Table of contents

• PS-Tune Up Special: Basics Tips on screwdriving
• Approvals
• Exhaust systems and slip-on
• Footrest systems
• Handlebar conversions
• 10 indicators and lighting system
• License plate holder
• Conclusion
• Tip: adjust the footrest / gear lever
• Tip: adjust the lever

23 pictures

archive

1/23
Above: ideal case – 90 degree position. Bad posture like in the two pictures below can be prevented by adjustable footrests.

archive

2/23
Hand and forearm should form a line (see top picture).

Katrin Sdun

3/23
…But legal provisions are also strict here – for example, the angle of inclination for the baking tray.

triplespeed headquarters / Ines Mannl

4/23
Accessory license plate holders are also optical elements in tuning…

archive

5/23
When replacing series indicators with retrofit parts, the main thing is the look of the bike.

Schermer

6/23
If you focus on quality, you will get the security of the direction indicators.

Winni Winfried Scheibe

7/23
Important: When converting the handlebars, make sure that the brake line and clutch cable are long enough.

manufacturer

8/23
The right handlebar for the desired purpose…

mps photo studio

9/23
…The flat and wide sail pole, for example, usually costs feeling and leads to unrest in the vehicle.

Katrin Sdun

10/23
Notches from the retrofit program not only increase the style, but also have very practical advantages…

Yvonne Hertler

11/23
…They improve the feeling for the bike, offer more grip and offer more freedom of lean angle than standard parts.

Andreas Feulner

12/23
The exhaust is always the most frequently cited item to be exchanged for a motorcycle in horsepower surveys…

marco magoga

13/23
…Optics, sound and performance all play a role – but the component is tricky.

Hanselmann

14/23
With this component, the law enforcement officers have long since lost their minds to joke, and the days of the removable dB-Eater are numbered.

Gerry Wagner

15/23
Exhaust systems have changed in terms of noise over the years…

Yvonne Hertler

16/23
…cheap versions may even be faster.

www.r-photography.info

17/23
The “bread boxes” of the current bikes are really no beauties.

www.r-photography.info

18/23
But there is a trick to camouflage.

triplespeed headquarters / Ines Mannl

19/23
With a heat-resistant ceramic coating in the same color as the vehicle…

triplespeed headquarters / Andreas Feulner

20/23
…As on the PS Triple Speed ​​Tsurugi, the large amount of sheet metal can be concealed well.

www.factstudio.de

21/23
In principle, the E-mark certifies that excellent components are approved for use in motor vehicles…

Lohse

22/23
…and have an ECE type approval.

23/23
This sticker or information stamp on the packaging gives hope that there will be no problems with the parts. Nevertheless, an ABE is not a license to simply screw the part onto any bike.

counselor

workshop

PS-Tune Up special tips for screwing

PS-Tune Up Special: Basics
Tips on screwdriving

Content of

For the tuning special, we break away from a special model and take care of what everyone should know before swinging a wrench and the like to improve their darling.

Jens Hebisch

06/16/2016

Before we rush headlong into the prettifying and filing of the two-wheeled elixir of life, we want to sacrifice a few lines on the legal situation of various components so that we don’t have to spoil the fun again and again later with reference to the bureaucracy.

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Tips on screwdriving

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Approvals

The E-mark on a component means that it has received an ECE type approval and can therefore be installed on motor vehicles. The E-mark can be found on the indicator and headlight glasses or on the exhaust pipes. The general operating permit (ABE for short) confirms, similar to the E-mark, that the component has passed various tests and is approved for use. However, this is usually limited to certain models that are listed in the ABE (e.g. slip-on dampers for a specific vehicle). The ABE or a copy of it must still be carried with you. More and more, however, vehicle-specific accessories have an EG-ABE, in which an e-mark is also attached to the component. In this case, you can safely do without carrying the permit.

There are also parts certificates. Similar to the ABE, these confirm that a component is suitable for use on a listed model, but it requires that the correct assembly of the part is approved by an expert (e.g. TuV inspector) and confirmed in writing. Depending on the component, it is sufficient to carry this confirmation with you and only have it changed in the vehicle documents at the “next opportunity”. Or you are asked to have the changes entered “immediately” at the registration office – this applies to the installation of performance-changing components such as a throttle set.

www.factstudio.de

In principle, the E-mark certifies that components awarded with it are approved for motor vehicles and have an ECE type approval.

Why components with parts certificate and not with ABE? One reason for this is the issue of “safety”, because if you lose your expensive slip-on from the manifold mesh due to technical incompetence, that’s pretty stupid, but not yet life-threatening. However, if the fork comes straight through the bridges straight into your face when anchoring hard, this will definitely cause lasting pain. In other words, in the case of complex conversions such as exchanging the clip-ons for a superbike kit, it makes perfect sense for someone with specialist knowledge to take another look at them.

And last but not least, the material report. This only confirms that the material used can withstand certain loads or is resistant to special liquids – a good example is a material report for a tank made of GRP. Whether this will fit on the bike and whether the TuV inspector will actually enter the part is anything but certain. So, in the case of a material report for the desired piece, always request the paper first and pay a visit to the TuV. Only when the latter – preferably sealed with a blood oath – agrees to the entry, one should place the order.

