Take A Vacation Like This On Your Motorcycle
Are you an adventurer? Do you have the spirit of a wanderer? If so, then the hottest new trend in vacation travel, a motorcycle vacation, may be just the ticket for you. Whatever countryside you enjoy, and whatever bike you ride, a motorcycle vacation promises great fun and entertainment.
Imagine a history buff that uses a motorcycle to explore old Civil War battlefields. Wilson's Creek in southwest Missouri, Pea Ridge in Northwest Arkansas, and the site of the battle of West Port near the Plaza in modern day Kansas City are all easily accessible by bike. Or, if exploring the west is more your thing, take a trek out west, starting in Sedalia, the scene of the first recorded cattle drive in history. Then on your bike trace the other cattle towns of the old west like Wichita, Parsons and Dodge City in Kansas. Then keep heading west to Colorado the mile high state and visit Estes Park. Go a little south and visit Colorado Springs, park your bike for a day and take a tour of the Air Force Academy and look at the grounds of Cheyenne Mountain, home of Norad.
Still yearning for more western adventure, then you can ride your motorcycle to New Mexico and visit Lincoln County where Billy the Kid and his Regulators raised a ruckus in the 1880's. New Mexico has great camping in the mountains near Cloudcroft, so be sure to take the opportunity to visit and if you feel up to it, sleep under the stars, with your trusty motorcycle near you, like a cowboy's horse.
While in New Mexico the Apache reservation at Riodosa offers a chance to try your luck at slot machines and the wheel of fortune. Then a visit to a great Mexican restaurant and on to the town of Roswell, site of the 1947 UFO crash that some people say made history. When you get to Roswell you can either take your bike to a campground, or park it at a nice reasonably priced motor hotel so that you can spend some time in the UFO Museum and Research Center on Main Street. While there you can visit with some witnesses to the crash and hear some fascinating stories, and take a side trip out to the ranch outside of town where debris was found, and some say small alien bodies were recovered. When you've seen all the UFO sites you feel like seeing, you can visit the Robert Goddard Museum next door to the Town's convention center. Goddard is the father of modern rocket science. He performed many of his experiments in the desert near Roswell and the museum is great fun. When you get done in Roswell, then hop on the bike and go to Albuquerque near Holloman Air Force Base, and then on down to White Sands rocket test ground. New Mexico is full of interesting sites. If you head up north, be sure to his Santa Fe and appreciate the Native American arts and crafts on display.
Next stop on your bike tour should be Las Vegas, Nevada. The most exciting town on earth is just a hop, skip and bike ride away. Here's a chance to really gamble, or if you don't like to bet, then just stop in at one of the casinos to try a very low priced, delicious buffet. It seems like all the casinos have great buffets and try to outdo each other. You'll enjoy them all. Remember too that this is a town made for entertainment. Try one of the shows on the strip, or a comedy club or magic act.
Now, after visiting Las Vegas, it may be time to go on to the one place that no motorcycle vacation can be complete without visiting, Sturgis. The town of Sturgis, North Dakota is legendary among those who ride motorcycles, and the town people know how to make a biker welcome. Stop in for a root beer and buy a T-shirt as a souvenir of your trip. You'll be glad you did, and you'll remember your motorcycle vacation for years to come. Hop on your biike, be it hog or Honda, and enjoy the ride.
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Gregg Hall is a consultant for online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get motorcycle gear and accessories at www.motorcyclegearandaccessories.com
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Staying Safe Is Always In Fashion With The Best Biker Gear
The leather jacket is perhaps one of the biggest wardrobe staples for a motorcycle enthusiast. After all, who can picture a Harley rider without a great jacket? But there's more to biker gear than just looks.
The leather jacket itself is the favored option for many riders for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the protection leather can provide. Riding a bike is serious business and the safety gear a biker buys should be a top priority. From leather jackets to helmets, biker gear must speak to safety first. To do otherwise, is to make a bad call that can cost a lot.
Looking for great biker gear requires a few things. Here are some basic rules of thumb to help you look for the best whether it's pants, jackets, helmets or gloves:
* Safety: Whether you're looking at jackets or a new helmet, safety should be the top priority. Clothing should protect the skin from harmful falls and scraps as much as possible. It should also be rated by proper authorities in the case of helmets. There's no second chance to buy something that will help you withstand a crash, so making sure gear is meant to help you survive is the absolute most important thing you can do. Helmets should provide good visibility, eye protection and basic shock absorption. Clothing should stand up to basic scrapes.
* Comfort: Motorcycle gear should be comfortable. This even includes helmets. Whether you're buying gloves, a jacket or more, the clothing and gear you buy should feel right. It should breath and it should offer maximum movement. A tight, tight leather jacket that doesn't enable you to move your arms correctly, is not appropriate. Neither is a helmet that blocks your vision.
* Durability. Good gear is expensive. To make the most of your money, it pays to shop around and find the best fit, the greatest safety features, the most comfort and the best durability chances. Weatherproof materials and those rated for protection in crashes are good ideas.
* Appearance. This doesn't fall in line with the safety factor, but for some it can. If something doesn't look good, you won't feel good wearing it. So, to make sure you remember to don all your biker gear before you ride, buy items you enjoy wearing. Get that special leather jacket (as long as it offers the right movement) and do buy the helmet of your dreams if it's rated for safety and fits your head. There's nothing wrong with looking good while being safe.
