The infamous James Dean in the long-gone wildcard of a movie – Rebel without a Cause – could well be attributed with making the riding of a motorcycle a statement instead of a mere form of efficient transportation for the masses. Nothing comes closer to these two-wheelers when questions of fuel efficiency are coupled with the need to cover distances at speed comes into play. An automobile would be a more comfortable mode of traveling, and you are cocooned from the rigors of the ever changing weather patterns, but nothing says carefree cruising at maybe half the cost than a motorcycle.
For Americans, Harley Davidson motorcycles are the one and only brand for any serious two-wheel enthusiasts who’s thinking of getting one for, say a cross state sojourn. No other brands comes close to the image of a grand cruising machine that the motorcycles from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, manufacturer. Japanese motorcycles might just be cheaper, and sips gas instead of drinking them by the glasses, but they are looked at as mere imitation when compared to the real item; Harley Davidson.
Designed with the specific need for cruising the highways and covering great distances, the century old motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson Motor Company focuses mainly on the heavyweight class with engine capacities of 750 cc and above. When you talk about Harleys – as these motorcycles are fondly called – there is evidence a fierce and somewhat fanatical brand loyalty for the brand. Nothing else comes close for its millions of fans.
The main draw for Harleys are not just for its superb cruising abilities, but also the high level of personalization which its manufacturer adopt in making the two wheel machines. There is almost a well accepted tradition among Harley Davidson fans that you are supposed to customize the machine so that it becomes uniquely yours and no one else’s. Their designs are mostly retrogressive in outlook, but at the same time, these will stand the test of time and do not aged as easily as the more modern, futuristic designs, especially from Japanese manufacturers.
Even if you were to purchase your Harley after scouring the used motorcycles for sale column in either the local newspapers or through the internet, you would still be able to customize it to the point that it would be able to hide its age from your motorcycle gang. What’s important however is the exhaust note emitted from the single, dual or even quadruple pipes from it huge engine. Without a doubt, the deep burble of a Harley is a clear signal to its rip roaring capabilities available for their riders to tap into.
It’s all American bruiser-cruiser, retro-styling, but Harley Davidson has managed to keep its mechanical facet of the motorcycle up to date when compared to its competitors. There is nothing retro of the engine, exhaust, brakes, suspension and electronics as they are continually updated and improved. What its manufacturer makes sure of, however, is that it retain the highly lovable image of the yesterday with every model upgrade that it comes out with. Unlike, say BMW motorcycles – one of Harley Davidson’s many competitors – Harleys exists not to further its technological advantage but to spur its all-American image instead.
There are many models to choose from when it comes to buying a Harley Davidson motorcycle. A firm favorite is the "Fat Boy" which Harley Davidson introduced way back in the 1990s; there is the Sportster range which comes with engines of 1,000 cc and above, the Dyna models, which comes with big-twin engine but small-diameter telescopic forks, which differentiates it from its older brother as well as the Revolution models, which are mostly street-going versions of Harleys.
Speak the name Harley Davidson, and invariably the image of mean machines with leather pouches, long telescopic forks, huge exhausts and whole gangs of motorcyclists on a continent-crossing journey would probably come to mind for many, and true enough, they would not be far from the truth. For a manufacturer which has seen two devastating world war and stiff competition from competitors that produces far modern-looking machines every second quarter or so, Harley Davidson is a firm favorite among the enthusiasts and not looking at throwing away its title anytime soon.
Hamm Morgan is not only an auto enthusiast but also enjoys motorsports including ATV riding, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Get more information regarding used motorcycles for sale.
วันเสาร์, มิถุนายน 21, 2008
A Moped And A Girlfriend
Life was ticking along with nothing to exciting going on. I guess I didn't get out enough. Just working nine to five Monday to Friday with no real excitement and to be totally honest I needed to get out more. I needed a life and that started with getting some hobbies and interests that I could do to help meet new people. Living in a town that bordered several others I needed to be able to travel around. There are no trains and the bus service is shockingly bad so I needed to find an alternative.
I was only working in a local factory and wasn't earning a fortune. I needed something that was cheap and affordable but could allow me to travel from town to town quickly and safely when I wanted to. I looked into a push bike but they turned out to be a lot of work as there are lots of hills around the area where I live. I looked into a car as well but they are way too expensive. On the money I am on I could never hope to get a car, not even a cheap one. I needed an alternative.
