Indian 101 Scout Restoration

The Indian 101 Scout was produced from 1928 to 1931, it was ahead of its time, differing from the other bikes of the era. It used front brakes, stiff frames, superior front suspension and low 26 inch (660 mm) seat heights. Despite the short production run and the fact that not many 101 Scouts survived to this day, there’s an online club that has over 400 members. For more information on the Indian 101 Scout club check out their website,they offer help and advice and even collaborate on finding suppliers for spare parts.

Original Look of Indian Scout 101

In 1931, Indian's management decided to rationalize production by designing a new corporate frame that, with some detail variations, would be used across their entire, new-for-1932 model range of Scout, Chief and Four.The economic hardship of the Great Depression forced Indian to discontinue the 101 Scout, since it was as expensive to produce as the 74 cu in (1,210 cc) Chief, and therefore had a small profit margin.The 101's replacement the Standard Scout found enough adherents to keep it in production until 1937, but it was not well received by fans of the 101, who found the larger-framed Standard Scout to be slow and heavy by comparison.

1930 Indian Scout 101 Restored

The 101 Scout was noted for its handling and was popular with racers, hillclimbers, and trick riders. It is still used in wall of death stunt exhibitions.

1931 Indian Scout 101 Restored

Enthusiasts have differing views on the replacement of the 101 Scout. Fans of Indian's technical achievements acclaim the 101 Scout as the pinnacle of Indian technology, while fans of classic Indian styling hail its replacement for bringing classic Chief styling to the Scout line.

Sources

Get to Know When to Replace Your Worn Out Tires

Choosing the right tires is the first step in controlling tire wear. For instance, softer compounds are excellent in producing more traction though they wear out quickly. Harder compounds have enhanced wear but they may not cause a good grip. Manufacturers such as Pirelli Motorcycle Tires have a variety of tires for different terrains.

Author: Kadzo

Tires are part of safety measures which can affect your comfort, safety, handling and riding on the road. To be able to have best performance and efficiency of your motorcycle, it is critical to have good performance of your tires.

Choosing the right tires is the first step in controlling tire wear.  For instance, softer compounds are excellent in producing more traction though they wear out quickly. Harder compounds have enhanced wear but they may not cause a good grip. Manufacturers such as Pirelli Motorcycle Tires have a variety of tires for different terrains.

Tips to help you decide
-        It is difficult to know exactly when your tires need replacement. If you do not replace your tires in time, you might experience a blow-out. Warm climates make tires age faster than cold climate season. Tires become unsafe when they are worn out, and once the tread is down too, for instance, 1/32th of an inch, the tire is no longer safe and needs to be replaced.

-        Tire wear and age start from the date of manufacture. Tires can deteriorate even when in storage. One thing manufacturers like Pirelli Motorcycle tires consider is dealing with effective grip together with longer mileage when it comes to tires. This will extend the life of your tires. Replacement of your tires can be done at least every six years as recommended by NHTSA. This is regardless of the way you use them.

-        The ‘Penny Test':One way to know when to change your tires is through ‘penny test'. This can be done by outing the penny into the tire groove with its head pointing down. When you are able to see the top of the head of the person in the coin, then it is time to change your tires.

-        Front tire replacement: At times front tires may still need replacement even when there is still ample rubber. They may look fine even if they have gone through considerable heat cycles. When your tires react like this, get them replaced. Look at the owner's manual for specific recommendations related to your motorcycle.  Pirelli Motorcycle Tires manufactures provide such manuals for guidance when using tires.

-        To identify that your tires need replacement, you can use tread pattern test or use special tread depth indicator or gauge tool. Alternatively, you can go to your regular tire place and ask them to check if the tires are worn out.You can purchase at affordable prices from Pirelli motorcycle tires manufacturers. They have a proven track record for transferring torque from the engine to the road in the industry's most efficient manner.

When you are selecting new tires, it is important to ensure that the tire's load rating is at least as high as the tire you are replacing. The mistake that most riders make is selecting tires without considering its ability to hold on the road.

Source

About the Author
Charity Kadzo is a professional article writer. Working for 4wheelonline.com, a company that deals with wheels and motorcycle tires among other. For more information on 4wheelonline go to Pirelli motorcycle tires

Kawasaki KZ200 Manual Service E-Book

I have a scanned manual book of Kawasaki KZ200 in JPEG files. Some enthusiast people asking me to shared the file but I think it's too large to stored on website. So I convert it to E-Book format while people can read it from their PC offline.

