[{"id":"f90da670-9320-11eb-9936-d9550da70a58","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=f90da670-9320-11eb-9936-d9550da70a58","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/sissy_bar.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Sissy Bar","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a sissy bar?</strong><br />\n <br />\nSimply put, a sissy bar is just a passenger backrest attached to the rear of a motorcycle. It’s a popular and easy way to customize a motorcycle, adding comfort for a passenger and utility for a solo rider, who can use the sissy bar as an anchor for securing luggage. Styles and options are nearly endless when it comes to sissy bars, giving riders many choices for the look they want without busting their budget."},{"id":"81bfc880-89a9-11eb-a72e-431aebb40c13","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=81bfc880-89a9-11eb-a72e-431aebb40c13","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/pressure_gauge.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"PSI","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does PSI mean?</strong><br />\n <br />\nPneumatic <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=c83f04f0-657e-11eb-9cf2-4787376d0c68\" target=\"_blank\">tires</a> are designed to perform optimally only when properly filled with the designated volume of air. Here in America, we measure this air pressure inside of our pneumatic tires using pound per square inch or, more accurately, pound-force per square inch. This is commonly abbreviated as PSI and represents the pressure resulting from a volume of air which exerts a force of one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. Motorcycle tires cover a wide range of PSI specs, depending on the particulars of the individual bike and its tire requirements. Always consult your motorcycle’s <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4d61b6f0-7b7d-11eb-a63c-2972e09bed55\" target=\"_blank\">OEM</a> recommendations to make sure the tires on your motorcycle are <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=3aec8200-5f42-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a\" target=\"_blank\">properly inflated in order to get the most life out of them and avoid safety issues.</a><br />\n "},{"id":"3af89fb0-869a-11eb-b84b-07abd5f67512","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=3af89fb0-869a-11eb-b84b-07abd5f67512","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/DDSlogo.png","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"License","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Do I need a license to ride a motorcycle?</strong><br />\n <br />\nYes. As of this writing, every state in the US, plus DC and Puerto Rico, has laws on the books governing the operation of motorized two- or three-wheeled vehicles. (Yes, a trike is considered a motorcycle.) As the Peach State is WOW’s home state, we will focus primarily on the state of Georgia’s laws – <a href=\"https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=00JAAzZDgzNzU2ZC05MDA0LTRmMDItYjkzMS0xOGY3MjE3OWNlODIKAFBvZENhdGFsb2fcIFfJnJ2IC8XZi1AYM4Ne&crid=a5334846-beb4-44c9-87a5-0af381df00be&prid=4b8ebc21-6f64-4081-92f1-6433dc5dad61\" target=\"_blank\">the OCGA (Official Code of Georgia Annotated)</a>.<br />\n <br />\nAccording to the <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/motorcycle-license\" target=\"_blank\">Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)</a>, “A Class M license or a Class M Instructional Permit (MP) is required to legally operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Georgia. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider is controlled by handlebars and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor and moped (with an engine size not exceeding 50cc), is defined as a motorcycle. Georgia law places all types of motorcycles (including scooters, motorbikes, and mini-bikes with engine size 51cc or greater) into one classification. All are considered motor-driven cycles.”<br />\n <br />\nLaws are often complex and can vary greatly from state to state. They are also subject to change. So, the smart move is to check with your own state to verify requirements or answer any legal questions before making a decision that could end badly should the law become involved."},{"id":"f2c76060-835a-11eb-890b-c119abd51517","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=f2c76060-835a-11eb-890b-c119abd51517","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Tire_guide-10.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Tire Sizes Expained","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What size are my motorcycle tires?</strong><br />\n <br />\nIf you don’t know the proper specs for your motorcycle’s tires - like pressure, speed or weight rating, or size – all of this is easily found on the sidewalls of the tires. Every street-legal tire sold in the U.S. will have a Department of Transportation (DOT) tire identification number (TIN) on the sidewall. The TIN begins with the letters “DOT” and ends with a four-digit date code. This is the tire’s date of birth. The four digits represent the week and year of production. For example, a date code of “1121” means the tire was produced in the 11<sup>th</sup> week of 2021.<br />\n<br />\nThe sidewall will also have a code indicating the size, plus a load index and a speed symbol. This information may be in metric or standard, depending on the tire’s manufacturer. However, the vast majority of tires in today’s marketplace will be measured in metrics. Regardless, the first number is the nominal section width, in millimeters for metric tires. The second number is the aspect ratio (a ratio of section height to section width) which is a percentage. The character that follows the aspect denotes the tire’s construction. “R” means radial-ply construction. A dash, “-”, means bias construction. A “B” would mean bias-belted.<br />\n <br />\nNext is rim diameter, which is typically in inches, even on metric tires, which is followed by “M/C” showing the tire was designed for motorcycles. The next set of characters is usually two numbers and a letter, indicating load index and speed ratings, and need a reference chart to interpret.<br />\n \n<table align=\"left\" border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"width:800px\" summary=\"Example Tire Sizes Table\">\n\t<caption><em>Example Tire Sizes Table</em></caption>\n\t<tbody>\n\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Tire Designation</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Width</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Aspect</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Construction</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Diameter</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>LRI</strong></u></td>\n\t\t\t<td><u><strong>Max. Speed</strong></u></td>\n\t\t</tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t<td>160/70-17 M/C 72H</td>\n\t\t\t<td>160mm</td>\n\t\t\t<td>70%</td>\n\t\t\t<td>Bias</td>\n\t\t\t<td>17\"</td>\n\t\t\t<td>783lbs</td>\n\t\t\t<td>130mph</td>\n\t\t</tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t<td>120/80-18 MC 62W</td>\n\t\t\t<td>120mm</td>\n\t\t\t<td>80%</td>\n\t\t\t<td>Bias</td>\n\t\t\t<td>18\"</td>\n\t\t\t<td>617lbs</td>\n\t\t\t<td>168pmh</td>\n\t\t</tr>\n\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t<td>160/60ZR17 M/C (72W)</td>\n\t\t\t<td>160mm</td>\n\t\t\t<td>60%</td>\n\t\t\t<td>Radial-ply</td>\n\t\t\t<td>17\"</td>\n\t\t\t<td>783lbs</td>\n\t\t\t<td>>168mph</td>\n\t\t</tr>\n\t</tbody>\n</table>\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\nAll of these codes and symbols may sound intimidating, but are actually very simple to understand once you know the basics. Of course, the easiest way to get answers about tires is to <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/request-parts-motorcycles-dealership--xparts_request\" target=\"_blank\">ask our experts</a>. And, of course, always consult your motorcycle’s manufacturer for the proper tire specs and don’t exceed the ratings stated by the tire’s manufacturer.<br />\n <br />\nMotorcycle Safety Foundation has an excellent guide to motorcycle tires available for <a href=\"https://msf-usa.org/downloads/Tire_Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">free download from this link.</a>"},{"id":"cdd34a40-8354-11eb-b620-69354375c5d4","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=cdd34a40-8354-11eb-b620-69354375c5d4","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/ape_hangers.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Ape Hanger Handlebars","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What are ape hangers?</strong><br />\n <br />\nApe hanger handlebars are very tall motorcycle handlebars that rise higher than standard bars. Ape hangers are most commonly associated with <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=1e7d6fd0-71f7-11eb-8cac-b54cf57ddaf7\" target=\"_blank\">choppers</a>, but are also popular on cruisers, too. In extreme cases, the rider may have to reach his/her hands above head level to reach very high bars."},{"id":"55187540-7b92-11eb-8206-79e3c0bf4301","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=55187540-7b92-11eb-8206-79e3c0bf4301","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundation-logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"MSF","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is the MSF?</strong><br />\n <br />\nThe Motorcycle Safety Foundation is an American based, internationally recognized not-for-profit foundation founded and supported by motorcycle manufacturers to make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable through rider training and education, and by advocating for a safer riding environment.<br />\n<br />\nA few of the ways the MSF accomplishes this is by offering weekend and weekday group courses locally, providing motorcycles for use during course, and providing graduates with endorsement waivers for licenses and insurance discounts.<br />\n <br />\nIn 1972, representatives of BSA, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, acting through the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC is a not-for-profit, national trade association that had existed under various names since 1914.), proposed a cooperative effort to create broad-based programs to improve motorcycle operator competence, and established the Motorcycle Industry Council Safety and Education Foundation, Inc. (MICSEF).<br />\n <br />\nMICSEF became MSF in 1973, becoming a completely separate corporation from MIC, with its own board of trustees, membership, mission, and dedicated staff. MSF today is sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=834a4e70-5f32-11ea-acf2-3967cac8cde0\" target=\"_blank\">Kawasaki</a>, KTM, Suzuki, <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=e95ad370-40a4-11eb-a6e8-fb512a8b34b7\" target=\"_blank\">Triumph</a> and <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=2d8e4430-3bc0-11eb-b998-cdd81725b1c3\" target=\"_blank\">Yamaha</a>.<br />\n <br />\nThe find an MSF training event near you, visit them online at <a href=\"https://msf-usa.org/Default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">msf-usa.org</a>."},{"id":"b75921e0-7b89-11eb-9302-ef6747834ea3","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=b75921e0-7b89-11eb-9302-ef6747834ea3","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/NationalMotorcycleRideDay.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":true,"title":"National Motorcycle Ride Day","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>When is </strong><strong>National Motorcycle Ride Day<strong>?</strong></strong><br />\n <br />\nThe second Saturday in October is National Motorcycle Ride Day in the USA. National Motorcycle Ride Day is an annual event intended to get motorcyclists across America out on their bikes for a united day of riding as the riding season draws to a close for many in the colder areas of the country.<br />\n <br />\nNational Motorcycle Ride Day was founded in 2015 by Chad Geer of <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=dd3543a0-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a\" target=\"_blank\">Dunlop Tires</a> as a way of promoting motorcycling across the United States while also commemorating the first practical pneumatic tire developed by John B. Dunlop back in 1887.<br />\n <br />\nRiders participating in National Motorcycle Ride Day are encouraged to use the hashtag #nationalmotorcyclerideday to post on social media platforms."},{"id":"4d61b6f0-7b7d-11eb-a63c-2972e09bed55","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4d61b6f0-7b7d-11eb-a63c-2972e09bed55","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/OEM.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"OEM","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does OEM mean?</strong><br />\n <br />\nIn the world of motorcycling, OEM means the same thing as it does elsewhere - original equipment manufacturer. That is, OEM refers to products made and sold by the original maker of the motorcycle, as opposed to <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=9bf605b0-0198-11ea-9409-81040e1a1580\" target=\"_blank\">aftermarket</a> products, which are made by a manufacturer other than the one who made the motorcycle. For instance, a Suzuki branded seat for a Suzuki motorcycle, a Yamaha windscreen for a Yamaha bike, and so on.<br />\n <br />\nRiders can almost always expect makers to specify their own OEM parts for optional accessories, upgrades, repairs, or regular maintenance. There can be some legitimate reasons for this – manufacturers can guarantee their own OEM products to work as advertised as they have been tested and developed in-house. However, these same manufacturers also make a lot of money from selling their own OEM parts.<br />\n <br />\nWhile motorcycle riders can often save a significant amount of money by buying non-OEM products, there can be drawbacks. For instance, fit and finish may not be up to OEM standards, or worse, aftermarket parts may void the warranty in some cases. So, as always, the old Latin phrase of <em>caveat emptor</em> applies. That is, “buyer beware.”"},{"id":"809b8d00-7b75-11eb-b903-2b37cbe75282","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=809b8d00-7b75-11eb-b903-2b37cbe75282","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/quickshifter.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Quickshifter","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a motorcycle quickshifter?</strong><br />\n <br />\nA motorcycle quickshifter is an electronic device that allows riders to upshift without pulling in the <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=10fd5ba0-786d-11eb-baba-8d09051f63aa\" target=\"_blank\">clutch</a> lever or rolling off the throttle, allowing minutely faster and smoother upshifting. This is racetrack technology born to shave milliseconds off race times that is now readily available for street bikes.<br />\n <br />\nQuickshifters work by placing a sensor in the shift linkage that detects movement in the shifter. This signal is then sent to the motorcycle’s <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=50d72990-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a\" target=\"_blank\">ECU</a>, telling it to ever-so-briefly interrupt ignition spark. The millisecond interruption lasts just long enough to allow the transmission gears to unload and the bike to slip into the next gear position.<br />\n <br />\nQuickshifters are currently available as <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4d61b6f0-7b7d-11eb-a63c-2972e09bed55\" target=\"_blank\">OEM</a> on newer motorcycles, but can also be added on as an <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=9bf605b0-0198-11ea-9409-81040e1a1580\" target=\"_blank\">aftermarket</a> option for older ones. However, most older motorcycles will require tuning the ECU program for best performance. So, it is best to do some research first before purchasing a quickshifter.<br />\n <br />\nUsing a quickshifter is different from clutchless upshifting in that it is an actual device used to automate the upshift process, whereas clutchless upshifting is a manual technique that requires practice to learn and precise timing to execute properly.<br />\n <br />\nOff the track, is a quickshifter necessary? Probably not… but it is definitely more fun, making upshifts quicker and easier. As of this writing, aftermarket quickshifters start at just over $100 and increase in price depending on manufacturer and features. Only the rider can decide if the benefit is worth the cost."},{"id":"939bc920-7935-11eb-a8c7-79effcc2b252","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=939bc920-7935-11eb-a8c7-79effcc2b252","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/MotoGuzzi.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Moto Guzzi","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"“<strong>On the wings of the Eagle”</strong><br />\n <br />\nMoto Guzzi (Pronounced “Moto Goot-zee,” not “Moto Goozee.” Think of “pizza” and how the “zz” is not pronounced “peez-ah.”) is an Italian motorcycle manufacture which has the distinction of being the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production.