Regarding the costs: A normal entry based on a parts certificate amounts to around 35 euros, but for each “construction site” approved. In the case of an extensive renovation, this can add up. If an individual acceptance is necessary due to a material report and this even requires driving tests, noise and / or emission measurements, this can really cost money, as the costs are billed. In this case it is imperative that you first consult the test center.

Exhaust systems and slip-on

The exhaust is THE conversion object of all first choice and of course our first point in the tuning special. What should be considered when buying, apart from the formal legality of the sound system? Real legality, for example. This means that all the test marks in the world are of no use on Germany’s roads if the fanfare during routine checks on the house track kills the “race management” dB measuring device. So if you buy and install an approved part with a clear conscience, but it does not meet the noise regulations, you will have to leave a few euros.

But how do you avoid the bad buy? In some cases, customer reviews in shops, forum posts or YouTube excursions can provide a hint. In addition, of course, the octane specialist press, such as our PS-TuneUp. Or you can get advice from a specialist workshop (these are real people in a real building with really oil-smeared hands) or a specialist dealer, and thus you also have a point of contact if the green fan club or, more recently, blue-and-white warnings warn you. With the request not to generalize the following statement: It is still often the rather very cheap offers that go into the noise protection knees either directly or after a certain period of time.

Andreas Feulner

The exhaust is always the most frequently cited item to be exchanged for a motorcycle in horsepower surveys.

Furthermore, the finish in production and the fit should influence the purchase decision. Here, too, it can be seen that not everything that is expensive has to be good, but quality is also difficult to get at a dumping price.

And last but not least, style and sound, of course, whereby sound does not mean the riot but the release of the acoustic character of a bike. Would you like an example? Take a streetie with a serial pot and it sounds like … a motorcycle. Give the part the right sound system and it will be snotty, mobbing and an acoustic troublemaker with goosebumps guarantee. Whether triple, V2 or what ever – accessory pots simply let more charisma through and ensure a blissful, broad grin under the helmet with every burst of gas.

A note about current technology: More and more original exhaust systems work with flap systems, which make it possible to get the most out of performance while complying with noise regulations. It is not uncommon for inexpensive systems to forego the implementation of this system and only achieve approval via partially powerfully clogged dB eaters – which consequently cost performance. In these cases, it is usually only the expensive systems that copy the complex flap system and thus can catch up with the performance and power delivery of the series.

Another styling tip: More and more bikes are being delivered with a front silencer that sits under the engine. This “bread box” usually becomes even more conspicuous and therefore uglier with the addition of stylish slip-ons. So, down with the complete manifold mesh including the tin can and off to the coating professional. Pulver-Nord from Quickborn gave our Tsurugi exhaust system a heat-resistant and stylish black ceramic coating, which makes the collector optically almost invisible on the bike and whose martial style also looks damn good on most of the manifolds. For those who have sniffed too much exhaust fumes or simply want to show their styling courage, the northern lights are happy to make a coating in color.

Footrest systems

Quite apart from the style factor, there is a very simple reason for converting the standard “running boards” to fine material from the accessories: the right seating position. Anyone who thinks that two centimeters up, down, forwards or backwards is only two centimeters and therefore not worth the financial expense, has certainly never had a good accessory system.

Katrin Sdun

Notches from the retrofit program not only increase the style, but also have very practical advantages. They improve the feeling for the bike, offer more grip and offer more freedom of lean angle than standard parts.

The targeted optimization of the seating position in the area of ​​the pegs can significantly change the personal perception of one’s own bike or, if desired, sharpen it in a targeted manner. This is how an athlete becomes a real super athlete, because the rider may be positioned much more aggressively on the bike. Does a tourer become a real globetrotter because the limbs can no longer fall asleep. Or a naked bike becomes a real country road scalpel, because the sportier seating position ensures more agile handling. Not to mention the significantly increased hold due to the extra-rough grid bodies. And with adjustable footrests, there is more freedom to lean, so there is an end to sanding down the clunky standard parts. A problem that naked bikes in particular often suffer from.

The fact is that even the smallest corrections at both ends of the “driver’s control organ” – that is, on the handlebars and on the pegs – cause disproportionate changes in the driving experience or driving comfort.

In addition, a good accessory system distinguishes itself through minimal play in the levers, which often results in significantly crisper switching processes. If you opt for a system with rigid notches, there is also the aspect of the crash pad, as these notches keep a lot of damage away from the bike when slipping. The individual parts can then easily be bought from good manufacturers. Just like the other components of the system.

Handlebar conversions

Similar to the footrest systems, it is often only millimeters or a few degrees more or less offset in the handlebar end that can turn an is-already-okay bike into pure bliss. With the naked bikes, for example, it has been shown time and again that the standard handlebars are often a tad too narrow.

manufacturer

The right handlebar for the desired purpose.

