Contact

Shifting in cold weather

by Lorris Lathrop
(Galliano La.)

My 1998 Yamaha royal star when i start eng in cold weather and warn it up about 5 to 8 min, when i shift to first it jumps forward then i can't get it back to nutral, and it kills, what can i do , i do get it out of first with a little rocking

Comments for Shifting in cold weather

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 17, 2012

shifting
by: Anonymous

Check to make sure the clutch is fully engaging

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

when i turn the handel bars to the right i lose all power

by jamie
(edinburgh scotland)

there is no exposed wiring and or loose wires am at a loss please help and some times when standing still it does the samething all power will just go i own a 750 virago she is 14 almost 15 years old and has not been well looked after by the last owner my email is jamie_mclennan2006@yahoo.co.uk

Comments for when i turn the handel bars to the right i lose all power

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 22, 2012

bike goes dead
by: Deeann

Check out this page:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/power_news_--_tip_over_switch.htm

Your bike could have a kill switch that is shutting the bike off. You might check this site out. The other reply could be correct also; bad vaccum hose, electrical problem. But see if you have a kill switch on your bike. Good luck.

Jan 20, 2012

Virago Troubleshooting
by: Gypsy Spirit

Hi Jamie ...

You mention a loss of power, but not whether or not the engine sputters. My first thought is something is getting pulled or pinched as you turn the bars. Maybe the clutch cable is too short or routed improperly and being activated?

There are also various safety switches and vaccuum hoses that may need cleaning/replacement on an older bike.

Try these websites for more specific info:

http://www.viragoownersclub.org/Dr%20Piston/short_takes.htm (from that site ... "When you are running in gear, your TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) box takes part of its power through the side stand switch. Lower your side stand, or shift into gear and leave it down, and your engine stops. So when trouble shooting ignition problems, you want to check the side stand switch to make sure it is making good contact and providing good power to the TCI. A typical symptom is: the bike revs and acts normally when in neutral (where the TCI gets the needed power through the neutral switch) but the engine falters or runs bad when in gear (power through the side stand switch)."

http://viragotech.com/
http://viragotechforum.com/

Hope you find an easy fix!

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

electrical problems

by Greg
(Coeur d alene, Idaho, USA)

I jump started my 1986 yamaha with the car, I took the cables off the motorcycle with both vehicles running and the bike died, now the bike won't start at all and light or nothing comes on. what is the problem. I checked the main fuse and the four fuses and all good. Battery will not charge now.

Comments for electrical problems

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 22, 2012

jumping a bike battery
by: Deeann

You can jump a motorcycle off of a car battery but LEAVE THE CAR ENGINE OFF WHEN YOU JUMP IT. Just go battery to battery. If the car is running when you jump the bike, it will likely fry your bike battery or worse.

Jan 20, 2012

Jumping bikes
by: Gypsy Spirit

While bikes can be jumped from cars (leave the car off!) or by other means in an emergency, be sure to put the bike battery on a charger as soon as possible.

Bike charging systems are different from car charging systems and do not fare well when used to charge a dead battery, often resulting in damage to the voltage regulator and/or stator. Unfortunately, most of us learn this the hard (expensive) way.

A new battery may be all it takes to get your bike running again, but be sure to have the entire charging system checked out or it may die again rather quickly.

I will add here, as it seems an appropriate topic line ...
People have been mistakenly known to use the cable clamps that come with the Battery Tender as booster cables. The cable clamps are intended to be attached to the Battery Tender (http://batterytender.com/battery-tender-plus-12v-at-1-25a.html) unit to charge a battery that is not in the bike. If they are attached to the battery whip instead, the polarity is reversed (follow the red clamp wire and you will see it connect to the black wire at the plug when attached to the battery whip) and can fry the entire wiring harness.

http://business.intuit.com/directory/article-motorcycle-atv-jumper-cables-safe-usage

Jan 18, 2012

battery jump
by: kris

You can indeed jump start a bike from a car. They are NOT different in volts. Both are 12vdc ( volts, direct current) the aperage is dependant on the load, a car battery.charging system will put out enough current to jump a start a bike. It does sound like a bunged battery. If a battery is really toast it will act as a near short. A fuse , as previously suggested could also be blown. a cheap multi meter is a great investment. Set it to volts and check the battery. Then turn the key, see if the voltage plummets, if it drops, but not to zero, you most likely have a bad battery. In fact, try boosting, or jumping it again, without the bike battery connected. If you still have no power, you have an open circuit, broken wire or blown fuse. if you have power and it starts, but a new battery. BTW I boosted my bike a few times, no problems,

Jan 17, 2012

Depending on how she did it....
by: Mary

...she may or may not have ruined her battery. However, you CAN jump a bike with a car...see the following:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4842968_jump-start-motorcycle-battery-car.html

Jan 17, 2012

Your Battery
by: Anonymous

You fried it. You cannot jump start motorcycle batteries from a car battery. Different volts & amps.

