Biker to English Translation For New Motorcycle Riders

As a general rule, a low side is better than a high side. And if you do either, you'll end up in better shape if you're an ATGATT kind of guy. Not so much road rash, you know? Now, what did he just say?

Actually, if you've been riding motorcycles for long at all you know exactly what I just said. If you haven't, it's time for a little education. As with any special interest, there is a unique and very specific vocabulary that has built up around motorcycling. An exhaustive listing of these terms would go on for hundreds of entries. We'll just look at a dozen or so of the more common and colorful ones.

So what is a high side, and a low side? They are the ways you can fall off a motorcycle. In a low side, you might be coming around a curve, leaned way over, and hit some gravel that causes your tire to lose traction. You're already leaned over and that back wheel just slides free and all of a sudden you're sliding yourself. On a high side it's likely that you've locked up your rear brake and the tail end of the bike has started sliding. If you release that brake your tire can regain traction, but at that point you're not pointed in the direction you're actually moving. As the tire grabs the bike stands up abruptly and momentum carries you right on over the other side, flinging you off through the air. In general, it's better to drop just a few extra inches and slide than to be thrown through the air.

If you could know in advance when you're going to crash then you could be sure to wear all your riding gear that day and leave it at home on the other days. We can't know that, however, so we wear protective gear just in case. Some folks are really serious about it, wearing all the gear all the time (ATGATT) while others are less cautious. Because most rides end safely, the non-ATGATT folks are comfortable with their choices most of the time.

And many of them, even if they don't wear any other gear, will wear their brain buckets. That is to say, skid lids. You know what I mean: helmets. They may end up with some road rash (abrasions) that could have been avoided if they'd worn their leathers (protective leather pants, jackets, and gloves), but with luck they've avoided serious brain injury.

But enough with the nasty stuff. You didn't buy that hot little Suzuki GSX-R600 to spend all your time contemplating disaster. You bought it to ride! And if you really want to ride it, you're not about to make a trailer queen out of it. Leave that to those guys who go to rallies pulling their bike on a trailer. You're the kind of guy with the patch that reads "I rode mine," aren't you?

Of course, if you're serious about riding you do your best to avoid the super slab (interstate highway). Two lanes are the way to go. But if you have no choice but to do the slab, lane-splitting can get you through it faster. Legal only in California (in the U.S.), lane-splitting is the practice of riding your bike between the lines of cars, along the lane divider strip. Do it only when traffic is slow or stopped and be very careful.

Once you're free of that mess again, it's time to kick up the speed. Canyon carving is always fun, whipping along the twisty roads that follow the terrain, and if you're on a cruiser, like maybe a Suzuki Boulevard C109RT, you might even scrape some hard parts. You know you're moving when those floor boards touch the road surface. You'll never do that on that GSX, however, because it's got way more ground clearance than the Boulevard. Whatever you do, just don't be a squid. Those guys go way too fast for their skill level and are an accident waiting to happen.

Whatever you're riding, and whatever kind of riding you do, the best ride is always the one that leaves you and the bike in one piece and rarin' to head out again.

3 Ways to Sell Your Motorcycle

Selling a motorcycle or any type of vehicle carries with it a risk. To make sure that the selling of your motorcycle goes well and smooth you need to follow certain guidelines in order to minimize possible risks involved.

First to consider is pricing. Before going through any negotiations, you must have the knowledge about the fair market value of the bike. Make your own research, the price which you anticipate selling your motorcycle is possibly the key to selling your bike. The pricing cost must be accurate and reasonable, or you will have a hard time selling your bike. Getting the price right on your ads can make a big difference to whether you get any interested buyers or not. Check out different price list guide as that of Nashville motorcycles for sales. There are thousands of bikes listed with the latest market value online. You must search to see what people are asking for the same bike.

Next step is preparing the bike for sale. Check the bike visually from one end to the other - it's easier not to miss anything that way. At the very least you should check the oil, tires, coolant, electrics and chain to make sure they are all in working order. But the more effort you put in the less a buyer will have to haggle about. Properly prepare your bike, pay special attention to details, your motorcycle must shine. Potential buyers tend to look closely so it is wise to do a thorough cleaning of your bike. Old accessories that you have replaced with upgrades must be clean, that way you can offer it as part of the deal. Repair minor scratches or dents this increases the value of the bike. Tune up the bike it should start quickly and easily, inspect and fix any mechanical defects that could exist. Make sure that it is in good condition in terms of performance.

Lastly advertise. A good and effective advertisement can greatly help in selling your motorcycle quickly. As soon as you're ready to sell the bike, use different ways or techniques to advertise as much as u can. There are a lot of mediums to use in order to advertise, you can post it online, or in magazines, newspapers, you may also distribute flyers or send the advertisement through emails. You can use all these methods to deliver the information. On your advertisement be sure to include the price, mileage, specific details or description of the item, you may also include brand names of any and all upgrades or replacement pieces. And of course the pictures make sure to include pictures from different angles. Word your ad truthfully, but sensibly and always put a price. No price puts loads of buyers off. Don't forget your phone number and area.

Trouble With My Motorcycle, Or Is It?

Kawasakis have a reputation for being bullet-proof, meaning you just don't have a lot of mechanical issues with them. You can confidently buy a new Concours 14 and ride it for years with routine maintenance your only expense.

I've had the same kind of excellent experience with my 1999 Concours and so it was very disturbing in May when I was headed southeast of Flagstaff on my way to the Overland Expo and my Connie started acting up. I bought that bike new in 1999 and have about 50,000 miles on it. To this point, the only issue I've had was when an O-ring failed and it started leaking coolant. That put my annual non-routine maintenance expense at about $7.

I had somehow missed my turn coming out of Cortez, CO, and instead of passing by the Four Corners monument I found myself headed due south to Shiprock, NM, and Gallup. That added about 50 miles to my day's ride but by the time I figured it out it wouldn't have saved me anything to go back, so I pressed on. Made a quick stop in Gallup for gas and then jumped on I-40 headed west.

About 100 miles later I reached Holbrook and was ready to stop for lunch. I coasted down the long off-ramp and slowed at the bottom for the sharp right-hander that would put me on the town's main street and the bike died. Now why in the world would it do that?

Worse, it didn't want to start again. I was about 450 miles from home and still 100 miles from my destination and the Arizona sun was blazing down on me. This did not give me a good feeling.

I finally got it started again but the only way it would keep running was if I revved the engine a lot. There was a fast food joint just about 150 yards away so I limped over there and figured I'd eat and see if it ran better after lunch. When I tried it the bike did fire right up, but again it did not want to continue running.

I had inquired as to a motorcycle shop in town and so I headed in that direction. I found Frank's Route 66 Garage right where I had been told and Frank was super helpful. First he suggested I go to a gas station and top off because he felt the problem was probably bad gas and putting good gas in would solve everything. My Connie holds 7.5 gallons, however, and I had only burned 2 gallons since I filled it. Topping it off didn't help.

Next Frank tried spraying carb cleaner down the intakes while I revved the motor. After several minutes that seemed to fix things, I thanked Frank profusely and asked what I owed him and he refused to take a cent. I put the bodywork back on the bike, loaded it up again, and put on my gear. When I started the bike up again, it was the same problem as before. So I took off and hoped I wouldn't be standing broiling in the sun alongside the highway just 30 miles or so down the road.

In Flagstaff I found another shop and the guy there told me he was confident he could solve the problem but be was swamped and would not be able to get to it until Saturday. This was Thursday. Since that wasn't going to work for me, he just twisted the idle dial all the way up and though it ran rough, the engine did not die. I pushed on.

I reached the Overland Expo, down by Mormon Lake, and for the next three days left the bike parked while I hung out with all these adventure-riding folks who have or are planning to do amazing things like riding their motorcycles around the world. It was a good time but in the back of my mind the whole three days was the dread of what would happen when I pushed the starter button again.

Sunday arrived and it was time to leave. I gave the bike full choke and pushed the starter button and it fired to life, though continuing to run rough. I kept on the throttle a long time, letting it warm up, and then took off. Back in Flagstaff I shouldn't have needed gas as it was only 160 miles since I had last filled it, but the needle was pushing empty. And an amazing thing happened as I pulled into the station and stopped: My engine started racing! I had to crank the idle dial way down again.

Bottom line, I figure I must have gotten some bad gas in Gallup, as Frank had suspected, or else there was something clogging my fuel line that had now been cleared away. Either way it ran fine all the way home and continues to run fine. Kawasaki really does make great motorcycles. My annual maintenance expense is still $7.

Drive Shafts Versus Drive Chains In Motorcycles

In the beginning, motorcycles had drive chains to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels, just like the chain on a bicycle. No surprise there, considering that at first motorcycles were essentially motorized bicycles. Cars, on the other hand, handled that transfer of power using a drive shaft. It was probably inevitable that eventually some motorcycles would be driven by a drive shaft and today that is the case.

So, is one better than the other? And if so, why don't all motorcycles use one or the other? If not, how are they different and why do some bikes use a chain while others use a drive shaft?

The answer, which you may have suspected already, is that each is better in some ways than the other, and the manufacturer's decision to use one or the other is based on several factors.

