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December 30, 2012

5 Tips for Making the Best Motorcycle Tire Choice

Just like any other part of a bike, motorcycle tires are a vital part of the motorcycle. For you to enjoy cycling, they need to be in good shape. This article will give you different ways on how to choose the right tires for your motorcycle.

Every biker owns his biking habits and this is what you need to consider when choosing your tires. Bikers own motorcycles for different reasons and it is necessary to understand your reasons for biking. Bikes meant for racing need specific tires, street bikes are meant for roads that are paved so the tire choice needs to be different from touring types.

As much as you want to have tires of your choice, you need to consider a few things: you need to understand the importance of good quality motorcycle tires. Good quality tires can be determined by the factors below. You need to put the following into consideration before you step into that motorcycle store.

• The front and rear tires: As a biker you need to understand that motorcycles have specific tires for the front and the rear as well. The front tires are used for lots and lots of turning as compared to the rear one that bears the entire bike and load weight. This means that the front tires need to be smaller while the rear ones need to be larger and heavier.

• Tire Size: The size of your bike tires is very important. You need to have the convenient size that suits your bike. As a biker you have to understand the different tire sizing systems. These include the alphanumeric system, the metric system and the Inch system.

• Design: There are different motorcycle tire designs available in the market. When choosing the design you want for your bike, remember that the front tire and the rear tire have different specifications. A good example is the fact that front tire requires more braking power as compared to the rear one.

• Performance: Even if it means seeing a professional, please do so. You need bike tires that can last as well as perform as desired. You need to consider the quality the ones you settle to buy, their endurance and their ability for your own convenience. Don't just choose tires because they are cheap, think of quality and the efficiency.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Motorcyclists

If you are interested in Christmas gift ideas for motorcyclists, you are sure to benefit from the information contained in this holiday gift guide. While many individuals elect to ride a motorcycle for economic purposes, most people are naturally compelled to ride this type of vehicle. For those that have a passion for riding, there is nothing that quite describes what they feel when traveling the open road, the warmth of the sun shining down on the body and the freedom that accompanies the convenience of traveling without the restrictions of a cast vehicle body surrounding them. Motorcyclists are in a class all their own. The wind buffeting around the body, the smell of leather and the loud rumble of the motorcycle are all appealing aspects of the biker lifestyle. When selecting a gift for a motorcyclist, you must look at riding as more than just a hobby. To those that engage in this activity, it is a lifestyle. In this gift giving guide, you will be introduced to just a few of the perfect Christmas gift ideas for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Goggles

Motorcyclists are always searching for an effective means of achieving unimpeded vision with all directions of their vision when riding on the open road. Bike enthusiasts take great pride in motorcycle goggles that are built tough, provide optimal vision, include shatterproof lenses for optimal protection and enhanced features that will improve their vision while traveling - such as anti-fog features. If you are searching for Christmas gift ideas for motorcyclists, goggles are a perfect choice. Not only do these types of protective wear provide a high level of functionality to the biker, they also assist in enhancing the biker's presence while on the open road. Motorcycle goggles could mean the difference between working for respect on the road, and automatically receiving it due to having an appearance that is commanding in nature.

Motorcycle Helmet

December 11, 2012

The Best Motorcycle Shops West Palm Beach Offers

Ace of Clubs Motorcycles

Investing in a Motorcycle just like a Triumph plus a Harley Davidson is one thing not to be taken lightly. That is why that you have to try to find the best motorcycle shops West Palm Beach Is offering. Whether it is sustaining the machine with peak functionality or bringing a categorised bike returning to its previous working issue, a motorcycle look is something that people have come to depend to once we have some motor cycle concerns.

Fortunately, there is merely one motorcycle go shopping and fix station inside entire West Palm Beach location, and that is Ace of Clubs. With their particular various cycles and providers available, it's guaranteed your biking issues will be fulfilled satisfactorily. Through Ace of Clubs, the bike will likely be hugging people turns and also roaring at individuals freeways right away.

Full Body Repairs

What Every New Motorcycle Owner Should Know About Motorcycle Tires

Motorcycles are huge fun. Nothing beats the excitement of handling your first and cruising on smooth highways or rough terrain depending on your preference. All motorcycle riders may be experts in everything motorcycle for instance, handling, specs, speed and such. However, the significance of motorcycle tires may well be forgotten by many riders and bike salesmen. Here, you will learn everything about motorcycle tires.

