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.

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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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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Motorcycle HID Kits

Whether you are interested in being safe or turning heads, you will achieve both by installing a HID kit in your motorcycle. Not only do the bright lights make a dramatic difference and customize the look of your machine, they enhance your safety enabling you to see better and be seen at night.

Motorcycle HID bulbs

The new technology in HID kits enables you to convert your halogen headlights into super performance HID bulbs which produce three times the light without compromising on focus or correct beam patterns. Standard xenon bulbs have a single beam which is used for either low or high beam. Bi-xenon bulbs provide both low and high beam in the same bulb using xenon and halogen gases. Purpose made xenon HID bulbs have a UV cut to avoid scratching the plastic lenses and come with a metal or ceramic holder. HID bulbs have a lifespan of three to five years.

HID bulbs come in various sizes which match your current halogen headlights. Simply check the headlight you want to replace or look in your owner's manual to find the size such as H1, H3, H4, H7 etc. This means they will fit into your existing headlights without any need for modification. Twin headlight HID kits are suitable for motorcycles with two headlamps.

The color temperature of the HID bulbs typically comes in 4300K, 6000K which produces diamond white and is the most popular, 8000K which gives blue light, a deeper blue at 10000K and violet at 30000K.

CAN-Bus HID kits

An advanced bulb warning system is installed in newer motorcycles, mainly in BMW bikes from 2005 onwards. This CAN-Bus system cuts out the power to the headlights if bulbs are running at less than 55W. Since HID bulbs are only 35W, this safety feature can interfere with common HID kits and cause flickering and possible radio interference. If your motorcycle has this system, you need to purchase a CAN-Bus HID kit to prevent false bulb warnings.

Slim digital ballasts

Many kits make use of the new slim digital ballasts with separate starter. This improves reliability and saves on space and weight. They are simple to install and easier maintained. Ballasts are usually made from steel or aluminium and are waterproof and vibration resistant. They also have a shut off mode to avert damage or flammability if a malfunction occurs.

HID kit components

A kit will contain bulbs with the size and color chosen by the buyer, ballasts, mounting brackets, harness wire and screws. Manufacturers should provide a one to two year warranty covering the failure of any components within the kit.

Most HID kits are designed to be 'plug and play' systems and installation is found not to take any longer than sixty minutes though the time varies depending on the type of motorcycle. Each kit should come with an instruction manual which shows you how to replace your halogen bulls with HID lights by plugging the bulb to the ballast and the ballast plugs to the factory OEM harness.

General or brand name motorcycle kits

It is possible to buy either general motorcycle HID kits or to purchase ones for different makes and models of motorbikes. Those who manufacture HID headlight kits for their make of motorcycle have very specialized knowledge and experience of their bikes, and ensure that all the kits pass rigorous quality testing. HID headlight kits can cost anywhere from $45-$300, with the ones specific to motorcycle brands being more expensive.

A HID Bulb is the longest lasting and best headlight on the market today. Motorcycle HID kits are a hot and high-in-demand headlight when customizing a bike.

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Start a Motorcycle Shop Business

In starting a motorcycle shop, first off I truly believe it needs to be a hobby, something you love doing. If you like to build and fix your own motorcycle, you could turn this passion into a lucrative business. The subject of starting a business is beyond the scope of this article, but here are a few tips to get you started.

TIP# 1 - DO NOT quit your day job. Don't risk your job till you are sure you want to do this.
TIP# 2 - Dream Big and Start Small

Your startup cost does not have to be large and you can easily start your shop in your garage, one bike at a time. No one ever got anywhere by staying in the same place and most of us all crawled and walked before we took off running. In other words starting small will get you where you want to be - just keep on keeping on.

Don't risk quitting your day job until you are sure this is something you really want to do. But do treat your new side work as a business, working it full time on the weekends is a great idea.

By testing the water like this you will discover if making the adjustment to starting your own motorcycle shop is something you really want to do or not. You will also learn if this is really the line of work you want to do all day.

The number one reason most folks fail at starting their own business is because they can not adjust their hobby over to a business. Changing your hobby to a business means your motivation changes. So starting off small with your Motorcycle Shop business will actually break the BIG picture down to smaller different views of this dream.

