K & N Air Filter Cleaning

The K&N Filters improves performance while at the same time increases engine efficiency.For the proper working of these filters it should be cleaned and maintained properly. The company recommends cleaning the filters every 40,000 kms. Every K&N has a cotton mesh as well as wire mesh. As per company recommendation, if the wire mesh is not visible then is the time for cleaning.

The company also provides special cleaning kit which includes a cleaning solution (solvent) and an oil. Don't use another oils which are not recommended for cleaning K&N filters as it may harm the filters.

The cleaning procedure includes

• Remove the filter from carburettor or air box
• Spray the given solution on filter surface from inner side and outer side.
• Keep the filter untouched till maximum 10 minutes.
• Wash the filter in plain water without pressure. (Small quantity of Liquid Soap is permissible for washing, then apply plain regular water to clean and remove the soapy water).
• If there is any dirt remaining on the filter body then repeat the above procedure.
• After washing the filter in the water keep the filter for drying. Natural drying is advisable for K&N filters to avoid the damages.
• Do not use compressed air, that will damage the cotton mesh
• Before applying oil, make sure the filter is completely dry. After drying the filter, apply the given K&N oil on outer surface. Do not use the oil from inner side.
• Refit the filter.

Enjoy Biking in its true spirit and power.

Boosting the Performance Of Bikes

In Indian there is a large demand for performance bikes due to interest in biking and so demand due to lack of imported motorcycles. So generally people tends to change the machine from stock to high performance for either street racing, circuit racing, drag racing or for dirt purpose. Earlier some of the high performance material was not available in India due to lack of knowledge about material or because of importing it to India.Now a days in India there are some high performance spares available by some of the direct distributor or importers, for example K&N filters, Piper Cross, MSD Ignitions, NGK, DYNOJET, Microns, Two Brothers etc.The material is extremely high performance but just by putting few spares you can’t increase the performance due to lack of information. The performance is depending on channels or the way you put those spares in-line like computer flow chart.To increase the performance of indian bikes we have the following accessories.

1. Air Filters
   • Factory fitted air-filters are designed in a way that filters maximum possible dirt particles from the air before in enters the engine, the main drawback here is the factory fitted air filters restrict air flow to the engine because of its high filtration capacity and thickness
   • In India the most commonly available power filters are K&N, Pipercross, LM filters,BMC filters.
   • We can simply install these in automobiles without changing other motorcycle parts.
   • High Free Flow Filters increases the air intake of the engine thereby increasing the breathing capacity of motorcycles.
   • It improves performance while at the same time increases engine efficiency.
   • Every motorcycle has a particular air fuel ratio for example 5:1 means 5% is air and 1% is fuel.
   • By using High Free Flow Filters we increase the percentage of a airflow,say to 10%.
   • To get full efficiency of this High Free Flow Filters,the fuel ratio must also be changed by Re-Jetting for instance 2% fuel for 10% of air flow.
   • This will increase the performance of the engine.
   • Grabbing a high-Performance air intake is the quick and easy route to several benifits,including