<br />\n <br />\n\"Società Anonima Moto Guzzi\" was founded on March 15, 1921 in Genoa, Italy by Carlo Guzzi, Giorgio Parodi, and Angelo Parodi, who were brought together through service in the Italian <em>Corpo Aeronautico Militare</em> (Military Aviation Corps) during World War I. Moto Guzzi’s spread-winged eagle badge was adopted from the company’s founding as a tribute to Giovanni Ravelli, a fellow aviator who perished during a test flight in 1919.<br />\n <br />\nAs the 1960s drew to a close, Moto Guzzi introduced their 90° V-Twin engine, which is still used today and is as much identifiable to the brand as the eagle badge itself. While many motorcycles are powered by V-Twin engines, those bikes have the V running along the same axis as the cycle’s wheels. Moto Guzzi’s engines, however, are turned perpendicular to the axis of the wheels, with the heads protruding distinctly from the sides of the bike.<br />\n <br />\nIn addition to their signature engine alignment, Moto Guzzi is also known for a few other industry innovations, including the first motorcycle center stand, wind tunnel and eight-cylinder engine.<br />\n <br />\nSince 2004, Moto Guzzi has been a wholly-owned subsidiary, one of seven brands owned by Piaggio & C. SpA, which is Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer, and the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales."},{"id":"da621360-792a-11eb-92ba-a95ba8d5ce4d","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=da621360-792a-11eb-92ba-a95ba8d5ce4d","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/RPM.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"RPM","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does RPM stand for?</strong><br />\n <br />\nJust like any other type of engine, motorcycle engine speed is measured in <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4bbab7b0-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332\" target=\"_blank\">revolutions per minute (RPM)</a>. This measurement is typically displayed on the <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=17257550-791f-11eb-b6cb-b31f7cdd8349\" target=\"_blank\">tachometer</a> as a single digit representing multiples of 1,000. For example, if the tach is displaying “2” and the gauge is calibrated x1000, the engine is revving at 2,000 RPM.<br />\n <br />\nMotorcycles have an incredibly wide range of RPMs, depending on their engine types. A big, heavy V-Twin cruiser may top out as low as 5,000 RPM, while some four-cylinder sport bikes can safely can safely approach 20,000 RPM.<br />\n <br />\nHowever, not every motorcycle is equipped with a tachometer. While the traditional analog needle gauge is likely to be most familiar, digital tachometers are becoming more and more common, especially on high-end sport bikes."},{"id":"17257550-791f-11eb-b6cb-b31f7cdd8349","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=17257550-791f-11eb-b6cb-b31f7cdd8349","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Tachometer.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Tachometer","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does a tachometer do?</strong><br />\n <br />\nA motorcycle’s tachometer is a gauge that tells the rider <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=17257550-791f-11eb-b6cb-b31f7cdd8349\" target=\"_blank\">how fast the engine is operating</a>. The tachometer may also be referred to by other names, such as the revolution-counter, tach, rev-counter, or RPM gauge, but they all mean the same thing.<br />\n <br />\nEngine speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), and is typically displayed as a single digit representing multiples of 1,000. For example, if the tach is displaying “4” and the gauge is calibrated x1000, the engine is revving at 4,000 RPM.<br />\n <br />\nMotorcycles have an incredibly wide range of RPMs, depending on their engine types. A big, heavy V-Twin cruiser may top out as low as 5,000 RPM, while a four-cylinder sport bike can safely approach 20,000 RPM.<br />\n <br />\nNot every motorcycle is equipped with a tachometer. While the traditional analog needle gauge is likely to be most familiar, digital tachometers are becoming more and more common, especially on high-end sport bikes.<br />\n <br />\nRegardless of display type or calibration, all tachometers feature a “redline,” a red-colored area which warns the rider when the engine is nearing its maximum safe rev limit. Riders who push their engines past the redline risk serious engine damage or even total engine failure."},{"id":"d9029030-7876-11eb-a870-a783db244d10","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=d9029030-7876-11eb-a870-a783db244d10","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/CCvCI.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"CC vs CI","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a CC? And what is the difference between CC and CI?</strong><br />\n<br />\nEngines are measured by the displacement volume of their <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4bbab7b0-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332\" target=\"_blank\">cylinder(s)</a>. Simply put, more displacement volume equals more power. A bigger engine has more volume, and therefore, power than a similar smaller engine with less volume.<br />\n<br />\nThis is one area where the metric system has pretty much been declared the victor over imperial - also called standard - units. Because the vast majority of motorcycles in America have been imported, we here in the good ol’ U-S-of-A have had to grudgingly accept the metric measurements used by their overseas manufacturers. So, it is common to discuss engine sizes in terms of cubic centimeters (CC).<br />\n<br />\nThe smallest engine in youth motorbikes or adult-sized scooters is generally a 50cc. Meanwhile the engine size race between makers has the largest engines today topping out at over 1800cc.<br />\n<br />\nA few makers still stubbornly cling to imperial units and use cubic inches (CI) instead of CC. As one may expect, these makers are icons of Americana like Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and Indian Motorcycles. Because one CI is roughly 16 times the size of a single CC, engines measured in CI have smaller numbers associated with them. This makes it important to know the difference between the two standards.<br />\n<br />\nOne CI is 16.3871CC. This means Harley’s iconic 88CI engine is 1442.1CC. And conversely, Suzuki’s famed 1300CC Hayabusa is 79.33CI. If you don’t want to crunch the numbers for yourself, there are lots of easy-to-use <a href=\"https://www.convertunits.com/from/cc/to/cubic+inchs\" target=\"_blank\">online calculators like this one</a>."},{"id":"10fd5ba0-786d-11eb-baba-8d09051f63aa","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=10fd5ba0-786d-11eb-baba-8d09051f63aa","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/clutch.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Clutch","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does the clutch do?</strong><br />\n<br />\nA motorcycle’s clutch is the device that controls the transfer of power between the bike’s engine and transmission. With the clutch engaged power from the engine is transferred to the transmission, which in turn causes the rear wheel to turn, pushing the motorcycle forward. With the clutch disengaged, the engine’s power is disconnected from the transmission and no drive reaches the wheel.<br />\n<br />\nOn manual clutch motorcycles, the rider must pull in the clutch lever to disengage the clutch before shifting gears, or risk serious gear damage inside the transmission, and then release the lever to reengage the clutch once the shift is complete to resume power to the drive wheel. However, advances like <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=10fd5ba0-786d-11eb-baba-8d09051f63aa\" target=\"_blank\">Dual Clutch Transmissions</a> have eliminated the need for manual clutch operation on newer bikes.<br />\n<br />\nMotorcycle clutches typically use a series of springs, pressure plates, and friction discs to accomplish the job of transferring engine power to the transmission. Most motorcycle clutches are also wet clutches, which means they are lubricated by the same oil as the engine components and transmission gears. This is one key reason why motorcycles demand different oil from cars or trucks.<br />\n<br />\nBy virtue of their very purpose, motorcycle clutches are subject to wear and should be replaced when they do become worn. A worn clutch makes executing smooth take offs and gear shifting difficult. A worn clutch is a safety hazard that should be addressed with a proper replacement immediately."},{"id":"0bd13240-7396-11eb-ad30-fda9639e3ea3","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=0bd13240-7396-11eb-ad30-fda9639e3ea3","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/DCT_web.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"DCT","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What does DCT mean?</strong><br />\n<br />\nIn the motorcycle world, DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission, or Double Clutch Transmission, or even Twin Clutch Transmission. Got it? Good. Next question…<br />\n <br />\n…so… what does THAT mean? In short, a DCT bike does not require gear shifting. The two clutches allow the rider to essentially gas-n-go – just hit the throttle and ride off into the sunset.<br />\n <br />\nWithout diving too deep, a DCT is a hybrid of sorts between an automatic and a manual transmission. Most riders will be satisfied with the answer, “It’s pretty much an automatic transmission. So, you don’t have to shift gears.” Riders who may like to get deeper into the tech of DCT probably already know more than details that this article aims to cover.<br />\n "},{"id":"f7a7b6a0-72db-11eb-9825-09aed666ca53","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=f7a7b6a0-72db-11eb-9825-09aed666ca53","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/wow_temp_tag.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"WOW Motorcycles","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>America’s Used Bike Superstore</strong><br />\n <br />\nThough today we are America’s largest and best pre-owned powersports dealership, WOW Motorcycles began life in the late 1980s as World On Wheels International, exporting motorcycles all over the globe. As the two-wheel market changed, so did we. Becoming WOW Motorcycles in 1991, we shifted our focus to selling motorcycles direct to the public for great prices.<br />\n <br />\nOver the ensuing decades, we have worked hard to cultivate a wonderful staff possessing vast amounts of motorcycle knowledge. We are immensely proud to have one of the most diverse groups of people with the skills and experience to deliver excellent customer service here at WOW Motorcycles. Our team genuinely wants to help people have great riding experiences so that the fun and enthusiasm for motorcycle riding will continue to grow.<br />\n <br />\nCome visit our headquarters in Marietta, GA and see for yourself why WOW Motorcycles is one of the best places to find a huge selection of clean pre-owned motorcycles, service, parts and accessories. In business for over 30 years, our variety of bikes can't be beat! We buy and sell all makes - BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, Indian Motorcycles, Ducati, KTM, Can-AM, Polaris, Ural, and many more.<br />\n <br />\nEven with our vast used bike inventory, we are more than just another used motorcycle dealer. We also carry new motorcycles from Benelli, SSR Motorsports, Zero Motorcycles, and Hyosung Motorcycles. Plus, we also offer UTVs, side-by-sides, and other vehicles with more than two wheels. And if you like your powersports to be on the water, we can help with that, too!<br />\n <br />\nFactor in our first-class Service Department and Parts Department, and WOW Motorcycles can help you with almost all your motorcycle needs. We even offer museum-quality detailing for your ride.<br />\n <br />\nWOW Motorcycles wants you to enjoy riding because we all have fun being able to get you on – and keep you on - a great motorcycle!"},{"id":"1e7d6fd0-71f7-11eb-8cac-b54cf57ddaf7","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=1e7d6fd0-71f7-11eb-8cac-b54cf57ddaf7","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/chopper.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Chopper","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a chopper?</strong><br />\n<br />\nA chopper, at it’s core, is a highly-customized, heavily-modified motorcycle. The most prominent feature of any chopper, however, is likely to be the obviously lengthened front <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=ecf40a70-6d80-11eb-85ee-e9394b5e9764\" target=\"_blank\">forks</a> that appear to have been stretched, resulting in a large angle between the steering head and the frame, putting the front wheel unusually far out in front of the frame.<br />\n<br />\nOther elements commonly shared amongst choppers are a hard tail (meaning the rear wheel has no suspension), an oversized front wheel, very high handle bars called ape hangers that may place the rider’s hands above his head in extreme cases, and a sissy bar, which is a passenger backrest.<br />\n<br />\nThe term “chopper” originates from how American veterans returning home from World War II would “chop” off everything that was not necessary for moving or stopping their motorcycles. The bikes were stripped down to their very most essential parts, making them lighter, faster, and more visually appealing to their riders. The resulting motorcycles tended to be great riding at highway speed in a straight line, but handled poorly at low speeds or in turns.<br />\n<br />\nToday, a chopper can still be made from a standard production bike, but more often they are built to order by specialty manufacturers."},{"id":"20a4d770-6e38-11eb-b950-fbed6bf4abc4","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=20a4d770-6e38-11eb-b950-fbed6bf4abc4","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Bobber.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Bobber","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<p><strong>What is a bobber motorcycle?</strong><br />\n<br />\nBobber is a style of custom mototrcycle where the bike is stripped down to just the basic components. Usually it has just a solo seat, with no or cut back fenders and only the basic lights.</p>\n"},{"id":"e3b2a380-6e26-11eb-9215-4d646b0f53d8","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=e3b2a380-6e26-11eb-9215-4d646b0f53d8","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/stator_web.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Stator","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is the difference between an alternator and a stator?</strong><br />\n<br />\nMost motorcycles will have a stator, not an alterntator. Please go here to read our <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=76fac290-6e26-11eb-a7b2-8bff887c79f7\" target=\"_blank\">article on alternators vs. stators</a>."},{"id":"76fac290-6e26-11eb-a7b2-8bff887c79f7","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=76fac290-6e26-11eb-a7b2-8bff887c79f7","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/stator_web.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Alternator","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Does my motorcycle have an alternator or a stator?</strong><br />\n<br />\nMotorcycles differ from cars in many ways. Some are obvious, others not so much. The electrical system is one of the maybe not-so-obvious ways.<br />\n <br />\nMost cars and trucks built since the 1960s use an alternator, which is an electrical component that produces voltage to supply the vehicle with power for the lights and also charges the battery. In essence, an alternator creates electricity by combining motion, a magnet, and a coil of wire.<br />\n<br />\nWhile motorcycles also use the same basic principle to generate electricity, instead of an alternator, they use a stator combined with an external rectifier/regulator. It’s sort of like the alternator from a car that has been turned inside out. A motorcycle’s stator is a stationary coil of wire mounted inside the engine case. A rotor connected to the engine spins around the outside of the stator, generating current. This current gets sent to the rectifier/regulator, where the rectifier converts alternating current into direct current. The regulator then controls the amount of current sent back to the battery, avoiding sending too much which would over charge it.<br />\n<br />\nSo, do any motorcycles have an automotive-style alternator? Yes, some motorcycles do have an alternator. Alternators are mostly found today on 1980s vintage bikes or on bikes with heavier current loads, like Gold Wings."},{"id":"75e23000-6e0d-11eb-9b85-6d49be8a347f","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=75e23000-6e0d-11eb-9b85-6d49be8a347f","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/dirtyairfilter.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":true,"title":"Air Filter","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>When do I need to change my air filter?