30 Minute Motorcycling

If you listened to episode 14 of this podcast, you'll have a basic understanding of how an internal combustion engine works, and some common engine layouts.

But there were a few things that were left unanswered:

• "What is a 2-stroke?"
• "What is a 4-stroke?"
• "What is a 'stroke?'"

That's what this episode will dive into. 

Tune in to learn:

• What a "stroke" really is
• The differences between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine and their pros and cons

Resources:

• Tomos America YouTube Tutorial - "How to pre-mix 2 stroke oil with gasoline for mopeds and motorbikes"
• The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - "Motorcycle Engines, Common Engine Layouts & 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke"

Isn't it strange that we're only now talking about motorcycle engines - after 14 episodes?

 Either way - release your inner mechanic - this weeks' episode is all about internal combustion engines.

Tune in to learn:

• The basics of internal combustion engines
• 4 common motorcycle engines, and their pros and cons
• What's in a top and bottom parts of an engine

Resources:

• The Dual Wheel Journey article - "Motorcycle Engines, Common Engine Layouts & 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke"

What springs to mind when you hear the terms "hard-tail" and "soft-tail?" Is it "what's a hard-tail" and "what's a soft-tail," respectively?

If that's the case, this episode of the 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast is for you.

Tune in to learn:
- The differences between a hard-tail and a soft-tail
- The pros and cons of each type
- Why a hardtail is a good choice for a beginner bike customizer

Resources:
- ItStillRuns article about hardtails and softails
- Bennets Bike YouTube Video - 'How does a motorcycle's rear suspension work?'

Did you listen to Episode 10 and Episode 11 of this podcast? If you did, by now, you're probably wearing a helmet and a good jacket, gloves, and some study armor.

Things are looking good. 

But that's still not enough - there are two more pieces to complete the proverbial ATGATT puzzle - trousers and footwear.

Tune in to learn:
- What every good pair of motorcycle trousers will have
- The best type of footwear
- Why it pays to get boots with shin protectors

Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article about motorcycle gear

Did you listen to Episode 10 of this podcast? If you did, by now, you're probably wearing a helmet.

But that's not enough - you'll also need a proper motorcycle jacket, gloves, and armor.

Tune in to learn:
- The two main different types of motorcycle jackets and their pros and cons
- Why you must wear gloves (yes, even in the summer)
- The armor ratings you should keep an eye out for (and one you must avoid)

Resources:
- The Dual Wheel Journey article about motorcycle gear

At the end of every episode of this podcast, I say, "keep your helmet on and your eyes on the road." But how can you keep your helmet on if you're unsure about whether it fits?

In this special 10-episode anniversary of the 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast, we're talking all about motorcycle helmets and how you can make sure you get one that fits you.

Tune in to learn:

• The main different types of  helmets and their pros and cons
• The 3 most common helmet safety ratings
• How to tell if a helmet fits you - just by trying it on
• Why buying a used helmet is a BAD IDEA

Resources:

• SNELL Website

Love playing poker? Have you ever wanted to combine a poker night with a bike night? 

Then, how about doing a "poker run?"

Tune in to learn:

• What a poker run is and how you play it
• About poker runs done for charity - and how to find ones in your local area

Resources:

• The Dual Wheel Journey blog post - How to Do a Poker Run 
• Largest Poker Run (Guinness Book of Records)
• "How to Play Poker" Video Tutorial
• "What are the Poker Hands" Video Tutorial

When you work on your bike, there's always the risk that you might injure yourself.

Fortunately, that risk can be managed and avoided if you follow these 6 good workshop habits.

Not only that, but they'll also make the maintenance or repair process much easier - whether you're replacing your oil or rebuilding your transmission.

Tune in to learn:

• The 6 good workshop habits you MUST follow when you work on your bike

Do you break out into a cold sweat when someone asks you what your total reaction distance at X km/h is?

Then I've got bad news - you're most likely going to get this question when you take your theory test.

But the good news is that you don't have to memorize the result for every single speed limit - you can figure out your reaction, braking, and stopping distance by doing some math.

It's not rocket science either - just basic arithmetic. 

Tune in to learn:
- The definitions for the reaction distance, braking distance, and stopping distance
- The 3 easy formulas to determine your reaction, braking, and stopping distance

Resources:

• Dual Wheel Journey blog post about reaction, braking, and stopping distance

In Sweden, not all mopeds are created equal. A class system exists that separates mopeds and scooters into two classes.

Those classes are Class 1 and Class 2.

But what are the differences between the two? What is the top speed of each class?

Where do you park a Class 1 or Class 2 moped, respectively?

And perhaps most importantly of all - what license do you need?

Tune in to learn:

• The differences between Swedish moped Class 1 and Class 2 - from top speed to parking
• What license you need for each class

Resources:

• Dual Wheel Journey blog post about Class 1 and Class mopeds
• Swedish Moped Class 1 and 2 - All You Need to Know Ebook