This book is originally created and owned by Kawasaki Motorcycle Manufacture and have their own license to publish. Since this motorcycle is not produced, it's so hard to find the guide of service. I hope what I'm doing is not violate the law or copyright. I just want to share with other Kawasaki KZ200 owner and lover. And I don't take any benefit from it.

The book is an exe file but there is no need to install, just run the file. You need to install Adobe Flash Player if you don't have it.

Download the Kawasaki KZ200 Manual Service E-Book here.

Looking for parts to accessorize and customize your motorcycle?

Author: Article Syndication


Your motorcycle is more than just a vehicle. It is a way of life. It represents an attitude. Think Easy Rider. Traveling on the long open road in amotorcycle can be an incredible, liberating experience. Depending on your needs, you can customize your motorcycle to adapt to your style and taste as well as utilitarian needs. There is so much that you can do with a motorcycle and with just a few adjustments and adding a few accessories, you can achieve a really dynamic looking bike. Here are some things you can consider when building or customizing your bike and how to select the motorcycle gear you need for the project:

1. 1. What is your goal for your bike??

In customizing your ride or choosing motorcycle accessories, you have to be very clear when it comes to your purpose. Do you need the bike for work, commuting or for cruising around time? Do you want to race your peers up the mountain? Do you want to use themotorcycle for off road adventures? Do you want to just tinker with your ride and enhance its existing features? Whatever your reason, there are motorcycle parts that will fit your every need.
The great thing about the motorcycle is that every detail of your ride can be customized and enhanced. Every single thing you do can be changed. Here are some options that might help you out in choosing your motorcycle accessories:

• If you want a simple and less flashy appeal, you can opt for motorcycle gear like wind screens, engine covers or caps, motorcycle gloves, enhanced pedals and replacement gears and bolts. This is an excellent option for those who want to simply improve an old motorcycle without making drastic changes.

• If you want more utility, you can add saddlebags so you can transport your professional items, i.e. architectural plans, business designs, reports and supplies. Extra storage can save you valuable time and help you to meet your business demands.

• If you use your motorcycle for a more rigorous purpose like driving in very tough terrain or to competing in racing competitions, then you will want to improve on the engine. Motorcycle gear and enhancement devices can be used to increase engine performance. You can also improve the tires and suspensions of themotorcycle . It is essential to understand that the engine to be used should not overpower the existing suspension system. This will improve the performance and lessen wear and tear.

• For fully customized bikes, of course you will be using similar kinds of motorcycle parts and gears. However, most of the time, you will be needing help from specialists to create custom shapes if you want to change the whole geometry of themotorcycle. Professional metal cutters can use computer technologies to create the form of the motorcycle to improve the functionality and appeal. This kind of customization is known as chopper style, and you can find unlimited sources of inspiration for transforming your bike. The end result will be like a trophy in your garage.

1. 2. What is your budget?

When it comes to customization, budget is a big aspect. Choosing the right motorcycle gear will depend on how much you can spend. If you are only planning on changing very minimal things, costs can easily be maintained. The motorcycle accessories are available online and most are geared to fit universally with any bike. There are some that are configured on specific models and brands of motorcycles. If you want to know more, ask the dealer or send an email to let them help you find your motorcycle accessories.
The budget will greatly affect how big your customization will be. Remember, as stated earlier, the motorcycle can be customized in its entirety using readily manufactured motorcycle gears or parts and there are those that have to be fabricated to match specific motor needs. The more intricate the customization, the greater the cost.

1. 3. What brand are you currently using?

