30 Minute Motorcycling: Recent Episodes
The Dual Wheel Journey
30 Minute Motorcycling is a podcast for those who want to discover how a motorcycle, moped, or scooter works. If you're brand new to this world, everything can seem daunting, especially the mechanical aspect. I know it was for me - when I got into motorcycles, I didn't know ANYBODY who could show me the ropes. It seemed like I'd never figure this out. But I did, and I feel I must share the things I've learned with you so you have someone who can show you the ropes. Tune in to discover something new about how motorcycles or other motorized two-wheeled vehicles in just 30 minutes...or less.
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 safety
- 3 common issues that can happen if your wheel alignment is out of whack
- 5 things that may cause your wheel alignment to go out of alignment
Resources:
- 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" does
- Why a "fork seal leak" is such a huge issue
- 3 nasty side effects of a fork seal leak
Resources:
- 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 happen
Resources:
- "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 had
- The 2 invaluable lessons I had from this ordeal
Resources:
- Ebook - "5 Mechanical Life-Lessons I Was Taught From Real-Life Experiences"
Support the Show.
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 other
- How much travel your shock absorber should have
- How to check your suspension travel
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 carburetor
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 is
- 3 common reasons for an engine seizure
- Differences 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"
Support the show
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 determined
- What a "sprocket ratio" is - and how to determine it
- How sprocket sizes matter
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article - " Motorcycle Sprocket Sizes & Sprocket Ratio Demystified"
- 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #35: How a Motorcycle Transmission Works & Gear Ratios Demystified
Support the show
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 them
- What the difference is between a tool kitand a tool box
Resources:
- 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #28 - What a Motorcycle Fuse Does and Fuse Color Coding
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What Should Be In a Motorcycle Tool Kit?"
Support the show
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 work
- A very basic introduction to electromagnetism - and, more importantly, what it has to do with ignition coils
- 2 different types of ignition coils
Resources:
- National MagLab YouTube Video - "How Ignition Coils Work"
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What's An Ignition Coil?"
Support the show
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 Answered
- Episode #44 - What is Tire Dry Rot?
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "5 Common Reasons for a Tire Blowout Or Uneven Tire Tread Wear"
Support the show
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 chain
- How an incorrect valve timing can destroy your engine
- 4 cam chain and valve timing FAQS - including whether a cam chain needs to be replaced
Resources:
- Mecholic.com article - "Port-Timing Diagram of Two-Stroke Engine"
- The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Cam Chains and Valve Timing Demystified"
Support the show
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 means
- Why 50cc scooters are restricted (and not their 125cc or 250+ counterparts)
- 2 examples of derestriction methods
- Something CRUCIAL you must know if you're going to do this
Resources:
- New Scooters 4 Less YouTube Video - "How To Derestrict Your Genuine Roughhouse Scooter"
- How to derestrict a 50cc scooter YouTube tutorial video
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What Does It Mean to “Derestrict” A 50 cc Scooter or Moped?"
Support the show
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 does
- Differences between "single-sided" and "double-sided" swingarms
- How the length of your swingarm matters
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What Is The Swing Arm On a Motorcycle?"
Support the show
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 tools
- One tool that you're better off NOT getting
- A genius tool you've probably never heard of before
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 systems
- Why water inside your brake fluid means trouble
Resources:
- 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast Episode 39 - "Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Brake Systems"
- Tomos America Youtube Video - "How To Tighten Moped Brakes"
Support the show
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 English
- The difference between "electrical" and "electronic"
- What "ground" really refers to
Resources:
- DWJ Motorcycle Terms and Biker Slang DictionaryEbook
- Episode 41 - "What is CDI Ignition?"
- Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "9 Common (And Often Confusing) Electrical Terms Explained"
Support the show
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 is
Resources:
- Scooter Maintenance for the Absolute BeginnerEbook
Support the show
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 happen
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 tools
- Whether specialty tools are worth getting
Resources:
- Venhill.co.uk article - "Motorcycle Flywheels - Everything You Need to Know"
Support the show
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 mean
- The two most common reasons why you should winterize your motorcycle or scooter
- How much winterizing tends to costs
Resources:
- 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?"
Support the show
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 pressure
- Why do my tires lose pressure in the first place?
Tune in to discover:
- 6 common questions about tire pressure
Support the show
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 money
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "6 Tips When Shopping for Tools"
Support the show
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 does
- Differences between conventional, AGM, and lithium batteries
- What "CCA" stands for - and why it matters
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What You Need to Know About a Motorcycle Battery
- 30 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"
Support the show
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 one
- How you can determine your chain sizing EASILY
- How to decipher the digits in the chain sizing number sequence
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Motorcycle Chain Sprockets and Chain Sizing Demystified"
Support the show
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 wobble
- What to do if you experience death wobble anyway while you're riding
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 special
- Why it's crucial that directional tires are fitted the right way - and what can happen if you don't
- How you can determine that a directional tire is fitted the right way
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show
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 does
- The 3 most common material types for fairings
- 4 common types of motorcycle fairings
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What is a Motorcycle Fairing & 4 Common Types of Fairings"
Support the show
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 it
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Is Your Engine Overheating? 5 Common Reasons Why"
Support the show
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 is
- The biggest causes of dry rot - and what you can do to keep it at bay
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What Causes Tire Dry Rot?"