Jan 17, 2012

bad battery
by: Anonymous

I'm not sure what style of Yammie you have , but I have an 84 and there are 9 fuses on my bike , you may need to check all , coil , new battery . Or maybe a new wiring harness . Good luck

Jan 16, 2012

electrical
by: Anonymous

first u do not jump motorcycles off from car batterys also keep buying that jap shit

Jan 16, 2012

Battery
by: Anonymous

Is it possible that the battery wasn't any good in the first place and when you jumped it off the car, it was just running off the car? Did you try a new battery?

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

adjusting the height

by danielle

Can a Kawasaki 250 be lowered enough for me, I'm 5ft tall and really want a bike, but don't know if a street bike can be lowered to fit me. Is this possible if so which type of bike? Thanks

Comments for adjusting the height

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 19, 2012

Go sit.
by: Wanda

Go to the dealers and bike shops and sit on as many bikes as possible. See if there is one that fits you or almost fits you. If you find one you like that almost fits, ask if it can be lowered or if the spring tension can be adjusted. Just be aware if bike is lowered too much, you won't have much ground clearance and so will have to be careful not to run over stuff. Also if the spring tension is increased, it will lower the seat, but the springs won't have as much travel, so you might bottom out when riding over potholes or bumps. It's okay, just be careful.

Jan 16, 2012

adjustment for small riders
by: Anonymous

Hi iam just 5ft1 and you can buy lowering kits for almost any bikes i have a kawasaki er6 and have had a lowering kit put on it which drops it by 35 m it makes all the differance but also you can get your seat done buy havinging some of the foam taken out of it. ive had both done and noew its fine good luck

Jan 13, 2012

spring tension
by: Anonymous

I'm 5'6" and ride a suzuki sv650s with a raised seat. My shop said instead of lowering it they can adjust the tension in the springs. You might be a ble to get it lowered and have the tension adjusted too

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

Passing on the highway

by Crystal Pybas
(Vernon,Texas)

What can I do to not get nervous when being passed by a truck on the highway?

Comments for Passing on the highway

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 05, 2012

highway
by: Missrider

I love freeway, look at what I do on them. http://missrider.com/
Just keep riding them and as someone posted, experience will guide you through. Truck drivers try to be careful with motorcycle riders, unlike cars. Don't know why but I feel safer when I pass a truck when I am on the third left lane. Cars will cut you off. However, that said, I never ride next to a truck or behind one for fear of a tire blowing out or stuff flying off. I've had a few moments where that happened and I am very happy that I survived. The trick is to stay away from them even though the driver himself/herself is more caring than a car. My next ride summer of 2012 is to ride to Panama from Boston, all highway.

Jan 05, 2012

Getting passed by a big truck
by: Bernice

Getting passed by a big truck used to terrify me! Then I got the idea that when a truck is trying to pass me, just slow down a little and let the truck go on by. I also considered that when a truck is beside you passing, we are basically in a blind spot because we are so short and under the levels of his side mirrors. So letting the truck go by faster will reduce the time that we are in his blind spot too. Also, before slowing to let a truck pass, be sure that there is ample space behind you to let you safely slow down or if there is traffic behind you, tap your brakes several times to signal the vehicle behind you that you are indeed slowing down. These steps will insure your safety and allow you to travel safely on the bigger roads.

Jan 05, 2012

Getting passed by a big truck
by: Bernice

I was nervous at first when I would get passed by a big truck. I got to thinking, if the truck passing me is the root of my nervousness, then why not slow down a little and let the truck get by quicker!! It worked like a charm! Not only did that simple act stop the heebee jeebees, but also another big thing is that when a truck is beside you, he cannot see you either! So slowing down a little made my time in the blind spot a lot shorter!

Jan 04, 2012

Passing....
by: Pat

Just hold tight to your handlebars....you'll get used to it ;-). Be careful moving over to the right side of your lane...they'll cut in on you. "Guard" your lane...that way if they move in on you you'll have somewhere to go!!!!