Motorcyclists know there's often no turning back from a crash. The clothing you wear and the helmet on your head are what's there to protect you, your skin and your head in the event of a crack up. Be smart and buy the best. Shop around for comfort and fit and don't compromise on appearance, but most of all make sure what you buy will do its job. Biker gear is there to protect you. Buy the best for you and it just might save your life.
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Motorcylce helmets and biker gear.
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www.motorbikeinsurancehq.com
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Affordable Fun Transportation via Scooter
With gas prices continuing to climb, many are looking for ways to lessen the cost of traveling, especially for the commute to work or school. There are many ways to do this. Some people carpool. Some utilize public transportation system and others walk. Some are switching to smaller cars. And some are going to one of the cheapest forms of motor transportation available - scooters.
Scooters can get amazing gas mileage to make your stops to the gas station few and far between. And some scooters are electric, making gas and motor oil unnecessary. However, they aren't always practical if you have a very long commute.
Scooters that are street legal can generally keep up with the speed limits inside city limits, but not always outside. They are very practical and useful for those who don't have to travel a long way outside of city limits. However, traveling thirty miles an hour could make a forty mile trip take a lot longer than it should.
Not all scooters are too slow for the open highway. Keep in mind what you are looking for when you go looking for a scooter. Ask any questions that you should ask, such as how fast a particular scooter should go, whether it should go off road, and general maintenance.
Now that you've heard the one downside of driving a scooter, you may be a little turned off. You may think that scooters are too slow and they are only for dweebs and those who have nowhere to go. However, you should know that the dweeb image is being turned around. There is actually scooter racing, even on the little scooters. Thirty-five miles an hour may seem really slow on the open highway, but on a racing track it can be very fast. These little engines can actually get the average person pretty far off of the ground.
A scooter could be great for your child's first mode of transportation. Not only can they take them to work and school and back, they can do it cheaply. Also, most adolescent wrecks happen when multiple people are in the vehicle. That is not really an option on a scooter, which may help lessen the parental worry.
Also, scooters and their fuel, if any and maintenance can be very affordable for a person with a low paying or part time job. This can be great for the student with only an after school job.
Scooters can be great for economic efficiency, but they can also be for recreational purposes, depending on what type of scooter you purchase. Keep in mind your purpose for getting a scooter when you purchase one. If it is for riding around town, make sure that you get a model that is street legal.
Electric scooters are not only economically efficient; they are good for the environment. Without the gas and oil to burn, electric motors create less pollution for a environmental friendly ride.
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For more information about this fun and economical transportation alternative, visit Electric Scooter Life
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Buying Used Motorcycles
There are lots of motorcycles to see and decide about especially if you want to buy used motorcycles. With these babies you really need to know what you want and need other wise you are definitely heading for trouble. When you start your search for used motorcycles check out the various well known and if possible reputed motorcycle dealers.
These are the places where you will find great bargains when you decide that you want to buy used motorcycles. You can also see what the internet has in the way of used motorcycle dealerships. From these you can see what the various types of used motorcycles are like and if they fit your plans.
When you have chosen a few different bikes find out what the selling price is first off. This way you can figure out if you want to spend your money on this road monster or if you want to shop around for a couple of other models. Now on the off chance that the price of the motorcycle is what you have earmarked to buy used motorcycles then you need to go much deeper into the motorcycles various attributes.
From looking at its engine size to finding out where you can take this bike there are lots of items that you need to investigate. Of course if the dealer or person who is selling the motorcycles has no time or doesn't want you to check the bike out then you should drop the matter like a hot potato.
Any motorcycle that you can't check out to see if it's in good condition for you has lots of flaws and problems that are being hidden. Therefore spending your money to buy used motorcycles that have way too many problems is ridiculous unless you want to buy used motorcycles that are of a vintage make and style.
Now when you start your investigation, first look over the tires and see if they are in good shape. Any tires that are worn out will need to be replaced immediately. You should see if then braking mechanism and the engine are also in good working condition. To find this matter out ask if you can take a test drive. With a test drive you can get the feel of the motorcycle.
There is one important consideration that you will need to take into account before you buy used motorcycles. The matter of vehicle insurance and registration must be taken care of before you start riding your new motorcycle. So you will need to find out from the seller or the owner what the status of these items is like. You should clear this matter up before you buy any used motorcycles.
When you want to buy used motorcycles there are many items that you will need to take into account before you can begin the joy of motorcycle riding. For this very reason take the time to choose a good condition used motorcycle.
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Impressive Motorcycles is an informative resources site on everything Motorcycles related. Find out how Impressive Motorcycles can expand your horizons.
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Some Great Tips To Help You Choose The Right Motorcycle
When you're getting ready to buy a new bike you have to think about what kind of riding you want to do, how much money you're willing to spend, and how dependable the motorcycle is that you're thinking of purchasing. It's also a good idea to take some special courses about riding a motor bike, if you've never done so before, and to get a special endorsement on your license saying that you have that training.
