Author: MikeD

Many motorcyclists are enjoying extended riding days and sales of used bikes are hitting record figures. New bikes continue with healthy sales despite the supply chain suffering. Newer used bikes are selling like hot cakes. Most have complete service histories of these many will find their way for service, repair and tuning to independent workshops.

Rider beware!

If you are going to be taking your machine in for work, don’t forget to ask whether they have motorcycle diagnostic equipment and the latest software to cover your bike. Some bikes will flash up a service light at the slightest movement of a body panel or twitch of an added electrical accessory. Getting an after market accessory? Make sure the bikeshop is able to implement the change and keep your electronics sweet.

The most savvy motorcycle workshops will already be offering a full diagnostic service, those that don’t will be missing out on your business. A recent survey revealed that once a new bike has undergone a couple of visits to the main dealer customers are more likely to seek out a local specialist, one that is able to offer a ‘one-stop’ workshop. The last thing they want is cost and time needed to revisit the main dealer just to get a dash light switched off.

Any workshop whether a main dealership or independent must be aware of the new technicalities of the battery powered vehicles. Not only can the power cells extremely heavy and cumbersome they can be susceptible to damage if mishandled, which can be expensive.

Not only mechanical workshops will need suitable battery lifts

An often overlooked issue with EV cells and their complex wiring looms is that they can be damaged or have their optimal use shortened when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. For example in temperature controlled paint booths when paint.

Why anyone would risk using equipment not designed specifically for the job is sometimes hard to understand. Workshops do need to be aware of a number of factors;

Electric Vehicles also known as EV need specialist lift for handling batteries, motors and transmissions.

Ideally these lift should have 

• A solid platform that also allows access to fixings and components
• Self levelling for awkward situations
• Omni-directional high load wheels with integral brake for accurate positioning
• Easily accessible controls on the lift and ideally remote control
• Electro hydraulic ram system with integral safety features
• Ability to be used with other lifts
• Built in electrical insulation
• Good design from a reputable manufacturer using premium components
• CE certification as a minimum for compliance
• Solid after sales support and product knowledge

When you put all these things together and invest in a piece of equipment your workshop will have the confidence to operate on EVs.

How do you decide where to get your mowers serviced? what should you look for in a service centre?

Each year thousands of grass cutting machines cover hundreds of thousands of miles and cut tons and tons of grass cuttings. All of this work takes it’s toll on such machinery and servicing and repair becomes paramount. While some companies have in-house workshops there are also many independent service centres that work on Quads, ATVs, Mowing equipment and ground care machinery. The list vital components for any equipment workshop should start with safeguarding the health and safety of the technicians and operators. Lifting equipment must have as a minimum CE certification. When buying lawnmower workbenches and scissor lifts deal with a reputable company that supply well made equipment using quality components. 

Why would you even consider purchasing a piece of capital equipment from a company who do not offer in-depth knowledge and local support? 

Cheap equipment is cheap for a number of reasons; materials used, build quality, design, after-sales support etc. When selecting a mower lifting table and before you maker a decision consider; 

• brand origin
• lifting capacity
• lifting height
• electro hydraulic
• foot pump
• pneumatic
• remote control
• availability of spares or consumables
• warranty
• recommendation

With the proliferation of information and reviews on the internet make sure you do your homework. Try not to be caught in the ‘buy cheap, buy twice trap’ when you choose workshop equipment make sure it’s something upon which you can rely!

No matter what you are lifting in the workshop it pays to lift safely. The Health and Safety Act of 1974 was designed to minimise the risk of injury in the workplace and ensure basic safety and working practices are followed.

