Tech Tip - Spring Safety

As the snow melts away, the desire to experience the wind in your face gets stronger. Motorcyclists across the country are charging batteries, checking tire pressure, and putting a good coat of wax on their trusty baby. Making ready for that first warm afternoon, when they can get out on the highway. Harleys or Hondas, all motorcycle riders look forward to the first spring ride in the country We'll assume you prepared your motorcycle properly when you put it in storage for the winter. To make sure your cycle is ready to go, check all fluid levels, check tire pressures, and add some fresh gas. Charge up the battery, and hit the start button. With a well maintained motorcycle, this is about all that's necessary if you did your proper maintenance before winter storage.

The rest of your preparation has a lot to do with attitude. Being safe on the road depends primarily on how alert you are while riding, and how well you are paying attention to what's going on around you.

After a long winter, with road crews working long hours to keep the roads clear of ice and snow, there is a very dangerous residual leftover from the plowing process. That is the SAND the highway department used on roads. Loose sand is everywhere in the early spring corners, intersections, main roads and side streets alike. This accumulation of sand presents a severe danger to all two wheeled vehicles.  People driving cars have forgotten all about motorcycles over the past few months. Even in good weather in the middle of summer a motorcycle is almost invisible to cars. Headlights on can help, so make sure all lights front and back are working properly. When you head out on the road this spring, be aware. Know what's going on around you and give yourself enough space to safely navigate around dangers. Motorcycle riding is one of the best ways to experience what our country has to offer. Be sure you enjoy it safely

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team

Tech tip - Dealing with Vibration and Corrosion

Loc Tite is a brand of thread sealant designed for the locking and securing of threaded fasteners.  In the service shop, Loc Tite is one of the essential products used by every technician for virtually every job. We all know that motorcycles vibrate – and some shake a lot.   Critical fasteners on even the newer Harleys must withstand an excessive amount of vibration and remain securely fastened.  We are able to achieve this in the shop by using products like Loc Tite and also paying close attention to the Factory's torque setting.  Proper torque specs are “set” using a torque wrench and are simply a measure of how tight to set each specific fastener.  Even for riders that work on their own bikes, Loc Tite should be part of the installation procedure.  Mirrors, highway & footpegs, saddlebag and docking hardware – they all needs a treatment of Loc Tite be ensure they don't fall off on the road. 

Loc Tite bonding fluids come in a variety of strengths; the color determines the application.

• RED
• One of the stronger bonding fluids.  Secures fasteners and requires the use of heat and sometimes air impact wrench to disassemble.  Used for fasteners that are not intended to come off again.
• GREEN
•  A unique securing compound that doesn't require the dis-assembly of the fastener to engage the threads and prevent loosening.  Its special wicking properties allow for the GREEN Loc Tite to work its way into the threads while the fastener is still secure..
• BLUE
• The more common bonding fluid, effectively secures fasteners preventing loosening. Requires use of normal hand tools to disassemble.  For use on fasteners that maybe required to come of again in the future.

Sometimes getting a bolt off or an axle out is the challenge.  Heat related corrosion can cause fasteners or pivot bolts and axles to “seize” up in the wheel or threads.  Products such as anti-seize lube prevent metals from “freezing up” due to excessive heat and corrosion.  Excessive pressuring washing may cause rust to develop and prevent an axle from coming out of the swing-arm.  A liberal application of anti seize to the axle will prevent the rust to build up and allow for an easy wheel removal at your next tire change.

Anti -Seize
Is a great lubricant used throughout the service shop.  Anti-Seize is a messy paste like grease that is applied to metal surfaces to prevent heat related galling and corrosion. It repels water and because it's thick, it won't break down and dissolve.  Exhaust bolts, spark plug and even brake pins and bolts often get anti-seize to allow for future removal and to prevent heat related galling.

Teflon, Moly Cable Lube
While the newer touring models use an internal wire throttle system, the majority of bikes on the road still operate using a cable and twist grip system.  Cables rarely fray or break unless they are being pushed and pulled without any lube.  A Teflon or moly based lube is a great way to not only ensure the smooth workings of your throttle mechanism, but it will also give your throttle an easy “no drag” twist.

Tri-Flo Teflon Spray Lubricant

Tri-Flo is a brand of premium penetrating lube that we use throughout the shop on moving parts to prevent sticking and and corrosion.  Kickstand springs, highway pegs, brake and clutch levers all need an occasional “shot of lube” to keep them working smoothly.  Unlike anti-seize, Tri-flo is an aresol and goes on clean, without a mess and maintains it's lube properties for a long time.  It is probably one of the best spray lubes you will find.


 

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Brake Fluid

Brake systems have come a long way on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Powerful Brembo , 4-piston calipers, ABS systems and stainless lines have all greatly increased stopping power of today’s Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Brake fluid continues to play a vital role in braking system.  Prior to 2005 most late model Harleys used DOT 5 or silicone based brake fluid.  The silicone based formula offers a more stable viscosity index at extreme temperatures.    Starting in 2005 with certain touring models, Harley-Davidson began to spec DOT 4 brake fluid in their braking systems.   By 2007 all models used DOT 4.  
 

Both types of fluid are susceptible to overheating and moisture contamination.  Old or broken down fluid can cause poor stopping performance and a weak feel at the lever.  When moisture in the system heats up it will expand which can cause a drag of the brake pads on the rotor. The recommended service interval for changing brake fluid is every 2 years or when the moisture level exceeds 3%.   The dealership has test equipment that can test for moisture in the fluid and can determine the contamination level.

Be careful when adding or checking fluid not to mix fluid types.  DOT 5 does not mix with DOT 4.  And always top off using fluid from a sealed container to avoid adding any moisture contaminated fluid. 

Common Symptoms of contaminated brake fluid

• Poor Braking Performance
• Soft or spongy feel at the lever or pedal
• Fluid has a dark or cloudy look
• Brakes drag and cause the rotor to overheat

Solutions

Have your brake system tested for moisture content or flushed at least every two years

The fluid service consist of draining, flushing, refilling & bleeding the brake lines of both the front and rear systems.  We also replace the master cylinder cover gaskets and inspect the brake pads and rotors. 

Keeping your brake fluid fresh will ensure that you will get the most out of your stopping power. 

Thanks, Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team