30 Minute Motorcycling

It might seem like a lot of money, but getting a top box for your motorcycle or scooter comes with a lot of perks.I was on the fence for a while, and when I finally decided to get one, it was one of the best accessories I ever bought.So you're also on the fence about whether you should get a top box, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover:What makes a top box better than a cargo net or a pair of saddlebagsSomething that might make your bike more attractive if you decide to sell itResources:"2008 Honda SH300i - What's It Like?" - The Dual Wheel Journey Video" 5 Compelling Reasons to Invest in a Top Box for Your Motorcycle or Scooter" - The Dual Wheel Journey article

Yes, it can and does happen - and I'm living proof of that.That's right. I once lost one of my tire valve caps, and that was a bigger deal than you might think.Fortunately, I also managed to fix that problem, so if you've just made the same mistake, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover:The story of how I lost one of my tire caps after doing essential maintenanceWhy tire valve caps are just as important as the tire valve itselfWhat you do if you lose one of tire valve capsResources:"Tire Valve Caps - More Important Than You Think" - The Dual Wheel Journey article

No matter what kind of tires or wheels your bike has, they all rely on one thing - wheel alignment.If that goes "out of whack," you can expect big problems.But what causes wheel alignment to go "out of whack," so to speak? And what is wheel alignment, and why does it matter so much?Tune in to discover: A simple explanation of what wheel alignment is - and why it matters so much for handling and safety3 common issues that can happen if your wheel alignment is out of whack5 things that may cause your wheel alignment to go out of alignmentResources:Episode #17 - Motorcycle Wheels and Tires

It's a small part of your bike - so small you might not even see it that much.But despite its small size, a fork seal leak can cause HUGE issues - both for your bike and certainly for you.Tune in to discover:What a "fork seal" doesWhy a "fork seal leak" is such a huge issue3 nasty side effects of a fork seal leakResources:What Is a Fork Seal Leak, And Why Is It a HUGE Problem? - The Dual Wheel Journey article

60% of motorcycles are chain-driven - but whether it's a 65cc dirt bike or a huge 1000+cc crotch rocket, one thing remains:"The chain is only as strong as its weakest link."Some things can go wrong with the chain regardless of the size or the type of motorcycle you've got. Tune in to discover:5 common issues with chain drive - and why they happenResources: "5 Common Chain Drive Issues" - The Dual Wheel Journey article

Some lessons can't be told through books - only through a real-life experience.Even if that experience wasn't exactly a smashing success - failure can sometimes be the best teacher of them all.Case in point - the very first time I attempted anything mechanical (and which didn't require something more than a screwdriver).Even though it was an easy job, it turned out to be a real ordeal - but through that, something good came out of this experience. Tune in to discover:How my first attempt at changing brake pads "went a bit south"How I solved the issue I hadThe 2 invaluable lessons I had from this ordealResources:Ebook - "5 Mechanical Life-Lessons I Was Taught From Real-Life Experiences"

Depending on where you ride, your suspension travel needs to be set up for you to tackle the challenges of your riding environment.You might need short-suspension travel...or maybe you need a long-suspension travel setup?Tune in to discover:The differences between long vs. short suspension travel - and scenarios where you need one over the otherHow much travel your shock absorber should haveHow to check your suspension travelResources:The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Differences Between Long vs. Short Suspension Travel Demystified"30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode #24 - "Introduction to Motorcycle Suspension & 6 Common Suspension Terms Explained"

The fact that you've run out of fuel ISN'T one of them - you've checked, and there's still fuel in your tank.So, if you've still got fuel, what's stopping it from getting to your engine?Tune in to discover:5 reasons why fuel isn't getting to your engine - whether your bike has fuel injection or a carburetorResources:The Dual Wheel Journey article - " No Fuel Going to Your Motorcycle's Engine? 5 Reasons Why "30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode #29 - "Carburetor vs. Fuel Injection and Petcock Basics"