There are certain models and brands of motorcycles that are geared for specific purposes, for example Harley Davidson. Some motorcycles are sporty in design and have more engine power for acceleration and speed. Some bikes are geared for short distance driving, others for long hauls. Your existing motorcycle can be enhanced to become sportier by adding essential motorcycle parts. Some motorcycle accessories like plastic kits, foot pegs and grips are good for dirt bike customization. You can also add motorcycle accessories like decals for added flair and design.
Again in the case of a chopper style motorcycle, you can take your bike down to its bare bones and basically start from scratch. If you want to make your bike really edgy, full customization may be for you. The sky is the limit for a fully customized bike. Of course, you need to have a concept and design in mind and not just buy various motorcycle parts. In customized bikes, you can go for companies that sell custom parts but sometimes the quality is an issue. It is best to be hands on and have a great help from specialized customization companies. From there you can add aesthetic touches on your bike.
In a Nutshell: Choosing to accessorize or customize a motorcycle from ground up is a matter of choice. The most important aspect in doing these projects is finding the best and highest quality motorcycle parts for your ride. From the handle bars to the engine of the motorcycle, you can go crazy with customization and accessorizing. However, the quality and of course the functionality of the motorcycle accessories on the road will be the determining factor of its overall appeal.
Do your research, follow tips from professionals and really think about your desired end result so you can choose the best motorcycle gear for your precious ride. Happy building!

About the Author

R. Harley owns a website called "D2Moto.Com" which is a great place to buy Motorcycle Accessories. If you want to buy Motorcycle Accessories in real competitive price then this is right place for you.

Putting Into Practice The Concept Of Motorcycle Storage

Motorcycle storage is an important concept for many motorcycle riders, especially those who live in colder climates and only ride their bikes during the warmer months.  This type of storage will keep your motorcycle in tiptop shape and ensure that it is ready to ride when the weather warms up again.  There are a few tips which all motorcycle owners should consider as it relates to storing motorcycles.

Find Good Storage for a Reasonable Price

For many motorcycle owners storing their bike in their own garage during the colder months is an option for them and the best possible one as it doesn’t cost any money to do so.  If you don't own a garage and you want to store it inside during the winter the next step is to find a place to do so.  Depending on where you live you may know of an auto storage facility or garage in your area which stores bikes for a period of time.  This is a good option as long as it is a secure facility and the price is right. 

Work on the Motorcycle Prior to Storage

Depending if you are storing your bike inside or outside, there are a few things you may need to do in order to prepare the motorcycle for storage.  Items such as making sure your engine oil is clean, checking the fuel delivery systems and protecting the various components of the motorcycle from rusting if need be are all important things to consider doing.  The level of winterizing will depend on the storage area, climate in which you live and desire of the motorcycle owner to do so.  More information on this can be gained from your mechanic or motorcycle texts. 

Wash, Wax and Polish

It is also a good idea to give your motorcycle one last thorough cleaning prior to storing it for the wintertime.  In addition to a good wash you should also wax the paint and polish the chrome fixtures on the motorcycle.  This will ensure that all the dirt is off of the bike prior to putting it into storage for a few months. 

Change the Necessary Fluids

You should also consider changing various fluids in the motorcycle before storing it.  Some of the fluids which will need to be checked and changed may include brake fluid, hydraulic clutch fluid and coolant.  This will help to prevent any deposits from forming while it is in motorcycle storage. 

Take It Out For One Last Ride

Last but certainly not least, you should hop on your motorcycle for one last ride.  Find one of the last warm days and spend a couple of hours out on the open road.  Since it will be a while before you get a chance to do so again, taking the bike out for a spin before putting it into motorcycle storage will help to hold you over until the warm weather months arrive again.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts or OEM parts?

Contrary to what many believe, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motorcycle parts are not inherently better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. Like any product in a dynamic marketplace, aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturers often find a way to improve upon the performance or the look of the part. A comparison of the two types of parts is often contrary to what many people assume.

OEM Motorcycle Parts:
An OEM part is part made by the same company that made the part for the original vehicle. Oftentimes, auto and motorcycle manufacturers don't make the parts themselves, but contract the job to a manufacturing company. A comparison of the two different types of parts shows the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
The manufactures of aftermarket motorcycle parts must apply for the rights to reproduce a part. Aftermarket motorcycle parts manufactures operate under strict guidelines and by nature of their profession must be absolutely precise in their design.

Good aftermarket motorcycle parts often can't be distinguished from the original. Additionally, manufacturers of aftermarket motorcycle parts have the flexibility to improve upon the design and the quality. Normally, aftermarket motorcycle parts are sold for much less than OEM parts. The possible downside to using aftermarket parts is, that if installed by a non-certified technician, could impact the warranty.

Finding Quality Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Different company's aftermarket motorcycle parts will differ in look and quality. Your best bet is to find a highly reputable aftermarket motorcycle parts dealer who is in the know about all of the latest parts and manufacturers and who only offers the best quality after market motorcycle parts.

