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D-Rings vs Quick-Release buckles: Are helmet D-Rings Safer?

Last updated on April 1st, 2020

Many motorcycle riders take as gospel that helmet D-rings vs Quick-Release buckles, D-Rings are infinitely safer. But is that true? Namely, are quick-release buckles less safe than D-Rings? I won’t deny that helmet buckle D-Rings are absolutely tried-and-true. However, that doesn’t mean that Quick-Releases are an inferior choice. The question is, is one sacrificing safety for commodity with helmet Quick-Releases? I was skeptical about that. Given the lack of any proof either way, I thought I’d put it to the test.

This all began after installing a DIY quick-release buckle on my helmet. A few emails and tests later, I found some very interesting results. While this post is far from scientific or rigorous (and shouldn’t be taken as such), it does provide some casual insight. If you’ve ever been curious about how helmet D-rings vs quick-release buckles compare safety-wise, keep reading.

Continue reading “D-Rings vs Quick-Release buckles: Are helmet D-Rings Safer?”

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Electrical Repair – To Crimp or Solder?

Electrical Repair – To Crimp or Solder? - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on May 28th, 2021

Most people wouldn’t believe how controversial this topic still is. Should I crimp or solder this connection? Ask this in any forum and you’ll find opponents willing to passionately debate the topic to death.

On one side you’ll find those who will quickly crimp a connection without giving it a second thought and go on with their day. On the other side you’ll find those more than happy to call the first group “hacks” or lazy. They will insist that a soldered connection is much more reliable and has better performance. But who is right? The truth of the matter isn’t that simple. This won’t settle the crimp or solder discussion, but it will provide valuable insight. Continue reading “Electrical Repair – To Crimp or Solder?”

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Motorcycle Chain Maintenance – Cleaning & Lube

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

Last updated on May 28th, 2021

So it’s time to clean and lubricate the chain, huh? It might not be the most glamorous job, but motorcycle chain maintenance is necessary if you want your chain and sprockets to live a long life. Sure, it’s a pretty basic job. But for riders new to DIY motorcycle maintenance this detailed how-to can come in handy. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning and lubing your motorcycle chain. Today we’ll be working on a 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650/Z650.

Project Specs

Difficulty: Easy
Tool Requirements: Basic
Time: 30 min
Cost: ≈0$
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My 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods List

MillennialDIYer's 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods & Upgrades List

Last updated on May 28th, 2021

Here’s my 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods list. It’s a list of all modifications and upgrades I’ve done to my Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS. As of now, at least.

Some are easy bolt-on parts, and others are full-blown custom installations. And keep in mind that most will also fit the 2017 Kawasaki Z650, too. If you’re interested in seeing what I chose to install, take a look at my Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods list below. Continue reading “My 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods List”

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Which is the Best Bolt Grade for Swingarm Spools?

Which is the Best Bolt Grade for Swingarm Spools? - Because Chinesium Bolts Suck - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on August 13th, 2020

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, I’m guessing you’ve either lost the bolts that came with your swingarm spools or they’ve rusted. Perhaps they’ve started to bend until the point where it looks like they just might break at any moment. Rather than simply buy whatever is in stock at Home Depot, you actually used that meat between your ears and thought it would be appropriate to look up what’s the best bolt grade for swingarm spools. Good for you! The only problem is that it would seem like almost no one lists the right spec. Thankfully, here I’m gonna tell you what you should be looking for in the right bolt for spools or sliders. Continue reading “Which is the Best Bolt Grade for Swingarm Spools?”

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The Best Bulb for Unmodified Headlight Housings

HIDs are great, but they are hard to install. While not quite as bright, here's the best bulb for unmodified headlight Housings I've found. Just swap them for an easy upgrade.

Last updated on March 21st, 2019

One of the most frequent questions on forums these days is how to improve the light output of stock headlights. It’s especially common for those riders trying to get rid of the ‘cyclops look’, so typical with imported motorcycles. I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but the sad truth is that there is still no good answer. Like most things in life, it’s a compromise. The options are cheap, easy and bright. You can only choose two. Here I’ll show you which is the best bulb for unmodified headlight housings I’ve found so far.

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