Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Winter Maintenance

Winter in the best time of the year for doing those maintenance jobs you may have put off when the temperature was warmer. One job everyone hates doing is suspension linkage maintenance. Because the manufactures do not put grease fittings on linkage parts, your only option is to disassemble your linkage and swing arm pivot, clean and re-grease and reassemble. If you do it right in the Winter you should be able to ride all season long without worry. It is a time consuming job and it is messy, but it will save you money. Before you begin do a physical inspection of your suspension components. Place the bike on a lift stand or milk crate. Grab the real wheel and life up. If you hear or feel any "clunking" or movement, then your linkage bearings are worn out and they must be replaced. If it feels and sounds tight, then just a cleaning and re-greasing is needed. If you need to replace any linkage, we carry a complete line of high quality performance suspension rebuild parts in stock and can save you allot of money over the OEM parts. While your at it, pick up a can of Bel-Ray assemble lube. This is THE BEST lubricant for hi-stress suspension components.  A little goes a long way.  NEVER , ever use anti-seize as a lubricant. In spite of what your buddy at the nuclear power plant says. Even if he can get you 5 gallon buckets of the stuff free. Many anti seize compounds have components that can wear out bearings. They are designed for keeping threads from rusting, not bearing lubrication.  Bel-Ray assembly lube is water proof, and will not wash out or break down with heat. In all the years of rebuilding motorcycle suspension, it's the BEST stuff we have found. If you use it in the Winter when your doing your suspension maintenance, you should not have to touch it again until the next Winter....It's THAT good!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Kold Kutter Ice Racing Screws

It's that time of the year again. Now is the time to build your Winter tires. Weather your building ice racing tires for track use or your building a "poor man's" studded off-road tire, we can help you out. We carry the 3/8" long for ATV's. 1/2" & 5/8" for Dirtbikes and the New Wicked aggressive "Kanadian" 1" Kold Kutters. Check with us for all your tire building needs. Screws, magnetic bit drivers, glue, and tires. We have over 25 years off Winter tire building experience.


Kold Kutters available in 3/8", 1/2" & 5/8"
 
"Kanadian" Kold Kutters in 1" size.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Helmets don't have to be expensive to be safe and comfortable!

GMAX GM46X HELMET Lightweight design. Industry leading 17 vents! Maximum air flow is achieved thru shell/styro and comfort liner vents. Removable washable interior allows for adjustable fit and comfort that is second to none. Special styro shaped ear pockets and comfort liner for maximum comfort. New fully adjustable, vented visor designed for maximum vision. Large eye port allows large goggles and better vision. Padded chin strap with retention snap secures excess chin strap. New high flow removable mouth vent with washable filter. EPS in the chinbar for added safety. Vented roost deflector. D.O.T. APPROVED. Colors: Orange, Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Escape (Flat Black), Pink. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL $79.95

I think everyone should have a Metal Mulisha Christmas!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. We are open Wednesday 11/24 from 10am - 8pm. Closed On Thanksgiving day. We are open special Black Friday hours on Friday 11/26 from 8am - 8pm. Open Saturday 11/27 from 10am-5pm. Closed Sunday.

Monday, November 22, 2010

PSTR Short Course Round #6 Rehoboth, MA

Congratz to Tylor Doherty on his 2nd place finish Sunday at the PSTR Short Course HS.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Studded Motorcycle Tires 101

Deep snow spikes
Today i want to talk about the proper riding technique needed to get the most out of your studded tires.  The first consideration is what is the best type of studded tire for your bike, and riding conditions. If your riding is done mostly on rocky trails like we have here in New England. Or the average snow depth in your area is between 6" to 8", then your best choice is the slightly shorter "Rocky Trail Studs". They provide excellent traction on ice and snow, but will hold up much better over time. On the other hand, if your average snow depth is in excess of 8", then the "Deep Snow Spikes" will provide the most traction and because of the deep snow cover they will not be as adversely effected by rocky conditions. Most racers use the slightly shorty studs because they prefer the better handling characteristics they provide.


