Know About Motorcycle Riding

Have you often wanted to learn more about motorcycles and learn how to ride? There are a lot of people who have been wanting to learn how to ride and learn more about the kinds of motorcycles that are available, and what they can do to become licensed to drive one. There are many different motorcycles that you can choose from, and you want to make sure that you read about them to see which one is going to be the best for you.

There are a lot of fun adventures that you can have when you go motorcycle riding. A lot of people enjoy the feeling of being free and riding out in the country. Others enjoy going for a nice ride through town and others like to take up racing. You can learn what you want to know about motorcycles at about-motorcycles.info. This web site is full of information that you can use when you are thinking about buying a motorcycle, and can help you learn the kind of gear that you are going to have to buy and how you can become licensed in your state to ride.

There are a lot of things that you need to learn about how to safely ride a motorcycle, and about motorcycle riding before you are able to begin. Each state also has its own rules for becoming licensed to ride a motorcycle, and you may need to take a safety course before you are able to ride. You also should learn about the kinds of equipment that you need to buy and use when you are motorcycle riding. You will need to see what is required in your state that you need to get before you are able to ride. You can also learn about the types of motorcycles, sizes, styles and brands so that you can find the one that is the best fit for you.

It can be a lot of fun to go on a motorcycle ride and you want to be sure that you know all about the safety rules before you begin. You also want to make sure that you find a motorcycle that you are going to be able to ride and that is comfortable for you. You can go online and research all of the motorcycles that are available, and read about the different models to help you choose the right one. You can also compare them to see which one is the one that you want to ride. You can find where the best deals on motorcycles are and where you can look to get the best prices. Find out what you want to know and how you can begin to get your own when you go online.

Visit about-motorcycles.info if you want to learn more about motorcycle riding.

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The Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents

By their nature, motorcycles are dangerous. They don't have the crumple zones, bumpers, airbags, or seatbelts of cars. It's just you, perched on the top of a slender piece of steel and engine and rubber. Motorcycles usually weight around 500 pounds, while automobiles usually weight around 3,000 pounds or more; SUVs can weight well over 4,000 pounds. So when you consider the possibility of an accident between 500 pounds of motorcycle and 3,500 pounds of car, it's pretty obvious who will come out of that one the winner.

The statistics on motorcycle accidents are correspondingly sobering. In 2007, while fatalities in motor vehicle accidents declined by 3.9% compared to 2006, fatalities for specifically motorcyclists actually increased by 6.6%. There were 4,837 motorcycle fatalities in 2006, and 5,154 in 2007. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13% of the total road fatalities in 2007, up from 11% in 2006. And while accidents increased across the board, the most likely to be involved in a fatal accident are still motorcyclists aged 20-29. Additionally, about one fourth of the people in fatal motorcycle accidents had an invalid license. These facts illustrate the steep learning curve that attends riding motorcycles.

Because of the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle, as well as the proportionally high number of fatal accidents experienced by motorcycle riders, the onus is often on the motorcyclist to be especially careful when riding, to be the most safety-conscious. With this in mind, a brief safety refresher is in order:

* Make sure you legally obtain your Class M license before you hit the road. Getting this license will involve a good amount of safety training which can better prepare you to handle the conditions of the road.
* Make sure you wear the appropriate clothing. Because of the frequency of motorcycle accidents, it's important that you plan ahead when choosing clothing. Leather is best, as it will act as skin should you get in an accident. There are also a number of synthetic products on the market. Wool and cotton cloth offer less protection, as they rip and thread.
* Keep your bike in good road condition. One of the biggest factors in preventing accidents is keeping your machine in safe condition. That means making sure the brakes are working, the tires have threading, the electrical systems work, and the engine and transmission are functional.

For more information about the legal aspects of motorcycle accidents, visit iowa-personalinjurylawyer.com.

Joseph Devine

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Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes

Cruiser bikes including Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki Vulcan's and Honda Shadow's have the option for installing full system exhaust drag pipes. A part of a full system exhaust drag pipes are essentially open tubes made of steel with a chrome plated finish that help to produce peak horsepower in a very narrow RPM band.

