News » 2023
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How To Get Your Motorcycle Road Ready For Spring
How To Get Your Motorcycle Road Ready For Spring by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com
It’s almost the best time of the year, Spring! After a long winter season we know all of our fellow motorcycle enthusiasts are eager to start up their motorcycles and get out on the roads! As exciting as spring is, it is crucial for the performance and longevity of your motorcycle to properly prepare and inspect your bike before taking it for that first ride of the year. Which is why our team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com wants to share with you some pro tips on how to prepare your motorcycle for the upcoming season!
Preparing Your Motorcycle
- Tire Pressure - If you are unsure of the correct psi for your motorcycle then it’s best to check your user manual before adding air to your tires. Inspect your tires for any visible cracks, damage and signs of aging. You'll also want to check the tread life of your tires, the general rule of thumb is to replace the tires if they are under 3/32”.
- Battery Check - Thoroughly examine your battery, make sure the cables are securely connected and the terminals are clean. If you did not connect your battery to the charger over the winter, it is likely drained and needs to be charged. Pro Tip: Ensure your battery is fully charged before reconnecting it to your motorcycle.
- Fluids - This is the perfect time to change and replace your oil and oil filter if you had not done so in the months prior to winterizing your motorcycle. In addition to changing your oil and filter, check and top off all other fluids within your motorcycle. Including the coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil, hydraulic clutch fluid and fork oil. If you notice any changes in color or consistency of the fluid, it may be time for that specific fluid flush. Also, be sure to check your user manual for the recommended service schedule . (If you're not confident in replacing your oil, oil filter and adding fluids to your motorcycle, we strongly recommend taking your bike to a professional to ensure it is performed correctly).
- Belt & Chain - Check your motorcycle chain to ensure there is proper tension according to the manufacturer's specs. Also inspect the drive belt for signs of wear and cracks. Be sure to change the belt (if needed) before riding to prevent your bike from malfunctioning.
- Spark Plugs - Inspect your motorcycle's spark plugs for any visible signs of damage, if you find damaged spark plugs we recommend taking the time to replace them or simply take them in to have them replaced by professionals. You’ll also want to ensure the spark plugs are free from dirt or grime, if they have either, simply remove the spark plugs and clean them to ensure proper spark is capable.
- Riding Gear - Lastly, inspect your motorcycle gear. Thoroughly examine your motorcycle helmet for cracks or any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks or damage on your helmet it should be immediately replaced. In addition, replace any other worn or scratched gear upon inspection. It’s important to remember the gear you wear is intended to protect you, if the gear is compromised it is no longer serving its purpose!
To ensure the performance & longevity of your motorcycle, it’s recommended to properly prepare your bike for the upcoming seasons, as well as regularly taking your motorcycle in for maintenance checks. As we mentioned before, it’s always best to contact a professional if you're unsure or have any questions in regards to the maintenance of your motorcycle. With that being said, we hope all of our fellow motorcyclists have a safe and wonderful riding season!
The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com hope that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Fairing Kits, Helmets, Helmet Backpacks, Goggles, Helmet Covers & Accessories! -
Top Five Motorcycles For Beginners
Top Five Motorcycles For Beginners by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com
If you're looking to buy your first beginner motorcycle look no further, our team at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com is here to help you find the perfect sport bike for you! It's important to note that not all motorcycles are equal and do make a good first motorcycle option; the less power when starting off is usually the best route to go as you get acclimated to driving on two wheels. Choosing a bike that is too advanced or powerful can be dangerous and overwhelming for a beginner. There are endless exceptional beginner-friendly models to choose from across all major brands that still pack a punch. However, we narrowed it down to the top 5 motorcycles to make it easier for you to make your final purchase decision.
The Honda CBR500r makes a great candidate to consider for your first motorcycle. The Honda CBR500r can look on the heavier side, however it is in fact lightweight, user friendly, easy to handle and has great stability. This bike is perfect for all types of riding, its spacious seating makes it highly comfortable allowing all day riding possible. In addition to the functioning of the bike many riders are also drawn to the Honda CBR500r for its sharp sporty design and we can't blame them.
The 250r by Kawasaki is another motorcycle that is well known for being a top pick for beginners. The Kawasaki 250r gives you a respectable amount of power without it being overwhelming, as well as being light and nimble making it almost effortless to handle. This model is also a godsend for riders who are on the shorter side, if your height is around 5 '0 - 5' 9 you can sit comfortably on the 250r with no issues. Last but not least, the Kawasaki 250r motorcycle is on the inexpensive side considering its competitors and has excellent gas mileage of 50 miles per gallon!
