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.
วันเสาร์ที่ 21 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
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.
วันศุกร์ที่ 20 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
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.
Youth Helmets - What to Consider When Purchasing A Youth Helmet
Your child just told you that he wants to ride a motorcycle and asks of you would buy him a helmet. Once you manage to get your heart out of your throat and back into your chest, you consider his request. By purchasing a youth helmet for him, you can take some of the decision into your own hands and alleviate your worry. The best thing you can do is make sure you buy him a helmet that fits properly, provides ample protection to his face and head, and has the correct amount of retention.
When you go to get a youth helmet for your child, always bring your child with you. An expert at any shop that sells these helmets can help you find one that has the proper fit. They will measure your child's head and then give you a size to start with. Let your child try on the helmet's that are the right size and in the colors and styles they like the best. By doing this you are allowing your child to have a say in an important piece of safety equipment. Plus you will be able to see if it fits properly. If your child gets to choose their youth helmet, they'll be more likely to wear it.
Here are a few helpful tips to get you and your child started on selecting the right youth helmet specifically for them so they can start riding as soon as possible.
The first tip to follow is to allow your child to try on several different youth helmets and wear each one for about five to ten minutes. By having your youth wear the helmet for a small length of time he will be able to tell you what spots on the helmet are not fitting well or what if any parts are bothersome to him. This time will also give you the ability to check to make sure the helmet fits properly, resting just above your child's eyebrows. When you are removing the helmet, check for any indentations or red marks on your child's head.
The second tip when choosing a youth helmet is to make sure the helmet has a comfort liner on the interior. This foam will form to the shape and contour of the child's head and will become much more comfortable with longer periods of wear. By starting your youth off with a well fitted helmet you are offering him the best possible protection while he is riding.
The next tip when buying a youth helmet is to ensure that the helmet has been treated not only with an anti-fog treatment but also with an anti-scratch treatment. This will ensure that the face protection surface will not become scratched or fogged during riding, making your youths vision the best in can be. Also check the visor and make sure it does not touch the outer part of the helmet. If it does it could cause scratches and make your youths vision blurry through his visor.
When buying a motorcycle youth helmet you should always remember that although the lighter style of youth helmet will be more comfortable to your child, the heavier style will offer more protection. Finding a balance between comfort and protection will give your child the comfort he needs from his youth helmet but also the safety you want him to have.
John Daniele is an expert on youth helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass hjc motorcycle helmet go look at http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your future purchase type in the coupon code: Video
When you go to get a youth helmet for your child, always bring your child with you. An expert at any shop that sells these helmets can help you find one that has the proper fit. They will measure your child's head and then give you a size to start with. Let your child try on the helmet's that are the right size and in the colors and styles they like the best. By doing this you are allowing your child to have a say in an important piece of safety equipment. Plus you will be able to see if it fits properly. If your child gets to choose their youth helmet, they'll be more likely to wear it.
Here are a few helpful tips to get you and your child started on selecting the right youth helmet specifically for them so they can start riding as soon as possible.
The first tip to follow is to allow your child to try on several different youth helmets and wear each one for about five to ten minutes. By having your youth wear the helmet for a small length of time he will be able to tell you what spots on the helmet are not fitting well or what if any parts are bothersome to him. This time will also give you the ability to check to make sure the helmet fits properly, resting just above your child's eyebrows. When you are removing the helmet, check for any indentations or red marks on your child's head.
The second tip when choosing a youth helmet is to make sure the helmet has a comfort liner on the interior. This foam will form to the shape and contour of the child's head and will become much more comfortable with longer periods of wear. By starting your youth off with a well fitted helmet you are offering him the best possible protection while he is riding.
The next tip when buying a youth helmet is to ensure that the helmet has been treated not only with an anti-fog treatment but also with an anti-scratch treatment. This will ensure that the face protection surface will not become scratched or fogged during riding, making your youths vision the best in can be. Also check the visor and make sure it does not touch the outer part of the helmet. If it does it could cause scratches and make your youths vision blurry through his visor.
When buying a motorcycle youth helmet you should always remember that although the lighter style of youth helmet will be more comfortable to your child, the heavier style will offer more protection. Finding a balance between comfort and protection will give your child the comfort he needs from his youth helmet but also the safety you want him to have.
John Daniele is an expert on youth helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass hjc motorcycle helmet go look at http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your future purchase type in the coupon code: Video
Womens Motorcycle Gear - What Every Woman Wants In Their Gear
In the past motorcycle riding gear was made mostly for the average rider who of course happened to be a man. Well not anymore ladies, riding gear has been made just for us, to form to a woman's needs and desires when it comes to riding a motorcycle.
In today's market women's motorcycle gear has made a huge splash in the motorcycle communities. The gear comes in all colors, sizes and styles that are made to fit any woman's motorcycle gear desires.
Motorcycle jackets for women has seen a great change over the years. Women's motorcycle gear now comes in almost any color a woman desires. Although the color black will always be in style the colors of the rainbow are what is in the here and now. A woman can feel like royalty in a beautiful purple jacket. If yellow is her color then no need to fear there is a wide range of yellow jackets in all different shades available. If being unique or flashy is more her style then finding a neon orange or bright green is now a possibility for a women's motorcycle gear. No matter what color her heart desires it is possible to find a motorcycle jacket just for her.
Feeling sexy is every woman's desire and being on the back of a motorcycle is no different. To add to a woman's motorcycle gear she will of course need boots. Why not make them the sexiest boots she can? While motorcycle boots do not come in a wide range of colors black is still just as sexy and will match any color gear she chooses. Women's motorcycle boots have great details on them such as fringes, straps, buckles and of course heels. These special little accessories will give her the feeling of sexiness even if they are just in black.
When is comes to women's motorcycle gear you can't forget her need for gloves that not only offer protection and safety to her hands but also add to her stylish look. Just as with the great colors in jackets you can also find matching gloves to go along with it. So not only will these gloves help to complete her great look they have also become much more practical over the years as far as fit. They are shaped more to a woman's hands and they way they are formed rather than over sized to fit a man's large hands.
The crowning glory to a women's motorcycle gear is her helmet. What better way to be seen on the open road than to have a smashingly beautiful helmet that depicts your personality to a tee. You can now purchase your helmet in a wide range of colors and then have it airbrushed to your specific desires and color combination. The only thing that stands between you and a perfect helmet is your imagination. There is no limit to the decoration and style available.
Women's motorcycle gear is something women have desired for years but now they can have a wide range of items, fit to their needs, desires, personality and their bodies that make a statement.
John Daniele is an expert on womens motorcycle gear. For details or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass motorcycle half helmet see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
In today's market women's motorcycle gear has made a huge splash in the motorcycle communities. The gear comes in all colors, sizes and styles that are made to fit any woman's motorcycle gear desires.
Motorcycle jackets for women has seen a great change over the years. Women's motorcycle gear now comes in almost any color a woman desires. Although the color black will always be in style the colors of the rainbow are what is in the here and now. A woman can feel like royalty in a beautiful purple jacket. If yellow is her color then no need to fear there is a wide range of yellow jackets in all different shades available. If being unique or flashy is more her style then finding a neon orange or bright green is now a possibility for a women's motorcycle gear. No matter what color her heart desires it is possible to find a motorcycle jacket just for her.
Feeling sexy is every woman's desire and being on the back of a motorcycle is no different. To add to a woman's motorcycle gear she will of course need boots. Why not make them the sexiest boots she can? While motorcycle boots do not come in a wide range of colors black is still just as sexy and will match any color gear she chooses. Women's motorcycle boots have great details on them such as fringes, straps, buckles and of course heels. These special little accessories will give her the feeling of sexiness even if they are just in black.
When is comes to women's motorcycle gear you can't forget her need for gloves that not only offer protection and safety to her hands but also add to her stylish look. Just as with the great colors in jackets you can also find matching gloves to go along with it. So not only will these gloves help to complete her great look they have also become much more practical over the years as far as fit. They are shaped more to a woman's hands and they way they are formed rather than over sized to fit a man's large hands.
The crowning glory to a women's motorcycle gear is her helmet. What better way to be seen on the open road than to have a smashingly beautiful helmet that depicts your personality to a tee. You can now purchase your helmet in a wide range of colors and then have it airbrushed to your specific desires and color combination. The only thing that stands between you and a perfect helmet is your imagination. There is no limit to the decoration and style available.
Women's motorcycle gear is something women have desired for years but now they can have a wide range of items, fit to their needs, desires, personality and their bodies that make a statement.
John Daniele is an expert on womens motorcycle gear. For details or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass motorcycle half helmet see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
Motorcycle Helmet - Sometimes It's the Law To Wear A Helmet
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or also known as NHTSA says that when comparing riders on a motorcycle and those in an automobile the rider of the motorcycle is 35% more likely to get injured or killed in an accident that involves another automobile compared to the lower rate of injury or death of the rider in the automobile. If the motorcycle rider is wearing a motorcycle helmet he is not as likely to sustain serious head injuries and has a greater chance of surviving the accident.
In many state wearing a motorcycle helmet has become a requirement while in other states it is still up to the rider to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. Even though wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required in some states many riders still choose to wear them simply for the safety and protection the helmet gives them. By making sure the helmet fits the rider correctly his head is greater protected against injury in the event of an accident. For almost every motorcycle rider, safety is extremely important.
For some riders the desire to wear a helmet is more than the protection they offer. They like the ability to wear helmets that are equipt with a communication system. These systems allow the riders in a group to communicate with each other without having to yell over the roar of their bikes and traffic. It is also hands free making it safer for the rider since he does not have to remove either hand from the handles of his bike. This feature alone is why some motorcycle riders choose to wear a helmet.
Even if you would rather not wear a motorcycle helmet the amount of protection they provide might just win you over. Not to mention that there is such a wide range of styles, colors and protection levels offered that most riders just can't say no to wearing a helmet. Maybe you're a person who would rather be able to feel the wind of the open road touching your face instead of a helmet. Why not try a helmet that has an open face so you can still feel the wind but also be protected? For those who would rather have their face protected from rocks, sand or anything else that might fly your way while riding then you can choose a helmet with a face shield that flips down to cover your face.
Many motorcycle riders fear helmets because they think that the helmet will be uncomfortable to wear. In prior years that might have been the case but just as everything else motorcycle helmets have also advanced. They are not only made for protection now but also for comfort. Most helmets will have a foam or fabric interior making them much more comfortable, allowing you to wear them for longer lengths of time. Not only does the interior lining offer more comfort but it also offers the wearer more protection in the long run.
The most important feature that you need to pay attention to when choosing a helmet is not the price but the protection factors that the helmet offers in the event the rider is in an accident. Most people assume that the most expensive helmet is going to be the best helmet but that is not always the case. Before you purchase a helmet check out the protection features, if they are not listed on the helmet ask your sales person or contact the manufacture for more information.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that there is about a 40% chance that a motorcycle rider who is in an accident without wearing a helmet will have a serious head injury. They also say that out of that 40% there is also another 15% chance that the rider without a helmet will be fatally injured from a head injury. While some riders dislike the idea of having to wear a helmet these facts alone are enough to make most riders choose to wear a helmet every time they fire up their motorcycle.
John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
In many state wearing a motorcycle helmet has become a requirement while in other states it is still up to the rider to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. Even though wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required in some states many riders still choose to wear them simply for the safety and protection the helmet gives them. By making sure the helmet fits the rider correctly his head is greater protected against injury in the event of an accident. For almost every motorcycle rider, safety is extremely important.
For some riders the desire to wear a helmet is more than the protection they offer. They like the ability to wear helmets that are equipt with a communication system. These systems allow the riders in a group to communicate with each other without having to yell over the roar of their bikes and traffic. It is also hands free making it safer for the rider since he does not have to remove either hand from the handles of his bike. This feature alone is why some motorcycle riders choose to wear a helmet.
Even if you would rather not wear a motorcycle helmet the amount of protection they provide might just win you over. Not to mention that there is such a wide range of styles, colors and protection levels offered that most riders just can't say no to wearing a helmet. Maybe you're a person who would rather be able to feel the wind of the open road touching your face instead of a helmet. Why not try a helmet that has an open face so you can still feel the wind but also be protected? For those who would rather have their face protected from rocks, sand or anything else that might fly your way while riding then you can choose a helmet with a face shield that flips down to cover your face.
Many motorcycle riders fear helmets because they think that the helmet will be uncomfortable to wear. In prior years that might have been the case but just as everything else motorcycle helmets have also advanced. They are not only made for protection now but also for comfort. Most helmets will have a foam or fabric interior making them much more comfortable, allowing you to wear them for longer lengths of time. Not only does the interior lining offer more comfort but it also offers the wearer more protection in the long run.
The most important feature that you need to pay attention to when choosing a helmet is not the price but the protection factors that the helmet offers in the event the rider is in an accident. Most people assume that the most expensive helmet is going to be the best helmet but that is not always the case. Before you purchase a helmet check out the protection features, if they are not listed on the helmet ask your sales person or contact the manufacture for more information.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that there is about a 40% chance that a motorcycle rider who is in an accident without wearing a helmet will have a serious head injury. They also say that out of that 40% there is also another 15% chance that the rider without a helmet will be fatally injured from a head injury. While some riders dislike the idea of having to wear a helmet these facts alone are enough to make most riders choose to wear a helmet every time they fire up their motorcycle.
John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 19 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
The True Difference Between Motorcycle Oil and Automotive Oil
To some people, changing the oil in your car is just like changing the oil in your motorcycle. Just drain out the old oil, install a new oil filter, and pour in the desired amount of new oil and your done. So when it comes time to change your motorcycle oil, why can't you use the same oil that you use in your car? Motorcycle oil and automotive oil look and feel the same so how could there be a difference between the two?
