Engine

Always use good oil and change it every three to five thousand miles. The lubricants, brake fluid, and coolants need to be replaced about every other year, but it can be done every year as well. Never use pure antifreeze. Your fuel filter should be changed every year.

Suspension

Always maintain your wheel alignment, wheel and steering neck bearings, swim arm bearings, shock linkage bushings, and suspension tuning. Proper maintenance will ensure that your bike is always feeling its best while transporting you.

Drive Chain

Drive chains are the parts of the bike that will require the most attention. Never buy the cheaper alternative for drive chains. Keep them clean and lubricated; a chain that has been properly maintained should last between fifteen to twenty thousand miles.

Always replace both sprockets when replacing the chain, and always buy steel, as it is the safest option. Do not forget to lubricate. Keep your tires properly inflated, change your oil every two years at the very least, and do not let your brake pads get too worn out.

The Battery

The battery needs to have a steady electrolyte level and filled often. Never use tap water; distilled water is much safer because it does not contain minerals and other contaminants that is in tap water.

5 Tips for Motorcycle Maintenance

It is always a good idea to keep the basics in mind while maintaining your motorcycle. Basic reminders refresh the foundation of an enjoyable riding experience. Here are some things to remembering while performing motorcycle maintenance:

• Maintain your motorcycle during standard maintenance intervals. Regularly maintaining your bike ensures that every part of your motorcycle is working as it should. Apply the standard maintenance according to the weather of your area, the model of your bike, and standard bike care.
• Get the right parts. As obvious as it may seem, getting the right parts means better riding quality. Use parts of high quality.
• Revive your bike properly after a long winter. Before storing it away for the winter, add a fuel stabilizer to save on fuel. Check the b rakes and clutch, and make sure all fluid levels are standard. Before your post-winter ride, allow your bike to run for several minutes to warm up.
• Keep a constant eye out for any issues that may arise. Oil leaks, dry rot, and other minor issues can become problematic if left alone.
• Receive professional maintenance. Always choose a mechanic that is familiar with your bike’s style or brand for the best service.

Chopper Lawyer is Here for You

If one aspect of the bike is not in the best state, then the quality of your riding experience is not in the best state. One thing can lead to another and it is always good to replace a problem as soon as it occurs. When your bike is maintained and healthy, you have done your part to ensure that your chances of an accident lessen. It is always better to be on the safe side, and maintaining your bike is the first and most important way to be safe while on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured or involved in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

The post Important Aspects of Motorcycle Maintenance appeared first on Chopper Law.

Preparations

This may not be a concrete thing to fit in your saddlebag, but the preparation of your bike is just as important as your toothbrush. Your motorcycle is your steel horse, and horses need to be healthy before they can be ridden. The following elements need to be checked and as good as new before a long distance ride:

• Oil and filter
• Air and fuel filters
• Fluid levels
• Throttle and brake cables
• Adjust and lube drive chain
• Tire pressure and tread
• Gauges, lights, horns, and signals
• Visual check

Do not add any complicated accessories or make any drastic changes right before a long trip; give your bike time (between two to three weeks) to adjust to any new changes. By the time of your trip, your bike will be comfortable with itself and ready to take you anywhere.

1.) Money

Make sure you leave for your trip with enough money for the two most important details: food for yourself and food for your motorcycle. Having enough money for three meals a day plus gas can become expensive, but worth it. Be prepared to carry extra spending money on your person for any other items.

2.) Medicine and Vitamins

It is always a good idea to take a one-a-day vitamin to stay healthy. Pack some medicine in case you begin to feel unwell. Aspirin is always a good idea to take along as well, but keep in mind that some side effects of aspirin include a lower body temperature and acting as an anti-coagulant.

3.) Motorcycle Luggage Racks and Saddlebags

Backpacks, while they may seem to be a good idea, will get in the way during a long ride. They will kill your posture and hurt your back, and the wind will catch them and cause distracting sounds. If you do not want your shoulders to get pinched as you are riding, invest in a motorcycle luggage rack. It is a great way to carry your luggage, cooler, or any other group of items! For the smaller articles, a saddlebag is a great way to keep things close to you and organized.4.) Toiletries

4.) Toiletries

Always bring the toiletries you usually use on a daily basis, or items that you think you may need. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and deodorant. Chapstick is always a good article to bring along, and artificial tears can save the lubrication of your eyes.

5.) Water

It is always a good idea to hydrate. Pack your saddlebags or luggage with some water for the road to avoid dehydration in an unfamiliar area. Be sure to replenish the water during rest stops. Being hydrated gives you one less thing to be worried about while you are on the road.

Always Prioritize Safety

If you feel like you need to shut your eyes for a second, pull off the road, find a campground, and get lots of shut-eye. Make sure your gear and bike are always up to standard and check the variety of road changes as you cross county and state lines. Always remember that if you run into some trouble on the road and are a part of an accident, at Chopper Lawyer we are here to assist you with the law; contact us today.

The post 5 Must-Haves for a Long Distance Motorcycle Trip appeared first on Chopper Law.

Because of the major liability associated with motorcycle riding, sometimes these types of cases are more difficult to represent. What makes a motorcycle accident case even more difficult to fight, is if the rider was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.

Failure to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle shows negligent behavior on the part of the rider, and sometimes makes it more difficult to bring about a good compensation for the motorcycle accident injuries. Still, in countless motorcycle accident lawsuits, a distracted or negligent car or truck driver is often at fault.