The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a great choice for beginner riders as the motorcycle is extremely easy to handle due to the bike being lightweight and nimble. It may look on the smaller side, but the YZF-R3 is packed with power from borrowing the piston design of the R6. Motorcyclists also love the comfortability the Yamaha R3 provides (some will claim it’s more comfortable than the average touring bike). The flat seat also gives riders a chance to position their feet on the ground during stops. Along with comfortability this bike is also a great affordable option if you’re looking to save money on gas as it gets a whopping 56 miles per gallon.
The 650r is another awesome Kawasaki motorcycle to consider. It has the sportiness a lot of riders tend to look for, but is also simple and user friendly for a majority of riders to learn on. The Kawasaki "Ninja" 650r is great for anyone who is wanting to utilize their bike for their daily commute as it has a low seat height making it easier to control and allows more confidence for a new rider. This exceptional bike is also easy to handle, lightweight and stable, thus making it a perfect contender when purchasing your first motorcycle.
Similar to the Honda CBR500r the Honda CBR250r is another awesome Honda option. The Honda CBR250r has enough power for beginners to enjoy and learn on. Its affordability and reliability makes it a very common selection many beginner riders choose for a motorcycle. This bike offers a smooth ride and is perfect for commuting to wherever your destination is. It’s lightweight build and easy handling makes this bike very enjoyable for new riders.
In conclusion, it's important to find a motorcycle that works for you. Whether your first priority is comfortability, speed, power or handling it's always best to choose a motorcycle that allows you the space to learn and to become comfortable and confident in the process. For the beginner riders out there, please remember to always be aware of your surroundings, wear your protective gear and never ride your motorcycle without your helmet.
The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com hope that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Fairing Kits, Helmets, Motorcycle Backpacks, Helmet Covers, Gear & Accessories! -
Top 6 Most Scenic U.S. Roads For Motorcycle Riders
Top 6 Most Scenic U.S. Roads For Motorcycle Riders by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com
There’s nothing like the feeling and freedom of riding down an open road with a beautiful view in front of you. If you’re searching for the best scenic roads for you and your motorcycle to explore, look no further! Our team at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com curated a list of the top 6 roads across America you’re going to want to see in-person!
1.) Tennessee: "Cherohala Skyway"
We chose Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee for our first pick, which is widely known for connecting to the famous Dragon Tail route. The road goes from Tennessee to North Carolina and it is roughly 51 miles long depending on where you start.
What makes the Cherohala Skyway so special is that it is jammed packed with curvy roads and beautiful scenic views of the Smoky Mountains, trees and more. Cherohala Skyway is also on the calm side when it comes to traffic density, making this the perfect route for riders. Pro Tip: Make sure you fill up on gas and pack food & beverages in your motorcycle travel backpack, because there are no service stops on the Skyway.
2.) Texas: "Three Sisters"
Our second choice is the incredible Three Sisters road (aka the Twisted Sisters) in Texas. This route is roughly 170 miles long, depending on whether you add stops like Kerrville into your trip. Three Sisters is a great option for the adventurous riders who like tight turns, fast bends and smooth roads.
The Twisted Sisters include gorgeous country roads, rock walls and an exhilarating ride. This specific route can be challenging and dangerous due to the fast bends, blind spots and quick turns, so keep that in mind and make sure to wear your motorcycle helmet and other protective gear!
3.) Michigan: "Tunnel of Trees"
The Tunnel of Trees is our third choice and you can probably guess why. It is a gorgeous road full of movie-like scenery, dense forests of plush trees, glimpses of the Michigan shoreline and many scenic tourist stops along the way.
The road is roughly 20 miles long and fully paved. There are some areas along this route that can be narrow for some, as well as a number of spots that have tight twist-backs. Overall, the Tunnel of Trees is a road motorcycle riders dream of and one your must add to your bucket list!
4.) Montana: "Beartooth Pass"
For our fourth choice we selected Beartooth Pass in Montana, which is approximately 64 miles long. Disclaimer, this route is on the dangerous side. It has many ups and downs, drop offs, numerous switch-backs and little to no guard rails. With that being said it is also one of the most favorable routes amongst the more experienced riders within the motorcycle community.
