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Horizons Unlimited "Technical Stuff"
Miscellaneous technical stuff. If you have anything of interest to travellers, just send it in and we'll publish it here as a useful guide to all. I'd like to expand this section but I have little time, so your articles are much appreciated! Thanks, Grant
Also see the Tech Menu section on the bottom of the main menu on the left for more!
Links to off-site technical tidbits (from our links page):
About:
Breaking the bead on a tubeless tire is tough, so here's some tools to do it.
You may want to reserve this one for at home use - but it's cheap!
With the Stop n go you have to use anti-sieze on the threads or it will gall the threads. Also it's heavy cast-iron at 5 1/2 pounds.
Tyrepliers - at 700gms a nice weight.
Comparison of air filter types. Very interesting...
"I didn't see the motorcycle." This is the number one reason/excuse car drivers give when they cause an accident with a motorcyclist which has given rise to the mantra "ride like you're invisible."
Ever wondered exactly when your BMW was built? The parts guys like to know, and sometimes BMW changes things from one month to the next. Give this handy VIN decoder (Vehicle Identification Number) your frame number and it will tell you when it was made!
American Fastener Journal - everything you ever wanted to know about nuts and bolts - for the real techies
The Online Motorcycle Repair Course starts with basic and general bike repair stuff, and gets into lubrication, fuel, electrical, engine, frame, and more bike-related topics.
Clamp / safety wire anything - any size - any shape - anywhere.
What happened when Joe decided he wanted to see some of the world by motorbike...
Figuring out the correct size wire to use when adding accessories. Also pages to wiring lights and horns etc. All for cars, but the wiring is the same, your lights don't know whether they are on a bike or a car, and the electricity sure doesn't care...
A bike specific dictionary that enables you to translate almost any technical bike term from English into French, German or Italian. Well worth printing out and stashing with your documents for any trip.
More wheel balancing info, how to, and build your own tools.
BMW R80GS - complete history of one bike, how to do all the repairs it required and more. Well done page.
Another Valeo rebuild article, and exhaust thread care and more to come.
"I have now completely rewired my bike - except for one or two exceptions. This is an article about what I did, why, how, etc. "
Is That Additive Really A Negative? Expose of all the oil additives nonsense. My opinion, and that of the authors: just use good old motor oil.
Good changing and balancing tips
A helpful thread from the HUBB on off-road travel TOOL KIT recommendations
This report presents the results of an ISO 5011 test of several air filters designed for the GM Duramax Diesel...
Excellent oiled foam filters - I've been using them forever, and my G/S has had one in it since 1986. Models to fit most bikes. Recommended.
Installing and modifying the Race Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator in GS.
Vince Strang Motorcycles - Suzuki DR650 Specialists.
Contact VSM for all your DR650 parts and accessories.
Exclusive products available.
DR650 Photo Gallery - send us your photos!
Helpful advice and friendly service.
Deal with the team that rides DR650's.
Ohlins and others general suspension setup, especially for race, but also good starter for all. (Click on Products then Suspension setup)
"Wondering how often you SHOULD change oil? Wondering if there is an engine problem coming up? Get your oil analyzed and KNOW!"
"In June 2005 I started on my Journey to ride first to Alaska then to Argentina. The site has a daily blog, photos and detailed progress maps." I bought a new BMW R1200GS in Anchorage, and didn't want (nor could really afford) a set of Jessies. I heard horror stories about breaking the standard BMW panniers later, and as I am on the road to Argentina figured I should stop somewhere and relieve myself of the worry. Here's what I came up with, I made them in a muffler shop in Oaxaca . I can email more photos or explanations if required. Email address and other photos are on my website."
Good article on correct adjustment of the R100GS, K75 and some other similar BMW steering head bearings.
4 years, 38 countries, a broken BMW, a 'new' Suzuki and still the ride goes on...
Troubleshooting, Disassembly and Re-assembly. An oft-maligned starter motor, the Valeo is actually not bad, and not hard to repair. Here's a complete rebuild procedure.
Tips on repair with plastex.
Links to articles about a wide array of tech stuff from polishing aluminum to motorcycle dynamics and how to adjust the chain.
Tips on replacing the idler shaft lever.
by Carroll Smith, Stoptech Brake Systems. Excellent article on what's really happening, and breaking in pads and disks.
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Mini Compressor