My first bike was, in its day, a big (750cc) touring machine, and it has a chain. I say "has" because I still have it and I still ride it, even though it is more than 30 years old. When this was my principal (read: only) bike I knew when we took off on our summer road trips that every one or two days I would need to lubricate and adjust the chain. It was a pain but it was just part of what riding a motorcycle entailed. And then, every couple years or so I had to replace the chain and sprockets because they wore out. That was not a welcome expense but, again, it came with the territory.

My next bike, a 1999 Kawasaki Concours, has a drive shaft, and also a lot more power. This is the ride-all-day-at-high-speed bike my first bike never could be. And I never give the shaft a moment's thought, any more than I think about the pistons or the oil pan. It's there, it does its job.

So why don't all bikes just use drive shafts? There are several answers.

First off, drive shafts are a lot more expensive than chains. Second, they're a lot heavier and bulkier. That translates into them being badly matched to really small bikes. No one wants to pay big bike prices for a small bike. And the extra weight would just rob power from what is already a small engine.

Dirt bikes are a perfect example. Take the Yamaha YZ450F for example. This is a bike weighing 245 pounds with a full gas tank. It holds 1.6 gallons of gas. With a tank that size you don't want extra weight. Plus, with a chain you can change the sprocket size, which changes the gear ratio, to affect power delivery. In other words, you can tune the bike to your own riding style and preferences.

Then there is that issue of the smaller engine. Chain drive actually delivers more of the power to the wheels. Shaft drive robs power and with a small engine you want to use as much of the engine's power as you can. If you're on a big cruiser, such as the Yamaha FJR1300A, you've got a 1298cc engine. That's power to spare and you can afford to sacrifice a little of it in exchange for the shaft drive.

Now, sport bikes have a lot of the same considerations as off-road bikes. They're small but powerful. Generally sport bikes, such as the Yamaha FZ8, use chains. Power is a big thing for sport bike riders, so low weight and full utilization of all the horsepower the engine can produce is important. And again, especially if the sport bike riders want to hit the track and do some racing, the ability to adjust the gear ratio is especially important.

The bottom line here is that this is not a decision you are generally going to have to make. You get to decide what kind of bike you want, and then you take that bike with whatever gear the manufacturer has put on it. And considering that they probably know a lot more about the trade-offs than you do, that's probably just fine.

Honda Ruckus Front Fork Options

The first thing that most Ruckus enthusiasts want to do is get that front end as low as possible. It is a great thing to look at but many go about the wrong way of doing it. The most common thing to do for the first time home builder is to modify the OEM shocks. This lets them get a lowered bike without having to change over to a disc brake. The first thing that gets done is cutting the OEM Honda Spring. While inexpensive, cutting a spring not only lowers the bike but will also change the front spring rate. This is bad because usually it makes the front end too soft and easy to bottom out. Once you bottom out, you have no control and will probably have better luck riding a pedal bike on ice. If the spring can't control the wheel travel, it is useless and with that train of thought the other thing done is to completely remove the springs, which is just as dumb an idea as it sounds. Look, I understand the want of stance, but you have to have control of the bike even at just 40 MPH. Lower springs do exist outside of Honda, but you do have to do some research.

So, you want to spend the right money and buy aftermarket forks. Well, the market is full of great products and very bad ones, too. I won't name names or product lines, but I will tell you what to try to look out for. The biggest thing about forks is how they are dampened. What I mean is what controls the spring from springing back and forth, you that law of "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." It is not uncommon to see scooter forks with no dampening control at all. At the speeds most scooters see, especially an unmodified Ruckus GET engine, dampening control isn't important. However, as you modify and start to go faster on any scooter dampening becomes more and more important. The next most common dampening control on scooters is air. Air is easy to come by, free in most places, and is something that can be adjusted on the fly. Need stiffer forks, add more air. Need something softer, take out some air. You can't get any easier than that. Just be sure that the air you use is dry or try using nitrogen.

The least common, and very expensive to boot, is fluid dampened forks. There aren't many on the market for scooters. Again, the speeds that most scooters see do not require extreme types of dampening. However, if you are running yours at very high highway speeds or plan on going off road at high speeds, you may want to try and find a set. Control at these speeds and conditions are crucial and if your forks are not damped or under-dampened, you could be setting yourself up for loss of control. Remember, when you hit a bump with just the spring, it will continue to bound and unbound until all energy is lost. Just like a basketball, your tire will also bound and unbound and will not contact the surface as it is supposed to. That means you don't have complete control and, again, is not a good thing to be in.

Interphone GPS / Phone Holders - Easy Waterproof Solution For Use On Your Motorcycle Handle Bars

(To be clear, "waterproof" in the title means weatherproof... not 2 meters under water)

Interphone is a division of Cellular Line, the biggest cell phone accessories maker in Europe. Interphone products are designed for the motorcycle and power sport enthusiast and include waterproof Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms and accessories. Naturally if you are riding with a waterproof motorcycle headset there is a good chance that circumstances will arise where your audio source, a GPS or phone, may need to be exposed to the elements as well. So Interphone came up with their motorcycle GPS and iPhone holders with handle mounting kits.

The Interphone SM43 is designed for GPS and electronics with a 4.3" screen (also available is a SM35 for 3.5" screen devices). The holder / case is made up of thick but flexible plastic, a water resistant zipper and clear screen cover which is just thin enough that you can use an electrostatic touch screen through it (with effort and sometimes multiple attempts). It has a pass through port for the device power cord and a D-link for connecting the included tether to the handle bars. Three different thicknesses of spacers are also included to put behind the device and keep it tight against the clear protector window.

The Interphone iPhone 4 / 4S case with motorcycle mount is a hard plastic clam shell that splits the depth of the phone with a hinge at the top, rubber cushion and water sealing around the edges and a latching clamp on each side which hold pressure on the sealing surface. It has provisions for both of the iPhone cameras, a charging port and the headphone jack. Because the top hinge is outside the shell and the charging connector area is inside the case (it seals around the cable) the total length of the Interphone case extends the iPhone length by about an inch. For this reason you would not want to use the Interphone iPhone case as a normal every day case but the design allows for easy entry and removal of the phone when you do want to use the iPhone on your motorcycle.

All of the Interphone holders slide on to the motorcycle handle bar mounts and lock in with a plastic tab. Prying down the tab with one finger allows the holder to slide off the mount and quickly be removed while the mount stays on the bike. When you buy the device holders, you can choose either a round bar mount clamp or a non-round mounting system. Both are made entirely of plastic and are not particularly robust but do their job fine. The round handle bar clamp is quite simple. It includes 3 positions for different handle bar diameters from 3/4" up to 1 1/8". A simple thumb screw is used for tightening it on to the motorcycle handle bar. There is a ball and socket that allows the device connecting point to be swiveled 360 degrees and angled about 15 degrees in any direction. This 15 degree angle is NOT enough to allow it to be mounted to the riser part of the handle bars. It must be installed on the horizontal area of the handle bar. We would have preferred to have a more flexible or adjustable design but so long as you have a free horizontal area on your bars it will work great. The 2nd mounting option, for non-tubular motorcycle bars, is less elegant. It is essentially a giant ¾" wide zip tie that can be released and reused or re-adjusted. It does however have 2 ball / socket hinge points about 3" apart and allows for more mounting options than the simple tubular mounting hardware.

If you need a quick simple solution for mounting your GPS or iPhone on your motorcycle handle bars and are worried about the weather, the Interphone cell phone holders may fill your needs perfectly. If you are looking for a robust design that can handle adventure touring, light or heavy off road use consider the RAM Mount line up instead.

Scooter Racing

The more I look into scooters, the more amazed I become with what can be done with them. From the different Honda Ruckus Parts available to the GY6 Swaps to the fuel injection technology in the Zuma 125, it is quite a different world than I am used to coming from an automotive background. One of the things that have really caught my eye has been the racing I have seen that European and Asian guys are doing!

Drag Racing is probably the biggest one I have seen. Lengths range from a Thirty-Second Mile (roughly Fifty Meters) to full on Quarter Mile. Just like in big bike and car racing, a Thirty-Second Mile drag scooter is set up differently than a Quarter Mile drag scooter. Variator, clutch and CVT belt setups are all different to achieve maximum velocity at their given drags. However, just like their big bike cousins, these scooters are seeing things like custom built, rigid frames with no rear suspension, wheelie bars, and long stretches. To me, this is where a Honda Ruckus would really start to come into play.

The Ruckus is practically built to be the near perfect drag racer from the factory. Its lightweight and the gas tank and engine are already in the perfect position being right there in the center of the frame and low. Getting lowered forks, a lowered seat frame, a chinbone, a set of DROWSports Foot Pegs, and the GY6 with a good stretch and you have the recipe for a perfect dragger! Get the GY6 to 232cc and you can really make it haul. Converting to a rigid frame with wheelie bars wouldn't be too difficult, but you can forget making it your daily ridden bike after that. It will become a pure race bike.