Who Uses Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Those who build custom motorcycles use aftermarket parts to build bikes with fresh new designs and unique looks. Those with older model bikes often choose aftermarket motorcycle parts because parts for older models have often greatly improved since the original part was manufactured.

Insurance companies almost consistently choose identical aftermarket motorcycle parts to replace damaged bikes after an accident. When the price is cheaper and the quality is as good, if not better than the original, it makes sense to use aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Custom Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Aftermarket motorcycle parts are essential for customized bikes. Aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, handlebars, frames, foot pegs, mirrors, etc. offer a great number of options in terms of customization. The wide variety of aftermarket motorcycle parts available today makes it easy to create an original looking bike.

There are lots of after market motorcycle parts to make fixing or customizing your bike inexpensive and simple. Before forking out too much cash on a comparable part, take stock of your aftermarket options.

Motorcycle Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a motorcycle, first start with the basics. These simple tests can work for any small engine. All engines need three basic things to run fuel, spark and air. These simple things can cause your motorbike to not start up or run poorly. First start off with the fuel remove the hose off the tank and make sure the fuel is flowing properly. Some bikes will have to turn the fuel selector to prime, not on, or fuel will not flow. Take a flashlight and look down into the tank, is the fuel varnished or is there dirt in the tank? Older motorbikes had a problem with tanks rusting inside and would plug the screen up inside the tank. Fuel delivery may still be a problem but we will come back to that later.

Next remove the spark plugs, you may need to remove the tank to reach them. Inspect every spark plug as you take them out. All the spark plugs should look the same. If a plug looks white colored, that cylinder may be (lean) and not getting enough fuel. If you have a plug that looks wet and black, that cylinder may getting too much fuel (rich) or not sparking good. Remove all the spark plugs and snap the plugs back into their wires. Set the spark plugs on the engine so that they can ground themselves. Crank the bike over and watch the plugs for sparks, preferably somewhere dark. Make sure you look at all the plugs to make sure they are all sparking. If one spark looks weak check the wire and plug, if old or worn replace them. If their is no spark the coil may be bad.

If you have any test equipment such as an ohm meter, you can find out what the resistance reading should be for your bikes coils. This way you will know for sure if the coils are o.k. If the ignition system looks fine move on to the carburetors. First, if the bike has not been maintained recently (a problem in itself) make sure the carbs are synchronized. To do this you need a vacuum gauge made for this. Remove the small rubber plug located between the carbs and the cylinder. Attach the gauge and take the readings from each cylinder. Replace the caps when not measuring or it won't run right. Adjust the throttle screw or linkage for that carb until they all read close to one another.

Refer back to inspecting the spark plugs. If one cylinder looked lean or rich check all hoses for cracks and air leaks. If the motorcycle has not been run in awhile the carbs may be (gummed up). Remove the float bowl off the bottom of the carb. Look in the bowl for dark varnish looking gas. If the fuel looks dark you will probably have to remove the pilot and main jets and carefully run a wire through the center hole to clean them out. Be careful to not bend the float as the height needs to be correct to run well also. Check that the small needle attached to the float between the pivot point, is moving up and down. If it doesn't move smoothly the carb will not fill up with gas or will run low as your driving down the road.

Make sure you check the battery also, if they become weak the ignition system won't have enough power to keep the bike running smoothly. If you still haven't found anything make sure you valve lash has been checked at the correct mileage intervals. If not this can cause many problems with the way it runs. Also you can screw a compression gauge into the spark plug holes and check that they are within 5-10% of each other. If one is way down you have a serious problem either with the pistons, bore or valves. This should be a good start to finding a general problem with your motorbike.

High Demand for BMW Used Classic Motorcycles

Why there are so much BMW motorcycles for sales in the market today? A reason is simple, you buy a BMW motorcycle then you're a winner. It will save a lot of money of you when you buy a second hand or previously used motorcycles. Do you know what happen to the motorcycles when they going outside the showroom, you have to believe that there value is going down with some good percentage. The great advantages of BMW motorcycles for sale are it has a long life and also very good reliability. It always something to consider that is BMW motorcycles for sale are cheap than you think, not at all, because of high demand for BMW motorcycles for sale there price is little bit in high side.