Automotive oil looks pretty enticing at $3 a quart but any experienced motorcycle rider knows that using automotive oil in motorcycles causes serious damage. In automotive vehicles, the engine is always separate from the clutch and transmission so they have separate oils for each. In automotive engine oil, there is more of what is called "friction modifiers" to help lessen the amount of friction on engine components and improve fuel economy. Of course, improving fuel economy has always been the main goal of the automotive industry making friction modifiers a necessity for all automotive oils.
These friction modifiers that are added to automotive oils are what cause serious damages when used in motorcycles. The friction modifiers clog the clutch plates in a motorcycle's transmission causing serious clutch slippage and disabling the motorcycle. You see, for motorcycles to be as compact as they are, they have to combine their engine and transmission into one casing. This means that everything is lubricated by only one type of oil including the valves, piston, transmission, and clutch.
Motorcycles require very little and/or no friction modifiers to help improve clutch friction and to prevent clutch slippage. But to make up for this lack of friction modifiers, motorcycle oils use higher levels of anti-wear additives such as ZDDP, also known as phosphorous, to limit engine friction and wear. Since motorcycle oil has extra anti-wear additives and is lubricating so much more than automotive oil, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $15 a quart.
To some people, both oils look and feel the same but now you know the facts of each. So the next time that you decide to change your motorcycle oil, go straight to your local motorcycle dealer and buy only high quality motorcycle oil designed specifically for the type of motorcycle you own. Make sure that you change your oil periodically to keep it fresh and clean to ensure a long life for your engine, transmission, and clutch.
Chris Nicholas is a big motorcycle enthusiast with almost 20 years of trail riding experience and Owner of HusqvarnaOutlet.com - Supplier of New, Used, and Vintage Husqvarna Motorcycles and Husqvarna Parts.
Automotive oil looks pretty enticing at $3 a quart but any experienced motorcycle rider knows that using automotive oil in motorcycles causes serious damage. In automotive vehicles, the engine is always separate from the clutch and transmission so they have separate oils for each. In automotive engine oil, there is more of what is called "friction modifiers" to help lessen the amount of friction on engine components and improve fuel economy. Of course, improving fuel economy has always been the main goal of the automotive industry making friction modifiers a necessity for all automotive oils.
These friction modifiers that are added to automotive oils are what cause serious damages when used in motorcycles. The friction modifiers clog the clutch plates in a motorcycle's transmission causing serious clutch slippage and disabling the motorcycle. You see, for motorcycles to be as compact as they are, they have to combine their engine and transmission into one casing. This means that everything is lubricated by only one type of oil including the valves, piston, transmission, and clutch.
Motorcycles require very little and/or no friction modifiers to help improve clutch friction and to prevent clutch slippage. But to make up for this lack of friction modifiers, motorcycle oils use higher levels of anti-wear additives such as ZDDP, also known as phosphorous, to limit engine friction and wear. Since motorcycle oil has extra anti-wear additives and is lubricating so much more than automotive oil, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $15 a quart.
To some people, both oils look and feel the same but now you know the facts of each. So the next time that you decide to change your motorcycle oil, go straight to your local motorcycle dealer and buy only high quality motorcycle oil designed specifically for the type of motorcycle you own. Make sure that you change your oil periodically to keep it fresh and clean to ensure a long life for your engine, transmission, and clutch.
Chris Nicholas is a big motorcycle enthusiast with almost 20 years of trail riding experience and Owner of HusqvarnaOutlet.com - Supplier of New, Used, and Vintage Husqvarna Motorcycles and Husqvarna Parts.
Motorcycle Helmet Bag - Scratches and Dings Don't Mean A Thing
Motorcycle helmet bags are fairly inexpensive, running between $20.00 and $30.00 a piece. When they are properly used for storing your helmet when it's not your head, these bags will keep them dust free and protect them from being scratched or damaged. Motorcycle helmet bags are made by a variety of different manufacturers which gives you a great selection of styles, sizes and colors to choose from. They are all made from fleece lined 600 denier nylon - the same fabric used for riding jackets and pants - and the zippers are corrosion resistant. The seams are all double stitched and the handles come with a Velcro wraparound for easy carrying.
Motorcycle helmet bags are fairly inexpensive, running between $20.00 and $30.00 a piece. When they are properly used for storing your helmet when it's not your head, these bags will keep them dust free and protect them from being scratched or damaged. Motorcycle helmet bags are made by a variety of different manufacturers which gives you a great selection of styles, sizes and colors to choose from. They are all made from fleece lined 600 denier nylon - the same fabric used for riding jackets and pants - and the zippers are corrosion resistant. The seams are all double stitched and the handles come with a Velcro wraparound for easy carrying.
Some of the motorcycle helmet bags also have additional storage spaces in and around the outside of the bag, but the main fact is that it should hold your helmet snuggly and securely to protect it and keep it looking great. The compartments are great for storing little things you don't want to misplace, such as your cell phone, keys, or sunglasses. You can even store your visor in your motorcycle helmet bag if you have one of those removable ones, although you may want to wrap it individually to ensure that it does not get damaged or scratch you helmet. A good bag will have rubber feet on the bottom to keep it from getting dirty. You can find one of these great equipment additions to fit just about every need.
Motorcycle helmet bags even come in a larger travel size. These slightly oversized bags have compartments and sections in it that not only allow you to carry you helmet, but also your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairdryer, deodorant - anything you need for an overnight trip. These are reinforced with extra padding to help provide additional protection to your helmet and your goods, and they are handy in helping keep the amount of 'motorcycle luggage' to a minimum.
For more information on quality motorcycle helmet bags, contact your nearest motorcycle dealer or search for them online. There are a variety of makes and colors to choose from and they all offer comparable prices for their goods. You protect your head with your helmet. Shouldn't you have a motorcycle helmet bag to protect your helmet too?
John Daniele is an professional on womens motorcycle gear. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass classic open face helmet see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase put in the coupon code: Video
Motorcycle helmet bags are fairly inexpensive, running between $20.00 and $30.00 a piece. When they are properly used for storing your helmet when it's not your head, these bags will keep them dust free and protect them from being scratched or damaged. Motorcycle helmet bags are made by a variety of different manufacturers which gives you a great selection of styles, sizes and colors to choose from. They are all made from fleece lined 600 denier nylon - the same fabric used for riding jackets and pants - and the zippers are corrosion resistant. The seams are all double stitched and the handles come with a Velcro wraparound for easy carrying.
Some of the motorcycle helmet bags also have additional storage spaces in and around the outside of the bag, but the main fact is that it should hold your helmet snuggly and securely to protect it and keep it looking great. The compartments are great for storing little things you don't want to misplace, such as your cell phone, keys, or sunglasses. You can even store your visor in your motorcycle helmet bag if you have one of those removable ones, although you may want to wrap it individually to ensure that it does not get damaged or scratch you helmet. A good bag will have rubber feet on the bottom to keep it from getting dirty. You can find one of these great equipment additions to fit just about every need.
Motorcycle helmet bags even come in a larger travel size. These slightly oversized bags have compartments and sections in it that not only allow you to carry you helmet, but also your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairdryer, deodorant - anything you need for an overnight trip. These are reinforced with extra padding to help provide additional protection to your helmet and your goods, and they are handy in helping keep the amount of 'motorcycle luggage' to a minimum.
For more information on quality motorcycle helmet bags, contact your nearest motorcycle dealer or search for them online. There are a variety of makes and colors to choose from and they all offer comparable prices for their goods. You protect your head with your helmet. Shouldn't you have a motorcycle helmet bag to protect your helmet too?
John Daniele is an professional on womens motorcycle gear. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass classic open face helmet see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase put in the coupon code: Video
Street Legal Moped
Mopeds are a popular means of transportation. The moped is a vehicle with an engine of less than 50cc. It is ideal for riding short distance within the city as it gives you good mileage and is not very expensive to buy. There are larger models which you could use for longer trips across the country. Mopeds are less polluting and facilitate easy parking. If you need on travel short distances to work, to ride across college campuses or just to gad about, then be sure to get a Street Legal Moped. It should comply with State regulations as well as Federal regulations. They have to be registered with a Vehicle Identification number (VIN). Only those mopeds, which meet federal safety regulations are street legal. Mopeds cannot be driven on sidewalks.
To find a street legal moped, you can take the help of the web. There are lots of deals coming up on the net for used second-hand vehicles. Most of these vehicles, if they are street legal would come with a VIN. The only problem with buying through the net is that you cannot physically check the condition of the moped until it arrives sold to you. While such deals on the Internet are cheap, since they do not have overhead costs added to them, you could land up shelling out money to get them running. A better way would be to get a reference from your network of family and friends. The best referral is always word-of -mouth. So if you have a friend or an acquaintance or family member who has struck a good deal on a moped from any website, use the reference. It makes things less uncertain.
A Street Legal Moped could also be bought from your local motorbike shop. There is generally no problem in getting one from these shops as they sell street legal mopeds. You can be certain of the genuineness of the deal. However, buying a new moped will cost you more than a second-hand one. Not to worry. These dealers also sell second-hand mopeds. These are usually sold to the dealer by previous owners who have moved on to newer models or higher-end scooters. In these cases, the mopeds would have been checked by the dealers and one can safely buy.
Another way to buy a street legal moped is to search for offers in your neighborhood. Restaurants, cafeterias and notice boards will have good deals pinned up. This can be easy to check as you can see the vehicle for yourself.
Be sure to wear a helmet and a jacket while riding a moped. Although the moped is an easy vehicle to ride, it is not very safe to drive without a helmet. Riding one without a helmet can be fatal as falling from a moped generally causes facial and head injuries. Get a helmet which meets the safety regulations in your state. It should be strapped on and fit comfortably. If you have commuting problems and drive short distance, get a Street Legal Moped today!
Fed up with high gas prices? Me too! We can't change the price of gas but we can use less of it. Check out my blog at http://mopedcommutervehicles.blogspot.com/
To find a street legal moped, you can take the help of the web. There are lots of deals coming up on the net for used second-hand vehicles. Most of these vehicles, if they are street legal would come with a VIN. The only problem with buying through the net is that you cannot physically check the condition of the moped until it arrives sold to you. While such deals on the Internet are cheap, since they do not have overhead costs added to them, you could land up shelling out money to get them running. A better way would be to get a reference from your network of family and friends. The best referral is always word-of -mouth. So if you have a friend or an acquaintance or family member who has struck a good deal on a moped from any website, use the reference. It makes things less uncertain.
A Street Legal Moped could also be bought from your local motorbike shop. There is generally no problem in getting one from these shops as they sell street legal mopeds. You can be certain of the genuineness of the deal. However, buying a new moped will cost you more than a second-hand one. Not to worry. These dealers also sell second-hand mopeds. These are usually sold to the dealer by previous owners who have moved on to newer models or higher-end scooters. In these cases, the mopeds would have been checked by the dealers and one can safely buy.
Another way to buy a street legal moped is to search for offers in your neighborhood. Restaurants, cafeterias and notice boards will have good deals pinned up. This can be easy to check as you can see the vehicle for yourself.
Be sure to wear a helmet and a jacket while riding a moped. Although the moped is an easy vehicle to ride, it is not very safe to drive without a helmet. Riding one without a helmet can be fatal as falling from a moped generally causes facial and head injuries. Get a helmet which meets the safety regulations in your state. It should be strapped on and fit comfortably. If you have commuting problems and drive short distance, get a Street Legal Moped today!
Fed up with high gas prices? Me too! We can't change the price of gas but we can use less of it. Check out my blog at http://mopedcommutervehicles.blogspot.com/
Spring Is Here! Some Tips To Help You Enjoy Motorcycle Season
Ahhh, spring is finally here and that faint scent of summer is in the air! More than likely you're a bit rusty on your riding skills and taking a refresher course wouldn't do any harm for all riders, new and elite. According to Transport Canada, an eye opening 234 motorcyclists suffered fatalities in Canada in 2005.
Now that safety should be on your mind, hopefully you are considering taking a rider training course. These courses are available on all levels; entry, experienced and even for the "elite" riders that have a considerable amount of riding experience. The primary example is a program called"Gearing Up". Insurers, private organizations, federal and provincial governments, and the motorcycle industry recognize this rider program across Canada. Follow these tips below to be sure to help you prepare for the nice weather and ultimately your safety.
Safe riding tips for everyday motorcycle riders.
1: Motorcycle Pre-ride Inspection:
Before you start your ride, be sure to inspect your bike to ensure it is in optimal riding condition.
Do you know how to perform a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection? If not, follow these Simple steps
Tires and Wheels - Check your tire's air pressure, spokes, tread, brakes and bearings. Ensure that you don't find any damage or cracks of any sort.
Controls - Inspect the throttle, levers, switches, hoses and cables.
Lights and Electrical - Test your lights and electrical switches to make sure that they are in optimal working condition.
Oil and Critical Fluids - Look for leaks in all probable areas. Don't forget to check the hydraulic fluid, fuel levels, oil and coolant levels.
Chassis - Prepare for any passenger or load by adjusting your chassis. Inspect your suspension and driving components. Refer to your owner's manual where it will list the proper suspension setting for your motorcycle.
KickStand - Check the tension spring.
2: Wear a helmet and protection gear at all times:
Be smart. Wear a helmet at all times! If you are ever involved in an accident, make sure that you dispose of it immediately. Wearing a helmet that has been involved in an accident increases your risk for head trauma five-fold.
Also, of equal importance is the wearing of protective clothing. Wearing protective clothing such as a leather jacket, pants and gloves may protect you from road rash and other several likely problems such as weather and debris. Play it safe: experts all agree that it is highly advised to wear your full motorcycling gear during hot weather.