Road Racing is the next biggest racing I have seen these scooters do. I'd expect it to exist, but just not at the level these guys take it. There are full on race series from Stock-Spec. classes to run what you got races with Maxi-Scooters (basically large scooters with 250cc and up engines) and custom suspension scooters. These scooters also aren't just riding along in a single file line and leaning just a little bit; they are dragging knees and sliding the rear of these bikes to keep the engine in its power band range. It's pretty exciting stuff to watch. The perfect bike for this would probably be the Zuma 50.

The Zuma 50 2-Stroke is probably one of the lightest bikes you can buy. It also uses the Minarelli Two-Stroke engine. This engine has been used in many two-stroke scooters in Europe for many, many years. This makes aftermarket Zuma Parts easy to find and use. It is also the scooter of use in many Road Racing Series in Europe and Asia, so finding good handling parts and racing tires is very easy to source. However, since 2002 Motori Minarelli is now a part of the Yamaha Group. The Zuma 50F is also starting to launch here in the US to take over the two-stroke Zuma 50, but it has a lack of aftermarket support for now. Two-Strokes are still produced and popular in Europe and Asia due to a more lax environment towards emissions on small displacement scooters, but look for that to change just like it has here in the US.

An Enthusiast's Classic Motorcycle Barn-Museum

During early 70's, I was in search of JD parts to an old 1924 H-D basket case I had picked up low priced in an AMC meet in Schenectady, in the big apple. After much searching, I discovered Bill's Custom Cycles in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. A call confirmed they had many of the components I'd been trying to find, so I took my mother's car, grabbed my buddy Ricky Politi, and off we went to rural Pennsylvania on the hunt for a biker's gold! Found in a block building somewhere near the highway, I felt hesitant of what to expect from the shop. As I went in, the building opened up into a large room, the angels started to come down singing, and bright light flashed and focused in one spot from the heavens. I realized that I was indeed in the correct place.

I found showcases stuffed with old saved motors, NOS Harley components in those wonderful black and orange bins, an alcove of good old riding hats, and a protracted, L-shaped counter with shelves filled with stuff behind it. Dispersed over the big space were refurbished Barleys of each and every design: Knuckleheads, Panheads, 45s, a ServiCar, a few Indians. Where ever you look and it was certainly there. Bill Morris, the owner, specialized in buying classic Harley Davidson vendors that have gone out of business. Bill's shop was loaded with NOS components coming from all eras. Bill also specialized in purchasing a lot of other stuff and would likely buy out anything classic that he preferred; his catalogue expanded to huge proportions!

In the late 90's, he asked himself, what's the use of all this stuff if you couldn't feel it, see it, enjoy it, touch it, and easily share it with others? Hence, he started work on what would develop into the first part of his improving museum, identified as Bill's Old Bike Barn. He used a complete barn he decided to buy and reassembled the interior of the building to house the exhibits, and it appears great as a backdrop where they would present his collection. He stocked the barn which has a huge cross section of bikes and bike collectible items.

Bill discovered that the museum was great for people who definitely are into motorcycles and automobiles, but Bill needed to exhibit something for everybody to ensure the museum generally is a destination for not just bike and automobile enthusiasts but for families too. Bill added a couple more buildings, now totaling 45,000 sq/ft. and filled them with a bunch of other collectible merchandise to fascinate even the most discerning antique enthusiasts.

He prepared an enormous collection of antiques in a series of shops that look like a little town called Billville, which includes anything from a 1939 World's Fair bar, to an office pf the mayor, to a post office and anything in between! The museum is totally awesome, so take the whole family with you, and plan on spending a day to take it all in. Certainly, there is something for everyone.

Tips to Take Home a Motorcycle

Of course people like to dream and when it comes to dreaming, many youngsters dream to own motorbikes which can run as fast as they can on the roads.

In fact it is a thrilling experience to drive the motorbike in hilly regions, terrains, small lanes, deserts, seashore and valleys.

The young son aged ten years starts imagining about riding a motorcycle while he sees his dad proceeding towards his office riding on a motorcycle.

He never misses a single opportunity to go along with his dad by sitting on the motorcycle and he starts dreaming a lot in his heart about driving the vehicle in deserts, roads and streets.

When it comes to buying one motorcycle, the buyer has to follow certain basic principles. He should finalize his purchase decision depending upon the various factors namely; the affordability; features available in the vehicle; the mileage potential and availability of spare parts in the case of old and second hand vehicles etc.

At the first phase, the intending buyer should visit more than three to four showrooms and he should never hesitate in spending some time with the receptionists in ascertaining the details of different vehicles on sale. The counter clerks are happy to provide the required details in respect of each vehicle. The intending buyer should note the salient points in a small booklet.

During the second phase, he should meet one reliable service mechanic and during such meeting, he can get much information about the quality of the vehicles which he intends to buy.

Apart from the detailed discussion with the service mechanic, he can have discussions with one or two friends who have in depth knowledge about various motorcycles which are available as at present. Of course the youngsters who are crazy behind motorcycles are eager to provide much information about different models of motorcycles as well as the manufacturers to any intending buyer.

Once the affordability has been determined depending upon the availability of own funds and funds that can be generated from friends or through a loan that can be availed from the bankers and financial institutions he can proceed towards purchasing the vehicle.

Having decided to purchase one specific model, now it is his turn to make a visit to the showroom and at this stage, it is better for him go to the showroom along with some of his friends.

The vehicle should be inspected thoroughly and the buyer should not have any reservations in clarifying his doubts, if any, with the dealer. During the course of an inspection of the vehicle, his friends may be in a position to point out to him the missing features which he might have forgotten to notice.

Before making payment, he should ensure about the details about important parts that have been fitted in the vehicle and in case of need, he can suggest for replacement of the parts with parts manufactured by reputed manufacturers.

Many times, the dealers offer exaggerated opinions about the vehicle and it is quite normal on their part because it is one among several promotional strategies.

However, it is the responsibility of the individual in making the final decision towards purchasing the vehicle and once the vehicle is sold, the dealer is not having any hold over the vehicle and the buyer is left with a limited warranty.

A vehicle should be kept at least for a period of six months and an individual is able to learn the intricacies of any vehicle only after a month or two.

Stylish Leather Motorcycle Jackets Exude Charisma and Provide Protection to Your Upper Torso

In the occurrence of a collision or a motorcycle accident, the upper torso- shoulders, arms and elbow joints- is most susceptible to severe injuries or terminal damage. As an adept biker, you should be aware of the fact that the inevitable consequence of a bruised elbow or a scarred shoulder will be a sharp, palpable pain that will confine you to your bed for a minimum of two days. Therefore, in order to ensure that your shoulders and arms remain in optimal working condition, you should buy a well-stitched, durable motorcycle jacket- one that will protect your body from the drastic repercussions of a motorcycle crash. Listed below are some of the incentives for buying high quality motorcycle jackets.

• Leather is a fabric that has been in vogue since the ancient times. Due to the manifold advantages of this fabric, the demand for leather biker jackets supersedes all other types of jackets manufactured by the automotive industry. Essentially leather has high tensile and tear strength and thus, can last up to several years without depicting any observable signs of wear and tear. For added protection and comfort, most biker jackets have padded shoulders and reinforced stitching in the elbow region.

• Leather biker jackets are also flexible and will beautifully enhance the flattering aspects of your upper body. Waist length jackets are worn by bikers who want to flaunt a singularly bold yet masculine look. On the contrary, leather jackets that extend beneath the pelvis project a charismatic demeanor.

• Although a black leather jacket has been regarded as an outstanding symbol of the biker cult since the 1950s; nonetheless, varied colored biker jackets have been launched in recent years and at present are widely praised by the biker community. Motorcycle jackets for women are available in pink, purple, blue and shimmering red shades.

• If you were a teenager during the 80s, you can opt for a black jacket in order to simulate the stunning look exhibited by your favorite anarchistic heart throbs such as Mick Jagger or Bruce Springsteen.

• In terms of quality, most motorcycle jackets have rust-resistant zippers and buttons. These buttons and zippers are chrome polished and add that glamorous silvery look to your jacket. Furthermore, almost all varieties of leather jackets have deep pockets that are ideal for safekeeping and instant retrieval of wallets, keys, ready cash etc.

A suitably vented, well-fitted jacket will not only result in self-admiration but will also attract promising attention from the onlookers.

Avoiding Common Accidents on Your Motorcycle

As all riders know, riding a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous. Every time a rider takes to the road, they are in effect putting their life in danger. Therefore, for riders, new and experienced, it's important to know how to avoid common accidents when on your motorcycle.

The most common accidents that bikers get involved in are collisions at junctions, collisions while overtaking, loss of control, either from a shunt or, and, failing to get round a bend. The key to minimising the risk of any of these happening is mainly within anticipation. It is extremely vital to read the road ahead, or another road user's intentions. If you react in plenty of time to prospective hazards you should keep out of trouble.

The countryside can be an especially dangerous place if not judged correctly. It's always a good idea to look out for clues to the way a bend is going to run, whether that shape you can spot in the distance is a line of trees, telegraph poles or hedges.

If you are driving along a busy urban street, then cars pulling out are your prime danger so its important to look for signs that they are going to move. A good way of checking is to look at the driver's hands moving on the steering wheel, the wheels starting to move or an oncoming vehicle flashing to let someone pull out on to you.