   1. An instant increase in horsepower.
   2. A noticeable boost to throttle response.
   3. Improved fuel economy
   4. A long-life for performance air filter by proper maintaining it.
   5. Easy to install and use.
2. Re-Jetting
   • Re-Jetting means adjusting the size of jets inside carb.
   • Indian bikes are coming with Mikuni or Keihin carbs.
   • Ellorto / Spaco has got jets but not suitable for Mikuni or Keihin because of thread size.
   • So make sure about thread sizes before Re-Jetting.
   • The size of the jets are adjusted to make the bike more efficient and to optimise the air fuel mixture.
3. High Performance Free Flow exhaust canister
   • When the intake is increased by some amount the exhaust should also go in that ratio which stock silencers can’t do.
   • Here comes the need for High Performance Free Flow exhaust canister.
   • Two Brothers, Microns etc provide High Performance Free Flow exhaust canister.
4. ECU Remapping
   • ECU remap is a method of enhancing the electronic engine management system of a vehicle by updating the software installed by the manufacturer.The ECU ( Electronic Control Unit )is updated with a different set of commands that help the engine to generate more power and run more efficiently.
   • Manufacturers mass produce engines for use in countries all over the world.
   • So they have designed it to handle a range of different operating conditions,including different grades of fuel, various climates and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
   • Manufactures program the engine control unit so that the engine is capable of passing the stringent emission tests with a low emissions value
   • By efficiently reprogramming the electronic control unit to make the most of market in which it is being used.
   • This type of reprogramming the engine to run with the specific grade of fuel and the air temperatures of the home market can gain better throttle response,generate even more power,torque and use less fuel.
   • The actual power gain from an ECU remap varies between models.
   • Some engines gain as little as 5% while some mat gain as much as 40%.
   • Usual increase of the engine power will be around 15-20%.
5. Lubrication
   • Oil is the main factor in the engine for performance, wrong oil grade can decrease the performance rapidly and might damage the motor or moving parts.
   • In the market High Performance Lubes like synthetic, semi synthetic oils are available.
   • Some of the imported oils are not suitable for Indian Motorcycles, they are very good for Higher CC engines. The major lag of power starts from clutch, so wrong oil can start slippage in clutch. So make sure the oil specification of the vehicle before buying and pouring in the Engine.
6. Inside Engine
   • Burning all the fuel can be done by changing the Spark plug (NGK-Ir)
   • Change in Spark Plug Cable (MSD Ignition Cables)
   • Installing High performance Ignition Coil for better and high voltage for burning the fuel.
   • The main engine power transmission is through clutch so bad Clutch Springs or low tension springs kills the BHP, so use proper tension or some high tension clutch springs which should high tension than stock springs.
   • The next step is Nitriding of Intake and Exhaust Valves and so the cam, which will reduce the wear and tear.
   • Among these the most important is upgrading to Big Bore Cylinder. Change to higher size piston for big bore cylinder.
   • After that next change should be Hard Chrome Plating on Cylinder bore, which helps the piston for fast motion.
   • Then increase in intake bore for better intake.
   These all will transform the Machine into a real beast. Machine into a real beast.
   
