Tech Tip - Washing your Bike

If you want motorcycle cleaning tips that will help you clean your motorcycle faster, easier, and without damaging it, here are some tips to help you...

       

NEVER START WITH A HOT MOTORCYCLE LET IT COOL FIRST 
  
What Motorcycle Cleaning Products You Will Need:

•    Some soft, clean cloths. You'll need some for washing and some that you keep dry for drying and polishing. A dirty rag can scratch the bike.     
•    Wheel cleaner made specifically for wheels
•    Leather conditioner for saddle and any accessories
•    Clean sponges - a dirty sponge can contain dirt which can scratch paint and chrome.
•    Cleaning solution made specifically for motorcycles. Because the cleaners will get on the paint, saddle and chrome, use products that are not going to cause problems with discoloring the finish or "blue" the chrome. When it comes to motorcycle cleaning, many bikers make a mistake of using the wrong motorcycle cleaning products, which can damage your motorcycle.
•    You may want a bucket for mixing solutions. Follow the mixing directions on any supplies. Be sure each product is used properly.
•    Of course, you need a water hose as well.
If you have heavy dirt or have bugs on the fenders, hose down those areas gently from top to bottom first. This will allow them a kind of "pre-soak" to loosen them. Beginning from the top to the bottom, wash gently, using a clean soft cloth or a wash mitt. If your cleaning cloth becomes soiled, do not take the chance of scratching the paint or chrome; change to a clean cloth. If you use a sponge, be absolutely certain no debris gathers in the sponge pores and causes scratches.

Rinse the bike from top to bottom, paying special attention to any areas of extra heavy soil. If the heavily soiled areas do not come clean, you may need to do a little extra cleaning in those areas. Just remember to be gentle. It is far better to wash a spot three times than to rub the area hard and end up with no shine in the paint, dulled chrome or visible scratches.

Check every little place that dirt can hide to be certain you have the motorcycle completely clean. Then begin the final rinse process. Hose the motorcycle from the top down. Then rinse exactly the same way again. Leaving any trace of cleaning products is very bad for the finishes. While rinsing, watch how the water reacts and drains from the bike. If water beads, then a full polish is optional. If the water runs off in sheets and fails to bead at all, you probably need to take the time to perform a full polish job with manufacture-recommended polishes

Use a wheel cleaner and soft rag to completely and thoroughly clean each wheel. Not only does dirt collect on the wheels, but as the brakes are used, dust from the brake pads can get on the wheel and actually cause corrosion because the metals react with one another. Rinse the wheel thoroughly.

Dry your motorcycle off with clean soft rags. This process can best be done in the shade rather than direct sunlight, if possible. This prevents streaking. Check for streaks and if you need to, dampen a spot and dry that area again. Just a few drops of water is all you need to moisten a streaked spot.

Mike Johnson
City Limits Harley-Davidson - Service Manager

Tech Tip - Best Practices Battery Care

Best Practices that Yield Results
Use a battery tender on motorcycles whenever possible.
Please follow the recommended testing and charging practices

Charging
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) sealed batteries are the only type of batteries currently sold by Harley-Davidson. AGM batteries contain a fine fiberglass mat between the plates which absorb and immobilize the electrolytic acid, making them leak resistant. The acid is still available to the plates for fast reaction between the acid and plate material to deliver the required starting current.

NOTE:
 Newer Harley-Davidson chargers are specifically designed to properly charge and maintain Harley-Davidson AGM type batteries and are the recommended charger. They safely charge conventional lead-acid batteries as well. These chargers are available from Harley-Davidson in both 5 bank (Part No. 94607- 98) and 10 bank (Part No. 94608-98) systems. These units charge the battery (red light on), maintain 14.6 volts for the proper period of time (blinking green light), and then automatically cut back to approximately 13.1 volts (steady green light), thereby preventing overcharge and the resultant loss of electrolyte. The older chargers only bring an AGM battery to approximately 60 percent of full charge at the end of the charge sequence (steady green light). This low state of charge can lead to battery damage

