Category: Products & Clothing

1. What Makes Motorcycle Maintenance Similar to F1 Maintenance

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 24th Oct 2022

   Your motorbike is nothing like an F1 vehicle in terms of speed and performance. However, you can learn a thing or two from F1 maintenance and apply the same principles to your bike.  

   Whether you are a street racer or a casual rider, your motorbike can take a beating from the elements and from frequent use. Much like F1 cars, your motorbike requires high levels of maintenance in order to perform optimally. Here’s what you can take from F1 maintenance and apply to your motorcycle:

   1. Check for tire integrity

   F1 tires are designed to allow for extreme gripping and durability during high-speed races. F1 teams take tire management seriously. Before a race, they will need to choose the right set of tires and check if they are at the proper pressure.

   Even on two wheels, you can never remove tire maintenance from the equation. For bikes that run on 1,000cc engines, you need to make sure your tires can withstand accelerated wear and tear. For this, it’s important to check if there are any flat spots on each tire.

   If you are a casual rider, you can choose between soft and medium tires that work well in inclement weather. If you are taking the circuit, you will need good quality tires that are within regulation.

   F1 tires are known for their nylon and polyester construction, so consider shopping for motorcycle tires that are reinforced by these materials.

   2. Test for performance

   The performance of your bike mainly relies on how balanced it is during different riding scenarios. Maintaining an F1 car also revolves around this principle.

   F1 circuits consist of low and mid-speed turns. Engaging these turns successfully relies on handling, but a great deal of it depends on a number of factors, including engine performance, aerodynamic balance, chassis integrity, and suspension performance. Neglecting these factors will only increase the chances of oversteering during a sharp turn.

   In the same way, you need to check if your motorbike is also prepared for the demands of the streets. Whether you are casually going to work or joining a local MotoGP event, it's essential to check every aspect of your bike. Pay close attention to the engine, braking system, and suspensions

   Consider going on a test drive first and check if anything feels "off". If the ride doesn’t feel smooth, perhaps you need to change the brake fluid and check for wear and tear on the suspension components.

   3. Check fluid levels Due to the demands of F1 racing, F1 cars require an oil and coolant change after or before a race. When it comes to checking fluid levels on your motorcycle, pay attention to the coolant and lubricant needs of your bike.

   Consider replacing the coolant every three years. If you are participating in a race, you may have to do a replacement afterward. For lubricant levels, your crew will need to add lubricant when you arrive at the pit stop. For non-racing scenarios, make it a habit to check lubricant levels once a month.

   Bonus: Add modifications

   Consider giving your bike a full paint job with custom decals to match. To brighten up your bike, consider shopping for glow kits and adding a LED underglow on your bike. As long as your ride is cleared for street use, you can go all-out in painting your MotoGP.

   If you like to take the fast lane with your motorcycle, then there’s definitely a lot you can learn from F1 racers and pit crews.

    

    

    

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2. SHARK Helmets celebrates Bradley Ray BSB Championship win with one-off custom helmet

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 19th Oct 2022

   SHARK-sponsored rider Bradley Ray celebrated a magnificent victory at the final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch circuit on Sunday, crowning him the 2022 Champion. His long-term sponsor, SHARK Helmets presented him with  a one-off custom helmet to mark the special occasion. 

   Bradley Ray entered the concluding round with a 66 point lead over his closest rival, ready to battle for the championship title in the final three races at the Bennetts British Superbike Showdown. After just one race Brad claimed the title by a focused run to fifth, securing 11 points which put the championship out of Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell’s reach.

   Proud sponsors of newly-crowned Bennetts British Superbike Champion, SHARK Helmets unveiled a one-off special helmet and presented it to the 25 year-old rider. 

   Designed in winning gold and black, the custom Race R Pro GP displayed the Union Jack to celebrate the British title. Brad Ray’s winning helmet design also features a nod to his family with meaningful quotes which his grandad would always say. 