</strong><br />\n<br />\nThough mostly out of sight on most motorcycles, the air filter is one of the most important components for keeping your bike running at its best and protecting your engine. As your bike runs, it is constantly taking in air that allows the fuel to burn inside the engine. Your air filter is the vital part that keeps that air pure, preventing your bike’s engine from wearing out prematurely. A dirty air filter can make your bike hard to start, accelerate poorly, get bad gas mileage, and generally feel down on power. Air filters are typically replaced at every major service. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations."},{"id":"ecf40a70-6d80-11eb-85ee-e9394b5e9764","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=ecf40a70-6d80-11eb-85ee-e9394b5e9764","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/fork.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Forks","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What are forks?</strong><br />\n<br />\nThe front suspension of your bike is referred to as the forks. The action of the forks make the rough roads feel smooth. The forks contain oil that prevents the springs inside the forks from bouncing when you hit a bump. The forks seals inside the fork hold the oil inside the fork. Over time these seals can age out and start to leak. The only fix for this is the replace the forks seals. Like the clutch, most bike will have the fork seals replaced sometime in the life of the bike."},{"id":"af9ce510-6d6d-11eb-97b4-812ba78f245f","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=af9ce510-6d6d-11eb-97b4-812ba78f245f","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/pitlimiter.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Pit-Lane Limiter","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a pit-lane limiter?</strong><br />\n<br />\n A pit-lane limiter is a device intended to help racing drivers with speed control management while they are coming in for, or leaving from, a pit stop. Pit lanes have strictly enforced speed limits for safety reasons. Racers can be penalized for exceeding the pit lane speed limit.<br />\n <br />\nA pit limiter reduces a motorcycle’s speed by limiting the RPMs on the engine, which in turn makes it difficult for the motorcycle to attain high speeds. It does not apply braking, only limits power available from the engine. It is meant to help racers keep from exceeding speed limits while approaching and departing their pit crews. A pit limiter will not slow a speeding bike on its own, and only keeps the bike from accelerating.<br />\n "},{"id":"eee17700-6b19-11eb-bfce-2b6998fa56a4","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=eee17700-6b19-11eb-bfce-2b6998fa56a4","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/jetski_prototype.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Personal Watercraft (PWC) ","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is a PWC?</strong><br />\n<br />\nPersonal Watercraft (PWC) is a nonspecific, manufacturer-neutral term for a small vessel operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on it, rather than sitting or standing inside it. PWCs are propelled by an internal combustion engine which powers a jet pump or propeller.<br />\n <br />\nPWCs are available in stand-up and sit-down, also known as runabout, designs. They may carry one to three people, depending on the design.<br />\n <br />\nThe name Jet Ski is often used mistakenly to refer to any type of PWC. However, Jet Ski is a trademark of Kawasaki, who pioneered the PWC industry, producing the first model in 1972. In the decades that followed, other companies brought their own offerings to the marketplace, such as the <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=b7252e50-3bc7-11eb-8bc6-25577bb9140b\" target=\"_blank\">Yamaha WaveRunner</a>, Bombardier Sea-Doo and Honda AquaTrax. But because it was the first PWC, “Jet Ski” was adopted by many as a generic name for all PWC, even though it is a Kawasaki brand name."},{"id":"c83f04f0-657e-11eb-9cf2-4787376d0c68","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=c83f04f0-657e-11eb-9cf2-4787376d0c68","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/bald_tire.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Tires - Quick Tips","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>How do I get the most life out of my tires?</strong><br />\n<br />\nA motorcycle’s tires are, literally, where the rubber meets the road. Motorcycles have a very small contact patch, the area where the tire touches the road surface. This footprint is generally about the size of a tennis ball. This makes tires not only a critical part of motorcycle riding handling and performance, but also of safety.<br />\n <br />\nHere are a few quick tips from our WOW Motorcycles tire experts on how to get the most out of your tires.<br />\n <br />\n• <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=3aec8200-5f42-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a\" target=\"_blank\">Maintain proper air pressure in your tires.</a><br />\n• Regularly inspect your tires.<br />\n• Buy the right tires for your bike.<br />\n• Have your tires professionally installed.<br />\n• Avoid road hazards like sharp objects and slick surfaces.<br />\n• Don’t wait to replace worn or damaged tires.<br />\n• Avoid overspray from cleaners and polishers that can reduce friction between the tire and the road.<br />\n• Don’t overload your bike, exceeding the Load Index Rating for the tires."},{"id":"a3048940-6573-11eb-bf3c-bf73b40f43ed","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=a3048940-6573-11eb-bf3c-bf73b40f43ed","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/royal-enfield-bullet-limited-classic-black.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Royal Enfield","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Royal Enfield<br />\n- “Since 1901”</strong><br />\n<br />\nThe first Royal Enfield motorcycle was produced in 1901 in Redditch, Worcestershire, making Royal Enfield the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. That first unit featured a 1 1/2 hp Minerva engine mounted in front of the steering head and connected to the rear wheel by a long rawhide drive belt. Thirty-one years later, the company rolled out its legendary Bullet model, which was first displayed in November 1932 at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in London. The Bullet was made in 250, 350 and 500cc versions.<br />\n <br />\nThe Bullet went on to earn the distinction having the longest unchanged production run of any motorcycle. In fact, the Bullet outlived Royal Enfield itself. The original company went defunct in 1971. Enfield of India had begun making motorcycles under a licensing agreement in the 1950s, and continued producing the Bullet and other motorcycles after the demise of The Enfield Cycle Company Limited. Enfield of India began branding its motorcycles “Royal Enfield” in 1999, rolling new Bullets off the line right up 2020, when the production run finally ended with the Limited Edition Classic Tribute Black version.<br />\n <br />\nThe Royal Enfield name and Bullet marquee date back to 1893 when the company landed a subcontractor deal with the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, London. To celebrate, entrepreneurs Bob Walker Smith and Albert Eadie renamed their undertaking the Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd, and the trademark “Made Like A Gun” was introduced.<br />\n <br />\nNow a subsidiary of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield produces today the INT650 and the Continental GT, both classic, retro styled twin 650cc bikes, and the Himalayan, a 411cc single-cylinder adventure motorcycle."},{"id":"1c1a8fd0-5a6d-11eb-984c-57e4813b79c5","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=1c1a8fd0-5a6d-11eb-984c-57e4813b79c5","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/crate 2989.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Crating Motorcycles for Shipping","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>How do I crate my motorcycle for shipping?</strong><br />\n<br />\nYou will want a sturdy and robust crate to protect for your motorcycle from damage when shipping it. Wood is probably the easiest to work with and most readily available material for building your motorcycle shipping crate. Pressure treated lumber is not usually necessary, as under normal circumstances the wood should not have time to rot before your bike gets where it is going. You will need woodworking tools such as a saw and drill, along with a tape measure, screws, and maybe a hammer and nails.<br />\n<br />\nA wooden pallet makes a great base for starting your crate. If you ask nicely, you may be able to score a free motorcycle pallet from your local dealership. Dealers take delivery of new motorcycles on these, and they are already the right length and width needed for all but the biggest bikes. Plus, they will have wheel recesses pre cut and tie points already installed.<br />\n<br />\nOnce your base is ready, remove the rearview mirrors, windscreen, and any other accessories your motorcycle may have that add height to it. The lower the height of your bike, the less tall your crate needs to be. This means you need less materials to build, making it both lighter in weight and easier to handle in transit. Now measure how tall your bike is, and add just a few inches for clearance. Cut your uprights to that length out of 2x4s and screw them to the base. For extra strength, add horizontal cross beams cut to size from more 2x4s.<br />\n<br />\nBefore putting your motorcycle into the base, be sure to drain out all the fuel first. Be aware some carriers may also require that you drain other fluids, too. So, it would be wise to check with your carrier before going any further with the crating process. Also, disconnect the battery, covering the leads with something like tape to prevent accidental contacts. Once your bike is dry and disconnected, use good quality ratcheting tie downs to hold it securely in its base. You will want to crank them down snugly so that the motorcycle’s suspension is loaded down, making it difficult to bounce up and down while under way.<br />\n<br />\nIf you plan to load the crated motorcycle on your own transport to deliver it yourself and aren’t worried about protecting it from the sides or top, you could stop here. However, if you are sending it by commercial carrier, you will want to add sides and maybe even a top to your crate. You can use ½” particle board as a minimum level of protection, going up to something as tough as 1” plywood, depending on how much abuse you think the crate will need to endure.<br />\n<br />\nOnce your crate is complete with your motorcycle tightly tied down inside, you will need to arrange a carrier to deliver it. Most likely, you will be dealing with what is called an LTL freight company. LTL carriers specialize in Less-Than-Truckload freight, which means they take freight from many different senders to make up a truck load. Be prepared with the height, width, depth, total weight, and final destination of your crate in order to get an accurate cost from the shipper. It’s probably a good idea to ask about insurance, as your bike is likely to have significant monetary value.<br />\n<br />\nBefore you say farewell and send your now crated motorcycle on its way, you really need to make sure the receiver has the ability to take delivery from the carrier. Do they have a loading dock and a fork lift? If not, it will be extremely difficult for the driver to unload the crated motorcycle. It is very likely the LTL driver will not have a lift gate or pallet jack on his truck.<br />\n<br />\nDoes all this sound like an intimidating hassle? If so, you could just call WOW Motorcycles as we specialize in shipping motorcycles everywhere motorcycles are ridden. WOW was founded as World On Wheels International because international shipping is where we got our start. We have over 30 years of international shipping experience. We can ship bikes individually, half containers, or full containers, and send them across town, across the country, or across the globe. Let our experts help you get your precious cargo where it needs to go."},{"id":"8faa8380-5840-11eb-8cd9-dd4455869320","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=8faa8380-5840-11eb-8cd9-dd4455869320","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/shipping container.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Shipping Motorcycles","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<p><strong>How do I ship my motorcycle?<br />\n<br />\nWhether you want to ship one motorcycle across town or a full shipping container of bikes overseas, no one know more about shipping motorcycles than we do. WOW Motorcycles</strong> was founded as World On Wheels International because <strong>international shipping</strong> is where we got our start. We have <strong>over 30 years of international shipping experience.</strong></p>\n\n<p>Many of our overseas customers never even see our wonderful retail store, or us.</p>\n\n<p>Our reputation has grown worldwide as a trustworthy company that does it right and stands behind the products it sells.</p>\n\n<p>We can ship bikes individually, half containers or full containers.<br />\n<br />\nIn addition to selling motorcycles we can also ship parts and accessories that meet our minimum order requirement.<br />\n<br />\nClick here for <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/fckimages/pdf/Shipping_Rates_GA.pdf\">METRO ATLANTA</a> shipping rates.<br />\n<br />\nClick here for <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/fckimages/pdf/Shipping_Rates_US-new.pdf\">NATIONWIDE</a> shipping rates.<br />\n<br />\nNote that these prices are for delivery close to major highways. <strong>For final delivery cost to a specific location, or for international shipping, please call us at (770) 424-8804.</strong></p>\n"},{"id":"e95ad370-40a4-11eb-a6e8-fb512a8b34b7","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=e95ad370-40a4-11eb-a6e8-fb512a8b34b7","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Bobber_LHS_KOROSI_RED_ICE_SILVER_955x537.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Triumph Motorcycles","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>“For the Ride”</strong><br />\n<br />\nTriumph Motorcycles Ltd is the largest UK-owned manufacturer of motorcycles. Originally founded in London during the late 1800s as a bicycle manufacturer by German immigrant Siegfried Bettmann, the company produced its first motorcycle in 1902.<br />\n <br />\nWithin a few years Triumph motorcycles were winning races, coming in second place in the first ever Isle of Man TT in 1907. Triumph won the single cylinder TT the next year clocking in an average speed of 40mph. The outbreak of the Great War in Europe saw Allied Forces using some 30,000 Triumph type H “Trusty” motorcycles.<br />\n <br />\nTriumph changed names several times during its early decades, not becoming known as Triumph Engineering Co Ltd until 1936. It kept that name until 1983 when the company went into receivership and was purchased by John Bloor, and it became Triumph Motorcycles Ltd – the company as we know it today. Though still based in Hinckley in the central area of England, Triumph has moved most of its production to Thailand.<br />\n <br />\nPerhaps Triumph’s most iconic model is the Bonneville, ridden by Hollywood super stars Marlon Brando, James Dean, Clint Eastwood, and Steve McQueen. Not to be overlooked is the Speed Twin. Introduced in 1937, it is the precursor to the Bonneville.<br />\n <br />\nToday, Triumph offers a wide range of bikes across a variety of genres from roadsters to adventure bikes to modern classics. Among them are the Speed Triple, Street Triple, Thunderbird and Daytona models. And, of course, the new Bonneville."},{"id":"1f6d3030-3c03-11eb-91d3-45b75e504afa","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=1f6d3030-3c03-11eb-91d3-45b75e504afa","imageSrc":"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/fckimages/articles/Adventure-OnGround.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Ural Motorcycles","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Ural Motorcycles<br />\n- “Adventure Together”</strong><br />\n<br />\nUral Motorcycles has been producing sidecar bikes in Russia for some 80 years. In 1940 the Soviet Union acquired the rights to BMW’s R71 design in a deal with Germany prior to the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations. The Soviets took delivery of five German R71 units, which were fully disassembled and then reverse engineered for production. The first Soviet version, dubbed the M-72, was completed in 1941. One of the original bikes still survives to this day and is on display at the factory museum.<br />\n <br />\nProduction continued after war time demand by the Red Army eased up as motorcyclists fell in love with the practicality of Ural’s sidecars and their off-road capabilities. Though improvements and modifications have been implemented over the decades, the Ural bikes still largely maintain their original design features in many ways and are easily recognizable by their distinct styling.