If you notice your interest has changed, keep a positive attitude and KNOW you are not in the same place you were before this lesson. Every entrepreneur I have met will decide on something they want to do and their attitude changes, they are all excited. The great thing about starting a motorcycle shop is it doesn't have to have large startup cost. But remember always go after your interest, maybe starting a motorcycle shop is not for you but your desire to be around motorcycles is still strong, combine some other interest you have. If you love cooking, biker rallies need some great food vendors!

If you notice you are on track, your perseverance has developed an unconscious drive to succeed. Once this happens you actually begin to tolerate things much easier because you are heading in the direction you want to go. The old saying that Rome wasn't built in a DAY becomes very clear and you know your on the road to success.

For more information on how to start a Motorcycle Shop, visit my site "How to start a Motorcycle Shop"

Debra Bartrop
http://www.squidoo.com/motorcycle-shop

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Tips For Beginning Motorcycle Riders

Thinking about getting on a motorcycle for the first time? Maybe you always had a fantasy where you are riding down the road with the wind in your face? It's never too late to make that dream come true, but a beginning motorcycle rider should take some precautions and take the time to learn about their new hobby first. Here are some tips for the beginning motorcycle rider, to stay safe and have fun at the same time:

Picking a Motorcycle

It's crucial to select the right motorcycle for your needs and desires. Do you want a motorcycle built for speed or maybe you just want a motorcycle that allows you to cruise down the road at your leisure? Maybe you just want to save money on gas and get from point A to point B quickly? It's important to decide exactly what you want out of the experience and then research different makes and models for your purposes. It may also be helpful to visit local dealers and ask them for recommendations for bikes.

Lessons

So you've driven a car for 30 years, does that mean you can jump on a bike for the first time, instantly know what you're doing and be a safe motorcyclist? Highly unlikely. If you have never ridden a bike before, it's essential to take a motorcycle safety course. Taking a course can drastically reduce the chances of having an accident on your bike. It's certainly worth the time and money to invest in taking a safety course for everyone who may ride your bike. You may also consider getting a book to help you brush up on basic motorcycle safety and riding rules.

Practice

Once you have learned the basics of motorcycle safety, it's important to practice riding first. Whether in your driveway, down a little used street or alleyway, try to practice steering the bike, leaning, using turn signals, the brakes, using the mirrors, stopping and any other controls. Honk the horn a few times. Sit on the bike a while and get comfortable before turning the key. On your first ride, be cautious as you may be prone to falling. Whether or not you choose to learn motorcycle safety, take a course or learn from a book or instructor, putting some time into getting familiar with your bike and practicing basic procedures is a smart thing to do.

Safety Equipment

Choosing the right safety equipment and accessories is also essential. A helmet should be your first priority. A good helmet will be comfortable but still protect your head in an accident. For first time riders, also consider extra padding, including padding for the knees. Goggles are also important, a good pair of goggles are important for glare reduction, protection of your eyes in all weather situations and for protection from flying debris like pebbles, rocks, dirt and bugs. Other accessories should include gloves and a jacket. Another safety tip for beginning riders is to stick out by choosing bright colored clothing and a helmet. Whether it's a white, orange, red or neon helmet, your chances of being in an accident go down quite a bit by just making this choice.

Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, offering motorcycle goggles, snowboarding goggles and sunglasses for everyday. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com

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Motorcycle Haulers

Purchasing a motorcycle hauler is a great way to protect your investment during travel. Whether you are looking to shield your bike from the elements or theft during a cross-country move, or you appreciate the convenience and comfort of a car while towing your motorcycle behind you, a bike carrier can provide the peace of mind you are looking for. By researching what's available today and pairing that with your personal needs, you can be sure to make a well-informed decision that will result in a solid purchase for years to come.

There are many brands on the market today that offer motorcycle haulers in different price ranges. Knowing why and for what purpose you will use the item is just the first step in deciding the kind of carrier you will want to purchase. There are other factors to consider before buying a motorcycle hauler as well, like the weight of your bike for instance. What kind of vehicle you drive and the type of trailer hitch you have should also play a role in your final decision.

There are two types of carriers to choose from. The first is an open hauler. It closely resembles a flat-bed trailer and is perfect for short trips to the dirt bike park for an afternoon of jumps or on a vacation. Because of its simple design, this style is the most affordable type, but offers limited protection from inclement weather. Bike theft and loss are also issues to consider when purchasing a carrier in this style. If you plan to keep your travel time short, then this option will most likely fit your needs.