Professional workshops these days are becoming more and more technically demanding. gone are the days of the ‘oily rag’ establishments. Today’s Technicians need to be able to operate heavy machinery safely. While the car industry has had to work with heavy lifting gear the motorcycle mechanic has for too long been confronted with working on rickety benches or even on their knees. Higher specification motorbikes mean the level of basic workshop equipment required has risen. Nowadays a good bike shop is a brightly lit and it’s service and repair areas are festooned with the specialist tools, some of which are brand and even model specific. The latest digital diagnostic devices and gizmos are vital too. But the true workhorse of the modern motorcycle workshop is the BIKE LIFT. It is essential to be able to safely and securely lift motorcycles to a height that provides optimal work height, proper adjustment and access to all the major components. When considering a good motorcycle lift you need to consider;

• Practical and efficient
• Scissor lifts are generally more space efficient
• Ease of Use – Electro-hydraulic or pneumatic operation
• Remote controller
• Quality of materials
• Origin of equipment
• Certification and conformity  – vital for your workshop insurance
• Warranty
• After sales service
• Optional components
• Reputation of supplier

When you buy a lift for your workshop or for your technicians – remember this piece of equipment will enable your technician to work; safely, more efficiently, profitably. This lift will be used to elevate expensive machines that maybe the customers’ pride and joy. That customer is more likely to appreciate your works when they see just how professionally you operate.

One thing that has been surging recently is the sales of bicycles from starter push bikes to top of the range carbon framed road cycles. Not only is this good business it also opens up a raft of on-going servicing, upgrades and repairs to the workshop. Workshops that offer a clean, tidy and well laid out environment to bring their machines. When you Bikes Shops now offer;

• Mountain Bikes
• Downhill Specialist
• Road racing
• Track bicycles
• BMX and specialist machines
• Electric Bikes
• Battery conversions kits
• Cycle helmets and safety equipment
• Accessories and Nutrition
• Technical clothing

Leading manufacturers are encouraging Cycle Shops to up their game, follow branding, develop brand loyalty this is a business with legs. Not only are the long standing makers developing new bicycles, the luxury marques are producing pedal and electric bicycles to tempt their customer. Buying an SUV for the weekend? Why not add a foldaway bicycle? 

And what used to be a case of home repair and fettling is now a multi-million pound industry, High performance machine require top specification kit to enable servicing and repair of these increasingly sophisticated two wheeled machines. The introduction of high capacity batteries and electrically driven bicycles is a market that is continuing to grow exponentially. Manufacturers offer a huge array of options some of which may cost thousands. Customers with that level of disposable income also demand on-going support and servicing to keep their bicycles in tip top condition. the last thing the want to do is take their ‘pride and joy’ to an oily-rag back alley repair shop. Customer facing service centres are what they want to see!

Today’s customer wants to see a workshop that reflects the level of investment they have made. In many countries where cycling is afforded a iconic status the humble cycle store has been resigned to history, they have been replaced with high end boutique status and ultra-technical establishments where carbon fibre and space-grade materials are king.

Inevitably these workshops feature slick cabinets within which reside polished tools and mechanisms to keep these perambulators wheels turning.

Motorcycle wheels and tyres all look remarkably alike to an untrained eye or inexperienced rider; however, a professional mechanic or bike enthusiast will tell how much of difference there can be between the vast number of rubber and wheel options in the marketplace. Riders can be loyal to a brand or will make a purchase based on price, a review, and recommendations, but choosing the right equipment for a motorcycle is essential to getting the most out of the bike performance and enjoyment of riding one. If the handling on your motorbike suddenly feels different, or the chain is making strange noises it could be down to the tyres, maybe they are wearing out asymmetrically? In this article we look a little closer at some of following topics relating to motorcycle tyre and wheel maintenance:

• Motorcycle Tyres and Markings Motorcycle Tyre Pressure Motorcycle Wheel Alignment Mounting and Changing Motorcycle Tyres and Wheels Motorcycle Wheel Balancing

Motorcycle Tyres and Markings

Tyres offer riders different things, they should match and be the correct size (speed and load ratings) for the motorcycles make and model, if in doubt, always seek professional advice or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The technology of a tyre impacts on its durability, performance, load, weather capability, and what the bike generally is used for. Motorcycle tyres should all have figures printed on them which provide us with a lot of information, for example: 180/55 ZR17 (73W). In this case ‘180’ tells us how wide the tyre is in mm, 55% is the profile height of 180mm, which equates to 99mm. ZR17 relates to the size of the rim in inches (17), ZR refers to the (Z) tyre speed rating and construction type R (radial), finally, 73W is the speed and load index, if this figure is in brackets, it means the tyre is capable of speeds in excess of the figure, no brackets mean it’s a maximum rating.