<br />\n <br />\nToday, Ural produces two models. The CT is billed as Ural’s “around town weekender,” with a 749cc horizontally opposed Boxer engine and one-wheel drive. The Gear Up is touted as the “off-road adventurer,” with the same power plant but with on-demand two-wheel drive. Both models are offered in a variety of trim lines and editions.<br />\n <br />\nLong after BMW ceased production of the R71 in 1941 with the introduction of the R75, which was produced until 1946, Ural continues to produce its Russian variant on the design, and even sold plans for the M-72 during the Cold War era to a Chinese industrial firm who built their own version known as the Chang Jiang. While Ural’s production facility remains nestled amongst the Ural Mountain range in Irbit, Russia, the company is now headquartered in Redmond, WA. "},{"id":"b7252e50-3bc7-11eb-8bc6-25577bb9140b","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=b7252e50-3bc7-11eb-8bc6-25577bb9140b","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/waverunner.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"WaveRunner","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Yamaha WaveRunner<br />\n- “Fun Begins Here”</strong><br />\n<br />\nYamaha’s Neil Kobayashi, the \"WaveRunner Papa\" invented the WaveRunner in 1986, inspired by his experiences in the 1970s when he was stationed in Shonan, Japan. While there, Kobayashi saw that marine leisure was really only available for the elite. So he drew from a variety of small watercraft that were being used, including surfboards fitted with propelling devices, knowing that one day he'd like to make a craft that would be accessible for everyone to use.<br />\n<br />\nWhile many personal water craft (PWC) are commonly referred to as a \"jet ski,\" Jet Ski is actually a registered trademark of Kawasaki. Introduced in 1972, the Jet Ski was a stand-up design and was the major player in the PWC market into the late 1980s. Since it was the first commericially successful PWC in America, Jet Ski became the default generic term used for all PWC by many consumers.<br />\n<br />\nThe WaveRunner is a sit-down design, referred to as a \"runabout\" style, and is set apart from other PWC by its signature spout of water that shoots into the air from the rear of the vehicle, a visual brand identifier that exists as a trademark of Yamaha. Yamaha currently offers the WaveRunner in 20 different configurations."},{"id":"c22f3850-3bc6-11eb-aa41-ff23cfcdf566","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=c22f3850-3bc6-11eb-aa41-ff23cfcdf566","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/2008-Vision.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Victory Motorcycles","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Victory Motorcycles<br />\n- “Fuel It”</strong><br />\n<br />\nVictory Motorcycles was an American motorcycle manufacturer whose first model was born on the Fourth of July 1998 at the company’s production facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa. It was an Antares Red and Black V92C, sporting a 92 cu in (1,510 cc) V-twin engine, which was the second largest production motorcycle engine available at the time. The company introduced the V92C in 1997 when Formula 1 racer Al Unser Jr. rode one into the Mall of America’s Planet Hollywood.<br />\n <br />\nA subsidiary of motorsports giant Polaris Inc., Victory was launched to compete in the motorcycle market segment of the traditional American heavy cruiser in the vein of Indian and Harley-Davidson. While the company was profitable for a time, slumping sales and decreasing revenue led to Polaris ceasing production of Victory bikes in late 2017.<br />\n <br />\nVictory offered a total of 19 different models during its 20-year run, all with distinctly Americana-inspired names and designs. There was the Vegas, the Kingpin and the Hammer. The Vision stood out for its bold lines that looked more like an Art Deco sculpture than a motorcycle. There was even 2016’s electric offering, the Empulse TT, brother of the TT Zero racer."},{"id":"297d5300-3bc4-11eb-b7b2-d95b9d879f75","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=297d5300-3bc4-11eb-b7b2-d95b9d879f75","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/XSR_lifestyle1.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"XSR","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"Yamaha classifies its XSR900 as a “Sport Heritage” motorcycle, an authentic performance motorcycle that blends Yamaha's triple‑cylinder technology with neo‑retro style. It features an 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3-cylinder 4- stroke, 12 valve transverse inline-triple engine. Introduced in 2016, the XSR900 is derived from Yamaha's FZ-09. Yamaha redesignated the FZ-09 to the MT-09 in 2018. The MT-09 is “Hyper Naked” bike."},{"id":"2d8e4430-3bc0-11eb-b998-cdd81725b1c3","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=2d8e4430-3bc0-11eb-b998-cdd81725b1c3","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/yamaha_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Yamaha Corporation","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:22px\">Yamaha<br />\n- “Revs Your Heart”</span></strong><br />\n<br />\nNippon Gakki Co. Ltd. (currently Yamaha Corporation) was established in 1887 as a piano and reed organ manufacturer by Torakusu Yamaha in Hamamatsu, a city located in Japan’s western Shizuoka prefecture. Yamaha’s motorsports division separated from the parent company in 1955, becoming Yamaha Motor Company. The company introduced its first motorized product that same year. The YA-1 Motorcycle was a 125cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder street bike. Nicknamed “The Red Dragonfly,” it was produced and sold in Japan. The brand-new YA-1 won the first two races it entered that year.<br />\n <br />\nYamaha first entered the US market in 1958 with two models, both of which were imported by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, street bike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, street bike, step-through).<br />\n <br />\nYamaha is known for manufacturing a wide range of motorized products, including motorcycles, boats, outboard motors, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and various gas-powered tools. However, the company's origins as a musical instrument manufacturer are still reflected today in its logo—a trio of interlocking tuning forks."},{"id":"43551590-6575-11ea-bed8-bffdb27de51b","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=43551590-6575-11ea-bed8-bffdb27de51b","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/jumpstart.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Jump Starting Your Motorcycle","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/idFOwb_3iBY","content":"<p><strong>How do I jump start my motorcycle?</strong></p>\n\n<p>Jump starting your motorcycle should only be used as an emergency measure - just to get you home after your battery dies - instead of a way start the bike and head off for a ride. If you are not comfortable jump starting a car, your motorcycle is not the right place to learn how to perform the task. Most motorcycle battery terminals are a lot smaller than a car's, and most jumper cables were designed for a car and not a motorcycle. </p>\n\n<p>NEVER attempt to jump your motorcycle from a running car. A car produces around FIVE TIMES the amperage of your motorcycle's electrical system. This much current can damage the wiring and components of your bike. Think about what would happen to your TV or computer if lightning were to strike near your house and overload their circuits. That's not too far from jumping your bike off from a running car. A motorcycle can be jumped from a non-running car battery, though. However, if you are successful jumping your bike off, your bike will not charge a dead battery while running. So no amount of riding will recharge your battery. See our topic of <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=7f542f40-3d6b-11ea-8315-85e1155efa5c\" target=\"_blank\">Battery</a> for more battery information.</p>\n\n<div id=\"ae_app\">So if you find yourself with a dead motorcycle battery, contact our expert <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/parts-motorcycles-dealership--parts\" target=\"_blank\">Parts Department</a> staff for help finding just the right battery for your bike before you get stranded, or worse, end up with a fried electrical system.</div>\n<!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script></div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --><!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --><!--\n Launcher\n --><!--\n Toolbar\n --><!--\n Site Menu\n --><!--\n Rotor\n --><!--\n Help\n --><!--\n Settings\n --><!--\n Certification\n --><!--\n Helpdesk\n --><!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<br />\n </div>\n</div>\n<!-- end module controlbar container --><!--\n Generic Aria Live message container\n --><!--\n First Time Toolbar Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Reader Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Player Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Voice Slide Show\n --><!-- Symbol definitions --><!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"f0a66400-5f45-11ea-9c6e-33e39908839d","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=f0a66400-5f45-11ea-9c6e-33e39908839d","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/umbrellagirl.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Umbrella Girls","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"An umbrella girl acts as a representative for a motor sports event. She wears clothes bearing the logo of the motor sport and should interact with fans by way of smiling and posing for photographs galore. An umbrella girl's most crucial role: to hold an umbrella over her assigned driver's head throughout the event, to shield him from the elements and, of course, draw attention from the fans to the driver and team.<br />\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"/fckimages/articles/umbrellagirl1.jpg\" />\n<div id=\"ae_app\"> </div>\n<link charset=\"utf-8\" class=\"ae-style\" href=\"https://wsv3cdn.audioeye.com/css/aggregate.css?files=default|core|compliance|pdf-links|launcher|reader&cb=20200303\" id=\"ae_aggregate_css\" media=\"screen\" rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text/css\" /> <!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script>\n</div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --> <!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --> <!--\n Launcher\n --> <!--\n Toolbar\n --> <!--\n Site Menu\n --> <!--\n Rotor\n --> <!--\n Help\n --> <!--\n Settings\n --> <!--\n Certification\n --> <!--\n Helpdesk\n --> <!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 0; height: 0;\" tabindex=\"-1\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"0\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"> <defs> <symbol id=\"icon_transfer\" viewbox=\"0 0 1022 1024\">\n<title></title>\n<path class=\"path1\" d=\"M1023.936 768h-768.192v128l-255.744-192 255.744-192v128h768.192zM0 384h767.936v128l256-192-256-192v128h-767.936z\"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> <svg aria-label=\"Cycle AudioEye Tools\" class=\"ae-icon-transfer\" role=\"img\"> <use xlink:href=\"#icon_transfer\"></use> </svg></div>\n</div>\n<!-- end module controlbar container --> <!--\n Generic Aria Live message container\n -->\n\n<div aria-live=\"assertive\" aria-relevant=\"additions\" class=\"ae-blurb-noaudio\" id=\"ae_enabled_messages\"> </div>\n<!--\n First Time Toolbar Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Reader Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Player Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Voice Slide Show\n --> <!-- Symbol definitions --> <svg style=\"position: absolute; width: 0; height: 0; overflow: hidden;\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"> <defs> <symbol id=\"icon-close-carousel\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<title></title>\n<path d=\"M28.992 0l-12.992 12.992-12.992-12.992-3.008 3.008 12.992 12.992-12.992 12.992 3.008 3.008 12.992-12.992 12.992 12.992 3.008-3.008-12.992-12.992 12.992-12.992-3.008-3.008z\" fill=\"#ffffff\" style=\"fill: var(--color1, #ffffff)\"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> <!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"6d7d7ed0-5f43-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=6d7d7ed0-5f43-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/ridingseason.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Seasonal Bike Prep","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<p><strong>Getting your bike ready for the riding season.</strong></p>\n\n<p>The sun is out. The warm weather is just around the corner. Spring is in the air and you are ready to ride. How about your bike? Here's a quick run down of some the things you ought to check out before your first ride of the season.</p>\n\n<p><strong>TIRES</strong><br />\nYou should already be regularly checking out your <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=c83f04f0-657e-11eb-9cf2-4787376d0c68\" target=\"_blank\">tires</a> so you know they are ready to go. Are they in good condition with good tread depth? Are they free of foreign objects, damage, and cracks? Tires can lose air pressure over time. So make sure they are properly inflated also.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>OIL</strong><br />\nNext, look at your oil. If it is the color of a strong cup of dark roast coffee, then it is time to change it. Check your motorcycle's owner's manual for the correct kind and amount to use. While you're at it, look for leaks on and around your bike. A leak may be hard to see on the bike itself, but a puddle of oil underneath the bike is a sure give away.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>OIL FILTER</strong><br />\nIf you are changing the oil, it's always advised to install a new oil filter at the same time.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>OTHER FLUIDS</strong><br />\nOil is probably not the only fluid in your motorcycle, depending on what you are riding. You should check them all - brake fluid and coolant are the most common ones. Your motorcycle may or may not have either or both.</p>\n\n<p><strong>GASOLINE</strong><br />\nOne fluid your bike almost certainly does have is <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=3d787190-3ca7-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a\" target=\"_blank\">gasoline</a>. Always store your motorcycle with a full gas tank. With the normally high humidity present in the south, condensation can form inside an empty tank, causing it to rust inside. Condensation can also rust up the fuel pump if it is contained in the tank. However, don’t just top off your tank with plain old gasoline. Most gasoline today contains ethanol and other additives. If left in your bike's tank for more than a month or so, gas ages and starts to degrade. To avoid issues like gummed up fuel systems, it's best to use 100% gas, which is free of ethanol along with a fuel stabilizer. Even so, if your motorcycle is carbureted, it’s a good idea to turn off the fuel valve and empty the carb(s) by either draining them or running them dry with the engine. Stabilized ethanol-free gas can keep safely in a tank for about three months. After that, consider draining the tank and refilling it with fresh fuel as a best practice for protecting your bike.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>BATTERY</strong><br />\nHow about your <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=7f542f40-3d6b-11ea-8315-85e1155efa5c\" target=\"_blank\">battery</a>? Is it fresh and charged? If you have to <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=43551590-6575-11ea-bed8-bffdb27de51b\" target=\"_blank\">jump it</a> to get the bike fired up, it's best to replace it before riding. Unless you like getting stranded on the roadside.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>DRIVE CHAIN</strong><br />\nNow have a look at the chain and sprockets. Do they look worn or improperly lubricated? It may be time to replace, or at least lube them. Your motorcycle may have a belt instead of a chain. Same deal. Check it for snugness and wear, but DO NOT lube a belt.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>Air Filter</strong><br />\nMoving on to the <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=75e23000-6e0d-11eb-9b85-6d49be8a347f\" target=\"_blank\">air filter</a>. Whether or not you find any wildlife taking up residence in the air filter, it is a good time to change it out. Check your manual for instructions.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>BRAKE PADS</strong><br />\nAs we approach the end of our inspection, how do the brake pads look? Most will have wear bars to indicate when they are worn out and in need of replacing.<br />\n<br />\nThis is just a quick list of the major needs of most motorcycles. Your bike may have special needs not covered here. So know your bike and it's maintenance recommendations.