A Basic Guide to Motorcycle Parts

If you're a new motorcycle owner, or planning on buying a bike for the first time, it's wise to know a little about motorcycle parts. While you don't have to be a mechanic to ride a motorcycle, understanding the vital components of your bike and how they work can come in handy if you ever run into mechanical trouble. Read on to learn more about the basic parts of a bike and what they do.
The Seat: Simple enough, huh? The seat is of course, where you sit when riding. When you're shopping for a bike, make sure the seat is not too high or low. Often, vital components like spare parts and even your owner's manual are stashed under there, so be sure to check. Make sure the seat is comfortable, especially if you plan to travel long distances.

The Battery: When you purchase a bike, find out exactly where the battery is and how to access it. Someday, you may need a jump start and this information is crucial. Batteries are located in different places on different bikes, so ask the dealer or refer to your owner's manual if you're unsure.

The Gas Tank: Some bikes have large tanks, others have small ones. Some tanks are in plain view, while on other bikes, gas is stored out of sight. This is another area that varies from bike to bike, so refer to your owner's manual to learn about gas mileage and how to access the tank.

Front and Rear Disc Brakes: The majority of motorcycles these days have front and rear disc brakes. These brakes offer quick stops, are durable, and longer lasting than old-fashioned brakes. If your bike has front disc brakes, you'll need to control them using a lever which is situated on the right handlebar.

The Muffler: The muffler is an important part of your motorcycle which controls the noise from the exhaust. Some riders choose to change their muffler pipes to modify the sound of their bikes.

The Windshield: Windshields fall into the category of optional accessories, however they can come in very handy. They can cut down on noise generated from riding at high speeds and provide protection from the wind.

There are so many more motorcycle parts that make up a motorcycle. While it's not required to know what they all are, the more you learn, the better. Try reading up on the subject, or click on the graphic in the navigation menu to the right to find out more.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

BMW Motorcycles R1200RT


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