffuser and "floating" tail lights that match the U-shape headlights. Both the headlights and tail lights pulse like the heart of some futuristic monster and the effect is jaw-dropping.
Inside the i8 are large transparent surfaces in the doors and roof which gives each section of the car the appearance of merging together. The interior is finished in a layered design with a Porcelain White support structure, a black technical level and a comfort section finished in Mocha Brown. The effect is modern and comforting at the same time, and the dashboard and center console is clean of excessive buttons and switches. The instrument cluster is made up of a large display with information delivered in a three-dimensional high-resolution format. There is also a center mounted freestanding information display. The i8 is expected to be priced about $122,000 USD. Production is expected to start sometime in 2014.
Article Courtesy of Chris Raymond

http://www.chrisoncars.com Chris Raymond, Author

Modifying Motorcycle Tires Can Affect Motorcycle Performance

In the World of motorbikes there are two words that are very frequent on many bike owner's lips; speed and performance. Some bike owners can go to all lengths to have their bikes modified so as to experience high performance whenever they are out for a spin or a ride. Those who do modifications by themselves have in mind two fundamental factors that can affect the performance of your bike; the size and pressure of your tire.
Reducing Pressure
The technique used when pressure is involved is to decrease tire pressure which then achieves a better grip on the road. This increases more rubber on the road which in effect increases the surface area on the tire. High performance is then enhanced when the tire can handle sharp corners faster especially for race bikes that need a higher performance.
Despite the maximum grip from low pressure, a compromise of stability and feel is experienced. While low pressure achieves the ability to make quick sharp turn on those corners, it decreases the tire's ability to run on a straight line. As a result you as the bike racer will end up overheating your tires and a catastrophic situation will highly occur. The same factor will also negatively affect your ride since a high percentage of the riding period will be on a straight line.
While extra traction on the corners is an added advantage due to low pressure, proper pressure is a better option when doing lap time. With proper pressure, you find yourself doing more lap time than the tire with low pressure.
The best practice for you as a rider especially on the race track, is to invest in a pyrometer which will give you the recommended measure of temperature that your tire rubber should reach as stipulated by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers like Dunlop and Dennis Smith give an allowance of six to eight pounds of temperature on the rear tire and two to four pounds of the front tire. In addition, when your tire has proper pressure the front tire will turn quicker and with better precision.
Increasing tire width and diameter
With a similarity to automobile tires, motorcycle tires are designed to have a certain size that will offer the performance desired. Tires designed for high performance motorcycles are large in size to enable the bike to accelerate and quickly turn corners. Sport bikes are commonly spotted with tires designed with features such as a large diameter and width for better track performance.
A modification of the tire's width leads to more 'rubber' (an increase in the tire's surface area) on the road and an increase of adhesion as well making the tire have a better grip. A larger width also transforms your bike's ability to stop and take corners faster.
But despite the enhanced performance, wide and large diameter tires will require stronger shock absorbers to handle bumpy effects on the road. This is due to an increase in the weight of the tire and its wheel which will need stronger shocks that will control the heavier 'bounce' that will be experienced.

Maina is an expert in Motorcycle tires about Motorcycle accessories. You can visit 4wheelonline.com to get comprehensive details about the trends and best brands in the market.

Technologies to Look for When Buying Racing Cars

Since last few years car racing has become a popular sport. The race enthusiasts love the idea of running on the road and track with an unmatchable speed. No doubt driving a racing car is a different experience but selecting one to buy is a tedious job.
There are many sports car manufacture companies in the Seychelles that offer racing cars for sale so you can easily buy one that fits your budget and fulfilling all your requirements.
Before buying one there are certain technologies we have to keep in mind. They are:
Aerodynamics: Speed in the car depends upon its aerodynamics. Aerodynamic drag, wind noise, minimizes noise emission and prevents undesirable lift forces at high speeds. Moreover, the car seems more streamlined and also features a sort of tail known popularly as fastback or lift back.
Air Intake: To get the best out of your racing car; it has to be boosted with huge amount of air. The more air the engine gets better will be its combustion and performance. The engine gives their best when they breathe cold air because cold air thickens the air and fuel blend in the engine.
Transmission System: With the coming of automatic transition in use; car drivers don't need to manually shift gears. It removes the need to change the clutch pedal while changing gears. They allow the racers to shift the gear in order.
Tyres: Racing cars tyres have grooves in them which allows the tyre to run comfortably on water, snow and even muddy roads and tracks. These grooves are designed to firmly grip road surface allowing shorter stopping distance.
Suspension: Racing cars use independent suspension. This technique allows each wheel to move without interfering with the movement of other wheels.
Interiors: While on the track; nobody considers the interior of the vehicle but with the growing popularity of racing cars now people want them to be equipped with all latest features with elegant interiors.
Search for car manufacturers in your area online. You can also find their contact numbers in local directories. Visit their website to see what they have to offer you.
Fix an appointment and meet them. Have a look on the cars and make a selection but before buying one make sure you have researched properly about their properties. You can take help from one of your friend or neighbour that knows all about racing cars.
Check for the credentials of the company properly. Verify about their background as you may not want any confusion in the end.