In addition, the selected crankings of the original parts are often a reason for fingers to fall asleep or cramped forearms. A handlebar conversion therefore not only improves the appearance, it also ensures increased driving pleasure, provided that you have chosen the right handlebar model. A wide, martial-looking sail pole in the almost straightforward water pipe style may still provide that extra portion of whipped cream in front of the home ice cream parlor, but on the home route it can cause lasting frustration. So it is better to get information beforehand from a competent specialist dealer or a trusted workshop and make targeted improvements.

Another little tip that doesn’t cost a single euro: Far too often, people are out and about with incorrectly adjusted levers and complain that the clutch is so difficult, the brake is so difficult to adjust and the wrists hurt. If you place your fingers on the levers, they should form a straight line with your forearm. If this is not the case, simply use the wrench and readjust the levers.

10 indicators and lighting system

With hardly any accessory are the quality differences as far apart as in the area of ​​the lighting system, especially with the flashing direction indicators. Anyone who retrofits relies almost exclusively on LEDs. And that’s a good thing, because the light output and with it the clear message “Attention colleagues, I want to go around the corner” has improved significantly with semiconductor technology.

archive

When replacing series indicators with retrofit parts, the main thing is the look of the bike.

When it comes to the choice of material, however, there are worlds between good and bad. On the one hand, in terms of the mood in the wallet, and on the other hand, especially in terms of the quality of the components. In our workshop, we now only install high-quality and therefore usually higher-priced LED indicators, such as those supplied by Kellermann, Motogadget or Rizoma. The reason for this is not just the design, but above all the material properties – for example metal instead of plastic housing. Because there is one thing you should definitely consider: The workload, be it as a hobby mechanic in the home garage or in the specialist workshop, is always the same, regardless of whether it is cheap or high-end. But if the part has already been cut down after the first season or if you keep a nice little wet biotope in the indicator shell due to a leak, new material has to be procured and all the work has to be carried out again. Here you should really ask yourself in advance whether you would rather do it once, but do it correctly.

Cool and appealing, by the way, is the complete renunciation of original brake / taillights – for example by exchanging the original rear plaster for an accessory with a closed rear – and the rear mounting of LED indicators with built-in brake / taillight function.

License plate holder

Weird in the state of Germany: You should think that the component, which, as it were, displays permission to participate in public road traffic, requires at least an E-mark or an ABE. But that’s not the case. However, this does not mean freedom of work by a long way, because there are specifications regarding the height and angle of the number plate about the assembly scope on the vehicle (in case of doubt, ask the test center). Important: The license plate must be illuminated – from an E-approved component. The same seal of approval also applies to the prescribed reflector.

Katrin Sdun

Accessory license plate holders are also optical elements in tuning. But legal provisions are also strict here – for example, the angle of inclination for the baking tray.

Suitable license plate holders from the accessories come out with a good fit, sturdy design, vibration-inhibiting mountings (e.g. rubber washers on connectors) and the license plate lighting and reflector included in the scope of delivery. Also very nice if the component also offers the option of an adjustable license plate angle. So you can correct if the friend with the blue light is of the opinion that you can only see the start number from the helicopter.

Conclusion

Not everything that is expensive is necessarily good. But our experience shows that the chance of a deep grip in the toilet is quite often given when hunting for bargains in the Far East. In addition, when choosing your hardware, you should also consider carefully that the material usually also requires a conversion effort and possibly even one or two euros to the test center. If you then have to make improvements after a while due to a quality defect, you not only bought twice the material and thus expensive, but also invested a lot of work and possibly got into trouble.

And how do you know what is good and what is not? For example, personal experiences of two-wheeled colleagues can be used for this purpose, as well as research into forum contributions and other sources on the World Wide Web. A hot tip is still the on-site specialist who has a lot more to do than just changing the oil on your bike.

And last but not least, of course, our PS-TuneUp contributions, which can help you choose the right material, even if the pimped bike may not exactly match your own machine – quality assessments, information on how it works and much more are often transferable and not applicable to a model bound.

We wish you a great motorcycle season – on the asphalt as well as in the garage at home. True to the motto: A TuneUp’s work is never done.

Tip: adjust the footrest / gear lever

archive

Above: ideal case – 90 degree position. Bad posture like in the two pictures below can be prevented by adjustable footrests.

The position of the foot changes depending on the type of vehicle. On athletes, the tip of the foot points down significantly more steeply than on naked bikes. Nevertheless, the angle from the foot to the lower leg is decisive for the feeling of well-being on any motorcycle. Ideally, this angle should be 90 degrees, but in no case should it deviate significantly from it. The gearshift lever is adjusted accordingly so that it can be operated without twisting (see picture at the top). Adjustable footrests give you even more freedom and prevent tiring and dangerous bad postures like in the two pictures below.

Tip: adjust the lever

archive

Hand and forearm should form a line (see top picture).

Retrofit levers for brakes and clutches offer many advantages, as they usually have a larger adjustment range and the levers can thus be placed further away or closer to the handlebars. This increases convenience and also makes it easier to operate, depending on your preferences. Posture problems can also be solved with standard levers. When it comes to the correct position of the hand in relation to the forearm. Both should form a line so that the forearm muscles are relieved as much as possible. Simply loosen the screws of the brake pump or clutch and turn them so far that this line is created in a typical driver’s position.

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