3: Be noticeable - Motorcyclists are harder to spot than cars:
The majority motorbike accidents arise because car drivers and other motorists do not see the riders. To be safe, riders should consider wearing light or white colored helmets, bright or fluorescent clothing, and using daytime headlights while riding during the day. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vans, trucks and even sports cars, so be sure to take extra measures to make sure that other riders and drivers alike know you're on the road at all times. Lastly, drive defensively; keep aware of weather conditions and adjust your mirrors for potential blind spots.
4: Keep your eyes on the road - A simple pebble could cause a bailout:
Keep an eye out for upcoming cracks, pebbles, stones, potholes, bumps, traffic, puddles, and spills. Ultimately, keep an eye out for sharp turns in the road that will need to be reacted to in a short amount of time.
5: Road hazards:
Most motorcycle riders can see that roads and bridges can become significantly hazardous when wet and take proper caution, however, it is recommended to note that different road surfaces all have their own types of unique hazards. Keep this list of hazards in mind next time you set out for a nice spring ride:
Asphalt - Cold winters, wet roads, potholes and debris can all have a serious impact on the ability to steer properly while on your bike.
Painted Lines - Stay away from these at all costs. When dry, they still do not offer the same traction as would asphalt. When wet, they are almost impossible to navigate and can cause serious bailouts.
Cement - Cement is usually a little less slippery than asphalt, however, it still has its own challenges. A lot of the time, cement roads are usually manufactured to contain grooves which will aid in draining water. Keep in mind that these groves can be extremely difficult to steer in if they are parallel to your bike. Lastly, cement roads are usually uneven since they are poured in sections so be sure to keep an extra eye out for these potential hazards as well.
6: Ride defensively:
Keep up with a speed that is consistent with your riding skills and weather conditions.
Most accidents occur at intersections! Make sure you are highly alert when you pull up to or drive through one.
When changing lanes, always check your mirrors, blind spots, signal and follow up with a final visual check.
Do not ride on the shoulder or pass on it. Never tailgate and pass other motorists only when it is safe to do so.
For more Motorcycle articles and tips head over to http://www.kanetix.ca we also have an online Motorcycle Insurance comparison service with highly competitive rates.
Motorcycle Insurance
http://www.kanetix.ca/motorcycle-insurance
Now that safety should be on your mind, hopefully you are considering taking a rider training course. These courses are available on all levels; entry, experienced and even for the "elite" riders that have a considerable amount of riding experience. The primary example is a program called"Gearing Up". Insurers, private organizations, federal and provincial governments, and the motorcycle industry recognize this rider program across Canada. Follow these tips below to be sure to help you prepare for the nice weather and ultimately your safety.
Safe riding tips for everyday motorcycle riders.
1: Motorcycle Pre-ride Inspection:
Before you start your ride, be sure to inspect your bike to ensure it is in optimal riding condition.
Do you know how to perform a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection? If not, follow these Simple steps
Tires and Wheels - Check your tire's air pressure, spokes, tread, brakes and bearings. Ensure that you don't find any damage or cracks of any sort.
Controls - Inspect the throttle, levers, switches, hoses and cables.
Lights and Electrical - Test your lights and electrical switches to make sure that they are in optimal working condition.
Oil and Critical Fluids - Look for leaks in all probable areas. Don't forget to check the hydraulic fluid, fuel levels, oil and coolant levels.
Chassis - Prepare for any passenger or load by adjusting your chassis. Inspect your suspension and driving components. Refer to your owner's manual where it will list the proper suspension setting for your motorcycle.
KickStand - Check the tension spring.
2: Wear a helmet and protection gear at all times:
Be smart. Wear a helmet at all times! If you are ever involved in an accident, make sure that you dispose of it immediately. Wearing a helmet that has been involved in an accident increases your risk for head trauma five-fold.
Also, of equal importance is the wearing of protective clothing. Wearing protective clothing such as a leather jacket, pants and gloves may protect you from road rash and other several likely problems such as weather and debris. Play it safe: experts all agree that it is highly advised to wear your full motorcycling gear during hot weather.
3: Be noticeable - Motorcyclists are harder to spot than cars:
The majority motorbike accidents arise because car drivers and other motorists do not see the riders. To be safe, riders should consider wearing light or white colored helmets, bright or fluorescent clothing, and using daytime headlights while riding during the day. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vans, trucks and even sports cars, so be sure to take extra measures to make sure that other riders and drivers alike know you're on the road at all times. Lastly, drive defensively; keep aware of weather conditions and adjust your mirrors for potential blind spots.
4: Keep your eyes on the road - A simple pebble could cause a bailout:
Keep an eye out for upcoming cracks, pebbles, stones, potholes, bumps, traffic, puddles, and spills. Ultimately, keep an eye out for sharp turns in the road that will need to be reacted to in a short amount of time.
5: Road hazards:
Most motorcycle riders can see that roads and bridges can become significantly hazardous when wet and take proper caution, however, it is recommended to note that different road surfaces all have their own types of unique hazards. Keep this list of hazards in mind next time you set out for a nice spring ride:
Asphalt - Cold winters, wet roads, potholes and debris can all have a serious impact on the ability to steer properly while on your bike.
Painted Lines - Stay away from these at all costs. When dry, they still do not offer the same traction as would asphalt. When wet, they are almost impossible to navigate and can cause serious bailouts.
Cement - Cement is usually a little less slippery than asphalt, however, it still has its own challenges. A lot of the time, cement roads are usually manufactured to contain grooves which will aid in draining water. Keep in mind that these groves can be extremely difficult to steer in if they are parallel to your bike. Lastly, cement roads are usually uneven since they are poured in sections so be sure to keep an extra eye out for these potential hazards as well.
6: Ride defensively:
Keep up with a speed that is consistent with your riding skills and weather conditions.
Most accidents occur at intersections! Make sure you are highly alert when you pull up to or drive through one.
When changing lanes, always check your mirrors, blind spots, signal and follow up with a final visual check.
Do not ride on the shoulder or pass on it. Never tailgate and pass other motorists only when it is safe to do so.
For more Motorcycle articles and tips head over to http://www.kanetix.ca we also have an online Motorcycle Insurance comparison service with highly competitive rates.
Motorcycle Insurance
http://www.kanetix.ca/motorcycle-insurance
Motorcycles - Motorcycle Leather Bags
Have you added the beauty of a leather bag to your motorcycle yet? When we talk about motorcycle accessories, the discussion cannot be complete without talking about motorcycle leather bags. The most professional riders specifically mention the importance of high quality of motorcycle leather bags to carry on long journeys. According to experts, one must buy great quality motorcycle leather bags to experience the joy of long drives on their motorcycles, while riding at high speeds.
Motorcycle leather bags are one of the most important motorcycle accessories to carry by a rider while riding. It is essential when the rider is riding their motorcycle on long rides, but it can also be great when riding around town. Motorcycle leather bags can provide shelter for personal belongings and some can even provide security, depending on the model. Also, motorcycle bags can be great in the event of rain, as the rider can quickly put their valuables into the bag.
Motorcycle riders can also use the motorcycle bag as a luggage storage space. These bags can be used to keep all of the motorcycle gear in one bag, properly securing them for safe and easy travel. They can be useful in large extent while journey long and cloths and other important stuff can be carried easily and the motorcycle apparel are also available in various sizes and in different material such as sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags and leather tool bags and leather windshield bags
One of the best things about motorcycle bags is that they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that the rider can personalize their bike, matching to their tastes and current bike designs. In addition to colors and styles, motorcycle bags are available in several fabric choices. Motorcycle riders will be able to find leather, vinyl, cotton and more when they are searching for bags.
So, when you are ready to consider a motorcycle bag for your bike, ensure that you choose one that is of high quality, one that has a lock to secure your valuables and one that has strength so that won't sag when you fill it with your stuff. Also, choose the material that best suits the amount of riding that you do and the wear that you expect it to get. Ask questions of the salesperson so that you can best match your personal needs with the products that are available. With the amount of options available, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle bags, used motorcycle bags, and used car parts.
Motorcycle leather bags are one of the most important motorcycle accessories to carry by a rider while riding. It is essential when the rider is riding their motorcycle on long rides, but it can also be great when riding around town. Motorcycle leather bags can provide shelter for personal belongings and some can even provide security, depending on the model. Also, motorcycle bags can be great in the event of rain, as the rider can quickly put their valuables into the bag.
Motorcycle riders can also use the motorcycle bag as a luggage storage space. These bags can be used to keep all of the motorcycle gear in one bag, properly securing them for safe and easy travel. They can be useful in large extent while journey long and cloths and other important stuff can be carried easily and the motorcycle apparel are also available in various sizes and in different material such as sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags and leather tool bags and leather windshield bags
One of the best things about motorcycle bags is that they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that the rider can personalize their bike, matching to their tastes and current bike designs. In addition to colors and styles, motorcycle bags are available in several fabric choices. Motorcycle riders will be able to find leather, vinyl, cotton and more when they are searching for bags.
So, when you are ready to consider a motorcycle bag for your bike, ensure that you choose one that is of high quality, one that has a lock to secure your valuables and one that has strength so that won't sag when you fill it with your stuff. Also, choose the material that best suits the amount of riding that you do and the wear that you expect it to get. Ask questions of the salesperson so that you can best match your personal needs with the products that are available. With the amount of options available, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle bags, used motorcycle bags, and used car parts.
วันพุธที่ 18 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
Mopeds MPG - A Great Way To Save Gas
Mopeds offer excellent ROI (return on investment) especially when it comes to their fuel consumption. If oil prices continue to go up, mopeds would come back to the automobile market with an even greater gusto. Most college campuses have a number of students riding mopeds on campuses. These bikes are convenient for short rides that can't be covered by a bicycle or a car. There are mopeds that start at $1000 and could go on up to $5000. What distinguishes these bikes from motorcycles is their small bore engine and small diameter tires.
Though mopeds are essentially the same, they have different definitions in most states. In Massachusetts, for example they should have automatic transmission, a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cc and not be capable of a speed greater than 30 miles per hour. Some models of a moped with a 50 cc engine may give 100 MPG. One such moped was the Honda 50 that is not on roads anymore. There are others, which give 120 MPG, though these are at the higher end. One of the best mopeds is Solex, made in France.
As always, your riding habits could improve the fuel efficiency. Accelerating slowly will utilize less gas. Coast towards stoplights and you'll see that you burn less fuel than in the case where you step on the pedal till the last minute. Adjust your highway speed and also when you are on the country roads. Riding at lower speeds helps in greater fuel efficiency and would give you a higher MPG. Keeping your moped in a good condition is another way of achieving optimum fuel utilization.
Presently there aren't many US moped manufacturers. However, there is a surge in the number of people buying mopeds. But it would be nice to have a 'hybrid moped' where in you pedal on level ground and charge the battery if you want to. Use the battery side to the moped when you are going downhill, and use the motor for the uphill. This way you don't use gasoline, and you don't tire yourself when going uphill, either.
There are a couple of disadvantages as well to buying a moped. Safety is a concern and also riding in tough weather conditions becomes almost impossible. But the saving made on gasoline consumption is tremendous. Having an average fuel economy rating of about 100 MPG, a moped will reduce the gasoline that an auto would from one-quarter to one-tenth. You could thus save up to $100. And if you can handle a bicycle, you can most definitely ride a moped.
Fed up with the high gas prices? Me too! We can't change the price of gas but we can use less of it. Check out my blog at http://mopedcommutervehicles.blogspot.com/
Though mopeds are essentially the same, they have different definitions in most states. In Massachusetts, for example they should have automatic transmission, a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cc and not be capable of a speed greater than 30 miles per hour. Some models of a moped with a 50 cc engine may give 100 MPG. One such moped was the Honda 50 that is not on roads anymore. There are others, which give 120 MPG, though these are at the higher end. One of the best mopeds is Solex, made in France.
As always, your riding habits could improve the fuel efficiency. Accelerating slowly will utilize less gas. Coast towards stoplights and you'll see that you burn less fuel than in the case where you step on the pedal till the last minute. Adjust your highway speed and also when you are on the country roads. Riding at lower speeds helps in greater fuel efficiency and would give you a higher MPG. Keeping your moped in a good condition is another way of achieving optimum fuel utilization.
Presently there aren't many US moped manufacturers. However, there is a surge in the number of people buying mopeds. But it would be nice to have a 'hybrid moped' where in you pedal on level ground and charge the battery if you want to. Use the battery side to the moped when you are going downhill, and use the motor for the uphill. This way you don't use gasoline, and you don't tire yourself when going uphill, either.
There are a couple of disadvantages as well to buying a moped. Safety is a concern and also riding in tough weather conditions becomes almost impossible. But the saving made on gasoline consumption is tremendous. Having an average fuel economy rating of about 100 MPG, a moped will reduce the gasoline that an auto would from one-quarter to one-tenth. You could thus save up to $100. And if you can handle a bicycle, you can most definitely ride a moped.
Fed up with the high gas prices? Me too! We can't change the price of gas but we can use less of it. Check out my blog at http://mopedcommutervehicles.blogspot.com/
Riders, Protect Yourself!
Introduction
Protective clothing, such as a jacket, boots, and gloves reduce rider injury severity and, therefore play an important role of preventing or at least decreasing the degree of injury should a crash or fall occur. Weather protection is also an important aspect of PPE not mentioned above is protection from the elements. PPE provides protection from wind, rain and cold. The Department of Transportation recommends using the following protective gear for safety: DOT (Department of Transportation) approved motorcycle helmet with a high safety rating, good quality leather jacket, thick leather chaps or leather trousers to protect your legs, leather gloves to protect your hands, and leather boots to protect your feet and ankles. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort, protection from the elements, and some measure of injury protection. Remember that the passenger needs safely gear as well.
