Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

The Rising Popularity of Harley Boots

2010-03-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

By Dona Rosa

William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson are held to be the founders of The Harley Davidson Motor Cycles Company. It was located in Milwaukee in Wisconsin. And ever since that fateful day on the 8th of September, in the year of 1904, the company has gone places and become one of the most famous bike companies of all time.

These bikes exude a remarkable feel of attitude, heightened masculinity and coolness. Just glimpsing at these bikes will surely convince you of their hallowed status in the history of motorbikes, both in the present and the past. The Harley Davidsons are over a century old, and that says something.

A Harley Davidson makes the rider feel like a veritable emperor. It has a habit of imparting a tremendous, overwhelming feeling of machismo and superiority to whoever rides it. And if you're a biker, you seriously can't go without Harley Davidson boots. Harley boots are hands down the most sought after boots for bikers everywhere, and for good reason. Not only are they extremely comfortable, they protect your feet from the elements when on a long ride and prevents any harm to come to it from possible dangers like friction on the road and the heat and the dust. They are also a brilliant fashion statement that makes you out to be the confident person you really are.

The Harley boots aren't solely for men; women look striking in a pair as well. Some of the brands which have become well known for manufacturing Harley Davidson boots for women are Trisha, Lardo, Paige, Hustin 11, Amanda. In case of men, they are: Hustin 11, Faded Glory, Amarillo, Brake Buckle 6" steel toe, Harness and Crossroads- Steel Toe, among others.

Safety is a very big issue when it comes to riding motorbikes over long stretches of road, often in the heat. There are many possible situations that might arise, that you have to be aware of before traversing roads on your motorbike. Crashes are unfortunately quite common, so you need to protect yourself by wearing protective gear like helmets. Leather jackets also offer a decent level of protection, depending also upon the quality of the jacket.

Perhaps the most neglected aspect of motorbike protection is wearing good quality motorcycle boots. Your feet, being so close to the road, are perhaps in most danger if a crash were ever to happen. There is the awful road rash, which can happen if your shoes and sneakers are torn off from your feet, and your ankles can also get hurt from torque on the roads if they don't possess any form of support. Your toes are liable to break, and cause a lot of pain, if you were to be caught in a roll over the road. See what people mean about road safety, especially if you're a biker? You can't emphasize on these points enough. Its imperative that you get good protective gear, and a good pair of motorcycle boots, unless you want to end up crippled or in a wheelchair.

Harley Davidson boots go brilliantly with the Harley Davidson bike. It gives you a chance to flaunt your sense of fashion, and comfort, and protection as well. As I said earlier, it also imparts a macho, cool look to the wearer.

Harley boots are available in most stores and outlets dealing with motorcycles and motorcycles accessories. You can also order Harley Davidsons specially, made of long lasting materials which are also of a much superior quality, offering superb levels of comfort and protection from injuries on the highway or the road.

How to Take Care of Your Motorcycle

2010-03-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

By Jenny Carson

It is important to care for your motorcycle. If you care for it, you will surely enjoy riding it for a long time. You have to maintain the condition of your bike regularly to be certain that you can rely on it anytime you want to go for a ride.

Before you can start taking care of your bike, you have to identify its type. This way, you will be able to understand its needs. There are several types of motorcycles just like there are several types of Harley Davidson motorcycle boots. You will not be able to find the right stuff, if you do not know what you are looking for.

Cruiser

If you are very familiar with your bike, you can disintegrate the parts and clean every detail of the machine. However, if you are not comfortable you can just wash the visible areas.

If you own a cruiser, you have to learn the proper way to clean it. This type of bike is the most difficult to clean. The first thing you need is a handful of soft towel. The coatings of your cruiser is soft, thus it needs softer towels. Although it can resist harsh weather conditions, using rough fabrics to clean it will scratch the coatings. You will also need brushes for certain portion of the bike. If you have a lifter for the motorcycle, it will make your job easier.

Before thorough washing, rinse the bike with water to wash the dirt away. After that, removing the remaining dirt will be easier.

Dirt Bikes

If you own this type of bike, it is important that you take note of what you can do to prevent damage on your bike. Instead of rebuilding and replacing some parts, use preventive grease. Use transmission oils and clean your motorcycle regularly. You will save more by investing in these preventive measures.

Since this type of bike takes most of the abuse, you should check it regularly for damage. Repair them right away as well. Clean it every after use. The grips and levers are the most vulnerable to damage. This is why you have to give it preferential attention. Check the tires as well, replace worn tires to prevent accidents caused by unreliable traction.