The assumption that drag pipes will always increase horsepower is not true and most pipes installed on a cruiser motorcycle will actually lessen the overall horsepower, sometimes by as much as 5-10%. Drag pipes are designed to help improve the airflow through the exhaust system and while this will improve the overall performance of the bike it does not automatically equal more horsepower.

While exhaust pipes do help in diverting exhaust fumes away from the engine and the rider many mechanics will tell you the polished chrome pipes put on Harley's, Honda's and other cruiser motorcycles are more for show than performance. Yes you can achieve an increase in horsepower but usually at a range that few riders will ever see. Exhaust pipes were originally designed for drag racing and unless you are looking to gain an edge on the track these pipes won't offer all that much in terms of high performance horsepower.

However, riders looking for an exhaust part accessory that will produce a deep, throaty growl synonymous with fat hogs and larger cruising bikes should definitely consider custom fit slash cut or full cut drag pipes. When you replace a standard OEM exhaust system with drag pipes you must remember to re-jet the carburetor. If you don't the system can backfire and lead to future problems with valves, pistons and other sensitive engine parts.

Another part to consider when upgrading a motorcycle exhaust system with pipes is baffles. Though some riders mistakenly associate baffles with silencers a high quality baffle may take some of the sharp edge off the noise but won't quiet the bike too much. Baffles help improve the mid-range torque by providing increased back pressure in the pipes.

Kevin is a professional writer with over 20 years experience in publishing.

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Custom Paint On Your Motorcycle Helmet

Your helmet should not just before protecting your head, it should be for making a statement about who you are as well. But why get custom paint on your helmet? Is it really necessary?

Why should you custom paint your helmet?

When you first start riding your motorcycle, you may think that a helmet from a store will do just fine. This is true if you just starting to ride, but one should become experienced you may want to consider a custom painted helmet. Painting your helmet allows you to tell the world who you are and why you like to ride your motorcycle. What make sure you pick your design carefully Because it will define who you are as a rider and you will be able to change that After they've already met you in may their own opinions.

What designs can you do?

When you're considering a custom paint on any of your motorcycle gear, you need to think of the design carefully. Airbrushing can be used to make an awesome design that no one else may have this will make your helmet a one of a kind. You should also take into consideration the style of your helmet. Some styles will look better with other designs on them than other styles will. This is something that you should consider when you're picking a custom paint and design.

Do you really need custom paint?

This is really your own decision but many people will go with a custom paint job on their helmets. This is so you can be picked out in the crowd and you make a statement when they see you. Choose your design and your colors carefully so that you can make sure it reflects who you are. Riding is a very personal thing and many people don't understand how important it is to be an individual when you're riding your motorcycle.

Choosing a custom paint job can be very hard but was a little time and a little patience, you can pick the right style and design for you. One thing that you should remember is what your other motorcycle gear looks like, that way it will all match when you go out for a ride. Take the time to find the right colors and the right design because in the end this is your motorcycle and you're the one that's going to have to ride with it no matter what it looks like.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle gear, used motorcycle helmets, and used car parts.

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4 Motorcycle Accessories to Add to Your BMW GS Motorbike

The BMW GS series of motorbikes is seen as one of the most of popular range of motorbikes in its class - the dual sport / adventure bikes. They are even extremely popular outside of their class, perhaps losing out only to Japanese racing bikes and Harleys. If you own a BMW GS bike and haven't yet taken it on overnight (or longer) trips, it's high time you do so because this is what they were built for. This article suggests five common accessories you can add to your bike, which you'll surely appreciate regardless of whether or not you are already a seasoned adventure motorcyclist.

Motorbike Luggage carriers/panniers

Motorcycle luggage carriers are probably the first type of BMW GS accessories you should be looking at. Not much point in taking overnight trips if you cannot carry any substantial amount of luggage with you, right? There are several options available:

Tankbags are placed just in front of you, between your seat and the handlebars. These are usually quite small bags, very convenient for storing items you need to get to quickly like your wallet or camera. Topcases are another option which are mounted on the back of the bike. You may or may not need to install a rack or adapter plate to hold the case, especially if you're installing a non BMW topcase.

