Category Archives: Tips

How to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance

Posted on by
Reply

I have been a motorcycle rider ever since I was old enough to ride my first 50cc Yamaha on the road with learner plates and have always enjoyed the thrill. I passed my full test before my car test and have always owned a bike rather than a car. I have also been very lucky in that in all of the years that I have been on two wheels I have never had a serious accident. Sure there have been the odd splash here and there and I have suffered my fair share of road rash. But that’s the worst I have had and I consider myself blessed. So everything has been good for me, that is except for my motorcycle insurance.

When I was first riding, insurers promised me that when I passed my full test the premiums would fall. Then they promised me that at the age of 21 I would notice a significant reduction in price. Next there was the promise that my 25th birthday would definitely be the one, that became 30th and I am still praying that when I reach 40 I will finally have affordable motorcycle insurance. However, in all this time I have discovered a few tips that can lower your motorcycle insurance and keep your bike safer.

First of all security is key. Unfortunately motorcycles are incredibly easy to steal and there seems to be no shortage of low lifes that are willing to do it. So an alarm is an absolute must. Many motorcycle insurance companies will offer a discount if you can prove that you have a quality alarm system fitted to your wheels and here’s another tip. Fit it somewhere that is difficult to get to.

Don’t just put it under the seat, think about it and choose somewhere a little bit more inaccessible. If it is easy to put in, it is easy to stop so I always put mine under the fuel tank. It makes them very sensitive and almost impossible to get at without taking the bike apart.

Another way to avoid having your pride and joy stolen and therefore impress the motorcycle insurance company is to store it in a safe place. A garage that is connected to your home is always a favorite. It is also a good idea to alarm the garage and fit some heavy duty locks to the door. A cheap way to alarm the garage is to plug in a baby monitor and keep the receiver with you when you are at home. I sleep with mine next to the bed.

You should also consider fixing a ring to the garage floor so that you can lock your bike to it. Use a good quality u-lock and, if possible, secure it to the frame and the ring. It’s all about making it as difficult as possible for the baddies to get their grubby mitts on your bike.
Now not all motorcycle insurance (or as Danes refer to the term MC forsikring) companies will offer discounts just because you have done these things so be sure to shop around. And even if the measures you have taken don’t make you eligible for cheaper motorcycle insurance (in Danish billig motorcykel forsikring), your bike will be a lot less likely to be stolen. This in turn will mean that you make less claims and that should help to lower your premium.

Motorcycle Trailer Hitches: Pros and Cons

Posted on by
Reply

Motorcycle trailer hitches are some of the most useful inventions in the history of motorcycle travel. It’s not uncommon these days to drive down the street and see someone with a motorcycle utilizing a hitch to transport their belongings or even pets. The use of these hitches is growing in popularity due to the ease of use and the widespread availability of different types of hitches. Is a trailer hitch right for your motorcycle?

PROS

One of the biggest advantages of the hitch is that motorcycle riders can transport items that they couldn’t otherwise. Everyone loves to drive their motorcycles, but the only real downside is that you often can’t take anything with you. The handy equipment attachments allow you to attach a small trailer to the back of your motorcycle so that you have a way to take some things with you when you need them. Pets sometimes travel in enclosed pods on the back of trailer hitches.

trailer
Another great advantage of the hitch is that it makes the motorcycle appear larger. Many accidents involving motorcycles occur because the drivers of larger vehicles didn’t see the motorcycles. When a motorcycle has a hitch attached to it with a trailer, it becomes much more visible on the road. Since so many people use cell phones while they drive today, it’s never a bad idea to make your motorcycle appear larger on the road. People are less likely to hit you with their vehicles if they can see a larger motorcycle with a trailer attached to the back.