It doesn't matter if you're a novice or an experienced rider, you still probably have a lot to learn and going to a course can do you a lot of good. Another advantage is that you might get a reduced rate on insurance if you've been to one of these courses. In Ohio, the classes are required and it is not legal to operate a motorcycle without the special classification on your license. Check the list of organizations at the end of this article for information about where to take classes.
If you haven't had that much experience, according to one large dealer, it is a good idea to get a smaller bike. They are easier to maintain, and less likely to be seriously damaged in the event of a fall or a minor collision. Large, faster bikes have larger displacement engines and design that emphasize speed over durability in the case of a small collision, so they are not advisable for new riders. For example if you drop a small bike it might cost fifty bucks to fix, but one of the bigger bikes would run you several hundred dollars to fix if the same thing happens.
For those of you with a few years experience under your belt who want to step up to the next level of motorcycling, buy a motorcycle that suits your needs. Do you want to ride on a track, on dirt, or on the open road? How much are you looking to spend? What kind of payments are you able to afford after paying maintenance, gas and insurance? There's most likely going to be a loan agent right there at the dealership that can set you up with a loan. Get approved for a loan and you'll be able to figure out what kind of motorcycle you can afford.
Check in the Internet, magazines, and the dealership and ask your friends what they can tell you about prices and quality of motorcycles within your range. Find out what kind of report the bikes you like are getting from people who ride them every day. Ask around and make sure to get several opinions. It never hurts to hear what other people think.
Compare the benefits of buying new compared to buying a used cycle. New bikes come with a warranty, and old ones may have hidden problems that you can't see before you have ridden them for a while. The advantage, of course, is price.
Is it better to buy a motorcycle from a dealer or from an individual? You can get a good one at a good price from an individual if you're lucky. The advantage of buying from a dealer is that the dealer has a reputation at stake and would not want to sell you a dud. There's a lot to think about. If you're a good mechanic you would be less scared of finding a few problems in the engine, and you might be willing to take a chance. If you don't know much about fixing bikes you might want to play it safe.
In the end it's up to you. Just think it out and be careful to make the right decision.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as motorcycle clothing at www.motorcycleaccessoriesplus.com
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Why Is the Honda Silver Wing Scooter So Popular?
The Honda Silver Wing scooter is one of the more popular scooters on the market. With the Honda name, consumers are confident that they are purchasing a superior quality scooter when they invest in the Silver Wing.
Scooters are becoming more popular with people looking for easy, efficient and affordable transportation. From small towns to major cities, scooters like this one are seen as a great alternative to more costly cars.
The scooter is ideal for city living where gridlock traffic, expensive parking costs, and high gas prices have many consumers looking for alternatives to their cars. Mass transportation is often considered unsafe or inconvenient and that is why scooters are becoming more popular in large cities around the world.
Long a staple of cities in Europe, many more American cities are seeing a rise in popularity of scooters like this one. Known for performance, reliability and efficiency, this scooter by Honda is a highly cost-effective alternative to even a sub-compact car.
People living in rural communities that need to go long distances quickly and efficiently are also turning to scooters as a cost-effective alternative to cars and trucks which guzzle down gas a little too quickly for most consumers' wallets. The Honda name makes consumers much more comfortable when investing in a scooter, as Honda has become synonymous with excellence.
The Silver Wing is among the more popular scooters because of its style, function, versatility and price tag. Many consumers are looking for information on where to purchase this scooter as well as its parts and accessories. The Internet has become a source of information on scooters in general as well as the Silver Wing specifically for those who have their heart set on these amazing scooters by Honda.
You can see what the fuss is all about. After one test drive of this scooter you will see why it is a champion among scooters. The sleek design and superior performance puts this scooter in a league of its own. Its reputation for reliability also makes it a practical choice among the competition. The perfect combination of form and function, the Silver Wing is a great investment.
Honda's full line of cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters are considered the class of the industry and that is why among scooters, Silver Wing seems to fly higher than the rest of the competition.
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Byran Kempa for Scooter Source Online - a resource site providing information on scooters such as the honda silverwing .
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Making your Harley Faster, Louder, and more Powerful with Custom Motorcycle Parts
If you want to turn your average chopper into a loud, roaring, customized machine, there are a few custom motorcycle parts that can make a big impact. The aftermarket custom motorcycle parts listed here are generally in the $150 to $500 range and don't require a degree from the Jesse James School of custom bike building to install. Take a look at these simple modifications that can make a big difference in sound, and performance of your Harley.
Big Growler Exhausts:
What's a chopper if it doesn't rumble? The Big Growler Exhaust system will turn the heads of even those sealed inside their super luxury cars, and make them wish they had the freedom a burley Harley. The long straight pipe makes this exhaust system "un-muffled" amplifying every hum and grind of the engine as it accelerates and cruises. When it comes to custom motorcycle parts, the couple hundred dollars for the exhaust is a great value.
Yost Power Tube:
One way to get a lot of power with custom motorcycle parts for a little cash is with the Yost Power Tube. More power comes from increased combustion efficiency and there's no better way to achieve this than with the Power Tube. The kit from Yost includes a spacer for even greater power and throttle. The power tube works with all of the S&S Series B, E, & G Harleys and is one of the custom motorcycle parts that most weekend bike enthusiasts can install themselves.
