30 Minute Motorcycling

Be honest - how much attention do you give your battery? Either way - you really should. Next to the engine itself, the battery is an essential component for a motorcycle or scooter. Tune in to discover: The 2 crucial jobs that your battery does Differences between conventional, AGM, and lithium batteries What "CCA" stands for - and why it matters Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog p...

As much credit as the chain for chain-drive motorcycle gets, the sprockets play a big role, too - but what is a "sprocket," anyway? And if you need to replace your chain, do you know where to look to find the chain sizing? Tune in to discover: What a "sprocket" is - and two places on your motorcycle where you can find one How you can determine your chain sizing EASILY How to de...

The death wobble is a scary experience for a motorcyclist, but don't fret - there are a few things you can do about it - even before you set off. Tune in to discover: 5 mechanical measures for minimizing the risk of experiencing death wobble What to do if you experience death wobble anyway while you're riding Resources: MCRider YouTube video - "Death Wobble - Causes and Prevention&q...

Are you thinking about putting directional tires on your motorcycle or scooter? Then, this episode will give you a few pointers about what you must know first. Tune in to discover: What makes directional tires so special Why it's crucial that directional tires are fitted the right way - and what can happen if you don't How you can determine that a directional  tire is fitted the right wa...

Your motorcycle might be covered in fairings - or not at all. Either way, if you'd like to discover more about what makes motorcycle fairings so special, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover: What a motorcycle fairing does The 3 most common material types for fairings 4 common types of motorcycle fairings Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What is a Motorcycle Fairing...

There's a reason why your engine is overheating, and depending on the cause, it could be an easy fix - or not. Tune in to discover: 7 common causes for an overheating engine - whether it's liquid-cooled or air-cooled  What to do about it Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Is Your Engine Overheating? 5 Common Reasons Why"  

Are you seeing cracks in your tire? Then the rot has started to set in - quite literally.  Tune in to discover: What tire dry rot is The biggest causes of dry rot - and what you can do to keep it at bay Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What Causes Tire Dry Rot?"

Don't have a clue about what "RPMs" is or why your rev counter (or "tachometer") has a redline on it? Then this is the episode for you. Tune in to discover: What "RPMs" are  Why your motorcycle or scooter has a redline The basics of how a rev limiter works Resources: Revzilla YouTube video "This is Why Your Motorcycle Has a Redline" The Dual Wheel Journ...

If you've ever had to disconnect or connect a motorcycle battery, you might feel like you're about to disarm a bomb. But it's not as dangerous as it looks - as long as you do it properly. Tune in to discover: The correct, SAFE procedure to connect and disconnect a battery 3 common things to pay attention to while you're servicing your battery Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey b...

Have you ever wondered how a CDI system works for a motorcycle or scooter? Do you even know what it stands for? Tune in to discover: What the "CDI" in "CDI ignition" stands for 5 common parts of a typical CDI ignition system How a CDI system works Resources: "What is CDI Ignition, and How Does It Work?" - The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "Capacitors Explained - T...

Are you shopping for a spare or replacement part for your motorcycle? Then, there are a few things you must know first. That way, you won't have to waste money because you bought a part that didn't fit. Tune in to discover: The differences between OEM and aftermarket parts How to determine your bike's make and model easily Something CRITICAL to consider with electrical parts Resourc...

Have you ever wondered by most motorcycles and scooters use a hydraulic brake system and not a mechanical one? After all, it seems to work well with bicycles and e-bikes, doesn't it? Tune in to discover: The definition of hydraulic and mechanical brake systems and their pros and cons What the "hydraulic" part refers to Why mechanical brakes aren't common for motorcycles Resourc...

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes your headlight glow? The short answer is either a good-old-fashioned quartz-halogen or a futuristic LED light. But what are the differences between the two? Tune in to discover: - The differences between quartz halogen and LED headlights - Pros and cons of each type - What a 'filament' is - Something you MUST know before you fit a quartz halog...