 

CONS

One of the biggest drawbacks is gas mileage. This is especially true if you plan to ride your bike with the trailer for long distances. Motorcycles are universally loved for their incredible fuel efficiency, but pulling a trailer will sap that mileage away. You’ll have to spend more money on gas if you pull your trailer often. The usual mileage that you get on your bike will disappear until you stop the use of the trailer. Plan your budget accordingly if you think this will affect you.

Another drawback is that you still can’t transport as much with a motorcycle as you can with a car. Some people may think that the hitch with the trailer means they can replace their car completely with a motorcycle. That’s not a good idea since no trailer can help a motorcycle transport as much stuff as a car. You shouldn’t rely on your motorcycle to carry too much stuff. It’s not healthy for the bike to pull heavy trailers. This can lead to flat tires and engine problems if you’re not careful.

Tip for motorcycle scratch and paint protection

Posted on by
Reply

If you are determined to maintain the glow and shine on your motorcycle, then you must be prepared to do all it takes. There are a number of motorcycle paint protection products that are manufactured specifically to help you achieve this purpose. If you use the right paint protection products, you will realize that keeping your motorcycle as good as new wont be that difficult. The following are tips that will help you to keep your motorcycle free from scratches and also to ensure that the paint is in the best condition always.

Prevention is better than cure

Just as the saying goes, you should do everything within your capacity to ensure that your motorbike does not get scratches or paint damage for example through corrosion and oxidation. This means that you should begin taking good care of your motorbike from the moment you drive it from the showroom. It is important to understand that if you manage to take care of your motorbike, it will remain as good as new for a very long time. However, if you had neglected your motorbike and it now has scratches and the paint has been damaged, you should understand that all is not lost as you can fix the scratches and still make look just like a new one. The products used to maintain your motorbike and its paint may vary from waxes, paint conditioners, sealers and cleaners.

Waxing will ensure that the pain is shinning and does not fade, paint cleaners and conditioners will remove all those stubborn stains to ensure that the paint is clear and free from external coloring. Also ensure that birds droppings and tree sap are cleaned from the motorbike’s surface as soon as possible before they can cause any damage to the paint.

 

Use quality wax or paint protectants

When choosing the paint protectant or wax for your motorbike, make sure you choose a product of high quality that will not only make the paint shine but will also ensure that the paint on your motorbike is long lasting. A quality paint protectant may come at quite a higher price than ordinary paint protectants.

Paint sealer protectant and wax that contains Teflon as one of the ingredients will come with added benefits in that they will not only ensure that the motorbike’s paint is shinning, but they will also create a barrier between your motorbike’s paint job and other contaminants that may cause damage to the paint. You can look for reviews online to ensure that the product you purchase is of renowned quality.

Stay away from multifunctional cleaning products

There are many products in the market today that are listed multifunctional meaning that they do all the cleaning and waxing jobs simultaneously. There are also some manufacturers who will tell you that when you use their multifunctional product, you will not need to wax your motorbike again. you should understand that most of these products will not only give you a low quality paint on your motorbike, but will also not offer much protection the paint job. The best way to ensure that your motorbike is protected from scratches and paint damage is to wash your motorbike in the traditional way and then apply a high quality paint sealer or wax.

bw

photo credit: filtran via photopin cc

Article written by Kerry Blake from Immaculate Reflections – Melbourne car detailng service, Australia.

Motorcycle batteries: how to choose and maintain the right battery for your bike

Posted on by
Reply

Battery failures are one of the main causes of bike problems so it’s important to choose the right battery – or risk paying the price later. It’s also important to look after your battery properly. As mums across the land have been telling us for years: prevention is better than a cure!

Before you buy…

Have your current battery tested before you fork out on a new one in case it’s the charging system at fault. You can do this yourself with a multimeter.

Choosing the right battery for your bike

Your owner’s manual should help you figure out which battery is best for your bike. You may still wish to upgrade to a different variety, depending on your requirements. Check that any battery you buy is a match with your bike’s performance in cold conditions – zero degrees fahrenheit is when batteries perform at their worst, you can use an amp (CCA) requirement test to see how it will fare in cold weather.

