Category: Random

1. What is brake fluid for?

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 6th Oct 2022

   A hydraulic braking system without proper brake fluid is a bit like a heart without blood. The brake fluid is what transmits the force applied to the brake lever to the front and rear brakes, stopping the motorcycle. As you pull the lever, the bike’s master cylinder is activated, creating hydraulic pressure. As the fluid is pushed through the brake lines, this pressure is transferred to the pistons in the calipers, which then press the pads against the brake discs. The friction created as the pads come into contact with the metal discs causes the wheels to slow down, converting kinetic energy into heat energy.

   This hydraulic process requires a non-compressible fluid with a high boiling point so that it is able to effectively transmit pressure and withstand high braking temperatures. It should also effectively protect the metal components. The viscosity also has an impact on braking performance. Low viscosity brake fluid is often the preferred option for modern anti-locking braking systems (ABS) as a thinner fluid can easily travel through the small passageways and channels in the system.

   Types of motorcycle brake fluid

   Rating	Dry boiling point (no water)	Wet boiling point (with water)
   DOT 3	205° C	140° C
   DOT 4	230° C	155° C
   DOT 5	260° C	180° C
   DOT 5.1	260° C	180° C

   Nowadays, the vast majority of motorbikes use DOT 4 products. For example, the ATE brake fluid 03.9901-6202.2 is a popular choice for motorcycles and sports vehicles. The Typ 200 racing-quality product comes in a 1-litre can. It is compatible with other glycol-based types. Thanks to the high-quality metal container, the product has a long shelf life, and the additives in the formula protect against corrosion and deterioration. DOT 4 also offers significant advantages over DOT 3 fluid and is cheaper than DOT 5.1 products.  

   When to change your motorcycle brake fluid

   As mentioned before, glycol-based fluids attract water over time causing them to deteriorate. Although some brake fluid formulas last longer than others, most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 2 years, just to be on the safe side. Signs that it needs to be replaced include a spongy or bouncy brake pedal, strange noises or odours when braking, poor braking performance, and an illuminated ABS dashboard light. The type of fluid required is normally specified on the master cylinder reservoir cap.

    

    

    

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2. What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident (UK)

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 21st Sep 2022

   No one ever wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident but sometimes they can happen in the blink of an eye and just can’t be avoided. These unfortunate incidents can be frustrating, emotional and lead to severe injury or disability. It is vital that you know what to do immediately after the incident has occurred as this can have a significant influence on  how such an event will impact you.

   This guide explains what you should do after the incident to make sure that you are safe and to ensure you get the help that you need.

   Immediately after the incident

   First things first, get yourself to safety even if that means that you leave your bike behind. If the road is clear and you can move on your own, then the top priority is to get yourself to an area safer than the middle of the road. Pedestrians and other motorists can approach a downed rider which can create a bigger hazard in the road and could potentially be another accident waiting to happen.

   Check yourself for injuries. You are going to experience a surge of adrenaline which can mask even serious and life changing injuries.

   It's important that you do not move your motorcycle, firstly to try and avoid any further injuries to yourself but also so as not to compromise evidence and impede any police investigation.

   Call the Emergency Services

   You should call or be asking someone to call the emergency services as soon as is safely possible. Many people ‘freeze’ or go into some level of physical and emotional shock after an accident. If you need someone to call the emergency services for you be sure to signal to them and be clear in what you are telling them to do.

   This should ideally go hand in hand with not removing your gear after the accident. Most motorcyclists will try and remove their helmets immediately after the accident, but this can cause more serious injury to the head, neck or spine.

   Whilst waiting for the Emergency Services

   Try to remain calm. Motorcycle accidents can be emotionally and physically traumatic, but it is in your best interests to remain as calm as possible. Losing your temper can lead to rash decisions. Keeping a clear head allows you to think more clearly, so be sure to take a few deep breaths and try to take stock of the situation as best as you can.

   Try to recall what has just happened. You can then accurately convey this information to the police and paramedics when they arrive.  Information such as this can help them to determine the nature and extent of your injuries and provide you with efficient and effective treatment.

   Exchanging motoring details

   In accordance with motoring laws, if you are able then you should speak with the other driver and obtain their details – name, insurer, reg number and provide your own. You can save these in the notes function on your mobile phone. You should also note down the details of any passengers or witnesses to the incident.

   The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes:

   • injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle
   • injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog. You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement.)
   • damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision
   • damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is 

   What should I record?

   Knowing what to make note of after a motorcycle accident can be confusing, especially if you feel disoriented and stressed. Its important to gather as much evidence about what has happened as you can for insurance and legal purposes.

   With modern mobile phones being so good, if possible, you should take as many photos and videos of the scene as you can. These should include everything from your motorcycle in the road, the car or vehicle that hit you, the road layout an any specific features, skid marks if any and even road signs. Another good idea is to talk into the camera whilst you are videoing the scene and the vehicles involved. It helps to create a timeline of the incident which will be useful for the police, insurers and lawyers if required. 

   Finally, do not apologise or admit responsibility for the accident. Your insurers almost certainly insist upon this in your contract of insurance. Instead, if you can, do find out details of any other drivers and witnesses. Tell them that this will be sorted out by your insurers and give details if you can. Whilst it's very important to be honest, you do need to protect yourself from liability later on if the incident was not your fault.