Beartooth Pass includes dense forest areas, incredible mountain views and it's no uncommon to see other thrill-seeking motorcycle riders out on the road enjoying the challenge. If you choose to add this breathtaking route to your list, please make sure to wear your motorcycle helmet, jacket, gloves and other protective gear.
5.) Colorado: "San Juan Mountain Skyway"
Our fifth road is the amazing San Juan Mountain Skyway. As you can see from the photo above, this route is absolutely breathtaking and is approximately 236 miles long. If that’s a little lengthy for you don't worry, you can always cut the trip in half instead of riding the entire loop.
San Juan Mountain Skyway is full of jaw dropping scenery, including views of the gorgeous San Juan rocky mountains, river valleys and hot springs. Along with a few other recommended routes we stated, the San Juan Mountain Skyway is a route you should be very careful on. It has windy turns, switch-backs and little to no guard rails.
6.) Ohio: "The Triple Nickel"
We couldn't help but pick The Triple Nickel for our sixth slot. This route is roughly 35 miles long and has amazing scenery, rolling hills, remote farmlands and you'll also get to drive your motorcycle through the incredible Wayne National Forest!
The Triple Nickel has very light traffic density, but don't let that fool you, this road can be very dangerous at times. It is a route that should be driven by experienced motorcycle riders only. Why? Because The Triple Nickel has plenty of twists and turns with a mix of gravel spots off to the shoulder. It requires extreme concentration and all of your protective motorcycle gear!
We hope this article helped assist you in narrowing down your selection of scenic roads you'd like to explore in 2023. As a reminder, always be aware of your surroundings, stay safe, wear your motorcycle helmet and other protective gear and don't forget to enjoy your ride!
The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com hope that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Fairing Kits, Helmets, Backpacks, Gear & Accessories!
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Beginners Guide For Bringing Your Motorcycle To The Race Track
Beginners Guide For Bringing Your Motorcycle To The Race Track by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com
There are many different reasons why people like to take their motorcycles out on the race track. Some riders like to take the opportunity to hone their bike control, scratch their competitive itch or want ride as fast as possible without the limitations public roads have. Regardless of the reason, our team at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com are here to help you properly prepare for your first track day!
What type of motorcycle do I need for the race track?
Whether you have a cruiser, touring bike, sport bike, scooter, etc. they are all welcomed on the track. Although all bikes are welcomed on the track you're most likely to see the majority of riders bringing sport bikes such as Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, Aprilia & Triumph motorcycles. These sport bikes also require track fairing kits, that are customized to block out the front headlight & rear tail light ports and often times mould the rear tail section into a mono seat (removing the passenger seat).
That being said, KingsMotorcycleFairings.com is one of the only companies that supplies quality track fairing kits designed specifically for the race track. If you're interested in a new race fairing kit for your motorcycle, simply email the Kings support team at Support@KingsMotorcycleFairings.com!
Preparing your motorcycle
Before following our general preparation guide, be sure to check the specific rules and regulations for the organization/track that you will be attending. Regulations are usually the same or very similar across the board, but it never hurts to double check.
- Taping off lenses on your motorcycle
This is a more temporary solution to having a race track quality fairing kit. Taping your headlights, tail light and turn signals should all be taped up. We highly recommend using painters tape so that you are not damaging or leaving residue on your lights, fairings or any other parts of your bike the tape might touch!
- Remove unneeded accessories
Riders will commonly forget to take off their cell phone mount, going at high speeds can cause vibrations thus leaving accessories subject to flying off. Certain organizations may ask you to safety wire down specific parts of your bike, so again it's always best to check with their regulations.
- Remove your license plate
As well as removing unneeded accessories, your license plate is another item on your bike that can be subjected to flying off due to speed and vibrations.
- Tire pressure and treads
You’ll need at the very least 50 percent of your tires tread life to safely get through track day. Tire pressure can be a tricky one, every tire for a specific bike can be different. If you are unsure of the correct psi for your motorcycle, don't worry you can always ask tech inspection employees at the track for recommendations.
- Replacing coolant with water
Depending on the organization, they may have a regulation to replace your motorcycle's coolant with water. Coolant can become dangerous on the race track when it leaks, leaving slippery or slick areas that ultimately make the track hazardous for you and other riders.
What do I need to bring?