Then a friend came round riding his new moped. He had only got a cheap moped. Think it was a 50cc moped but it made me realise that there was an alternative so I started to look into possible moped shops that could sell all different types of scooters and mopeds. I found a local moped shop and went for a look around. It was quite large and had a wide selection of different makes and models. So many colours I could hardly believe it. I found the model I wanted and then went online to see if I could find it cheaper. I also enrolled into a training course to get my licenses.
A few weeks later and I was able to enroll in a couple of local courses. One of them was at the local college and another at a local leisure centre. While at college I met loads on new people and made friends with a few of them. Now I am going out to a variety of parties and gatherings and as a result have got a new girlfriend. She often rides with me. I also use the moped to go to work which is saving me time and money not to mention the stress of travelling on the bus. My cheap moped only cost me a few hundred pounds but has changed my life in more ways that I could ever tell you.
I would of course have to recommend that anyone who wants to follow my example and buy a moped gets something like a 50cc moped as they are more controllable for new riders. 50cc mopeds are generally safe as long as you have the correct training and ride properly. You should also invest in the correct clothing to wear while you are riding. Then you to can make the change to your life that you will not look back on and regret.
For more information on cheap mopeds, see http://worldofscooters.co.uk/ for some useful information
I was only working in a local factory and wasn't earning a fortune. I needed something that was cheap and affordable but could allow me to travel from town to town quickly and safely when I wanted to. I looked into a push bike but they turned out to be a lot of work as there are lots of hills around the area where I live. I looked into a car as well but they are way too expensive. On the money I am on I could never hope to get a car, not even a cheap one. I needed an alternative.
Then a friend came round riding his new moped. He had only got a cheap moped. Think it was a 50cc moped but it made me realise that there was an alternative so I started to look into possible moped shops that could sell all different types of scooters and mopeds. I found a local moped shop and went for a look around. It was quite large and had a wide selection of different makes and models. So many colours I could hardly believe it. I found the model I wanted and then went online to see if I could find it cheaper. I also enrolled into a training course to get my licenses.
A few weeks later and I was able to enroll in a couple of local courses. One of them was at the local college and another at a local leisure centre. While at college I met loads on new people and made friends with a few of them. Now I am going out to a variety of parties and gatherings and as a result have got a new girlfriend. She often rides with me. I also use the moped to go to work which is saving me time and money not to mention the stress of travelling on the bus. My cheap moped only cost me a few hundred pounds but has changed my life in more ways that I could ever tell you.
I would of course have to recommend that anyone who wants to follow my example and buy a moped gets something like a 50cc moped as they are more controllable for new riders. 50cc mopeds are generally safe as long as you have the correct training and ride properly. You should also invest in the correct clothing to wear while you are riding. Then you to can make the change to your life that you will not look back on and regret.
For more information on cheap mopeds, see http://worldofscooters.co.uk/ for some useful information
Used Mopeds - Find The Best Deals On Used Mopeds
Are you looking out for a vehicle which can carry you comfortably across short distances, without hurting your wallet? Then look out for used mopeds. They come cheap; they are fuel efficient and are not as polluting as cars. Think of what you would be doing for the cause of global warming. First decide the kind of moped you want to drive. Once you do that, the next step is to start searching for your machine.
Start your search on the Internet. You can get a wide selection of various models. The rates can be compared and this makes it easy to make a decision. But how do you know whether the website on which you have found your machine is genuine or not. It is best to go through references from friends who have got a good deal from the Internet. Try finding one from the advertisements in the local newspaper. The advantage here is that you can physically examine the machine and then make that 'buy' decision. Check out for notices placed in your local Mall. If you are a college student, then the college notice board would be of help. Another major option would be paying a visit to the local motorbike shop. Generally, they would have used mopeds belonging to people who have traded their used mopeds for higher end vehicles. You can always find out about the dealings of the bike shop from anyone who has bought a used moped from the shop.
Moped riders have spawned forums on the web. These forums are of immense help if you have questions to ask. The model, the make, the power, the mileage, the problems and the positive features of mopeds will be easily found from these forums. It is a kind of brotherhood which is always willing to help answer the queries of anyone interested in mopeds. These online communities are passionate about mopeds. They share their experiences and you could learn many a thing about mopeds when you seek help from these forums.