Overcharging
AGM type batteries are filled with the proper amount of electrolyte and then sealed. If a charger reaches too high a charge voltage (15 volts or above), the water in the electrolyte will begin to evaporate. This water vapor is released through a special one-way relief valve on the top of the battery case. Since the AGM battery is permanently sealed, the water cannot be replenished and the battery becomes permanently low on electrolyte. A battery in this state develops internal corrosion and insufficient ion flow similar to a typical lead-acid battery that is low on electrolyte. This can result in loss of performance and eventual battery failure. A sealed battery with concave sides is an example of one that has been overcharged and has lost electrolyte. Overcharging is a major cause of sealed battery failure.

Undercharging
If a battery charger does not bring the battery to a full charge, several problems can occur:
• The rated battery capacity will not be reached and the charging system may not bring the battery to a full charge, especially in those instances where customers take short rides or ride slowly with their electrical accessories on.
• If the motorcycle is stored in a cold climate, an undercharged battery can freeze and crack. So if you are going to leave you bike for a prolong period of time make Sure to use the appropriate battery tender Also realize the average battery life if maintained properly is 4 yrs. Again if maintained properly.

Tony D. 
Service Manager
Wild Fire Harley-Davidson

Tech Tip - Four Great Service Promotions for the Month of April

There are always great things going on at our three dealerships.  But with the deluge of information you receive daily, it's easy to miss our Service message in the noise.  I want to recap some of the Service   promotions we're offering in the month of April at all our dealerships.

• Free tire installation on any tire purchased at the dealership.   That's right: purchase a tire from us, and we'll install it on your Harley for free.  In most cases, we can install them while you wait, without an appointment.  Be sure to call first to make sure we have your tire in stock.

• The service department will pick up your motorcycle for free within 35 miles of the store.  With three stores, that means we'll pick up your bike for free if you're anywhere in Chicago, Tinley Park, Mokena, Frankfort, Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills, Bridgeview, Joliet, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, South Elgin, Carpentersville, Barrington, Northbrook, Libertyville: pretty much anywhere in Chicagoland or Northern Illinois and we've got you covered.  Just call to schedule your free pickup and we'll send out one of our professional drivers to bring your bike in for service.

• If you're looking for a new seat or set of grips, we've got a deal for you.  We'll give you $50 for your old seat, and $20 for your old grips when you buy a new pair.  We'll even install them while you wait.  No need to haul your old parts back home with you, and save money too. Go right now and take a good look at your grips and see if it's time to upgrade them and receive $20 off your purchase.

Tony D. and the Wild Fire Harley Service Team

p.s. If you want to be the first to receive information about events at any of our three dealerships, please be sure to sign up for text alerts on your mobile device.  Simply text get wild to 77577

Tech Tip - Handlebars

There is a lot of talk these days about custom fitting our motorcycle. This tech tip we are going to talk about handlebar fitment.

Having the right handlebar setup will make a big difference on your riding comfort. When selecting handlebars you should sit on the bike and hold your arms in the position you are most comfortable. Your back should be straight and your arms should slightly bent. There are many different handlebars to choose from - so finding the right one can be difficult. Always remember if you have to reach where your arms are straight out and you back is not straight you will not last long riding in comfort. Some times just moving your handlebar an inch or 2 up or down makes a big difference in comfort. The next time you get on your bike check it out are your arms in the correct position?

Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Spring Riding Checklist

Spring Riding Checklist:
It’s time to get your bike ready to ride.  Here are a few tips from our experts in the service department as we get back on the roads:

Change your oil and filter. 
Temperature changes during the winter months may have introduced water condensation and lessened the protection level.

 

Change your spark plugs. 
A fresh set of spark plugs each season is an inexpensive way to ensure optimum performance.

 

Inspect your tires and air pressure. 
Look for signs of dry rot, as well as punctures and slices in the sidewalls.  Make sure you have plenty of tread.  Now is the time to pull out your Motorcycle Owners Manual and check the recommended tire pressure for your model.  Properly inflated tires not only help the motorcycle operate correctly, but they will keep you safer on the road, as well.  Remember that tire pressure should be adjusted according to the load for one-up or two-up riding

 

Check your lights and signals. 
Visibility is safety, enough said.

