Cyclehound Barks Off

Cold Weather is coming- store your motorcycle right!

2008-10-22T21:20:00.003-05:00

For all you cold climate bikers and for you infrequent riders, don’t forget to add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. It does a great job of preventing clogged carbs and fuel injectors on your bike.

I’ve been in the motorsports business for many year and I have tried several products. I’ve had the best success with Sea Foam or Fitch Fuel Catalysts. StaBil only has a 3 month life (it even says so on the bottle) so I don’t really recommend it.

Whatever product you use BE SURE to only add the recommended ratios! I have seen people ruin fuel gaskets and hoses by adding too much (i.e. pouring the whole bottle in the tank, instead of just a few ounces per gallon).

Also, if your store your bike in a cold (especially sub-zero) be sure to top off your anti-freeze (make sure it is anti-freeze if you moved the bike from a warm to cold climate) and remove your battery.

Store the battery in a warm place indoors- not on concrete floor it can draw current and kill the battery. Put it on a shelf and place it on an automatic low-volt (trickle) charger. It will last much longer and will most likely be full charged in the spring when you reinstall it.

Good luck.
Marc- Cyclehound

The Deal Hunter

2008-05-08T11:47:00.003-05:00

This is a funny 1:30sec video promo for the Deal Hunter video lessons on bargain hunting.

Message to Bikers that use craigslist

2008-04-19T22:23:00.004-05:00

If you are a smart trader you will use all the tools at your disposal to get the best deal whether you are buying or selling.

You never know when or where you might find the best deal.

If you are selling, place ads on craiglist, cyclehound, your work bulletin board, etc...every free resource. You may even want to consider using pay sites like eBay, Cycle Trader, etc. especially if you have a rare or expensive bike. You want maximum exposure to attract the most buyers.

If you are buying, checking multiple sources before you purchase insures you will get the best deal. You never know where you will find it.

So, if you use craiglist, keep using it, but use all the tools at your disposal to get the best deal.

How to Sell a Used Motorcycle

2008-04-10T18:06:00.002-05:00

If you have a few minutes, watch the bargain hunter videos I posted. They have good tips on how to make good deals.

Part 1: Do your homework.
1a. Research your bikes current value and competition: NADA, Kelley Blue Book, various advertised prices on multiple website (Cyclehound, craigslist, eBay, etc.). Compare bikes with similar mileage, condition, location and accessories. That will give you an approximate asking price. Compare ads for competing brands and models, so you know where yours stacks up.How

1b. Compile your bikes records: Title, loan payoff and bank information (if applicable) or lien release (if applicable), service and accessories receipts, general specification (mpg, hp, CC or CI, etc.) and vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number. Make sure you have all necessary documents PRIOR to advertising for sale.

Part 2: Prep your bike.
2a. Service it. If it needs any maintenance or repairs, fix it prior to sale. Unless you want to sell it as ‘needs work’. Generally, you will recoup the maintenance cost with higher sales price anyway and it will eliminate possible objections from buyers.

2b. Wash it. Clean and detail your bike so it looks as new as possible. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Part 3: Prep your ad.
3a. Take several digital pictures. Choose the best ones. Pay attention to lighting and composition. You do not want poor quality images. No shadows or ‘trees’ growing out of it (background). DO NOT use huge image files. Low to medium resolution settings on your camera are best for online ads. Generally, 4 images are good: side profile, gauges (to show mileage), front and rear profiles.

3b. Compose your ad prior to posting. Use a word processing application or write notes, so you know what you want to say and you have your required details (year, make , model, VIN, etc). It will save you time later. Be descript, but be brief. Too many details can overwhelm a prospective buyer. Too little information or ‘Call for details’ can annoy a prospective buyer.

Part 4: Post your ad.
4a. Place ads on multiple websites (Cyclehound, craigslist, Trader, etc.) and resources (bulletin boards or clubs) to maximize your bikes exposure. Reference the other ads to create a sense of urgency.

4b. Give multiple contact information; email and phone, so you are accessible to buyers. Return messages promptly. Timing is important otherwise, a buyer may buy something else.

Part 5: Conduct the sale.
5a. Negotiate the best selling price within a short time frame. If you get reasonable offers, entertain them, but do not ignore low ball offers either. Politely reject low offers, but get their contact information because you may not get any other offers. Standard rule of thumbs is, ‘your first buyer is your best buyer’, especially if they make offers within 10%-15% of your asking price.

5b. Make firm appointment times, so you do not waste time waiting for prospective buyers.