Support the show
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 redline
- The basics of how a rev limiter works
Resources:
- Revzilla YouTube video "This is Why Your Motorcycle Has a Redline"
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post " RPMs and Redlining Demystified"
Support the show
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 battery
- 3 common things to pay attention to while you're servicing your battery
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "How to Disconnect a Motorcycle Battery And Connect It Again."
Support the show
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 for
- 5 common parts of a typical CDI ignition system
- How a CDI system works
Resources:
- "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
Support the show
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 parts
- How to determine your bike's make and model easily
- Something CRITICAL to consider with electrical parts
Resources:
- My Fitment.com blog post "What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying OEM and Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts?"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 cons
- What the "hydraulic" part refers to
- Why mechanical brakes aren't common for motorcycles
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Hydraulic Brakes vs. Mechanical Brakes"
- 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode 18 - "Disc vs. Drum Brakes & Brake Fluid Basics"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 bike
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Halogen vs. LED Headlights"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
"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"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 all
- 3 common clutch component
- What the "clutch friction zone" is
References:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Inside a Motorcycle Clutch & Clutch Friction Zone Demystified"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 transmission
- Why you need a transmission in the first place
- What gear ratios are
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "The Motorcycle Transmission & Gear Ratios Demystified"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 is
- The differences between an engine overhaul and an engine replacement
- 3 common reasons to do an engine overhaul
- How must it costs
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 worked
Resources:
- YouTube video of a 1958 Mobylette moped being started up
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What is a 'Noped'?"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 motorcycle
- Differences between an underbone and a scooter
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What is an Underbone Motorcycle?"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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" is
- How it works, and how to use it
- Why it's called a "choke" to begin with
Resources;
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post 'What Is the Choke?'
- Tomos America YouTube video - "Use the CHOKE on a moped or scooter or motorcycle"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 tires
- Why tubed tires are still around - at least for motorcycles
Resources:
- 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"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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" is
Resources:
- Understanding the Parts of a Motorcycle Carburetor | MC Garage
- Tomos America YouTube video - "Petcock Tutorial"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 colors
Resources:
-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
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 zapped
Resource:
- The Dual Wheel Journey post - "Electrical Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Wattage Explained"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
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 drive
Resources:
- 30 Minute Motorcycling Episode #21 - Chain Drive vs. Belt Drive & Chain Slack - Dual Wheel Journey blog post "What is the Drivetrain, Anyway?"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
All motorcycle engines have a cooling system to deal with excessive heat - either through air-cooling or liquid-cooling.
Each type has its strengths and weaknesses - which this episode is all about.
Tune in to discover:
- How an air-cooled engine and a liquid-cooled engine works, respectively
- Some pros and cons of each type
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey Post - "Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled Engines & Coolant"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
If you're absolutely clueless about what the suspension does, and what terms like "suspension sag" and "unsprung weight" mean, this episode is for you.
Tune in to discover:
- What the suspension actually does, and how it works
- 6 common terms related to suspension (including 'suspension sag')
Resources:
- RevZilla YouTube Video - "Motorcycle Terminology Explained"
- That Girl on a Bike YouTube video - "The importance of suspension broken down so even the non-mechanically minded can understand"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Thought that ABS was complicated enough? How about "cornering ABS?"
But don't fret about it anymore - by the end of this episode, both types will be demystified.
Tune in to discover:
- What ABS is, and how it works
- What "cornering ABS" is, and how it differs from "regular" ABS
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "ABS & Cornering ABS - What is It?"
- VicRoads YouTube video - "Motorcycle ABS - Improving Rider Safety"
- ADI YouTube video - "KTM - ABS and Cornering ABS Explained"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Do you have a scooter? Then you've probably not got a conventional manual gearbox. But you don't have an automatic transmission either - it's a special kind of transmission known as a "CVT."
Tune in to find out:
- What "CVT" stands for, and how it works
- Some advantages of a CVT transmission + 1 disadvantage
- How much a CVT belt can cost
Resources:
- "Scooter CVT Transmission Explained" video
- "Inside a scooter CVT transmission" video
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Most motorized two-wheelers (whether it's a motorcycle, moped, or scooter) use chain drive or belt drive. But what are the differences between the two?
And if you've got a chain, you have to think of how much "chain slack" you have. But what is it?