Types of battery

Lead acid

Good old-fashioned lead acid, or ‘wet’ batteries: if you have an older bike, or a tight budget, one of these might be your only option. If so, you’ll need to carry out maintenance on a regular basis to keep things ticking over -  these batteries need to be topped up with distilled water and checked periodically to keep electrolytes balanced.

Lead acid batteries are also subject to vibration and heat damage. It’s important that they are kept upright on your bike in order to avoid leaks, and care must be taken when charging and discharging – they emit hydrogen gas, which is highly toxic and explosive

if you have a lead acid battery it will probably bear a serial number beginning with the letters CB, YB, GB, Y, C or G.

Maintenance free battery

There are several varieties of maintenance free battery. AGM (absorbed glass matt) batteries can withstand vibration and heat damage, and come in a sealed case – no topping up with water or acid needed. Other kinds are supplied with battery acid separately, to be added after purchase. Once the acid has been added, there is no more maintenance required and hermetically sealed – so there’s no need to reopen or check the levels.

If you have a maintenance free / sealed battery it will probably bear a serial number beginning with  YTX, CTX or GTX. They usually come in a black case.

Gel batteries

If you’re riding a newer bike, chances are you’ll already be aware that size does matter! Sports bikes in particular have limited space for batteries – making a gel battery one of your best options. Gel batteries are smaller, lighter and more powerful than their lead acid counterparts so if you race this is a no brainer.

Here’s the science bit: gel batteries get their name from the consistency of the battery acid – which, coincidentally enough, comes in gel form. This means it doesn’t slosh around or leak like liquid acid in lead batteries – the gel can coat the lead plates inside the battery without any problem. This means that unlike other types of battery they can be used at an angle or lying on one side.

Gel batteries don’t need to be filled with battery acid before use, which is often preferable for dealers and consumers. However a downside as a result of them being pre-filled from the factory is that the process of degradation begins sooner, which can lead to problems later on.

If you have a gel battery, the serial number probably begins with YT, CT, GT YTZ, CTZ or GTZ.

When you have figured out which kind of battery you’ll need, it’s also important to check that it hasn’t been hanging around at the dealer’s for too long – check the shipping date and make sure it is under six months old.

Maintaining your battery

Lead acid battery

You’ll need to regularly check for fluid level, sediment, corrosion, sulfation and mossing within the chambers. If you’re only using your bike for short journeys, the alternator may not have sufficient time to fully recharge your battery, which will shorten its life. You can use a ‘float’ or ‘trickle’ charger to counter this.

Maintenance free

As the name suggests, there’s really not much you have to do here, although we definitely advise checking hat terminals and connections for damage and making sure the battery is clean.

So, lead, gel or maintenance free? We hope we’ve helped you make the right choice – if you’ve got any maintenance tips for extending battery life, tell us in the comments!

Written by Amy Maslin on behalf of Puredrive Batteries – industry leading stockists of motorcycle batteries. 

Safely Store Your Cruiser for the Winter

Posted on by
Reply

Unless you live in Florida or Southern California, chances are that the temperature drops and the rain and snow moves in during the winter. Fighting the biting cold or slipping on snow isn’t much fun, so many motorcycle cruiser owners choose to put their bike away for the winter season. A cruiser is a significant investment of time and money, so it’s worth protecting – it needs to be kept clean and safe while the weather is damp and cold.

First, fill the tank up and add your manufacturer’s suggested amount of fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizer will keep the fuel from breaking down during storage – fuel breakdown will produce a dark brown residue that can coat and damage your carburetor. Gas is flammable, of course; so don’t store a cruise with a full tank of gas anywhere where there are open flames, running motors, or pilot lights. Second, give it a good cleaning. Once you’ve washed and waxed your motorcycle, cover it with a cloth cover that will breathe. This will keep dirt, dust, and any other airborne debris from your garage or storage area from landing on your bike and possibly damaging the paint or finish.

cruiser winter

Next, change the oil – used oil sitting in your engine all winter can become corrosive and damage the crucial innards of your cruiser. Then, check the coolant. Motorcycles aren’t used in below-freezing temperatures, so many riders won’t think of using coolant; use a floating ball device to check if you coolant level will prevent freezing.