5c. If you allow test rides, understand it is a HUGE liability. If they crash, it is your responsibility. Require and retain the prospective buyers valid drivers license with motorcycle endorsement and have them sign a liability waiver prior to test ride. When in doubt, DO NOT allow test rides.

Part 6: Close the Sale.
6a. Require ‘certified funds’ or cash payment. Verify the funds prior to completing the sale. Call the issuing bank and/or use a ‘counterfeit’ testing pen (looks like a highlighter) to verify cash. If there is a balance of a loan to be paid, funds should be payable to the lender bank and seller.

6b. Sign an ‘As-Is’ sales agreement. This does not have to be anything fancy, just a document with the vehicle description, VIN, date, buyers and sellers information and signatures (copy and paste the one posted in the Cyclehound blog). Make copies for both buyer and seller.

6c. Sign the title. DO NOT make any errors or scribbles. The title is a legal document. If you make ANY errors, you will be required to resubmit the title with a correction affidavit (form from the DMV).

6d. Transfer the title immediately into the buyers name OR immediately contact the issuing state to notify of the sale to limit accident liability and risk of motor vehicle violations (registration, tabs, parking, speeding, etc.).

Part 7: Close loose ends.
7a. Cancel all advertising. Save yourself the hassle of calls and emails for sold stuff.

7b. Cancel your insurance. You may get a partial rebate of your premium.

7c. If you had to pay off a loan, get the lien release (usually available two weeks after sale) and get it to the buyer. If you lose it, you will be required to get another one.

Part 8: Buy a NEW motorcycle! (or whatever you intend to use the funds for). Congratulations, you’re done.

Generic Sales Agreement

2008-04-10T17:45:00.004-05:00

Sales Agreement:

Date of Sale:

Vehicle Description:

VIN:

Special Terms: (Loan payoff, Manufacturer warranty, etc.)

Buyer Name:
Address:

Phone:

Seller Name:
Address:

Phone:

All parties involved in this transaction understand that the above mentioned vehicle is being sold ‘AS-IS’ or no warranty, unless there is a balance of a manufacturer or extended warranty that is transferable to the buyer after the sale and stated in the ‘special terms’.

Buyer Signature:

Seller Signature:

(Copy and Paste or Print to make you own document.)

How to pick the right motorcycle for you

2008-04-07T14:15:00.003-05:00

Think of it like dating. What are you looking for? Some hot number for a summer fling or a lasting relationship for years? Just learning? Is it for commuting? Is it just for fair weather weekend riding? Is it just fulfilling a childhood neglect or short-coming?

Seriously; no one bike is perfect for every purpose.

Unless you are fortunate enough to afford a stable of various motorcycles, DO NOT just buy a bike based on looks. Otherwise it will likely just drain your bank account and probably leave you stranded by the side of the road, like some worthless gold digger.

Step1: Know your budget. How much can you afford? Consider: down payment, insurance, and monthly payments, if applicable.

Step 2: Factor in purpose, style, comfort, performance, utility, quality, price, resale, and operating cost (insurance, maintenance, repairs). Use the Quick Reference: Factors of Buying a Motorcycle.

Step 3: Narrow your scope to the ride style (or purpose) and the look that you like. In other words, know what type of bike you want: standard, dual sport, touring, sport, super-sport, custom, cruiser, etc. Try to pick a bike that most matches your needs and wants. Otherwise, you won’t be happy with your purchase.

Step 4: Compare different brands and models that fit your scope and meet your needs and wants. Educate yourself about the available products and the current market. Know what to buy and when. Do some homework and read articles about product comparisons. Go to events and dealers to actually sit on the bikes to compare style, quality, comfort and fit.

Step 5: Find it and Buy it! Use the tips on “How to Hunt for Deals” to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

This process is the same whether you’re buying your first or your 50th bike. The only difference is that if you are a new rider you should only be looking at smaller size and lighter weight machines and then move up to larger bikes as your experience grows.

Quick Reference: Factors of Buying a Motorcycle

2008-04-07T13:43:00.004-05:00

Things to note:
Budget: If you pay cash for a motorcycle VS financing, you can save a lot in insurance expense, as well as interest expense. How to do that? Buy less expensive model or brand, save funds prior to purchase, purchase used VS new, or win the lottery.

Insurance: Insurance premiums vary a lot due to: age, type and brand of bike; driver age, record, and credit history; location of vehicle residence VS usage location; and insurance agencies and companies. Call and compare multiple vehicles and companies prior to purchase.