Tune in to learn:
- The differences between chain drive and belt drive
- What "chain slack" is - and a general guideline for what your bike's chain slack should be
Resources:
- Alex Simmonds - "Motorcycle Chain VS Belt Vs Shaft Drive Which Is Better" YouTube Video
- MC Garage | "Motorcycle Chain Vs. Belt Vs. Shaft—Which Drivetrain Is Best?" YouTube Video
- "How To Adjust A Motorcycle Chain and Sprockets at RevZilla.com"
I'll give you a hint - it's not just your head. There's a lot of things inside a regular helmet that protects your head from taking a beating.
Tune in to learn:
- The 6 parts of a motorcycle helmet - and what they do
Resources:
- FortNine video - "Why Motorcycle Helmets Use This Ancient Buckle"
In the context of motorcycles, and other two-wheelers that run on petrol or gasoline, "running rich" isn't a good thing.
Tune in to learn:
- The concept of "Lambda 1" - and what "running rich" really means
- 4 reasons why "running rich" isn't good for your bike
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "What Does It Mean When Your Bike Is 'Running Rich?'"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Does it really matter how fast your bike is if your brakes down work? I thought so.
If you've ever been curious about what it is that actually makes your bike stop, this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn:
- The differences between disc and drum brakes
- About something DEADLY that might be in your drum brakes
- The differences between DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, DOT 5.1 brake fluids - and the one type suitable for modern motorcycles
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post "How Do Motorcycle Brakes Work & Brake Fluid Basics"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
You might not think of them that much, but your motorcycle's wheels and tires play a crucial role in keeping you on the road and out of the ditch.
Therefore, it's good that you know a few things about them.
Tune in to learn:
- The important job that the wheels have
- What a "wheelbase" is
- Some common wheel types - from spoked to composite (and their pros and cons)
- How to read tire dimensions and test your tire tread depth - with just a coin
- The differences between bias-ply and radial tires
Resources:
- Chaparral Motorsport video - "Motorcycle Tires 101."
- Motorcyclist Magazine video "Bias-Ply Motorcycle Tires vs. Radial Motorcycle Tires."
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
If you do, congratulations! Not many people know the difference.
If you don't know, however, - this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn:
- The definition of a "moped" (and why it's called a "moped" in the first place)
- The definition of a "scooter" (and about a special class of scooters)
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "A Quick History of the Vespa - A Cultural Transport Giant"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
If you listened to episode 14 of this podcast, you'll have a basic understanding of how an internal combustion engine works, and some common engine layouts.
But there were a few things that were left unanswered:
- "What is a 2-stroke?"
- "What is a 4-stroke?"
- "What is a 'stroke?'"
That's what this episode will dive into.
Tune in to learn:
- What a "stroke" really is
- The differences between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine and their pros and cons
Resources:
- Tomos America YouTube Tutorial - "How to pre-mix 2 stroke oil with gasoline for mopeds and motorbikes"
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Motorcycle Engines, Common Engine Layouts & 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Isn't it strange that we're only now talking about motorcycle engines - after 14 episodes?
Either way - release your inner mechanic - this weeks' episode is all about internal combustion engines.
Tune in to learn:
- The basics of internal combustion engines
- 4 common motorcycle engines, and their pros and cons
- What's in a top and bottom parts of an engine
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Motorcycle Engines, Common Engine Layouts & 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke"
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
What springs to mind when you hear the terms "hard-tail" and "soft-tail?" Is it "what's a hard-tail" and "what's a soft-tail," respectively?
If that's the case, this episode of the 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast is for you.
Tune in to learn:
- The differences between a hard-tail and a soft-tail
- The pros and cons of each type
- Why a hardtail is a good choice for a beginner bike customizer
Resources:
- ItStillRuns article about hardtails and softails
- Bennets Bike YouTube Video - 'How does a motorcycle's rear suspension work?'
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Did you listen to Episode 10 and Episode 11 of this podcast? If you did, by now, you're probably wearing a helmet and a good jacket, gloves, and some study armor.
Things are looking good.
But that's still not enough - there are two more pieces to complete the proverbial ATGATT puzzle - trousers and footwear.
Tune in to learn:
- What every good pair of motorcycle trousers will have
- The best type of footwear
- Why it pays to get boots with shin protectors
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article about motorcycle gear
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Did you listen to Episode 10 of this podcast? If you did, by now, you're probably wearing a helmet.
But that's not enough - you'll also need a proper motorcycle jacket, gloves, and armor.
Tune in to learn:
- The two main different types of motorcycle jackets and their pros and cons
- Why you must wear gloves (yes, even in the summer)
- The armor ratings you should keep an eye out for (and one you must avoid)
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article about motorcycle gear
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
At the end of every episode of this podcast, I say, "keep your helmet on and your eyes on the road." But how can you keep your helmet on if you're unsure about whether it fits?