 

Check your gear. 
Don’t forget the safety features that you wear!  Inspect rain gear for holes or tears, make sure your face shield is clean and free from scratches or cracks and check that your boots have thick sturdy soles and adequate tread.

Now get out there and RIDE!

Tech Tip - POWDER COATING the CHORME Alternative

Nothing turns heads more on the street than a well tuned Harley rolling by decked out in chrome.  From fork legs to wheels, mirrors to grips and every bracket in between the appeal of the classic look of chrome plating rarely disappoints.  But there is an alternative, and one that over the past 5 years has really grown in popularity among riders. For good reason, more riders are having parts powder coated.

Differing from normal paint in that powder coating is essentially baked on, it gives riders one of the most economical, long lasting, and color-durable quality finishes available.  The process provides a protective as well as decorative finish.  The powder used is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin.  The charged particles adhere to the electronically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven.

Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading and wearing than most other finishes.  Color selection is virtually unlimited with both high and low gloss, metallic and clear finishes. Thanks to the UV resistance of many of the powders, colors stay bright and vibrant longer.  And texture selections range from smooth to a wrinkle or matte finish – matching the Factory's cosmetic motor treatments.

Almost anything you could imagine chrome plated can also be powder coated.  Windshield brackets, headlamp rings, wheels, handlebars..  the list goes on.  Parts that are oxidized, chrome plated or just plain rough looking can be stripped, prepped and coated for a lasting durable finish.  And with the wide array of color options you can get more creative working with powder coating.

The cost of powder coating is often less expensive and the process is more environmentally friendly than the chrome alternative. 

Probably one of the most popular parts we see getting powder coated are exhaust systems.  A high-heat resistant powder coating on exhaust systems will provide a great custom look. A ceramic coating is added to the interior of the headpipes to help retain heat, or an exhaust wrap with also help manage heat.    The benefits to exhaust systems include superior corrosion resistance protection against nicks and rust and prolonged muffler life.

From a cost, durability and creative perspective, powder coating is a great alternative to chrome plating.  So next time you're considering adding chrome to your bike, take a step back and let your imagination ride wild!



Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service team

Tech Tip - Headlamps

 During nighttime riding, a motorcycle's headlight is often the only available light source. So, proper adjustment of a motorcycle's headlight is a crucial step in ensuring rider safety.  If the headlight is improperly aimed, the rider will not be able to see the road ahead well enough to safely operate the motorcycle. Also, headlamps can loosen or move due to  vibration, allowing the headlight to shift to an ineffective position. Headlight alignment should be checked often, and adjustments or repairs made promptly when needed.

  

Different styles of headlight are now available through Harley Davidson which can improve your night time vision. New headlights based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and high-intensity discharge (HID) technology. Enhancements also are being made to the halogen technology that remains the mainstay of headlight technology. In recent years, motorists have grown increasingly familiar with the bright, almost blue-looking light of HID headlights on high-end models. Instead of a filament, there are two electrodes and a light arc that fills the space between them. This results in a longer lifetime and greater light output. The resulting light is whiter than that of conventional halogen headlights. Until recently, a third alternative in lighting technology – the light emitting diode, or LED – was reserved for non-headlight applications, including interior lights, turn signals and brake lights. LED headlights are costlier than halogen – and about the same, or even more costly, than HID. But on the plus side, they use considerably less energy than the other technologies. LED headlights are about 95 percent more efficient than halogen.

Another advantage of LED headlights in comparison with halogen and HID is that they have longer life. The average lifetime of a halogen headlight is about 1,000 hours. In comparison an HID headlight lasts about 3,000 to 4,000 hours and an LED headlight lasts more than 6,000 hours, which is the lifetime of the average motorcycle. LED headlights also are less yellow than halogen lights, approaching HID in their whiteness and brightness and that should improve driver response times.

Thanks, Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service Team