Spyke Ignitions:
An ignition kit is another of the inexpensive custom motorcycle parts that makes a big impact. Spyke aftermarket ignitions have more power than the factory ignition, dyno-proven power gains, and aggressive ignition curves. This aftermarket part also reduces kickback and strain and allows for customized timing based on engine modifications.
Carburetors:
After market carburetors are another one of the first aftermarket parts people modify on their Harley. The job of the carburetor is to mix the right amount of gas with air to produce the torque that fuels the bike. Too little gas and the engine runs lean, too much gas and the engine will flood. The Mikuni is one of the most effective for pulling in air among the aftermarket carburators. More air flowing through means more peak power.
Once you get started modifying your bike with aftermarket custom motorcycle parts, you'll most likely find scores of other projects to fill your time. In a lot of cases, the custom motorcycle parts produced by aftermarket companies surpass the look and performance of stock parts. Modifying the engine, ignition, and exhaust is a great place to start to make big changes to your stock bike. Later, with modifications to the handlebars, mirrors, gas tank, tires, and paint job can create a completely unique looking bike with a lot of power, speed, and noise.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Author is a writer for Jireh Cycles which specializes in custom motorcycle parts . For additional information you can visit www.JirehCycles.com .
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Some Of The Basics Of Motorcycling For Those Unfamiliar With Biking
It is essential to understand how a motorcycle works before you take it out on the road. Lack of preparation and knowledge can lead to serious tragedies.
How does a bike stay upright?
This is a common question. Think back to riding a bicycle. Everyone knows that a stationary bike is going to tip over. However, when the bike is in motion it never tips. This baffles many people.
The answer lies within the realm of gravity and physics. Motion creates friction. Friction applied with subtle balancing techniques of the rider's body help maintain a balanced bike.
Take a simpler example. Balancing a stick upright in your hand is a guarantee that the stick will tip over. If you move your hand, however, the stick will stay upright. The trick is to keep the object in motion.
How does a motorcycle operate?
Throughout the twentieth century, motorcycles have seen some changes. In the end, however, the motorcycles are all operated in the same manner. First things first, you have to turn the motorcycle on. Motorcycles come with either a key ignition with a push button start or a kick starter that turns the engine on.
The throttle increases the flow of gas to the engine resulting in increased speed. This throttle is your right handle grip. To move forward, the engine needs that gas.
Meanwhile, the clutch helps change gears. The left hand grip houses the clutch level. You pull it in to change gears and then release at a consistent and slow speed.
The pedal under your left foot is the gearshift. You use this pedal with the clutch to change gears, either up or down. The higher the gear, the faster you are moving.
The right handle grip also houses the lever for the front brakes. The front brakes contain up to 80% of your braking power. Pulling the lever towards you provides you with friction needed to slow and eventually stop your motorcycle. Again, you must pull the lever slowly and fluidly or you can brake too suddenly and flip.
A pedal on the right side under the foot contains the brakes for the rear tire. You should use the front and rear brakes together to prevent excessive brake wear.
A few higher priced motorcycle models have linked brakes. Here the brakes work in tandem by pressing the brake pedal under the right foot. They utilize disc brakes for all stopping and can create a smoother stop by gently using the disc to put pressure on the tires.
Almost all motorcycles have a kill switch. In certain cases, turning off the key from the seat can cause the motorcycle to go off balance and tip. Another example of kill switch use would be if you fall from your bike and need to turn the engine off to prevent further damage. In both cases, the kill switch prevents additional injury.
Other items that can be installed to increase performance include the mileage gauges, suspension, GPS tracking, and defogging mirrors. Not every bike will have these items, but many do.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as motorcycle gear at www.motorcycleaccessoriesplus.com
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The Wonderful World of Motorcycles
Motorbikes are considered heartthrobs in the automotive world. Bikes are conventional and normal bikes are used by ordinary, middleclass people who can not afford to buy themselves a car. It would not be an over statement that 90 percent of people who step into their professional lives and start earning buy a motor bike as a means of transportation. They can take their feet off the ground and flutter away on their vehicles.
These motorcycles are economical in many ways. Some third world countries have stared producing their local scooters and bikes so that almost any person who manages to save a little amount of money can afford a scooter easily.
This goes for countries that are on their way towards development. Motor bikes are not hard to assemble and there are people who have managed to build their very own bikes.
It does not consume as much fuel as cars do and they can easily adjust themselves between cars in the parking lot!
It is hard to categorize bikes because now the ordinary Yamahas are beginning to come in the markets with the same features as those of trail or heavy bikes. Not exactly the same but a lot of features are being installed in all kinds of bikes. They are now more comfortable and smooth to ride on.
Bikes are of numerous types. An ATV drift has become dominant over the past few years. In ATV there is a raptor 700R GYTR edition it's key features are much more advanced. It is appealing for bike lovers as it has special graphics system, all new skid plates and more powerful engine that can make this bike race in all sorts of riding environments. It is capable of riding smoothly in deserts, dunes and even thick woods. It is basically a sports bike and it is used in bike racing and over the years it has earned the reputation of the best racer in the world.
Such bikes are expensive and belong to the sporting world. They used to be rather plain featured as we have seen the trail bikes that come with extra shocks and special wheels. The latest bikes have no comparison; they are a complete package. Their bodies are light weight; they have bigger, smoother, comfortable cushion seats. And their over all performance is much more satisfying than people could imagine. Motorbikes are a joy to ride.
