webBikeWorld visitor "G.S." wrote us with a great idea: how
about a page (or more) devoted to inexpensive tips from readers? So
here it is -- send us your tips and tricks and we'll post 'em here for all
to enjoy! Suggestions include tips for safe riding, clothing, gear,
cheap eats, repair or maintenance tricks.... Let's hear 'em!
Send your tips to
Bungees
Fat Bungees by "L.B.":
"I found these in the local farm store for $1.89 each, they're made by
Highland and
they're called the "Fat Bungee", although for some reason I can't find them
on the Highland website. They come in 15", 10", 30" and I think 45"
lengths. These are 30" long, I couldn't find the shorter ones but will
continue to look for them. I keep a pair in my saddlebags, they are
very nicely made and I can use them to strap big loads over the back of my
saddle.
What's nice about them is the wide
bungee cord is 3/4" wide, so it doesn't dig in like the round tube shape
ones do and the wider straps hold a load better, probably due to more
surface area of grip. Also, the company says the hooks will hold up to
150 pounds, they are plastic or Nylon and they don't bend like metal hooks
on the cheap bungees."
From "B.F.":
"You can also purchase adjustable Fat Bungees. I found them at
Wal-Mart for $2.79 each. The length is adjustable at one end. I
use a piece of bicycle innertube to fasten the long end, so it doesn't flap
around in the wind."
Looking for...
Seat Drain? by "G.K.":
"Looking for an invention -- I'm from Victoria BC where it rains a lot (not
as much as Vancouver BC or Seattle Washington!). I'd like a motorcycle
seat that automagically drains the water that collects at my crotch when I
drive in the rain. Of course the seat should be comfortable and robust
as well. Any ideas out there?"
Instruments and Electronics
Bike Clock by "G.K.":
"I've got an old Timex Triathlon watch with a Velcro strap. I can
usually find a place to wrap the strap on the handle bars of most any bike.
On my KLR 650 it wraps perfectly over the front brake reservoir and the
watch face is very easy to read. The watch is black and waterproof and
the strap is black so it "disappears" into the bike so it's never been
bothered by anyone."
Preventive Maintenance and
Mistake-Proofing
Disk Lock Reminder From B.G.:
"Another disc lock tip a small piece of duct tape, stuck over the
ignition key slot, transferred to the key hole on the disc lock when its
off the bike. Lasts for ages, and cheap!"
Disk Lock Reminder From
P.B.: "Ever drive away with your disk lock on? I
did and it cost me $450 in repairs. To prevent this just take a long
piece of twine and tie one end to the disk lock. After you attach the
lock wrap the other end over the handle bars. You will never forget to
take off your lock again."
Cleaning, Polishing and Waxing
Cleaning Wipes
by
"D.F." "I carry non-scented baby wipes in a
Ziploc whenever I ride. They work great for cleaning bugs off your helmet, bike and leathers.
Good for a quick face wash as well."
Removing Wheel Weights by
"B.C." "Thought I'd pass this tip along to your readers. For removing wheel weights or anything with that white foam tape on it try lightly soaking in
naphtha (lighter fluid) then using a piece of dental floss & "saw" the weights, etc. off.
Naphtha won't hurt paint or plastic, at least in my experience.
Cleaning Melted Plastic from
Exhaust Pipes From V-T M.: "An inexpensive
cleaning tip . . . if something melts on your exhaust pipes and gets baked
on before you can attend to it, apply oven cleaner, run the motorcycle a
bit, and then just wipe off."
Helmet Visor and Windscreen Cleaning
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth From G.S.:
"A great idea that I picked up on the FJR Forum is for cleaning helmet
visors and windscreens. Take a washcloth-sized microfiber cloth,
dampen it thoroughly and store it in a zip-lock bag in your tank bag or tail bag.
Use to remove bugs; rinse at destination. Wipe dry with another
washcloth-size microfiber cloth. Bought a pack of 2 microfiber cloths
for $1 at Dollar Store."
Keeping Cool
Cooling Neck Wrap by L.B.: "This is
probably something everyone already has figured out, but here goes: you can
buy cheap bandannas just about anywhere (I found 3 of them in a second-hand
clothing store). I wrap one around my neck and soak it in water at a
rest stop in the summer, it really works to keep me cool without a lot of
effort. In cold weather or at night a dry bandanna will help keep the
wind off me and keep my neck warm."
Storage
Baggies by "R.E.": "I
always keep a few of the good quality zip lock bags in the smaller quart
size in my tank bag and under the seat. They come in handy for storing
food, the bike registration and insurance papers, dirty parts, oily stuff
that might leak like Loctite or chain lube and other stuff. I keep
drinking straws in a bag - they come in handy to use to drink out of a
bottle without taking off your helmet."