Motorcycle Tyre Pressure

Before setting off it is good practice to check the motorcycles tyre pressure, always do this when the tyres are cold, and never exceed the maximum load. Follow the tyre pressure setting (PSI) recommendations listed on manufacturer manuals, always use a good quality pressure gauge that holds a reading.

Overinflating motorcycle tyres will result in accelerated tyre wear. Underinflated tyres can result in irregular tread wear, cracking, poor cornering, punctures, and loss of control which could be fatal. Repeated loss of tyre pressure can signal another problem. Visually inspect both the wheel and tyre closely, to assist use a hydraulic motorcycle lift if available, if in any doubt seek the advice of an expert.

Motorcycle Wheel Alignment

Whenever the rear bike wheel is removed, or the belt or chain adjusted, you will need to align the motorbike wheels again.  If you do not have the correct motorcycle workshop equipment to check wheel alignment, like a yoke, centre or rear paddock stand for lifting the bike, it’s important to seek the advice of a professional. An incorrectly aligned wheel will can cause expensive irreversible damage, even malfunction whilst in use which could be fatal.
Motorcycle wheel alignment is the position of a rear wheel in the swing arm, and its alignment with the front wheel and frame of the bike.

Mounting Wheels and Motorcycle Tyre Changing

Some motorcycle tyre punctures can be repaired, but an exterior, sidewall or temporary repair should never be attempted. Only specially trained persons should mount tyres using professional motorcycle workshop equipment. Mounting and changing wheels and tyres incorrectly can cause tyre explosion and serious injury, always wear the appropriate PPE.

Common tools required to carry out motorcycle tyre changing include, paddock stands or a swing arm pivot stand, robust bead breakers to force the tyre rim, a motorcycle wheel balancer, tyre lever kit with protectors, and a valve key.

Motorcycle Wheel Balancing

To avoid irreversible damage, excessive tyre wear and vibrations whilst riding, all motorcycle wheels need to be balanced before use and rebalanced once a tyre is either replaced or removed.

Tyres are made to exacting standards but there is always an imbalance between the rim and a new tyre. Balancing by use of weights is best carried out by a professional motorcycle balance stand or computerised wheel balancer with a quick and easy mounting system, as it can detect which part of the wheel rim needs additional weight.

Refer to the wheel manufacturer’s instructions for approved wheel weights. Once the motorcycle wheel is on the balancer, remove any old wheel weights and spin the wheel to start the balancing process.

Every motorcycle owner has a duty of care to themselves and other road users by ensuring their motorbike is kept in tip top condition.

UK government guidelines require that all vehicles should be legally roadworthy, one legal requirement is passing the Ministry of Transport test annually, better known as an MOT.

Just like with any car, if your motorcycle is under 3 years old it will not need an MOT, but it will be required to pass an annual motorcycle MOT inspection from its 4th year onwards. If you are found to be riding without a valid MOT certificate, it can result in a fine of up to a £1,000 and will invalidate your insurance policy.

Most bikers are responsible owners and riders, they take a lot of pride and care maintaining their motorcycle. In this article we look at what is required to pass a motorbike MOT, and what to expect from the motorcycle garage you choose to carry out the inspection. 

Motorcycles are broken in two MOT classes, engines up to 200cc fall into ‘class 1’ and engines over 200cc fall into ‘class 2’. The class itself should not affect the cost of the MOT but having a sidecar will. Motorcycle MOT costs £29.65, but rises to £37.80 with a sidecar, this is because sidecars individual components are a separate assessment.