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Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Automotive , Business , and Recreation
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Basic Care of Your Motorcycle
Owning a motorcycle is not only fun but can also be expensive when you consider the purchase price and insurance costs. Then lets not forget the add-ons like chrome and those little doodads that make that bike your own.
Doing a daily walk around and then a major weekly inspection of your bike can save you a ton of money and prevent down time. Just getting into the habit of doing it will not only keep you out on the road but will keep you from pulling out your wallet and helping your mechanic pay for his new ride.
The best way to do this is use your owners manual that came with your bike. All the recommendations you need to follow are in there. Below are some highlights of what you may find in your manual. These are just generalizations and it is best to always refer to your own manual.
Daily/Weekly Walk Around:
First thing to check are your tires. Motorcycles don't turn like cars do, they lean into a turn and with that said they are the most important item on your bike. Tires that are improperly inflated, squared off, cupped, cracked or have weather checking on the sidewalls is not a good thing. If you hate the idea of kissing the pavement or sliding through an intersection then make sure you have the proper tire pressure set.
Your owners manual will tell you what they suggest for a pressure for the tires that came with your bike, but if you have replaced your tires it is best to set the pressure to what is on the sidewall of the new tire. You'll need a pressure gauge and they can be had pretty cheap at any auto parts store. You'll also want to roll your bike forward to look at the tread to see if there are any small pebbles or gravel stuck between them. If there are some you can remove them with your key or a blunt tool to prevent puncturing the tire. This should be a daily check.
Look under your motorcycle for any fluid leaks. Fluid leaks are the cause of most down times. Your bike needs all of its fluids and when it leaks the leaking part can cause another system to fail which means more money to your mechanic and him closer to getting his new ride paid off.
If you spot a puddle of fluid under your motorcycle the next thing to do is look from where the puddle is and move your eyes up towards the top end of the bike. With a keen eye you should be able to locate the source of the leak and then be able to determine if the leak is an in shop repair or a D.I.Y. fix.
Next you are going to want to check your lights. With the ignition on you can do a walk around checking both right and left turn signals, emergency flashers, tail light and low and high beam operation of the headlight. Depending on the size of your bike and location of the tail light will determine whether or not you can see if the brake light is working off the foot and hand brake lever.
If you don't have someone handy that can look at your tail light you can simple aim the rear of the bike towards a closed garage door or place something reflective behind your bike so you can see that flash of red when you apply the brakes.
Bike on kick or centerstand engine off:
Here is a good time to check engine, transmission and brake fluids. Each bike has different locations for checking these fluids and it is best to refer to the owners manual for the proper way to check them. Add the proper amount of fluid if needed. You will also want to check the drive chain or with some bikes the final drive belt for proper tension and any defects. This should be done on a weekly basis.
Some of today's bikes are shaft driven as well as having a cooling system. So you will want to check those levels and any cooling lines for leakage or cracking in the hoses.
Power On - Your Battery:
Most batteries are maintenance free and do not provide for fluid level top off. If you are still using a non maintenance free battery then you can remove the small caps (usually yellow) and check to make sure there is enough water in each cell. Put distilled water in batteries, never use tap water unless that is all that is available. Also check the connections for tightness and corrosion. If they are corroded or loose take them off and clean them and tighten them up. This should be done weekly.
Whoa Nellie - Your Brakes:
Depending on the model of the bike you have, master cylinder location varies. Use your owners manual to find the location and proper way to inspect and fill if needed. It is also important to use the brake fluid that is recommended by the manufacture. Brake fluids come with different DOT ratings. Never mix brake fluids, the incorrect rating can cause severe brake failure. Make sure your brake fluid is kept full and if you have to keep topping it off then check your brake lines and calipers for wetness. One other place that is always forgotten is at the brake light switch that works the rear brake light. It is usually inline with a "T" fitting and they have been known to leak. Maintained and working brakes are very important they keep you from becoming a hood ornament on someone's car. They should be checked daily.
Go Juice - Your Fuel System:
Check the fuel lines from the gas tank to the carburetor for loose clamps, cracks and hardness. Also check the gasket on the bottom of the gas cap for cracks. If you have any doubts about what is acceptable always refer to your owners manual or ask your mechanic. This should be checked daily.
Bike on kick or centerstand engine running:
Before starting your bike always make sure it is in neutral and it doesn't hurt to pull the clutch lever in to be on the safe side. With ignition on look at the dash to make sure the neutral indicator light is showing green and that the oil light is on if you have one. When you see the oil pressure light on this is a good indicator that the oil pressure switch hasn't failed and is doing its job.
Now you can hit the starter button to turn the motor over. Listen for any strange grinding noises which would indicate improper meshing of the starter gear and flywheel. Once the bike has started and is idling set it back on its kick stand and visually look at the motor. Any serious shaking could mean a busted front, top or rear engine mount.
Listen to the exhaust system at the heads and where the muffler connects to the head pipe for leaks. Give the motor a once over for any fluid leaks especially from the fuel system. Leaking gas on a hot engine means fire and not only damage to the bike but injury to yourself. Besides a BBQ is suppose to be fun and not require a fire extinguisher.