BMW GS panniers or "side bags" as they are commonly called hang off the sides of the bike, at the back. Soft panniers offer less protection to its contents, hold smaller volumes but are less bulky. Hard panniers are manufactured from metal (usually aluminum) can be costly and are definitely heavier and bulkier but usually offer excellent protection from crashes, water and dirt. They can sometimes hold up to 40L each, which ads the same capacity as a very large backpack right on the rear of your bike - get 'em if you can afford 'em. If you can't fit all your stuff in a pair of these panniers, a rollbag and tank bag then you seriously need to reconsider the amount of stuff you are taking.

Motorcycle Lights

Motorcycle lights are a useful addition which add an element of safety to your riding experience. You can see better, and you're also seen better. Xenon headlights are available and these make your bike stand out more when you appear in other driver's mirrors - the extra visibility could save your life one day. Several companies manufacture additional light sets that are mounted on the front of bike, to be used in foggy or other low visibility conditions. These are ultra bright lights which allow you to see the road in front of you and any possible obstacles better.

Perhaps they should not be used only in low-vis conditions: I've heard car driver sympathetic to us motorcyclists say that (while being as attentive as they can) "I just don't notice bikes on the road. I don't notice ONE light at all". Anyone who drives a car through cities should be able to confirm this - a single headlight just doesn't stand out. A set of extra lights on the side of your bike results in a "triangle" of lights shining out of your bike: one main headlight with two extra lights below and to the side of it. If you've ever seen a big GS bike kitted out with this kind of setup you'll know what I mean. Although a little extravagant, these extra lights DO make you more visible in the rear view mirrors of car drivers. Hopefully they will realize a motorbike is approaching before the swerve out of their lane and nail you.

Finally, aftermarket brake lights are available that shine brighter and can be configured to blink or flash rapidly when you brake. I'm not sure if they are legal, and they may be annoying to car drivers but they allow motorists driving behind you to notice you quicker - very useful in case traffic slows down abruptly and you're worried about getting rear ended by inattentive drivers.

Aftermarket exhausts

Motorcycle exhausts are toys for the boys. They rarely offer practical improvements, other than a great rumbling sound for that extra satisfaction when you're revving the engine at a red light. It has to be said that aftermarket exhausts are usually also lighter than the OE ones and might save a couple of pounds in weight - who doesn't want a lighter bike? These exhausts usually also give you a little bump in horsepower - not as much as with aftermarket car exhausts, but maybe noticeable nonetheless. One thing to look out for is that exhaust doesn't get in the way of any panniers or pannier racks you have hanging off the side of the bike. Exhausts aren't cheap but will only widen your grin and give your bike more of an individual character.

Fairing & windscreens

Motorcycle fairing is the "shell" that's placed over the frame at the front of the bike and is designed to reduce air drag. It improves the aerodynamics of the bike and protects you from wind blast and debris flying your way. Assuming you haven't mounted a fridge sized box on the back of your BMW GS, its aerodynamics are probably good enough for overnight trips. However, the protection from wind and debris offers a substantial improvement. Modifying the fairing on BMW GS bikes is usually done by the real pros and in rally conditions, but casual travelers can seriously benefit from an extended windscreen which can save strain on your body and neck when driving at moderate to high speeds during highway cruising.

For the real fanatics, Touratech is able to convert your GS motorbike in to a fully fledged Paris - Dakar clone. Their "desertio" range of bikes renders the original GS bikes almost unrecognizable. Conversions like this come at a price, but if the environment is appropriate you'll appreciate these full on make-overs.

It's clear that adding BMW GS accessories to your bike are a great way to make your bike safer, unique, better looking and more travel-worthy.

Happy trials and ride safe!