The second type of bike carrier is an enclosed trailer. If you are looking for a deluxe kind of hauler with better security and protection from theft for longer road trips, this option will most likely be for you. However, with better security comes a heftier price tag. The sizes and features offered with the different kinds of enclosed trailers vary from brand to brand and there are several companies who offer custom-built trailers to fit your specifications.

The purpose of buying a hauler varies from owner to owner. Some bike enthusiasts rest easy knowing their assets are safe and secure when riding behind them on roads that are not always smooth to drive over. Other riders who travel with companions and wish to drive a larger vehicle are offered this freedom with a motorcycle hauler. Whichever group you may fall into, there are solutions to your motorcycle haulers needs.

Alexander Sutton has been helping people discover the simplest ways to improve their quality of life. For more information, please visit Motorcycle Haulers.

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Repossessed Motorcycles - Buying Repossessed Motorcycles at Auction Is As Simple As ABC

Buying repossessed motorcycles at auction, is the best way to get the bike you want at a really sweet price. Motorcycles are repossessed for a number of reasons including the owner not being able to make repayments, failing to pay taxes or if the bike is purchased through the proceeds of crime. None of these reasons are a reflection on the quality of the bike itself, in fact you will be surprised to find how many are late models with low mileage. Many dealers buy their stock at auction then sell on their vehicles to the public at a profit. Why not cut out the middleman and get the best possible deal at a repossessed and seized vehicle auction? I will give you some advice here to make sure that you get a great repossessed motorcycle at an even better price. It really is as simple as ABC!

Auctions

These public auctions take place regularly all over the country. You just need to find out where they are taking place and attend the auction in order to view the bikes available and bid on the one you choose. The auctions are not widely advertised, but you may find notices in the legal section of your newspaper. Another alternative is to use an online aggregate auction service, which will provide updated lists of all auctions taking place.

Be Prepared

There are a number of things you should do prior to the auction in order to be prepared. I would advise you to get a list of the vehicles available on the day. Decide which motorcycles you are interested in make a note of the VIN and do a background check. You should also check the market value of the bike and set your bidding limit, to ensure you get great value.

Also, find out what you need to bring to the auction with you. This may include a drivers license, letter of credit from a bank or a credit card with a limit, sufficient to cover your bid etc.

Check

Prior to the auction, you will have an opportunity to check the repossessed motorcycles available. If possible, bring a mechanic along with you for the check if you are not familiar with the technical aspects or engine mechanics of the bike. If this is not possible, make sure you check the bodywork for signs of damage, run the engine and check the oil to ensure that it is clean. Take your time during your inspection and ensure that you are satisfied that the repo motorcycle is in good running order, before you decide to bid.

Finally, don't abandon the idea of purchasing a repossessed motorcycle, if the first auction you check out doesn't have the model you are looking for. There are many repo auctions, taking place at regular intervals, so just be patient and you might just find a real gem.

Get comprehensive auction listings with this free trial. Find more information on buying at repo auctions at Repossessed Motorcycles.

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European Motorcycle Trip - Barcelona

Earlier this year, aid has decided to take our bikes and travel from England, down through France and over the Pyrenees into Northern Spain, to Barcelona. My chosen machine was a Triumph Rocket Three. I am 50-year-old male and wanted a machine that had a big engine for effortless cruising, and various accessories for comfort and convenience. These accessories included heated grips, leather panniers, riders back pad, fog lamps and a few other bits and pieces.

I mention the above accessories specifically for various reasons, the leather panniers remaining waterproof despite a day of torrential rain in France, the heated grips helping to dry my hands out afterwards, the fog lamps being useful in cloud over the Pyrenees, and the riders back at absolutely superb the hard acceleration, preventing the need to hang onto the handgrips for dear life and feeling like a sledgehammer in the back!

The biggest problem had been the handling in the mountains. The Rocket Three has to be manhandled around bends on mountain roads, which results in quite severe pain to once triceps by the end of the day!

We were approaching Barcelona from Andorra where we had spent the previous night. I have decided to take the dual carriageway direct from Andorra to Barcelona rather than spend the day riding on yet more mountain roads which meant that I was travelling alone.

Unfortunately, the one accessory that I did not have on the Triumph was satellite navigation. All I had on me was the name and address of the hotel we were staying in for the night in Barcelona, but of course Barcelona is a big place!

I arrived very tired at about three o'clock in the afternoon and rush-hour traffic seems to be building. Having come down from the mountains it was also considerably warmer at around 30°C.