Shunts can be very common between motorcyclists and cars. These happen when you don't leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front, so work on your road positioning and make sure to get to know how well your bike's brakes work so you can always stop if you see that you need to in the distance.

With just two small tyre contact patches riders have to have lots of respect for the road surfaces. Poor weather, diesel spills, manholes, mud and painted road surfaces can catch all drivers out so make sure to look out for all of these. Other clues to look out for are: harvesting and ploughing, black clouds and oncoming vehicles with headlights blazing.

Road Trip Product Reviews: 3-In-1 Jacket

We all know, when it comes to packing for road trips on our bikes, space for storage is a big challenge. So imagine how relieved I was when I saw the JakPak; a waterproof jacket that can also be transformed into a sleeping bag and mini-tent which basically enables me to take away several big and space-consuming gear from my 'things to bring' list.

The JakPak is made up of a patent-pending design that features a water-resistant, fabric-ventilating jacket with an integrated shelter, mosquito netting, and sleeping bag. Made of urethane nylon and polyester fabric, it is available in sizes from small to extra large in two-tone black, grey, and green.

I got the extra large which weighs around 3 pounds. To make things comfortable with the heft of the jacket/sleeping bag/tent combo, the JakPak has suspenders in it that easily clips into your pants and helps take some of the load when walking around.

Putting on the jacket with the tent and sleeping bag stuffed inside their pouches is a bit uncomfortable as the sleeping bag section is sort of a cushion hanging out your rear and the framework of the tent is rolled up in a circle in the middle of your back; it is not that awkward, it's just unusual the first time you use it.

However, if you don't think you need the sleeping bag or tent portion, both could be unzipped and removed from the coat. The coat has a drawstring hood, Velcro cuffs, 3 pockets (two exterior, one interior), armpit zips, storm flaps above the pockets and zippers to keep water out, and a primary zipper for additional ventilation.

Deploying the tent or sleeping bag can be somewhat difficult the very first time, but you will immediately get the hang of it. I actually find it to be easier to put the jacket on the ground, pull the sleeping bag and tent from their pockets, then get in it. This also has double zippers which make it easier to have your feet out if you wish to walk around.

The tent section is situated above your head and has netting attached, allowing you to shield most of your lower body and face. As I will totally agree that the 3-in-1 jacket is well ventilated and you also won't suffocate in it, I did find it to be just a little rigid in some instances and made me sweat (you happen to be basically enveloped in rainproof fabric) even so, I actually do perspire quite quickly. It is really sort of tricky since it also says it's a 3 season design however, there is no heat retaining material in the jacket or sleeping bag, so in case the temperatures fall, you could be in a frigid situation except if you happen to be layered up in clothing or with a blanket or extra clothes, which fortunately is roomy enough to try.

A Vintage Harley's Trip to Life

On any weekend back in the mid-1960s you could stroll to any small community in America and you'd most likely see an old H-D such as this left right in front of a bar or tavern.

Chances are, too, that the Harley glistens under the beam of streetlights or neon lights that lit up the streetscape. These bikes were simple, good, classic machines, too, that although not fully stock, carried a generous amount of genuine Harley components.

A lot of H-Ds ended up enhanced as time passes and wore more recent components, all in the name of retaining the ride current right up until such time as sufficient money was saved to acquire a brand new motorcycle. Seat posts were bashed back to help make space for more recent motors. As soon as the renovation trend hit in the 90s, most of these motorbikes were brought back to factory specification or gave up their components to other serious renovation undertaking. Those that remained, we coined them "ham and eggs motorbikes" due to their mix-match of parts.

Like old choppers and custom bikes from an early period, very few still exist, and people who do represent that can-do attitude and spirit that shows us of our history and our country's progress as of yet. In the 70s, I drove my mom's car to Kentucky from New York to get a 1948 FL dressed up in 1954 sheet metal along with a Glide front end. I instantly fell in love with 1948 Fls and afraid that I might never find a fully stock one that I purchased it without even looking at it in close detail. Soon I realized that it was an EL originally equipped with a 61' V-twin.

This particular bike is owned by Wes Hogue. The motorbike started life as a police force motorbike that served with the Manila police force. The EL was one of Harley-Davidson's foreign trade fleet that created offshore profits during that era. The bike was utilized in service from 1948 until eventually 1970 when it was retired and was left permanently in the police force's boneyard. Many years later, in about 1974, "Greasy" Collins, an officer from the USMC assigned in the Philippines, was looking for something to drink when he went in a Manila bar to buy one.

From his stool in the bar, he had a good view out the rear door. What he noticed was a Panhead sitting in the department's weed-infested boneyard. He inquired if somebody could tell something regarding the old Harley; and he was directed to talk to the local authorities. An offer was struck for the motorbike, and then he had it brought it back to the states in his Bay Area shop for a restoration project. Right after examining the motorbike Arlen discovered that only the engine, transmission; rear rim, and front end were usable; all of the other corroded components were thrown away. Arlen began with a new body as the basis for the bike, and the rest flourished from there. The new motorbike also featured a Sportster tank, customized oil tank, a unique paint job, and plenty of character. Wes also explained that Greasy's bike "had a sissybar over it taller than the Empire State Building."

Around 1984, Wes bought the bike from Greasy and planned to turn it into a more road worthy motorbike, so he went about altering things and acquiring components to accomplish this goal.

The existing engine cases are original, strengthened employing a big re-weld in proper areas to hold stuff inside. It sports a 61'' bottom end connected to a 74" top end along with low-compression pistons. The repaired engine gets fuel through an old Mikuni carburetor.

The luggage bags and windshield are genuine Harley products from some time in the 1980s. Wes states that they come in handy; too, because he rides this motorbike a lot. At this moment, the motor's bottom end has recorded 130,000 miles, and it's continually looking strong.

Sizing for All Sized Motorcycle Helmets

When you are considering buying a new fiber carbon motorcycle helmet there are many things to consider. Do you want a full, a 3/4, or a half? Do you want the visor to flip up or not? Do you need a small, medium, or large? Maybe you need an even bigger sized helmet!

If you are in the market for a helmet over a large be aware, they can be hard to find in a store. If you are looking for an XXXL Carbon Fiber Helmet you may need to turn to an online store. These helmets are rare and are not always the most stylish. Style is not the reason for buying the helmet though, it's safety.

To make sure you do in fact need an XXXL Motorcycle Helmet, you want to follow the sizing chart provided by the helmet manufacturer. The size of your helmet is primarily based on your hat size, and the measurement of your head. You will want to take a tape measure and wrap it snuggly around your forehead area. Once you have done that, check your measurements. XXXL Motorcycle Helmets are generally made for men with heads that measure 66-67 centimeters around. They usually will wear a hat size of 8 1/4- 8 3/8.

Once you have determined that you do in fact need an XXXL Motorcycle Helmet, decide what kind you want. Most men will select a helmet that has a shield on it. This will prevent debris from hitting you in the face or eyes. Now decide what material you want the helmet to be made out of. Most motorcycle enthusiasts and die hard riders will opt for an XXXL Carbon Fiber Motorcycle head shield. These helmets can be slightly more expensive, but they are durable and lightweight. If you are going to ride often this is the best route to go. Along with the reasons above, the helmets will last the longest. The will not crack or ding as much as other materials.

You may also want to consider purchasing a strong and stiff head shield liner. The liner will offer you extra protection if you are struck by another vehicle and your head sustains impact. If you need an XXXL Motorcycle Helmet you will also need the same sized liner.

Many manufacturers will also be able to tell you how your XXXL Motorcycle Helmet has been factory tested. The standard testing for all helmets is done around 10 miles per hour. They will also test the helmet's ability to withstand impact with various kinds of materials such as; trees, concrete, metal doors, and other things motorcyclists may come in contact with.

Before making your final decision on your sizing XXXL sized you want to check local, state, and country laws. Many locations have laws and criteria that one must follow. These laws ensure that the helmet will keep them the safest while they are on the road.

Give A Thought To Motorcycle Saddlebags

Now day's people are riding their motorcycles more and more. With today's economy being the way that it is who could blame them? Riding your bike on a trip to your favorite shopping mall, or a quick run down to the local convenient store is all well and good. There is only one problem with this, the motorcycle does not come equipped with a trunk.

It's hard for the rider to keep their hands on the handlebars, while trying to carry all of his or her purchases too. While I suppose one could carry their purchases on their lap, you sure take the chance of the wind carrying your treasures away. Unless of course the rider has a passenger, then the bothersome task becomes the responsibility of the passenger to hold tight to all of those bags. The problem with this is their hands are now not free to hang on, and that is just simply not safe.

Having a set of saddlebags is a more convenient and much safer way to store all of your belongings. They can be used for much more than your shopping spree purchases. It's also a good Idea to pack necessities for the road, after all one should always be prepared. Here are a eight things that I would recommend storing in your saddlebags.

1. A small first aid kit
2. Jacket
3. A spare set of sunglasses, we all know several of these have fallen victim to the wind
4. Rain poncho
5. Flashlight
6. Map
7. Bottle of water
8. A spare charged battery for your cell phone, as we all know we don't always have service on our cell phones. It's always a good idea to let someone know of the route in which you intend to travel. Sadly, we just never know when problems will occur. It never hurts to be prepared.