Jan 04, 2012

getting passed
by: Yvonne - NC

That's a good one. I usually go to the right of the lane I'm in. I think experience is the only thing that will get you to overcome the fear. Concentrate on what you're doing and you'll be ok. I don't mind riding the freeway anymore.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR

by RICHARD
(FT.MYERS,FLORIDA USA)

DOES THE ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR ON MOTORCYCLES SIT IN A OIL FILLED COMPARTMENT OR SHOULD IT BE OIL FREE(INDICATING OIL LEAK)

Comments for ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 24, 2012

Alternator
by: Anonymous

What kind bike

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

will not start

i recently changed the back bulb on my dr 125 motorbike and i was out on it last night when i got home and my bike would not turn off. i took key out and bike was still running. eventually my bike turned off and now there is no power at all in the bike, it will not turn on now. i had to push it back home due to no power. can you please help me with a diagnosis? my friend mentioned that all the electrics may have seized.

Comments for will not start

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 15, 2012

dead bike
by: retired electronics tech.

Sounds like your key switch is bad. If you know anything about electronics you should be able to check it yourself. If not, find someone who does know so that you don't short something out or electrocute yourself. If the switch is bad it could keep the bike from shutting off; it could drain the battery too. Get some competent help.

Jan 15, 2012

dead bike
by: Anonymous

Remove the bulb that you replaced. Sometimes they are bad even when new. It could have shorted out and drained your battery. When you have trouble all of a sudden, go back to the last thing you did (or worked on). That could be the culprit.

Jan 14, 2012

Maybe
by: Anonymous

I wonder if you disconnect the battery and leave it disconnected for a little while, then connect it back up, if that will clear the electronics?

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

fear

by Carrie
(Marseilles, Illinois)

I took the Harley Riders Edge course in April 2011, passed the test, the state came the next day to test for our license and I dropped the bike on the right hand turn! Needless to say I did not get my license. Developed a fear, bought an 883 sportster, drove it down the drive and could not go any further, then bought a Buell to practice more,-which is what I learned on. My husband and I went riding a few times, him on the Harley and me on the Buell. My question.....how do I overcome my fear of driving the Harley-Davidson? It's bigger, heavier and I am afraid of dropping and afraid I will fail the state test again.

Comments for fear

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 05, 2012

Fear
by: Anonymous

My husband has a Street Glide, loved riding on the back, never rode one myself at all , I am 40 , but decided that I wanted one, well got one 1200N Sportster, seemed like it fix me in the store,nooot at all ... got it home, it is very top heavy , husband had to lower the back and front 2 inches...I have dumped it 2 times before it was lowered never hurt it at all , thank god... just did get back on it today went around the neighborhood... The bike is so top heavy and when I go around left or right turns, I get scared and dont know why ...but I am going to practice , practice , practice... I hear it all the time ...cause if I cant get over this fear ...my husband will be upset cause of the investment we have made....so as for now I am still in fist gear....but i guess i am makeing progress ..or hope so

Feb 19, 2012

thank you
by: Anonymous

Wands, thank you...always looking for advise

Feb 19, 2012

BMW
by: Wanda

I recommend the BMW G650GS. It is so easy to ride. The Buell is easy to ride but vibrates too much. The BMW 650 will be just as easy to ride, and it gives a smooth ride. Plus, you can take the BMW GS bikes down dirt and gravel roads! I would sell the 883. There are ladies that get good at riding the 883, but in general, they are more difficult to ride than a lot of other bikes.

Jan 16, 2012

Thank you all for encouragement
by: author Carrie

Thanks for all the kind words

Jan 15, 2012

Buell/Harley
by: Joan

I also took the Riders Edge course and ended up dropping the bike 4 times, but luckily not during the testing part. I started out on a Honda Rebel 250, then eventually moved up to a Yamaha 650 V-Star and now I am riding my favorite bike - a Harley 883 Sportster Superlow. It has taken me basically a year and a half to get where I am now. I would keep riding the Buell, but I would also have your husband ride your Sportster to a big vacant parking lot and let you do some riding on it there. That's what I had my husband do as I didn't want to even try to ride it on any busy streets. Before I got my Harley, I was ready to give up riding completely as I just did not enjoy riding my Yamaha. When I got on my Sportster the first time, I was totally amazed how much easier it was to ride and how much FUN it was! Don't give up...you will be riding that Sportster before you know it!