By taking the time to do a daily and weekly walk around before going on a ride can make the difference between the wind in your face and the sun on your back or taking the bus.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
For more Transport Articles by Ian Williamson please visit www.real-articles.com/Category/Transport/144
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Spruce Up Your Scooter
Scooters are the most common form of two wheelers and are a safe mode of conveyance for those who cannot afford the luxury of four wheelers. So what is it about the scooters that make them so desirable over their other counter parts? Well, technological advancements these days have been successful in converting a simple scooter to a glorified two- wheeler. Not to forget, the various add-ons and upgrades that have elevated the position of scooters to a far more respectable level.
The scooter world has undergone a major evolution and this has resulted in the origination of motor scooters, electric scooters, mobility scooters and so on. The upgrades available for the scooters mentioned above are specific to each scooter and may be available with the manufacturer or other retailers that he might suggest. Arm-rests, cushions, baskets are some add-ons that can greatly increase the appeal of scooters while motors, engines, tyres and brakes are those accessories which can enhance its functionality and performance.
Baskets, lockable trunks, handle bar grips, mirrors, seat covers, kid's seat, extra battery charger are some of the extras that you can add on to your scooter.
However it is always recommended that you buy your scooter from a reputed dealer and ensure that all its accessories are covered by a warranty. This ensures that if the scooter parts suffer any wear and tear during the usage they can be easily replaced without you having to spend a fat sum on them. Moreover buying accessories from a genuine dealer will also guard you against buying duplicate parts, which are rampant all over the market at cheaper prices.
Before buying any upgrades for your scooter always mention your model number to the dealer so that he is able to supply you with only those parts that will be compatible with your scooter. Buying mismatched parts would mean a wasteful expenditure since some dealers adhere to very strict exchange policies and don't readily want to exchange the parts that have once been sold.
To ensure that all your scooter parts and accessories are in a good condition remember to get them serviced at regular intervals. This will be helpful in bringing to your notice those parts that need to be immediately replaced.
So if you already own a scooter and are thinking of all the ways and means to spruce it up, then go the stores to find out about the latest add-ons and accessories that can add a touch of class to your possession.
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Jason Uvios Writes about on Spruce Up Your Scooter to visit :- scooter repair guides and derestrict a scooter
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Are Biker Boots Really Necessary Functional Or Just For Looks?
When people think about the image of a biker, one of the first things they think about besides the tattoos is the stereotypical black riding boots. In years past you would never see a biker out for a cruise without his boots. These days with the popularity of sport bikes and what we call "rice rockets" you see people riding them with tennis shoes on and you will see business people riding their motorcycle to work with dress loafers on. For hardcore bikers, this may seem to be sacrilegious but it is happening more and more. So, are riding boots really a functional necessity or just for looks?
If you have the nerve to walk up to a biker and ask him if his boots are functional or just for looks and whether they would ride their bike without them you will find that they would not get on their bike without their boots. Though you may be hard pressed to get an in depth explanation from them if you push a little they will tell you that while they like the look of their boots, the main reason they wear them is for protection.
There are inherent risks that we take when participating in biking but wearing motorcycle boots eliminates many of them. One of the first injuries that many bikers get is a burned leg from their own exhaust. This is a horrible injury that can take several weeks to heal and will still result in a large scar. By wearing the tall riding boots you are much less likely to be burned.
Of course there are many other reasons for wearing protective footwear, leathers, and helmets not the least of which is the risk of injury from being involved in an accident. Wearing thick leather pants and jackets can save your skin if you lay your bike down in an accident and the boots will save your feet. A helmet should always be worn, even if you don't think it is cool. I have seen several people who have died in minor accidents because of head injuries that would have been avoided if they had worn a helmet.
Even though bikers will say that their reason for wearing the boots is mostly for protection, the classic biker look is a reason as well. I have friends who wear their biker gear even if they are driving their trucks. If you were to bring up the example of a sport bike rider wearing tennis shoes, they will tell you that observation makes their point that those people aren't real bikers. Let's face it some guy with a flashy windbreaker and tennis shoes riding a little rice rocket doesn't make you want to lock your doors when he rides by, now does he?
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as motorcycle boots at www.westernandworkboots.com
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Leather Motorcycle Jackets Are About More Than Looks
There's no denying a leather motorcycle jacket looks cool, really cool. But, the purchase should be about a whole lot more than looks. A good leather jacket can serve as a great layer of extra protection in the event of an accident. This alone makes a smart jacket an important purchase - one that's worthy of careful consideration.
Since there's no guarantees in life, a good motorcycle jacket is a smart buy for bikers for a number of reasons. They include:
* A leather motorcycle jacket can serve as an armor layer to protect the rider in the event of a crash. While it won't help with metal on body impacts, a good jacket will take some of the punishment from road burns and so on. Since a lot of damage in minor crashes comes from the pavement itself, it's a good idea to have this extra layer of protection. While the jacket can't protect bones and major organs, it can save the skin from some serious issues in certain cases.
* Leather jackets are designed to keep riders warm while offering some breathing room. The design of leather is generally favored because of the breathing factor, but in really cold conditions, padding can make it very warm. Depending on the jacket purchased and the climate involved, the buy can be suitable for year round use.
