Motorcycle Safety Tips

Tips on Riding

• Never ride your motorcycle without your helmet. Make sure it fits securely and has a DOT label, which symbolizes compliance with federal safety standards.
• Take a motorcycle rider-training class.
• Know the limitations of your motorcycle.
• Don't speed.
• Never tailgate other vehicles.
• Use your signals. Learn the hand signals for turning, stopping and slowing down just in case your bike's signals ever malfunction.
• Respect other drivers. Avoid weaving through traffic and driving on the shoulder.
• Be visible. Be visible. Be visible.
• Avoid riding in blind spots and always use your headlights.
• Brake safely. Use both brakes at the same time.

Before You Hit The Road Checklist

• Test your lights, brakes, turn signals and horn.
• Check the oil and fuel levels.
• Check tires for any punctures or slick spots.
• Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly.
• Make sure your cables are not worn or frayed.
• Lubricate and adjust the chain as recommended by the manufacturer.

What To Wear

• Protective Eyewear. Find a high quality helmet with a face shield, goggles or glasses with plastic/safety lens so you can always see the road clearly.
• Jacket and Pants. Wear safe, durable materials including leather or synthetics that are full length and fit to size. Color is also important. Vibrant colors and reflective materials are more easily seen on the road.
• Gloves. Choose durable, non-slip leather gloves that fit your hands well.
• Shoes. Wear leather boots or durable sneakers that cover your ankles.

Common Motorcycle Accidents

• Other motorists not seeing you. You're smaller than they are, and you're twenty-seven times more likely to die in a collision than they are. So be visible.
• Potholes. You can curse bad roadways all you want, but in the end, it's up to you to avoid obstacles in your way.
• Speeding. Sure, it's fun to rip down the road. But every mile an hour over the speed limit you go increases the odds of an ugly outcome.
• Inexperience. Know the limitations of your bike before you get out there with the big boys. Rush hour is not the time to learn that you don't know what you're doing.
• Over braking. If you lock up your front wheel when braking, you've just sacrificed your ability to steer. Hopefully, that'll be the only thing you sacrifice.
• Running wide on a turn. Obvious, really. The road is the safest place to be. The shoulder is where telephone poles, mailboxes and little white crosses live.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

You can always get more information on motorcycle riding safety tips, state laws and course information.

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Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident

If you are a motorcyclist, remember this: your vehicle is small. If you drive a standard motor vehicle, remember this: motorcycles are small. Minimal visibility is one of the main things that lead to motorcycle accidents occurring.

The road is filled with drivers who are used to seeing standard-sized vehicles on the road and therefore these drivers are more prone to looking out for vehicles of this size or bigger. This is called immediate association and it can be deadly. When drivers sees a motorcyclist, they may look past him or her and only see the road in front of him or her.

Motorcyclists who are involved in a car accident should seek medical attention immediately. Upon receiving medical attention, he or she should also seek legal attention. A well-established lawyer will be able to help a victim receive compensation for any medical bills or other damages that arose due to the accident.

Here are a few items for motorcyclists to help avoid an accident in the future:

-Give warning: Others drivers must know ahead of time whether you are braking, turning, or are facing an emergency. Drivers have a hard enough time trying to see motorcycles on the road, so make sure to use your lights to send a message.

-Be visible: This can mean anything from using your headlight to wearing bright-colored clothing. Whatever you think may be able to help you stay noticed on the road will help.

-Do not make sudden turns or movements: Motorcyclists should know which traffic decisions they will make ahead of time. His or her motorcycle may come to a "wobble" if he or she brakes or turns suddenly.

-Stay focused: Riding a motorcycle means balancing your bike while balancing road conditions. If you are ride a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may not be responsive enough to avoid an accident.

-Keep your distance from all objects: This should be practiced especially at night. Drivers are more likely to notice motorcycles that have a lane all to themselves or have a distance between themselves and other vehicles.

-Wear proper gear: Remember, you do not have a seat belt. In the event of an accident, you may become airborne and will need the protection of a helmet or other safety gear.

For additional resources regarding motorcycle accidents and legal aid available for victims of auto accidents, contact the Lake Geneva motorcycle accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Joseph Devine

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DOT Approved Motorcycle Helmets - Make the Right Choice

For safety reasons, it is essential that you buy the appropriate motorcycle riding gear. The most important piece of gear is a quality motorcycle helmet. When purchasing a new helmet, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. In addition to any stylistic concerns, you must concern yourself with the overall safety of the helmets you are considering. Don't just take the seller's word about the safety features. Is the helmet DOT Approved? Choosing only DOT approved helmets ensures that your helmet has passed certain safety standards implemented by the Department of Transportation.