I am an absolute stickler for wearing protective clothing on a motorcycle, no matter how hot it is, but found myself travelling with my jacket undone and was grateful for my system helmet which allows you to flip up the front part of the lead, effectively converting it into an open face helmet.

Despite being incredibly hot and very tired and somewhat irritable, I couldn't help but be impressed by Barcelona's beauty. I found myself surrounded by extremely elegant buildings and tree-lined pavements often to be found in small parts of cities like Paris or London, but I had never seen such beauty in such a large area.

Fortunately for us, we had a day's rest in Barcelona and were able to explore the town. Barcelona has an exceptional "old town" with narrow pedestrian streets and interesting shops and cafes.

I must admit, I didn't do much of the "tourist bit" as I was too tired and decided that I would revisit the city with my wife over the next few months.

However, the great thing about Barcelona is that there is a lot to see and one doesn't have to physically move very far to see a great deal.

There is the famous Ramblas, a wide street to see and be seen. Essentially, the traffic travels into small lanes each side while the main part down the middle of the street is pedestrianised and has many small cafes and market traders. It is a fantastic place to drink sangria and watch the world go by.

Just off Ramblas is the market. To tell the truth, I don't remember a lot about it, but the one thing I do remember is the absolutely incredible food on sale. We arrived there shortly after breakfast, but I still regret not tucking into one of the seafood platters on sale at one of the fish stalls!

One word of warning however, pay close attention to any loose luggage you may have and your pockets, as pick pocketing is rife. Also avoid eating in any of the large restaurants on the seafront, we did and thought the food was vastly overpriced.

Barcelona are also has a fantastic metro system which makes getting around on foot really easy.

I can't wait to go back!

Zac understands how important it is to store one's motorcycles properly and uses Harley Davidson motorcycle covers. Visit www.harleydavidsonmotorcyclecovers.net for more information and great deals.

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Top 5 Hottest Motorcycle Scenes!

We all love a good motorcycle scene and obviously the mystery of the character sat on top of it. The leather clad, tall (no doubt) handsome man atop any one of the automotive industries' leading dare-devil machines just oozes cool, fierce and sexy.

Here are the Top 5 motorcycles and their characters that will be sure to get your pulse racing on and off the bike.

Not for me to deny anyone Wild Hogs is the action movie that showcases the Harley Davidson well and for those of you who like a more mature character this could be the feel-good film for you. The family genre of this flick follows a group of four middle-aged friends as they embark on a journey to see how it feels to be a 'real biker'. The Harley Davidsons within this feature include the XL1200C Sportster Custom, FXSTS Springer Softail, a standard Black Fatboy and the almighty Screaming Eagle Fatboy which luckily meant that a top priority included motorcycle servicing in Scotland.

The coolest films with a motorcycle in the 1990's were undoubtedly Terminator 1 and 2. Terminator 1 released in 1990 depicted character Sarah Conner being chased on a Honda scooter by the Terminator itself on a Honda 750 and Terminator 2 left audiences breathless as Arnie rode a Harley Davidson Fatboy. For classic chase scenes and the coolest script lines ever including "I need your clothes, boots and your motorcycle", the Terminators' are the one to watch.

Classic indie film The Motorcycles Diaries features a 500cc single cylinder Norton motorcycle, nicknamed 'The Almighty One'. Set against the backdrop of an Argentinian landscape, The Motorcycle Diaries is based on a real journey depicted within diaries that were kept by two friends. The main character Ernesto 'Che' Guevara travelled across South America for more than 500 miles with his friend Alberto Granado before 'Che' became a guerrilla leader.

Arguably one of the best motorcycle movies ever to have hit our screens is the chase scene in the 1963 classic, The Great Escape. Performing his own stunts, jumping over barbed wire and the famous final riding scene saw sexy, cheeky Steve McQueen riding an undercover TT special 650 Triumph, which made over for the film looked like a war-time BMW.

Lastly, is the classic tale of a fighter pilot who plays a character called 'Maverick' in a competitive naval school recruitment facility. Another of the cool riders within this selection, Tom Cruise sets about riding a Kawasaki GPZ750R throughout the film and there are certainly some steamy scenes in this one for the ladies too.

So there you have it, the cream of the motorcycle crop, I wonder if any of them are likely to need motorcycle servicing, Aberdeen seems a little bit too far to go considering that most of them live in America.. maybe I should do a UK only list next time.

Sara Wright is working within marketing and is currently researching motorcycle servicing Scotland

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