Also, take a minute to charge your battery. You can remove it and store it somewhere above freezing temperature and trickle charge it once a month. If you’re storing your cruiser where you’re able to run your bike once a month, leave the battery in and disconnect the negative cable terminal.

Finally, don’t forget the tires. You’ll want to store your bike off of the ground if possible. If you’re not able to do so, make sure the tires are fully inflated to the recommended levels, set the bike on its center stand, and rotate the tires once a month to avoid flat spots.

Once the long winter is over, make sure you take care of your cruiser before you take it out for the first ride of spring. It’s a good idea to have it serviced before taking it out; however, since you’ve already changed the oil and trickle charged the battery, just double check these items and have the service check your tires and coolant checked (if your bike is liquid cooled). Just in case of any tire problems on the road, you’ll want to carry tools to repair a flat.

motorcycle ties

Always make sure you ride wit ha tire repair kit and are familiar with how to plug a damaged area and inflate a tire using CO2 cartridges or a pump. If you can do this, you can likely make it to a service station to have the tire replaced. If you need to, practice on an old tire. If you’re planning longer trips, it’s advisable to carry spare headlight bulbs, fuel filters (if your bike has them), a spare electrical relay, and any other items that might easily malfunction. Make sure you’ve got a cell phone for emergencies as well.

Properly preparing your cruiser for storage, and for the first ride of spring, can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Matt Gonglach is the owner of LaserJammer.net, a site dedicated to laser jammer information and resources.

Motorcycling on icy roads – How to Maintain Control

Posted on by
Reply

You may well have noticed that now the long nights are starting to draw in, the temperatures outside are starting to drop. That can only mean two things – one, that you’re in Britain, and two, that winter’s just around the corner. The British climate can throw up plenty of hazards for drivers and bikers even at the best of times, but even more so when the winter descends. However well you might think you know a particular road, it can become a different proposition entirely when there’s ice, snow and freezing temperatures about. It’s important, then, to make sure that you’re well prepared for the coming winter and that you know how to handle the trickier conditions it will bring.

Motorcycle Winter

Retaining control of your motorbike can often be a challenge when the roads are icy, but you’re not completely powerless. There are a few things you should bear in mind which can stand you in reasonably good stead should conditions prove somewhat inclement. Firstly, you should take care to avoid slippery spots wherever you can. It goes without saying that some slippery patches will creep up on you unnoticed – black ice is a particularly dangerous problem for motorbikers – but make sure you try to stick to the driest patch of the road you can find.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when the roads are icy or wet is to keep a close eye on your speedometer. Reduce your speed and you’ll find you have more time to react to any hazards which may appear. After all, it only takes an ill-judged or ill-timed lane change to result in a serious accident, and these risks are heightened when driving conditions are poor. You need to remember that speed limits are there for a reason – however tempting it may be to bomb around the roads. What’s more, you shouldn’t feel the need to treat speed limits as a target. Only go as fast as you’re comfortable with, and don’t be pressured by other road users.
You also need to think about how and when you’re using both the front and the rear brake. While the front brake is more effective than the rear, you should try to avoid using the former on very slippery surfaces as this could cause you to come off your bike. If you can, try to squeeze the clutch and find a safe spot to gradually coast towards. It’s sometimes difficult to be as calm as you’d like to be when you’re out and about on the roads, but holding your nerve can make a big difference.

Motorcycle Snow

In addition, you should try to ensure that your turning, braking, acceleration and gear changes are as careful as possible. If you feel yourself passing through a slippery patch of ice, don’t panic – try to do as little as possible until you know you’re safely through it. Of course, you should also take care to check the weather reports and traffic updates before you travel. If you know the roads are likely to be particularly bad, you might be better off finding an alternative mode of transport or simply staying at home if at all possible.

