February 2009-Shifting Gears - Keep Your Harley Humming

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by Buzz Kanter - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

After years of explosive economic growth here in the US, we’re now facing ugly financial times at work and at home. The motorcycle industry grew at a staggering rate over the past decade, giving us a greater choice of products and services for ourselves and our motorcycles.

In the last year, things have changed dramatically. We have to tighten our belts and make do with less until the economy turns around. Please note I said tighten our belts, not sell our belts. I know I’m not the only one here who uses a motorcycle as a form of therapy. Sorry if this sounds corny, but I consider my motorcycles an important way to keep my sanity when things get crazy. When wrenching on or riding my bikes, stress fades away as I focus on something that brings me great pleasure.

If you own a motorcycle, I hope you keep and enjoy it. No one is suggesting you blow the rent money on new chrome parts for your bike. But if you get the same satisfaction from your motorcycle as I do from mine, wash and wax it and go for a ride. It’s a great investment in your quality of life for the cost of a tank of gas.

We’re hearing from an increasing number of riders looking for affordable ways to keep their Harleys running strong and reliable. And more of you are asking about getting stored or ignored Evos and Shovelheads back on the road. And why not? They’re fun and get better gas mileage than most SUVs and pickups. Besides, a well-maintained Evo, Ironhead, or Shovel will work just fine for a quick weekend hop, or coast-to-coast tour. Well, maybe not an Ironhead Sportster for a coast run. The basics of keeping a bike running and looking good are timeless. Yes, new bikes have the latest technology, like EFI, black box ignitions, and belt drives. But the basics remain the same. So what do I recommend to get more from your motorcycle? Start by reading the owner’s manual and following the instructions in it. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll learn a lot about the proper maintenance of your particular motorcycle.

Other things you can do yourself, with only a few basic hand tools, include checking and changing your engine, primary, and transmission oil (and oil filter) on a regular basis. Fresh oil is critical for the life and performance of your powertrain. Check your tires for wear or damage and keep the proper air pressure in them. The correct tire pressure adds to your miles per
gallon, makes the bike handle better, and adds life to your tires. Clean and/or change your air filter at least once a year, or more often if you ride a lot of miles. Check your brake rotors and lines, and maintain the brake fluid levels for better and longer lasting brakes. Wash and wax all painted or plated parts of your motorcycle to prevent rust and corrosion. If you have a rear drive chain (as opposed to a belt) keep it clean, straight, and well lubricated for the best performance and longer life. If you have the skills and tools, you should keep your bike in proper tune, as well as check and maintain proper wheel alignment.

Looking for something special for you or your Harley? I recommend supporting the companies who advertize here in American Iron Magazine and at www.AIMag.com. They offer great products and services to keep your bike running and looking its best.

While we’re on the subject of keeping older Harleys running strong, I’m pleased to announce that Dale Walksler and I each set Land Speed Records with the ECTA at the Maxton Mile on my 1931 Harley flathead in October. Full report and photos are in the April issue, and already online at www.AIMag.com and our new, online classic Harley
magazine at www.CAIMag.com.

Share Your Story With Us & Thanks
Starting next month, we are expanding our letters section to include more photos of you and your bikes. Every day we get great letters from our readers, but not many snapshots. So I invite you to send us a photo or three of you, your bike, and your pals to print in the magazine. Just make sure the photos are in focus and well-lit. Three ways you can get your photo and letter to us: mail it to Letters, American Iron Magazine,
1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905; e-mail it to
letters@AmericanIronMag.com, or you can submit letters and photos to us online at our web site, www.AIMag.com.

And I’d like to end my column this month by saying thanks to all our readers and advertisers for your loyalty. We know you have many options on where to spend your money and time, so thanks for spending some of it with us. We appreciate your ongoing support, and we will not stop working hard to give you the world’s best-selling motorcycle magazine.

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.