To be proactive, you could also place an advertisement in your local newspaper giving the details of the make of the used moped you want to buy and the price you are willing to pay for the same.
A drawback with buying a used moped is that it can cost a packet if you have to get repairs done to get it into running condition to ride. If the repairs do not cost much, you can make a decision to buy the used moped. Take care when you ride the moped. Ride safe and be safe.
Tired of the outrageous gas prices and looking for a cheaper way? Me too. Check out my site at http://theusedpages.com/
Start your search on the Internet. You can get a wide selection of various models. The rates can be compared and this makes it easy to make a decision. But how do you know whether the website on which you have found your machine is genuine or not. It is best to go through references from friends who have got a good deal from the Internet. Try finding one from the advertisements in the local newspaper. The advantage here is that you can physically examine the machine and then make that 'buy' decision. Check out for notices placed in your local Mall. If you are a college student, then the college notice board would be of help. Another major option would be paying a visit to the local motorbike shop. Generally, they would have used mopeds belonging to people who have traded their used mopeds for higher end vehicles. You can always find out about the dealings of the bike shop from anyone who has bought a used moped from the shop.
Moped riders have spawned forums on the web. These forums are of immense help if you have questions to ask. The model, the make, the power, the mileage, the problems and the positive features of mopeds will be easily found from these forums. It is a kind of brotherhood which is always willing to help answer the queries of anyone interested in mopeds. These online communities are passionate about mopeds. They share their experiences and you could learn many a thing about mopeds when you seek help from these forums.
To be proactive, you could also place an advertisement in your local newspaper giving the details of the make of the used moped you want to buy and the price you are willing to pay for the same.
A drawback with buying a used moped is that it can cost a packet if you have to get repairs done to get it into running condition to ride. If the repairs do not cost much, you can make a decision to buy the used moped. Take care when you ride the moped. Ride safe and be safe.
Tired of the outrageous gas prices and looking for a cheaper way? Me too. Check out my site at http://theusedpages.com/
Interesting Facts About Harley Davidson Cross Bones
Harley Davidson fans out there are always on the lookout for the next greatest motorcycle release. Harley Davidson Crossbones are like the Holy Grail you've been looking for. This bike is drop dead gorgeous if you could consider a bike to be such a thing.
This is a bike that even the workers at the Harley plant are in love with. In fact, industry insiders claim that the assembly line slows down when these lookers are being built. The Cross Bones motorcycle have sort of a retro look. That fact doesn't stop it from having the best performance you've seen in your life. It has a Twin Cam 96B putting as much power as you can handle.
You don't have to worry about having a bumpy ride either. While you're certainly not going to complain about a few bumps here and there, you shouldn't have to deal with too many when you buy a high quality motorcycle. These bikes have rear suspension and hidden horizontal coil-over rear shock absorbers.
The fun doesn't stop there. You'll also find that these Harley Davidson bikes have split tanks. The stylization continues with the amazing console that is split between leather and chrome.
There are nearly too many details to list, but never too many for Harley fans.
· Black Springer front end
· Black bucket headlamp
· Black mini ape-hanger handlebar
· Chopped front fender
· Bobtail fender
· 200 mm rear tire
There are no two ways about it the Harley Davidson Cross Bones have incredibly style. You can even get your custom graphics with striping in Dark Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Denim,Vivid Black, Black Denim, Olive Pearl and Pewter Denim.
Message-boards all over the Internet are constantly discussing these new Harley's. Some aren't too keen on the retro look, but the vast majority are very impressed. Do be careful, you will have to dig deep into your pockets to get this new bike.
But, you have to ask yourself whether you'd rather get a plain bike that everyone else has, or this Harley that's practically like candy for bikers. If you are in the market for a smooth ride and aren't scared off by paying more than you might for lesser bikes, this is a great deal for you.
Harley Davidson Cross Bones are a hot, talked about item for good reason. It's rare that a bike comes along that has so much potential and will turn so many heads. Get yours today so you can be at the top of the biker chain.
I hope you enjoyed reading this taster of the Harley Davidson Cross Bones Motorcycle. If your looking for parts or bikes for all the Harley Davidson models then check out Used Hog Parts. This place even has an active forum for bikers.
This is a bike that even the workers at the Harley plant are in love with. In fact, industry insiders claim that the assembly line slows down when these lookers are being built. The Cross Bones motorcycle have sort of a retro look. That fact doesn't stop it from having the best performance you've seen in your life. It has a Twin Cam 96B putting as much power as you can handle.