In 1923 BMW begin there production with some eye catching improve new technology motorcycle models. It gets attention to all the bike lovers to choose BMW motorcycles with attractive styling and great performance. So before buying the BMW motorcycles you have to re check the legal papers of the bike because there are plenty of dealers sale used BMW bikes.

Another few things we should look after that the BMW bike you're going to buy should have less repairing in the future. SO you have to go through each and every part like clutches, plugs, lights, handles and breaks and so on of the bike before buying. When think about the sellers we all know that what kind of people are they. Some sellers try to make big profit by selling the bikes. SO we have to find whether price of the motorcycles for sales is worth to buy. So make sure all the things are perfectly match before buying the motorcycle.

When we talk about the main models of BMW motorcycles for sales are K and R series. K-series has the most of power because it has 3 or 4 cylinders within it. But R-series has only 2 cylinders within it. Another low rang model is F-series which only have a single cylinder and also chain and carburetor within it. R-series two types of motorcycles are old carburetor motorcycles and new modern fuel injected motorcycles. But if we talk about K-series it is most expendable motorcycles with better reliability, constancy and stability and it's a dream of bike lovers.

The latest machine of K-series bikes if F800.Name also implies it's a strong bike. It's make with some incredible engine that has 6 gears with horsepower up to 8500rpm.It's speed is amazing to see. So if you have a bike like that its means your dreams come true.

Original Kawasaki KZ200 Picture

The pictures below was taken by Jürgen N a professional photograper from Kulmbach, Germany. The interesting thing about these photographs is the authenticity of the Kawasaki KZ200 is still maintained. Very hard to find condition Z200 motorcycle that still retains its original shape. Since most of this motorcycle has been modified a chopper or a Bobber style. Indeed in some countries in Europe, classic motorcycle enthusiasts usually prefer to retain their original shape rather than turn it into another form. 

 

Kawasaki KZ200 Cable Scheme

 

Here the original cable scheme diagram for Kawasaki KZ200 European and US Market.

Just download for larger image.

Live Your Teenage Dreams - Restore a Classic Motorcycle

Author: Douglas Titchmarsh

Photo by VD Classic

Do you have a memory of a local motorcyclist and his motorcycle, and how you wished you could be the owner of that fine metal steed?

Many of us look back with fond memories of motorcycles of days gone by, and remember how cool they looked, and how we wished we could own one at the time. Now we're older the bikes have moved on, but that doesn't mean we should forget all about those old motorbikes. In fact the opposite is true, now those bikes we looked at with awe and envy all those years gone by are becoming classics, and as such are worth saving from the scrapheap.

Classic motorcycle restoration isn't all about locking yourself away in a garage and becoming an expert on which grade of chrome was used to plate the headlamp retaining bolt. Motorcycle restoration is a fun hobby for everyone, from the DIY mechanic to those who just want to ride a motorcycle they never could afford when they were younger. You don't even need to have a lot of spare money as some classic motorbikes can be picked up quite cheaply in various states of repair. Some motorbikes can, with a little attention, be ridden almost immediately and yet still not hit your wallet too hard.

Another thing worth thinking about is the investment factor of classic motorcycle restoration. You can pick up a cheap bike, do some small repairs and cosmetic tidying, and already it's started to increase in value. It doesn't need to be a complete nuts and bolts restoration to increase the value, with some extra care even as you enjoy riding it over a few years, a classic bikes value can increase greatly, and could mean you can make a tidy profit if you decide to sell it later.

It may take some time to restore a classic motorcycle, but it doesn't need to be done all at once. Some vintage motorcycles are ridden when possible, and worked on between rides. My own motorcycle is always left in a usable state between work being carried out. All it means is you don't have a perfect bike straight away. You don't even need to be riding the bike to take your time over the restoration, a lot of classic motorcycles are left in bits for a long while as the owners can't afford to buy the parts they need all at once.

There are plenty of classic motorcycles out there still to choose from, and your own teenage favorites could well be just waiting for you to pick them up and give them a home. Imagine living out that teenage fantasy of owning the motorcycle of your dreams, it doesn't matter that it's 20 years on you can still enjoy owning that dream motorbike. Only now instead of being called a teenage hoodlum, you'd be a respected classic motorcycle owner.

About the Author
The author Douglas Titchmarsh is the owner of several motorcycle themed websites including Z750 Twin Project , and co-author of the e-book "Classic Motorcycle Restoration - Tips From A Classic Motorcycle Junkie"