All of these things are for precautionary measures while at the same time they won't take up a lot of your storage space.

Saddlebags may be an accessory for the motorcycle but also serve as a necessity for the rider. Whether the rider chooses to have leather saddlebags, or perhaps they prefer the pvc saddlebags, it's all a matter of choice. Any style of saddlebags is a good choice for you and your bike. They not only serve their purpose they also add a certain amount of flare to that special motorcycle. Saddlebags not only give character to your bike they are a convenience for the rider as well. They are virtually the motorcycles trunk. One would be amazed at just how much a set of saddlebags will hold. Not to mention owning a set of saddlebags you can keep all of your goodies stored securely inside, while staying safe and keeping both hands on the handlebars. With so much traffic on the highways these days, especially the big rigs it's not always easy for those drivers to spot the motorcycles, and the rider always needs to be on guard. So taking every precautionary measure to be safe is the key. Staying safe is above all the most important thing to remember while you are out traveling the open road.

Tips on Defensive Motorcycle Driving

I heard that in 2010 motorcycle traffic fatalities in the United States fell by 2.4%. Starting off this Article with a fatality statistic could make a lot of you shy away from finishing this article. I have done this for one reason, to let everyone know how important it is to become a defensive motorcyclist. These statistics can continue to drop if we all took a little time and prepared ourselves before going on a ride. We have always been told since the first time we played T-ball or any sport. That practice makes perfect. That life skill can help you in almost all aspects of your life. The more you practice defensive riding the easier it will come to you. Just like riding a bike. (Except the speed and everyone else on the road.) Your life and the life of your passengers depend on you being trained to ride at your best every trip.

Most people purchase a motorcycle for the looks and don't take inconsideration that looks can be a safety feature. When you can be easily seen by everybody around you than your chances of being in an accident drops tremendously. Bright colors and lots of chrome that will shine in the lights can be all important details to providing to your safety on the road. Neon yellow might not be your color but if it is the color that will save your life than I'm sure it can become your color. Many motorcycle clothing have special features in them to add to the safety of riding. Reflective striping is one of the features as well as neon colors.

Once you have prepared yourself with the clothing you wear the next step is to drive defensively. Driving at a comfortable speed can help reduce the risk of an accident dramatically. Also driving with confidence will add to your safety. That being said there is a difference between confident and arrogant. Swerving in and out of traffic is not confident it is arrogance. It not only puts you in danger but everyone else on the road. Becoming an experience Motorcyclist can take many hours if not years of experience. The best way to get experience is finding the roads in your area that are not traveled by many and riding them as often as possible. Getting to know your bike and how it handles can become a huge benefit in a time of need.

While driving on freeways it is always best to be in the far left hand lane. That way if a quick decision is needed you have the room to do so. Also it eliminates dealing with the congestion of the traffic getting on and off the freeway. Usually in the left hand lane there is also a wide strip of extra road that can become your friend in swerving to miss an accident or a car that just did not see you while changing lanes. The most dangerous lane to be in is the middle lane. Cars coming on and off the freeway usually dart into the middle lane to pass a slower vehicle. As well as cars that are traveling in the far right hand lane move over to allow those cars coming on room.

Making small adjustments like these mentioned above can continue to help the accident rate fall. Spreading the word to everyone you know to continue to watch out for Motorcyclist can also help in fewer accidents. It is everyone's job to become a defensive driver, no matter what type of transportation you may use. Continuing to educate yourself about defensive riding can only increase your safety. While no one expects to be in an accident, you can never predict them. Always remember that when possible it is always safer to ride in a group than alone. Let's all do our part to help give motorcycles a good name.

Bike History: The Crocker Motorcycle

The tale of the Crocker motorbike starts in 1882 with the birth of Albert Crocker. We only know a little about his earlier childhood days, even so the tale significantly picks up with his passion in engineering and subsequent recruiting by the Aurora Automatic Machine Company of nearby Illinois, in the style and design section of the bike division. They have been producing the mighty Thor motorcycle back then, and Crocker wasn't merely appointed for his engineering acumen, but he also played as a competition race player (1907-08 season) and gained quite a few contests on top its V-twin machines. It is cited that he was friends with Oscar Hedstrom and George Hendee, concepts of the Indian Motorcycle Co., through his racing career, and a long friendship ensued.

According to "The Iron Redskin", Crocker stepped down from Thor in 1909 and worked for Indian. He was sent to San Francisco to handle the parts department of the manufacturing plant headed by "Hop" Hopkins, a famous motorbike personality at the time. The plant transferred him to Denver ten years after as branch manager; then he was off to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1924 to operate the Indian dealership in the region. He went on to dispense motorcycles all over the State. Crocker married Gertrude Jefford Hasha in 1925, widow of Eddie Hasha the well-known racer, and together they relocated to Los Angeles three years later to take control of the long-standing Freed Cycle Company. In combination with servicing and selling motorcycles, he ran an equipment shop included in the industry and offered Indian with crankpins and other small machined parts.

A racer and engineer in his own right, Paul Bigsby, signed up with the shop as a foreman. Both men shared a love of design, motorbikes, and racing. An overhead conversion kit for 101 Scouts and Chiefs was developed and marketed to great acclaim. Flat course races started to grow, and Al and Paul created a one cylinder Speedway racer to compete within this class of racing. Approximations contrast on the number of Speedway racer motorcycles developed, but the concluded total seems to be somewhere in 30 and 40.

They proceeded to create the famed Crocker V-twin later on in the 1930s, which gained outstanding popularity from all of those people who owned or operated or raced them. These days, they are the other Holy Grail of motorcycle collectors. Bigsby also gathered fame outside the motorcycle community with non-bike related products.

he motorcycle featured here is a 1933 Crocker Speedway Racer owned by Jerry Gendreau of Savanna, Illinois. This bike and others enhance the Iron Horse Social Club, a popular museum and bar and motorbike nirvana around town. Jerry became serious about old motorcycles in the past after looking at books related to vintage race motorcycles. He today owns flat trackers, hill climbers, drag racers, whatever. He can find the ownership of this bikes back to Sam Parriott, a noted racer and motorcycle enthusiast. Jerry owns a 1948 photo of Sam with this bike and a Crocker twin at the Rosemont, California, dry lakes, where the motorbike set a record of 120 miles-per-hour, and the Crocker twin set a speed record of 129.49 mile per hour. How cool is that!

He bought the motorbike around 15 years ago at the AMCA meet in Davenport, Iowa, from Glen Bator, who had restored it earlier. The motorcycle is fitted with a 30-112", 500 cc, over head valve, one-cylinder engine that thumps out about 40 horsepower. Jerry's racer still maintains some of its genuine paint, and yes it appears like its moving 100 miles-per-hour simply fixed on its stand. He's proud of its history, and the fact that it is a rare machine just contributes to its aura.

Uncomplicated Things Most of Us Can Forget on the Roadway

Let us start off with those road markings on the highway we travel; surprisingly, somebody in fact thought about coming up with a strategy that really works. Why don't we start out with the standard 2 lane highway; we'll go through things from our lane of travel. If you'll notice, you will discover the very center markings (no matter if broken or solid to suggest passing is permitted) painted yellow plus your exterior outlines or shoulder/edge of road lines white. Remember the fact that depending on the road, you may not have the white markings, and perhaps on rural roadways, you may possibly not see any road markings. With that being said, you must think of additional understanding of traffic from both directions, although the average 2 lane road has yellow paint in the center dividing the path and white markings in a bold line will mark the edge of the pavement area.

A tiny point of information regarding the bold white line marking tip of shoulder/pavement on the lanes in your position: these are generally known as fog lines. In the instance of poor visibility, you'll be able to stick to these outlines, and they're going to steer you to and off the next accessible exit.

Corners, stop lines, and crosswalks in many instances produce a little mix-up concerning where to halt. In the event you come to an 4 way stop or point in which there is a stop marking together with a drawn white line, you must have your bike stopped right before the line border not over it. Now if it's a corner with a marking but doesn't have a line, you need to halt a couple of feet prior to a corner. You can also find spots in which you have a painted crosswalk but doesn't have a stop line, again you'll want to stop right before the marking. Now, if you come to a corner with just a stop warning sign and no painted stop line or crosswalk however, there is a footpath at the corner, you must stop before the corner. This may sound puzzling, but simply keep this standard rule in mind: if you're not sure, halt with plenty of space so there's no question or reason to get a ticket.

A different form of sign for the road is the yellow diamond-shaped road warning sign informing you to road problems beforehand. These could tell you of approaching intersections, curves (with recommended safe speeds), or any other road warnings (hills, grades, slippery when wet, etc). A lot of state DOTs will probably install these kinds of warning signs about 175 feet prior to the area of the point; this would provide you with sufficient time to adjust, given you're not going above the posted rate of speed.