Rocky Trail Studs
After choosing which studs will best suite your riding conditions now you need to properly choose the right size for your bike. Keep in mind that the studs will add to the over all height and width of your tire. This is especially true of the Deep Snow Spikes. On most stock motorcycles the extra size won't effect fitment as long as you do not go up in size from the OEM stock tire size. In most cases, if your bike came with a 110/100x18 tire, then that is the proper size studded tire to choose. Installing a larger then stock studded tire may cause problems with the studs rubbing your air box mudflap or silencer/muffler. Mounting studded tires is straight forward.  Wearing leather gloves while mounting studded tires will help protect your hands from those carbide studs. The proper air pressure is also critical. In most instances set your air pressure at 15psi. This will allow the studs to bite in better.  Keep in mind the lower the outside air temperature is, the softer your tires feel.  It is recommended you check the air pressure often in the Winter.

Studded tires are a big investment. But with a few changes in your riding technique, you can help extend the life of your studded tires and get the best performance out of your motorcycle in Winter conditions. Getting 3 or 4 years out of a rear tire and as much as 4 or 5 years out of a front tire is possible. The single most beneficial thing you can do, to extend the life of off-road studded tires, is to use them only when you have to. If the snow cover melts away and the trails turn to mud, take them off and save them until it freeze up again.  Don't get lazy in the Spring and leave them on for one more ride. Changing your riding technique can also help your studded tires last longer. Avoid as much wheel spin as possible ( this is most important on small displacement motorcycles where the common riding technique is to fan the clutch  and keep the motor reving high ). Excessive wheel spin will dramatically reduce the life of any studded tire. Use the torque of your motor and ride with as much momentum as possible. Think "smooth" and adopt a smooth riding style. Any expert or old timer will tell you, that a smooth rider is a fast rider.  Avoid bare ground and bare rocks. Seek out snow and ice patches on the trail and let the studs do their job. Studs dont bite into rocks. Don't brake slide in corners. Sliding the studded tires will rip studs out if you hit exposed rocks deep in ruts. Use engine braking and the bikes brakes efficiently to control your speed. Ride with a more up-right style. Try to avoid "railing" the corners. Squaring off the corners and keeping the bike upright helps keep more of the studs biting into the frozen ground, snow or ice. By adapting your riding style to the conditions and the studded tires on your bike, you will get many years of use out of them.

Dual sport Studs
Dual sport studded tires are designed much like studded auto tires. They are only to be used in States that allow studded tires on public roads during Winter months. They are less aggressive then off-road studs. They are designed as a traction aid. Most of the tires traction still comes from the rubber contact with the road. As with off road tires, use them only when road conditions allow. Using them all year will shorten the tires usable life. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the handling characteristics of your motorcycle when you are using studded tires. Find a parking lot and do some experimenting with accelerating and braking. Spending a little time BEFORE you head out on public roads will make riding much safer.

Well there you have it. That's most likely more then you ever wanted to know about studded motorcycle tires. I have over 25 years of experience building and riding with studded tires so i have learned a trick or two in my day. I hope this information can help you choose the right studded tires for your bike and to get the most out of your investment in them. Feel free to call our toll-free number 800-654-4998 if you would like to talk about studded tires for your specific motorcycle. Or visit our website anytime. www.kevinscycleracing.com

The fine print, disclamer, and I told you so part:

WARNING!!  STUDDED OR SPIKED TIRES WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM FALLING OR CRASHING WHILE RIDING IN SNOW OR ON ICE. THEY WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM BEING INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A FALL ON SNOW AND ICE. IF YOU ARE UNSURE AS TO HOW TO INSTALL STUDDED TIRES, TAKE THEM TO A QUALIFIED MECHANIC. INSTALLING STUDDED AND SPIKED TIRES IS DANGEROUS AND SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID INJURY.

RIDE WITHIN YOUR CAPABILITIES....... BECAUSE STUPID HURTS.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Website Updated Daily

Our new and improved website Catalog is updated all the time. If you have any questions that can't be answered on-line, please feel free to call our toll-free number 800-654-4998 We have an old school bike shop, not just a computer terminal in some office. When in the Norton, MA area, stop in and check out our huge inventory. .kevinscycleracing.com

Get Ready For Black Friday

Get ready for Black Friday with - Extended store hours - Doors open at 8am!