Superbikes

Many love having this type of motor because of speed. Since this is the case, it is important that the rider ensure the good condition of its motor. He has to change the fluid properly as well. Most importantly, he has to make sure that the tires are always in good shape.

In any bike, it is important to check all key parts even if it is not in use for a while. Make sure that you drain the fuel if you are going to store it for more than a month. Check the batteries especially during the winter.

Looking good does not only rely on your motorcycle accessories. Your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots will not be as attractive if you bike is not clean. It would not feel comfortable as well if you were having a bad day on the road.

The Impact of the Infamous Harley Davidson Motorcycle

2010-03-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

By Chet Val

The Harley Davidson motorcycle was and always will be an American icon. Although other American motorcycle companies have flourished, none has had the staying power of Harley. Over a hundred years after it's inception, the Harley Davidson motorcycle company is stronger and better received by the American public than ever before. Its line of motorcycles is diverse enough that it appeals to both men and women and priced for those on a wide range of budgets. The bikes themselves are only the start. The clothing, accessories, and memorabilia are an extension of the motorcycle and the entire concept of the Harley lifestyle reaches outward to interest just about anyone with a fascination of two-wheeled transportation.

Harley Davidson began its illustrious history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 1903. The pioneers were Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson and the entire operation was located inside of a wooden barn built by Mr Davidson's father. They would remain in the barn manufacturing their motorcycles until 1912 when they would relocate into a multi-level building, reportedly six stories high.

The Harley Davidson motorcycle company was started with the design of a one cylinder engine which developed specifically for racing and grew from there. In 1905 they had produced eleven motorcycles and by 1908 the number had grown to one hundred fifty four. By 1912 they had begun to export their motorcycles with the first motorized bike being sold overseas in Japan. The quest for world peace also fueled the sales of Harley motorcycles in the coming years. Harley was the largest supplier of motorcycles for the United States military. Their patriotism and reliable motorcycles helped the war effort and added to the company's ever-growing group of enthusiasts. Two wheeled transportation was proving to be a viable means of moving about versus traveling by automobile. Over the next few decades, the company continued its growth and presence on the roads of the United States and around the world. Motorcycling, however, was about to get something it never had before... a bad reputation.

During the fifties, Americans viewed the release of movies depicting motorcyclists as less than honorable citizens. The term biker gang was introduced to the world and there was no going back from here. Rebellious bikers had come to be associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles thanks to a bit of Hollywood make-believe and the imaginations of the movie goers. The success of these biker flicks fueled even more bad-boy biker films especially during the sixties and seventies. Movie goers would have a better chance of finding a needle in a haystack than finding movies with honorable and honest bikers. The whole concept of the Harley motorcycle would never be the same from this point forward. The attitude, the attire, the tattoos, and the owner loyalty would go well beyond that of any other brand of motorcycle. To this day, regardless of innovations in imported motorcycles, Harley remains as good motorcycle as any in the world. Harley owners rarely defect to different brands.

The motorcycle's simplicity and timeless design help promote the brand loyalty. To many owners, very simply the concept of riding a symbol of American ingenuity through the city streets or country roads of America is enough. Harley sounds like no other bike, looks like no other bike, and feels like no other bike. Most Harley owners would agree that it's the only motorcycle for them. Biker rallies and get-togethers draw more and more motorcycle enthusiasts every year. Whether you consider the motorcycle a means of transportation, or a means of relaxation, depends on your overall opinion of two-wheeled travel. Harley Davidson, however, is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of the industry for decades to come based purely on owner loyalty and genuine love for the ultimate American motorcycle.

How Do You Make Your Harley Davidson Look And Feel Like An Extension Of Yourself!

2010-03-13T02:58:00.000-08:00

By Keith Nivon

How do you make your Harley Davidson look and feel like an extension of yourself!

Do you think maybe it's time to do a little customizing for that old girl of yours? Ask yourself this first.

Why do we customize and add accessories to our Harley?

Well, for me it's simple!

We want to stand out above all else! The last thing we want is to look like every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there on the road!

You may have different reasons. You may want to add an Accessory to your bike because it fits with you and your taste.

There is an element of being practical as well. If you install a nice chrome luggage rack on your back fender, or a detachable windshield, it not only looks good but it also serves a purpose. How else would you carry your tent and keep bugs out of your teeth?

Not everyone has the same taste in customizing. Thank God for that, or it sure would be boring taking a walk down on main street in Sturgis South Dakota during the 1st week of August.

Some people go overboard on customizing their bike. Overboard for someone may be a masterpiece for someone else. It all depends on who you are and what you're about.

How do you pick out a Harley Davidson Accessory or decide on customizing?