Last of all, in terms of speed restrictions, there are some things to note. First, it isn't really lawful to go over the speed limit when passing another automobile, that excuse will likely not help you in trial. With regards to indicated speed limits in construction areas and specific zones, the speed indicated is good for the whole time the area is in place, not just while construction is on-going. You need to adhere to the posted construction speed restriction up until the indicator is taken off, even if it appears as though everything has been carried out for quite a while.

Do Not Use Bald Tires!

A lot of accidents, which would have otherwise been avoided, occur due to use of worn out or bald tires. A study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009 indicates that a staggering 50 percent of the interviewed motorists had a worn out tire. The allowed groove depth, by law, for a new tire is 10/32 of an inch all round whereas that of a worn out tire is 2/32 of an inch. Motorists are advised to keep the limit for wear and tear to 4/32 of an inch. However some riders go up to the 2/32nd point, jeopardizing road safety. Shinko motorcycle tires are within the set standard of tread groove depths.

You may regularly check the tread wear of your wheels by using the below methods:

1. By placing a penny in the grooves of your wheel. If the Lincoln head is more and more visible then your tire is worn out! To be on the safe side, use your wheel to the 4/32 of an inch point. Replace your tire as soon as you get to this point.

2. You will find tread wear indicators (usually marked by a triangle sign or "TWI" initials) inside your tires which signify wear. As the tread wear indicators get more visible, your tire is continuously wearing out. Shinko uses the tread-depth gauge technology on all of their line of motorcycle tires.

Perils

Uses of motorbikes determine the life span of a motorcycle tire. Bikes used for racing, street cruising and motorsports wear faster compared to those used for touring purposes. The manufacturers of Shinko Motorcycle tires recommend regular check of tread depth. Uses of motorbikes causes uneven wearing of tires which threatens the overall balancing of a bike while driving.

There is a higher chance of experiencing hydroplaning during wet seasons when using worn out tires.

On another note, always confirm the manufacture date of wheels when purchasing. Motorcycle tires that are older than 6 years equally bear the same risk as that of a worn out tire. Idle tires have a higher chance of blowing up, whether in use or not.

Worn out tires require a longer stopping distance compared to new tires. Evidently, this is a looming accident. Manufacturers of motorcycle tires, like Shinko motorcycle tires, warn against using worn out tires because they do not respond to emergency braking posing great danger while on the road.

What to do

Replace all worn out tires as fast as you can. As a rider, you need a motorcycle with a good traction. Most bikes' tires have deep tread groove, especially Shinko dual tires which are used for both on road and offroad motorbikes.

Alternatively you may rotate your tires to ensure even wearing. Shinko motorcycle tires do not need to be replaced if your tires are not worn out to 4/32 of an inch, due to their deep grooves and rubber compound. This is the TWI of all Shinko motorcycle tires. Just interchange them and you are good to go.

5 Features to Consider When Installing Motorcycle Tires

Wondering whether or not you will be riding your motorcycle more in the streets or off-road? Wonder no more. A lot of riders find it difficult when choosing the right tires for their bikes because of the uncertainty in the wide range of selection provided. Manufactures of motorcycle tires such as Pirelli Motorcycle Tires have a great solution for such riders.

Dual purpose sports tires are highly recommended in such instances where a rider wants to maintain a variety of terrain types especially during a race. How you choose the right tires for your motorcycle will determine your performance.

Picking the right motorcycle tires

A very crucial part of selecting the right tires is matching them with your motorcycle. Check the brand and understand the type but at the same time ensuring that you buy the same size and type.

Research on the tire type that match your motorcycle

Check the type of terrain the motorcycle tire has been built for. For instance, Pirelli motorcycle tires have four categories suitable for various terrains. Make sure you get information on the specifications and construction materials you are taking into account before you buy your tires to enable you enjoy a smoother ride.

Weather condition

The terrain one encounters as a rider depends on the weather condition of a specific area. It is important to take into consideration and research which tires best suit the terrain you will use or come across. A Pirelli motorcycle has tread patterns that are efficient for use on terrain type it was built for and managing the high performance required for the road.

Cost of tires

A rider always wants his bike to look stylish and attract stares from onlookers. Check on the strength and durability of the tires you want to buy. In most cases the most expensive tire cost does not guarantee the durability and performance, compared to the less expensive which may provide the highest standards in comparison. Invest in high quality bike tires that will save you more cash and serve you for longer. Pirelli motorcycle tires are a great example for tires that perform highly and can be purchased at affordable prices.

Selecting the design of your tires

It is important to stay with the same brand of tires especially if you are placing different size on your motorcycle. Pirelli motorcycle tires provide a wide range for variety of terrains. Get a front tire with a tall bend for fast steering and pick a back tire with less tread patterns for better road-gripping capabilities for quick starts. It is important to note that in case your tires get damaged then select a replacement tire of the same brand name, dimension and speed rating.

Motorcycle Saddlebags - Your Key to a Fulfilling Journey

When traveling long distances you are bound to come across many stop signs; and there is nothing more frustrating than combing through all of your bag's contents to find your ID card for verification purposes. What's worse is that during your painstaking search you are bound to knock your rain gear over your lap top, thereby disorganizing all of your accessories. In order to avoid this unpleasant situation it is recommended that you take the time out to visit a reliable biker store and choose a suitable type of motorcycle luggage from the wide variety of motorcycle saddlebags displayed on the stands.

If you are a novice when it comes to selecting an optimal quality saddlebag, the following discussion will serve to facilitate you in your luggage search.

• If you usually prefer long cruises, make sure that your saddlebag has enough room to accommodate your vital traveling accessories such as rain gear, extra clothing, helmet, snacks and water bottles. It would also be wise to check your bag for inner compartments and small internal pockets since these are ideal for keeping your toiletries, notebooks and emergency phone numbers.

• If you are a college student or an ambitious entrepreneur you should opt for those types of motorcycle bags that have a padded inner surface or a foam lining. The soft, cushy surface will provide a protective covering for your lap top, tablet or any other expensive electronic device that can easily get scratched or damaged.

• Leather motorbike bags are available in varied sizes. The size of the bag that you ultimately choose for yourself should be determined according to your vocational and other interests. If you have a fascination for bird watching you'll need to have the relevant equipment such as bird spotting scopes, binoculars and a birding tripod with you during your excursions. All of these items can only be comfortably fitted in an extra-large motorcycle saddlebag. On the contrary, if you are merely going to the local library, a medium-sized bag would perfectly serve your needs.

• If you have a flare for dirt bike riding, it is recommended that you purchase a motorcycle bag made from leather since numerous conditioning and cleansing agents are available in the market that will enable you to easily wipe your leather biker bag. Harley saddlebags manufactured from leather are an ideal choice for dirt bike riding.

• If you like to make a grand impression on someone it would only be prudent to opt for a chirpy-colored motorcycle saddlebag. On the contrary, if you like to maintain a low-profile and prefer durability over looks, you can select from the beige, black or brown hard luggage bags available at various motorcycle outlets.

How To Choose Nice Bike Stands

Riding a bike is always great fun! However, you need to take good care of your bike if you want it to last longer. For this purpose, you need to buy the right accessories for your bike. We all know that bike stands are the most important accessories that you need to purchase. You need to consider some important things before purchasing a suitable "stand" for your bike. A nice bike stand helps you to slant your bike on. Nowadays, a large number of companies are offering nice bike stands to their customers. In this article, we are going to talk about how to choose nice motorbike stands.

Now, let us talk about some key things that could help you in choosing some nice motorbike stands. You got to read all these points carefully.

Function
Determining the purpose or function of the bike stand is of utmost importance. A bike stand performs a lot of functions on the go. For example, it can be easily used for offering support to your vehicle. You can even use it to lean your bike on while you are lubricating its chain or pumping the tire. You should have a proper reason to purchase a motorbike stand.

Price
I must tell you that the average price of these motorbike stands is about 50 dollars. Therefore, you need to make an investment after considering your budget. You should never opt for cheap stands as they are made up of low quality materials. Basically, one should never compromise on the quality of such products. However, if you have a lightweight motorbike then you can go for an economical stand as it will support the bike well. In case you have a huge sports bike then you got to opt for high quality stands that can withstand the body weight of your bike. Well, you can easily buy such products at discounted rates but for that you need to research hard online. Internet shopping is a great way to buy discounted motorbike stands.

Support
Bike stands are usually used for the purpose of supporting a leaning motorbike when it's not in use. Several types of bike stands are available in the market and you need to choose one according to your requirements. The best motorbike stand is the one that offers the best possible support to your bike's tires. You should always go for the strongest bike stands so that you don't have to worry about anything. Nice motorbike stands act as great protectors for your vehicle.

Materials
Another important thing that you need to make sure is that the motorbike stand is made up of good quality materials. Look for strong and durable products that can last longer in harsh weather conditions. Well, the material should be sturdy enough to offer complete support to your vehicle. You can opt for the rust - resistant stands available in the market. They are becoming really popular worldwide!

So, these are some of the important things to note regarding how to choose nice motorbike stands. You need to read this article carefully if you want to know more about this topic.