DOT approved helmets have been certified by the DOT as meeting rigorous safety standards. If you do not choose a DOT helmet, it will not protect your head if you should crash. Most areas also require DOT approved motorcycle helmets if you are riding on the road; you can get in trouble with the law simply on the basis of using a non-DOT helmet. Plus, the bottom line is that non-DOT approved helmets won't go very far in protecting you from injury. This is not a helmet that you should trust with your life.

To identify DOT motorcycle helmets, first look for a DOT sticker, which is usually found at the back of the helmet, towards the bottom. There should also be a DOT label sewn into the helmet lining. Every motorcycle helmet sold in the U.S. must be evaluated by the Department of Transportation, but not all models will gain DOT approval.

How does a helmet become DOT approved? Each helmet model undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets or exceeds safety regulations. These include impact test, drop tests, and other methods to simulate a crash situation. The results of these tests must show that the helmet offers adequate protection, including impact and penetration protection and the ability to remain securely on the rider's head during an accident. All motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S. must have at least a 210 degree field of vision to qualify for DOT approval. By choosing approved helmets, you can be sure that you are getting the best protection possible.

We are a small family owned business offering DOT approved motorcycle helmets and related accessories. Being a small business has it's advantages. Some of which are being able to offer our products at affordable prices without having to sacrifice the quality of the product. We believe that if you aren't happy with a purchase you've made from us, we do not deserve your money, it's as simple as that. Find DOT approved helmets 20% off retail.

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Harley Davidson Shovelhead Motorcycle Engines

For those of you that would like to learn a bit more about the Shovelhead Engine, this article will teach you the basics. For starters, the shovelhead engine is a type of V-twin engine that was manufactured by the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company between 1966 and 1985. The design for the shovel head engine was developed based on the design of the Panhead engine. The difference is that the shovelhead engine includes more powerful cylinders and pistons as well as a modified look.

What some of you may not know is that the shovelhead engine received its name from the unique look of the engine's rocker box covers. These covers bear a resemblance to the heads of coal shovels. That is how the name "shovel head" came into existence...

Back in the mid-sixties, the Panhead engine was initially developed to fit Sportster choppers. As time went on, the Panhead lost its attraction and went out of style due to the fact that Harley Davidson began developing bikes that required more horsepower.

Around that same time, the shovel-head engines entered the scene with newly designed top ends that were created to give you more acceleration and power. Unfortunately, many motorcycle experts now say that the weight of the new shovel head engine detracted from the speed and power of certain models in the sixties. In fact, the shovel head engine was originally designed as an engine for an outboard motor (a motor for boats), but it did not function in water or in moist air.

In the 1970's, minor changes were made to the shovel head engines that helped fix some of the problems demonstrated by the weight of the sixties shovel head model. However, most Harley specialists would say that even these revisions did not quite catch the shovelhead "up to speed." This was mainly due to that fact that Harley Davidson had to stick by government regulations that basically said choppers could not have more than a top speed of 90 miles per hour.

Another interesting tidbit of info is that if the engine came with a feature called the FLH Electra-Glide Package, it was identified as a shovel head engine for police bikes. Sometimes this feature is called the Police Option. It definitely made it easier for Police to run cars off the road.

Additionally, The FLH Electra-Glide package also enabled the engine to turn over longer while the machine was in idle. Unfortunately, it made for a heavy bike that was not easy for the average rider to maneuver or brake instantly. It's very hard to find a Harley shovelhead engine with the original FLH Electra-Glide package. It's very rare and is prized by motorcycle and chopper part collectors.

For more information on Shovelhead Engines, Parts, and Accessories check out http://www.shovelheadparts.com/ . Or check out Used Hog Parts!

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Know About Motorcycle Battery Charger

A motorcycle battery charger can really help you to charge your motorcycle and your snowmobile. The charger can really help you to charge your battery anywhere and everywhere you go. These chargers are very cheap and you can even carry them around while charging. There are various advantages of keeping a battery charger with you because they can be used for Utility Vehicle, Snowmobile, Riding Mower, mobility scooter, solar deep cycle and Personal Watercraft.