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Vespa Motor Scooters - Buying the Finest Scooters Available

Vespa motor scooters are not only some of the most popular scooters you could ever ride on, but they are also some of the best built scooters that are available. Before Honda and Yamaha were making these two wheel gas savers, Vespa was cranking out these vehicles in Italy.

The name Vespa actually means "wasp" in English and was named this because of the front end shape of the scooters. Many of the mopeds that are made today still resemble the original look, but the ones that are originals are actually worth a lot of money. In fact, it may be very hard to find any vintage Vespa scooters unless you get one on an online auction somehow.

The smallest scooters that the company makes are 50cc and are not very powerful. But if you are looking for something that gets fantastic gas mileage and will not require insurance and a license to make street legal this may be perfect for you. Some of the most powerful scooters by Vespa are 200cc and can get along at highways speeds, although driving any scooter on the highway is not recommended.

Because of the popularity of the Vespa motor scooters you will see them on both town roads and city streets. They provide a smooth ride and are very convenient for short trips. Also, because of their popular design other companies have tried to mimic the look and feel of the original Vespas.

Even though Italy is thought of as the country to initially make Vespas, Piaggio is now the parent company that manufactures the scooters in the United States. Some of the scooters you can check out are the Vespa 50, 98, 125, 150, 180, and 200.

Check out some of the best deals on Vespa motor scooters. You can also check out some of the lowest prices on all kinds of scooters and mopeds at http://BuyMopedsNow.com

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Harley Davidson - The Motorcycle of Choice For Celebrities

Mention the word motorcycle and chances are the first thing that comes to your mind is a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Think of motorcycle-riding celebrities and for sure among the things that you will think about are Harley-riding celebrities like Elvis Presley and Peter Fonda.

The Harley motorcycles are considered an iconic brand that it can stand alone even without a celebrity endorser. However, it is the celebrities themselves who show off their Harleys making them in effect unofficial endorsers of the motorcycle.

Harleys is the favored motorcycle brand among popular actors and politicians. Here are some popular personalities who have been seen riding or just photographed with a Harley.

Bill Clinton
Who can beat the Harley when even the President of the United States has been shown astride the famous motorcycle? The photo of former President Bill Clinton astride the popular motorcycle brand while he was still Arkansas governor is enough advertising pitch for Harley Davidson. And when he became President, Clinton was even photographed hugging a Harley employee during a visit to the Harley plant.

Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley has been identified with the Harley motorcycles which were featured in some of his films. The King of Rock and Roll is however a real-life Harley fan and has in fact owned several Harley motorcycles. Even after his death, Elvis is still being linked to the motorcycle brand with his favorite Harley now on display at the Harley Museum. The company has also released 30 limited edition replicas of the favorite Harley motorcycle of Elvis to commemorate his 30 years death anniversary in 2007.

Jay Leno
Jay Leno is another certified Harley Davidson fan but unlike other celebrities who just love to ride their motorcycles, Leno, whose first job is that of a mechanic, is noted for being a hands-on Harley owner as he takes care of his motorcycle's repair and maintenance. He owns several Harley motorcycles and loves to get on top and under his Harleys too.

Elizabeth Taylor
If you think that Harleys are popular only among male celebrities then Elizabeth Taylor's fondness for the motorcycle will prove you wrong. The legendary star does not however own just an ordinary motorcycle but a Purple Passion Harley to match her eyes from pal Malcolm Forbes who himself owns more than fifty Harleys.

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper
It may have been taken years ago but photos of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper astride their Harley motorcycles in the 1969 movie Easy Rider is still in demand today. This photo is a classic Harley poster that has been etched in the minds of motorcycle lovers through the years.

Brigitte Bardot
This 1950s bombshell is not just famous for her vital statistics but also for her romance with the Harley motorcycle. Next to the photo of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, it is probably the photo of Bardot astride a Harley wearing a leather jacket that is partially unzipped as well as hot pants that will always remain in the memories of riders loyal to the brand. Even her debut single which became a hit had the Harley Davidson title.

The list of celebrities who have at one time in their lives owned and rode a Harley motorcycle is endless. It is perhaps Harley's timeless appeal that makes it a favorite among people from all walks of life and from all economic status. Celebrities, after all, are just humans who could not resist the HD charm.