The Motorcycle MOT inspection will not test your engine, clutch, or gearbox. The test inspection will cover and focus on all the vital components of your motorbike, which include:

1.  Registration Plates, Vehicle ID and Frame number

2.  Headlamp, Lights, Indicators and Reflectors

3.  Tyres, Wheels, and Alignment

4.  Throttle

5.  Brakes and Controls

6.  Steering and Suspension

7.  Drive Chain and Sprocket

8.  Motorcycle Frame

9.  Exhaust and Fuel Systems

10.  Seats

11.  Horn

12.  Footrests

For each of these tests the inspector will use specialist MOT motorcycle tools and testing equipment to look for any damage or excessive wear, ensuring all motorcycle parts, equipment and accessories meet UK government standards, for example:

·       Motorcycle headlamps testers will check the overall lights condition, aim and that they are fitted with the correct colour bulb.

·       Steering and suspension tests will focus on the motorcycle forks, handlebars, bearings, swinging arm and shock absorbers.

·       The overall condition of the motorbike wheels and tyres will be assessed, checking wheel alignment, size and type is correct, along with the tyre tread depths.

·       The bike frame will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that it is free from and damage, cracks, or corrosion.

·       Motorcycle roller brake tester will ensure the bike brakes and pads perform to the standards expected, also checking the wheels rotate freely once the brakes are released.

·       Hydraulic Motorcycle Lifting Equipment is used to check the motorbike exhaust which needs to be free from leaks, secured to the vehicle with the noise level as quiet as possible.

·       Some other simple checks and observations will include the horn, throttle, and clutch lever are all working, plus the registration plates are legible.

The Department for Transport (DfT) requires motorcycle garages to carry the triple blue triangle logo to be an authorised motorcycle MOT facility. All accredited Motorcycle MOT test centres will have qualified testers who complete and pass a training course from the ‘Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’ (DVSA), this is a government agency who regularly check MOT testers to ensure they are meeting exacting standards.

Garages with class 1 and class 2 motorcycle MOT testing bays should have the following equipment installed as standard:

1.  DVSA approved Roller Brake and Headlamp Beam Testers with calibration certificates

2.  Calibrated Motorcycle combination, Quad, Trike, ATV Decelerometer

3.  Motorcycle Weighing Scales

4.  Motorcycle Tyre and Wheel Alignment Checking Apparatus

5.   Hydraulic Motorcycle Lifting Equipment

6.   Digital Brake Meter

7.   Motorcycle Handlebar Bracket

8.   MOT Blue Triangle Sign.

Finally, the floor area in which a motorcycle MOT testing bay is installed must conform to ‘Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’ (DVSA) requirements. The testing bay and observation area should be housed in a weatherproof building with adequate parking space.

Testing bays should have sufficient space for vehicles to be easily manoeuvred onto the test equipment, along with sufficient artificial lighting to enable testing to be carried out without any difficulty.

When making any kind of capital purchase for equipment (motorcycle lifts, tyre changers, wheel balancers, diagnostics) that will make your workplace safer, more efficient and enhance profitability. We all need to get the most for our money. 

Expensive isn’t necessarily the best but cheap is cheap for a reason. Product quality has more to do with design, materials and manufacture and each have a value. Sourcing equipment from a reputable company that manages service issues professionally and offer a robust warranty is vital. 

It’s worth noting that these days more and more businesses are customer-centric. The expectation now is to see what goes on. When we take our own vehicles in for servicing and or repair and we look into the workshop – we expect them highest professional standards. No-one wants to see their ‘pride and joy’ rising up on a lift that looks a bit less than it should or gives cause for concern in old fashioned oily-rag surroundings. 

This doesn’t just apply to customers. To attract or retain good technicians the workplace, its equipment and facilities can make or break a company. A good level of equipment can instill a sense of pride in the that workplace which in turn heightens standards, enhances working practices and efficiency and can add value to the business.

So when considering your own premises do you…?

• Buy an item with a smaller price tag – ‘buy cheap, buy twice!’

