On occasion, most of us have experienced a mud fest like we had on May 18 in Cayuta, NY. Those were not the most friendly conditions for man's best friend, the trials motorcycle. Mud like that is tough on your bike in many ways, but the most important factor to consider is the reduced cooling when your radiator becomes plugged with mud.

           The first symptoms of an engine about to overheat are weak performance, combined with engine pinging and knocking. These are the same symptoms you experience when your motor is starved for fuel.

           I noticed several bikes overheating due to the mud and big hills. The coolant fan's purpose is to suck air through the radiator, cooling the liquid inside and reducing engine heat when your thermostat calls for reduced temperatures. If the radiator cooling surface and core is packed with mud, it makes it near impossible for the fan to do its job.

           A simple, inexpensive solution is to duct tape the lower half of your radiator guard to keep out the mud. Air flows freely at the top, and can still be pulled through the radiator at the bottom because a corridor is left between the guard and the cooling fins. The tape will also help keep mud off the front of your motor and thermostat as well.

           One final note. Check your brake pads. They can wear out in a single day with that kind of mud, and if you know it will be real muddy, start the day with a fresh set. It might save your disc from damage.