   SHARK-supported racers wear the Race-R PRO GP with its distinctive rear spoiler for ultimate aerodynamics. This high performance aero profile, developed in close collaboration between the SHARK Research & Development teams and SHARK’s MotoGP riders, is the result of the most advanced technologies in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies.

   The Race-R PRO GP derives from a perfect alliance between unique design, security, aerodynamism and technological innovations.

   It’s not just SHARK Helmets-supported racer’s who can get their hands on the iconic Race R Pro GP helmet. The SHARK Race R Pro GP is available in six colourways including the all-new Zarco replica with an RRP of £1049.99 and £999.99 for the FIM variation. 

3. Suzuki launches Accident Aftercare Programme in industry-first

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 14th Oct 2022

   Suzuki has launched its new motorcycle accident aftercare programme, an entirely free service for all customers, regardless of age of machine, that aims to make dealing with the aftermath of an accident or theft as smooth and as pain-free as possible.

   The programme provides riders with a single point of contact and will handle everything from liaising with insurance providers and recovery of the motorbike, right through to the repair at an authorised Suzuki dealership using only Suzuki Genuine Parts.

   The service is a motorcycle industry first, and by helping to remove a lot of the stress from what is already a high-stress situation, it highlights Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to its customers past the new motorcycle point of sale.

   With no sign-up required, any Suzuki owner involved in an accident – regardless of their insurer – can benefit from the service by calling Suzuki First, a dedicated call centre available 24 hours a day. From there, the entire claims process, recovery, and repair, will be handled on the owner’s behalf. Suzuki First will also be there if the motorcycle is stolen.

   Jacob Lewis, Suzuki GB’s customer retention manager, commented, “We pride ourselves on our level of aftersales care at Suzuki, and I think our customers will agree we put a great deal of effort into things like our Suzuki Service Promise and our Vintage Parts Programme. Now, we’re really pleased to be able to further demonstrate our commitment to Suzuki owners with the Suzuki Accident Aftercare programme. Sometimes accidents happen and we know how stressful it is managing the fallout, arranging recovery and dealing with insurance companies. 

   “We aim to make this process as easy as it can be, by handling everything on the owner’s behalf. Not only that, by managing the process we can ensure that their Suzuki is repaired to the highest possible standard, using Suzuki Genuine Parts and by fully trained and experienced Suzuki technicians. And best of all it is completely free, there is no charge to the owner. All they need to do is call Suzuki First and we’ll take it from there.”

4. What is brake fluid for?

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 6th Oct 2022

   A hydraulic braking system without proper brake fluid is a bit like a heart without blood. The brake fluid is what transmits the force applied to the brake lever to the front and rear brakes, stopping the motorcycle. As you pull the lever, the bike’s master cylinder is activated, creating hydraulic pressure. As the fluid is pushed through the brake lines, this pressure is transferred to the pistons in the calipers, which then press the pads against the brake discs. The friction created as the pads come into contact with the metal discs causes the wheels to slow down, converting kinetic energy into heat energy.

   This hydraulic process requires a non-compressible fluid with a high boiling point so that it is able to effectively transmit pressure and withstand high braking temperatures. It should also effectively protect the metal components. The viscosity also has an impact on braking performance. Low viscosity brake fluid is often the preferred option for modern anti-locking braking systems (ABS) as a thinner fluid can easily travel through the small passageways and channels in the system.

   Types of motorcycle brake fluid

   Rating	Dry boiling point (no water)	Wet boiling point (with water)
   DOT 3	205° C	140° C
   DOT 4	230° C	155° C
   DOT 5	260° C	180° C
   DOT 5.1	260° C	180° C

   Nowadays, the vast majority of motorbikes use DOT 4 products. For example, the ATE brake fluid 03.9901-6202.2 is a popular choice for motorcycles and sports vehicles. The Typ 200 racing-quality product comes in a 1-litre can. It is compatible with other glycol-based types. Thanks to the high-quality metal container, the product has a long shelf life, and the additives in the formula protect against corrosion and deterioration. DOT 4 also offers significant advantages over DOT 3 fluid and is cheaper than DOT 5.1 products.  