Motorcycle Boots - Features That Make Ideal Footwear

Italian mobsters are notorious for taking extreme measures in order to safeguard their life and well-being. If you have always been a fan of mobster flicks, chances are you were mesmerized by the lustrous, trendy and classy leather jackets donned by Donnie Brasco. Ever since the groundbreaking success of that film, Donnie Brasco style jackets have been widely sought out by mechanics, biker boys/girls and any other individual who likes to sport a dashing look! Another bike apparel item that has gained immense popularity amongst the general public is a pair of high quality motorcycle boots.

Aside from the glamorous look displayed by biker boots, they also serve to protect the feet in the event of a crash. Protective footwear is significant because a foot injury will not only prevent you from riding but will also deter you from going to your basketball practice or any other favorite pastime. To elicit maximum advantage from your riding boots, make sure that they have the following features.

• It won't be an exaggeration to say that our roads and highways have become breeding grounds for fatalities. A minor oversight with regards to one's safety can therefore, sentence one to a lifetime of regret. Motorbike boots manufactured from thick rubber or heavy leather protect the ankles, feet and shins from gravel, spilled-oil and pebbles.

• Since toes are the most vulnerable regions of the feet, proper riding apparel would be incomplete without the presence of a motorcycle boot fitted with steel toes. The hard steely surface acts as a cushion for the toes thereby minimizing the damage caused by a rough impact.

• To derive maximum benefit from your footwear, it should serve as a comfortable fit. To ensure attractive fitting, Harley Davidson boots have zipper flaps or high-quality lace-ups attached to them. The lace-ups can be tightened or loosened depending on one's level of comfort and can be safely tucked in to avoid potential distractions.

• Any esteemed riding veteran will tell you that for aggressive riders, a firm grip on the pedals could create a difference between life and death! Ankle biker boots having medium heels provide a strong hold on the foot pegs, thereby decreasing the rider's chances of skidding off the road.

• Amongst all health complaints highlighted by bikers, scathed feet occupy the foremost position. These burns are caused by fumes emanating from the exhaust. To counter this problem, most men motorcycle boots are made from vented material that allows free air circulation thereby preventing the soles of the feet from overheating.

• Whereas it is essential for a biker boot to offer durability and slip-resistance, a visually appealing exterior is a plus point when it comes to generating an outstanding look that sets you apart from the herd! Fortunately, motorcycle boots for women are available in bold and sumptuous colors such as red, pink, blue, purple and orange. So all of you female bikers out there should renounce your inhibitions and experiment with these head-turning color combinations!

Early History of Indian Motorcycle Company

Although the Indian Motorcycle Company was founded and started two years before the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company, it has not been able to stay on track nearly as long as this legendary company. However, its history is rich and exciting, and even though the motorcycles are no longer being manufactured in the original aspect, Indian continues to bring forth admirers and collectors of these amazing bikes.

The Indian Motorcycle Co. was founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom in Springfield, Massachusetts. In the early days, the company was known as the Hendee Mar Company, and started its beginning with America's very first motorcycle. The company was technologically advanced in a number of ways, including the introduction of the very first V-twin bike in the year 1907. This was far more advanced than the single motorcycles being produced by Harley-Davidson even in 1910.

In 1916, before World War I, Indian Motorcycles was one of approximately 20 American motorcycle companies that were trying to make it in the volatile market. Indian Motorcycle Co. accounted for 40 percent of the market share in 1916, making it one of the most popular in its time. The Powerplus line of bikes was sold to the US government in the years 1917 and 1918 for use in the military. As World War II arose, both Indian and Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company manufactured their motorcycles for military use, specifically the United States Army. The Army even requested a specialized motorcycle design that would allow fighting in deserts, and the Indian Motorcycle Company stepped up to the plate and produced a specific motorcycle for the military's needs. The 841 was born and a thousand were manufactured for the government.

In 1945, the company was bought out by Ralph B. Rogers, and many changes were made that may have caused the demise of the Indian Motorcycle Co. The more popular bikes, such as the Scout, were discontinued, and more lightweight designs were manufactured and introduced by 1949. However, the quality of these bikes were sub par, and loyal owners began to lose interest and hope in the future of the company. The company filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing motorcycles in 1953.

Indian Motorcycle Company has an exciting history that includes military support and many years as one of the top motorcycle companies in America, outselling and outperforming Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the early years. As many other companies have continued to try and build off the Indian Motorcycle Company name, the original designs and manufactured bikes are highly sought after by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors.

Writing Articles on Motorcycle Topics Considered

Riding motorcycles is exhilarating, and it hardly matters what type of motorcycle you are riding. Many of us grow up riding dirt bikes, or get our first Street bike as a teenager. We end up watching the races, and then going and trying some of those tricks on our own. As folks get older they wish to slowdown a little bit and they might get themselves a Harley-Davidson and enjoy the open road, there is nothing better. Just man and machine and the ultimate freedom - that's what motorcycling is all about.

Over the past few years I've written a number of articles trying to explain this to people, and I've also read a number of online articles authored by others. What I find is there is a big difference in the style of writing, and the passion behind the words. If you're going to write on motorcycle topics then you need to understand this, and bring that emotion forward for your reader. You might think it is difficult to come up with subtopics on the subject of motorcycles, but I assure you it's not. Below are just a few of the subtopics, which are the most read types of motorcycle articles online;

Reviews
Insurance
Accessories
Maintenance
Industry Sales
Motorcycle Gangs
Traffic Laws, Rules
Motorcycle Racing
Side Car Equipment
Industry Innovations
Motorcycle Touring and Rides

If you're going to write articles that review equipment or new cycles, then you really need to ride it, before you write about it. Far too many people read reviews in popular magazines on motorcycles, and then try to rewrite their articles, but it never does justice to the bike, and it is unfair to the reader as you are giving bad advice, and using trickery tactics in doing so. Insurance is a big topic, and it is an important one because bikes are dangerous, and unfortunate events can occur.

The industry itself is pretty interesting as there are always new accessories, innovations, and the ups and downs of the economic sectors. Then there are the racing teams and all of their news, and about the time you finish one article, there's another race somewhere giving you something else to write about.

Another set of topics enjoyed by readers are articles about the X Games, and extreme motorcycling. There is quite an abundance of thirst out there for this type of online content, but there are just not enough writers on this subject to do it justice. If you love motorcycles, and love the freedom, and if you find yourself authoring articles, I hope you will help me out in preparing quality content on the subject.

The Marks of Excellent Motorcycle Service

As a motorcycle owner, one of your responsibilities is to take your bike to a motorcycle repair shop on a regular basis. Remember that your motorbike doesn't have to get broken before you consider having motorcycle repairs. If you want your motorbike to stay in perfect and safe condition, make sure that you regularly keep it in check so that all necessary repairs or modifications may be performed. In choosing the right motorcycle service center, there are certain things you need to consider or qualities and features to look for. Needless to say, you want only the experts to take care of all the repairs needed by your bike.

A good motorcycle repair shop is very difficult to find and many bike owners unfortunately learn this fact the hard way. There are many repair shops that will find different ways of increasing their service fees, or they may even charge customers for services that are actually not necessary. Some mechanics also are not able to complete the repairs on time, although they may do the job properly. With all these said, it is very important that you look for a reputable motorbike repair shop so you can experience great services.

Here are some of the qualities you should look for in searching for a motorbike service center:

Reliability
The main possible reason you are taking your motorbike to a repair shop is to address some issues with your bike. It is likely that you don't know how to determine the exact motorcycle problems you are having, so you will rely on the expertise of the mechanics in a motorcycle service center. A good mechanic, in particular, should not take too much time trying to figure out what aspect of your bike needs repair. The more quickly they spot the problem, the more reliable they are as this just means that they have the experience in dealing with such cases.

Time Guarantee
As you take your motorbike to the repair shop, one of your biggest concerns is actually the time it would take for your machine to be completely serviced. You should ask the mechanic when exactly you may get your bike back. Since a good repair shop should accurately diagnose your motorcycle problems, they would also have an idea of how long it would take to remedy all these problems.

Availability of Supplies
Ideally, a motorcycle repair shop should also have different motorcycle parts and accessories available. This way, customers will not have to look for another shop to buy the important parts to replace the older ones in their motorcycles.

Warranty
One of the best traits of a good motorcycle service center is the warranty they will offer. These days, it is very common for motorcycle repair shops to give discounts to their fees and other charges. But there are some shops that will also offer free repairs within a specific time frame to the motorcycles they have serviced. As a customer, this is a huge advantage as you will not have to spend on repairs once more should the same problems occur in your bike within that duration.

Motorcycle Luggage Required for Camping Trips

When Ernesto Che Guevara translated his desire of seeing the entire South American continent into a reality and embarked on an elaborate motorcycle journey, his entire perspective of life underwent a major transformation. Following his traveling endeavor, this iconic revolutionary devoted his entire lifetime to the emancipation of the proletariat. Not surprisingly, traveling or solitary journey is often equated with individual or spiritual awakening.

If you are a biking enthusiast whose ideal weekend getaway is camping, you are probably aware that there is something about wildlife that compels one to reflect on life's larger realities. Regardless of whether you're a Che admirer or not, you can't deny that to a certain degree, camping is essential for intellectual and philosophical evolution. However, unlike Che you can't merely rely on the great outdoors to provide you with all the vital necessities. Therefore, it is significant that prior to venturing out on your excursion you select durable and appropriate sized motorcycle luggage - one that will easily accommodate the following accessories.

