Hand made air filters

I believe that nothing can replace original air filters. There are many types, brands, and different designs being sold. Some are for heavy or long span use, some are for racing, and some are just identical to the original part.

I often get old cars and bikes that have a very dirty air filter, damaged ones or the vehicle does not have the air filter at all. If I know that I can still make money on the vehicle, I will surely get a proper air filter for it but if I’m just going to play with it maybe I will just use a leg stocking for the air filter (I’m a “cheap” guy remember…)

I also have tried using sport filter foams, ventilation filters, air conditioning filters, mesh screens, but leg stocking is my favorite because they are the cheapest and they work! There is really nothing much to say about how to make them, just look at the photos and you’ll know how to make your own “sexy” air filter. Just remember to keep it thin or air passage will be affected. I use about two layers and thats it. Replace or clean it always especially if you use your bike on dusty off road areas.

Here is a picture of a leg stocking used as an air filter for my KDX200. I don’t have the bike with me anymore but it was a fun bike and I never had problems with my homemade air filter. I did lots of repairs on my KDX like new fork oil seals, new rear suspension oil seal, carburetor overhaul, engine tuning, iridium spark plug, suspension linkage repairs, new competition tires, new competition tubes, new rims, new handle bar, new steering head bearings, and lots more but I just couldn’t afford a proper air filter… hahaha!

Source: Repair Guides

Six Types of Storage

You will need six types of storage on your motorcycle i.e. secure, convenient, cool, protective, bulk and available. In all instances the level of waterproof protection is important.

1) Secure Storage.
This is a major issue when touring on a motorcycle. At least one hard lock up pannier, a fanny bag, a money belt are all important. A 'Pacsafe' (see pic below) is a good idea for your bulk storage. Money and travellers cheques should be broken into groups and stored in more than one place.

A spiral cable lock (approx. 1 meter in length and 10mm thick) is also useful for items like your helmet and jacket. By threading the cable through the arms and helmet visor you can take a walk or do some shopping without having to worry too much. Experienced bike tourers suggest a dummy wallet while the bulk of your valuables are somewhere else.

2) Convenient Storage.
Money, maps, compass, GPS, camera, liquids and rain gear must be readily available.

3) Cool Storage.
You should also have a special 'cool' section for items like medication, batteries and camera film.

4) Protective Storage.
Motorcycles vibrate even on excellent roads - now add a poor surface like gravel, add dust, add rain and viola! You have a killer environment for your camera, video camera, GPS etc Too much dust and/or vibration and you may just find your equipment jamming/failing in the middle of a once in a lifetime tour. Special protective equipment bags and boxes are available that offer moisture, vibration and dust protection e.g. Pelican

5) Bulk Storage.
Your solution here will probably be a soft bag with items like clothing, mattress, bike spares and a tent. Whatever you choose find something that is waterproof.

A way of making your bulk storage more secure is to purchase a thin cable-stranded net designed for backpackers from a hiking store. This netting encloses the whole bag and is this then padlocked closed.

A 'Pacsafe' can keep all your soft luggage safe and secure. They are made in a variety of sizes and each size is adjustable.

6) Available
You must have a convenient storage place which is available and empty and can immediately absorb a road-side purchase eg lunch and dinner provisions. Personally I find a tank bag the best solution here.

Exclusive Ferrari chopper

There are a lot of superlatives that could be equally applied to Ferraris and to custom choppers by their respective enthusiasts, and we're not going to try to name them all. But that's probably why there have been so many efforts to blend the two, with varied results.

One builder of custom choppers built a red stallion for Michael Schumacher upon his retirement. Another motorcycle craftsman built two one-off sport-bikes: one powered by a Ferrari V12 and another with a V8 out of a Ferrari 308. Even legendary custom bike designer Arlen Ness styled a chopper after the iconic Testarossa.

The latest crossover between the world of the steel stallion and the prancing horse is this custom chopper, powered by the 140-hp engine from the Triumph 955 Triple. The high-gloss red paintjob even comes complete with race livery, but after watching Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, we're surprised the builder didn't include the team's principle sponsor. The bike was recently up for sale on eBay for about fifteen grand.

Pretty sad actually.... A Ferrari with a triumph engine

And if I wanted the Ferrari of bikes, I would rather go for the MV Agusta F4C

See the video here

YouTube - Formula Chopper

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