"This bike has a compression ratio of 11:1." Great, but what does that actually mean? What do the "11" and the "1" refer to, respectively? And why does fuel need to be compressed at all? Tune in to discover: - Why the fuel needs to be compressed - Top Dead Center vs. Bottom Dead Center - and how they're relevant to the compression ratio figure Resources: - The Du...

Just like the transmission, the clutch plays a crucial role in making your motorcycle run. But why do you need a clutch? What does it consist of? And what is the "clutch friction zone" anyway? Tune in to discover: Why you need a clutch at all 3 common clutch component What the "clutch friction zone" is References: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Inside a Motorcycle Clu...

The transmission might seem complex - but it doesn't have to be. Once you understand why you need it, it's actually not as complicated as it might seem. Just like how the concept of gear ratios isn't all that complex. Tune in to discover: The basic principles of a motorcycle transmission Why you need a transmission in the first place What gear ratios are Resources: The Dual Wheel Jo...

If your bike's engine is on its last legs, it might be time to get a new one. Or maybe you want to get your hands dirty by doing a complete engine overhaul? Tune in to discover: What an engine overhaul is The differences between an engine overhaul and an engine replacement 3 common reasons to do an engine overhaul How must it costs Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey Blog post - "When Do Y...

If you've listened to Episode 16, you'll know the differences between a moped and a scooter. But do you know what a "noped" is? If you don't, this is the episode for you. Tune in to discover: The definition of "noped" How the ignition system for the very first mopeds worked Resources: YouTube video of a 1958 Mobylette moped being started up  The Dual Wheel Journe...

If you've been to or if you live in Southeast Asia, you'll have seen a special type of motorcycle known as "underbones." But what is an underbone, and what makes them unique from a "regular" scooter? Tune in to discover: The tell-tale signs of an underbone motorcycle Differences between an underbone and a scooter Resources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What...

If you've ever struggled to start a carburetted motorcycle, moped, or scooter on a cold morning, it's because carburetors don't like the cold at all. Thankfully, that's where the 'choke' comes in to save the day. But what is the choke, and how do you use it? Tune in to discover: What the "choke" is How it works, and how to use it Why it's called a &quot...

Did you know that motorcycle or two-wheeler tires can be tubed or tubeless? But what's the difference between the two types? And how come tubed tires are still available for motorcycles - even though cars stopped using them ages ago? Tune in to discover: The design of tubed and tubeless tires Why tubed tires are still around - at least for motorcycles Resources: RevZilla blog post - "Tub...

An internal combustion motorcycle, moped, or scooter uses either a carburetor or a fuel injector for its fuel delivery system.  And if you're curious about the differences between the two and how they work, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover: - How a carburetor and a fuel injector works, respectively - The 5 parts of a CV carburetor - What a "petcock"/"fuel tap"...

As small as it might be, a fuse plays a key role in protecting your motorcycle's electrics. Tune in to discover: - What a fuse does, and where the fusebox is - Why some fuses have different colors Resources: - How to Test a Motorcycle Fuse for Continuity with a Multimeter YouTube Video - What is a Fuse & Fuse Color Coding - The Dual Wheel Journey - Multimeter Tool Tutorial - The Dual Whee...

The electrical system might seem like an area with a strict "no-touchy" policy, but it's worth knowing more about electricity and electrical system. And the difference between voltage, current, and resistance is a great place to start - but also how you can protect yourself from a lethal shock. Tune in to discover: - The differences between electrical voltage, current, and resistanc...

Do you keep looking for an answer to the question "what is the drivetrain?" Look no further; this episode is the answer! Tune in to discover: - What the term "drivetrain" refers to - The 3 parts that the drivetrain consists of - from primary to final drive Resources: - 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #21 - Chain Drive vs. Belt Drive & Chain Slack - Dual Wheel Journey blog po...