<br />\n<br />\nIf you are not much of a DIYer and all of this seems like a hassle and you just want to hit the road already, contact our <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/service-repair-motorcycles-dealership--service\" target=\"_blank\">Service Department</a> experts. They can check your bike out and you can feel good knowing it is ready for the ride. WOW is here to keep you riding and having fun.</p>\n<!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script></div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --><!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --><!--\n Launcher\n --><!--\n Toolbar\n --><!--\n Site Menu\n --><!--\n Rotor\n --><!--\n Help\n --><!--\n Settings\n --><!--\n Certification\n --><!--\n Helpdesk\n --><!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars --></div>\n<!-- end module controlbar container --><!--\n Generic Aria Live message container\n --><!--\n First Time Toolbar Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Reader Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Player Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Voice Slide Show\n --><!-- Symbol definitions --><!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"00df8e80-5f43-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=00df8e80-5f43-11ea-aa2c-6de1d81ecd9a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/winterbike.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Winterize Your Bike","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<p>First we live in the south and winter often means that we jump from cold to fall temps and back several times in one week. So winterize here is completely different than in Michigan. But we still need to do some basic maintenance items that will make the days you can ride a smooth transition.</p>\n\n<p>We have to prepare our bikes like it will be several weeks between rides and hope this does not happen. Here are few areas that a little attention now will make that sunny day – bike out of hibernation ride- smooth and easy.</p>\n\n<p>First, nothing likes to sit idle. A car, boat, your motorcycle or even your body. You have to be realistic about how often you will get to ride throughout the winter. If your riding plans are to ride on nicer sunny days , here is a list of things to prep for:</p>\n\n<p><strong><em>Fuel</em></strong></p>\n\n<p>Today's gas is full of emissions additives that are designed to cut down on ozone harming gasses. The unfortunate side of this is that this “new “ fuel does not store well and has a short shelf life. The best way to combat this is to top off your tank and add some fuel stabilizer. A small amount of gas goes bad faster than a full tank. We sell a brand of fuel stabilizer that will extend the fuel's life. Unfortunately, it will only delay the aging after months even the treated fuel will still turn bad.</p>\n\n<p>Running and riding your bike at least once a month will help and delay this aging.</p>\n\n<p>If you have a fuel injected bike this is all you need. Carburetor bikes need more attention because the small amount of fuel stored in the carburetor ages in just a few weeks and will turn from a liquid to a gel and stop up the fuel system. When this happens the entire fuel system will have to be taken apart and cleaned. Very expensive and can be avoided. Bottom line is running your bike every few weeks will avoid fuel aging problems.</p>\n\n<p><strong><em>Tires</em></strong></p>\n\n<p>Your tires will loose air pressure faster in the winter than in the summer months. You should be checking your pressures at least once a month during riding season; but now you will need to check them every ride. Riding on low tire pressure makes the bike handle very bad and causes tire damage. If you bike has a center stand, it is best to store your bike on the center stand.</p>\n\n<p><strong><em>Battery</em></strong></p>\n\n<p>Most batteries are just large enough to start your bike when they have a near full charge. Sitting for weeks and they will be weak or dead. You will need to invest in a battery charger to keep that battery ready to go. The best charger is a smart charger that senses your battery charge needs and ramps up to meet that state of charge. We sell these smart chargers and they sell for less than $40.00. A great investment for all motorcycle owners.</p>\n\n<p><strong><em>Storage</em></strong></p>\n\n<p>Of course, it is best to store your bike in a climate controlled space, but this is not always available.</p>\n\n<p>Your bike does not like to live outdoors uncovered.</p>\n\n<p>This will age the bike fast and cause a lot of problems. Invest in a good cover. One that is weather resistant and designed for your bike's size. It should cover the motor and most of the wheels.</p>\n\n<p>Caution for covered storage, critters like to live under your cover and will move in for the winter if you let them. They can do a lot of damage as they attempt to burrow in for he winter. Check you bike on a regular basis to be sure you have no guests sharing your motorcycle cover.</p>\n\n<p>If you have spent more than one winter in Georgia you know that our climate can be mild like Florida or cold like Michigan or both. But we will never know ahead of time so right now is a great time to get your bike prepped. If we can help you with any questions on any of this, please drop by or give us a call.</p>\nThanks from the WOW Service Team.\n\n<div id=\"ae_app\"> </div>\n<link charset=\"utf-8\" class=\"ae-style\" href=\"https://wsv3cdn.audioeye.com/css/aggregate.css?files=default|core|compliance|pdf-links|launcher|reader&cb=20200303\" id=\"ae_aggregate_css\" media=\"screen\" rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text/css\" /> <!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script>\n</div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --> <!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --> <!--\n Launcher\n --> <!--\n Toolbar\n --> <!--\n Site Menu\n --> <!--\n Rotor\n --> <!--\n Help\n --> <!--\n Settings\n --> <!--\n Certification\n --> <!--\n Helpdesk\n --> <!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" style=\"position: absolute; 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Dry or wet. Sunny or cloudy. It is always a good time to check the air pressure in your motorcycle’s tires. <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=c83f04f0-657e-11eb-9cf2-4787376d0c68\" target=\"_blank\">Your tires are the one thing that connects you to the road.</a> Still, if you were to ask many people, tires have merely two modes - they have air, or they are flat. But if you could ask your tires, they would have a completely different opinion!<br />\n<br />\nHere at WOW, we recently received a bike that had a slow leak in the rear tire. The tire tread was nearly new and there was no leak at the valve stem, or where the tire meets the rim, nor were there any nails or punctures in the tire carcass. However, every time we inflated this tire to normal pressure (38psi), it would be down to 18psi by the next day. We did this for a few days to confirm the issue before removing the tire. What we found was a ridge of cracking around the inside of the tire on both sides. These ridges were due to tire breakdown caused by low tire pressure.<br />\n<br />\n<a href=\"/fckimages/articles/inflation.png\"><img src=\"/fckimages/articles/inflation.png\" style=\"float:left; height:188px; width:352px\" /></a><img alt=\"\" src=\"/fckimages/articles/inflation.jpg\" /></p>\n\n<p> </p>\n\n<p> </p>\n\n<p> </p>\n\n<p> </p>\n\n<p> </p>\n\n<p><br />\nThis inflation diagram shows in the center picture how under-inflation can put stress on the area where the tread meets the sidewall. If ridden long enough with low air pressure, a tire’s tread will start to separate from the sidewall. In our example, our troublesome tire was in the beginning stages of separation, and air pressure was just weeping through the tire carcass. If the underinflated tire continues to be ridden in this condition, a tire blowout due to low air pressure can result.<br />\n<br />\nYour motorcycle’s tires are designed using an incredible amount of technology that allows them work in a large range of temperatures, weather conditions, and lean angles. However, without the right amount of air pressure, tires will not work properly and could fail catastrophically.<br />\n<br />\nThink about this comparison, you would likely never consider bungee jumping with only half of the normal amount bungee attached to your harness. Yet, if you are riding with your tires under inflated, this is precisely what you are doing – gambling with your life.<br />\n<br />\nSo, now that you know why this is so important, always remember to check your tire pressures before you ride!</p>\n<!--\n First Time Toolbar Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Reader Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Player Slide Show\n --><!--\n First Time Voice Slide Show\n --><!-- Symbol definitions --><!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"834a4e70-5f32-11ea-acf2-3967cac8cde0","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=834a4e70-5f32-11ea-acf2-3967cac8cde0","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/kawasaki_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Kawasaki","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"Kawasaki motorcycles are manufactured by the Motorcycle & Engine division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries at plants in Japan, Michigan, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Thailand.\n<div id=\"ae_app\"> </div>\n<link charset=\"utf-8\" class=\"ae-style\" href=\"https://wsv3cdn.audioeye.com/css/aggregate.css?files=default|core|compliance|pdf-links|launcher|reader&cb=20200303\" id=\"ae_aggregate_css\" media=\"screen\" rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text/css\" /> <!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script>\n</div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --> <!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --> <!--\n Launcher\n --> <!--\n Toolbar\n --> <!--\n Site Menu\n --> <!--\n Rotor\n --> <!--\n Help\n --> <!--\n Settings\n --> <!--\n Certification\n --> <!--\n Helpdesk\n --> <!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" style=\"position: absolute; 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The reason for this is simple, <strong>Joe Rocket</strong> has been a leader in manufacturing reasonably priced high quality protective motorcycle gear that is very fashionable.\n<div id=\"ae_app\"> </div>\n<link charset=\"utf-8\" class=\"ae-style\" href=\"https://wsv3cdn.audioeye.com/css/aggregate.css?files=default|core|compliance|pdf-links|launcher|reader&cb=20200303\" id=\"ae_aggregate_css\" media=\"screen\" rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text/css\" /> <!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script>\n</div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --> <!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --> <!--\n Launcher\n --> <!--\n Toolbar\n --> <!--\n Site Menu\n --> <!--\n Rotor\n --> <!--\n Help\n --> <!--\n Settings\n --> <!--\n Certification\n --> <!--\n Helpdesk\n --> <!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" style=\"position: absolute; 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height: 0; overflow: hidden;\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"> <defs> <symbol id=\"icon-close-carousel\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<title></title>\n<path d=\"M28.992 0l-12.992 12.992-12.992-12.992-3.008 3.008 12.992 12.992-12.992 12.992 3.008 3.008 12.992-12.992 12.992 12.992 3.008-3.008-12.992-12.992 12.992-12.992-3.008-3.008z\" fill=\"#ffffff\" style=\"fill: var(--color1, #ffffff)\"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> <!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"111b89e0-5f19-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=111b89e0-5f19-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/chaintool2.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Chain Tool","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/6jq4YT9Y9uI","content":"<strong>How do I use a chain tool?</strong><br />\n<br />\nHere's a short video demonstration on how to use a chain tool to break an old chain and install a new one on your motorcycle."},{"id":"83b4eb60-5f17-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=83b4eb60-5f17-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/icon_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"ICON Motorsports","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHA9rOMYSaA","content":"Icon's mission: Placing top level protective gear on the most at risk group of motorcyclists. \"Ride Among Us\" is not only Icon's slogan, it is our invitation to like minded riders and motorcycle enthusiasts to share in Icon's motocentric lifestyle.\n<div id=\"ae_app\"> </div>\n<link charset=\"utf-8\" class=\"ae-style\" href=\"https://wsv3cdn.audioeye.com/css/aggregate.css?files=default|core|compliance|pdf-links|launcher|reader&cb=20200303\" id=\"ae_aggregate_css\" media=\"screen\" rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text/css\" /> <!--\n Layout, Style or Voice Helpers\n -->\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_helpers\" style=\"display: none;\"> </div>\n<!--\n Compliance\n -->\n\n<div class=\"ae-module\" id=\"ae_compliance\" style=\"display: none;\"><!-- For autoSmartRem addNewWindowWarnings div is referenced in an aria-describedby -->\n<div id=\"audioeye_new_window_message\" style=\"display:none\">Opens in new window</div>\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n\n AudioEye.smartRemediations = [];\nAudioEye.autoSmartRemediations = [{\"id\":\"285584\",\"type\":\"makeLinkImgAltDecorative\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14920\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17729\"},{\"id\":\"285585\",\"type\":\"addLinkText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14921\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17730\"},{\"id\":\"285575\",\"type\":\"addSmartAltText\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14923\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17732\"},{\"id\":\"285586\",\"type\":\"hideEmptyHeaders\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14922\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17731\"},{\"id\":\"285574\",\"type\":\"addDownloadableDocumentWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"167938\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"20850\"},{\"id\":\"285580\",\"type\":\"setDocLang\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14916\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17725\"},{\"id\":\"285572\",\"type\":\"addNewWindowWarnings\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14926\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17735\"},{\"id\":\"285571\",\"type\":\"removeLinkRedundancies\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14925\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17734\"},{\"id\":\"285582\",\"type\":\"addFormLabels\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14918\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17727\"},{\"id\":\"285576\",\"type\":\"addFrameTitles\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14924\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17733\"},{\"id\":\"285581\",\"type\":\"automaticNestedLayoutTable\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14917\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17726\"},{\"id\":\"285583\",\"type\":\"addFormRequiredAriaLabel\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14919\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17728\"},{\"id\":\"285573\",\"type\":\"automaticSingleListItem\",\"params\":null,\"parent_id\":\"14927\",\"smart_remediation_number\":\"17736\"}];</script>\n</div>\n<!--\n Versioning Control Panel if versioning = true\n --> <!--\n Activity Panel Container Markup\n --> <!--\n Launcher\n --> <!--\n Toolbar\n --> <!--\n Site Menu\n --> <!--\n Rotor\n --> <!--\n Help\n --> <!--\n Settings\n --> <!--\n Certification\n --> <!--\n Helpdesk\n --> <!-- Module Conrol Bar Container -->\n\n<div id=\"ae_module_controlbar\" style=\"display: none;\"><!--\n Player\n --><!--\n Voice\n --><!--\n Reader\n --><!--\n Lite Reader\n --><!-- Mobile only - cycle through control bars -->\n<div id=\"ae_bar_cycle\" style=\"display:none;\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 0; height: 0;\" tabindex=\"-1\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"0\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"> <defs> <symbol id=\"icon_transfer\" viewbox=\"0 0 1022 1024\">\n<title></title>\n<path class=\"path1\" d=\"M1023.936 768h-768.192v128l-255.744-192 255.744-192v128h768.192zM0 384h767.936v128l256-192-256-192v128h-767.936z\"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> <svg aria-label=\"Cycle AudioEye Tools\" class=\"ae-icon-transfer\" role=\"img\"> <use xlink:href=\"#icon_transfer\"></use> </svg></div>\n</div>\n<!-- end module controlbar container --> <!--\n Generic Aria Live message container\n -->\n\n<div aria-live=\"assertive\" aria-relevant=\"additions\" class=\"ae-blurb-noaudio\" id=\"ae_enabled_messages\"> </div>\n<!--\n First Time Toolbar Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Reader Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Player Slide Show\n --> <!