Spring’s A-Coming!

The April issue is one of my favorites. It hits the newsstands just before Daytona Bike Week, the kickoff of the new riding season. But it’s still January as I write this. Living in the Northeast, I look forward to winter and how it changes the region where I live. Connecticut has lots of trees, lakes, streams, and hills, which look very peaceful when you drive or walk through the countryside when it’s covered in snow. After a busy year, chillin’ in front of a fireplace and going on slow-mo for several weeks is a welcome change. It gives me a chance to recharge and get ready for another busy year. And that’s especially so this year, since we’ve been getting lots of the white stuff. However, by the time you read this, I’ll have had enough of the cold and ice and will be itching to get on the road to Daytona for my yearly round trip ride. Even though it’ll still be cold by the time I get back home, Daytona means spring is just around the corner!

What do you plan on doing this year? Though cash is tight, a long trip on a bike can be very economical. A one day or weekend hop is even more so. And what better way to save some cash on gas than to ride to work? To help you continue enjoying your bike, we’ve got tech articles that show how you can upgrade and maintain your favorite form of transportation yourself. Many times the only tools you’ll need are the basic items found in a mechanic’s set. Sometimes a special tool is needed, like a dial indicator. However, the investment in tools like this usually pays for itself the first time you tackle a do-it-yourself project. A perfect example is Steve Bohn’s American Iron Garage piece on how to replace the tapered bearings in your bike’s wheels (page 142).

We’re also running more stories on smart upgrades. Sometime you need a new component to fix a problem on your bike, like a slipping clutch. You’ll find the article I did on upgrading to a Rivera-Primo Pro Clutch on page 60. Another tech feature shows how to do an inexpensive wheel upgrade on a V-Rod using Buell components. On page 134, RJ, our V-Rod editor, shows you how to swap out the front. The May issue will have Part II, which shows how to change out the rear wheel. To help you stay happy on two wheels, we always have Donny’s Techline and the popular Hog Helpline series, plus another question-and-answer column in every issue. This month it’s Sportster Corner.

Whatever it takes to keep you rolling in the sun!

See you on the road.

Chris Maida
Editor
chrism@americanironmag.com

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