Hey Thanks so much for reading and sharing my articles!

For Even More Detailed information, products, websites, services related to the Harley Davidson Logo spend more time here researching anything that Harley Davidson offers @ http://harleyssearchengine.com

Warm Regards, Todd H.

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Are Electric Motorcycles the Future of Motocross?

Motocross has taken a hit in recent times with endless complaints over the levels of noise pollution. The noise some would say is all part of the fun and excitement, but for nearby neighbors it is far from that. To add insult to injury the noise from the big 4 stroke engines carries for miles, meaning it is a source of frustration for people who are not even close to the track. Enter the electric motorbike.

The Quantya Track electric motorcycle looks like a scramble bike. It has most of the features that any other motocross bike would have but there are some key things missing. The most noticeable is the lack of an exhaust. When you sit on the bike you will notice there are no foot pedals. The are no gears, therefore no need for a clutch. The rear brake is on the handlebars like on a bicycle.

The biggest differences are seen when you turn the bike on. It makes no noise whatsoever. Just the lights on the battery gauge come on. When you ride, the bike accelerates fast. There are no gears so it is just twist and go. It takes a little practice to get your riding smooth. The only noise is that of a small whirring like on a remote control car, and then the noise of the chain going round and the tyres on the ground. The noise carries no further than a hundred metres. For all intents and purposes the Quantya Track electric motorbike is totally silent.

It sounds perfect in many ways. There are however many skeptics. Sure it would go a long way to improving access to the sport and is not dependent on fossil fuels. There are limitations however such as the limited range the bikes have. The price is still relatively high due to the new technology, and the top end speed is no match for combustion engine bikes. Over the coming years though, it is likely to change. Electric motorbikes are developing fast and being green is not just trendy anymore - it is a must.

Tom Beaton works for Quantya Electric Motorcycles UK. Find out more about the Quantya Track electric motorbike.

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Some Important Tips to Consider to Make Your Motorcycle Trip Memorable

Everybody and anyone wants to make the events joyful. Whether anybody is planning for a party, wedding ceremony, a sports event or a national event etc., the basic target of everybody is to make the event as marvelous as possible. A man or a team with the hope of making the event successful will strive for that. They will plan out the event and do work on the plan. Now same is the case when you want to go on a long road trip. First of all you will plan your road trip, here are some essential tips that you should account for before going on a motorcycle road trip.

1) Be prepared for Challenges and risks

Before going on a road trip you should know that during the trip you might face many problems. Plan out that what things or tools that you require during the trip. First of all check the condition of your motorcycle. Remember to carry the tool kit with you because any thing can happen during the trip. Pack all the useful items that are required in case of emergency i.e. you should take a map, compass, an emergency light, first aid kit and any other thing that you consider is helpful.

2) After packing all the stuff that is important in case of emergency then pack those items that you use in daily life and that you need during the trip. Here are some items to pack include:

• Clothes
• Cell phone
• Food supplies
• Water bottles
• Shaver and shaving cream
• Tooth brush etc.

3) Take your camera. To make your trip memorable the most important item to carry is your camera. During the motorcycle trip you will pass by amazing scenes, landscapes, water falls etc. you will meet different people related to different regions. You will also pass by historical buildings. If you carry your camera you will get a chance to take pictures of all the things that I discussed above. This will make your trip memorable. When you will come back to your home you will be able to share the pictures and your memories with your family and friends.

4) Pack your luggage in saddlebags. Saddlebags are one of the best sources of carrying the luggage. They are meant to carry heavy loads. They are durable flexible and easy to remove and restore. They are lockable and they have a large storage capacity containing mesh pockets and compartments. The modern saddlebags are lighter in weight that helps a biker to ride a bike easily. There are variety of sizes and shapes of saddlebags. You can select a prefect size and shape for your motorcycle by following the above tips you will become successful in making your trip outstanding.

Viking Bags manufacturers quality motorcycle hard saddle bag
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