It's a hard question to answer.

I would suggest that you decide on what you want out of your bike. Sit back and have a look at yourself. What kind of biker are you anyway?

Are you a speed demon that likes to lay rubber on the road every now and then. Do you get a kick out of doing a little showing off at bike rallies to friends and family? Do you like to participate in show and shine contests?

If you are this person you may want to look at getting your engine rebuilt for increased horsepower. You can't go wrong with a lot of Harley chrome either. Just when you think you have had enough of chrome, you find some more in that catalog.

Don't worry, there is a chrome Harley Davidson motorcycle built to date.

Your style may be a little more subdued. Your main motorcycling purpose in life may be ride the road and not waste time with anything else. You would have to agree, most people still want to look good riding a Harley.

If you are this person you may only want one or two Accessories. A nice luggage bag that slips over that backrest on your bike looks good when you are on a long trip and it serves a purpose.

Every Harley Davidson owner at some time or another has thought about adding an accessory to his or her motorcycle. You rarely see a stock Harley Davidson!

Keep in mind the kind of person you are when making Harley Davidson Accessory choices. A properly customized Harley is above all else, an extension of the owner who rides it.

That Harley Look

2010-03-10T02:55:00.000-08:00

By Rita Lambros-Segur

Harley Davidson motorcycle apparel has been popular for decades. There are several Harley only shops that can be found on the internet or in one's hometown. You can purchase clothes for men, women, children and even your beloved pets at these types of stores. They are fantastically designed and very popular among diverse people. The gear can be anything from headbands, leather jackets, skirts and even socks. Some people dress their whole family in this type of apparel. Harley Davidson clothes have changed throughout the years. However, the styles and popularity are still going strong.

The Harley Davidson jackets are perfect for any occasion. They are made out of sturdy leather and can be found in any size. Children do not like to dress appropriately for weather conditions. They would love to sport the Harley motorcycle rain gear. These jackets are fantastic for all ages. They are warm, flexible as well as comfortable.

Accessories can be found with the Harley style and logo. Handbags and wallets are the perfect addition to any couples apparel. The purses are simple yet elegant. The wallets are study and made to be used. The Harley corporation also designs watches, belts, caps and key chains. Belt buckets are made with the Harley logo, also. There are several types of accessories to make any collection complete. They are designed with the same material and logo as other garments.

The company also produces heated gear. Vests, jackets and gloves can be purchased that can heat the body. These can be found in all shapes and sizes. Children would love to be warm and snug with this type of apparel. Heating elementals can also be purchased at Harley retailers. This is a wonderful method in keeping warm and cozy during the winter months.

Eyeglasses, shirts, pants and helmets can be bought from a Harley retailer. These can be found in children sizes all the way to adults. The styles would be a fantastic addition to anyone's wardrobe. Sunglasses can be found as well as protective eye wear. Full shirts or tank tops can be located with the Harley logo. Jeans, leather or causal pants attire can be purchased. They have a wide selection of gear for anyone's tastes and desires.

Your dog will be stylish when they dress in Harley apparel. There are leather jackets that your pet can wear proud. They come in large or small dog form. You could purchase other accessories for you pet as well. The Harley corporation creates pet carriers, beds and collars. These are wonderful creations that will make any dog handsome.

There are several Harley Davidson stores that you can choose from. The clothing is well made and will fit any member of the household. Many stores can be found in one's hometown. If they do not exist, a real Harley apparel retailer can be located throughout the internet. Your children will love to be dressed in the popular Harley motorcycle brands. The clothing will fit inside anyone's personality and closet.

4 Motorcycle Accessories to Add to Your BMW GS Motorbike

2010-03-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

By Tom R Smith

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

Motorbike Luggage carriers/panniers

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

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

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

Motorcycle Lights

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

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

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

Aftermarket exhausts

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

Fairing & windscreens

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

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

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

Happy trials and ride safe!

Harley Davidson Accessories

2010-03-04T02:51:00.000-08:00

By David J. Andrews

The best way to find out about Harley Davidson accessories is to reflect on what types of things you think you need. What is your bike lacking? What function do you want to be able to perform that you can't right now? Through a thought process like this we can start to draw out the exact mental modification plan for our Harleys as they exist deep down in our souls

Every man (and woman's) bike is unique to him. Over time it becomes somewhat of a repository, even, of where one has been, what has happened there, where you want to go, who you are, who your family is, etc. The bike is a reflection of life, is essentially what I'm saying. This should come as no surprise to any Harley Davidson owners. The boundaries between you and your bike melt away pretty quick, don't they? In some cases there are never even any boundaries to begin with!