--\n First Time Voice Slide Show\n --> <!-- Symbol definitions --> <svg style=\"position: absolute; width: 0; height: 0; overflow: hidden;\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"> <defs> <symbol id=\"icon-close-carousel\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<title></title>\n<path d=\"M28.992 0l-12.992 12.992-12.992-12.992-3.008 3.008 12.992 12.992-12.992 12.992 3.008 3.008 12.992-12.992 12.992 12.992 3.008-3.008-12.992-12.992 12.992-12.992-3.008-3.008z\" fill=\"#ffffff\" style=\"fill: var(--color1, #ffffff)\"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> <!-- end #ae_app -->"},{"id":"b7445750-5f16-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=b7445750-5f16-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/2021 Zero SRS AyZRYlTg.jpeg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Zero Motorcycles","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/zh6Oyq_085g","content":"Zero Motorcycles Inc. is an American manufacturer of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motorcycle\" title=\"Electric motorcycle\">electric motorcycles</a>. Formerly called Electricross, it was started in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA\" title=\"NASA\">NASA</a> engineer, in <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cruz,_California\" title=\"Santa Cruz, California\">Santa Cruz, California</a>. The company is now located nearby in <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotts_Valley\" title=\"Scotts Valley\">Scotts Valley</a>.<br />\nZero makes a line of 100% electric motorcycles including the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_S\" title=\"Zero S\">Zero S</a> (street), SR (street racing), and FXS (supermoto), and the Zero DS (dual-sport) DSR (dual-sport racing), FX (motocross), and the new for 2020 SR/F.<br />\n "},{"id":"28f65b80-5f14-11ea-b302-f7978871d393","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=28f65b80-5f14-11ea-b302-f7978871d393","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/Hyosung.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Hyosung Motorcycle","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ta1XjlNBVuU","content":""},{"id":"7f542f40-3d6b-11ea-8315-85e1155efa5c","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=7f542f40-3d6b-11ea-8315-85e1155efa5c","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/battery.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Battery","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/nJz07HwD6e0","content":"<p><strong>Your battery</strong>, no matter what bike you own does not like cold weather. Batteries this time of year will loose their charge rapidly – even new ones. There are a lot of battery charging products available and your battery needs a charge put into it on a regular basis to stay ready for use. We use the <em><strong>Battery Tender</strong></em> and <em><strong>Optimiser </strong></em>brands in our service department to keep batteries ready to go but any of the smart battery chargers designed for motorcycles will work. Most batteries only need a half day charge every week to two weeks depending on how much riding you get in throughout the year. The easiest way to keep the bike charged is to install a permanent charger lead directly to the battery and have it positioned so that it is an easy plug in on the bike – no excuses.</p>\n\n<p>We also get phone calls often that their bike won't start and they checked the battery and it has 12 volts. Keep in mind that a small transistor battery is 9 volts and two of them wired together will not start your bike. The voltage is only a small part of the battery design. The amperage of the battery and load the battery will hold will determine if the battery is good. If you are not sure we can check your battery here at WOW for free for you.</p>\n\n<p>The other thing that we often get calls about is that a customer jump started their bike off and rode for 10 miles and the battery did not charge up. Your bike's charging system is not as strong as a car's charging system and will not charge up a low or dead battery no matter how far you ride.</p>\n\n<p>Motorcycle batteries range from 9 amps to 20 amps and at a low or near dead condition will take around one hour per amp at a proper slow charge to get to full charge.</p>\n\n<p>So if your battery is a twelve amp battery, it will take twelve hours to bring this battery to full charge. The amperage of your battery is listed in the number on your battery. Example: a BTX12-BS battery is a 12 amp battery. Almost all the time, the number listed on the battery is the amperage. They are all 12 volt batteries.</p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, most batteries will only last four or five years even with proper care so if your battery is older that this it may be time to replace it. The other thing about a motorcycle battery, is that they do not last long if they are let to get dead and recharged several times. This dead to recharge routine will shorten the battery life.</p>\n\n<p>If you have any questions you can direct them to <a href=\"mailto:service@wowmotorcycles.com\">service@wowmotorcycles.com</a> and we will try to help you with them. Also this is a great time to get service work before the season while we are not a busy as we will be during the warm season.</p>\n\n<p>Have fun riding and ride safe!</p>\n"},{"id":"3d787190-3ca7-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=3d787190-3ca7-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/gas.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Gasoline","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What kind of gas should I put in my motorcycle?</strong><br />\n<br />\nPremium gasoline will generally be recommended for most motorcycles, but always refer to your owner's manual and be sure to follow its guidleines. Today’s gas can contain ethanol and other additives that we are finding to be destructive to O-rings and seals in motorcycle engines. It is recommended that you stick to pure gasoline 91 octane or higher. And stay away from E10, E15, or E85 blends. Ethanol-free gas is best for your bike. Don't leave fuel, even 100% gas, in your tank for more than a month or so at a time, however, without a fuel stabilizer added. Stabilized ethanol-free gas can keep safely in a tank for about three months. After that, consider draining the tank and refilling it with fresh fuel as a best practice for protecting your bike's fuel system.<br />\n "},{"id":"90376a90-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=90376a90-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/fuelpump.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":false,"title":"Fuel Pump","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"A fuel pump is a frequently essential component for a motorcycle. Many older motorcycles do not require any fuel pump at all, needing only gravity to feed fuel from the tank to the fuel injection system. Carbureted engines use low pressure mechanical pumps that are mounted outside the tank, whereas fuel injected engines often use electric fuel pumps that are mounted inside the fuel tank. Fuel pressure needs to be within a certain range for the engine to run correctly. If the fuel pressure is too high, the engine will run rich and rough. If the pressure is too low, the engine may run lean, misfire, or stall.<br />\n "},{"id":"4b258810-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4b258810-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/fuelinjection.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Fuel Injection","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"Fuel injection was first introduce to motorcycles in 1980 and has been phased in to most models that are sold today. Fuel injection replaced carburetors from the 1980s onward. The primary difference between carburetion and fuel injection is that fuel injection atomizes the fuel through a small nozzle under high pressure fuel injectors, while a carburetor relies on suction created by intake air accelerated through a tube to draw the fuel into the airstream. <br />\n "},{"id":"04108290-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=04108290-3ca6-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/fourcylinders.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Four Cylinders ","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"A motor with four cylinders. Most common configuration is an inline four(most sportbikes). There are also V-4 configurations such as in the VF750 Magna. <br />\n "},{"id":"ca111910-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=ca111910-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/ego.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":false,"title":"Energica Motor Company ","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"Energica Motor Company is an Italian manufacturer of electric motorcycles. The most popular bike, the Energica Ego, reaches 0-60 in under 3 seconds. The EGO Corsa is officially part of the MOTOE competition.<br />\n "},{"id":"878ebb10-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=878ebb10-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/electric.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Electric Motorcycles","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>How does an Electric Motorcycle work?</strong><br />\n<br />\nThe operation of an electric motor is similar to a gas engine. Both power motorcycles by way of mechanical energy, but gas engines don’t run on rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles run on electricity. The electricity runs into a pole inside the motor. This then causes the motor to spin. The battery used in electric motorcycles can travel a range of 30 to 150 miles between charges. The battery can be recharged simply by plugging into a household outlet. Electric motorcycles are perfect for driving in the city: thanks to the stop-start nature of urban traffic. Electric motorcycles use brake regeneration to recharge the battery. Therefore, the battery lasts longer driven in the city versus on the highway. The complete opposite of gas powered vehicles.<br />\n<br />\nWOW carries the full line of <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=b7445750-5f16-11ea-8f61-ed5c49000b89\" target=\"_blank\">Zero Motorcycles</a>, which are made in California, USA."},{"id":"50d72990-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=50d72990-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/ecu.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"ECU / ECM","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"ECU/ECM is known as an Engine Control Unit/Module. This unit controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal performance. These can be flashed/tuned to produce more horsepower!<br />\n "},{"id":"0ffb2890-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=0ffb2890-3ca5-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/eaglerider.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Eagle Rider Rentals ","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"Eaglerider Atlanta Motorcycle Rentals is the only place in the metro area to offer this experience. Eaglerider Atlanta has the largest selection of metric motorcycles in the South. Eaglerider Atlanta provides the best rentals for the best roads in North America. Eaglerider Atlanta is based out of WOW Motorcycles in Marietta GA, home of over 700 pre-owned motorcycles. Eaglerider Atlanta also offers a huge selection of motorcycle apparel and riding gear.<br />\nRent a motorcycle from Eaglerider Atlanta to experience all that Atlanta and the beautiful surrounding area has to offer. Atlanta is home to world-renowned tourist destinations. An hour north of downtown Atlanta enter the Blue Ridge Mountains with beautiful scenic areas and some of the best motorcycle roads that lead you to the Great Smoky Mountains.<br />\nAtlanta offers a unique <em>motorcycle riding experience.</em>, a few hours on a motorcycle in any direction will give you the choice of mountains, beaches or flat plains. Motorcycle events, cultural events, music, food, concerts and sports are all here in great variety. The Atlanta skyline contains the 3rd tallest building in the United States, the Bank of America Plaza. The Blue Ridge Mountains will be visible in the distance as you exit North Atlanta.<br />\nGetting to Eaglerider Atlanta is easy and fun. Narrowing down your destinations will be the hardest part! Eaglerider Atlanta offers <em>self-guided motorcycle tours </em>with GPS directing every turn along the way to maximize your ride time.<br />\nOnce you start riding through the beautiful southeast you will want to book your second trip to come back and see more! Book your dream ride and let it begin here in Atlanta, the gateway to the South.<br />\nAdditional Location Features<br />\nComplimentary shuttle pick up from neighboring hotels (7 miles or less) for guests renting 3 days or longer<br />\nLocked storage closet for your suitcases<br />\nFree parking in our secured lot<br />\nMotorcycles service<br />\nMotorcycles apparel and accessories<br />\n <br />\n <br />\nContact us at 770-424-8804 and ask for an Eagle Rider Representative for more info!!!<br />\n "},{"id":"dd3543a0-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=dd3543a0-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/dunlop-motorcycle-tires.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Dunlop Motorcycle Tires","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>Champions ride Dunlop</strong><br />\n<br />\nFounded in Dublin, Ireland by John Boyd Dunlop in 1890 three years after he pioneered the first practical pneumatic, Dunlop is today a brand of tires marketed by different companies around the world. Which company has the rights to the name depends on the region of the globe in which it operates.<br />\n <br />\nRights to the Dunlop Motorcycles Tires brand in North America were acquired in 2015 by Japanese Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Goodyear, however, retains the Dunlop Tires brand for passenger car and light truck tires in North America.<br />\n <br />\nDunlop has been developing tires in Buffalo, NY since 1920. The brand is well known and highly popular among riders of all different categories. Dunlop excels at promoting the sport of motorcycling, owning more national road racing championships than all other tire manufacturers combined."},{"id":"8baff890-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=8baff890-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/ducati_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":false,"title":"Ducati Motorcycles","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"An italian motorcycle company founded in 1926, Ducati is best known for high-performance motorcycles with <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine\">four-stroke</a>, 90° <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-twin_engine\">V-twin engines</a>, and desmodromic valving. Previously Ducati was also known for using dry clutches instead of the traditional wet clutch, to reduce on drivetrain power loss. Among favorites are the Panigale, Monster, Diavel, Scrambler, Hypermotard, and V4R superbike.<br />\n "},{"id":"17d96e10-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=17d96e10-3ca4-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/drop.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Dropped Motorcycle","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<span style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Dropped Motorcycle<br />\n- “How to pick up a dropped motorcycle</strong>”</span><br />\n<br />\nPicking up a motorcycle that has been dropped or fallen over can be a difficult process unless you have some tricks to make it easier for you to pick it up.<br />\n <br />\n1. Turn off the bike. Make sure you kill the ignition, you do not want gas spilling everywhere and starting a fire on the hot exhaust/engine.<br />\n <br />\n2. Put the bike in gear, and turn the handlebars in the direction of the fall. Lower the kickstand.<br />\n <br />\n3. Back up to the bike and position your butt against the seat, and grab ahold of the handlebar grip thats pointed towards the ground. Grab a solid piece of the bike, frame, etc close to the ground with your other hand.<br />\n <br />\n4. While keeping a straight posture, look up and lift the bike up using your legs. Push against the seat using your butt, and slowly walk the bike back into an upward position, resting it back on its kickstand. <br />\n<br />\n "},{"id":"f61cf490-3ca3-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=f61cf490-3ca3-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/MCL.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Driver’s License for Motorcycle","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<span style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>How do driver's licenses for motorcycles work?