Motorcycle Type: Niche audience vehicles, custom paint or fabrication, off-brands are more difficult to resell. Uniqueness generally narrows demand.

Engine Size: Bigger isn’t necessarily better. It is more important to pay attention to power to weight ratios, efficiency and longevity than CC or CI size.

Engine Configuration: Engine configuration will influence torque and horsepower. Pay attention to what better meets your wants and needs. If you prefer quicker low end acceleration, consider V-twins. If you prefer smoother linear power with higher top speed, consider inline configurations. Boxer engines have good longevity, but tend to have ‘torque steer’ and less horsepower.

Features: Accessories or features on a motorcycle only add value to buyers that want those particular features. In other words, adding accessories or aftermarket parts will not increase value in equal proportion to cost.

Book Value: Book value is just a price or value estimation. Real price or value is whatever current market demand allows or whatever price a buyer is actually willing to pay.

Quick reference of the factors you need to consider when buying a motorcycle:
Budget
**Cash or Finance
***If financing; what are available rates/terms/payments
*Insurance
**Compare multiple models AND agencies
*Estimate Maintenance/Repairs

Product Comparison
**Purpose/Function
***Learning, Touring, Commuting, Pleasure, etc.
**Type
***Dual Sport, Standard, Sport, Touring, Cruiser, etc.
**Ergonomics
***Physical size
***Balance
***Comfort
**Appearance/Style
***Color
***Body
**Engine
***Size
***Single, Twin, Multi
***Inline, V, Boxer
***Liquid, Oil or Air cooled
**Features (Stock and Aftermarket)
***Accessories
****Windshield, luggage, electronics
****Performance
*****Exhaust, engine or electrical
****Body
*****Seats, Bodywork, Controls
***Brand
***Quality
****Balance of Highest Quality, but still meets needs and budget.

Market Comparison
**MSRP or Book Value
***NADA
***Kelley Blue Book
***Current Advertised Prices
****Multiple Sources
*****Online/Print
*****Dealers/Private Sellers
**Location
**Supply- Availability
**Demand- Popularity
**Seasonal Variability

Exhaust manufacturing

2008-03-17T15:49:00.004-05:00

If you like TLC or Discovery channel and seeing how stuff is made check out this cool Leo Vince video. (About 7 minutes long) The Techno music is a bit annoying, but it's interesting to watch.

The legend of the Cyclehound

2008-03-14T14:48:00.002-05:00

As legend has it, there is a mysterious creature roaming the land...

a lighting fast dog-like creature that is drawn to motorcycles.

Maybe a DOG would be a good President of the USA

2008-03-14T10:49:00.001-05:00

Dogs are loyal, loving, trust worthy, have good instincts and listen to people, although, they do occasionally chew up your shoes and tend to shed a lot. VOTE Cyclehound for President!

I would like to know when the Republican and Democratic parties got hijacked and why are independent and objective thinkers viewed as an oddity. Does anyone know?

When did Republicans go from a fiscally responsible platform to a spend thrift? Maybe Reaganomics? And when did it become a platform for religion? What happened to separation of church and state? That’s fine if you believe in God, Allah, Buddha or whatever. That is a personal choice protected by our Constitution. However, incorporating and imposing ones personal beliefs on other people infringes on their choices, liberties and rights. That has no place in government.

When did Democrats go from being a party representing the average worker (Democratic-Farmer-Labor party) to representing limousine liberals (Disconnected Famous Liberals)? And why don’t they understand that giving entitlements to everyone will bankrupt this country? Sometimes people need to learn to take care of themselves. Make the distinction between helping and enabling.

I think both political parties need to WAKE UP and realize the divisive extremist mentalities are destroying America. Get your priorities straight. Moderate the core of your platforms, work together, and base your decisions on the greater good of this country and the world.

Motorcycle Road Racing

2008-03-11T12:29:00.007-05:00

Yes, I have crashed a motorcycle at over 100mph and walked away, well, more like swam away. After running wide off a turn on the track, I hit a shallow pond before I could regain control.

I raced in the CRA- Central Roadracing Association from 1998-2003. It is a really fun sport, but very expensive. I did make it to expert level, but you have to spend more $ and take more chances to keep winning races. I don't even want to calculate the cost per trophy for my modest collection.

I have switched to riding "Track Days", which are great fun too, but not the same rush you get from competitive racing.

The link I posted below is a video of an on board camera from racing my Suzuki SV650 at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota. The footage is a bit jittery but very realistic to the experience.

Enjoy. Just watching it brings back the great memories for me, except the crashing part.