Stay Visible: Extreme Visibility is Very Important
One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. Also it is no surprise that the majority of motorcycle/automobile accidents are due to poor visibily. Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase both the rider and passenger visibility in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. LED lighting improves motorcycle visibility, and horns provide sound warnings to keep others on the road aware of your presence. Remember to utilize the use of bright colors, white, neon colors, or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist and also the passenger.
Protect Your Body: Jackets and Trousers
Jackets and trousers should be made of heavy-weight, durable material like leather or denim. Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event of a spill, accidental contact with the hot parts of the motorcycle, nasty bug splats, and also in case of fire occurring as a result of the crash. The most common leather used for motorcycle wear is from cattle such as beef. Horse leather is sometimes used and also provides excellent protection. Originally, motorcycle leathers were adapted from tank corps gear immediately following World War I. Thick, tough leather provides the most abrasion resistance in a crash, but fabrics such as cordura, kevlar and ballistic nylon provide significant protection too. Airbag system technology is now available to be fitted to jackets and vests for accident protection and impact protection for both riders and passengers. Trousers should be made of the same material as jackets, usually including special protection for the knees and hips. Increasingly, motorcyclists are choosing protective equipment constructed of man-made textiles rather than leather due to their improved weather protection, from heat, cold, and water. These garments tend to provide greater convenience in terms of pockets and vents. However, textile fabrics do offer less abrasion protection than leather gear.
Protect Your Feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs
Proper footwear for motorcycle riding gives superior protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide very little to NO protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Despite their toughness and protection, most boots are very lightweight. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff rubber, oil/chemical resistance soles with a good grip provide the rider protection from a number of risks. A safety oriented, protected motorcyclist will wear boots with heels that fit on motorcycle foot rests (pegs) that also provide ankle support. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff soles provide the rider protection from a number of risks. If the boots have heels, they should be low and wide to provide a stable base when standing with the bike. Extensive research has shown that heavy leather boots or boots designed specifically for motorcycle riding are the only types of footwear that offer any foot protection in a crash. Choose boots that are classified as motorcycle boots, because they are constructed with special seams and techniques for the greatest abrasion, tear, crush protection, and thus provide excellent injury prevention. Besides the obvious abrasion, as you probably already know, on most motorcycles there are many hot parts that reside near your feet and ankles: Motorcycle boots help prevents unnecessary injury to these areas by placing a thick barrier between your lower legs, feet, and ankles. The choice of buying boots with reflective tapes or placing some on the boots yourself, (this tape can usually be purchased very easily at a number of online merchants or if you prefer to fight traffic and shop around some department stores also "should" stock it).
Protect Your Hands
Besides abrasion protection, gloves usually offer a better grip on the controls, especially in extreme weather and when riding on rough surfaces. They also provide some level of protection against flying objects, such as rocks thrown by traffic or insects (yuck). Motorcycling gloves are typically gloves made of leather with some type of padding. Gloves provide more safety if they cover the wrist area and fingers, this provides extra support in case of a crash or fall.
Protect Your Head
The Most Important Protection: The Helmet
Most bikers know that helmets add protection and most states require that every biker and passenger use one. Maybe I'm wrong but I thing that the simple act of putting on a helmet is a reminder that you are about to participate in a very dangerous activity and this simple act places your unconscious mind in safety mode. A helmet also provides eye protection and decreases wind noise which allow the rider to see and hear better. The major function of the motorcycle helmet is to prevent injury to the head. Full face helmets, however, also protect the lower jaw. There is a new helmet on the market now that incorporates a full face helmet for better protection in which the face/jaw shield portion can be lifted up and opened. This feature allows for better communication function ability while also making the helmet as easy to put on and take off as the popular open faced models, When purchasing a helmet, look for those that meet a high protection standard as indicated on a tag or on the helmet itself. Unfortunately there are helmets being sold that do not meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard and do not provide the level of protection needed while riding your motorcycle, much less offer safety from injury should a fall or crash occur.
Keep Yourself Safe by Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe:
Please Remember the Safety Checks
It is very important to remember to check that all lights are working properly on your motorcycle; this should include the headlights, tail lights, signal lights, brake lights. Be sure to also check the motorcycle horn before each ride as well, if present. If you don't have one purchase one and make sure it is properly installed. Visually assess the condition and routing of control cables, making sure they move freely, also check that cables are not so tight as to interfere with steering. Make sure the cables have no sharp angles and replace any frayed cables found immediately. Check to make sure your throttle moves freely, with no sticking and snaps closed when released. Remember to check forks and shocks, making sure they travel freely and are properly adjusted. Any attached load should be inspected and reinspected periodically to make sure it is securely fastened, and that any straps are tight, have no loose ends, and not freely moving. Last but not least, every safe rider should practice being aware of her/his surroundings and observation skills. Enjoy the freedom, the ride, the great outdoors, but stay alert and concentrate on riding safely as well. Happy riding!
Reseached and Written by Leah Lyn Fitzgerald, Owner of Fitzmart.com
Copyright April 6, 2008, Fitzmart.com
We would like to invite you to visit our online store at fitzmart.com
Remember to check out our Biker Gear and Accessories (left side of screen) when you visit our website: http://www.fitzmart.com
We also carry awesome designer biker belt buckles, just click on beltbuckles on the left side of the screen. You may also be interested in our biker t-shirts, if so feel free to check them out as well.All merchandise is 20% off and if you sign up for a free account, a special thank you gift will be waiting for you in you email box.
Protective clothing, such as a jacket, boots, and gloves reduce rider injury severity and, therefore play an important role of preventing or at least decreasing the degree of injury should a crash or fall occur. Weather protection is also an important aspect of PPE not mentioned above is protection from the elements. PPE provides protection from wind, rain and cold. The Department of Transportation recommends using the following protective gear for safety: DOT (Department of Transportation) approved motorcycle helmet with a high safety rating, good quality leather jacket, thick leather chaps or leather trousers to protect your legs, leather gloves to protect your hands, and leather boots to protect your feet and ankles. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort, protection from the elements, and some measure of injury protection. Remember that the passenger needs safely gear as well.
Stay Visible: Extreme Visibility is Very Important
One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. Also it is no surprise that the majority of motorcycle/automobile accidents are due to poor visibily. Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase both the rider and passenger visibility in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. LED lighting improves motorcycle visibility, and horns provide sound warnings to keep others on the road aware of your presence. Remember to utilize the use of bright colors, white, neon colors, or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist and also the passenger.
Protect Your Body: Jackets and Trousers
Jackets and trousers should be made of heavy-weight, durable material like leather or denim. Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event of a spill, accidental contact with the hot parts of the motorcycle, nasty bug splats, and also in case of fire occurring as a result of the crash. The most common leather used for motorcycle wear is from cattle such as beef. Horse leather is sometimes used and also provides excellent protection. Originally, motorcycle leathers were adapted from tank corps gear immediately following World War I. Thick, tough leather provides the most abrasion resistance in a crash, but fabrics such as cordura, kevlar and ballistic nylon provide significant protection too. Airbag system technology is now available to be fitted to jackets and vests for accident protection and impact protection for both riders and passengers. Trousers should be made of the same material as jackets, usually including special protection for the knees and hips. Increasingly, motorcyclists are choosing protective equipment constructed of man-made textiles rather than leather due to their improved weather protection, from heat, cold, and water. These garments tend to provide greater convenience in terms of pockets and vents. However, textile fabrics do offer less abrasion protection than leather gear.
Protect Your Feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs
Proper footwear for motorcycle riding gives superior protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide very little to NO protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Despite their toughness and protection, most boots are very lightweight. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff rubber, oil/chemical resistance soles with a good grip provide the rider protection from a number of risks. A safety oriented, protected motorcyclist will wear boots with heels that fit on motorcycle foot rests (pegs) that also provide ankle support. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff soles provide the rider protection from a number of risks. If the boots have heels, they should be low and wide to provide a stable base when standing with the bike. Extensive research has shown that heavy leather boots or boots designed specifically for motorcycle riding are the only types of footwear that offer any foot protection in a crash. Choose boots that are classified as motorcycle boots, because they are constructed with special seams and techniques for the greatest abrasion, tear, crush protection, and thus provide excellent injury prevention. Besides the obvious abrasion, as you probably already know, on most motorcycles there are many hot parts that reside near your feet and ankles: Motorcycle boots help prevents unnecessary injury to these areas by placing a thick barrier between your lower legs, feet, and ankles. The choice of buying boots with reflective tapes or placing some on the boots yourself, (this tape can usually be purchased very easily at a number of online merchants or if you prefer to fight traffic and shop around some department stores also "should" stock it).
Protect Your Hands
Besides abrasion protection, gloves usually offer a better grip on the controls, especially in extreme weather and when riding on rough surfaces. They also provide some level of protection against flying objects, such as rocks thrown by traffic or insects (yuck). Motorcycling gloves are typically gloves made of leather with some type of padding. Gloves provide more safety if they cover the wrist area and fingers, this provides extra support in case of a crash or fall.
Protect Your Head
The Most Important Protection: The Helmet
Most bikers know that helmets add protection and most states require that every biker and passenger use one. Maybe I'm wrong but I thing that the simple act of putting on a helmet is a reminder that you are about to participate in a very dangerous activity and this simple act places your unconscious mind in safety mode. A helmet also provides eye protection and decreases wind noise which allow the rider to see and hear better. The major function of the motorcycle helmet is to prevent injury to the head. Full face helmets, however, also protect the lower jaw. There is a new helmet on the market now that incorporates a full face helmet for better protection in which the face/jaw shield portion can be lifted up and opened. This feature allows for better communication function ability while also making the helmet as easy to put on and take off as the popular open faced models, When purchasing a helmet, look for those that meet a high protection standard as indicated on a tag or on the helmet itself. Unfortunately there are helmets being sold that do not meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard and do not provide the level of protection needed while riding your motorcycle, much less offer safety from injury should a fall or crash occur.
Keep Yourself Safe by Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe:
Please Remember the Safety Checks
It is very important to remember to check that all lights are working properly on your motorcycle; this should include the headlights, tail lights, signal lights, brake lights. Be sure to also check the motorcycle horn before each ride as well, if present. If you don't have one purchase one and make sure it is properly installed. Visually assess the condition and routing of control cables, making sure they move freely, also check that cables are not so tight as to interfere with steering. Make sure the cables have no sharp angles and replace any frayed cables found immediately. Check to make sure your throttle moves freely, with no sticking and snaps closed when released. Remember to check forks and shocks, making sure they travel freely and are properly adjusted. Any attached load should be inspected and reinspected periodically to make sure it is securely fastened, and that any straps are tight, have no loose ends, and not freely moving. Last but not least, every safe rider should practice being aware of her/his surroundings and observation skills. Enjoy the freedom, the ride, the great outdoors, but stay alert and concentrate on riding safely as well. Happy riding!
Reseached and Written by Leah Lyn Fitzgerald, Owner of Fitzmart.com
Copyright April 6, 2008, Fitzmart.com
We would like to invite you to visit our online store at fitzmart.com
Remember to check out our Biker Gear and Accessories (left side of screen) when you visit our website: http://www.fitzmart.com
We also carry awesome designer biker belt buckles, just click on beltbuckles on the left side of the screen. You may also be interested in our biker t-shirts, if so feel free to check them out as well.All merchandise is 20% off and if you sign up for a free account, a special thank you gift will be waiting for you in you email box.
Custom Built Choppers Guide
Similar to many motorcycle enthusiasts, I just love chopper's from the incredible detail of OCC choppers all the way to the Bad Boy Bikes of Jesse James, there is just one hold back however and that is I just don't have mountains of spare cash floating around to buy my perfect, ideal hand built chopper, so what are the alternatives? There are two fairly straightforward approaches to getting what we are after, the choice is whether to buy or build it yourself. Obviously both avenues have their own individual unique drawbacks, and as you may have gathered there is quite a bit of cost involved with either route that you take. Buying a chopper is by far the quickest, easiest and in many cases the safest option to take. Here I explain what I think are the options available to you.
Buying a chopper outright is definitely the fastest way and indeed has a great many advantages especially if like me, you are a very busy individual with not too much time on your hands. Too, you can rest assured that the bike you buy has likely been built by a professional and therefore you will know with all due diligence that the chopper you are about to acquire is indeed a very safe bike to purchase, not just for you, but also for all the other road users out there. If you are prepared to buy outright, you have many options that you can take later on too, if you decide to carry out any modifications to put your own individual stamp on the chopper motorbike itself. Also buying these days a chopper in the aftermarket is a pretty easy process with a great deal of options available to you. To get a good general idea of the kind of bike you may be after, have a look through the listings on ebay where there is a good choice usually on offer with highly detailed photographs displayed alongside each bike too. Sometimes though, buying a second user machine you are likely somewhere along the line, going to have to make compromises, but at the end of the day, it's up to you how far you are willing to bend, to source your perfectly ideal, chopper motorbike.
The other option if you have the time, the expertise and the money is to either build one yourself from scratch or have a chopper motorcycle hand built for you by a professional. This will obviously take a great deal of time but the overall result is much more likely to be a bike with which you can ultimately enjoy your very own personal relationship with as you learn all about it's individual characteristics and road handling ability etc.
Whichever option you choose to go with, may we wish all fellow bikers a happy and safe touring summer in 2008!