If you buy motorcycle battery charger then it would be very beneficial for you in the long run. In this article, my main focus would be to tell you about various things that you should keep in mind while purchasing a charger.

1. They are portable
Motorcycle batteries are small as compared to car a battery that is why they loose there charge very easily. It becomes very essential to charge them on a regular basis. There are also wet cell batteries available in the market that requires to be filled with distilled water regularly to bring them to their correct voltage. You will see that motorcycle chargers take very less time to charge the battery as compared to car battery-chargers. You do not even have to wait for one night to get your battery charged.

2. Motorcycle batteries loose their charge easily
It is must for you to purchase a motorcycle battery charger because motorcycle battery loose there charge easily in very cold weather. These batteries easily loose their charge as compared to car batteries. These chargers are designed in a great way and have various good functions and features. They can rapidly charge the battery in extremely cold weather and helps you to start the engine battery easily in very less time.

3. This charger is compact
This battery charger is very compact and you can easily store it in your garage. If you have a little knowledge then you can service the battery just by yourself. Carry out a full charger check up on a regular basis so that it is ready at any time you want to charge your battery.

4. Keeps up the efficiency of your battery
One great advantage of this charger is that it helps you to keep your battery is a great condition. If you have a charger at home then you even do not have to worry about going to a garage on a regular basis to get your battery charged.

Battery chargers are greatly advantageous for you because they are compact, portable and highly efficient.

Head towards Motorcycle Battery Charger for everything you need to know about Motorcycle Battery Chargers.

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Motorcycle GPS - Boon Or Bane?

Most of us are very addicted in collecting things. But now, we are fond of collecting gadgets for things as well. One of the things that we put much attention is the motorcycle. The sat nav for motorcycles are now becoming very important accessory for riders who wish to travel to other place. With a motorcycle GPS device you will no longer need to worry about getting lost. You will be able to discover new country sides, sceneries and destination all with the confidence of knowing exactly where you are any time.

The tracking may be of Satellite Based Real-Time Tracking, Cellular Based Tracking, and Wireless Passive Tracking. It leads you in the right direction. It helps improving individual's mapping skills. Anyone can come out his/her hallucinations if they are in danger or in accident because tracking is much easier. A lot of people using this device say how satellite navigation changed their experience in motorcycling to an adventurous one.

You will have a new freedom in exploring the open road. Sat nav systems for motorcycles is the trend that all riders should get stick on to. When you install the sat nav unit to your motorcycle you can have a problem-free and easy trip. While you are in need of meal or drink, or if you want to fill up fuel, the GPS will show you the right path. The voice guided instructions and maps filled with points of interest will ensure that you know where the nearest fuel station, restaurant or hotel wherever you are. Using a motorcycle sat nav unit brings more excitement to the outdoor adventurous riding.

Don't just follow any trail or road, as a GPS user you can now plan and plot your trips on your own home computer, downloading new routes to your handheld GPS unit, and using the same to guide you to trails or roads which are very new to yourself. Once you start using gps navigation unit, you will find interesting to learn and use the gps navigation unit, on referring electronic or printed maps, investigations about new landscape resulting in finding amazing new places to explore that you would never come across. If you get lost anywhere, no need to worry. Your satellite navigation system will "back-track" you to any one of the nearest spot to get yourselves back to any one of the correct path. It will give a lot of benefits just like the countless paths your journey using the motorcycle entails. In fact, it is a good investment on your part.

Sat nav devices purposely built for motorbikes have everything that a motorcyclist will need and are also vibration resistant, ensuring that the reverberation from your motorbike won't affect its internal workings. They offer all the navigation basics, including text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, automatic route recalculation, and points of interest, as well as integrated Bluetooth so you can make hands-free calls with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.

As every coin has it's other side, GPS Navigation also have some drawbacks such as the cellular devices used can track other cellular device users, it should be used as backup map but used as first resource, it requires external power or it may need batteries, needs good care and handling because the internal parts will be miniature and fabricated in a single board and therefore small damage can cause major problems in the handheld device. One more major limitation is that people focus on sat nav system more than road and thereby the chance of accident increases.

Therefore GPS for motorcycles will be a boon or it may be bane according to the usage of an individual. If one handles it with care in the right path happy journeys will be the result. So handle the system with ease and care while traveling by keeping attention in the road.

Visit satellite navigation site to find latest sat nav offers and read unbiased reviews on Acer sat nav systems, Blaupunkt, Gizmondo, Kenwood gps systems.

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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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