   
   Enjoy Biking, Always wear a helmet

Mantra for Healty Biking

Be it your new Lord of the Streets or your cute budget bike, they are such loyal buddies taking you to where ever you want.So it should be maintained well to enjoy true biking.A true biker cares his/her bike like he cares himself/herself.

Following are some tips to keep your bike healthy and powerful

1. Tyre Maintenance
   • Regularly check tyre condition and air pressure. Optimum air pressure in the tyres of the bike is important for maximum road grip, stability, riding comfort and longevity of the tyres.
   • While under-inflated tyres wear unevenly, adversely affect handling, and more likely to fail from being overheated, over inflated tyres make the motorcycle ride more harshly, and more prone to damage from surface hazards, and wear unevenly.
   • Check your tyres for cuts and scrapes on your tires, which could cause a blowout. Also check the tyre treads once a week and have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked if the wear is uneven.
   • Check for the amount of tread, a tread depth of 1mm is fine
   • Don’t try to economise by running them too low.
2. Battery Maintenance
   • The motorcycle battery needs periodical maintenance to ensure a long and trouble free life. Check the electrolyte level against the top and bottom markings on the battery shell. Always top up with distilled water whenever required.
   • Check for any leakage from battery. It should be clean and free from any leakages. In case of non-use of motorcycle, battery should be kept fully charged and electrolyte level should be at Top mark.
   • A battery is made up of lead, which is dipped in acid water. Acid water also means electrolyte, this means that the battery acid can actually damage the paint job and cause corrosion to other parts as well, so when handling a battery, make sure you do so with care.
   • Also, one common problem that batteries face is the oxidation or terminals. Each battery has a positive(+) and negative (-) terminal and overtime, the reactions in the battery cause these terminals to oxidize and that in turn reduces the voltage it can deliver.
   • Well in the market there are special sprays available for battery terminals. ‘Battery Coat’ is the best spray and this can be sprayed on the terminals to remove or avoid oxidation. The spray avoids the terminals from direct contact to the air.
   • If the spray is not readily, available then the best and the most conventional way to solve this problem is by using VASELINE petroleum jelly. By applying some amount of petroleum jelly the oxidation will not take place. The main drawback of this jelly is that it has a low melting point and during summer seasons, it might find that we need to do it a little often.
3. Engine Maintenance
   • The Engine oil plays an important role in ensuring smooth operation and maintenance of the bike and maintaining a correct engine oil level is important. .
   • Check engine oil level each day before operating the two–wheeler. Oil level should be between upper and lower marks. Top up engine oil if required. Check for oil leakage.
   • Change engine oil within the proper time (time prescribed by the company) to avoid damage to engine parts.
4. Body Maintenance
   • Clean the two-wheeler body surface regularly to maintain the surface finish. Before cleaning the motorcycle, ensure that the ignition switch unit, H.T. Coil and silencer are covered using plastic sheets.
   • Clean the motorcycle using low-pressure water. All painted surfaces should be washed only with water, as kerosene or detergent will damage the paint.
   • Use authentic cleaning solution that is tailor made for bikes.
   • Inappropriate cleaners will get on saddle, blue the chrome and get on the paint. Thus, use products that will not cause problems as regards to spoiling the finish or discoloring it.
   • Remember cheap cleaning products will only harm your vehicle.
   • Never use a dryer or air compressor to dry the vehicle as it might grit the finish and cause irreparable damage. Use a cloth to dry rather than a blower or a dryer. Clean the leather saddle (if) with the manufacturers recommendations.
5. Periodic Maintenance
   • Clean spark plug regularly. Every 750 km for two-stroke bike and every 1,500 km for four-stroke bike. Clean spark points (electrodes) with emery paper.
   • Keep carburettor clean. Every 1500 km, clean out the carburettor float chamber and other parts. Clean jets by forcing compressed air through them.
   • Keep both brakes properly spaced. Keeping them too tight (too urgent), or too loose (too late) is dangerous. Brakes should be tightened as per the rider’s personal style and requirement.
   • Check cables regularly for kinks, bends and frayed ends. Especially check ends. If one or more strands appear broken, replace immediately.
   • Change the clutch pads within the proper time to ensure smooth gear shifting.
   • Change the suspension oil of the front suspension for every 10000km to enjoy a bumpy free ride.
6. Chain Maintenance
   • The chain is a very important Component of your Bike as the chain is what powers the rear wheel.
   • A Bike’s chain, sprocket and the cam chain tensioner are the main components that transfer power to the road from the engine.
   • The O Ring chains are more prone to wear and tear as they are exposed and need regular maintenance so that your bike’s chain is healthy. Conventional Chains also need regular maintenance.
   • Bike’s chain need regular lubrication, cleaning and adjustment.
   • In case you have a bike which has a conventional chain cover remove it before cleaning .
   1. Cleaning
      • Dip the chain in clean diesel for at least 5-6 hrs. Then use the brush (plastic type bristles) for cleaning the mud out of it, and then re-wash it in clean diesel.