Mark P Andrews is the owner of UltimateMotorbikes.com http://www.UltimateMotorbikes.com
Buying a chopper outright is definitely the fastest way and indeed has a great many advantages especially if like me, you are a very busy individual with not too much time on your hands. Too, you can rest assured that the bike you buy has likely been built by a professional and therefore you will know with all due diligence that the chopper you are about to acquire is indeed a very safe bike to purchase, not just for you, but also for all the other road users out there. If you are prepared to buy outright, you have many options that you can take later on too, if you decide to carry out any modifications to put your own individual stamp on the chopper motorbike itself. Also buying these days a chopper in the aftermarket is a pretty easy process with a great deal of options available to you. To get a good general idea of the kind of bike you may be after, have a look through the listings on ebay where there is a good choice usually on offer with highly detailed photographs displayed alongside each bike too. Sometimes though, buying a second user machine you are likely somewhere along the line, going to have to make compromises, but at the end of the day, it's up to you how far you are willing to bend, to source your perfectly ideal, chopper motorbike.
The other option if you have the time, the expertise and the money is to either build one yourself from scratch or have a chopper motorcycle hand built for you by a professional. This will obviously take a great deal of time but the overall result is much more likely to be a bike with which you can ultimately enjoy your very own personal relationship with as you learn all about it's individual characteristics and road handling ability etc.
Whichever option you choose to go with, may we wish all fellow bikers a happy and safe touring summer in 2008!
Mark P Andrews is the owner of UltimateMotorbikes.com http://www.UltimateMotorbikes.com
How to Stunt a Motorcycle - Part Three
Behold the daddy of the daddies of all street freestyle stunts...the wheelie! Now, with the wheelie, you can perform the simplest to the most complex tricks. The basic sit-down wheelie, the high chairs and no handers are just some of the tricks you can try to do. Here are some how to's on doing wheelies.
1. Basic Sit-Down
The basic sit down is one of the easiest to do but hard to explain since different techniques can work well for different riders. There are two kinds of wheelies, the power-up and clutched wheelie. With the power-up wheelies, the bike's motor is used to get the front wheel up. You rev up near the bike's peak torque and twist the throttle to get your front up. With power wheelies, you deal with more power and there is higher possibility of looping your bike.
On the other hand, clutched wheelies require you to pull the clutch in just enough to get the rpm to rise up to the peak of the torque and quickly let it go. Then pull the clutch in slightly. When the revs rise for a split second, drop your clutch and back off the throttle when your front starts to come up. Remember that the higher your front wheel is , the less throttle you will need to keep it up. Either way, keep your arms stiff, jam your legs on the tank and cover the rear brake.
2. Stand-Up
You can also do this through power or clutch. You can bounce on the handlebars to preload the front suspension. With the fork's energy and throttle input, your front wheel will pop up. To bounce, stand up, lean forward and push your arms down so that the fork will compress. When the front wheel is up, drop your butt a little, bend your knees when you pull the bike up and when it rises to about 10 o'clock, you can straighten your legs and lean back.
3. Can Can
In doing a Can Can, you start with a regular stand-up wheelie. You take your right leg between the tank and your left leg. There's not much space between the tank and your leg, so you should be careful when you move your right leg. Since your right leg is the one moving, all your weight will be at the left side of the bike. Therefore, you need to counterweight by pulling your shoulders to the right side. Make sure to balance your body at the center. Do it slowly first to familiarize yourself on how you will move your right leg. Doing it fast might lead your bike to get out of control. If this happens, let off the gas, slightly tap on to the rear brake and bring your front down. When both wheels are on the ground, you are safe again.
4. High Chair
With a high chair, you need to sit on the gas tank with both of your legs on the sides. The easiest way to do this is to kick one leg at a time because one hand will remain on the handlebars. Some bikes have cruise control and with this, you can kick out both your legs at the same time. To do this, you can dig your ankles onto the headlight. Squeezing in the tank or modifying its shape is a big help since this is where you'll sit on. High chairs require more throttle since your weight is in front, but you should also be smooth on your clutch. You can also lean back and bounce the bike a bit. Further, you don't really need to touch the fairing with your feet. As long as your legs are up high and the only thing that touches the tank is your butt, you're good to go.
For more great articles related to Motorcycle Stunt Movies or any other requests regarding Motorcycle Tricks or Stunt DVDs on how to stunt a motorcycle please visit our website. We are there to help you anytime.
1. Basic Sit-Down
The basic sit down is one of the easiest to do but hard to explain since different techniques can work well for different riders. There are two kinds of wheelies, the power-up and clutched wheelie. With the power-up wheelies, the bike's motor is used to get the front wheel up. You rev up near the bike's peak torque and twist the throttle to get your front up. With power wheelies, you deal with more power and there is higher possibility of looping your bike.
On the other hand, clutched wheelies require you to pull the clutch in just enough to get the rpm to rise up to the peak of the torque and quickly let it go. Then pull the clutch in slightly. When the revs rise for a split second, drop your clutch and back off the throttle when your front starts to come up. Remember that the higher your front wheel is , the less throttle you will need to keep it up. Either way, keep your arms stiff, jam your legs on the tank and cover the rear brake.
2. Stand-Up
You can also do this through power or clutch. You can bounce on the handlebars to preload the front suspension. With the fork's energy and throttle input, your front wheel will pop up. To bounce, stand up, lean forward and push your arms down so that the fork will compress. When the front wheel is up, drop your butt a little, bend your knees when you pull the bike up and when it rises to about 10 o'clock, you can straighten your legs and lean back.
3. Can Can
In doing a Can Can, you start with a regular stand-up wheelie. You take your right leg between the tank and your left leg. There's not much space between the tank and your leg, so you should be careful when you move your right leg. Since your right leg is the one moving, all your weight will be at the left side of the bike. Therefore, you need to counterweight by pulling your shoulders to the right side. Make sure to balance your body at the center. Do it slowly first to familiarize yourself on how you will move your right leg. Doing it fast might lead your bike to get out of control. If this happens, let off the gas, slightly tap on to the rear brake and bring your front down. When both wheels are on the ground, you are safe again.
4. High Chair
With a high chair, you need to sit on the gas tank with both of your legs on the sides. The easiest way to do this is to kick one leg at a time because one hand will remain on the handlebars. Some bikes have cruise control and with this, you can kick out both your legs at the same time. To do this, you can dig your ankles onto the headlight. Squeezing in the tank or modifying its shape is a big help since this is where you'll sit on. High chairs require more throttle since your weight is in front, but you should also be smooth on your clutch. You can also lean back and bounce the bike a bit. Further, you don't really need to touch the fairing with your feet. As long as your legs are up high and the only thing that touches the tank is your butt, you're good to go.
For more great articles related to Motorcycle Stunt Movies or any other requests regarding Motorcycle Tricks or Stunt DVDs on how to stunt a motorcycle please visit our website. We are there to help you anytime.
Making Your Own Off-Road Supercross or Motocross Track
Are you interested in participating in a fun sport? If so, there is a good chance that you may find what you are looking for in supercross motorcycle racing. Supercross motorcycle racing is an action packed sport that uses indoor, man-made tracks as a racing surface. This surface is often filled with a number of jumps and other obstacles. Although your dream may be to become a professional supercross motorcycle racer, it may not always be able to come true. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the sport; you can enjoy it on a recreational or an amateur level.
Although it would be best to find a local supercross or motocross track, that can't always happen. As popular as supercross motorcycle racing and motocross racing is, not every city and town has a track. If you are unable to find one of these tracks, you may still be able to participate in off-road biking or racing. You can easily do this by making your own race track. This is definitely possible, especially for those with a fairly decent amount of property.
If you have access to an indoor facility, one that is about the size of a football field, you may be able to create your own indoor supercross racing track. If not, you may have to settle for an outdoor motocross-like track. Whichever track you decide to make, you will find that the construction is often just as exciting as the racing. This is because you will get to control your racing surface. Essentially, this means that you can have as many jumps as you would like, as well as other fun obstacles. Although it is fun to develop your own supercross or motocross racing track, you will also find that it is a large amount of work.
The good news with making an outdoor track is that you will already have the something in your favor; different conditions. Depending on the type of property that you are building on, you may already have a number of small hills or rough terrain. If so, this would make building your track a little bit easier. Whether you are building an indoor track or an outdoor track, you will need to have dirt. Dirt is essential to the building of a motocross track. Luckily, you can find it at a number of locations. In addition to getting dirt from your own property, you may also be able to get it from other homeowners or business owners, especially those that are doing some remodeling. The only problem with this is that you will have to find a way to get the dirt to your track.
Once you have found a way to get the dirt to your track, you will need to start building it. This process will involve a lot of creativity. If you do not already have obstacles in mind, you can easily familiarize yourself with some designs. You can do this by using the internet to your advantage. By studying pictures or videos of supercross or motocross races, you should be able to get a feel for the track, as well as racing or riding on it. It is amazing some of the ideas you can come up with just by looking at pictures or by watching videos.
When making your own supercross or motocross track it is important to remember that you will rarely get things right the first time. It takes a lot of trial and error to build to the perfect off-road racing track. However, once you finish that track, you will likely be pleased with your decision to start the project, as well as proud of the results.
Ideas Are More Than Just Essays And Books : Making Your Own Off-Road Supercross or Motocross Track.
http://go4idea.com
Although it would be best to find a local supercross or motocross track, that can't always happen. As popular as supercross motorcycle racing and motocross racing is, not every city and town has a track. If you are unable to find one of these tracks, you may still be able to participate in off-road biking or racing. You can easily do this by making your own race track. This is definitely possible, especially for those with a fairly decent amount of property.
If you have access to an indoor facility, one that is about the size of a football field, you may be able to create your own indoor supercross racing track. If not, you may have to settle for an outdoor motocross-like track. Whichever track you decide to make, you will find that the construction is often just as exciting as the racing. This is because you will get to control your racing surface. Essentially, this means that you can have as many jumps as you would like, as well as other fun obstacles. Although it is fun to develop your own supercross or motocross racing track, you will also find that it is a large amount of work.
The good news with making an outdoor track is that you will already have the something in your favor; different conditions. Depending on the type of property that you are building on, you may already have a number of small hills or rough terrain. If so, this would make building your track a little bit easier. Whether you are building an indoor track or an outdoor track, you will need to have dirt. Dirt is essential to the building of a motocross track. Luckily, you can find it at a number of locations. In addition to getting dirt from your own property, you may also be able to get it from other homeowners or business owners, especially those that are doing some remodeling. The only problem with this is that you will have to find a way to get the dirt to your track.
Once you have found a way to get the dirt to your track, you will need to start building it. This process will involve a lot of creativity. If you do not already have obstacles in mind, you can easily familiarize yourself with some designs. You can do this by using the internet to your advantage. By studying pictures or videos of supercross or motocross races, you should be able to get a feel for the track, as well as racing or riding on it. It is amazing some of the ideas you can come up with just by looking at pictures or by watching videos.
When making your own supercross or motocross track it is important to remember that you will rarely get things right the first time. It takes a lot of trial and error to build to the perfect off-road racing track. However, once you finish that track, you will likely be pleased with your decision to start the project, as well as proud of the results.
Ideas Are More Than Just Essays And Books : Making Your Own Off-Road Supercross or Motocross Track.
http://go4idea.com
วันอังคารที่ 17 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
The Right Scooter For Your Joy Riding
How to choose a scooter depends on its purpose. Do you plan on using it for daily transportation and ride frequently or just something that you may use on the weekend for a quick trip to the store. If your plan is to use the scooter for commuting to work or school you should try to choose one of the newer models which gets good gas mileage and can handle itself on open roads. You also need one that has good brakes and lighting.
The pros of going with newer ones it that the wear and tear on your scooter will be able to hold up longer than if you was to purchase an older outdated machine that would end up needing work sooner than you really want to deal with. There are of course pros and cons to whether you purchase a new one or a used one.
If you are skillful at doing your own repairs then going with an older scooter could benefit you if the repairs aren't to disastrous. This could be a good summer project if you have the time, and mechanical know how other wise if you want something that is worry free driving and more modern then definitely go with a newer one. But brand name scooters, like Honda, hold up well even when used. You will definitely be paying a lot more for a new scooter, but if you need it for a reliable ride then it will be a good investment.
Other things to consider when purchasing a scooter is the size/power that you will need. If you need to drive it on the freeway you will definitely need to speak to your local motor vehicle department about certain laws for engine size allowed. Some scooters are able to go up to 80 mph which is really convenient for motorists who need to travel frequently. If you will be going up any hills or carrying passengers you will definitely want to go with more horsepower. Scooters with 300cc's or more are good for this purpose.
For purely recreational purposes, look at smaller motors. These are actually much cheaper anyway, you can grab a quality ride for under $300. These usually max out around 30 mph. Scooters with 50 to 80cc's are perfect for this purpose.
This is just a small portion of information to help you choose the right scooter for you. Make sure to always inspect the credibility of any person or company that you plan on buying from.
For the best deals on Honda Scooters visit http://honda-scooters-online.com/
Up to the minute listings of the best prices on the web, including deals on Honda Silver Wing and Honda Reflex scooters.
The pros of going with newer ones it that the wear and tear on your scooter will be able to hold up longer than if you was to purchase an older outdated machine that would end up needing work sooner than you really want to deal with. There are of course pros and cons to whether you purchase a new one or a used one.
If you are skillful at doing your own repairs then going with an older scooter could benefit you if the repairs aren't to disastrous. This could be a good summer project if you have the time, and mechanical know how other wise if you want something that is worry free driving and more modern then definitely go with a newer one. But brand name scooters, like Honda, hold up well even when used. You will definitely be paying a lot more for a new scooter, but if you need it for a reliable ride then it will be a good investment.
Other things to consider when purchasing a scooter is the size/power that you will need. If you need to drive it on the freeway you will definitely need to speak to your local motor vehicle department about certain laws for engine size allowed. Some scooters are able to go up to 80 mph which is really convenient for motorists who need to travel frequently. If you will be going up any hills or carrying passengers you will definitely want to go with more horsepower. Scooters with 300cc's or more are good for this purpose.
