Q:I am a new motorcyclist and was just wondering if there were any emergency procedures for this. Our first reaction is to press on the brakes but on a motorcycle that is a terrible idea. I got to realize what that felt like firsthand at the motorcycle safety course. I want to finetune my skills so that I can survive on the city streets. Thanks

When you're hot you're hot (lol). And using your brakes properly is your best choice. Try to chill your jets long before you need a parachute, think ahead. At 60mph you're traveling at 81 fps, your body has approximately 15 sf. of surface area so it only takes 4.7 seconds to totally skin you. Hopefully you are wearing a helmet as the skin on your face and skull is 20% thinner and 50% richer in blood capacity. ALWAYS keep an exit-way open. Added: When in doubt 'gas it' , when doubt fails, lay it down and in a hurry!

Q:Hi, I am looking to buy a motorcycle (my first). Specifically a Kawasaki 250r. I want it new and retail is $4k. I am 18 but do have parents who could buy it since they have credit if you catch my drift. Im really confused and need some help on a couple things though-Should I get a motorcycle loan or a personal loan?-Can you even use a personal loan for a motorcycle?-What are the average interest rates for the better option?-Will this increase my auto insurance for any reason?-How long does a bike like this usually last if well maintained?-Any information on maintenance would be great, (how often to get oil changed, how long brakes and tires last, etc)?-If I were to get a used one, roughly how much would it cost me to have a mechanic verify its in good shape?-Is it worth buying a new one for $1000 more if it doesn‘t have 5000 miles on it? (idk how much is too much)Sorry for all the questions, I just want as much information as possible, thank you. ]

Okay so lots of questions lets see how I can do. First I have owned two 250r's so I have experience with them. If you get a personal loan you will not have to keep full coverage on the motorcycle but the interest rate may be more. I can tell you that if you use a kawasaki card you will get reduced rates of interest for some time and they do not required full coverage insurance. Check Kawasaki's web site for current offers on rates. Your auto insurance should go down if you insure with the same company. You will get a discount that way. If a bike is maintained it will last a very long time. Maintenance is more important than anything Else on a bike. Your first service will be 600 miles on a new bike. Then every few thousand miles depending on your riding habits. If you get a used one and have a shop check it, it will cost around 75 bucks (around here anyway - colorado) New or used is a tough one if your financing a new one could potentially cost you less in the end. Run the numbers and judge it for yourself. If your paying cash I would get a used one and let someone else take the depreciation hit. Hope I helped.

Q:is there a way to touch/feel/see if disk brakes are worn out?thanks all!

If there are grooves in them, too thin, warped an/or wobbly and shaking when you brake, squealing excessively, or discolored, then they need replacing.

Q:A ladies pedal motorcycle rear wheel brake is butterfly brake, if the speed of 40 by the brake pedal directly to the low, easy to flick it? Some people say that only with the power of seven brake. is it?

Brake speed adjustable. Also look at the road conditions, if the dirt road, then the chance of flick is particularly large. The words of the road in forty should not be flicking phenomenon. If you want to flick like you say the slow brake, one foot in the end is easy to lock

Q:engine braking do you roll of the throttle or do you keep the throttle steady while you shift down?

Only thing I would add is when downshifting blipping the throttle a bit as you're letting out the clutch to match RPM's can smooth out the transition to the lower gear. Also you really want to make sure you have a feel for your bike and where your shift points are. Dropping into first from the high end of second could be not fun, like say in the middle of a sharp turn. You also want to be very aware of not double shifting, so say dropping two gears from third to first and then just dropping the clutch. It's not so great on your clutch or engine, and will likely result in a quick locking of the rear tire for a short period, which while when the bike is stood up is not so bad, in a turn could prove disastrous.

Q:I have custom handle bars on my motorcycle and the brakes aren‘t decompressing properly, I suspect its because the fluid Reservoir sits at an angle instead of level like it was designed

No, there will be an air pocket at the top of the reservoir, since the reservoir should be above the top of the hydraulic system there is no way the air can get from the reservoir into the hydraulic system without being turned upsidedown. If, for some reason the reservoir is not above the master cylinder, then it could cause a problem at an angle. Your problem is not clear though, could you describe what you mean by the brakes decompressing.

Q:an instructions on the internet that i can find and print

easy screwdriver pry old pad back remove two screws pads fall out slide in new pads replace screws pump brake check fluid maybe hour or less just type into search box pretty easy to find most repairs by typing how to infront of what your looking for works pretty much with anything from house repair to weed eater repair add video to end of your question many times you find a video of it brakes easy how to replace brake pads motorcycle how to replace brake pads motorcycle video

Q:Looking at the BMW 2009 X-country. One is brand new for $7000 (out the door), and has 3 year manufacturer warranty. The other is used, has 5000 miles on it and offered for $5000. 8 months warranty left on it. The used one cheaper and if I need to sell I won‘t lose a lot. The new one, well it‘s shiny and new! I just can‘t decide It‘s not going to be my first motorcycle. Thanks!

The fact that this is not your first motorcycle is the key factor. It likely won't be your last. looking down the road, You may find that this particular bike is not a 100% match to your future riding needs, even though you may love it. I would buy the used one. If it turns out that you want this bike as a new model, then at least you will know for sure what you want, and can go trade for the new one. BMWs hold their value really well.particularly if you have good maintenance records. 5K miles is not a lot of miles for a BMW (Just barely broken in), so unless the previous owner beat it to death, it should be in fine shape. Check the tires, brakes, look for any obvious signs of damage. Shiny schminey, by the way. The first time you take that out and ride it in the rain, that's over. Give it a good wash, and ride it like it was designed to be ridden. Do that and any faults that are underlying should be discovered in the next 8 months, which should be covered under the warranty

Q:i have a motorcycle which i accidentally left the keys on and the battery went dead anyway started it with the kickstart and its started fine when i got back i switched it off the break light no longer work everything else does what could it be

Take the bulb out and look at it. If it is clear and the filament is in place it is probably good. If the filament is broken/missing, or the bulb is burnt/black, it's bad.

Q:Can the motorcycle's braking system use DOT4?

Can, DOT4 brake oil can be used in motorcycles, but do not mix with other brake oil, if the original brake pump has other brake oil, it is best to put clean and then new.