• Trawl Auction sites to find a similar or unproven product

• Go with a company based thousands of miles away

• Trust sellers’ big claims

• Hope the equipment will arrive undamaged

• Wonder if CE approval is all that important

• Allow enough time to ‘build’ and install

• Hope the user manual has a ‘troublshooting’ section

• Rely on availability of consumables or spares

• Accept replacement after warranty runs out

• Realise that replacing equipment costs downtime

• Think after sales service isn’t that important

• Hope the call centre has an appropriate script and understanding

OR DO YOU…

• Buy from a company that specialises in relevant equipment

• Accept the initial price is more – but for good reason

• Rely on their proven experience and reputation 

• Look for a UK based company that is…

• Look for a ‘one-stop’ shop that offers workshop design, equipment and installation that is…

• A trusted supplier to major brands

• A supplier who offers genuine fit for purpose products

• Compliant with current regulations and up to date on insurer assessment requirements

• Expert, passionate and have in-depth knowledge

• Stockist of a wide range of consumables and spares

• Unrivalled for after-sales service

• Able to offer affordable Finance solutions to help spread the load*

*Subject to status and terms and conditions.

At RS Workshop Equipment the intention is to get it right first time; deliver what we promise and provide real value. So when you’re looking elsewhere… think, ‘If it’s too good to be true – it probably is!’

Want to know more about what we can bring to you – call RS Workshop Equipment on 01832 741007 today

Professional ground and turf care machinery like groundsman mowers for example, can make light work of any green management task.

Groundsman machinery equipment used on golf courses, football pitches, cricket fields, bowling greens, tennis courts and sports pitches have excellent manoeuvrability and convertible discharge systems for cutting, spreading, bagging, and mulching. These expensive machines are long term investments and regular ongoing maintenance is essential to keep them working in tip top condition for years to come.

Whether you use ride-on mowers, quad bikes, golf buggies or any other groundsman’s utility vehicle, including tractors, cylinder mowers, rotary mowers, gang mowers, spreaders, or rollers, they will no doubt endure a certain amount of wear and tear whilst in use. To keep your machinery or groundsman mower in excellent condition, a tune up every season is highly recommended. Ensuring employees can work safely and efficiently, many businesses manage all their machinery maintenance and repairs in house by installing professional workshop equipment, like hydraulic scissor lifts and workbenches. 

Hydraulic lifting equipment should be purchased from a reputable UK supplier offering the best quality European equipment, excellent customer care and after sales service. The equipment should also carry a ‘CE marking’, which is a manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets EU standards for health, safety, and environmental protection.

Maintenance Checklist:

1.     Groundsman Machinery Needs Cleaning Regularly – All grass and debris should be removed after use with a stiff brush, airline, or high-pressure water jet, debris can get stuck inside and outside of your mower affecting performance. Check the riding mower deck and carefully remove any grass clippings that are stuck underneath.  After washing apply a protective lubricant to prevent rusting.

2.     Check Mower Belts – Check that the belt tension is correct, and they are not worn or damaged, replace the belts if required.

3.     Regrind to the Cylinder – To maintain a good quality cut all blade edges should be checked visually for any damage, this should be carried out carefully and only when the engine is switched off.

4.     Replace Air Filters and Change Spark Plugs Every Season – Remove the air filter and thoroughly clean the surrounding area, once clean, install a new replacement air filter. Before replacing the old spark plugs, be sure to correctly adjust the gap between electrodes.

5.     Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly – To avoid wear and tear, all moving parts should be lubricated with oil or grease, or as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions. A grease gun is a handy tool for carrying out this task.

6.     Top up and Change the Machine Oil – Regularly Change the oil to keep your groundsman mower or machinery running smoothly. Unscrew the plug from the drain funnel and release the oil into a bucket, once complete, replace the plug and refill your riding mower engine with new oil.

If these maintenance tasks are carried out on a regular basis your groundsman machinery will prove to be a sound financial investment that continue to deliver the high productivity and performance your leisure facility, golf course or garden centre requires time and time again.