For purely recreational purposes, look at smaller motors. These are actually much cheaper anyway, you can grab a quality ride for under $300. These usually max out around 30 mph. Scooters with 50 to 80cc's are perfect for this purpose.
This is just a small portion of information to help you choose the right scooter for you. Make sure to always inspect the credibility of any person or company that you plan on buying from.
For the best deals on Honda Scooters visit http://honda-scooters-online.com/
Up to the minute listings of the best prices on the web, including deals on Honda Silver Wing and Honda Reflex scooters.
How To Sell Your Motorcycle
Unfortunately selling vehicles like your motorcycle, is not really as simple as going onto a website and posting a classified saying that you have a motorcycle for sale and then expect 50 calls to come in.
Before you get started you may need some tips to help you place your classified quickly and sell your motorcycle as fast as possible. First things first, you should have your basic vehicle information handy for example the year, make, model, and selling price these are all questions that potential buyers would want to know.
When describing your bike, be sure to include the best features so that you can capture the potential buyer's interest. Show casing your ad by using words such as "one owner, brand new, garage kept, fully loaded, best offer, one of a kind" etc definitely helps.
Also use the brand names of important accessories or parts that are included with your bike. Use complete sentences in your description if possible. Have an email address. In most cases, you will usually need an email address to complete the place an ad process. If you do not have an email address you can easily set up a free account with either Yahoo or Hotmail.
Make sure that you include a photo with your ad. If you do not include a picture the majority of the emails that you will be receiving will say "can I see a photo please?". Photos help sell the product as long as it is in good condition. The more you can add the better. They give the potential buyer a visual cue to inquire about your motorcycle.
Be prudent in dealing with buyers. Buyers and sellers should be prudent and careful in any exchange of money, contracts, legal documents, and written or verbal communications. If you take these simple tips into consideration you are most likely sell your motorcycle faster than if you just did your own thing.
Looking to sell your motorcycle? You can do it for free at our online motorcycle classifieds here: http://www.A1CycleClassifieds.com
Before you get started you may need some tips to help you place your classified quickly and sell your motorcycle as fast as possible. First things first, you should have your basic vehicle information handy for example the year, make, model, and selling price these are all questions that potential buyers would want to know.
When describing your bike, be sure to include the best features so that you can capture the potential buyer's interest. Show casing your ad by using words such as "one owner, brand new, garage kept, fully loaded, best offer, one of a kind" etc definitely helps.
Also use the brand names of important accessories or parts that are included with your bike. Use complete sentences in your description if possible. Have an email address. In most cases, you will usually need an email address to complete the place an ad process. If you do not have an email address you can easily set up a free account with either Yahoo or Hotmail.
Make sure that you include a photo with your ad. If you do not include a picture the majority of the emails that you will be receiving will say "can I see a photo please?". Photos help sell the product as long as it is in good condition. The more you can add the better. They give the potential buyer a visual cue to inquire about your motorcycle.
Be prudent in dealing with buyers. Buyers and sellers should be prudent and careful in any exchange of money, contracts, legal documents, and written or verbal communications. If you take these simple tips into consideration you are most likely sell your motorcycle faster than if you just did your own thing.
Looking to sell your motorcycle? You can do it for free at our online motorcycle classifieds here: http://www.A1CycleClassifieds.com
Bike Helmets As Life Saving Accessories
Anyone who spends a lot of time riding a motorcycle or lists biking as his passion will recognize that his life is on the line whenever he devotes time to his mode of transport. As a result, not only should he spend time learning the finer points of riding a bike and all the related aspects of maintaining and fine tuning the vehicle, he should also spend as much effort and money ensuring that the right motorcycle accessories are used to protect his life and longevity. Many riders experience the thrill of high speed rides with the wind blowing in his face and are hooked on the adrenalin rush that comes with it, but the dangers and risks associated with such joy has often been ignored by just as many motorcyclists, who opt to gamble with their lives in a bid to taste the thrills or are eager to save time.
What are the accessories that a motorcycle enthusiast should have that would provide an additional layer of protection that could potentially save his life? There are many accessories which help achieve that aim, such as bike jackets, gloves, pants and of course, the ever essential bike helmet. However, it is surprising how many riders choose to ignore these items either because they prefer to save some money or time. Some of these essential biker apparel are admittedly expensive, but with better quality comes a tradeoff of cost. Bikers are also impatient individuals, and many would rather choose to save a few seconds of getting in gear, than to spend a few minutes changing in and out of their jackets, pants and helmet which could in turn be a life saver.
One of the most important bike apparel that a motorcycle rider should own is the bike helmet. It is interesting how this would seem to be the most essential accessory in any biker's arsenal, but many choose to ignore it. You would be hard pressed not to find at least a handful of such individuals on the road who choose to partake in a gamble with death when all it would take to protect themselves in a motorcycle crash could just be that high quality bike helmet that cushions his fall or prevents a neck break should he crash head on into an obstacle. The cost of such helmets today is feasible and affordable for those who choose a bike as their main transportation mode, and is often a must with regards to transport regulations in many countries.
It is strange that the same motorcyclists would actually be willing to fork out a huge sum to modify their bikes or beautify it with a trendy new paintjob, but are hesitant in a fraction of the sum to ensure their lives are protected. With the advent of new technology, there are many high quality bike helmets from trusted manufacturers such as the Bell helmets and Scorpion lines which boast material and make that surpasses the standard for maximum protection and those who demand a fashion sense along with their bike accessories. There are also helmets which are now built with lightweight carbon fiber, resulting in surprisingly light but increasingly sturdy headgear. The streamlined look of modern helmets has also allowed bike racers to view them as necessary in their search for that extra speed advantage in races.
As a rider, you are also continually exposed to the weather elements such as sun and rain. Wearing a bike helmet will allow you protection against this. In fact, they can often increase the comfort level you will experience riding a bike. Imagine how the helmet visor can be a heaven sent against the glare of the sun or the pelting rain, which might actually be a potential safety hazard during your journey. A moment's distraction due to the reflecting glare of the sun can lead to an unwanted accident and a regretful loss of life. The helmet also contributes directly to better health as it prevents you from getting sunburn or ending up wet and susceptible to colds when riding through a rainstorm.
With so many advantages from using bike helmets, it should be one of the first items motorcyclists choose to purchase when they walk into a bike shop. No matter what, convenience and cost should never be prioritized over one's safety, and this bike accessory could be crucial to enjoying many more years of riding joy.
Greg Howard is a bike enthusiast and loves collecting bike helmets. Amongst his recommended choices are the popular Bell motorcycle helmets and Scorpion helmets which offer cost savings without any sacrifice in quality and look.
What are the accessories that a motorcycle enthusiast should have that would provide an additional layer of protection that could potentially save his life? There are many accessories which help achieve that aim, such as bike jackets, gloves, pants and of course, the ever essential bike helmet. However, it is surprising how many riders choose to ignore these items either because they prefer to save some money or time. Some of these essential biker apparel are admittedly expensive, but with better quality comes a tradeoff of cost. Bikers are also impatient individuals, and many would rather choose to save a few seconds of getting in gear, than to spend a few minutes changing in and out of their jackets, pants and helmet which could in turn be a life saver.
One of the most important bike apparel that a motorcycle rider should own is the bike helmet. It is interesting how this would seem to be the most essential accessory in any biker's arsenal, but many choose to ignore it. You would be hard pressed not to find at least a handful of such individuals on the road who choose to partake in a gamble with death when all it would take to protect themselves in a motorcycle crash could just be that high quality bike helmet that cushions his fall or prevents a neck break should he crash head on into an obstacle. The cost of such helmets today is feasible and affordable for those who choose a bike as their main transportation mode, and is often a must with regards to transport regulations in many countries.
It is strange that the same motorcyclists would actually be willing to fork out a huge sum to modify their bikes or beautify it with a trendy new paintjob, but are hesitant in a fraction of the sum to ensure their lives are protected. With the advent of new technology, there are many high quality bike helmets from trusted manufacturers such as the Bell helmets and Scorpion lines which boast material and make that surpasses the standard for maximum protection and those who demand a fashion sense along with their bike accessories. There are also helmets which are now built with lightweight carbon fiber, resulting in surprisingly light but increasingly sturdy headgear. The streamlined look of modern helmets has also allowed bike racers to view them as necessary in their search for that extra speed advantage in races.
As a rider, you are also continually exposed to the weather elements such as sun and rain. Wearing a bike helmet will allow you protection against this. In fact, they can often increase the comfort level you will experience riding a bike. Imagine how the helmet visor can be a heaven sent against the glare of the sun or the pelting rain, which might actually be a potential safety hazard during your journey. A moment's distraction due to the reflecting glare of the sun can lead to an unwanted accident and a regretful loss of life. The helmet also contributes directly to better health as it prevents you from getting sunburn or ending up wet and susceptible to colds when riding through a rainstorm.
With so many advantages from using bike helmets, it should be one of the first items motorcyclists choose to purchase when they walk into a bike shop. No matter what, convenience and cost should never be prioritized over one's safety, and this bike accessory could be crucial to enjoying many more years of riding joy.
Greg Howard is a bike enthusiast and loves collecting bike helmets. Amongst his recommended choices are the popular Bell motorcycle helmets and Scorpion helmets which offer cost savings without any sacrifice in quality and look.
Japan Champion Bike Stunt Rider Shin Kinoshita
I met Shin through a mutual friend named Taka one Friday night not really knowing what to expect. The only hints given by Taka as to what Shin actually did was along the lines of "He does bike stunts..." It didn't occur to me that 'bike stunts' referred to almost impossible to imagine maneuvers on a Kawasaki street bike. Coming from an automotive orientated background didn't help much when talking to Shin about what he got up to, it really was a matter of just sitting back and watching everything unfold before my eyes before getting the true meaning of what it meant to be a bike stunt rider. In the US they're known as 'stunters' but that name doesn't work so well in Japan so the more easily understood term 'bike stunt rider' is used. Shin Kinoshita is the #1 stunt rider in Japan at the moment and has enjoyed that title since early 2006. He's been competing at bike stunt events since 2002 and last year took 3rd place (behind two American riders) at MULTIPLEX 2006 held at Odaiba in Tokyo making him the highest ranked Japanese rider to date. He'll be leaving for Florida early next year for the Stuntwars 2008 event to compete in the individual freestyle category along with many other riders from the USA and Europe including Brazil's A.C. Farias.
We headed over to Shin's very small and oddly named garage 'Reas Log' (from a previous business) in downtown Sannomiya under the elevated Hankyu train line. It's such a small place but Shin has made use of the limited area very well, even constructing himself a second floor storage area above the garage using an iron frame and thick wooden floor boards. This small motorcycle garage is fairly typical for Japan, the rent is cheap in relation to the area it's in and offers just enough space to work comfortably. Shin has two 600cc Kawasaki ZX6RRs he uses for stunt riding, a white 2003 model and black 2005 model. The white ZX6RR is his main bike, the black one is used as a back up. Most of the custom parts needed for bike stunt riding on both his Kawasaki stunt bikes have been handmade in his workshop using aluminum, stainless steel or titanium depending on the application. He also makes his own custom parts including his very own line of aluminum mufflers in three sizes ranging from 60,000 - 70,000 yen which is very reasonably priced for this level of build quality. Shin had some other bikes is his garage, a Kawasaki Estrella BJ250 G2, a Honda VFR400R (NC24) and a couple of Honda Gorillas, one of which was over 20 years old and in excellent condition.
Shin's white ZX6RR is what we're focusing on though, it being modified in a similar fashion to stunt bikes from the USA. The most obvious modifications include 'frame sliders' on either side of the bike to protect the fairing and frame in the result of a fall, a '12 o'clock bar' (commonly known as a '12 bar') which is a metal plate attached behind the pillion seat to protect the sub frame and enable the bike to be ridden in a vertical 12 o'clock position, solid mounted rear foot pegs for various wheelie stunts, a hole in the pillion seat for a place to stand when doing wheelie tricks (in addition to the foot pegs) and the most technical modification of all, the 'smashed tank' dented fuel tank for a more comfortable seating position when doing tricks such as a 'High Chair wheelies'. Other mods which aren't so easy to recognize include a handlebar mounted rear brake lever and a larger rear sprocket for snappier power delivery. FRP racing style upper fairing (minus headlights) and custom tribal design graphics finish off the bike which does well to retain its stock appearance despite all the modifications. The 600cc ZX6RR puts out 120ps and weighs around 170kg, which is kind of disconcerting when seeing that very same bike braking from 60km/h on it's front wheel just inches away from you.
Once everything was loaded into the Toyota HiAce we headed off down to Pier #5 at Shinko Higashi Wharf. It's a great atmosphere down there with all the shipping passing by, the lights from Port Island illuminating the sky in the background and the ghost town like ambience of the vacated wharf at midnight. If there were any ghosts hanging around the wharf at the time they must've been scared off by the sound of Shin's bike roaring into life! No sooner had he warmed the bike up when he shot off into the distance at full throttle and did this huge power slide then turning around and coming back towards our position culminating in a long 'no footed endo'... brilliant! At this stage I was advised to leave the photo shoot until later because Shin was just warming up. Warming up? It was the most intense so-called 'warm up' I'd ever seen, on par with professional stunt bike rider demo videos. He kept this up for 20 minutes with every imaginable stunt you could think of, all done at an insanely quick speed which would put a lot of pro stunt riders to shame. After an interview and a chat he was back at it again, this time putting even more effort in. Just seeing the violent way he went about throwing the bike around was a sight to see, let alone the the almost flawless routines he pulled off with stunts such as 'no handed wheelie circles', 'high chair wheelies' and an totally insane 'no handed endo'. It was while he was practicing long endos that he started attempting to do them one-handed. On one particular attempt he came to a stop literally inches away from me with the bike's rear wheel coming back down at an angle which would've meant certain hospitalization if I hadn't moved at the right moment! It was hard to judge how far away the bike was looking through the camera's viewfinder... made for an interesting photo though!
