Over the years I?ve met plenty of people that love riding motorcycles, but don?t actually know the first thing about them. They know how to turn them on, where the throttle is and all the important stuff? but quite often, that?s where their knowledge ends. And that?s fine. You don?t need to know the ins and outs of its technical specification to enjoy it. It?s by no means essential that you know how your engine, your brakes and your suspension works. But having half an idea how all them things do what they do will make your entire motorcycling experience better; in every way. Here?s why it’s important to understand your bike.

Self-diagnosis

If your bike starts rattling, or develops a misfire it could be a fairly terminal engine problem. But it might not be. In fact it probably isn?t. If you?ve had the bike for a few years, you?ve worked on it yourself and you know it like the back of your hand, there?s a good chance that you?ll know exactly what?s causing that sound, straight away.
That?s great when you?re at home, but it?s even better when you?re not. When you?re at home, you can faff and fiddle until you find the problem. But if you hear it when you?re out and about, you?re unlikely to have the time (or the tools) to faff and fiddle with much. If you know straight away what you need to look at, it can be the difference between getting home in time for tea, and not.

Be a money saving expert

And of course it?ll save you money. If you?ve got the ...