Size

Motorcycle tires come in different sizes for different types and uses of bikes. Rear tires tend to be bigger than front tires to provide equilibrium. Street bikes, for example, use bigger tires compared to dirt bikes or even on-road/off-road bikes to provide great cornering angles and good grip,surface conditions notwithstanding. Consult your brand retailer for more information, or visit the manufacturer's website to get these details.

Type

Motorcycle tires come in several classifications. There is dual sport, street/cruiser, dirt/off-road and scooter. All these are categorized depending on their use and the type of motorcycle on which they are to be fitted, thus:

November 16, 2012

Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter

Winter motorcycle preparation is important to help keep your motorbike running in tip top condition through the winter months. Don't get caught short, here is a list of thing to check and do before winter hits.

Coolant

Fill the system with anti-freeze to protect your bike. If water alone is used, this can cause extensive and expensive damage as it freezes and expands. If the liquid in the system is clear, it most likely doesn't contain any anti- freeze at all, if you're not sure about its contents, flush the system and refill.

Tyres

As we all know slippery roads require more grip and good tyres are essential for winter riding. Purchasing tyres that designed specifically for winter weather is always a good idea, to prevent your bike from slipping and giving the best road performance. Checking tyre pressure is essential as under inflated tyres can affect your bikes handling significantly.

Lights

Making a Motorcycle Helmet Cam Work for You!

If you've ever watched any motor sports you know that the teams, drivers, or riders will review footage of their races and practices to see where they can improve. In recent years this has been taken to the next level for dirt bike and motorcycle riders. The riders can strap on helmet cams and literally relive their race to see where they made mistakes, or where they could have made better choices. The pros will do this to pick up a tenth of a second per lap sometimes. They can see very minor mistakes or better lines that make them a better rider or give them a faster lap. A motorcycle helmet cam can make YOU a better rider too!

When it comes to motorcycle riding, we are an obsessed bunch. That should be the case for improving our skills as a rider also! A helmet camera can help us do just that. Take for instance a dirt bike rider on a trail ride through the woods. There's going to be lots of obstacles to traverse and a number of line choices. With you camera rolling, you get to review your ride back at home. Sure the camera gets to capture the ride and some scenery but it's also capturing more. It can show you what you're doing right, and what you are doing wrong. While riding you have to make split second decisions about what line to take, or how to traverse or avoid an obstacle. Sometimes we make the right choice, sometimes the wrong. Reviewing footage of a ride can help you to hone those skills and be better prepared for the next time.

Motorcycles And Life

The other morning I was riding my motorcycle to work, as I do every day I can, and I was thinking about how much my ride to work resembles life. Yes, I have lots of time to think during my hour ride to work and hour and a half ride home every day with just me in my helmet... no cell phones, no calls, no emails, no texts... completely disconnected from technology... completely disconnected from everything except my thoughts.

My ride to work isn't necessarily the most difficult, but there are moments where I wish the road was smoother, the hills weren't so steep, or there weren't so many obstacles in my path... just as in life.

Hills: We all face ups and downs in life. Some feel like mountains, while others feel like small hills. As I was going up one particularly steep hill I found myself coaching my motorcycle saying, "Come on girl, we both know you can take this hill. We've got this!" First of all, yes, I was talking to my bike... what rational, sane human being doesn't talk to inanimate objects? Second, we do this in life, too... at least we should. We need coaching from others, but more importantly, we need coaching from ourselves to get us over these mountains and hills.

October 10, 2012

10 Tips for a Routine Motorcycle Inspection

Our bikes carry the most precious cargo there is - us. Taking time for a routine inspection can make a big difference when it comes to safety and our enjoyment of the ride. No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road, or have an accident because of mechanical failure.

We know that we're vulnerable on the road and that riding a motorcycle carries risk. We can do a lot to lesson that risk by making both we and our bikes are fit and ready to ride.

Pre-ride inspections confirm they're worthy to carry us; checking them post-ride will catch any parts that may have come loose and we'll be able to note minor changes before they become major problems.

Your best resource is your owner's manual. Make these items part of your regular checks:

Tires:

Pressure: Measure when tires are cold. Both the tire and motorcycle manufacturer will have specifications and in all likelihood, front and rear tires will be different. Tread: If you're down to the wear bars, it's time for new tires. Look for worn tread, uneven wear, cracks, bulges, cupping, and any foreign objects. The photo shows something we found at one of our workshops.

