10 Tips for Purchasing a Motorcycleby Liz Jansen 3/8/2012 Many of you may be thinking of purchasing a new or new-to-you motorcycle. With the plethora of models, brands, and styles out there, filtering all the information you’re going to be hearing and seeing to find the bike that’s just right for you can be a daunting exercise. It can also be lots of fun. Here are some general guidelines to follow whether you’re buying new or used. 1. Determine what kind of riding you want to do. If you are fortunate enough to have more than one in your stable, it’s less of an issue. For most of us, we have to decide which model best incorporates the kind of riding we will be doing most of the time. Not only do you need to think about whether it’s a cruiser, sport bike, touring or off road - think about whether you’ll be regularly carrying a passenger and luggage and the weight capacity of the bike. 2. Purchase a bike that’s compatible with your skill level and riding experience. Don’t buy something that you can "grow into". This is risky behaviour and will jeopardize your safety. It’s much better to become proficient on a bike suitable to your skill level and then, when you’re ready, move up to a more powerful bike. 3. Sit on the bike in the riding position. How comfortable is it for you? Is it a stretch to reach the controls or the ground? Can you picture yourself in this position for extended periods? Feel the wind ... |
The Importance of Tank Bagsby Shahzad Mr Sindhu 3/8/2012 When going to any expedition or any trip, it is important to bring along all the necessary items to make the trip more convenient and memorable. It is sometimes very difficult for riders to tie their luggage on their bike, especially if they have a lot of luggage with them. Thus, a very useful item for the bikers is the tank bag. Tank bags provide rider with the solution of securing the luggage tightly and safely on the bike. This bag works well for tourists who want to spend their day or night out and have some needed stuff to carry with them like tents, clothes, mobile phones, light batteries, medicines, food and money, etc. Mostly riders choose the matching color of their bags with the color of the bike they ride. They also have to choose the size of their bag according to their need and the size of their bike’s tank. If the size of the bag is bigger than ... |
Biking and Motorcycle Jacketsby Mona Farooq M 3/8/2012 Aside from owning your own look and standing out from the crowd, motorcycle jackets are also important in some more essential aspects. Bikers are in a continuous pursuit of looking for the best jackets in terms of style, design, durability, and functionality. These days, there are thousands of shopping malls and retail outlets that offer a wide range of motorcycle jackets. In the recent years, online shops have also flourished in number and sales. The variety of custom jackets featured is endless and can cater to the individual preferences and wants of different bikers out there today. Online shops even offer shipment of these jackets, and depending on the services offered, delivery to wherever you are in the world can only take a few days. The various designs available offer options to different buyers. You can either go simple and plain or all the way loud and rock star with different jackets available. There are jackets plainly one colored. The most common and popular is the classic black leather jacket. Other variations include louder colors, like red, orange, violet, white, green, ... |
More Than Accessories for Motorcycle Ridersby Mary Atkinson 3/8/2012 Many are inspired to purchase a motorcycle and become a rider; however, it’s important to know the most important factor in riding a motorcycle. Safety! That’s right. Whether you know it or not driving a motorcycle is a lot different from driving a car and the safety methods are on another playing field. I want to take a look at the most important pieces every motorcycle rider should possess. Knowing the proper gear is essential to safe riding and makes it more enjoyable when you are fully prepared. The Helmet. The helmet is the piece of gear that protects you from sustaining any head injuries in case of an accident. Helmets come in all shapes, designs and sizes. There are helmets for children and adults. When you’re buying a helmet you must make sure that you get one that is not loose or too tight. Your helmet should cover the head and face. The helmet can also provide you with some type of hearing protection from the wind. The Eye Protection. The eye protection can vary depending on what type of helmet you have. Riding without something covering your eyes is an epic fail. Just like cars get window chips and or cracks, imagine something like that happening your eyes. Proper eye protection means using an approved shield. You can talk to any ... |