• Any camping experience would be incomplete and joyless without the presence of a campfire, particularly in winters. For lighting a cozy fire, you'll need to pack matches or butane lighter. Additionally, if the weather forecast predicts an unusually foggy weather in your designated camp site, pack an extra pair of socks, undershirts and pants since damp clothing will make your weekend trip extremely uncomfortable. To pack all of these items, you can select from a wide variety of reliable saddlebags such as tank bags or chopper bags.

• Granted you'll feel restless throughout your trip due to the high adrenaline level, nonetheless it is never a wise decision to compromise on your beauty sleep. For sleeping purposes make sure that you purchase a waterproof fold-able sleeping bag that can be easily adjusted in a large-sized sissy bar bag.

• Fragrant air, a sense of perpetual peace and deep-green leaves soothing to the eyes are some of the irresistible attractions of a camping site. In the midst of such serenity, your artistic faculties are bound to get reinvigorated; therefore, it would be a good idea to bring along some drawing paper and pencils and enjoy some quite moments of outdoor sketching! To prevent your sketching pencils and paper from getting jumbled up, it is recommended that you opt for a back pack or any other saddlebag that has in-built organizer compartments.

• For emergency purposes it is vital that you pack your eye drops, Band-Aids, aspirin or any other medication prescribed by your physician. Harley bags have several small pockets for secure keeping of these small traveling items and will therefore, serve as your ideal luggage bags in this regard. Moreover, in order to find your way about the woods without the least hassle be sure to bring along trail guides and maps. To accommodate these accessories, you can opt for tank bags that have top transparent pockets for safekeeping of maps.

Motorcycle Batteries: How to Choose a Motorcycle Battery

Motorcycle batteries are needed to provide energy to keep the motorcycle running. There are certain criteria that one needs to follow in order to pick the right motorcycle battery. First of all, one should consider the number of times that he wants to replace the battery. An average battery can last between 3 to 5 years. However, a battery that needs replacement earlier than this time is not a good choice. Reliability is another factor that needs to be considered. Most riders will choose conventional batteries as they are the best in reliability. Such batteries are dependable and function optimally in all weathers and can withstand harsh environments, for example bumpy and hilly terrain. With such a battery, a rider should never worry when he has to ride off-road. However, batteries with high dependability rates require more maintenance like frequent addition of water and cleaning.

The best motorcycle batteries are convenient. This means that they are maintenance free. Sealed batteries are the most convenient as they do not lose a lot of water due to the reduced exposed surface area. Such batteries are also the best for people who do not like frequently servicing their bikes or are afraid of acid burns in case of an accidental leakage. Apart from these general factors, a rider should also consider his personal needs. For example, warm weather drains batteries faster than cold weather. A rider living in such conditions should therefore consider buying a battery that offers long life. One should consider the reason and functionality of the bike. Some people are professional riders while others just take short-distance rides for leisure. Heavy and long-distance motorcycle users should buy batteries that need frequent recharging as opposed to short-distance riders who ought to buy those that do not require the frequent recharging. This is because short-trips do not offer a convenient platform for proper recharging.

Some of the best motorcycle batteries include the Leoch motorcycle battery model. This model has several makes, of which some use the AGM technology, others are factory sealed while others are standard. The LT dry series uses the AGM technology, is durable and leak resistant, among other impressive qualities. The LT T4-BS features a voltage of 16 and a capacity of 4Ah. The LT5 to LT15 series have a higher voltage of 12 and capacities of up to 13. The Leoch EB wet series has an injection molding structure, durable and wet charged design among other meritorious qualities. The EB14-A3 for example has both a voltage and capacity of 12.

10 Questions to Ask Before Riding Your Motorcycle

Riding your motorcycle makes you vulnerable. Operating it safely requires skill, focus, physical and emotional strength.

Not only do we have to know how to operate a powerful machine and make split-second decisions, we're often navigating unfamiliar territory, watching for traffic signs, scanning building numbers, reading maps, trying to figure out how other drivers are going to act or watching for (four-legged) animals. And let's not forget to watch where we're going!

We can do a lot to lessen that risk by making both we and our bikes are fit and ready to ride.

10 Questions to ask yourself before you get on your motorcycle.

1. Am I tired? According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, fatigue is a factor in up to 21 per cent of motor vehicle collisions. Fatigue can be caused by lack of sleep, cold, heat and riding for long periods of time.

2. Am I distracted or emotionally upset? You need all your faculties to focus on the ride. If you've just been fired or broken up with your girlfriend, it's a good idea to wait and simmer down before going for a ride.

3. Am I rushed? Rushing causes us to be impatient, forget things and take shortcuts. It also creates a tendency to speed and be less tolerant of others on the road. All of these things are ingredients for a collision.

4. Do I have the skills to go where I'm going? Be realistic. As an instructor, I've heard jubilant students who've just passed the basic rider course effuse about their plans to now go and ride the Tail of the Dragon. They're ill prepared to do so and stand a good chance of crashing - or causing a crash.

5. Do I have the correct gear? Think about the temperatures you're likely to encounter and whether you'll need warmer/cooler clothing or rain gear. Also, if you're expecting a fair amount of rain, it's wise to carry back-up gloves and clothing.

6. Am I prepared for an emergency? Depending on where you're going and the length of your ride, carry a cell phone, water, snacks. If you're somewhere without cell service, think about how you're going to manage if you or your motorcycle have a breakdown.

7. Am I feeling OK? Physical well-being affects our mental and emotional capabilities. If we're not feeling well, it's better to wait and play it safe.

8. Have I taken anything that could impair my judgment? Alcohol, prescription or non-prescription medication can impair your senses and judgment before you're even aware of it. Don't take chances. Alcohol and motorcycles are a deadly combination.

9. Am I going because I want to go or I am feeling peer pressure? Your safety is too important to let others influence your choices. If you do not want to ride for whatever reason, don't. True friends will understand.

10. What is my intuition telling me to do? This is the acid test for me. If logically, there is no reason why I shouldn't be riding, yet my intuition is advising me otherwise, I listen. It's never let me down.

Liz Jansen

Liz Jansen, Ontario, Canada, is an author,entrepreneur, adventurer -- and rider extraordinaire.

She creates motorcycle experiences that instill a sense of adventure, freedom and community while traveling the transformative road to personal and professional leadership. Liz has worked with individuals, corporate clients, manufacturers, retailers and provincial and regional tourism associations. She is also a certified motorcycle instructor.

Liz's book Women, Motorcycling and the Road to Empowerment uses motorcycling as a metaphor to demonstrate the self-discovery and transformation that occurs when we challenge ourselves. Go to http://www.lizjansen.com for details.

Inverse Relationship Between Stress and High Quality Motorcycle Luggage During Second World War when technological advancement was not that widespr

During Second World War when technological advancement was not that widespread, soldiers used motorcycles for conveying messages and military orders from one location to another. In high alert zones and regions that were deemed volatile from a defense perspective, state of the art quality motorcycle luggage was used for the safekeeping and threat free transportation of highly classified military documents!

In fact, to this day many bikers assert that next to engine trouble, fragile and improperly constructed saddlebag is the leading cause of stress in their lives. If you are an adept biker who can relate to the plight of such bikers, flawlessly fashioned motorcycle bags that are manufactured from materials having a high degree of endurance would effectively alleviate all of your luggage-related queries!

Durable motorcycle saddlebags that are resistant to wear and tear will cause a significant decline in your stress level. Listed below are some of the features of these user-friendly and long-lasting biker bags.

• Abrasions, injuries and burn scars resulting from exhaust fumes are not only painful but will lead to a massive degree of stress by contributing to the continuous piling of your hospital bills! To eliminate this stress from your life altogether you should opt for luggage bags having a heat-resistant bottom. Aside from protecting your thighs, shins and feet from potential scarring, these bags are also lightweight and hence, can be easily carried from one designation to another.

• In addition to having extraordinary tires and softly padded seats, your Harley Davidson bike must also be equipped with the most credible and resilient motorcycle luggage bags. These luggage containers will not only provide the required space, but can be mounted with utmost ease as well, thereby causing a significant reduction in your apprehension level. Thus, unsurprisingly Harley saddlebags manufactured from the finest-quality fabrics are in massive demand due to the exceptional level of comfort they provide on a day-to-day basis.

• If you are a blogger or a freelancer who derives inspiration from everyday activity observable on the streets, a hard saddlebag with a soft rubber interior would serve as the perfect biker luggage for your lap top and other accessories. The interior rubber surface will provide steel-like protection to your lap top, thereby making your life considerably easy.

• Let's assume that you dismount from your bike, walk into a pet store and become hypnotized by the most adorable hamster you've ever set your eyes on! After purchasing it, you'll naturally feel a mild degree of anxiety regarding its safe transport from the pet shop to the cozy confines of your living room! Soft motorcycle bags that are installed with a reliable locking feature and have a breathable leather surface would enable you to effortlessly deliver the hamster to your home without experiencing any agitation or nervousness regarding its well-being.