      • If possible, hand it for about 2-3 hours to allow the diesel to drip out of the chain.
      • This process would make the joints and the links on the chain free and smooth, the next step would be to dip the chain in EP90 oil or in 20W40 engine oil. There is no need to buy expensive or branded oils for it.
      • Buy oil which could be affordable, because the ultimate aim is to clean and lubricate the chain links in order to keep it from rusting.
      • After dipping it in the oil keep it that way for 4-5 hrs. And then allow it to hand in order for the oil to drip away, after having done all of the above, simply install the chain back onto the machine.
      • Don’t use Water as it might rust the chain links because if the water has salt or minerals or chlorine and sodium it will damage the chain.
      • This is a more common method used for chain cleaning. Follow the same steps as above until the part where you allow the diesel to drip off from the chain, after that, take about half a kilogram of AP3 grease and heat it up so that it turns into a molten liquid.
      • After its liquid enough, pour the same onto the chain and wait till the grease turns solid. After making sure that the grease is cold, remove the chain from the drive system and remove all the extra grease by wiping with the help of a soft cloth. This would make the chain ready to use again and so you can install it back on to the machine.
   2. Lubrication
      • Lubricate the chain links and the chain with used engine oil. For this you need not buy expensive oils, whenever you get your bike serviced ask the workshop to give you some old engine oil in a bottle.
      • Use this used Engine oil and lubricate all the areas of your bike’s chain by rotating the wheel so that you lubricate all the areas of the chain.
      • Check if the chain has rusted or starting to rust if it is, then put more lubricant on the rusted areas.
      • It is a good idea to touchup with paint in the rusted areas to prevent further rusting, WD 40 Antirust spray is also helpful. Make sure your bike is switched off to prevent any injuries to your hand.
   3. Inspection and Adjustment
      • Check if your bike’s chain has a free play of 2-4 mm in general by moving the chain up and down in a vertical direction with your fingers.
      • Bike’s chain must have the correct tension and free play of the rear wheel. If the tension is more the chain wont power the rear wheel smoothly during motion.
      • If in case the chain is loose, the power delivery from the engine to the rear wheel wont be optimal and there will be loss of power due to slippage.
      • Take the bike to your mechanic or service center and get it adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications.
      • Inspect the Transmission system every three weeks in general to ensure your bike’s engine and transmission components are in perfect working order. Remember bike must not only look good Cosmetically but also function properly and regular Chain Drive Maintenance will ensure this and the performance of your bikes wont drop through passage of time.
7. Electrical Maintenance
   • Make sure all the lights are functioning, particularly the brake light. Unless you want a truck up your back end.
   • If you only use your motorbike infrequently it is a good idea to put the battery on charge occasionally or you may find you will have to replace it even sooner.
8. Brake Maintenance
   • This process is very simple and can save you a lot more than money.
   • Every vehicle would have its own basic tool kit. Generally all motorcycles, scooters have 13mm nut size for adjusting the rear brakes. A suitable tool for this bolt would be in the tool kit.
   • There needs to be a little caution applied when tightening the brakes as a tight setting can jam the brakes and cause a lot of problems like engine and brake overheating and also low mileage.
   • At the same time a loose brake setting can slow your reaction time down. So adjust it as required.
   • Replace the brake pads at the proper time to ensure proper working of brakes.
9. Grease Maintenance
   • Control levers, brake springs, brake pedals are some of the common points where its advisable to apply grease.
   • Different climates also dictates the use of different types of lubrication.
   • When it rains it would be unadvisable to use oil for lubrication as it would get washed away easily. Grease would be the best for the monsoon.
   • In summer as we know the temperature is high and its usually always dry. Generally air flows with dust particles. So in summer using oil is the best option for some of the spares.
   • Don't use more grease attracts dust very fast and could create resistance in moving parts.so use it adequately.
10. Air filter Maintenance
    • This is of great importance as the engine requires good amount of dust free air for its proper working.
    • Remove the air filter box.
    • Then detach the dusty sponge from the case inside the air filter.
    • Dip it in diesel for about 5-10 minutes.
    • Then squeeze the diesel off from the sponge and pour air filter clean oil into it.
    • If in the case of Power filters,clean it as prescribed by the company.
11. Documents
    • Always ensure that the tax is paid .
    • Insurance cover (Insurance policy) is within validity period.
    • Pollution Certificate is up to date.
    • Keep Tax Receipt and Insurance policy at home and keep xerox copy in bike.
    Proper maintaining of the bike will lessen the money spend by sending it to the workshop. No dealer would keep reminding the rider to service the bike all the time. These are factors which the riders would need to keep track of in order for the machine to be in service flawlessly for a long time
    
