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New rider: what was that noise?

MCN, 06 August 2010 16:06

When you get your first big bike, it can take some time to get used to all the mechanical noises that it makes, and they can seem quite worrying at first. If you're on a tight budget and your new bike is a bit long in the tooth, there are a few noises that you should watch out for. If ...

What's engine braking and how does it differ?

MCN, 06 August 2010 15:58

Engine braking can be a useful tool to riding smoothly when you first start out, or it can get you into a bit of trouble if you don't pay attention to the gear you're in. It occurs when you shut the throttle, at that moment the engine goes from producing power to having its pistons pumped by the rotating rear ...

New bike dos and don'ts

MCN, 30 July 2010 17:42

When you've got your first bike there are a few add-on dos and don'ts. Do consider fitting a hugger. It will keep the back of your bike cleaner and looks neat. Don't just fit any old loud pipe. Quite apart from insurance problems, you could upset the way the engine runs with poor throttle response and misfires, as well as ...

Checking your new bike has a SORN

MCN, 02 July 2010 16:26

If you have bought a bike and applied for SORN at the same time, you should receive a new logbook and confirmation of its SORN status too. But if you can’t find the SORN paperwork anywhere, you can check the date of liability for your bike via http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk or by calling vehicle enquiries on 0300 790 6802. Get a friend ...

How to avoid a SMIDSY

MCN, 02 July 2010 16:04

No one likes crashing and it can dent your confidence and bank balance as well as injuring you. Here’s how to avoid one of the most common accidents, a SMIDSY (“Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You”) when another vehicle pulls out of a junction and you collide or fall off avoiding them. To avoid these as much as possible, keep ...

Taking care of your chain

MCN, 18 June 2010 14:14

There are two types of chain used on bikes. Off-roaders and commuter bikes up to 125cc use chains made of metal only, other road bikes use O-ring chains. O-ring chains have small rubber seals between the rollers and the sideplates to slow down wear. O-ring chains should be washed with a light oil or degreaser and then wiped down before ...

How to push your bike around

MCN, 04 June 2010 09:30

It’s hard to believe when you are tipping your bike into a bend with the merest fingertip pressure on a bar, that your bike weighs a couple of hundred kilos. But when you’ve got to push it into the garage past the car and the kids’ bikes that weight is all too apparent. The key to moving your bike at ...

Differences between bike and car engines

MCN, 28 May 2010 16:02

If you have come from the four-wheeled world it is easy to forget that motorcycle engines need more care and attention than car engines as they rev a lot higher with much greater power to capacity ratios. For example, you can normally expect a car to hardly need topping up between oil changes, but it’s not unusual for bikes to ...

How to help your pillion

MCN, 28 May 2010 15:53

We all know how fantastic bikes are to ride, with their power, cornering and acceleration, but novice pillions need to be introduced gently to those powerful physical sensations if they aren’t to be put off bikes forever. The first step is to explain to them what they are going to feel, that tipping back as you open the throttle, the ...

Adjusting to the bike riding experience

MCN, 21 May 2010 16:24

If you are coming from four wheels to two for the first time, the differences can seem daunting. Cars deliver their responses to you through a myriad of different systems that use complicated electronics and hydraulics for power steering, servo-assisted brakes, fly-by-wire throttles and semi-automatic gearboxes. You are cocooned in an air-conditioned cabin with your favourite sounds, drink and snacks ...