Some mechanical problems will cause your bike's engine to run poorly. Others will cause the entire engine to stop (or "seize", if you will). Case in point - the engine seizure. Tune in to discover:What an engine seizure is3 common reasons for an engine seizureDifferences between a soft vs. hard engine seizure Resources:The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Engine Seizure - What is It, And Why Does It Happen?"30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #45: " Some Common Overheating Problems for Liquid-Cooled and Air-Cooled Engines" 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #34: "An Overview of an Engine Overhaul"

In short - YES, they do matter. Not only that, where you put them matters too.Tune in to discover:How a sprocket's size is determinedWhat a "sprocket ratio" is - and how to determine itHow sprocket sizes matterResources:The Dual Wheel Journey article - " Motorcycle Sprocket Sizes & Sprocket Ratio Demystified"30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #35: How a Motorcycle Transmission Works & Gear Ratios Demystified

There's no need for you to put everything and the kitchen sink with you inside your motorcycle tool kit. But which items are absolutely essential? Which items are the ones you never want to leave home without - whether you're popping off to the store, or all the way to the other side of the world?Tune in to discover:8 essential items any motorcycle tool kit should include - and what you can do with themWhat the difference is between a tool kit and a tool boxResources:30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #28 - What a Motorcycle Fuse Does and Fuse Color CodingThe Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What Should Be In a Motorcycle Tool Kit?"

What may seem like a big piece of rubber sitting on top of your spark plugs is actually called an "ignition coil"And it's an essential item for making an internal combustion engine work. Tune in to discover:What makes an ignition coil workA very basic introduction to electromagnetism - and, more importantly, what it has to do with ignition coils2 different types of ignition coilsResources:National MagLab YouTube Video - "How Ignition Coils Work"The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What's An Ignition Coil?"

No matter if your bike has modern tubeless tires or old-fashioned tubed tires, you can still experience a blowout, or your tires wear down faster than normal. And it's not just because of bad luck - there are a few reasons why this happens.Tune in to discover:Some common reasons for tire blowouts and uneven tire tread wear (including one that ironically doesn't involve tires directly)Resources:Episode #52 - 6 Tire Pressure FAQs AnsweredEpisode #44 - What is Tire Dry Rot?The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "5 Common Reasons for a Tire Blowout Or Uneven Tire Tread Wear"

Unlike car engines, motorcycle engines don't rely on cam belts for their valve timing - instead, they use cam chains.And this episode is dedicated to demystifying not just cam chains but valve timing as well.Tune in to discover:What a cam chain does, and whether it's the same thing as a drive chainHow an incorrect valve timing can destroy your engine4 cam chain and valve timing FAQS - including whether a cam chain needs to be replacedResources:Mecholic.com article - "Port-Timing Diagram of Two-Stroke Engine"The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Cam Chains and Valve Timing Demystified"

It's a somewhat controversial thing that's talked about a lot, but what does it mean to "derestrict" a 50cc scooter (or moped, for that matter)?And if you're interested in trying it out for yourself, how is it done? Tune in to discover:What "derestriction" actually meansWhy 50cc scooters are restricted (and not their 125cc or 250+ counterparts)2 examples of derestriction methodsSomething CRUCIAL you must know if you're going to do thisResources:New Scooters 4 Less YouTube Video - "How To Derestrict Your Genuine Roughhouse Scooter"How to derestrict a 50cc scooter YouTube tutorial videoThe Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What Does It Mean to “Derestrict” A 50 cc Scooter or Moped?"

Swingarms are exclusive to two-wheelers - but what do they do?And why do some motorcycles have just one swingarm while others have two? Are there any advantages to bikes with just one swingarm?Tune in to discover:What a swingarm is, and what it doesDifferences between "single-sided" and "double-sided" swingarmsHow the length of your swingarm mattersResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What Is The Swing Arm On a Motorcycle?"