* Appearance. A leather motorcycle jacket just seems to go with biking about as much as helmets.
Now that you know why it's smart to buy a leather jacket, it's time to find out how to shop for one. Buying a motorcycle jacket, or any leather jacket for that matter, can be a pretty big financial investment. It pays to shop around while doing so smartly. Consider these things before buying:
* Pick a style jacket you like so you can comparatively shop with a bit of knowledge in your pocket.
* Set a spending limit. A good leather motorcycle jacket can cost you hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Inasmuch, it's just plain smart to set a limit on how much you're willing to spend for a jacket.
* Check local retailers, online and even in outlet stores for the best motorcycle jackets you can find. Look for the styles and colors you desire, but pay even more attention to quality. While it's great to look good, that jacket better be of good quality if you end up in an accident.
Once you pick your leather jacket out, don't forget to take care of it. A good leather jacket will offer many years of wear, but it needs to be pampered a bit. Take care to clean off spots regularly with a dampened cloth and seek professional cleaning advice for major spills.
A leather motorcycle jacket is an investment that can last a life time. And, it's one that can pay off in big rewards. Take some time in picking one out and remember to care for it properly to get the maximum use out of it.
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Motorcycle Riding Apparel
For my birthday this year, I'm treating myself to a brand-new Suzuki GSX-R. I've never owned a street-legal bike before, but after testing out a friend's GSX-R, I knew I had to buy one. These bikes just look so good and are so exciting to ride that I can't wait to get my very own!
But I'm also very big on safety, and will do everything in my power to ensure that I have only safe rides on my new bike. For example, I'm going to take a weekend safety course for motorcyclists at my local community college and I'm going to obey all the rules of the road when I'm out for a ride. Most importantly, I'm going to buy appropriate riding apparel and make sure I always wear a helmet when I throw a leg over my bike.
Motorcycle riding apparel is an important component of bike safety that many riders overlook. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys (and gals) on the road in only a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. That's a recipe for disaster, if you ask me. Proper riding apparel, such as leather jackets, gloves, boots, and maybe even pants, is necessary for protection in the event of an accident. I'm not going to outfit myself like a Hell's Angel wannabe or anything like that, but I am going to make sure I wear the correct apparel whenever I'm on my bike.
In fact, I decided to buy some riding apparel even before I took delivery of my new GSX-R. I went down to a couple of dealerships in the area and checked out their selection of apparel, but didn't find anything I liked. The stuff they had in stock wasn't to my taste at all and was pretty expensive to boot. I then got the idea of searching for motorcycle apparel on the Internet. I didn't know if that would be a cost-effective move since most gear is heavy and would probably be expensive to ship. But I decided to give it a try anyway.
I'm glad I did, because I found that a lot of dealerships from all over the country routinely sell discount motorcycle apparel on their websites. The prices on these products were very reasonable, plus the shipping costs wouldn't be nearly as high as I had feared. In short, I ended up ordering two complete sets of apparel and will definitely go back for more whenever I need something new.
Now that I've got my motorcycle riding apparel, I'll be ready to take that brand-new GSX-R out for a spin as soon as it gets here! I know how much fun motorcycles can be, but I also know that there are some real dangers involved. That's why I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks and why I'll always wear protective motorcycle riding apparel out on the road.
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Totally Helmets is an informative resources site on Helmets . Find out how Totally Helmets can expand your horizons.
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A Look At Some Of The Different Motorcycle Engines
Motorcycles have been around for more than ten decades. During this time, motorcycle engines have developed through tweaking and reworking items to get the best performance. There have been more than one dozen engines, but some never met with success. Cost efficiency and customer satisfaction brought failure to a number of motorcycle engines.
All motorcycle engines are fueled by gasoline. To best understand engine types, it is important to understand how an engine works.
A pole called a rod cranks inside the engine and creates a draft that pulls both gasoline and air into a chamber called the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, a piston and rod quickly move up to push the gasoline and air into a smaller space where it meets the spark plug. The spark plug produces a spark between its two metal pieces.
Once the spark plug gives off a spark, the gasoline and air explode. This pushes the piston down, which in turn drives the belt or chain. This action is called torque. The movement of the belt or chain causes the rear wheel of the motorcycle to revolve. A motorcycle's performance is determined by how many cylinders are inside the engine and how they are arranged.
Single cylinder engine:
A single cylinder engine has one cylinder and one piston. Single cylinder engines are used in all off road motorcycles. The single cylinder provides a lot of torque, but also a load of vibration. The vibration is loud and one of the qualities that dirt bike race fans crave during a race.
Twin cylinder engine:
Logically, twin cylinder engines have two cylinders. The cylinders are placed together at an angle. Usually the cylinders are positioned at a 90 degree angle, but there are exclusions to that standard. A twin cylinder engine produces more power because there is more torque and more fuel used. Twin cylinder engines do not vibrate as much as a single cylinder engine.
Now, as stated above, there are exceptions. The boxed or boxer design finds cylinders placed side by side. This produces even less vibration, but adds a new issue. The cylinders tend to jut out the side of the bike, which makes it hard to take sharp corners. Another issue is the tremendous heat that the cylinders project; it makes leg protection a necessary evil.