This guest blog was contributed by Lesley Sampson a freelance writer who is mad keen on motorbikes and who wants to help you avoid a nasty motorbike accident this winter.

Understanding How Motorcycle Insurance Rates Are Calculated

Posted on by
Reply

Motorcycle insurance is legally required of all motorcycle drivers in the United States as well as many other countries. Having insurance actually serves as both a legal and financial protection; in the event of an accident, you will be covered. The need for insurance is even greater for motorcyclists as the potential risk of physical harm in an accident is much higher.

safety for motorcycles

Insurance companies do not always make it easy, however, to understand how motorcycle insurance rates are calculated. In addition, you may be trying to find ways to reduce the cost of your insurance premiums each month. What types of insurance do you need and how are rates calculated?

Types of Insurance

Most major insurance companies will offer bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, medical, and personal injury protection policies for motorcycle drivers. There are also some optional services that you can add to your policy such as roadside assistance and accessory coverage. If you want complete coverage with low deductibles, you will have to pay considerably more for your policy.

How Policy Rates Are Calculated

There are a number of factors that insurance companies use to determine how much they will charge you for your policy. While the type of coverage you choose plays a major part in the total of your premium, the following factors will also have a clear impact:

  • Age. Insurance companies give considerable breaks to older motorcycle drivers who can show that they have been licensed for several years. That is because they have experience and have proven that they know how to handle themselves on the road on a motorbike. Younger, less experienced drivers are at a higher risk for being involved in an accident and thus will be made to pay more for insurance.
  •  Location. Where you live also affects the price of your insurance policy. Motorcycle owners who travel mostly in urban areas are asked to pay more because they risk of injury and accident is higher. If you live in rural areas where there is little traffic you are at a much lower risk level.
  • Driving History. If you have had speeding tickets in the past, expect higher insurance rates. The same applies if you have been in accidents. Insurance companies see these events as risk factors and thus view you as a high risk driver. On the other hand, a person who has never had a speeding ticket and has not been in any accidents will enjoy a considerable reduction of their insurance costs.
  • Type of Motorcycle. The larger your motorcycle’s engine is, the more you will have to pay for insurance. That is because a powerful, fast engine puts you at a higher risk for dangers related to reckless driving. Newer motorcycles are also more expensive to insure because they will cost the insurance company much more to repair than an older bike would.

Even if your age, driving history, and location seem to place you in line for a higher insurance premium, there are some easy ways to limit the amount you will have to pay. The easiest opportunity is taking a motorcycle driver’s safety course.

Every insurance company calculates insurance rates differently for motorcycle drivers. Before you decide which policy to purchase, get rate estimates from several different companies. That will allow you to choose the insurance provider that offers you the best coverage at the best price.

This post was provided by the insurance experts at AutoInsuranceInJersey.com where you can get discounts on both motorcycle and car insurance.

How to Maintain Motorcycle Parts

Posted on by
Reply

When you have a motorcycle, there are things you’ll need to do in order to keep it looking and running great. Here are some tips for taking care of the various basic parts of a motorcycle.

motorcycle

Cleaning is the most basic care a motorcycle needs. Since it has more exposed parts than a car, taking it to a high-pressure car wash isn’t the best idea. That much pressure can damage the parts of a motorcycle. Instead, wash your bike by hand. Use toothbrushes and other small implements to get into the tiny nooks and crannies. Be careful when spraying water in order to avoid shorting out the engine’s ignition system.

motorcycle clean

Lubricate the chain. Do this every time you wash your bike because the old lubricant can get washed off. Also, lubricate the chain every time it appears to need it.