Shin has been practicing virtually every night for the last 5 years and has elevated his skill to a point where the second best rider in Japan is a long way behind. At the start of the night I wasn't sure what to expect but by the end I knew very well what it took to be a highly ranked stunt rider... that being insane levels of courage and total faith in the bike's braking system! I couldn't stop thinking about what we'd do if Shin had a big fall and was flung from the bike or the bike came down on him. He proudly pointed out that he only wears a helmet (which would look more at home on a BMX riders head) and gloves for protection, anything else is too restrictive and would prevent him from pulling off certain tricks. Add to that the type of stunts he's doing, at the speed he's doing them at, it makes for a very dangerous thing to do in your spare time!
7Tune wishes Shin all the best in Florida next year and we hope he returns with a good result! See more of Shin at his website SKFreestyle. Thanks to Taka Yamashita for making the feature possible.
Text: Justin Karow
For full photo gallery visit: http://www.7tune.com/?p=105
We headed over to Shin's very small and oddly named garage 'Reas Log' (from a previous business) in downtown Sannomiya under the elevated Hankyu train line. It's such a small place but Shin has made use of the limited area very well, even constructing himself a second floor storage area above the garage using an iron frame and thick wooden floor boards. This small motorcycle garage is fairly typical for Japan, the rent is cheap in relation to the area it's in and offers just enough space to work comfortably. Shin has two 600cc Kawasaki ZX6RRs he uses for stunt riding, a white 2003 model and black 2005 model. The white ZX6RR is his main bike, the black one is used as a back up. Most of the custom parts needed for bike stunt riding on both his Kawasaki stunt bikes have been handmade in his workshop using aluminum, stainless steel or titanium depending on the application. He also makes his own custom parts including his very own line of aluminum mufflers in three sizes ranging from 60,000 - 70,000 yen which is very reasonably priced for this level of build quality. Shin had some other bikes is his garage, a Kawasaki Estrella BJ250 G2, a Honda VFR400R (NC24) and a couple of Honda Gorillas, one of which was over 20 years old and in excellent condition.
Shin's white ZX6RR is what we're focusing on though, it being modified in a similar fashion to stunt bikes from the USA. The most obvious modifications include 'frame sliders' on either side of the bike to protect the fairing and frame in the result of a fall, a '12 o'clock bar' (commonly known as a '12 bar') which is a metal plate attached behind the pillion seat to protect the sub frame and enable the bike to be ridden in a vertical 12 o'clock position, solid mounted rear foot pegs for various wheelie stunts, a hole in the pillion seat for a place to stand when doing wheelie tricks (in addition to the foot pegs) and the most technical modification of all, the 'smashed tank' dented fuel tank for a more comfortable seating position when doing tricks such as a 'High Chair wheelies'. Other mods which aren't so easy to recognize include a handlebar mounted rear brake lever and a larger rear sprocket for snappier power delivery. FRP racing style upper fairing (minus headlights) and custom tribal design graphics finish off the bike which does well to retain its stock appearance despite all the modifications. The 600cc ZX6RR puts out 120ps and weighs around 170kg, which is kind of disconcerting when seeing that very same bike braking from 60km/h on it's front wheel just inches away from you.
Once everything was loaded into the Toyota HiAce we headed off down to Pier #5 at Shinko Higashi Wharf. It's a great atmosphere down there with all the shipping passing by, the lights from Port Island illuminating the sky in the background and the ghost town like ambience of the vacated wharf at midnight. If there were any ghosts hanging around the wharf at the time they must've been scared off by the sound of Shin's bike roaring into life! No sooner had he warmed the bike up when he shot off into the distance at full throttle and did this huge power slide then turning around and coming back towards our position culminating in a long 'no footed endo'... brilliant! At this stage I was advised to leave the photo shoot until later because Shin was just warming up. Warming up? It was the most intense so-called 'warm up' I'd ever seen, on par with professional stunt bike rider demo videos. He kept this up for 20 minutes with every imaginable stunt you could think of, all done at an insanely quick speed which would put a lot of pro stunt riders to shame. After an interview and a chat he was back at it again, this time putting even more effort in. Just seeing the violent way he went about throwing the bike around was a sight to see, let alone the the almost flawless routines he pulled off with stunts such as 'no handed wheelie circles', 'high chair wheelies' and an totally insane 'no handed endo'. It was while he was practicing long endos that he started attempting to do them one-handed. On one particular attempt he came to a stop literally inches away from me with the bike's rear wheel coming back down at an angle which would've meant certain hospitalization if I hadn't moved at the right moment! It was hard to judge how far away the bike was looking through the camera's viewfinder... made for an interesting photo though!
Shin has been practicing virtually every night for the last 5 years and has elevated his skill to a point where the second best rider in Japan is a long way behind. At the start of the night I wasn't sure what to expect but by the end I knew very well what it took to be a highly ranked stunt rider... that being insane levels of courage and total faith in the bike's braking system! I couldn't stop thinking about what we'd do if Shin had a big fall and was flung from the bike or the bike came down on him. He proudly pointed out that he only wears a helmet (which would look more at home on a BMX riders head) and gloves for protection, anything else is too restrictive and would prevent him from pulling off certain tricks. Add to that the type of stunts he's doing, at the speed he's doing them at, it makes for a very dangerous thing to do in your spare time!
7Tune wishes Shin all the best in Florida next year and we hope he returns with a good result! See more of Shin at his website SKFreestyle. Thanks to Taka Yamashita for making the feature possible.
Text: Justin Karow
For full photo gallery visit: http://www.7tune.com/?p=105
Husqvarna Motorcycle Revolution
Husqvarna Motorcycles are a world renown company that has been around since the beginning of the 1900's. In the mid-1900's, Husqvarna motorcycles were untouchable and dominate in every division until a change in ownership made it difficult to keep up with the high demand for production. Since then, Husqvarna has been slowly working its way back into the racing scene but with little success until now. The Husqvarna motorcycle company was sold once again in July of 2007. Will this new change in ownership be enough to bring Husqvarna motorcycles back into the #1 position?
The legend of Husqvarna motorcycles started back when Husqvarna rolled out its first production motorcycle in 1903 from their factory located in Huskvarna, Sweden. Husqvarna has always been known for producing world-class motocross and enduro bikes with unbelievable sling-shot power bands. Husqvarna won many world championships back in the 60's and 70's in both motocross and enduro classes. Husqvarna was winning championships in all of the 125, 250, 350, and 500cc divisions with some years winning multiple championships.
Husqvarna absolutely dominated the competition for decades until 1987 when an Italian company named Cagiva purchased the Husqvarna motorcycle division and moved production to Varese, Italy. Cagiva introduced some new 2-stroke models and did away with the old 2-stoke models which already had numerous championship titles but still kept the same 4-stroke models. The new 2-stroke bikes had difficulty competing with the Japanese made bikes and Cagiva couldn't produce enough bikes and parts to supply the high demand. This change in ownership is why Husqvarna motorcycles and parts became so hard to find causing them to be known more as a rare and exotic motorcycle.
It has been 2 decades now that Husqvarna motorcycles have been struggling to get back into the competition field only taking a world championship here and there, but with a new change in ownership may prove to be the end of the struggle. In July of 2007, the BMW Motor Company decided to purchase the Husqvarna motorcycle company for the sole intention of marketing Husqvarna motorcycles to help market BMW's line of motorcycles. You see, BMW makes large-engine motorcycles and they want to market Husqvarna's small-engine motorcycles to help bring the young crowd's attention to BMW's large-engine motorcycles. BMW plans on running Husqvarna just as it is with the same factory and staff.
Now Husqvarna has exactly what it needs with all the financial support of BMW, the world renown car and large motorcycle manufacturer, to help bring Husqvarna back on top of the competition. With 2 world renown companies bringing their ideas together they can start producing larger production factories, more dealerships, new technologies, and millions of dollars in advertisement to let it be known of the new change. This potent mix is going to cause a revolution in motorcycle designs of the future and it is just around the corner!
For more information and updates on Husqvarna Motorcycles or Husqvarna Parts, check out HusqvarnaOutlet.com - your World-Wide supplier of New, Used, and Vintage Husqvarna motorcycles and parts!
The legend of Husqvarna motorcycles started back when Husqvarna rolled out its first production motorcycle in 1903 from their factory located in Huskvarna, Sweden. Husqvarna has always been known for producing world-class motocross and enduro bikes with unbelievable sling-shot power bands. Husqvarna won many world championships back in the 60's and 70's in both motocross and enduro classes. Husqvarna was winning championships in all of the 125, 250, 350, and 500cc divisions with some years winning multiple championships.
Husqvarna absolutely dominated the competition for decades until 1987 when an Italian company named Cagiva purchased the Husqvarna motorcycle division and moved production to Varese, Italy. Cagiva introduced some new 2-stroke models and did away with the old 2-stoke models which already had numerous championship titles but still kept the same 4-stroke models. The new 2-stroke bikes had difficulty competing with the Japanese made bikes and Cagiva couldn't produce enough bikes and parts to supply the high demand. This change in ownership is why Husqvarna motorcycles and parts became so hard to find causing them to be known more as a rare and exotic motorcycle.
It has been 2 decades now that Husqvarna motorcycles have been struggling to get back into the competition field only taking a world championship here and there, but with a new change in ownership may prove to be the end of the struggle. In July of 2007, the BMW Motor Company decided to purchase the Husqvarna motorcycle company for the sole intention of marketing Husqvarna motorcycles to help market BMW's line of motorcycles. You see, BMW makes large-engine motorcycles and they want to market Husqvarna's small-engine motorcycles to help bring the young crowd's attention to BMW's large-engine motorcycles. BMW plans on running Husqvarna just as it is with the same factory and staff.
Now Husqvarna has exactly what it needs with all the financial support of BMW, the world renown car and large motorcycle manufacturer, to help bring Husqvarna back on top of the competition. With 2 world renown companies bringing their ideas together they can start producing larger production factories, more dealerships, new technologies, and millions of dollars in advertisement to let it be known of the new change. This potent mix is going to cause a revolution in motorcycle designs of the future and it is just around the corner!
For more information and updates on Husqvarna Motorcycles or Husqvarna Parts, check out HusqvarnaOutlet.com - your World-Wide supplier of New, Used, and Vintage Husqvarna motorcycles and parts!
วันจันทร์ที่ 16 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2551
Joe Rocket 101 Carbon - High Quality Motorcycle Helmets
If you are a serious motorcycle enthusiast, you probably spend hours a week riding, fine tuning, and thinking about your bike. But was about your bike accessories? A high quality motorcycle deserves a high quality motorcycle helmet.
If you've got the money to spend on the best bike, why would you skimp when it comes to your safety? A well made motorcycle helmet ensures that you are getting the best protection for your dollar.
When you're spending serious money on your bike, you want all aspects of your ride to be perfect. Making sure you have the highest quality helmet helps to set you off as you ride, and complements your bike.
If you're in the market for a high caliber motorcycle helmet, there are many good options. One of these is the Joe Rocket 101 Carbon. This helmet has all of the features you need and want, and looks amazing.
When you look at the 101 Carbon, the reason for its name becomes immediately apparent. It has a lightweight carbon fiber layer, which helps to protect you and looks cool. There are also shock absorbing layers for maximum protection.
If you love to ride fast and hard, then this is the right helmet for you. It's designed with aerodynamics in mind, which lets you go faster. And it can include a communications system, so you can talk to your riding buddies.
When you want a high quality helmet, the 101 Carbon may be the one for you. It has an easy to remove shield, which is UV resistant, giving you maximum protection and convenience.
Finding helmets is pretty easy to do. Which helmet is best for you depends on many different factors, taking in to account what you're looking for in a helmet, and how much you're in the market to spend.
Seriously think about it, after having forked out good money on an awesome bike - it would seem like a shame to just any old cheap helmet. Not only are high quality motorcycle helmets almost always better looking, but they will do a much better job of protecting your noggin if you have a spill.
No one wants to ever have to lay their bike down, but it is probably that if you ride enough, it will happen. The difference between walking away from it and getting all jacked up almost always lies in the hands of the helmet.
The better the helmet, the higher the safety rating, the higher quality the helmet, the better job it will do of protecting you while driving.
So when you are ready to get good noggin protection, look at the Joe Rocket 101 Carbon helmet. It will provide that good level of protection that only a high quality helmet can provide.
If you've got the money to spend on the best bike, why would you skimp when it comes to your safety? A well made motorcycle helmet ensures that you are getting the best protection for your dollar.
When you're spending serious money on your bike, you want all aspects of your ride to be perfect. Making sure you have the highest quality helmet helps to set you off as you ride, and complements your bike.
If you're in the market for a high caliber motorcycle helmet, there are many good options. One of these is the Joe Rocket 101 Carbon. This helmet has all of the features you need and want, and looks amazing.
When you look at the 101 Carbon, the reason for its name becomes immediately apparent. It has a lightweight carbon fiber layer, which helps to protect you and looks cool. There are also shock absorbing layers for maximum protection.
If you love to ride fast and hard, then this is the right helmet for you. It's designed with aerodynamics in mind, which lets you go faster. And it can include a communications system, so you can talk to your riding buddies.
When you want a high quality helmet, the 101 Carbon may be the one for you. It has an easy to remove shield, which is UV resistant, giving you maximum protection and convenience.
Finding helmets is pretty easy to do. Which helmet is best for you depends on many different factors, taking in to account what you're looking for in a helmet, and how much you're in the market to spend.
