Tech Tip 03-2011 -  Hour Meters - Time keeping made easy!

Performing scheduled maintenance on your motorcycle is necessary to insure that you get the most performance and durability from your motorcycle.  Racing can be taxing on many components so maintenance is a critical part of keeping your machine competitive and safe.  All manufacturers post recommended maintenance schedules in their owner's manuals for all models.  These schedules are typically on the conservative side regarding service procedure intervals, but if you adhere to these intervals, you will most certainly minimize the possibility of a DNF due to a technical failure from a part or component.  Most manuals post recommended service procedures to be done in intervals of "hours" or "races".  In most manuals, a "race" is considered 2 1/2 hours of operating time.  Therefore, if your bike's manufacturer recommends that the top end needs to be serviced in 6 races, that's 15 hours of operating time.  Manufacturers currently do not install "hour meters" on motocross bikes, so it's up to you as the owner to keep up with how much time is on the bike.  Throughout the years, when people are questioned about how much time is on a part or a bike,  the typical answer is "Oh about,......well I don't know,....it's hard to tell."  An hour meter is a simple device that is easy to install and requires no maintenance.  There are many options available and it really doesn't matter which brand you choose.  What's important though is that one is installed on each motorcycle you own.  The good news is these meters work for both two strokes and four strokes, so it doesn't matter which you choose!  After your meter is installed, you'll  be able to keep up with scheduled maintenance with confidence and accuracy!