Jan 15, 2012

Ride
by: Susanne

As others have said just ride the Buell. Hey any rider/driver has things that they don't like to do. I still won't drive past a intersection I totaled a car at. It's in my head and fortunately I don't need to go that way. Keep riding and enjoy the Buell and when or if you feel ready you will ride to Harley. If not, oh well. Consider a headset for you and husband. ScalaG4 has worked well with us. It might help boost your confidence to be able to talk to your husband when you have questions or concerns while riding.

Jan 15, 2012

Fear
by: Katie

Why do you have to ride a Harley. You are a new rider as am I. Ride the Buell and enjoy. With lots of practice you might move to the Harley but if you don't OH WELL. I ride a Suzuki GSXF. The smallest bike of all my neighbours. I am going to ride if for another season and see what happens. If ready I will move to more of a cruiser type bike. If not then I will ride the GSXF for another season.

Ride what YOU like and are comfortable with!

Jan 15, 2012

Fear...
by: Anonymous

Why not just keep riding the Buell? If you feel more comfortable ride it for awhile then ease your way into riding the Harley or try another bike. Go to dealers & sit on others to see if you "fit" better something else. Be patient & take your time, practice, practice,practice...

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

clutch

by Rick
(Newnan,Ga)

I have a CBR 600 F4, clutch cable broke and I got a pro motion cable and can't get it to adjust right. I took it off and pushed the swing arm on top of clutch and started it to see if the clutch was engaged but its like the clutch ain't engaged. Would it need a new clutch or am I missing something. Figured its easy both cables are the same but its to loose or tight. Im just getting frustrated with it.

Comments for clutch

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 29, 2012

clutch cable
by: Anonymous

You might have the cable to tight

Jan 13, 2012

Don't Know
by: Anonymous

Maybe you just had it in neutral.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

sparkplugs overflow with fuel...

by adele
(northern cape)

Hi,
ive got a cbr400n29-new sparkplugs was fitted in sept 2011 and since then i had to replace 3 already-overflowed with petrol...
any suggestions please????

Comments for sparkplugs overflow with fuel...

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 22, 2012

flooded bike
by: Anonymous

Sounds like a carb problem. Have it fixed soon.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

kick start jammed on crf450r

by bindy
(queensland australia)

my partner has a crf459r bike and the other day while riding it he said it made noise like the chain let go but chain never and then the bike stopped and now the kick start is jammed and there was oil every where has he seized it

Comments for kick start jammed on crf450r

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 15, 2012

jammed kicker
by: Anonymous

Sounds more serious than a kicker problem...seized engine? Broken con rod?

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

why does my blinker on my motercycle does not work in the cold just the heat

by brian
(raeford nc)

why does my blinker on my motercycle does not work in the cold just the heat but it does work in the cold weather after a min or two

Comments for why does my blinker on my motercycle does not work in the cold just the heat

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 25, 2012

thanks i dont feel crazy now
by: Ranae

thought i was going crazy or that my hands were what was not working right when it is cold.

Jan 23, 2012

blinker likes heat
by: Anonymous

Don't ride in the cold!

Jan 22, 2012

cold blinker
by: Deeann

Sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere. When things are cold, they contract. When warm, they expand. When your bike is cold the contraction is causing you to lose an electrical connection and the blinker won't work. Once the bike warms up the connection is remade and the blinker works. I would check your bulbs to make sure they are seated properly and not corroded. Also, wiggle your electrical connections and cables and see if you can find something loose. Your problem would most likely be located in an area that is warmed up by the engine running. In other words, the heat from the motor is heating up a surrounding area and causing the contact to remake. So look around in the warm areas for your problem. This also explains why your blinker works in warm weather. The contact is made then. Good luck.

Jan 20, 2012

ANSWER THREAD??
by: Anonymous

your joking right?

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

derbi senda citycross 125

by Jim
(ripon uk)

I was wondering if someone could give me their advice, i recently bought this bike, it is my first and im no mechanic, when riding it seems very loud and when going at around 60-65 mph it vibrates like buggery! is this normal?

Comments for derbi senda citycross 125

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 15, 2012

wheels
by: sam

Derbi, you might need your tires balance.Give that a try,and see what happens.