Seriously think about it, after having forked out good money on an awesome bike - it would seem like a shame to just any old cheap helmet. Not only are high quality motorcycle helmets almost always better looking, but they will do a much better job of protecting your noggin if you have a spill.
No one wants to ever have to lay their bike down, but it is probably that if you ride enough, it will happen. The difference between walking away from it and getting all jacked up almost always lies in the hands of the helmet.
The better the helmet, the higher the safety rating, the higher quality the helmet, the better job it will do of protecting you while driving.
So when you are ready to get good noggin protection, look at the Joe Rocket 101 Carbon helmet. It will provide that good level of protection that only a high quality helmet can provide.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Injuries
The majority of cases of motorcycle accidents are due to speeding and/or riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Since motorcycles don't provide the same protection as closed vehicles, most riders are killed instantly, especially if the accident involves a collision with much larger vehicles.
Statistics show that motorcycle accidents increase in number every year. What's worse is that the fatalities due to these accidents also rise. This can be attributed to the increase in the number of motorcycles traveling on public highways and streets. As more and more motorcycles occupy the road, the number of vehicles that compete with others on the road increase, thus the chances of accidents happening are greater.
Another factor that plays a part in the increasing number of fatalities from motorcycle accidents is the fact that a lot of inexperienced drivers continue to cruise on the roads. Statistics show that 90 percent of motorcycle accidents involve inexperienced riders. A lot of motorcycle riders did not attend riding school. It's either they were taught by relatives or friends or even worse, self-taught. Despite of their lack of skills in riding, they were able to get a license.
Fans of motorcycle riding attest to the thrill that they get whenever they race on the streets and they often forget that what they're doing is very risky. It is vital that every motorist, whether using a car or a motorcycle, should keep in mind that almost all accidents are attributed to the negligence or lack of discipline on the part of the driver. Moreover, all vehicular accidents are tragic on the part of the victim, which is usually the driver in the case of motorcycle accidents.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening:
1. Before riding your motorcycle, make sure that you have a license.
2. Before riding, be sure that you are trained professionally. It would also be helpful to be knowledgeable about maintaining your motorcycle so that you would be able to keep it in top condition. Don't do the major repairs by yourself. Bring it to a reputable repair shop.
3. Even if you have been trained professionally, do not overestimate your riding skills. Arrogance is one of the reasons why motorists choose to ignore rules and regulations
4. Do not drink alcohol before driving.
5. While riding, make sure you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear such as boots, long pants, jacket, gloves, and sunglasses. It would also be wise to use clothing that are bright in color since this will help other motorists and pedestrians notice you better.
6. Always follow traffic rules and regulations. Do not ignore traffic signs. Always drive along the proper lane. It is not wise to share lanes with larger vehicles like trucks and cars. In general, the drivers of these vehicles are only looking for vehicles of somewhat the same size so they may not notice you until an accident has already taken place. Moreover, maintain enough space between your motorcycle and other vehicles.
RealCompensation.co.uk provide No Win No Fee services for Car Accident Compensation Claims. Benedict is an article writer for DolphinPromotions.co.uk - Search Engine Optimisation Company
Statistics show that motorcycle accidents increase in number every year. What's worse is that the fatalities due to these accidents also rise. This can be attributed to the increase in the number of motorcycles traveling on public highways and streets. As more and more motorcycles occupy the road, the number of vehicles that compete with others on the road increase, thus the chances of accidents happening are greater.
Another factor that plays a part in the increasing number of fatalities from motorcycle accidents is the fact that a lot of inexperienced drivers continue to cruise on the roads. Statistics show that 90 percent of motorcycle accidents involve inexperienced riders. A lot of motorcycle riders did not attend riding school. It's either they were taught by relatives or friends or even worse, self-taught. Despite of their lack of skills in riding, they were able to get a license.
Fans of motorcycle riding attest to the thrill that they get whenever they race on the streets and they often forget that what they're doing is very risky. It is vital that every motorist, whether using a car or a motorcycle, should keep in mind that almost all accidents are attributed to the negligence or lack of discipline on the part of the driver. Moreover, all vehicular accidents are tragic on the part of the victim, which is usually the driver in the case of motorcycle accidents.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening:
1. Before riding your motorcycle, make sure that you have a license.
2. Before riding, be sure that you are trained professionally. It would also be helpful to be knowledgeable about maintaining your motorcycle so that you would be able to keep it in top condition. Don't do the major repairs by yourself. Bring it to a reputable repair shop.
3. Even if you have been trained professionally, do not overestimate your riding skills. Arrogance is one of the reasons why motorists choose to ignore rules and regulations
4. Do not drink alcohol before driving.
5. While riding, make sure you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear such as boots, long pants, jacket, gloves, and sunglasses. It would also be wise to use clothing that are bright in color since this will help other motorists and pedestrians notice you better.
6. Always follow traffic rules and regulations. Do not ignore traffic signs. Always drive along the proper lane. It is not wise to share lanes with larger vehicles like trucks and cars. In general, the drivers of these vehicles are only looking for vehicles of somewhat the same size so they may not notice you until an accident has already taken place. Moreover, maintain enough space between your motorcycle and other vehicles.
RealCompensation.co.uk provide No Win No Fee services for Car Accident Compensation Claims. Benedict is an article writer for DolphinPromotions.co.uk - Search Engine Optimisation Company
The Fastest V-Twin And Ducati Still Won't Stop
The original Ducati 1098 belted out 160 bhp and was the fastest v-twin made by Ducati but... Italian since they are so they had to follow it with a better and quicker version and so came along the 2008 Ducati 1098R.
Now this bike ain't another version with better aesthetics and a teeny weeny bit more power. This is the world's fastest production v-twin bike. Let's take a look at some biblical figures. 1198cc....good, 180 bhp....wow, 165kgs!!, race exhaust kits....isn't that sufficient....traction control....who says I can't beat Rossi. 'Nuff said, if you happen to own this bike by any chance then don't waste your time reading things on the web. Go to some track and spend the entire day kissing. I meant corner kissing but make sure you don't end up kissing the tarmac.
Ok dreams apart, this bike is definitely a stunning machine and it's been long since bikers around the world have been searching a successor to the iconic 998. Well, I think the search ends here.
The 1098R sports the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the sport bike segment. There's a lot of techno wizardry that has gone into this beast. It comes with all the unique features of the 1098S and also sports some additional ones like sand-cast crankcases, titanium valves, TTXR rear suspension and a lot lot more. All these add-ons actually reduce the weight and produce an additional 20bhp at the crank. An add-on racing exhaust increases the output by 6 more horses but that seems to be underrated becasue sources have confirmed that on previous occasions Ducati claimed 192bhp with the exhaust. This exhaust however is intended only for track use. In fact the 1098R lapped the Misano track in Italy a complete second quicker than the Desmo RR. And about the looks...well don't tell me any Japanese bike even comes close to this graceful Italian styling.
A lot has been said and a lot will be said about this bike. I however believe that with the 1098R, Ducati has already gifted the world it's best production sports bike. This is not just a fast motorcycle, it's a machine, no it's THE machine which can bring out the best of a rider's skills and biking emotions.
The sound of this bike is simply mind blowing. I haven't heard a better soundtrack in ages and the best part is that the Japanese don't even come close to it. In fact no one can match the finesse of Italians.
Now this bike ain't another version with better aesthetics and a teeny weeny bit more power. This is the world's fastest production v-twin bike. Let's take a look at some biblical figures. 1198cc....good, 180 bhp....wow, 165kgs!!, race exhaust kits....isn't that sufficient....traction control....who says I can't beat Rossi. 'Nuff said, if you happen to own this bike by any chance then don't waste your time reading things on the web. Go to some track and spend the entire day kissing. I meant corner kissing but make sure you don't end up kissing the tarmac.
Ok dreams apart, this bike is definitely a stunning machine and it's been long since bikers around the world have been searching a successor to the iconic 998. Well, I think the search ends here.
The 1098R sports the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the sport bike segment. There's a lot of techno wizardry that has gone into this beast. It comes with all the unique features of the 1098S and also sports some additional ones like sand-cast crankcases, titanium valves, TTXR rear suspension and a lot lot more. All these add-ons actually reduce the weight and produce an additional 20bhp at the crank. An add-on racing exhaust increases the output by 6 more horses but that seems to be underrated becasue sources have confirmed that on previous occasions Ducati claimed 192bhp with the exhaust. This exhaust however is intended only for track use. In fact the 1098R lapped the Misano track in Italy a complete second quicker than the Desmo RR. And about the looks...well don't tell me any Japanese bike even comes close to this graceful Italian styling.
A lot has been said and a lot will be said about this bike. I however believe that with the 1098R, Ducati has already gifted the world it's best production sports bike. This is not just a fast motorcycle, it's a machine, no it's THE machine which can bring out the best of a rider's skills and biking emotions.
The sound of this bike is simply mind blowing. I haven't heard a better soundtrack in ages and the best part is that the Japanese don't even come close to it. In fact no one can match the finesse of Italians.
Safe Motorcycle Riding Practices
Never drive if you are not a licensed motorcycle driver. This is first, and foremost in my list of safe motorcycle riding practices. You see, when you are a licensed driver, one way or the other, you must have gone through the necessary trainings and tests to ensure that you are qualified to drive a motorcycle.
Here's a rundown of my motorcycle-riding safety tips:
1. No license, no driving.
2. Wear a motorcycle helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, either as the driver or as the passenger.
3. Wear appropriate clothing. Motorcycle jacket, motorcycle gloves, and motorcycle googles are highly recommended.
4. Don't drink and drive.
NO LICENSE, NO DRIVING
Beginners, those who are still learning to drive, and especially those who have just learned to drive, are the most aggressive drivers. However, it must be noted that motorcycle driving could be a complex process of coordinating your balance, processing what you see, being able to decide what to do, and act accordingly.
Professional drivers or seasoned drivers do all these things at the same time. They can react based on reflex action. The newbies' expected reaction to some impending crash or accident would simply to freeze, jerk, or squeeze the throttle instead of releasing it and gripping and stepping on the brakes.
It would be for safety measures then that those who are still trying to learn or have just learned, and still doesn't posses a valid driver's license must secure one, and must always be accompanied by a licensed adult. Refrain from practicing in populated streets or where there are a lot of other vehicles. The parking lot would also be a bad idea. There are just a lot of other cars there that you could crash into.
MOTORCYCLE HELMET
Statistics show that one out of five motorcycle crashes result to head or neck injuries. This same statistics also show that properly worn DOT approved helmets have greatly reduced injuries in the head and neck among motorcycle riders.
Never be so complacent that since you're just going to buy some six-pack from a nearby neighborhood convenience store, you won't wear a helmet anymore. Let's refer to statistics again: they show that most motorcycle crashes on short trips (about 5 miles or less from point of origin) and most of these crashes registered slow driving (less than 30mph) when the accident happened.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
A motorcycle is a good excuse for a different fashion statement. However, it is for your own safety if your main consideration in your attire when driving one, is safety instead of fashion. Invest in a good motorcycle jacket. The leather ones are a classic and never go out of fashion and save you from ultraviolet exposure from the sun, too. While at it, a good pair of motorcycle goggles would not only make you look cooler, it would also protect your eyes from dust, insects, and wind.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Your responses become slower, your judgment becomes questionable, you become bolder, and most of all, DUI or driving under the influence is illegal. No amount of motorcycle gloves, motorcycle helmets, motorcycle jackets, and other motorcycle accessories could save you from severe injuries that could happen when you drink and drive.
John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
Here's a rundown of my motorcycle-riding safety tips:
1. No license, no driving.
2. Wear a motorcycle helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, either as the driver or as the passenger.
3. Wear appropriate clothing. Motorcycle jacket, motorcycle gloves, and motorcycle googles are highly recommended.
4. Don't drink and drive.
NO LICENSE, NO DRIVING
Beginners, those who are still learning to drive, and especially those who have just learned to drive, are the most aggressive drivers. However, it must be noted that motorcycle driving could be a complex process of coordinating your balance, processing what you see, being able to decide what to do, and act accordingly.
Professional drivers or seasoned drivers do all these things at the same time. They can react based on reflex action. The newbies' expected reaction to some impending crash or accident would simply to freeze, jerk, or squeeze the throttle instead of releasing it and gripping and stepping on the brakes.
It would be for safety measures then that those who are still trying to learn or have just learned, and still doesn't posses a valid driver's license must secure one, and must always be accompanied by a licensed adult. Refrain from practicing in populated streets or where there are a lot of other vehicles. The parking lot would also be a bad idea. There are just a lot of other cars there that you could crash into.
MOTORCYCLE HELMET
Statistics show that one out of five motorcycle crashes result to head or neck injuries. This same statistics also show that properly worn DOT approved helmets have greatly reduced injuries in the head and neck among motorcycle riders.
Never be so complacent that since you're just going to buy some six-pack from a nearby neighborhood convenience store, you won't wear a helmet anymore. Let's refer to statistics again: they show that most motorcycle crashes on short trips (about 5 miles or less from point of origin) and most of these crashes registered slow driving (less than 30mph) when the accident happened.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
A motorcycle is a good excuse for a different fashion statement. However, it is for your own safety if your main consideration in your attire when driving one, is safety instead of fashion. Invest in a good motorcycle jacket. The leather ones are a classic and never go out of fashion and save you from ultraviolet exposure from the sun, too. While at it, a good pair of motorcycle goggles would not only make you look cooler, it would also protect your eyes from dust, insects, and wind.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Your responses become slower, your judgment becomes questionable, you become bolder, and most of all, DUI or driving under the influence is illegal. No amount of motorcycle gloves, motorcycle helmets, motorcycle jackets, and other motorcycle accessories could save you from severe injuries that could happen when you drink and drive.
John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video
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