    

   
   Article supplied by Potter Rees Dolan Solicitors 

    

   

    

3. Steps to Better Track Your Monthly Expenses

   Posted on 3:10pm Tuesday 13th Sep 2022

   Nobody wants to put themselves in a situation in which their money is disappearing down the drain every month, but they do not have a clear idea of exactly where it is going in the first place. To combat this potential problem, it will be worth accurately tracking your monthly expenses. Here are a few steps that you can put into action to make this a realistic prospect.

   Keep an Eye on Account Statements

   If you have never had a clear budget before, the first step you will need to take is to keep a closer eye on your account statements to see what is going on here. This way, you will be able to see exactly where your money is going every month. If you notice any unnecessary or even excessive spending, your statement will show it – and you can take action in these areas once you know about them.

   Many people spend a lot without noticing until they look at their statements, which is why monitoring them and checking them regularly is one of the keys to successful budgeting and expenditure tracking.

   Put Your Expenses into Categories
   
   The next step you can take is to put your expenses right there into categories. The most obvious one of these is going to be essential and nonessential spending, but you can also break it down into areas such as office spending, travel, entertainment, etc. You can then think about ways to cut back on areas that need it the most.

   Ultimately, even the essentials category can be looked at as it will include areas such as food, broadband, utilities, etc., and you may be able to grab a better deal elsewhere. Even essentials can be cut or replaced with more affordable alternatives, which is what many people are doing these days, given the extreme rise in living costs society is currently facing.

   Use Budgeting Tools

   While some people still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way with a pen and paper, there are all sorts of modern budgeting tools out there that can be highly useful in terms of ensuring that you are tracking your overall spending in real-time. There are also individual accounts and tools that you can use, such as a Shell fuel card to monitor and save on essentials like petrol and diesel. Another one is using supermarket loyalty cards and accounts for clocking up points and discounts on your shopping. Whatever the expense, it will be worth experimenting with different tools to see how much and how often you can save money and stay in line with your budget.

   Conclusion

   Tracking your monthly expenses does not have to be an overly complicated task, but it can prove to make all the difference if you want to put yourself in a situation in which your costs

   are much lower than your outgoings. Overspending without noticing is all too easy – and most people are guilty of this at some point in life. However, by properly monitoring and sticking to a budget, unnecessary and excessive spending can be reduced and managed.

    

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4. White Motorcycle Concepts begins production of First Response hybrid motorcycle as Northamptonshire Police commits to Pilot fleet

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 7th Sep 2022

   White Motorcycle Concepts [WMC] has begun production of its pioneering electric hybrid motorcycle – the WMC300FR – after Northamptonshire Police became the first emergency service in the world to place a pilot fleet-order for the innovative new vehicles.

5. What to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Road Trip

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 7th Sep 2022

   A motorcycle road trip is an enjoyable experience that all motorbike lovers should have at least once in their lives. You get to enjoy long rides and visit different scenic locations. To make things easier for you, it is crucial to bring some essential supplies. To help you out, we have put together a list of essential and optional items to bring on your road trip.

   Motorcycle Clothing

   The first things you should set aside to bring on the road trip are your motorcycle clothing. These will include your helmet, trouser, jackets and gloves. You will also need some riding boots and socks and earplugs. As you purchase these items, make sure they are breathable and comfortable because you will be wearing them for long stretches.

   A Tool Kit

   You never know what will happen on the road trip, and this is why you need to bring your tool kit. You might not have the option to visit the nearest store to get what you need or to have your bike repaired so you may need to do it yourself.

   Some essentials to bring include a repair kit for flat tyres, a socket and wrench kit, screwdrivers, jumper cables, spare parts, an air compressor and wheel removal tools. You can also include other tools as you see fit.

   A Selection of Electronics

   It is reasonable to assume that if you are going on a long road trip, you will stop somewhere for a night or two to rest and recharge. To avoid getting bored during these downtimes, it would be a good idea to carry a selection of electronics with you.

   You will need your phone to stay in touch with your loved ones and to navigate when travelling through new locations. It is also a good idea to bring a tablet or laptop to have some entertainment when sleeping in a hotel or motel. Your selection of a tablet or laptop is a highly personal and subjective decision. Any of the modern Apple tablets should be fine, and you need a laptop that provides a great video viewing experience.

   Choosing one can be challenging, especially since you need an affordable one with long battery life and great performance. Laptops with Intel Arc graphics perform well without consuming too much power and thus give you the long battery life you will need. Check out this guide on Intel Arc graphics provided by Lenovo to see why this option would be great for you.

   Other electronics to consider include power banks, memory cards, a camera, a GPS tracker and a USB with backups of your important information.

   Hygiene Items

   You should also pack some toiletry and hygiene items. These include sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shaving kit and bug spray. As with the tools, you can also include other hygiene items as you see fit.

   Safety Items Safety is crucial, especially if you will be riding alone. You will need a torch and extra batteries, a location tracker (you can use your GPS), a spare key, bike lock, protein bars in case you are stranded and a cover for the bike and other items.

   Packing a bag for a motorcycle road trip will depend on what you need, but there are some essentials you should not leave behind. Some will make your stay at a hotel more comfortable, while some will save you should you become stranded or lost.

    

    

    

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