Whatever the case may be, motorcycle recalls also happen every once in a while, too. In this circumstance, the manufacturer is to blame for a motorcycle accident, due to faulty parts or construction. In 2005, 87,000 riders were injured, while more than 4,500 were killed. This was a 14 percent and 13 percent increase, from the prior year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers service bulletins and posts recall information on its site. Let’s take a look at some recent motorcycle safety recalls.

2013 BMW R1200 GS

Problem: Front Suspension

BMW is recalling their 2013 R1200 GS motorcycles that were manufactured January 9th 2013 to February 8th 2013. The front fork tube may loosen, because of an insufficient torque of a locking bolt.

2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX

Problem: license plate bracket mounting screw

Harley-Davidson is recalling their 2012 VRSCDX, as the license plate bracket assembly’s mounting screws might loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This defect might cause contact with the rear tire, which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.

2013 Triumph Speed Triple

Problem: turn signal

The 2013 Triumph Speed triple is undergoing a motorcycle safety recall, too – model year 2012-2013 Daytona 675, Street Triple, Speed Triple, and Tiger 800 motorcycles, specifically. Because of an error in manufacturing, the turn signal stems on the front and rear of the motorcycle may break easily.

2009-2012 Can-Am Spyder (three-wheeler and other models)

Problem: leaking vapors / fuel cap

The popular three-wheeler is being recalled because its fuel vapor canister vent hose has been leaking vapors. These vapors could get trapped in the enclosed engine compartment. It’s possible that they could ignite and catch fire.

Also, the 2009 Can-Am Spyder GS, 2009-2012 Spyder RS, and 2010-2012 Spyder RT models are being recaled. The fuel caps on these models may not fit properly onto the fuel tank filler neck. If the caps don’t seal like they should, there is the possibility for fuel vapors to leak, again, offering the threat of igniting and burning.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

Problem: exhaust butterfly valve, uniball bearing, loose screws, swingarm shaft pivots, cylinder reservoir hose.

The first recall concerns a problem with the exhaust butterfly valve bowden cable cover, which has the potential to melt or burn because of excess heat of the catalytic converter, and could result in smoke or fire.

The next recall concerns an incorrect assembly of a uniball bearing on the damper rod eyelet. In turn, this could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Another recall of the Ducati has to do with the screws that secure the steering damper to the steering head. Apparently, they could call out, because an insufficient amount of Loctite was applied to the threads, upon assembly.

The fourth motorcycle safety recall concerns the right and left swingarm shaft pivots. These can loosen, and can cause the driver to lose control.

Lastly, the master cylinder reservoir hose might interfere with the threading end of the reservoir retaining screw.

Reach Out To A Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured to due the negligence of these motorcycle manufacturers, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, today!

The post Motorcycle Safety Recalls appeared first on Chopper Law.

Whether your bike is just making some ugly sounds while you ride, or you’re certain that it’s acting in less than its regular prime condition, it doesn’t take a mechanical engineer to tell you that you should probably pull over and check for defects. Now, in these circumstances, it’s always best to take your motorcycle to a seasoned mechanic, but if that’s not an option for you, there are some easy things you can do to locate the problem. Maybe your bike is showing no signs whatsoever of being defective. Great, but a regular inspection is still key to safe riding.

Recent statistics show that around 178,000 injuries a year are motorcycle-related. To avoid being a contributor to this statistic, it’s vital that you check for defective motorcycle parts.

Check the Starter

No matter what types of problems your motorcycle is experiencing, if you’re embarking on a full-inspection, the most logical place to begin is with the starter. Even if the starter seems to be working fine, it’s good to do a visual inspection of the fuse for signs of damage. If your motorcycle isn’t starting up properly though, you might need to perform a simple test. Connect a black jumper wire from the negative battery post, to the green or red wire of the starter relay terminal.

Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post, to the yellow or red wire terminal on the starter relay. Then, make sure to pay attention for a clicking noise – this is the contact inside the starter relay. If you don’t end up hearing this clicking noise, the starter might be malfunctioning.

Inspect the Master Cylinder

A malfunctioning master cylinder is another major element with which to be concern, as it is inescapably linked to your brakes. To test the master cylinder, ride the motorcycle for a few feet, and then stop. Next, drive it for a few feet, and hold down the brakes for a few seconds to observe how it reacts. If your brake offers no pressure, and simply goes in with no give, this is a sign of air in the brake line, and it’s actually a common reason why a master cylinder will become defective.

Maintain the Tires

Unless you have a flat tire, chances are, you’re not going to notice tire issues that may be detrimental to your safety, and the safety of others. It’s important to get in the habit of checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis – they ought to be inflated per the manufacturer’s specifications, which can be found in your owner’s manual. And, the best time to check them is when your tires are cool – not after you’ve just gone for a ride.

Checking your tires’ tread is also extremely important to remaining safe, especially on wet roads. Be sure that the tread isn’t lower than the top of Washington’s head, when the quarter is inserted all the way into the tread groove.

We Want To Help You Avoid Motorcycle Injury

Although we’ve only scratched the surface of inspecting possibly defective motorcycle parts, we’ve given you some tips on how to address some of your bike’s most vital components. Being a good rider, wearing a helmet, and following the rules of the road, are all key factors in your safety as a motorcyclist. But, even if all those things are in place, they won’t do any good if your motorcycle is about to malfunction.

So, do everything in your power not to be a part of motorcycle injury statistics. If you’ve been injured in a related accident though, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

The post How To Check For Defective Motorcycle Parts appeared first on Chopper Law.