Spokes: Uniformly tight and intact; they can be tightened with a spoke wrench. Rims need to be true with no dents.

Drive System: Unless it's electric, your bike will have either a chain, belt drive or drive shaft. Make sure chain tension is correct and that it's well lubricated. Check drive belt for wear and tension; if you have a shaft drive, check fluid levels and that there are no leaks.

Cables & hoses: No fraying or kinking; no binding when handlebars are activated.

Fluid levels: Oil, brake fluid, transmission, and coolant. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct way to assess. Make sure there are no leaks.

Lights and electrics: Activate brake light with front and rear brakes independently; check front and rear indicators, horn, headlights - high and low beams.

Throttle: Should snap back to home position.

Brakes: - check brake pads for wear periodically. Test both front and rear to make sure they're working satisfactorily.

Side stand: Retracts firmly: no bending, cracks or damage; the spring is intact and the cut-out switch functions.

Clutch and brake levers: Smooth operation, correct amount of free play and proper adjustment. Bonus: Look in the mirror. Make sure that you are physically, mentally and emotionally fit to ride.

October 08, 2012

How to Make Your Motorcycle Jacket Look More Interesting?

Few would debate the fact that our collective unconscious unquestioningly identifies leather with anarchistic rebellion or intimidating toughness. The fashion trends in the mainstream culture are often inspired by the stylish trends initiated by celebrities and fashion designers. If you are a die-hard observer of fashionable biker wear, you have probably taken a close look at the gorgeous images of Fergie and Kristen Stewart in sumptuous black leather jackets.

If you want to add an eccentric look to your persona, you can wear several accessories with your motorcycle jacket. These accessories will make your motorcycle jacket look more appealing thereby projecting a more vibrant and fashionable you! Highlighted below are some of the tips that will make your biker jacket look exceptionally fashionable!

a) If you know the trick of how to achieve perfect color coordination between your motorcycle jacket and other accessories, you are a few meager steps away from becoming a freelance designer. The soft, buttery richness of the jacket would look charming with a brightly colored dress. Additionally, if you plan on going to a formal party or a dinner engagement, your cropped leather jacket would look elegant with a cocktail dress and high heel stilettos.

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance - Chain Cleaning

Before I bought my first motorcycle I remember being a little hesitant about buying a bike with chain drive as I thought the maintenance would be too excessive. Being a newbie I went to one of my buddies who has had motorcycles since he was in his early teens. He laughed and told me he had never owned a bike with anything but, and that my concerns were groundless. He was absolutely right.

Chains are great for a few reasons. They are simple to maintain and cheap and easy to repair. They are light, much lighter than shafts, and introduce no changes to the handling of the motorcycle. Ever wonder why all the top sport bikes use chain? While belts and shafts are also excellent in their low maintenance and clean operation, they are either costlier or heavier.

What is required to maintain your chain? Ideally using a center stand or a paddock stand to get the rear wheel off the ground makes the job much easier. However, a long straight and level surface where you can move the motorcycle to get the chain to go one lap around the sprocket will also suffice in a pinch.

September 16, 2012

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.

September 01, 2012

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.

Basic Motorcycle Gear

Riding a motorcycle on or off-road is not an addiction, it is a way of life. Anyone that rides does it for the love of it. There is no other way to experience the freedom and the camaraderie that comes with riding. Riding also means that an understanding of basic motorcycle gear is no longer something that you have to think about. You already know.

Unlike a car, the design of a motorcycle offers no protection to their rider. There are no seat belts or air bags in case of a collision, no reinforced framework to help lessen the impact. These are the things that the basic motorcycle gear is designed to do. Protect the rider in the best ways that it can to lessen these shortcomings during an accident.

July 24, 2012

Motorcycle Accidents Are Rarely Minor

You've seen them in your car on the highway: one, or possibly even a crew of bikers gunning it down an open road. Clad in cool, tough-looking leather, and with the wind on their face, it looks like the picture of freedom. But it's not hard to imagine travelling at such high velocities on top of an open machine going horribly wrong. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, there can be losses to normal functioning, disfigurement, and even death. Once you decide to drive a motorcycle, you need to be sure you've got insurance to absorb the costs should you be involved in an accident. It's also wise to seek a lawyer's help in giving you all the power you can towards a full recovery and towards only paying for what is really necessary.