Buying new socket handles for your socket wrench? Or are you considering whether it's worth investing in a specialty tool? Then this episode holds the answer - and more.Tune in to discover:6 MORE tips to help you when you're shopping for toolsOne tool that you're better off NOT gettingA genius tool you've probably never heard of beforeResources:30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #51 - Shopping For Tools? My 6 Tips to Get the Best Possible Tools for Your Money 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #54 - What Are Specialty Tools?The Dual Wheel Journey - "Multimeter Tool Tutorial"

Whether your motorcycle, moped, or scooter uses a hydraulic or mechanical brake system, both can go wrong in one way or another.And in this episode, you're going to discover 5 of the most common ones - and, more importantly, what you can do to solve them.Tune in to discover:5 common brake problems - including one that affects BOTH hydraulic and mechanical brake systemsWhy water inside your brake fluid means troubleResources:30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode 39 - "Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Brake Systems"Tomos America Youtube Video - "How To Tighten Moped Brakes"

Did you think that suspension terminology was complicated? How about terms related to electricity and electronics?For example, did you know that there's a difference between "electrical" and "electronic?"And above all, do you know what "ground" is? If you don't, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover: 9 common and often confusing electrical terms - translated into plain EnglishThe difference between "electrical" and "electronic"What "ground" really refers toResources:DWJ Motorcycle Terms and Biker Slang Dictionary EbookEpisode 41 - "What is CDI Ignition?"Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "9 Common (And Often Confusing) Electrical Terms Explained"

Whether you're aching to learn how to work on your scooter or are reluctant to touch anything mechanical, essential maintenance is a must.But if this is brand new territory for you, you might wonder about some easy maintenance jobs that anyone can figure out.Then, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover:4 examples of easy (and also essential) scooter maintenance jobs to get you started - no matter what your previous mechanical experience isResources:Scooter Maintenance for the Absolute Beginner Ebook

If you're having issues with your motorcycle or scooter's electrical system, it might seem like it's been cursed. Well, it isn't - there's a reason why you're having these problems.And in this episode, we'll explore some of those reasons and their meaning. Tune in to discover: 5 common electrical issues - and why they happenResources:30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode #28 - "What a Motorcycle Fuse Is and Fuse Color Coding"The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "Ohm's Law Explained With 4 Examples"Tool Tutorial - "Multimeter"30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode #42 - "Basic Lead-Acid Battery Upkeep & How to Connect and Disconnect a Battery Safely"

Most tools can be categorized, but some tools are so special that they have their own distinct category. Fittingly, this category is known as "specialty tools," and this episode is all about them.Tune in to discover:What makes a tool as "specialty tool"4 examples of specialty toolsWhether specialty tools are worth gettingResources:Venhill.co.uk article - "Motorcycle Flywheels - Everything You Need to Know"

Winter is coming...and if you live in the frost belt area of the world, you'll need to winterize your motorcycle or scooter.But if you're brand new to the two-wheeler world, perhaps you're unsure why you need to do this. And if you are, this is the episode for you.Tune in to discover:What "winterizing" actually means - and what it does NOT meanThe two most common reasons why you should winterize your motorcycle or scooterHow much winterizing tends to costsResources:ScootersforNewbies.com article - "Winterize Your Scooter: An Easy 7-Point Checklist"The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Winterizing a Motorcycle - Why Should You Do It?"

Telling you that tire pressure is vital is entirely redundant - so I won't.But even so, there are still a few common questions about tire pressure, such as:What is tire pressure measured in?How often should I check my tire pressureWhy do my tires lose pressure in the first place?Tune in to discover:6 common questions about tire pressure

Whether you're buying your very first tools or adding to your already impressive tool collection, I have a few tips to make sure you get the best possible tools - no matter if you're on a tight budget or not.Tune in to discover:My 6 tips to get the best possible tools for your moneyResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "6 Tips When Shopping for Tools"

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 doesDifferences between conventional, AGM, and lithium batteriesWhat "CCA" stands for - and why it mattersResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What You Need to Know About a Motorcycle Battery30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode 41 "What is CDI Ignition?"30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode 42 "Basic Lead-Acid Battery Upkeep & How to Connect and Disconnect a Battery SAFELY"

