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There are few more frustrating things for riders than an underperforming motorbike. Whether you are commuting or out for a long weekend ride on deserted roads, you want to be certain the acceleration and handling are right and that the ride quality is good. Search online and you will discover hundreds of pages that recommend changes you could make to your machine to get maximum speed, but many of them are way beyond the skills of novice mechanics. However, there are a number of simple tweaks you can make in your garage that will bring about immediate improvements in performance. Perhaps the simplest, and most obvious, of them is to check the condition of your motorcycle's chain regularly. If it is too slack, not sufficiently lubricated or rusty, you will not get the power you want when you try to accelerate. Adjusting and oiling the chain is straightforward, so there is no excuse for not doing it. Another easy improvement to make before you pull on your Dainese jacket and head out on to the open road is to adjust the accelerator cable. If this is too tight it is tricky to control throttle response, but if it is too slack, you will experience lag when you attempt to pull away from junctions. You owner's manual will detail how to change this and should also include a recommended setting. One thing all riders should include in their maintenance regime is regular tyre checks. The most important purpose of them is to ensure the rubber has sufficient tread, but you also need to look at tyre pressures. Making sure they are properly inflated will not only prolong the life of your tyres, it will also reduce your fuel consumption and bring about noticeable improvements in ride quality and handling. Most modern motorbikes come with adjustable suspension and if you have not yet changed it to suit your build and riding style, you will be shocked by how much difference switching from the manufacturer's standard setting makes to the handling and ride quality. The main thing to look at is sag - the amount the suspension compresses when you sit on the bike while wearing your helmet and Dainese protective clothing. You need to measure both the front and back suspension when the bike is unladen and when you are on it. The difference between the two sets of measurements is the sag. For balanced handling for everyday riding on the road, it should be 30-35 mm. If you are planning to take your bike on a track or just prefer a sportier set-up, it needs to be 25-30 mm. How to adjust the suspension varies from bike to bike, but it is usually a fairly straightforward process, details of which can be found in your owner's manual. While discovering how to do that, you should check whether it is possible to adjust the damping on your motorcycle without taking it to the professionals. Doing this well help you to achieve a more comfortable ride. If you want to really maximise performance, you should look at changing spark plugs, filters, brake pads and even wheels, and having your fuel injection system remapped. Before undertaking any of this work, speak to the garage you bought the machine from and ask how it would affect the warranty. You also need to ensure you are a competent mechanic, as fitting parts badly could leave you with an unsafe bike. If you have any doubts, ensure the work is carried out by a trained technician. To find your perfect motorbike, and stylish Dainese leathers and Dainese jackets for an affordable price, take a look at what P&H Motorcycles has to offer.
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