In this special 10-episode anniversary of the 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast, we're talking all about motorcycle helmets and how you can make sure you get one that fits you.
Tune in to learn:
- The main different types of helmets and their pros and cons
- The 3 most common helmet safety ratings
- How to tell if a helmet fits you - just by trying it on
- Why buying a used helmet is a BAD IDEA
Resources:
- SNELL Website
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Love playing poker? Have you ever wanted to combine a poker night with a bike night?
Then, how about doing a "poker run?"
Tune in to learn:
- What a poker run is and how you play it
- About poker runs done for charity - and how to find ones in your local area
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - How to Do a Poker Run
- Largest Poker Run (Guinness Book of Records)
- "How to Play Poker" Video Tutorial
- "What are the Poker Hands" Video Tutorial
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
When you work on your bike, there's always the risk that you might injure yourself.
Fortunately, that risk can be managed and avoided if you follow these 6 good workshop habits.
Not only that, but they'll also make the maintenance or repair process much easier - whether you're replacing your oil or rebuilding your transmission.
Tune in to learn:
- The 6 good workshop habits you MUST follow when you work on your bike
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Do you break out into a cold sweat when someone asks you what your total reaction distance at X km/h is?
Then I've got bad news - you're most likely going to get this question when you take your theory test.
But the good news is that you don't have to memorize the result for every single speed limit - you can figure out your reaction, braking, and stopping distance by doing some math.
It's not rocket science either - just basic arithmetic.
Tune in to learn:
- The definitions for the reaction distance, braking distance, and stopping distance
- The 3 easy formulas to determine your reaction, braking, and stopping distance
Resources:
- Dual Wheel Journey blog post about reaction, braking, and stopping distance
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
In Sweden, not all mopeds are created equal. A class system exists that separates mopeds and scooters into two classes.
Those classes are Class 1 and Class 2.
But what are the differences between the two? What is the top speed of each class?
Where do you park a Class 1 or Class 2 moped, respectively?
And perhaps most importantly of all - what license do you need?
Tune in to learn:
- The differences between Swedish moped Class 1 and Class 2 - from top speed to parking
- What license you need for each class
Resources:
- Dual Wheel Journey blog post about Class 1 and Class mopeds
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Do you live in the UK? Then you should know that getting an MOT is easy - at least if you're a cager.
Most of the information about how to book an MOT is cage-centric - a simple search for "how to get an MOT" on Google, and you have a seemingly infinite supply of knowledge.
But what are you supposed to do if the vehicle that's due for its MOT is a motorcycle?
Not every garage service motorcycles, and to complicate things even further, there are 6 MOT classes.
Tune in to learn:
- The 6 MOT classes - and the 4 that are relevant for motorcycles
- How you can find the garages in your local area that service motorcycles - without making a single phone call
- The 5 grades of the MOT test
Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey - How to Get a Motorcycle Mot blog post
- MOTCheck.net
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
Do you want to get a licence so bad that it hurts? Are you just sitting around waiting for the day when you can finally start taking motorcycle lessons?
If that's you - stop. There's plenty of things you can do right now to prepare for your licence test, even if you can't take lessons right now.
Tune in to learn:
- The 3 things you can do RIGHT NOW to prepare for your motorcycle exam - without even leaving the house
Resources:
- Driving Theory 4 in 1 Kit
- MSF Basic eCourse
- MCRider YouTube channel
- DanDanTheFireMan YouTube channel
- RevZilla YouTube channel
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
If there’s one thing you’ll learn about the European motorcycle licenses, it’s that there’s a lot of As - - you’ve got the AM, A1, A2, and the A license.
But what are the differences between them, and more importantly - how big of a bike do you get to ride on each license class?
Tune in to learn:
- The four different European license classes - the AM, A1, A2, and the A.
- How much bike you get for each license class
- How old you have to be to take the license exam for each class
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
If you’ve read the MSF Basic Rider Course handbook, or if you’ve watched a lot of motorcycle-related videos on YouTube, you’ve probably heard of T-CLOCS.
Out of all the pre-ride inspections, this is one of the most common ones and easiest to memorize.
Tune in to learn:
- What T-CLOCS stands for
- How to do a complete T-CLOCS inspection - one letter at a time
Resources:
- Free Interactive T-CLOCS checklist
- Read up about the T-CLOCS inspection on The Dual Wheel Journey
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)
In this inaugural episode of the 30 Minute Motorcycling podcast, I talk about:
- The types of motorcycles - from standards to touring bikes (even mopeds and scooters)
- The pros and cons of each class
- The 3 things you MUST consider when you're shopping for your next bike (whether it's your first or your 21st)
Resources:
- Cycle-Ergo.com
Support the show (https://winning-painter-3892.ck.page/products/dwj-tip-jar)