Modern Classics

Tire Checking Time

When was the last time you inflated your tires?  For many people the answer is never.  The unfortunate consequences of not monitoring your tire pressure on a regular basis (at least every couple weeks) are reduced fuel economy, unstable handling and accelerated tire wear.

With a simple tire gauge you can transform the handling and performance of your scooter or motorcycle.  How do you do this?

Step 1: Research what your tire pressure should be.  You can usually find this information on a sticker on your vehicle, in the owner’s manual or online.

Step 2: Buy or borrow a tire gauge.

Step 3: Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold.

Step 4: Pump up your tires using a portable pump or you can often pump them at a gas station or your favorite shop.

Step 5: Remember to replace the caps onto your tire valves.  Also use the opportunity to remove rocks from your tire tread, check for tire wear and inspect that you do not have screws, nails, glass or staples in the tires.

How to Winterize Your Scooter/Motorcycle

Although we’ve been lucky with a mild winter so far (knock on wood), you might have stopped riding your scooter or motorcycle or at least have been riding it less.  In this off season, it’s important to take care of your bike by properly winterizing it.  Winterizing your bike isn’t that hard or complicated.  Here are some quick tips on getting your bike through the winter.

1. Keep the battery charged using a Battery Tender.
A Battery Tender keeps your battery charged while you’re not using it.  It’s an inexpensive solution to keep your battery fully charged and your bike ready to go when you’re ready to take it out again.  There’s nothing more disheartening to have a dead battery on a fluke 70-degree day that’s perfect for riding.

2. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Adding a fuel stabilizer like StarTron Enzyme Fuel Treatment to your gas tank will help prevent the fuel from breaking down and causing problems when you try to get your bike going again.

3. Store your bike away from the elements.
If you can, keep your bike in the garage and out from the elements.  The winter can be harsh with the snow, ice, and salt ice-melters.  If you don’t have a garage or access to one, our shop offers storage year ’round in a climate-controlled environment. If you must keep your bike outside, it’s a good idea to cover it with motorcycle/scooter cover.  However, it’s a good idea every once in awhile to uncover the bike to let it breathe and let any moisture evaporate.  It’s also imperative to secure your bike – people might take notice to the fact that your bike hasn’t moved in awhile and that might make it more tempting to steal.

Even if it’s not winter, it’s a good idea to follow these tips anytime your bike is not in use for a month or more.  Stop by the shop to pick up any of these supplies or give us a call if you’re interested in storing your bike.

Follow these tips and you should be ready to go in the Spring or even on one of those fluke 70-degree days.

Rev’It! Ladies’ CR Textile Jacket

Rev’It! introduced a new retro-styled jacket in 2010.  The women’s version is just like the men’s, but with a feminine cut.  It comes in red and black with white racing stripe accents along the front and back.

The jacket has removable elbow, shoulder, and back armor.  There’s also a removable thermal vest, which makes this a great option for multi-season riding.  The jacket is liner is really comfortable – similar to football jersey material.  The front has double-zipper action so you’re well protected from the wind.

There are two front pockets with hook & loop (read: velcro) closures, which some people are hesitant about – they like the security of zippers.  But these pockets close up quickly and tightly.  If you’re still worried about losing stuff, there’s a zippable inside left-breast pocket, which is actually fairly deep.

There are snap-button tabs at the waist and wrists for adjustment.  There are also zippers on the inside of the wrists, which provide for a pretty snug fit, even for tiny wrists.

It’s water resistant and holds up in a good downpour.  For DC area summer riding, the jacket (vest removed, of course) does get a little hot at slow speeds and stops, but it’s not so bad when you wear a tank top underneath.  (If you’re looking for a great DC summer riding jacket, check out the Rev’It Air.)  The CR jacket perfect without the vest for warmer spring and fall temps, and with the vest does well for colder spring/fall weather.

While the racing stripes are sweet looking, the white does get dirty.  However, this jacket is washable (hand wash only, hang dry; do not dry clean), so an occasional washing will take care of that.

Overall, this is a decent and comfortable jacket for multi-season riding.  Not to mention, it’s super stylish, too!