You don't have to worry about having a bumpy ride either. While you're certainly not going to complain about a few bumps here and there, you shouldn't have to deal with too many when you buy a high quality motorcycle. These bikes have rear suspension and hidden horizontal coil-over rear shock absorbers.
The fun doesn't stop there. You'll also find that these Harley Davidson bikes have split tanks. The stylization continues with the amazing console that is split between leather and chrome.
There are nearly too many details to list, but never too many for Harley fans.
· Black Springer front end
· Black bucket headlamp
· Black mini ape-hanger handlebar
· Chopped front fender
· Bobtail fender
· 200 mm rear tire
There are no two ways about it the Harley Davidson Cross Bones have incredibly style. You can even get your custom graphics with striping in Dark Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Denim,Vivid Black, Black Denim, Olive Pearl and Pewter Denim.
Message-boards all over the Internet are constantly discussing these new Harley's. Some aren't too keen on the retro look, but the vast majority are very impressed. Do be careful, you will have to dig deep into your pockets to get this new bike.
But, you have to ask yourself whether you'd rather get a plain bike that everyone else has, or this Harley that's practically like candy for bikers. If you are in the market for a smooth ride and aren't scared off by paying more than you might for lesser bikes, this is a great deal for you.
Harley Davidson Cross Bones are a hot, talked about item for good reason. It's rare that a bike comes along that has so much potential and will turn so many heads. Get yours today so you can be at the top of the biker chain.
I hope you enjoyed reading this taster of the Harley Davidson Cross Bones Motorcycle. If your looking for parts or bikes for all the Harley Davidson models then check out Used Hog Parts. This place even has an active forum for bikers.
Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike - Part IV
Scooters, mopeds, Vespas... Whatever you call them, these smaller motorcycles still deserve to share the name of their larger cousins.
Not everyone needs the size of a touring bike, nor the speed of a motocross racer. Some people just want to get out on two wheels in the open air and enjoy the sunshine. Going where you want to go around town, getting maximum gas mileage and avoiding parking hassles, makes the choice of a smaller bike ideal.
Mopeds and scooters typically have smaller wheel rims than standard sized motorcycles. Since that isn't compensated for by raising the frame, ground clearance is less. But what would be a disadvantage in off-road circumstances is just what the scooter owner is looking for.
The term 'moped' is often reserved for smaller bikes, while 'scooter' designates a slightly larger, two-wheeled vehicle. Also, 'moped' originally meant a motorcycle with pedals attached. But the conventions are violated as often as they are observed, nowadays.
Between the low ground clearance, and the 'girl's bicycle'-style frame, getting on and off is a breeze for anyone old enough to legally ride one.
Engines are smaller on the more traditional moped, in the range of 50-150cc. The newer generation of scooters can have between 250cc and 650cc, though they may be heavier than desired at the top of the scale. Some scooters will reach speeds of 60mph, but 40mph is more common, and mopeds may be even slower.
Even the smaller engines may well have more than enough horsepower to suit the owner's needs, though. Modern engine designs have squeezed as much out of 50cc as would have required 150cc thirty years ago. That's helpful in those hilly cities, like San Francisco where a little more power is the difference between having the bike pull you versus you pushing the bike.
The bike typically weighs no more than 220lbs (100kg) and often less, with mopeds on the lower end of the scale. That makes either of them easy to maneuver with the engine turned off. It also means that, combined with the smaller engines, gas mileage is great. In an age of ultra-high gas prices, 70 miles per gallon looks very attractive.
Designed for short trips around town, you won't want to do any long distance driving with these smaller bikes. But getting in and out of parking lots is a breeze and you can almost always find a parking spot in the city.
Even with the small size, comfort has been kept firmly in mind in the design. Between the wide, plush seats and the ample fairing on scooters you won't suffer from excessive road feel or wind.
And most mopeds or scooters have integrated accessories that are often extra on standard bikes. Good-sized containers in the rear, electric starters up front, and automatic gear boxes in the middle make these a joy to own. Some even have electric motors.
The price for a smaller bike is often correspondingly smaller. While a good touring bike can run $12,000 to $20,000 or more, even a fully decked-out scooter will only be around $2,000. Retro Vespas and other scooters are often higher, though, around $4,500. Mopeds are commonly less than $1,000.