- Protective gear
Depending on the race track organization, the following requirements and regulations of motorcycle gear might vary. Most organizations require riders to have a full leather suit or a leather suit that zips together. You'll also want to wear boots that go over the ankle, gloves with full wrist coverage, as well as a fairly new full faced and damaged-free motorcycle helmet. We also highly recommend wearing a back protector, no matter the experience of the rider. Safety is always priority #1.
- Beverages and food
Make sure to pack plenty of water and sport drinks that contain electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated. In addition to keeping yourself hydrated, you'll want to pack yourself meals and snacks for a long track day. It's always best to come prepared, given how spacious race tacks are, they are often located in rural areas that are far away from accessible grocery stores and restaurants.
- Tools for adjustments
Bring spare duct tape and painters tape. As well as your bike stand, extra gas, wrenches, tire gauge and any extra bike parts you may need.
How to get your motorcycle to the race track
There are multiple ways to get your bike to the race track. If you're on a tighter budget, you could always ride your motorcycle to the track as long as you can fit all of your supplies in a backpack or in storage cases on your bike. However, after being on the track all day, you can experience extreme fatigue making it a very difficult ride back home at the end of the day. Ideally, you'd want to have a truck or a trailer to bring your motorcycle and supplies in.
We know it may seem overwhelming at first, however once you do it a couple of times it will become second nature! It never hurts to bring a biking buddy to help ease the anxiousness of heading to the track for the first time. Remember to be prepared, stay protected, study the course and familiarize yourself with the regulations of each race track organization you want to attend.
The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com hope that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Fairing Kits, Helmets, Gear & Accessories! -
How To Do A Stoppie On Your Motorcycle
How To Do A Stoppie on Your Motorcycle by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com
A motorcycle “stoppie”, also referred to as a nose wheelie, is a very exciting and extremely dangerous stunt to learn. A stoppie is when the back wheel of your motorcycle is lifted off of the ground and you are riding the bike solely on the front wheel. The stoppie motorcycle trick comes with great risks of injury and bike damage, so we highly recommend learning this stunt only if you are already an advanced or experienced motorcycle rider. Now, before we dive into “How to do a stoppie” our team at KingsMotorcyleFairings.com wants to discuss the safety measures that should be seriously considered before attempting this new trick.
How to Prepare
Again, stoppies are extremely dangerous. When learning any new trick on your motorcycle you always want to make sure you are taking the highest precautions and protecting yourself as much as possible. The safety measures are similar to when you are riding on the street, so you should always be wearing protective body gear and a high quality Helmet. It also would be a good idea to invest in knee pads, elbow pads and ankle pads. The more protection the better, given that there is a high probability of falling off, face planting or tipping your motorcycle during the learning process. In addition to keeping yourself protected, you’ll want to practice in a secluded area away from any other vehicles or people to ensure their safety as well as your own.
The Secret Sauce
Once you've located your practice area that is secluded with smooth roads and free from potholes or any other obstructions, it is now time to start your training. Step one, take your speed up to no more than 15mph (anything above this speed multiplies your odds of failure and injury as the difficulty level increases at higher speeds). Once you’re at the right speed, gradually pull the front brake lever until the fork is compressed. Loading the front forks is very important, because it transfers the bikes weight/force to the front before bringing up the rear tire. If this step is not done correctly the bike could possibly slide. While you are pulling in your front brake, start shifting your weight by leaning forward. The back wheel of your motorcycle will now start to rise. While practicing, slowly let go of your front brake before the tire is fully off the ground. This will bring your tire back down, doing this will allow you to get more comfortable with your balance point & bike control during the stunt. As you get more comfortable practicing and learning how to balance, you can gradually start to let your rear tire come higher off the ground during each new attempt. Keep in mind your rear brakes will not help you if you need to come back down, so avoid going too fast or leaning forward too much.
As a final reminder, this stunt is not one that should be taken lightly as it is difficult and dangerous to perform with a high probability of injury if you do not slowly ease into learning. This trick can also leave your motorcycle fairings and gear damaged, so we recommend weighing out the pros and cons before fully diving in and taking this trick on. It's best to take it slow, remain calm and learn in stages for the best results. Remember to take all of the necessary precautions mentioned earlier and if you are not fully comfortable learning this trick yet, then don't. Thank you, be safe and have fun riding!
The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com hope that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Fairing Kits, Helmets, Gear & Accessories!