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 oneHow you can determine your chain sizing EASILYHow to decipher the digits in the chain sizing number sequence Resources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Motorcycle Chain Sprockets and Chain Sizing Demystified"

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 wobbleWhat to do if you experience death wobble anyway while you're ridingResources:MCRider YouTube video - "Death Wobble - Causes and Prevention"The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What You Can Do to Prevent Motorcycle Death Wobble Before It Even Happens"

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 specialWhy it's crucial that directional tires are fitted the right way - and what can happen if you don'tHow you can determine that a directional tire is fitted the right wayResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post 'What is a Directional Tire, and Why MUST You Fit It Correctly?'30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode #5 - "Your 5-Minute Motorcycle MOT Guide"

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 doesThe 3 most common material types for fairings4 common types of motorcycle fairingsResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What is a Motorcycle Fairing & 4 Common Types of Fairings"

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 itResources: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 isThe biggest causes of dry rot - and what you can do to keep it at bayResources: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 redlineThe basics of how a rev limiter worksResources:Revzilla YouTube video "This is Why Your Motorcycle Has a Redline"The Dual Wheel Journey blog post " RPMs and Redlining Demystified"

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 battery3 common things to pay attention to while you're servicing your batteryResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "How to Disconnect a Motorcycle Battery And Connect It Again."

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 for5 common parts of a typical CDI ignition systemHow a CDI system worksResources:"What is CDI Ignition, and How Does It Work?" - The Dual Wheel Journey blog post"Capacitors Explained - The basics how capacitors work working principle" - YouTube Video

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 partsHow to determine your bike's make and model easilySomething CRITICAL to consider with electrical partsResources:My Fitment.com blog post "What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying OEM and Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts?"

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 consWhat the "hydraulic" part refers toWhy mechanical brakes aren't common for motorcyclesResources: The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Hydraulic Brakes vs. Mechanical Brakes"30 Minute Motorcycling Episode 18 - "Disc vs. Drum Brakes & Brake Fluid Basics"

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 halogen lightbulb to your bikeResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Halogen vs. LED Headlights"

"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 Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Compression Ratio Explained and Demystified"

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 all3 common clutch componentWhat the "clutch friction zone" isReferences:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Inside a Motorcycle Clutch & Clutch Friction Zone Demystified"

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 transmissionWhy you need a transmission in the first placeWhat gear ratios areResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "The Motorcycle Transmission & Gear Ratios Demystified"

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 isThe differences between an engine overhaul and an engine replacement3 common reasons to do an engine overhaulHow must it costsResources:The Dual Wheel Journey Blog post - "When Do You Need to Do An Engine Overhaul?"YouTube Video - "Honda SS50 engine strip down, rebuild and start"

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 workedResources:YouTube video of a 1958 Mobylette moped being started up The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What is a 'Noped'?"

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 motorcycleDifferences between an underbone and a scooterResources:The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What is an Underbone Motorcycle?"

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" isHow it works, and how to use itWhy it's called a "choke" to begin withResources;The Dual Wheel Journey blog post 'What Is the Choke?'Tomos America YouTube video - "Use the CHOKE on a moped or scooter or motorcycle"

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 tiresWhy tubed tires are still around - at least for motorcyclesResources:RevZilla blog post - "Tubed vs. tubeless tires: All you need to know"Chapmoto.com blog post - "Tubed Versus Tubeless Motorcycle Tires: History, Design And Style"

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" isResources:Understanding the Parts of a Motorcycle Carburetor | MC GarageTomos America YouTube video - "Petcock Tutorial"

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 colorsResources:- 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 Wheel Journey

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 resistance- 4 essential safety tips to keep yourself from getting zappedResource:- The Dual Wheel Journey post - "Electrical Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Wattage Explained"

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 driveResources:- 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #21 - Chain Drive vs. Belt Drive & Chain Slack- Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What is the Drivetrain, Anyway?"