Check the tires. Just like with cars, motorcycle tires need to be kept at the right pressure. The pressure in tires changes with the weather due to the fact that air expands and contracts with temperature changes, so a seasonal check should be standard. Inspect for damage and foreign objects as well – sometimes, a nail in a tire won’t start to leak until riding causes the hole to expand. Spotting things like nails in advance will save you from flats later on.

motorcycle exhaust

Before storing your bike, fill up the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer if you’re going to keep it in a place without climate control. The top-up will keep air from getting in and causing corrosion. Fuel stabilizer keeps gasoline from becoming acidic or causing lacquering of the engine parts and carb.

If the bike will be stored indoors, for instance in your garage or a self-storage unit, empty the gas tank to lower the risk of fire. Doing this will also keep fumes down, which is important if the garage is attached to the house.

Change the oil at the start of storage or when first taking the bike back out for the season. Make sure the engine is warm when you change it so you get all of the old oil out.

motorcycle wheel

Check the spark plugs at the start of the season and gap them if necessary.

Expect to need to charge the battery after long-term storage. Some use a trickle charger during the off-season to keep the battery at full strength, while others let it drain and then charge it a day or two before they plan to ride. Either way will work as long as it has juice when it needs to.

Check your oil regularly. This will protect the engine and allow you to spot leaks before major problems can develop.

motorcycle final

These are just a few tips for maintaining your motorcycle. Other parts generally can be maintained on an as-needed basis. In general, common sense upkeep will keep things running as long as possible. Happy riding!

Author Bio: These tips were brought to you by mrostop.com, a leading supplier of industrial parts and supplies.

Motorcycles: A Movie History

Posted on by
Reply

Motorcycles have always been an interesting addition to movies. Classic movies such as “Easy Rider” and “The World’s Fastest Indian” as well as modern ones like “Captain America” have made their mark in Hollywood history. These motorcycle movies have also greatly influenced biker culture across the U.S. Let’s discuss the history of motorcycle movies and how they have impacted motorcycling in general.

The use of motorcycles in films started decades ago and screen bikes have become iconic, just like the characters who ride them. Edgar Dearing was one of the earliest actors, back in the 1920s, who was typecast as a motorcycle cop in films, with notable roles in Laurel and Hardy’s short films.

From then on, the appearance of bikes, particularly Harley-Davidson and Triumph, have surged in popularity. Here are some of the most influential motorcycle movies throughout Hollywood history:

The Wild One

In this legendary 1953 biker film, Marlin Brando sports the widely known “bad boy” pose on his Triumph motorcycle. “The Wild One” is an instrumental film that permanently linked the image of motorcycle riders with outlaws and two-wheeled rebellion.

wild_one

The Wild Angels

Although the plot and acting were criticized as less than stellar, this 1966 movie inspired the outlaw biker film genre.

Wild angel

Easy Rider

“Easy Rider” shares the story of two bikers, played by Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, who embark on a journey through the American Southwest and the South. The 1969 road movie features the custom “Captain America” motorcycle which has become one of the most easily identified bikes of all time.

Easy_Rider

Terminator 2

Being a box office and critical success, this 1991 science fiction action film deserves a place in the motorcycle movie hall of fame for bringing the Harley Davidson Fatboy to the forefront. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s stoic expression while riding the bike made for a very memorable movie character.

Terminator2_motorcycle

Beyond the Law

This 1992 film tells the story of an undercover cop. By featuring the custom Softail, the movie introduced the concept of building motorcycles onto the big screen.

Beyond the Law

The Motorcycle Diaries

“The Motorcycle Diaries” is a 2004 movie about the experiences and journey of Ernesto Guevera, who would later become globally known as the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara. It’s a great film in which the motorcycle serves as an iconic symbol for the character’s physical and mental journey.

Motorcycle_diaries

Mission: Impossible III

In this 2006 action spy movie, Tom Cruise rides the retro-cool Triumph Scrambler 900 that further reinforced the iconic screen image of Triumph in Hollywood. Cruise is considered one of the biggest celebrities to be associated with motorbikes, with his Kawasaki Ninja 900 in “Top Gun” and a Triumph Speed Triple in the second installment of the popular “Mission: Impossible” movie series.

