THE #1 MOTORCYCLE PART (IS NOT THE NIFTIEST GIFT)

There’s a lot to like about motorcycles.

Although, to me, the RIDING has always been the defining element of the experience, it’s hard not to get swept up in the various performance and/or aesthetic aspects of a motorbike.

But what would be the MOST important part of the machine itself?

Many would focus on the MOTORCYCLE ENGINE and related parts.

Others would highlight the MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION.

And there are many other aspects of a bike that are going to have greater or lesses degrees of importance to any rider.

But given all the various motorcycle components, I would say the TWO most vital parts are MOTORCYCLE TIRES and MOTORCYCLE BRAKES.

And of those two, I would argue that motorcycle brakes are the MOST IMPORTANT. Bad tires are a very risky proposition for a rider, but bad brakes are simply worse. The most routine thing we, as riders, do is slow down and/or stop when anything unfriendly presents itself. And that’s one routine we don’t want to have lose its touch.

In reality, you need to keep your bike equipped with good tires and brakes at all times, as well, you need to keep the rest of your bike well maintained, too. But tires are easy to see! By the way, you need to replace your tires before they are 90% worn, since it’s that last 10% of a tire’s life that gives bikers the most grief.

MOTORCYCLE BRAKE PADS, on the other hand, are not so apparent. You need to proactively get down and look at those brake pads. Not everyone is inclined to do that. Furthermore, since brake pads last a pretty good length of time (unless you are racing), it’s easy to forget about ‘em.

If you’re the kind that has forgotten about those little pads that bring you to a stop multiple times every time you go for a ride, maybe it’s time to get a sense of how much life those little guys have got kicking in them, because motorcycle brakes are holding YOUR life in their grip every time you hit the road.

Be good to your motorcycle brakes and replace them well before they’re shot.

CLICK FOR MOTORCYCLE BRAKES:

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MOTORCYCLE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS

Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Systems are similar to the same braking systems that have been use on those 4-wheel vehicles that get in your way on the road.  Like on a car, motorcycle ABS incorporates computerized sensors to determine when a motorbike wheel is on the verge of locking-up.  And right at that instant the computer shoots instructions to the brakes to release and re-apply braking pressure (pumping) a whole bunch of times per second, while you are steadily engaging the brakes.  (Think of a machine gun shooting out a massive stream of pulses instead of bullets).

The result of this high-powered spray of brake pumping is slowing and/or stopping you and your bike without skidding. (A skidding tire has less traction than one that is not skidding).

And the best news is that ABS is one of those newfangled contraptions that are very easy to use when you need them the most. In an emergency situation, on an ABS bike, all you need to do is apply your  brakes hard! No need to manually pump your brakes.  Aggressive braking will initiate the ABS system automatically, which means you can concentrate on the immediate threat — and not the brakes.

The bottom line is that ABS allows you more braking control and increased riding safety.

Click for More Info on Anti Lock Braking Systems:

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