Here at AK Motors we truly believe that motorcycle riders have their own culture. Today we would like to discuss a couple of phrases that people may not be familiar with.

Brain Bucket: This is a what we call helmets, that’s where your brain goes….

Megaphone: A modified or aftermarket exhaust. Usually louder than the stock exhaust this earning the name of a “megaphone”

Gixxer: A motorcycle manufactured by suzuki. Originally names GSX-R but saying “GEE ES EX AR” bikers have quickly named it gixxer. It just rolls off the tongue.

Naked: A motorcycle without fairings (all that plastic around your legs). Has mechanical parts exposed. while some are manufactured in this manner, others are given this look.

That’s it for today. Study up on your phrases and don’t forget to keep the dirty side down.

Here at AK Motors we are proud to offer one of the best used motorcycle selections you’ll find in [...]

Introduced in 2015 the Yamaha YZF-R3 has made an impression in the beginner bike market, our impression is that this bike isn’t solely for beginners. Addressing the elephant in the room: this bike will not outperform any of the bigger bikes in the market, but not everything is a race and that is not to say that this bike isn’t enjoyable.

The Yamaha R3 weighs in at 368lbs and is paired with a 320cc engine that puts out 42HP and 21lbs of torque. The end result is a motorcycle that can handle it’s own and won’t easily be outgrown by novice riders. The R3 delivers a surprising punch north of the 5k rpm range which can be sure to give you a smile. The R3 shouldn’t be overlooked just because it isn’t [...]

Riding a motorcycle provides us with joy and pleasure, however we must not forget that operating a motorcycle comes with responsibilities. One of the most important parts of safe operation is the tires and it is our responsibility as riders to inspect our tires before every ride. Regular inspection can can ensure maximum lifespan of your tires and sustain ride safety. The following should help you monitor your tires throughout their lifespan.

1. Check pressure before you ride: Doing so ensures that your wheels are provide the best performance. Under inflated tires can wear out considerably faster, thus hurting your wallet and your chance of staying upright. Consider investing in an air pump and a tire pressure gauge. Inflate tires in the temperature you plan to ride, to put it simply, do no inflate tires in a warm garage if you plan to ride in cold weather and vise-versa.  Refer to the tire manufacturer as pressure can [...]

Some people know squids as Cephalopods that are consumed as calamari, to others squids are a careless motorcycle riders. Real life squids are known to have short lifespans and for this reason experienced motorcyclist refer to careless riders as squids.

let us observe a squid in it’s natural habitat

Image from https://thedandooligan.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/squide.jpg

Here we see a motorcyclist who isn’t equipped with adequate protection, is not focused on the road, and is improperly operating their motorcycle as he only has one arm in on the handlebars. This is a squid, DON’T BE A SQUID. There is no conceivable reason to operate a motorcycle this way, this will result to in harm to yourself and those that love you. While squids may think that they look better/cooler without proper motorcycle attire, seasoned riders think [...]

Residents of the bay area tend to be a little spoiled, but in a good way. The bay area is known for it’s outstanding food, diversity of cultures, great weather (here commuting on a motorcycle is an actual possibility), and the beauty of nature that’s within it. Exploring everything that the bay area has to offer takes a lot of effort but it is rewarding. The perks of riding a motorcycle (fuel consumption and maneuverability) combined with the thrill of the experience make exploring the bay area such a pleasant experience. Get on your two wheels and this is an example of what could be explored in the bay starting from San Jose.

Ride Pacific Coast Highway through Montara and enjoy the scenic beauty.

And while LA is known for movie industry, the bay area’s theater can’t be beat. Why not catch a show in the city

The charging system is one of the most important factors in keeping a motorcycle running. Not only does it provide the electricity to operate our accessories but it also provides the spark required for the combustion process. Bottom line a faulty electrical system can leave riders stranded on the side of the road. Checking the charging system regularly can

Here at AK motors we inspect every bike to ensure reliable operation and customer satisfaction. Here we test the charging system of this beautiful Suzuki GSXR600

First locate the battery (usually found under the seat but varying models will differ)

With the use of a multi-meter, the voltage of the charging system can be measured.
1.) turn on motorcycle and the high beams
2.) turn on multimeter and make sure that it is set to “V” or volts
3.) connect multi-meter to the proper battery terminals, that is red(+) to red(+) and black(-) [...]

How many times has it happened that we set out to a bright and sunny morning only to encounter this later in the day.

As the holidays are approaching so is the cold, wet weather. Riding through the rain can be a daunting challenge especially to inexperienced riders but worry not there is somewhat of a science to it.

First of all a motorcycle should be in proper working order. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to keep your motorcycle functioning properly. Failure from the suspension, brakes, tires or engine can be catastrophic in regular weather. The way a motorcycle performs in the rain is significantly different as water reduces friction in brakes and grip on the tires.

Secondly, Technique is key. A rider should have a different approach when navigating though the downpour. Give your self plenty of [...]

If you’re considering investing in a motorcycle to get around but are unsure what to get, may we suggest the Honda CB500F. The sleek naked design offers great performance while accenting it’s aggressive style. Weighing in at a light 414Lbs combined with a 25.5° rake this bike has good handling and maneuvering through traffic is a breeze which can be useful during rush hour. Motorcycle geometry is something that consumers often overlook but can greatly impact the riding experience. Fortunately the CB500F offers an upright riding position which is a more natural sitting position with your weight resting on your seat and not on your arms as is the case with most sport bikes. The upright sitting position makes this bike a perfect commuter and your back will thank you for it. Mated with a 500cc engine this is not a bike that will quickly be outgrown as it produces 46.1 horsepower at competent 8500 [...]

1946 marks the first year production of Honda motorcycles by Soichiro Honda. (picture provided by findlayhondaflahstaff.com) WWII had just ended previously in 1945 and a war-devastated Japan needed an answer to the high demand for cheap transportation. Soichiro spent the next three years designing and developing his engine for his bicycles. In 1949, Japan got it’s answer with the first Honda motorcycle called the Model D for Dream. As a kid, Soichiro was infused with mechanical skills he attained from working on mechanical devices given to him by his father. Gihei Honda was the town’s local blacksmith and Soichiro refined his mechanical skills over the years as he helped his dad, Gihei, fix and sell bicycles and motors. He became so proficient by the age of 17 that he was picked as the mechanic for Shinichi [...]