So, if your need for speed is a little less than your desire to just get around town in comfort and style, a moped or scooter may be just what you want.
by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.
Not everyone needs the size of a touring bike, nor the speed of a motocross racer. Some people just want to get out on two wheels in the open air and enjoy the sunshine. Going where you want to go around town, getting maximum gas mileage and avoiding parking hassles, makes the choice of a smaller bike ideal.
Mopeds and scooters typically have smaller wheel rims than standard sized motorcycles. Since that isn't compensated for by raising the frame, ground clearance is less. But what would be a disadvantage in off-road circumstances is just what the scooter owner is looking for.
The term 'moped' is often reserved for smaller bikes, while 'scooter' designates a slightly larger, two-wheeled vehicle. Also, 'moped' originally meant a motorcycle with pedals attached. But the conventions are violated as often as they are observed, nowadays.
Between the low ground clearance, and the 'girl's bicycle'-style frame, getting on and off is a breeze for anyone old enough to legally ride one.
Engines are smaller on the more traditional moped, in the range of 50-150cc. The newer generation of scooters can have between 250cc and 650cc, though they may be heavier than desired at the top of the scale. Some scooters will reach speeds of 60mph, but 40mph is more common, and mopeds may be even slower.
Even the smaller engines may well have more than enough horsepower to suit the owner's needs, though. Modern engine designs have squeezed as much out of 50cc as would have required 150cc thirty years ago. That's helpful in those hilly cities, like San Francisco where a little more power is the difference between having the bike pull you versus you pushing the bike.
The bike typically weighs no more than 220lbs (100kg) and often less, with mopeds on the lower end of the scale. That makes either of them easy to maneuver with the engine turned off. It also means that, combined with the smaller engines, gas mileage is great. In an age of ultra-high gas prices, 70 miles per gallon looks very attractive.
Designed for short trips around town, you won't want to do any long distance driving with these smaller bikes. But getting in and out of parking lots is a breeze and you can almost always find a parking spot in the city.
Even with the small size, comfort has been kept firmly in mind in the design. Between the wide, plush seats and the ample fairing on scooters you won't suffer from excessive road feel or wind.
And most mopeds or scooters have integrated accessories that are often extra on standard bikes. Good-sized containers in the rear, electric starters up front, and automatic gear boxes in the middle make these a joy to own. Some even have electric motors.
The price for a smaller bike is often correspondingly smaller. While a good touring bike can run $12,000 to $20,000 or more, even a fully decked-out scooter will only be around $2,000. Retro Vespas and other scooters are often higher, though, around $4,500. Mopeds are commonly less than $1,000.
So, if your need for speed is a little less than your desire to just get around town in comfort and style, a moped or scooter may be just what you want.
by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.
วันศุกร์, มิถุนายน 20, 2008
Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part III
Dirt bikes and motocross bikes have a lot in common, but the two styles address different goals. As always, consider the kind of riding you intend to pursue in order to select the type that's right for you.
Trail
Dirt or trail bikes are designed for just what the name suggests - riding along trails, most of which are dirt. They can be used around town, but they wouldn't be comfortable for long rides and there isn't much room for a passenger.
Trail bikes are small, lightweight and have great suspension for absorbing the shock of bumps, rocks and short falls off low cliffs. Engine sizes are on the smaller size, but often have high torque for hill climbing. Single-cylinder motors are the norm. Ground clearance is considerably greater than a cruiser or touring motorcycle.
Sometimes referred to as a dual sport or Enduro motorbike, tire selection is important. Consider where you'll do most of your riding: forest, beach, desert, back roads, hills, etc. Windscreens can be attached, but it's unusual. Dirt bike riding is often at slower speeds and no one is expected to be in front of you throwing gravel in your face.
Honda has been making trail bikes for 40 years now, and their latest models encompass everything they've learned about engines, suspension, handling and more over that time.
Motocross
Like dirt or trail bikes, motocross bikes are lightweight and have high ground clearance. But here all the attributes are taken to an extreme.
Motocross engines tend to be smaller than that of trail bikes. Traditional two-stroke engines keep the weight to a minimum. These bikes are built for fast acceleration, so they sport 5 or 6 speed gear boxes with close ratios.