</strong></span><br />\n<br />\nWOW Motorcycles is located in the Great State of Georgia. Here our <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">Department of Driver Services</a> gives bikers two types of driver's licenses. Both the Georgia Class MP and Class M licenses <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/your-georgia-drivers-license/real-id\" target=\"_blank\">require poper identification and proof of residency and citizenship</a>. Candidates must all pass a <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-information#vision\" target=\"_blank\">vision exam</a> and a <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-information#knowledge\" target=\"_blank\">knowledge exam</a>. Be sure to check with your own state's licsensing authority for laws in your area. Also, be sure to verify you are getting the most current information as laws are subject to change.<br />\n<br />\n<u><span style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Cla</strong></span><strong>ss MP- Motorcycle Instructional Permit</strong></u><br />\nThis gives you the option to practice riding a motorcycle in order to prepare for the Motorcycle Road Skills test. To obtain your Class MP, you need to be meet a few requirements and pass a written knowledge exam through the DDS.<br />\n <br />\nVisit the <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/how-do-i-class-m-motorcycle-license\" target=\"_blank\">DDS here</a> for more information on how to obtain your motorcycle license.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>Basic Requirements</strong><br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.<br />\n• </span>Have satisfied <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/joshuas-law-requirements\" target=\"_blank\">Joshua's Law Requirements</a>.<br />\n<br />\n<strong>Restrictions</strong><br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• </span>Motorcycle operation in daylight hours only.<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• </span>No passengers allowed.<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• </span>No limited access roadways.<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• </span>Safety equipment as prescribed by law.<br />\n<br />\n<u><span style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Cla</strong></span><strong>ss M- Motorcycle License</strong></u><br />\n<strong>Basic Requirements</strong><br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">•<strong> </strong></span>Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:14px\">• </span>Pass a Motorcycle Skills Test. There are two methods:\n<div style=\"margin-left: 40px;\">○ Complete a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Course and, if successful, present the 90-day License Test Waiver to a <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/location\" target=\"_blank\">DDS Customer Service Center</a>.<br />\n○ Take the Motorcycle Riders Skills Test at a <a href=\"https://dds.georgia.gov/location\" target=\"_blank\">DDS Customer Service Center</a>. <br />\n </div>\n<strong>Restrictions</strong><br />\nNone<br />\n<br />\nFor those wishing to study up before taking the knowledge exam, the <a href=\"http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/motorcycle/\" target=\"_blank\">DDS Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual may be found here</a>."},{"id":"a81314a0-3ca3-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=a81314a0-3ca3-11ea-8fd7-85d25704279a","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/drivebelt.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Drive Belts","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_GQzvhZqFO0","content":"A properly maintained drive belt can last a hundred thousand miles. Check its condition and tension every time you do an oil change. To inspect the belt, rotate the rear wheel, looking for cracks, or any damage on the inside and outside of the belt. All modern Harley-Davidsons are belt driven bikes. Typically you would not see a belt drive on a small motorcycle such as a 250cc. Belts last a lot longer then chains with little to no maintenance.<br />\n "},{"id":"6ed8eea0-349a-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=6ed8eea0-349a-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/diy.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"DIY","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:24px\">Do It Yourself</span></strong><br />\n<br />\nThere are some basic things that every motorcyclist should be able to do in order to own a motorcycle. But even if you don’t know how to do these things we are here to help!\n<ul>\n\t<li>Batteries are typically under the seat, or on the side of the bike under a battery cover.</li>\n\t<li>Car oil and motorcycle oil are different. Check your oil level every couple of weeks.</li>\n\t<li>Checking tire pressure is important.</li>\n\t<li>Check your chain for slack and to see if lubrication is needed.</li>\n</ul>\n Here are some frequently asked questions, answered by our Service Department Manager Ken. \n\n<ul>\n\t<li><strong>What kind of gas does my bike take?</strong>\n\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Most motorcycles will run on Regular gas, but many models will run better with higher octane premium fuel. Performance models may specify only use premium gas because of the higher compression used in the motor design.</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How long does a motorcycle battery last? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Most batteries that see regular use and charging will last from three to five years. But motorcycle batteries do not hold up well going from full charge to dead from lack of use or charging, and can only survive a few of the charge-to-dead cycles before they will need replacement. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How do I charge my motorcycle battery? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>The best method is to use one of the new “smart chargers” that sense the state of charge and respond with the needed amperage rate to bring the battery to full charge. There is a bit of debate whether to leave this charger plugged into your bike full time or to use it every week or so to bring the battery up to full charge. We have had success with just using the charger only when needed to keep the battery at peak charge every week or so. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How often do I need to change my oil? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Most standard oils recommend oil changes at the 3,000 mile mark. Synthetics can be almost twice that, in the 5,000 mile range, depending on the brand of oil. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How often do I need to check my tire pressures? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Your tire pressures can drop several pounds in only days and they can drop to unsafe levels in a week or two. We recommend you check pressures before every ride to be as safe as possible. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>Can I jump start my motorcycle? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Yes, if done right. If you have never learned about jump starting a vehicle from another battery or car - this may not be the time to learn. Never jump start a motorcycle from a running car! The additional amperage of the running car can damage the electrical system on your bike. Also, if your battery is too dead to start your bike, your charging system will not charge up the dead battery as you ride. Your bike has a battery maintenance design to the charging system but will not charge up a dead battery no matter how far you ride. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>Is motorcycle oil different than car oil? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Yes. Motorcycle oil is much more complex than car oil. Motorcycle oil is three specialty oils in one. First, it does the job car oil does and acts as a lubricant for the crankshaft, pistons, and camshafts. Then, it is a gear oil acting as a gearbox lubricant protecting the constant rolling engagement of the two transmission shafts and the gears and shift forks that select the gears. Lastly, it is a clutch lubricant that allows the slip engagement of 10-16 clutch plates that can see some high heat from slipping the clutch. Motorcycle oil is a refined product. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>What do I need to do to my bike if it is going to sit for more than a month? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>First top off the fuel tank with gas. As humid as it is here in the south, if the tank is empty, condensation can form inside the tank and rust the inside of the tank. It can also rust up the fuel pump if it is contained in the tank. Air up the tires to the maximum posted inflation on your bike’s swingarm. Try to store in a cool dry place that will not see extreme temperature changes. Charge the battery before storing. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How often do I have to adjust and lube my chain? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>The weather you ride in will dictate how often your chain will need service. If the weather is dry, check the chain every 500 miles to see if it looks dry and needs lubrication. There are many good spray chain lubes on the market. When lubing your chain, the points that need the lube are the points where the inner links and outer links meet on each side of the center rollers. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How long does radiator coolant last? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Usually around five years. Here in Georgia, we luckily do not see extreme cold that the challenges the coolant for freezing. But with the seasons and heat we see, it will age and stop being as effective after five years. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>What is a carburetor clean and how long does it last? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Carburetor cleaning is needed when gas is left in the fuel system so long then it starts to evaporate and change from liquid to solid. This can start happening in as soon as 90 days if the fuel was not fresh to begin with. But once your carburetor is clean, if you ride your bike regularly it will not need a cleaning unless you let it sit up unused. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>I had my carburetor cleaned 9 months ago and now the bike does not run well again. Did the shop do something wrong? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>No. The fuel is what turns bad sitting in your bike unused. The shop can clean your carburetor, but without use it will go back to the bad condition it started the carburetor cleaning need in the first place. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>What should my bike’s temperature be normally? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>A normal engine operating temperature is around 190 degrees. Your bike radiator fan comes on at around 215 degrees. If it is a really hot day (in the mid to high 90s) the engine temperature can get up to 225 degrees before the fan starts bringing it down.</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How do I know if my bike is running hot? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Most temperature gauges do not show the actual coolant temperature but the gauges typically get toward the red hot range in the 230-240 range. If you ran straight water in your bike, it boils at 212 degrees (YOU SHOULD NOT DO THIS). A proper antifreeze mixture should boil at around 250-260 degrees. Straight, no-diluted glycol antifreeze boils at around 375 degrees. So you do not want to run straight glycol antifreeze. Your motorcycle could sustain damage before it would come to a boil. So, if your coolant is boiling into the radiator reservoir bottle with proper coolant mix (250 degrees), your bike needs some attention. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>How do I know if my brake fluid needs changing? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Brake fluid ages and becomes less effective as it ages. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. As it ages, it will have a lower boiling point that will cause lowered or loss of brake pressure. Brake fluids have around a five year effective range. Luckily, they change color as they age. So old fluid is easy to spot. New brake fluid starts as an almost clear liquid and as it ages it turns to a light brown and it is past it’s good years when it is the shade of coffee. </li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li><strong>What kind of brake fluid does my bike take and what is the difference between Dot 3, Dot 4, Dot 5, and Dot 5.1? </strong>\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>First DOT is not a brand, it is short for Department of Transportation and is a federal standard for brake fluid. The number after the DOT is the boiling point of the brake fluid. 3 = 300 degrees, 4 = 400 degrees, 5 and 5.1 is 500 degrees. The most common brake fluid available today is Dot 4. With the Dot 5 fluids it gets really confusing. Dot 5 is a silicone-based fluid, and Dot 3, 4 and 5.1 are glycol-based fluids and will not mix with Dot 5. Your brake master cylinder will list the brake fluid to use so you do not mix up the fluids. Brake fluid flushing is not really easy and here at WOW we can change your fluid at a very affordable price. Just call us to set up at time!</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"id":"26832bc0-349a-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=26832bc0-349a-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/carbon.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Carbon Fiber","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<span style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>What is carbon fiber?</strong><br />\n<br />\nCarbon fiber is a material made from weaving together extremely fine fibers composed almost entirely of carbon atoms. Carbon fibers have several advantages including high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, and high heat tolerance. For years rider have added carbon fiber fairings to their bikes to reduce weight and add to the cool factor. Companies such as AGV and ICON sell carbon-fiber helmets. Many companies also use carbon fiber in glove knuckles. Carbon Fiber is a highly sought after, and pricey material. The main benefit is the weight savings, while still retaining strength. However, many riders just appreciate the aesthetic look of the characteristc woven pattern.</span><br />\n "},{"id":"d6cef730-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=d6cef730-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/cdi.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"CDI Box ","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<span style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>CDI Box<br />\n- “Capacitor Discharge Ignition”</strong></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\">The CDI, also known as a Black Box, Brain Box, or Power Pack, is what fires the spark plugs. It uses a capacitor discharge current and sends that to the coils to create spark. The box is basically a trigger mechanism made up of coils, capacitors, and other circuitry inside. The box determines when each spark plug is fired and the specific order. It controls rev limit, timing, and other spark related variables. You can basically call it the brain of the motor. Most motorcycles after 1980 will have a CDI unit right under the seat or close to the battery.</span><br />\n<br />\n "},{"id":"4bbab7b0-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=4bbab7b0-3499-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/cylinder.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Cylinders","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong>What is an engine cylinder?</strong><br />\n<em>“No replacement for displacement”</em><br />\n <br />\nThe cylinder is the area inside a motorcycle’s internal combustion engine where the fuel-air mixture is compressed and burned (combusted). This combustion pushes the piston down the length of its stroke within the cylinder’s bore, creating the power used to propel the motorcycle. While the engine is running, this process happens over and over again - thousands of times each minute - and is measured in <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=da621360-792a-11eb-92ba-a95ba8d5ce4d\" target=\"_blank\">revolutions per minute (RPM)</a>. RPMs are displayed on the motorcycle’s <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=17257550-791f-11eb-b6cb-b31f7cdd8349\" target=\"_blank\">tachometer</a>, if it is equipped with one.<br />\n <br />\nMotorcycle engines can come in a variety of configurations, ranging from a single cylinder to as many as six. Two cylinders arranged in a V-shape, known as the V-Twin, is the most common engine configuration for cruiser-style bikes. A motorcycle’s engine displacement class can give a general idea of how powerful the bike is, with 300CC, 600CC, and 1000CC being popular engine size for sport bikes. Still, individual engine performance within classes can vary greatly, depending on a wide variety of factors, including aftermarket modifications.