Motorcycle Riders In The Rainby Ron Ayalon 12/30/2011 Do you ride your motorcycle in the rain? Probably the better question is, do you really get out and ride your motorcycle? Because if you do, you inevitably ride in the rain, at least at times, and at least for the amount of time it takes for you to find shelter. It doesn’t matter that you started off on a clear, sunny morning. You headed out on your Royal Star Tour Deluxe thinking what a beautiful day for a ride it is, but now it’s not looking so good. Those low-hanging clouds are heading your way and the closer they get the darker and uglier they become. It’s a good thing you’ve got your rain suit with you. You do, don’t you? You don’t ever take off without it, do you? It ought to live in one of your bags and be with you all the time when you’re out on the road. Having a rain suit - and carrying it with you - is one of the things that separates newbie riders from experienced riders. I should know. I am the latter but at one time I was the former. When my buddies and I first got our bikes and took off riding them we were totally unprepared. Just about the only type of gear we had were helmets and we didn’t even wear them very often. You figure out very quickly, however, that a helmet is essential in the rain because otherwise those little rain drops feel like hundreds of sharp ... |
Motorcycle Riding Tips: Riding in Bad Weatherby Brad Work 12/30/2011 Even when you do your best to avoid it, it is almost guaranteed that at some point you will find yourself driving your motorcycle in less-than-desirable weather conditions. Whether you choose to take your motorcycle for a spin or you find yourself surprised by a sudden change in weather, the following are a number of tips you should keep in mind to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others on the road: Wear Safety Gear Along with the obvious helmet, other pieces of gear are also critical to driving safely particularly in poor weather. For example, if the weather is cold, gloves should be worn to keep your hands from becoming numb thereby impairing your ability to control and maneuver the bike. Brake Responsibly Motorcycles have two brakes, both of which should be evenly applied simultaneously. Keep in mind that the front brake is responsible for providing the vast majority of braking power so applying gradual pressure is crucial. If the brake is pressed too quickly, it could very well cause the front wheel to become locked leading to an accident. In the event that the roads are icy or wet, staged braking should be used. This form of braking gradually increases the pressure put on the front brake in stages so that locking can be avoided. To ensure safety, the rider must be constantly aware of the reaction that the bike is having to the braking. Make Gradual Changes While Driving In poor weather conditions, it is even more essential to indicate any ... |
Choosing a Good Motorcycle Jacketby Shahzad Nabeel 12/30/2011 Why Jackets are Important Choosing the right motorcycle apparel is very important, and motorcycle jackets aren’t an exception. Finding the right equipment can save your life. So how does a motorcycle jacket help keep you alive? Motorcycle jackets are specially designed to be able to survive abrasions. Many of the earliest were made of leather thanks to its tough and durable nature for this very reason. The leather could land on the road and still not rip through. Modern fabrics have managed to duplicate the effects of having a leather jacket, but they are still a great choice for motorcycle apparel. The main purpose of a motorcycle jacket is to keep your skin on your body. Pavement is sandpaper if you hit it while going faster than 10 miles per hour, and trust me, sandpapering your body wouldn’t feel good. Most shirts and fabrics aren’t designed to handle the abrasions that a high speed motorcycle crash produces. They will tear right through. This is why they sell specialized jackets as motorcycle apparel. But ... |
The Science Behind Protective Motorbike Clothingby Dipika Patel 11/2/2011 Motorbike riders need to give much consideration to the type of protective clothing they choose to wear in case they have an accident. The most important piece of kit you can invest in is, of course, a crash helmet, and the ones on the market today have been designed to minimise any head injuries you may sustain if you do come off your motorbike. You will find that these help to spread the impact of a fall, thanks to the hard outer casing. There is also a soft inner lining, which absorbs the energy when your head comes into contact with a hard object. The casing of crash helmets is typically made from injection-molded plastic or fibreglass, while the inner lining tends to be made of styrofoam. This will crumple when the helmet hits something, so it is important to remember to replace your helmet if the worst does happen and you have an accident. If you end up in a crash, the energy of the blow will be reduced and dissipated because the lining crushes gradually. This increases the time it will take for your head to come to a stop, while the outer casing helps to spread the impact and reduce any damage sustained by your head. You need to know that it is illegal to take to the road without a crash helmet and all such headwear should comply with set British standards and carry the BSI Kitemark. Alternatively, they can comply with the standards accepted by the European Economic Area or UNECE ... |