When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, there is much less to protect him than the driver of a car. There is no metal to absorb some of the fall, and no seat belt to keep him in place. Not surprising then that they are in a riskier situation. The treatment you'll need should you crash your motorcycle might range from physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture or massage therapy. Another cause for concern is recouping lost income, attendant care, and other expenses in your life that you won't be able to earn money for while you're sitting out with a serious injury. There are plenty of instances where a car crash is perhaps scary or worrying, but doesn't entail serious damage to the driver. It's a very rare instance when a motorcyclist can walk away from his bike with just a bit of a headache, a small limp, and carry on with his life. It's wise to be protected.

July 16, 2012

Motorcycle Maintenance Q and A

Owning a motorcycle can be frustrating when you aren't able to do regular maintenance on it without seeking the help of a professional mechanic. Fortunately, basic maintenance, such as recharging the battery, is relatively easy to learn. Here are some common maintenance questions that motorcycle owners ask and easy answers about how to keep your bike in good shape.

Is it safe to check the oil level of my bike when the engine is hot? Motorcycle owners go both ways on this one. Some prefer to check the oil when it's hot, because it makes for a better oil change should it be necessary. Others like to check it when the engine is cool. It's recommended to check the oil when the heat level on the dipstick reads between hot and cold.

June 14, 2012

Visiting the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa Iowa

I have an addiction to most things motorcycle. When I learned there was a motorcycle museum, and the National Motorcycle Museum at that, I headed for Anamosa, Iowa. The National Motorcycle Museum opened in 1989, and in 2012 moved to a large space right off U.S. Highway 151. It doesn't look like much from the outside, since it is a converted Walmart, but it's the inside of a museum that makes the difference.

There is dedicated motorcycle parking out front, enclosed in cement barriers with motorcycle-sized gaps, to prevent people from filling it up with cars. There isn't a discount in tickets for riders though. I asked. There are a variety of stickers and patches, so you can prove you were there.

Inside is a small gift shop and desk where you pay to get into the museum itself. The large space in broken up into exhibits, some walled off and some separated only by space. With over 300 motorcycles on display there is something for everyone. The one machine that caught my attention was the steam powered motorcycle, with the boiler between the rider's legs!

Wandering around, it was hard to follow a specific path. One of Evel Knieval's Harleys (in an un-crashed state) was on display, as well as a Captain America chopper from Easy Rider. I had seen another one of these in another museum, but this one also had s certificate from Peter Fonda, saying it was authentic. Since only one of the two copies made for the movie survived, this is a unique piece of American Motorcycling history.

May 29, 2012

The Secret Motorcycle Signal

There have already been many articles written about motorcycle hand signals and what they mean. So of course I'll have to add my version and hopefully it'll make it all clear as mud. To be clear I'm not talking about the mechanical hand signals that they teach you on the motorcycle safety class. Those are still useful and by the way are still used especially when group riding. What I am talking about is at the highest level is simply the greeting that one rider pays to another when passing on the road. At other levels, there is apparently much deeper meanings in what seems to be but a simple hand motion. Historically, waving at a fellow traveler as you meet him on the road goes back to the beginning of time.

Even now, at least out in the country, it's still customary to wave at the people you meet even if you don't know them. It should also be noted that motorcycle riders aren't the only ones that have a history of doing this. Jeep owners will attest that they will also wave at other Jeep owners as they pass them on the road. Although in the Jeep's case I think it's more of a sign of a relief. Basically, I'm still running and you're still running lets celebrate for a second. When a Jeep owner waves it's basically a lift of the fingers off the steering wheel in kind of a subtle acknowledgment that hey I was brave enough to buy one of these clunkers to. They all seemed to do it the same way, I didn't see very much variation in how they did it. I think they're just afraid to take their hands off of the steering wheel.


Motorcycle riders seem to have a lot of variation in how they wave from the cool peace sign down low to the newby all out thrashing of the arm. There also seem to be some kind of message that's getting passed. The main thing is that riders expect to get a sign when they meet a fellow rider on the road. The only pass given is when you or the other guy is in traffic and you need to clutch. When you don't get anything, it's a sign of disrespect, and I'm told that if your left hand happened to stay on your left thigh as you passed the other guy those are fightin' words because you basically are saying that you saw the other guy, could have signed him, but chose not to acknowledge him.