Mi2

Captain America

This 2011 superhero film based on the popular character from the Marvel Comics features a vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle in classic olive drab green.

Most of these notable motorcycle movies symbolize freedom, rebellion and independence. More importantly, the best movies portray not only stunning bikes but also a close-knit relationship between the movie character and the vehicle. In contrast to simple props, the motorcycles serve as an extension of the characters riding them.

Captain_America_moto

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast yourself, you surely cherish your bike as a precious possession. As a bike owner, insuring your vehicle will give you financial protection in the event of an accident. AutoInsurance.US provides free insurance quotes. Make sure to compare insurance rates among different companies to get the best deal.

A motorcycle enthusiast himself, Richard Ackerman has been working in the auto insurance industry for 20 years. He enjoys combining the two by writing for a selection of motoring blogs online.

Motorcycle Magic: Tips to Transform Your Bike Into a Shimmering Beauty

Posted on by
Reply

Days traversing through muddy hills and dusty trails have not been kind to your dirt bike. Mud-slopped and caked with dirt and debris, the once lustrous motorbike is lost under a thick layer of grime. It will take determination and hours of vigorous scrubbing to restore your bike back to its former glory — here’s how to do it right.

Clean

The first step is to remove any grime, grease and dirt from the painted sections on the bike. TotalMotorcycle.com suggests using Simple Green (House or Automotive), though Palmolive Original dish detergent works as well for frugal consumers. For the non-painted areas, use nylon bristle brushes to scrub all metal and chrome Yamaha parts or other brand motorcycle parts to a sparkling shine. Begin at the cleanest parts of the motorcycle and work toward the dirtier components such as the engine. Dry excess water with a chamois cloth.

Pre-Wax

Before the pre-waxing stage, remove your motorcycle from direct sunlight and into the safe shade of a garage. Make sure that the bike is devoid of moisture; it needs to be entirely dry for pre-wax application. Gather clean rags and buffing cloths (flannel or fleece) composed of 100 percent cotton. The sole use of the rags is for applying pre-wax cleaner.

Use the buffing cloths to rub in the pre-wax in a circular movement with two or three fingers. Reapply pre-wax and use clean cloths, as needed. In total, you’ll apply two coats of pre-wax polish to guarantee extraction of chemical pollutants, stains, contaminants, dirt, oxidation and road salts while smoothing surface paint.

Polish

The application of polish will add that effervescent gleam you’re after. Use Maguiar’s Deep Crystal System polish or a similar brand. With your always-handy buffing cloth, apply polish in a similar manner as the pre-wax. Allow the polish to seep into the paint and enhance the gloss. After 10 minutes elapse, use a clean buffing cloth to burnish the bike. Two full coats of polish are necessary but no more should you risk removing paint.

For metal surfaces showing signs of corrosion, use a metal polish like Autosol. An effective metal polish will restore rusted aluminum, copper, chrome, brass and steel to its original metallic splendor. To remove rust, simply use the yellow side — avoid the green side to prevent scratching — of a sponge to extricate rust

Wax

We’ve arrived at the final step: waxing. A great wax will seal in the shimmering, polished paint and safeguard it from the destructive elements of Mother Nature. Consider using Maguiar’s Gold Class wax or any other effective and trustworthy brand. The waxing process is practically the same as the steps taken with the pre-wax and polish; you should have this down pat by now. Again, use the buffing cloth to add the wax, wait at least 10 minutes for drying and whitening to occur and buff the bike with a fresh cloth. Repeat this process once more. Now that your complete, kick back and take in the sleek shine of your restored beaut — you deserve it.

Joe Hurley ‘Jumpin’ Joe has been working on cars since he was 12 years old and writing about them since he was old enough to drive.