Jan 14, 2012

What kind of noise?
by: Wanda

Is it exhaust noise, engine noise, tire noise, or what? If you have street tires on it, it is probably not tire noise. Off-road, knobby tires can be loud on pavement. If the rear swing-arm bushing is bad, it might make a lot of noise and vibrate. Can you take it to a bike shop and get the opinion of a mechanic?

Jan 14, 2012

125 cc
by: Wanda

Yes, for a 125 cc bike, I think that is normal. When funds permit, you might consider getting bike with a larger displacement engine.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

MAKE AND MODEL OF MOTORCYCLE Needed!! Please help :)

by Jessica
(Columbia, MD)

Any idea what make it is?

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the make and model of this motorcycle? I am really interested in buying it.

Comments for MAKE AND MODEL OF MOTORCYCLE Needed!! Please help :)

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 11, 2012

New 2007 Custom Built 2007 Custom Bike Pro Street Prowler for Sale
by: Anonymous

Frame is Modified Redneck stretched six inches, Rims are Performance machine -Widow Maker-Polished 21\\\" front tire with ME 880 Marathon 90.90-21 M/C 54H, 18\\\" rear tie with ME880 Marathon 280/35 R 18 M/C 84V Brake calipers - Performance machine polished - Chrome Bullet style head light. Controls are Performance machine polished, left mirror polished, kick stand

Jan 15, 2012

Harley Davidson
by: Karrie

yep... sure looks like a Heritage Softail Springer... maybe a 96? they are pretty, arent they? I have always had a weakness for the Heritage Softails... I am a very proud owner of a 2007 Softail Classic... I will never own another! If I ever do get another bike, it wont be anything but another Heritage Softail! :)

Jan 10, 2012

carbs
by: candy

ok i have a 2001 kawasaki ex 250 r and cleaned the carbs jets so on.the idle jets were a little dirty.after all cleaned i had to put the rubber intake boots back on.now the bike will idle down slow.i know the clamps on the boots art tight.i know it needs to be cinked too.but will the intake boots go on eather way.or is there just one way is front and back on the boots thanks
plasma

Jan 06, 2012

Reply
by: Jessica

I saw it online, I just want to know do I can try to find and buy one

Jan 05, 2012

H-D
by: Anonymous

It's like a '96 H-D Heritage Softail springer...has a blockhead engine

Jan 05, 2012

VIN number
by: Gypsy Spirit

Hi Jessica ...

If you can get the vehicle identification number go to carfax.com and do a search on it. It will tell you the year, make and model even if you do not purchase the history report.

Jan 05, 2012

make
by: Anonymous

The seller doesn't know ???

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

harley tires

by BD
(TEXAS)

how many miles can you get on a harley davidson softtail deluxe tires

Comments for harley tires

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 16, 2012

Harley tires
by: Anonymous

The mileage you get will depend on many things, such as riding habits, road conditions, weight of rider, passenger, luggage, etc., air pressure, and age of the tire. You should get at least 6000 mile and up to 12000 if you're very lucky.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

long trip

by chelsea
(california)

I've been riding for 5 months now and have an sv650s. How long should I wait to make a 150 mile weekend trip on the highway?

Comments for long trip

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 17, 2012

Go for it!
by: Anonymous

Plan your route; make sure you have places to stop and have a coffee, and regain your bearings if you get nervous/rattled or tired. Be willing to turn back if necessary - don't make this a must-obtain-destination trip. I wager you will finish the trip with a little extra tension in your shoulders, but a triumphant feeling in your heart. Absolutely go for it!!

Jan 15, 2012

now
by: islanddeb

I was worried about long rides at first too. I just picked a route and started increasing my distance.I was worried about endurance and fatigue. If you take enough breaks 150 miles will seem like nothing soon enough. Good luck and have fun!

Jan 15, 2012

long trip
by: Mary

I don't think anyone can tell you if you are ready. Take increasing long trips to judge for yourself

Jan 15, 2012

Ready?
by: Lois

If you are comfortable with your bike and not afraid of the highway I say you must be ready. Just remember to take a break when you need it, if you are going with other people set up a break schedule like every 75 miles just to take a quick rest and get a drink or go to the bathroom. Have fun.

Jan 14, 2012

Go for it!!!
by: Wanda

There is no time like the present. Ride safe and enjoy!!!

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.

bike size

by Samantha
(Arizona )

I want to get an enduro while I'm at school for mileage and because I love to ride, but am not sure what a good size would be. I am 5'6" 155 pounds, and would need it to go about seventy. Any suggestions??