March 25, 2012

10 Tips for Purchasing a Motorcycle

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.

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.

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.

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 in your face.

Consider how often you are going to have to take it in and how convenient the location and their hours of operation are. Talk to others who have used the service resource to determine their credibility and service level.Ask about the frequency of maintenance and the subsequent costs.

Assess. If you like to perform routine maintenance yourself, how simple is it to do? Do you need to purchase other equipment such as a lift? How readily available are replacement parts?

Purchase from a salesperson who is also a rider. Enough said.

Remember that all bikes can be customized - at least to a certain extent. If you see one that's just right for you except for a few adjustments or accessories, ask what's available (and where) in parts and accessories to make that bike yours.

Bring an experienced rider with you. They may pick up things that you miss.

Resist the temptation to purchase the 1st bike you see. There are lots to choose from. It's an important purchase and even more important to make an objective decision.

Research. Talk to other trustworthy riders, retailers, insurance companies. Beware of forums - they can have valuable advice; on the other hand, you usually don't know who you're talking to so can't reliably assess their level of expertise - even though they may sound like an expert.
Do your homework, ask lots of questions, then listen to your heart. Make an informed decision - and enjoy the ride!

Liz Jansen

Liz Jansen is an author, speaker, coach and rider extraordinaire. She's thrilled that her work now brings her experience in the corporate world together with her love of adventure.

Her mission: to create the environment for others to discover their personal power and grow. Through her practice, she has served hundreds of clients and her network reaches across Canada, the US and to Europe and Australia.

Liz has worked with individual and corporate clients, in both private and public sectors. She has contributed articles to the Toronto Star, several national magazines as well as online ezines. Her expertise has been sought for interviews on television, traditional and on-line radio, magazine and newspaper articles.

To learn more about her book Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment, to receive a review copy or to book the author for an interview or speaking engagement, visit http://www.lizjansen.com

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March 23, 2012

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Tail Bag

If you have a motorbike, then you know that most motorbikes do not have enough space to store the things you need while traveling. There are times when you will find yourself in need of tools while on your bike, and there are several options how you can store these tools safely and comfortably. One of these options is having a motorcycle tail bag. This bag does not have the largest storage space but it is very useful in times of urgency. Having this kind of bag will give you both tranquility of mind when you travel, and relief when you need it. It may also be used with the windshield bag, so that you will be able to increase your storage space. By using this, you can have a more comfortable and pleasurable journey than ever.

Motorcycle tail bags have enough storage space to hold your gloves, keys, maps, glasses, mobile phone, chargers and other personal effects. There are varieties of bags available in the market with different colors, sizes, designs and models, so you will be able to find the best bag for you. Depending on your preference, you can choose a model based on your storage needs, your bike model and the overall appearance that you want to achieve.

There are some guidelines are very important to remember if you are going to buy a new motorcycle tail bag. Mainly, you have to remember that not every bag is suitable for you or your bike. The material, size and color vary from bag to bag. The most important factors while buying this bag includes the quality, cost, and the size of the bag in question.

Quality cannot be compromised, since this will determine how useful the bag will be for you. Hence, the first thing that you must consider is the quality. A bag's quality includes a lot of things, ranging from the material from where the bag is made, to how well it is stitched together, to how durable the material is. The last point is very important, because if you have an accident, the quality of the bag must be strong enough to preserve it from any significant damage. The higher the quality of the bag, the more likely it would be durable and strong, and you will be confident in keeping your sensitive items like mobile phones or camera in it while riding.

While it is not a guarantee, the price usually decides the quality of the product. Good quality bags are valued at $50 or more. However, if you really want to have a good quality bag, you should look for branded bags from companies that have been in the business for a long time. A lot of motorcycle companies create bags that are specially designed to be durable, hardy and waterproof.

There is a wide variety of motorcycle tail bags with different styles that are suitable for different models of bikes. Before purchasing any type of bag, the size of the bag must be considered. Keep in mind your bike model and then select the one that perfectly matches, fits and suits it, and one which does not create any disturbances during riding. Do not purchase one whose storage capacity, size or quality cannot be of any use for you. Remember, quality does come at a price!

For more information about motorcycle tail bag, please visit us at http://www.vikingbags.com

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