   When to change your motorcycle brake fluid

   As mentioned before, glycol-based fluids attract water over time causing them to deteriorate. Although some brake fluid formulas last longer than others, most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 2 years, just to be on the safe side. Signs that it needs to be replaced include a spongy or bouncy brake pedal, strange noises or odours when braking, poor braking performance, and an illuminated ABS dashboard light. The type of fluid required is normally specified on the master cylinder reservoir cap.

    

    

    

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5. How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Boot: A Beginner's Guide

   Posted on 11:00am Wednesday 31st Aug 2022

   The best motorcycle boots provide good traction and support, protect your feet and ankles from injury, and help keep you comfortable while riding. 

   Image source

   But with all the different styles and brands available, how do you choose the right ones for you? Did you know that there are even motorcycle boots made specifically for women?

   In this article, we'll take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing motorcycle boots, including:

   1. The type of riding you'll be doing
   2. The features you need
   3. Your budget
   4. Motorcycle boot reviews
   5. Women's motorcycle boots

   Let's get started!

   Type of Riding: One of the first things to consider when choosing motorcycle boots is the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're a casual rider who only goes out on the weekends, you won't need the same type of boots as someone who rides every day or competes in motocross races.

   Boot features: If you think you're getting toe numbness from shoes, then you'll want to get a pair of motorcycle boots that have better toe protection. If you're constantly stopping and starting, then you might want to look for a pair with good ankle support. And if you're riding in wet or muddy conditions, you'll need boots that can keep your feet dry.

   Budget: Another thing to consider is your budget. Motorcycle boots range in price from around $100 to over $500. If you're a casual rider, you probably don't need to spend more than $200 on boots. But if you're a competitive racer, you'll need to invest in a good pair of boots that will offer the protection and support you need.

   Motorcycle Boot Reviews: Before you buy any motorcycle boots, it's a good idea to read some reviews to see what other riders have to say. You can find reviews of motorcycle boots online or in magazines.

   Women's Motorcycle Boots: There are also motorcycle boots made specifically for women. These boots usually have a narrower width and a smaller size range. They also often have different features than men's boots, like a lower ankle height and a more comfortable fit.
   
   Here's a quick overview of the different types of motorcycle riding:

   -Casual/weekend riding: This is the most common type of riding. If you only ride occasionally, you don't need boots that are too heavy or uncomfortable. Look for boots that are comfortable and have good traction.

   -Commuting: If you use your motorcycle to commute to work or school, you'll need boots that are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Look for features like a waterproof or water-resistant upper, a warm lining, and good traction.

   -Off-road riding: If you like to take your motorcycle off-road, you'll need boots with good traction and support. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

   -Racing: If you compete in motocross or other types of motorcycle racing, you'll need boots that offer good support and protection. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

   Features: The next thing to consider is the features you need in your motorcycle boots. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

   -Traction: Good traction is important for all riders, but it's especially important if you ride in wet or icy conditions. Look for boots with a textured sole that will help you keep your footing.

   -Waterproofing: If you ride in wet conditions, you'll need boots that are either waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in even the heaviest rain, while water-resistant boots will provide some protection against moisture.

   -Warmth: If you ride in cold conditions, you'll need boots that are warm and comfortable. Look for boots with a warm lining or insulation.

   -Comfort: Comfort is important for all riders. Look for boots that are comfortable to wear, even if you're going to be wearing them all day long.

   -Protection: Motorcycle boots should protect your feet and ankles from injury in the event of a crash. Look for features like a reinforced toe area and an ankle brace.

   Now that you know how to choose the best motorcycle boots, it's time to start shopping! Be sure to consider the type of riding you'll be doing, the features you need, and your budget. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect pair of boots for your needs.

    

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