To get the weight as low as possible, even stop lights and headlamps are frequently removed. Suspension is stiff, almost non-existent in feel. Motocross bikes are built for racing, and usually off-road or multi-level rather than just a simple oval track.
Aerodynamics isn't important, since the bike won't be travelling at highway speeds, but the streamlined look is still there.
Achieving comfort plays no part in the design and there's never room for passengers. Handling and maneuverability are everything. Races are won by the ability to navigate turns and low hills as quickly as possible.
When you can't stay on, don't worry. These babies are rock solid. They're built for tumbles and spills. The rider may never get up again, but the bike most certainly will.
Forget about accessories. No one is going to hang a saddlebag on these hummingbirds. They buzz and zoom, dart and dash. Even a mirror would be an unnecessary distraction. No one has time to look behind when the road ahead is hairpinned and steep.
Honda makes award-winning motocross bikes, but they've been duking it out with Kawasaki for the title of champion for decades. Both manufacturers make solid competitors.
by Robin Moose
I have been riding motorcycles since I was a child. Now that I'm older I have taken my riding to the streets. I believe in safety first, but having fun while riding. I have a lot of information to share with others about motorcycle riding, and I hope my articles will help future motorcyclists in learning to choose what is right for them and learning that safety is always key.
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/mo
Trail
Dirt or trail bikes are designed for just what the name suggests - riding along trails, most of which are dirt. They can be used around town, but they wouldn't be comfortable for long rides and there isn't much room for a passenger.
Trail bikes are small, lightweight and have great suspension for absorbing the shock of bumps, rocks and short falls off low cliffs. Engine sizes are on the smaller size, but often have high torque for hill climbing. Single-cylinder motors are the norm. Ground clearance is considerably greater than a cruiser or touring motorcycle.
Sometimes referred to as a dual sport or Enduro motorbike, tire selection is important. Consider where you'll do most of your riding: forest, beach, desert, back roads, hills, etc. Windscreens can be attached, but it's unusual. Dirt bike riding is often at slower speeds and no one is expected to be in front of you throwing gravel in your face.
Honda has been making trail bikes for 40 years now, and their latest models encompass everything they've learned about engines, suspension, handling and more over that time.
Motocross
Like dirt or trail bikes, motocross bikes are lightweight and have high ground clearance. But here all the attributes are taken to an extreme.
Motocross engines tend to be smaller than that of trail bikes. Traditional two-stroke engines keep the weight to a minimum. These bikes are built for fast acceleration, so they sport 5 or 6 speed gear boxes with close ratios.
To get the weight as low as possible, even stop lights and headlamps are frequently removed. Suspension is stiff, almost non-existent in feel. Motocross bikes are built for racing, and usually off-road or multi-level rather than just a simple oval track.
Aerodynamics isn't important, since the bike won't be travelling at highway speeds, but the streamlined look is still there.
Achieving comfort plays no part in the design and there's never room for passengers. Handling and maneuverability are everything. Races are won by the ability to navigate turns and low hills as quickly as possible.
When you can't stay on, don't worry. These babies are rock solid. They're built for tumbles and spills. The rider may never get up again, but the bike most certainly will.
Forget about accessories. No one is going to hang a saddlebag on these hummingbirds. They buzz and zoom, dart and dash. Even a mirror would be an unnecessary distraction. No one has time to look behind when the road ahead is hairpinned and steep.
Honda makes award-winning motocross bikes, but they've been duking it out with Kawasaki for the title of champion for decades. Both manufacturers make solid competitors.
by Robin Moose
I have been riding motorcycles since I was a child. Now that I'm older I have taken my riding to the streets. I believe in safety first, but having fun while riding. I have a lot of information to share with others about motorcycle riding, and I hope my articles will help future motorcyclists in learning to choose what is right for them and learning that safety is always key.
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/mo
Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part II
Touring
Several clubs organize tours that can involve travelling 1,000 miles per day. Even on smooth asphalt, that kind of trip demands an ultra-comfortable ride. The touring motorcycle is designed with just those requirements in mind.
Generally larger than standard motorcycles, touring bikes weigh more and have longer wheelbases. 500 lbs is average and bikes hover just shy of five feet long. Seats are designed with those long periods in the saddle in view, for both driver and passenger.
Comfort in seating is key, but the position of the handlebars, pegs and the overall ergonomic configuration is made as a complete package. Fairing is common, as is a larger gas tank. 'Fairing' is the flared composite that surrounds the front of the bike. It reduces drag by a modest amount, but at lower speeds it does little other than make the bike look stylish.
