Cruisers are more than simply rolling motorcycle art. They represent both a means of taking their owners places they've never been (physically and spiritually) and a canvas for the expression of a personal vision. While many cruisers may have a retro feel, the underlying technology is up-to-date. This sophistication may be intimidating to novice mechanics, who need a place to start their journey of bike modification.
How to Modify Your Cruiser Motorcycle is based on two ideas. First, most cruiser riders are by their nature tinkerers. They usually start with simple bolt-on goodies, like some chrome trim. Second, their interest in their machine brings them into performing basic maintenance which drives them toward more advanced modifications.
Following a similar progression, How to Modify Your Cruiser Motorcycle begins with the most basic maintenance projects and continues through major modifications, helping riders of almost any level of mechanical ability plan and carry out a variety of performance enhancements to their cruisers. The book's structure groups the projects into the various systems on a motorcycle. Each section begins with easier projects before moving on to more challenging modifications. For example, the engine section begins with installing an aftermarket exhaust system and ends with installing a big-bore kit. Other topics range from freshening brakes to fixing fork seals to installing aftermarket wheels and brakes to tuning EFI systems. Novice and experienced mechanics alike will find something to spark their interest in the book's 30 projects.
Each project starts with a table containing an estimate of how long the modification will take, the tools required, and the mechanical experience necessary to undertake it. The parts list makes sure that everything can be gathered prior to disassembling the bike. Every project includes a tip, highlighting a key consideration. Finally, a brief description of the expected performance gain is stated. Some projects also include a listing of any complementary modifications to be considered. You get the most vital information in an easy-to-digest format-all before reading the actual body of the project! The main text of each project takes the reader through in a step-by-step manner. Photographs highlight key points in the process.
Armed with this book and a factory service manual, just about anyone should be able to wrench his way from novice to experienced mechanic-and have a bunch of fun along the way. How to Modify Your Cruiser Motorcycle will be available from Motorbooks International, in bookstores and online vendors in time for Christmas. Although most cruiser enthusiasts will have to visit the book's official website (www.cruiserprojects.com) to download free sample projects, Motorcycle Cruiser readers can now enjoy this sample project in a portable non-electronic form.
Project 9: Hydraulic Fluid Change
Time: 45 minutes
Tools: Wrenches, sockets, rags, torque wrench (inch pounds), Teflon tape, brake bleeding tool (optional), clear hose, glass jar for brake fluid, rags
Experience: 1
Parts: Brake fluid
Tip: Only use fresh fluid from unopened containers, and never mix fluid brands performance gain: Better lever feel, no nasty surprises
Complementary Modifications: Add braided steel brake lines
Maybe this weekend, when you needed to do a panic stop because a dog ran out in front of you, your brake lever came much closer to the grip than usual. Or maybe you just checked your brake's (or hydraulic clutch's) fluid and noticed that it has turned dark or cloudy. Or you could just be following your bike's maintenance schedule (good for you!) and the time has come to freshen your hydraulic fluid. However you came to this point, you should know that fresh hydraulic fluid is vital for proper performance.