Top Must-Have Motorcycle Accessoriesby Amanda Rodriguez 11/2/2011 So you’ve bought the motorcycle of your dreams and you’re ready to start riding. If you’ve spent all the money on a motorbike that’s up to your standards, then you should spend money on the essential motorbike gear that will make your riding experience more enjoyable and safer. Read on to discover what these essential accessories are and get ready to wear all the right gear every time you saddle up to ride. Motorcycles don’t come with seatbelts so there’s no real protective gear that will withstand head injuries in the event of a crash. Therefore, your best bet is to always wear a helmet, which serves as the most vital motorcycle accessory. Shielding your head from the impact of concrete and the roadway, make sure this vital protective gear is approved by the Department of Transportation, and also guards your entire face. Full-face coverage is necessary because this means the helmet has passed test for more severe impacts. Next, a proper motorcycle jacket is absolutely a must have to enhance your riding experience. God forbid you crash, but when you do, a t-shirt won’t help you against the impact of raw asphalt. Wearing an abrasion resistant moto-jacket serves as some protection and acts as body armor. Particularly for common key strike zones such as your elbows and shoulders, you want to minimize first hand touch with the ground as much as possible. Don’t buy jackets that are too rigid, which resists bodily movement and can be dangerous when maneuvering your bike. Proper ... |
How to Choose the Size of Your Motor Scooter Engineby Kashyap Lakkad 11/2/2011 To make it super simple, all you need to know is that the higher the cc’s, the faster the scooter will go. Within that, here’s how to determine which engine is best for your particular purposes. A 50 cc is the lowest powered motor scooter engine available. For riders only needing to commute at 40 mph or less, this is adequate and will save you a lot of money on gas. Many riders are able to achieve 100 miles per gallon of fuel with this small, efficient engine. Since the engine is less powerful, heavier riders will experience a lower top speed, so if you are a larger person, you might want to rev up a few cc’s to get your daily commute up to 40 mph. The 50 cc is a great beginner bike, especially for teenagers first learning to drive or for riders new to two-wheel vehicles. With enough power to enjoy neighborhoods and city streets but not enough to be very dangerous or scary, the 50 cc has been the beginner model for many riders to learn the basics before advancing to tougher rides and more powerful engines. The 150 cc engine is more powerful, allowing most riders to reach a maximum speed of up to 60 mph. Heavier riders might only reach 50 mph, but if your commute involves a short stint on the crowded highway, this engine will probably suffice. The gas mileage goes down significantly with this larger engine, but riders can still expect to get ... |
Girls Motorcycle Jacketby Deborah L Moore 5/14/2011 At the turn of the century, early 1900’s William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson did some experimenting with an electric bicycle, and from these experiments created the first motorcycle. This changed the world as it was known. Now there was a new exciting, economical way to get around. It was for the adventuresome at heart, those that love the adrenalin rush that comes from living the on the unique and a little wilder side. It was not just men who loved this new contraption, but also women. Today women riders make up one third of the riding population. Yep one in three riders is a woman. So you can be sure if there is a girl with a mom or other favorite person that is a woman that rides she will most likely want to ride. This is a great chance to create amazing memories and instill a since of confidence in a young girl that comes with knowing how to ride. It can also teach them to have respect for riding and the road, knowing that a true rider chooses to ride wearing protective gear and ride in a way that creates them and all around them being safe. Just like there is a woman’s motorcycle jacket for every woman rider, there is a girls motorcycle jacket for every girl that rides. Girls motorcycle jackets come in some of the same styles as the womens, and in the same colors and features. As always leather is the best material for a ... |