Windscreens are essential, even though a helmet is standard head gear. Better to have bugs on the windscreen than on your faceplate. Or, in your teeth!
BMW is famous for their touring models, but Honda has made heavier bikes since the 1980s that are often used for this purpose. And those two have lots of competition. My friend, Don, bought a Suzuki touring bike last year and he loves it. Watch out BMW and Honda!
Sub-categories include the sport touring bike, which is usually smaller and has a smaller engine. Cruiser/tourers are a cross-breed that serve a little wider set of driving goals.
Cruiser
'Cruiser' is a broad category of motorcycle that includes just about everything that came to be associated with the breed from the 1930s until about 1970. After that, bikes became increasingly individualized, customized and mass-marketed.
Ironically - considering the rebel persona associated with bikes - the emphasis in cruiser design is on tradition. Choppers, retro, standard... no matter the sub-category, these bikes are big, heavy and solid. 600 lbs is common and the seat is generally lower, with engines that are larger than other types. The wheelbase is longer than average and the forks are raked at a greater angle.
Cruisers are definitely not for off-road, though many have seen a lot of dirt. They're built for stability, but often have high top speeds. They usually have lots of room for extras, like saddlebags and even a sidecar. 1400cc engines are common and the pipes are made to rumble.
Harley Davidson is the king of the category, but they have lots of competition. Indian has made a lot of models over the decades, but they have been going in and out of business for a hundred years. Suzuki and Kawasaki make 1500cc bikes that display all the features of a traditional cruiser.
As with most motorcycles today, there are a dozen common sub-categories with a variety of customization options. Power cruisers, choppers and more are available.
A cruiser can, and has been, used for touring but for those long road trips the touring bike will be more comfortable. Here, style is everything.
by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.
Several clubs organize tours that can involve travelling 1,000 miles per day. Even on smooth asphalt, that kind of trip demands an ultra-comfortable ride. The touring motorcycle is designed with just those requirements in mind.
Generally larger than standard motorcycles, touring bikes weigh more and have longer wheelbases. 500 lbs is average and bikes hover just shy of five feet long. Seats are designed with those long periods in the saddle in view, for both driver and passenger.
Comfort in seating is key, but the position of the handlebars, pegs and the overall ergonomic configuration is made as a complete package. Fairing is common, as is a larger gas tank. 'Fairing' is the flared composite that surrounds the front of the bike. It reduces drag by a modest amount, but at lower speeds it does little other than make the bike look stylish.
Windscreens are essential, even though a helmet is standard head gear. Better to have bugs on the windscreen than on your faceplate. Or, in your teeth!
BMW is famous for their touring models, but Honda has made heavier bikes since the 1980s that are often used for this purpose. And those two have lots of competition. My friend, Don, bought a Suzuki touring bike last year and he loves it. Watch out BMW and Honda!
Sub-categories include the sport touring bike, which is usually smaller and has a smaller engine. Cruiser/tourers are a cross-breed that serve a little wider set of driving goals.
Cruiser
'Cruiser' is a broad category of motorcycle that includes just about everything that came to be associated with the breed from the 1930s until about 1970. After that, bikes became increasingly individualized, customized and mass-marketed.
Ironically - considering the rebel persona associated with bikes - the emphasis in cruiser design is on tradition. Choppers, retro, standard... no matter the sub-category, these bikes are big, heavy and solid. 600 lbs is common and the seat is generally lower, with engines that are larger than other types. The wheelbase is longer than average and the forks are raked at a greater angle.
Cruisers are definitely not for off-road, though many have seen a lot of dirt. They're built for stability, but often have high top speeds. They usually have lots of room for extras, like saddlebags and even a sidecar. 1400cc engines are common and the pipes are made to rumble.
Harley Davidson is the king of the category, but they have lots of competition. Indian has made a lot of models over the decades, but they have been going in and out of business for a hundred years. Suzuki and Kawasaki make 1500cc bikes that display all the features of a traditional cruiser.
As with most motorcycles today, there are a dozen common sub-categories with a variety of customization options. Power cruisers, choppers and more are available.
A cruiser can, and has been, used for touring but for those long road trips the touring bike will be more comfortable. Here, style is everything.
by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.
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