Hawkeye Rider News

  • Benefits of Fuel Injection and Why the Carburetor is going extinct

    Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | Kayla Pitchford

    When it comes to fuel systems, the carburetor is the analog option compared to cutting-edge electronic fuel injection (EFI). Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but EFI is a more popular option for newer vehicles.

    Now a days, carburetors are usually found on older vehicles or small ones, like scooters. They're cheaper to make than EFI systems and help keep unit prices low. Known for their affordability, parts are usually easier to get a hold of. Carb systems rely on the intake vacuum. It's a strictly mechanical process which requires no electricity. While that might sound like a benefit, it can make it difficult to start in the cold, or at high elevations.

    On the other hand, EFI is more complicated. The throttle body is filled with circuit boards and sensors. It's unaffected by the air temperature or atmospheric pressure. Instead, the EFI creates its own pressure to deliver the right ratio of fuel and air. With this sophisticated system, the cost of making vehicles with EFI is higher than those with carburated systems.

    Overall, EFIs are more reliable and precise in creating the right ratio of fuel and air. You don't have to worry with a choke or leaking fuel lever. There is less maintenance to do on the EFI system. On a carburetor, you must keep constant attention to it, which can be time-consuming. EFIs have taken over simply for their convenience factor and more fuel efficient ways. Strict environmental regulations have also made it difficult for manufactures to produce carburated vehicles. Unfortunately, it looks like the carburetor is going the way of the dinosaurs.

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  • Battery Storage

    Tuesday, December 12, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

     

        As seasons change, it's important not to forget your battery when preparing your vehicle for storage.

        For the best results when storing a battery, remove it from your vehicle before storage. Store the battery in a well-ventilated location. We also recommend using a trickle charger, as they can be used for long periods of time without damaging the battery. A battery will discharge regardless of temperature or storage location. This method will keep the battery in a good condition, as long as it had full health at time of storage. For more information, talk to one of our knowledgeable service techs at 563-391-9009.

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  • Night Riding

    Saturday, October 7, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

    Since it's officially fall, days will be shorter and you could find yourself riding without sunlight quickly. Night riding does have it's benefits though. The road can be less busy and filled with fewer distractions. However, it can also be more risky as there is less visibility. Here are some helpful tips on staying safe this fall.

      1. Your vision: Switch to a non-tinted visor or get a helmet with flip-down sunshades. As obvious as this one sounds, the darkness can creep up on you without warning. One moment the setting sun can be blinding you, and the next it could be twilight with street lights flickering on. Make sure you think ahead, and switch out your summer visor for a clear one to ensure maximum visibility.
      2. Stand out: Reflective and fluorescent riding gear is your friend. Other drivers will be able to see you better if your clothing stands out against the dark streets. There are many options for bright and reflective clothing, but you can also add reflective tape to your jacket yourself.

      3. Cleaning: Make sure your headlight, tail light, and turn signals are clean! After a summer full of riding, there is sure to be a lot of bugs caked on your lights. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make to remove debris from them.

      4. The Road: A big disadvantage of night riding is not being able to clearly see the road in front of you, especially if it's an unfamiliar one. Keeping an eye on the reflective road lines makes a great way to predict your path. They don't just show you the twists and turns, but also what sort of lane positions you have available.

      5. High beams: When appropriate, use your high beams to ensure that you see obstacles before you reach them. In the fall, wildlife becomes more active at dusk. October is the start of mating season for deer. They become more adventurous and will be more likely to venture towards roads. In fact, your chances of hitting a deer double from October to December compared to the rest of the year.

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  • Honda Generators

    Tuesday, October 3, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

    We now carry Honda's reliable line of power equipment including snowblowers, generators, brushcutters, pumps and lawnmowers. Maintenance items and accessories are now available through our parts department.

     

    Honda's line of versatile generators is strong enough to power a refrigerator and quiet enough to take camping. The popular EU2000i is great for tailgating, RV's or boating. It weighs in at only 46 pounds and can provide power for 8.1 hours on one gallon of gas. The larger EM series comes with a simple transfer switch that makes accessing power quicker for essential household appliances. Honda power equipment is also covered by a 3-year limited warranty so that you can rest easy.

     

    Get ready for winter with Honda's powerful HS720AA snow blower. Powered by the Honda GC190 engine, this snow blower can remove up to 1800 lbs of snow a minute. With easy maintenance and a quick adjusting snow discharge, it is the perfect fit for driveways and sidewalks.

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  • Do you have the right helmet?

    Monday, October 2, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford
     

    A helmet is more than a lifesaving precaution. With many different manufacturers and styles, it can also be an extension of your personality. You can stand out or look coordinated with your ride. When it comes to choosing the right helmet, it's important to think about the type you want.

     

     

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  • 2018 GL1800 Sneak Peek

    Saturday, September 16, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

     

    If you haven't heard, there has been a lot of buzz around Honda's flagship bike, the Gold Wing. DriveSpark.com recently speculated on Honda's possible redesign and upgrade of the popular GL1800. The global launch is predicted to be in the Fall of 2017. With an updated front end, the Gold Wing could look more modern and sleek. Many of the standard features are likely stay, but there could be some increase in the power and torque specs. Heated hand grips, large windscreen and navigation system are also rumored to be included, along with a new and improved Surround Sound System.
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  • Packing for a Road Trip

    Friday, September 15, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

    Whether you are going on a weekend getaway, or a week long road trip, packing can get tough. Here are some packing tips to save you some time and space.

     

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  • Honda's Revolutionary DCT

    Wednesday, August 30, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

        A dual clutch transmission (DCT) is an automatic transmission that uses two separate clutches, one for odd gears and the other for even gears. In 2009, Honda's VFR1200F was released with an optional DCT. This was groundbreaking in the world of motorcycles and it wasn't alone for long. In 2012, it was followed by the NC700 line, and again in 2013, with the CTX700. Recently, the 2016 Africa Twin came with a DCT option that included more than 80 combinations of drive modes. When the mode strikes, the bike can be easily switched to manual mode for standard shifting.

     

        Honda's DCT is more than just a technological advancement, it could be the future of motorcycle riding. Owning a bike with an automatic transmission means bringing the joy of riding to the forefront of your experience. More thought can be put into traffic conditions, turning, and braking. A DCT does not mean giving up control, but taking control to a new level.

     

    Honda has created a website dedicated to it's DCT. You can visit it at http://en.honda-dct.com/ to see how riders from around the world enjoy riding shift-free.

     

     

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  • The Revolutionary Miimo Robotic Lawn Mower

    Monday, August 14, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford
    Some of us would rather be doing other things than mowing the lawn this summer. Honda's Miimo, the first robotic lawn mower, can handle this chore for you. This new model has been available in Europe for more than three years with great success. This summer, Miimo is coming to select Honda Power Equipment dealers in the U.S.
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  • What to Wear

    Tuesday, August 8, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford
    The right clothes for the right activity makes all the difference.
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  • Dealing with Road Construction

    Friday, August 4, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford
    How do you keep safe on a road filled with construction? We'll tell you some tips on keeping upright !
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  • The Difference between an OEM and Aftermarket Oil Filter

    Wednesday, August 2, 2017 | Kayla Pitchford

    When it comes to the maintenance of your bike, it's important not to skimp on the quality of your oil filter. It's an essential component for the long-term health of your engine. Oil filters come in many different shapes and sizes. Plus, there are a lot of manufacturers to choose from. So, what's the difference between OEM and aftermarket oil filters?

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