<br />\n<br />\nThe size of the area where the combustion occurs is known as the engine’s displacement. This is calculated by multiplying the bore’s diameter by the stroke length of the piston for each of the engine’s cylinders. Cylinder – and therefore engine – size may be measured in either <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=d9029030-7876-11eb-a870-a783db244d10\" target=\"_blank\">cubic centimeters or cubic inches</a>."},{"id":"affda350-3498-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=affda350-3498-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/corbinlogo.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":false,"title":"Corbin Saddles ","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<span style=\"font-size:16px\">Corbin has been hand building seats in the USA since 1968. They make a vast amount of options for many different makes and models. For the daily commute, or that long trip to bike week with your friends, Corbin saddles are a great way to add comfort to your ride.<br />\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"/fckimages/articles/corbinseat.jpg\" /></span>"},{"id":"67ee3840-3498-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=67ee3840-3498-11ea-adb1-c1a876d31332","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/continental_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":false,"title":"Continental","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:24px\">Continental<br />\n- “The Future in Motion”</span></strong><br />\n<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\">Continental has been producing tires since 1871. Continental Tires are Handmade in Korbach, German. Continental implements technologies such as MultiGrip, Zero Degree, TractionSkin, and RainGrip in their tires. These technologies make the Continental tires a great choice for the touring enthusiast. Many tire models are test winners!</span>"},{"id":"e4af89f0-340d-11ea-9e22-9bfcb2b878ab","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=e4af89f0-340d-11ea-9e22-9bfcb2b878ab","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/coldstart.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Cold Start","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:22px\">Cold Starts For Carbureted Motorcycles<br />\n- ‘Don’t flood your bike’</span></strong><br />\n<br />\n1. Make sure there is plentiful Fuel in the gas tank<br />\n2. Set Petcock to ON (Set to RES if fuel level is low in the gas tank)<br />\n3. Open the choke lever.<br />\n4. Start the Motorcycle/Turn the engine over<br />\n5. As the bike warms up, close the choke, and slightly add throttle until the bike achieves a smooth idle. Get the revs up but not too high. Dont let the motor bog and die out.<br />\n6. Once the motor is warm, the choke will not need to be used for each subsequent start.<br />\n7. If the idle is too high or too low once the bike has warmed up to operating temp, adjust it using the idle speed adjuster. <br />\n "},{"id":"73c20b10-340c-11ea-80f4-b7907add1d9c","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=73c20b10-340c-11ea-80f4-b7907add1d9c","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/brakes.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Brakes","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:22px\">Brakes<br />\n-Different braking systems and components.</span></strong><br />\n<br />\nThe second most important part of your motorcycle next to tires, is the braking system. It is extremely important that you maintain your brakes properly. A motorcycle braking system typically consists of:\n<ul>\n\t<li>Disk Brakes:\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Brake Calipers- Squeeze pads up against the surface of the rotor. Creates friction between rotor and pads to slow vehicle to a stop. Two piston, four piston, or six piston, more pistons generally means more control, initial bite, and more even wear. The more advanced setups can handle the higher heat demands of a sport bike/aggressive rider.</li>\n\t\t<li>Brake Rotors- Pads clamp up against the rotor to slow vehicle. Larger rotors equals better heat dissipation, and more friction surface. These also serve an aesthetic purpose. Many riders will get custom rotors to change up the look of their ride.</li>\n\t\t<li>Brake Pads- Brake pads are composed of steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that faces the disc brake rotor. You can purchase pads with many different materials to choose from: Ceramic, Metallic, Semi-Metallic, and Non-metallic.</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li>Drums Brakes- A brake that uses friction caused by a set of shoes that press outward against a rotating cylinder called a brake drum. Newer motorcycles ditched this in favor of the Disk Brake setup.\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Brake Shoes- Similar to a brake pad, a brake shoe is the part of a braking system which carries the brake lining in the drum brakes. Its whole purpose is to transfer kinetic to thermal energy, creating friction to slow the wheels to a stop.</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n\t<li>Hydraulic System\n\t<ul>\n\t\t<li>Brake Lines- Transmits brake lever force from master cylinder to the drum shoes or disc caliper using brake fluid.</li>\n\t\t<li>Brake fluid- Hydraulic fluid, DOT 3 and DOT 4 is most common. DOT 5 is used in silicone based systems only.</li>\n\t\t<li>Master Cylinders- cylinder is a control device that converts force into hydraulic pressure, normally has a brake fluid reservoir attached.</li>\n\t</ul>\n\t</li>\n</ul>\n <br />\nEvery motorcycle will have a different configuration or system. Not every part listed above will be on every bike. Use that list as a reference to identify what your bike may have. 70% of a motorcycle’s stopping power comes from the front brakes, which is why the system is much larger in the front then rear. (Dual rotor up front, single rotor in the rear on most Sportbikes)<br />\n <br />\nABS- Anti-Lock Braking Systems<br />\n ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking, thereby maintaining traction.<br />\n <br />\n <br />\nHigh performance braking components are an option for those that adhere to gaining maximum performance out of their braking system.<br />\n \n<ul>\n\t<li>Stainless Steel Lines- Braided stainless steel brake lines can withstand the pressure associated with the brake system and don't swell or expand like the rubber stock lines do. As a result, their lifespan is much longer and maintain high performance over a long period. Track riders will appreciate the firm and consistent response.</li>\n</ul>\n \n\n<ul>\n\t<li>High Performance Brake Pads- Have good friction level and pedal feel and can hold a consistent level of performance throughout the whole braking cycle. These pads are aggressive, and sacrifice longevity for maximum stopping power. Expect increased brake dust and noise.</li>\n</ul>\n \n\n<ul>\n\t<li>High Performance Rotors- Lighter weight, better heat dissipation, better resistance against warping and cracks. </li>\n</ul>\n"},{"id":"301ab510-340c-11ea-80f4-b7907add1d9c","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=301ab510-340c-11ea-80f4-b7907add1d9c","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/tip.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Beginner Riders Tips","selected":false,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:22px\">Beginner Riders Tips<br />\n- “Welcome to the Family”</span></strong><br />\n<br />\n1. Get to know your bike and how it sounds when you start it.<br />\n2. DO NOT leave the choke on longer then necessary on a carbureted motorcycle.<br />\n3. Never start your bike and leave it running unattended.<br />\n4. Perform a walk around your bike every time you ride and check the following:\n<ul>\n\t<li>Your gas tank, make sure you are not on reserve and have enough gas to get where you are going.</li>\n\t<li>All lights, turn signals and horn are functioning.</li>\n\t<li>Tires inflated correctly and look out for nails.</li>\n\t<li>Chain tension should be about 1 ½ inch of slack from the bottom center.</li>\n</ul>\n5. DON’T FORGET to clean and lube chain at least once a month. More often if you are a regular or aggressive rider.<br />\n6. Ride defensively<br />\n7. Adjust mirrors before beginning a ride.<br />\n8. Dress for the slide not the ride.<br />\n9. Take some riding classes to sharpen your skills & knowledge.<br />\n "},{"id":"059110f0-3407-11ea-a219-93ce4bf2b2e5","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=059110f0-3407-11ea-a219-93ce4bf2b2e5","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/avon_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Avon Tyres","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:24px\">“On Road. On Track. On Avons.”</span></strong><br />\n<br />\nSince 1904 Avon has been making high-quality tires that fit all sorts of vehicles, including motorbikes. Over the years, Avon has proven itself on the road and on the racetracks of the world - on two wheels, as well as four. Avon Tyres is one of the few motorcycle tire companies that specializes in custom show bike tire sizes.<br />\n<br />\nWhile still based in Melksham, England, Avon was purchased in 1997 by the Ohio-based Cooper Tire & Rubber Company."},{"id":"9bf605b0-0198-11ea-9409-81040e1a1580","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=9bf605b0-0198-11ea-9409-81040e1a1580","imageSrc":"/fckimages/aftermarket_parts_main.jpg","title":"Aftermarket Parts","selected":true,"featured":true,"videoUrl":"","content":"<h3><strong>What are aftermarket parts, and why do I want them?</strong></h3>\n\n<p>Aftermarket is anything that the OEM Manufacturer (Honda, <a href=\"https://www.wowmotorcycles.com/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=2d8e4430-3bc0-11eb-b998-cdd81725b1c3\" target=\"_blank\">Yamaha</a>, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc) does not make. There is a huge market out there for spare parts and accessories. A few different reasons as to why a customer would want to purchase aftermarket are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n\t<li>\n\t<p><strong>Performance</strong>- Some performance parts like exhaust or a Power Commander are only available as aftermarket upgrades. If a customer wants to add horsepower or change the handling characteristics of their motorcycle, aftermarket is the way to go!</p>\n\t</li>\n\t<li>\n\t<p><strong>Aesthetics</strong>- For the average individual, the way the bike came from the factory is more than enough to please. However, enthusiasts may want to make that bike their own. Aftermarket has many different parts to make that bike a reflection of your attitude and personality. Be it LED light kits, fender eliminators, fairing kits, windscreens, undertails, wheels/rims, mirrors, grips, headlights, etc, there is plenty out there to choose from!</p>\n\t</li>\n\t<li>\n\t<p><strong>Maintenance</strong>- OEM Manufacturers stop producing parts for most bikes after 15 years - some even sooner! This leaves many owners of vintage to classic bikes with only one option to keep their babies running, the aftermarket. Many aftermarket part companies reproduce OEM parts to keep customers on the road with their favorite make/model for years to come!</p>\n\t</li>\n\t<li>\n\t<p><strong>Price</strong>- It is generally known that OEM dealers charge high prices for parts. Aftermarket typically has what you are looking for - brake pads, clutch components, control lever, foot controls, or turn signals - at a much lower pricepoint.<em> </em><strong>Warning:</strong><em> Buyer beware: in most cases when you find an expensive part from an online seller at a price ridiculously lower than the regular retail price, chances are good that you are sacrificing quality. And in some cases, you are sacrificing your safety.</em></p>\n\t</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Examples of Aftermarket Companies include Two Brothers, Yoshimura, DynoJet, Bazzazz, Kuryakyn, Progrip, K&N, Memphis Shades, Zero Gravity, Fulmer, and many more!<br />\n<br />\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"/fckimages/aftermarket_parts.jpg\" style=\"height:2000px; width:2667px\" /><em>Pictured above is a Yoshimura RS-3 Slip-on Muffler on a sportbike at WOW Motorcycles.</em></p>\n","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":true},{"id":"5","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=5","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/alpinestars.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":false,"title":"Alpinestars","selected":false,"featured":true,"content":"<span style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Alpinestars<br />\n- “One goal One Vision”</strong></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\">Alpinestars, since its creation in 1963, is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel and technical footwear. Their involvement in World Motocross and MotoGP has led to the creation of the most advanced technical equipment for the motorcycle racing’s top athletes.</span>\n<p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https://i.pinimg.com/originals/57/31/a1/5731a1c5b989c0851d47b61c585740be.jpg\" style=\"height:1355px; width:2048px\" /><br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong><em>“Marc Marquez sporting an Alpinestar’s Track Suit\"</em></strong></span></p>\n","videoUrl":""},{"id":"6","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=6","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/apartment.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Apartment Living","selected":false,"featured":true,"content":"Apartment Living-<br />\nHow can I live in an Apartment with my motorcycle?<br />\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/de/e0/32dee086902c63205ec0d5d15bc8439e.jpg\" style=\"height:853px; width:1280px\" /><br />\nThe most important items for you to have when owning a bike and living in an apartment is a cover, and a security device (chains, lock and gps). Park in a well lit area. If you have an accessible ground floor apartment, pulling the bike up to your patio may be an option depending on the rules of the property. Some owners might roll the motorcycle into the living space to keep it out of sight.<br />\n<em>Talk with your leasing company/apartment complex about options</em><br />\n <br />\nIf you are not using your bike as a daily commuter, many people will rent small storage spaces close by.","videoUrl":""},{"id":"7","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=7","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/apparel.jpg","fullWidthImage":false,"displayImage":true,"title":"Apparel","selected":true,"featured":true,"content":"<div><span style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Apparel-<br />\nDifferent kinds and why we need them.</strong></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\">If you like a certain part of your body, it's best to keep it covered when riding a motorcycle. This is why we wear motorcycle gear. Motorcycle gear is developed specifically for the challenges of riding. There are many different items to cover each part of the body.</span></div>\n\n<ul>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Helmets- Full face, Three quarter, or Half Helmet</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Jackets- Mesh, Textile, Leather</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Pants- Overpants, Winter/Waterproof, Leather, Chaps, Racing</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Boots- Riding Shoes, Race, Over-the-ankle, Offroad</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Gloves- Mesh, Leather, Shorty, Gauntlet, Waterproof, Heated</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">External armor- Back protector, Knee pads, Elbow pads, Chest plates, Vests, Kidney belts, Neck brace</span></li>\n\t<li><span style=\"font-size:16px\">Rainsuits- Full body, Pants, Tops, Glove liner</span></li>\n</ul>\n\n<div><span style=\"font-size:16px\"> <br />\nMotorcycle gear has exclusive features such as doublestitched seams, extra padding in impact areas, wind and weatherproof materials. Just a few reasons why it's best to wear the proper gear when riding. Each category of gear has a subcategory of different quality/materials/types. Make sure to come into WOW to get properly fitted on gear!</span><br />\n <br />\n<span style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Dress for the slide not for the ride.</strong></span></div>\n","videoUrl":""},{"id":"11","href":"/--a-z-of-motorcycles#id=11","imageSrc":"/fckimages/articles/aprilia_logo.jpg","fullWidthImage":true,"displayImage":false,"title":"Aprilia","selected":false,"featured":true,"content":"<strong><span style=\"font-size:22px\">Aprilia<br />\n- “Born into Racing”</span></strong><br />\n<br />\n<span style=\"font-size:16px\">Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle company owned by Piaggio. Having started as a manufacturer of bicycles it moved on to manufacture scooters and small motorcycles at the beginning of the 1960's.<br />\nIn 2009 Aprilia's most ambitious project was released with the launch of the RSV4 on the market, a revolutionary supersport bike, characterised by an extremely advanced 1000 cc, 4 cylinder 60° V engine. The RSV4 is one of Aprilia’s most popular bikes alongside the twin RSV Mille. </span>","videoUrl":""}]