    
    Always remember these
    
    
    Respect the machine, The machine respects you.
    
    
    Drive Safely and Responsibly.
    
    

Note To Second hand Maruthy Gypsy Buyers

Maruthy Gypsy,Built to take any terrain.....any condition..!! is the Indian version of the popular Suzuki SJ Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Maruti Udyog Ltd. started the manufacture of Gypsy in India in the year 1987. The low-cost SUV is extensively used by the police and defense forces in the country, apart from being a part of rally events. The tough build of Gypsy can withstand extreme weather condition, ranging from snowy hilly area and rough deserts to streams and dirt tracks.

1. There different models available are
   • Mg 410
   • MG 410W-wide axle
   • MG 413W-carb
   • MG413W MPF
   but for MG410, in all the otheres the 4wd can be engaged while the vehicle is running (2L to 4L)
2. Ensure that the 4wd mechanism is working well when u get the vehicle because it's pretty hard to get spares for the transfer case.
3. Another weak area is the propellor shaft.So get it checked by an experienced mechanic.
4. Do through underbody inspection- it can tell how the vehicle was used and maintained.
5. Never trust the reading in the odometer.Listen to the engines growl. A mechanic can easily tell the age of the engine with an error of 10000kms.
6. Check underpart of doors for rust.
7. Check for water leak.
8. For hardtop versions, rust develop at the joint between the winscreen frame and car body, which can be effectively repaired only if the hardtop is unscrewed.
9. Take the vehicle in some guttered road for test ride to unearth rattles, which is another annoying problem.
10. Try to take vehicle form owner(not brokers) brokers will take u for a ride.Else, buy it from guys who buy jeeps/gypsies, work on them and then sell.(but dnt trust them fully. they wil repair the vehicle only to get it in running conditon, not optimum condition).
11. If possible, take with u a friend already having a gypsy so that he can give u valuable suggestions.
12. Look for body patchwork- doors, mudguard

    
    
    
    

Premier Rio

Premier Automobiles,the company with its glorious past in the Indian auto market for its most popular sedan model Padmini and now after a decade company has come back in Indian market with the Low cost compact diesel SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) model Premier Rio in Indian market.

After the demise of Suzuki Gypsy,there hasn't been a single small SUV and this Rio could fit much as into this seat.Remember the appeal of Suzuki Gypsy,Imagine if had been a diesel and body covering well the Rio gives you just that.

Premier Rio a mini car masquerading as a mini SUV is packed with a 1.5L, 1489cc, Turbo diesel engine that produces 65PS of maximum power at 4000rpm with 152Nm of maximum torque at 2250rpm. and delivers high engine performance. This 1.5L, 1489cc Turbo diesel engine makes Premier Rio able to deliver great acceleration with excellent fuel efficiency. Earlier, auto experts were expecting that Premier Automobiles may also launch one more powerful version of Premier Rio that will be packed with the turbo diesel engine that delivers 98PS of maximum power as with the launch of this SUV company is directly going to compete with Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Xylo. But the company official said that Premier Rio is not going to compete any other SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) in Indian market and it is a small model in comparison to others.

Premier Automobiles has launched Premier Rio as a joint venture with the Chinese auto major Zotye Auto.

Premier Automobiles has launched three variants of Premier Rio in the price range of Rs 5.25 lacs to Rs 5.95 lacs (as ex-showroom prices in Mumbai). Once .
Premier Rio is packed with BS IV compliant engine and it also satisfies some safety norms as the top end variant of this SUV is packed with ABS (Antilock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) like advanced safety features.
The Premier Rio had come to India under some other name during the last Auto Expo, and most of us did not notice it.

It will be a tallish, hatchback-sized SUV. Reports are that the Rio has pretty much the internal size as a hatchback car. But hatchback car interior sizes vary quite a bit between the Santro and the Indica vista. But thre you have a general idea. It has got fat wheels alright in the photos we have here – but don’t be to sure if they will be standard on the Indian Rio.

Premier has plonked in the well-known Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine into the Rio. Now, this engine came to India in the Peugeot 309, and later fund its way into a diesel Maruti Esteem. Peugeot has modifed the engine and added a turbo – upping the power outpt from 58 bhp to 65 bhp.

There is no certainty on whether the Rio’s TUD5 diesel engine will meet BS IV emission norms. If it does, it will appear in the metros. If it does not, PAL will sell the Rio in the small towns and villages where BS III would do, while they work on meeting BS IV norms.

Initially Premier Rio will be available at its 20 dealerships across the India and the company plans to ramp up this number to 50 dealerships in next few months. These dealerships showroom will be different from those dealers who currently sell Premier commercial vehicles – Premier Roadstar and Premier Sigma

Compare Premier Rio Models