Triple Cylinder Engines
A three cylinder engine finds the cylinders included in a head. This type of engine offers a load of power, but it also requires more parts. Each cylinder requires an additional fuel injector and carburetor. The more cylinders included on an engine, the higher the engine RPM. More RPM means more power. Triumph makes motorcycles using three cylinders and boy can they fly!
Four Cylinder Engines
The four cylinder engine is just like the three cylinder engine only it has the additional cylinder and therefore weighs more. As is true of any engine, more cylinders equal more power and smoother sailing.
It is important to consider how much size and power you require in your motorcycle. If you are taking your bike off road, you need a bike with plenty of torque and a low rpm to make it up hills and quickly navigate corners. For off roading, stick with a single cylinder. A double cylinder is your second choice.
If your main purpose for riding a motorcycle is riding through traffic and along roads, do not purchase a bike with less than a twin cylinder engine, although a three or four cylinder engine is a better idea.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as motorcycle parts at www.motorcycleaccessoriesplus.com
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What You Need To Know About Your Motorcycle Tires
There are certain things that everyone should know about their tires and the type of tires their motorcycle uses. They must know how a tire is made, how it should be taken care of, how it needs to be put on and taken off, how to deal with minor problems that arise, and the necessary steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe ride. These things are not difficult to learn, if you've the time. In fact, they're listed below.
Know what size of tire is appropriate to your bike. This is determined by many factors, but most of all by your wheels' rim width and diameter. Tires cannot be wider or narrower than the originals that came with your motorcycle, they have to be the same width, and they have to be the same diameter. Otherwise, they will make your bike handle incorrectly, which can lead to an accident.
Know what is the right amount of pressure for your tires, and know as well that air pressure will get higher as the tire's temperature goes up. So, for instance, if you are riding in winter, and you pump air into your tire when it is at ambient temperature, there will potentially be a great change as the tire heats up due to the friction of riding. So you will need to check your air pressure as needed, to make sure that it doesn't exceed the maximum level advised by the manufacturer. Also, never let air out of a hot tire, or ride around on a tire that doesn't have enough air in it. This can ruin your tires or cause you to get into an accident.
Know how your tires are wearing. Keep an eye on the wear indicator in the tire grooves, which will let you know when you need to get new tires. If at any point on the tire the indicator is level with the surface of the tread, it is time to get a new tire.
Know what the valve is and how it works and make sure to use valve caps to keep air from escaping and dirt from entering your tires.
Know how to warm-up your tires. Tires don't handle or perform as well when they are cold, and cannot be rushed to temperature. When you first start up your motorcycle, take it easy, warming tires gradually until they are fully tempered. Then they will perform best, and most safely.
Know that the proper way to break-in your tires after warming them completely is to break them in with 25 miles or 50 kilometers of riding. This will gradually wear away a layer of tread and leave a fresh skin on your tires.
Know some basic repair techniques. This will save you hours and headaches when a problem happens. And, if all else fails, know the number of an expert repairman to use should the need arise.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as custom wheels at www.vintagewheelsplus.com
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A Leather Motorcycle Jacket - A Necessity Above All
Ok, you can call be boring if you like but am I the only person that cannot understand why motorcyclists do not wear good protective gear when riding either on the road or off road? I'm not that old fashioned to realize that looking cool means a lot to people but I also thought that a leather motorcycle jacket was cool. Well it was when Fonzie wore one! He, plus actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean for instance certainly made the leather motorcycle jacket very marketable indeed.
Sometimes I think more people who do not ride bikes wear these jackets for fashion than riders do for safety. I have seen guys in particular riding on the road without helmets or jackets, in fact they weren't even wearing shoes. Obviously they have not ever come off or they are just plain stupid.
In many countries and states wearing a helmet when riding is mandatory but wearing protective clothing such as a leather motorcycle jacket is not. Obviously the helmet can save lives by preventing fatal head injuries and clothes do not but they do help prevent permanent scarring and injuries that can become infected.
There are many different styles of jackets that can be purchased for protection. You can buy a very basic one to a fully padded style for racing or off road riding. You even have a wide choice of colors these days including motifs of your favorite brand such as Honda or Yamaha for example. If you are a Harley rider then nothing but black will do for you.
I do understand how expensive it is to buy a good bike and often people do not have enough money to spend on good protective gear to wear. But this should be thought about and added into the budget before purchase. Even if you start out with a jacket from the bottom of the price range until you can afford a dearer version. The fact is that even a cheaper leather motorcycle jacket is more protection than none at all.
These jackets are versatile in the way that you can wear them when you are not riding your bike as well as when riding. They are warm and very strong wearing. Yes they are expensive so that makes it even a better idea to wear them on and off the bike. Another good idea as well as a jacket is leather riding pants along with boots and gloves. There are so many positives to wearing this type of gear compared to the negatives.
If you ride off road you will know only too well how important this type of clothing is. But if you ride only on the road you may not and yet it is just as important for you to do so. You need to forget about looking cool and about playing safe. In fact if you do it right you will look cool and play it safe!
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Susan Dean is a successful webmaster and publisher of www.bestmotorcyclesguide.info She provides lots of handy hints and advice on motorcycles at her web site.
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