FREE Choko rain gloves with every rain gear purchase.

Vega goggles on SALE $9.95

Free IRC HD tube with every off-road tire purchase.

Free Boot socks with purchase of MX boots.

Free Sunglass bag with every pair of sunglasses.

Black Friday 11/26/2010 Only.Black Friday Specials good In-Store, OnLine, or By Phone. Log on to www.kevinscycleracing.com

Rain Gear 10% Off This Month.

Don't forget all Rain Gear is 10% off this month. Now is a great time to give your Biker a new set of rain gear.

Monster Energy Drink Decal Kits

Now in-stock FX Monster Energy Drink decal kits. $14.95
www.kevinscycleracing.com

Holiday Gift Certificates

Don't forget we have Holiday Gift Certificates! Buying a gift for your favorite Biker or Racer just got allot easier. Gift certificates always fit and never go out of style. Available in any denomination they can be redeemed in-store, on-line or by phone. Log on our website or give us a call and we can even mail them directly to you or the person you want to give a gift to. www.kevinscycleracing.com or call 800-654-4998

Bifocal Riding Glasses

This years trip to "The Dragon"

Chrome & Stainless Steal Cup Holder

Cup Holder - $29.95 Can be mounted behind or above handlebars

Follow Us on FaceBook - It will save you money!

Follow us on FaceBook for money saving coupons, daily specials and up to the minute info. on new products, rides, events and news. Or just find out what the heck we are up to. Our FaceBook link is: 
www.facebook.com/people/Kevins-Cycle/100000303222865

Round #6 PSTR Short Course November 21st

This Sunday November 21st is round #6 of the Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders Short Course Hare Scrambles Series in Rehoboth, MA. The start is arrowed from exit#2 on Rt195. Location is 24 Allen Ave./Almeda Dr in Rehoboth, MA. Sign up starts at 7:30am

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Fly Cold Weather Gloves

FLY SWITCH COLD WEATHER MX GLOVES When the weather turns cold keep your digits warm the Switch MX gloves. The Switch MX features windproof and waterproof construction for ultimate protection against the elements. Great for winter moto, enduro, snowmobile, and watercraft racing. Features and Materials: RAO-TEX MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY - Waterproof, windproof, breathable and provides protection from the elements. SOFT, TERRY MATERIAL - Located on thumb for wiping away excess moisture. SILICONE GRIPPER PRINT - Located on index and middle finger for precise lever control. 4-WAY STRETCH MATERIAL - Located between fingers and on the back of the glove ensure a custom fit. NON-INSULATED PALM AREA - Ensures proper feel and grip of handlebars. INSULATED TOPSIDE - Provides added warmth without added bulk. ADJUSTABLE VELCRO® WRIST CLOSURE. STYLISH SOFT-FLEX TPR LOGO AND GRAPHICS - Makes this one of the most advanced, lightweight cold weather gloves on the market. Color: Black/Gray. Sizes: 6, 7, 8-S, 9-M, 10-L, 11-XL, 12-XXL, 13-XXXL $29.95

Package Deals on MX Gear

Don't forget this month you get an additional 10% off with our printable coupon. You can use it in-store, by phone or on-line! Package deal pricing plus an additional discount! Or choose FREE ground shipping on qualifying orders. SAVE NOW for the Holidays.

Holiday Coupons!

Print it out, bring it in, save money. You can also use them on-line or by phone. Don't miss out!

Winter Studded Tires

Its that time of the year again! We have studded tires in stock. Choose from Dual Sport Studded Pirelli MT-21s, IRC Rocky Trail Studded, or IRC Deep Snow Spiked tires. We have been building studded tires for over 25 years! New  England Off-Road Champions have used our tires. They work great, last along time and are more affordable. Call today!

Helmet Blades

Add some attitude to your helmet with these peel-n-stick, rubber helmet blades. $16.95

ZOX Retro 3/4 DOT Approved Helmets

Looking for that perfect Retro look? want a new helmet thats not been hanging in a barn for 20 years? If so then this Zox Retro hemlet is for you! Available in Flat Black, Gloss Black, White and WICKED COOL MetalFlake Gold, MetalFlake Red, and MetalFlake Black. $39.95 - $49.95