2011 Honda CBR250R Reviewby Faisal Ali Khan 5/14/2011 Biking has gone from a need to a want. People want to ride something exceptional and powerful. Till date, there was only the Kawasaki Ninja 250R which could fulfill this desire for the biking enthusiast but now with the entry of the Honda CBR250R, things are going to change. The Honda CBR250R is the first model from the Japanese automaker after it split with the Hero group. The bike has no real competition with any other bike and it manages to create its own segment. The baby CBR is a global model, made entirely for the beginner, who is entering into sports biking. Inspired from its elder sibling the VFR1200, the looks are stunning and attention grabbing. The Honda CBR250R is built on an all new platform with new chassis, brakes, engine, gearbox and electronics. One of the rare bikes to feature Anti-lock brakes as standard, the CBR250R will change how people perceive braking in bikes. Launched in two models, the Standard and C-ABS, the bike is priced at Rs. 1.51 for the base variant and 1.68 lakhs for the top variant. Start the bike and it instantly roars to a silent idle. Torque at lower revolutions is good with the CBR feeling at easy in the city. On the highway, the PGMFi motor comes in its own and responds to throttle inputs quickly. 100kmph takes just 6.5 seconds and the new motorcycle will reach a top speed of 170kmph. Plastic quality is not the best as you might expect as the parts are ... |
History Of A Vintage Motorcycle Jacketby Deborah L Moore 5/14/2011 At the end of the nineteenth century the electric bicycle was invented. William Harley and Arthur Davidson experimented with this and they invented the motorcycle and created the Harley Davidson Motor Company. Other manufacturing companies started up and it was the beginning of motorcycling. The next natural step was that motorcycle jackets would be designed to protect a rider while out on the road. A vintage motorcycle jacket would have most likely been made out of horse hide, steer hide or brown goatskin. In the 1920’s-1930’s the aviator style jackets with a button front closure and mandarin collar were popular. These jackets were like the A-1 jackets used by the Army Air Corp before World War II. These are also called bomber jackets. They were worn to keep the pilots warm since their cockpits were not heated. Some of the companies to come out with jackets for riders were the Schott Company that began business in 1913, the Joseph Buegeleisen Company started in 1933 producing motorcycle accessories and saddlebags, in the 1940’s the Indian Motorcycles Company had only one model of jacket which was the Ranger for men and the Rangerette for women. Harley Davidson also has had their version of motorcycle jackets. In the 1940’s they had the Cycle Champ for men and the Cycle Queen for women. The Harley Davidson jackets had the pistol pocket holster shaped design. Today there are pisol pete style jackets. In 1928 the Schott Company came out with The Perfecto. It sold for $5.50 at the ... |
Freeing Horsepowerby Charles Bloom 5/14/2011 There is a not so subtle irony in spending thousands on a 150+ horsepower motorcycle and thousands more to eek out more horsepower while not investing an hour to free up the horsepower you already have. It’s easy to overlook the knobs that adorn your motorcycle and alter the characteristics of your suspension but with a tape measure and a few friends you can have a motorcycle that inspires confidence in less time then it takes to change your oil. Start by giving your bike a once over, making sure the chain has 1.5-inches of play, fork seals are oil-free and your steering head bearing has no free play. Make sure your tires have significant tread and tire pressure and we are ready to begin. Preload is the initial compression of a fork or shock. More preload keeps the bike near the top of its travel while less preload causes the bike to sit closer to the bottom of its travel. Preload is used to set ride height, which is the amount of suspension compression used when you sit on the bike. Compression dampening is how fast your suspension can absorb a bump. In layman’s terms compression dampening is the stiffness or softness of your suspension. If your compression is too stiff the bike will not be able to compress quick enough and will translate bumps in the road into harsh jolts. If there is too much compression your bike will pitch forward every time you brake and you can run ... |
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