Anyway, the purpose of this article is just to educate a little bit about the use of Harley Davidson accessories to further "extend out" the functionality or even just plain style of one's bike. Obviously there are many different arenas into which you can go, and I am not about to explore them all here. You have to be led where you're led. For instance, maybe your next new thing is going to be really solidifying your seat. A lot of older guys with bad backs especially tend to want to make some customization and adjustments to their Harley's seat in order that they can have a smoother ride. If this is you, then surely you can sniff out that trail on your own.

In addition to this, there are lots of discount online opportunities to buy Harley Davidson accessories on the Web. Usually, but not always, everything on the Web is cheaper. Retailers can save money on stocking a storefront and hiring customer service employees to tend to prospective customers to a certain degree. So that is another good place to take a peak around and see what the motorcycle chatter is all about on any given day.

The bottom line is that there is always room for a little research into accessories for your Harley Davidson, whether you're planning on implementing them now or a bit down the road. You might as well start bubbling ideas through your head so that you can really carve her out too be just what you always wanted.

Must Have Harley Davidson Accessories

2010-03-01T02:49:00.000-08:00

By David J. Andrews

There is a wide range of Harley-Davidson accessories that can be purchased, for any one who owns this kind of motorcycle. However, there is no need to go out and buy all of them in order to get the desired look that one may wish to attain.It would be ideal to purchase a rider's essential kit. This is a great buy because this set it includes accessories such as a belt buckle, windshield, side plates, sissy bar, backrest pad, storage cover, and seat. Depending on the model of the bike, there may be more added accessories to take advantage of. You can also choose to buy these items separately, depending on your needs as well as preference.

There are nine accessories for a Harley that you will definitely want to have. Here is a list of some things that you might like to have if you already own a Harley-Davidson.

1. Seats: It does not matter whether you are riding solo or have someone riding with you, a good quality seat will enable you to get enjoyment out of the ride. The seats from various manufactures are created from high quality materials and designs that will accompany the well known brand.

2. Motorcycle cover: This is one of the most important things among the Harley-Davidson accessories, as it offers protection wherever you park your motor. Whether in the garage or elsewhere, you know that your bike has an added shield of protection.

3. Windshield and windshield trim: These items are made from hard-coated polycarbonate so they offer resistance from scratching. The trim is just a way to accentuate the windshield for added fashion and style.

4. Backrest pad: Having this accessory is great because whether you are traveling alone or with someone else, it will help your body's posture. However the pad is not only functional but also adds a sort of cosmetics to the bike.

5. Sissy bar bag: Placed at the back seat, the bag will offer extra storage that is easy to reach and get to.

6. Saddlebag: These come in various shapes as well as sizes and are made from various materials that will add firmness while riding.

7. Exhaust system: This gives your bike a unique sound and also provides a sporty look.

8. Instrument trim: A trim that is chrome-plated which is installed on the tachometer and speedometer gauges.

9. Fender trim: It adds highlight to the front fender of your bike. This chrome-plated trim will make all the difference.

All of these Harley-Davidson accessories are not necessary to complete the image you want to have. By picking only a few, your bike will look, feel, and run at its best.

More information at http://harleydavidsonaccessoriesguide.com/

Top 10 Must Have Harley Davidson Accessories

2010-02-26T02:47:00.000-08:00

By Low Jeremy

There are several Harley-Davidson accessories you can buy for your motorcycle. However, you don't need all of them to get your desired image. Here are 10 Harley-Davidson accessories you can consider buying. (Again, you don't have to buy all these 10, you only have to select some.)

10. Fender trim

If you want to highlight your front fender would to become more attractive upon first look, you simply add a sweeping dash of this chrome-plated trim and you will surely see the difference.

9. Instrument trim

This is a chrome-plated trim that is installed on your tachometer and speedometer gauges (selected models). This will instantly give your Harley a stunning look.

8. Exhaust system

To a super bike, an exhaust system is a great addition to its overall sporty image. To a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, an exhaust system would highlight the very part that gives off the unique sound that made every Harley unique and popular. Sporty look is also an assurance on every exhaust system installed.

7. Saddlebag

Whether it is a color-matched bag or a leather saddlebag, once installed, it will sure give added toughness and style on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There are different shapes, sizes, and material made for this type of accessory. All you have to do is to choose which one is for your motorcycle.

6. Sissy Bar Bag

Installed at the back seat of the motorcycle, the sissy bar bag will provide an extra storage that is easy to access.

5. Backrest pad

Whether you travel alone or with a companion, having a backrest pad will certainly help your posture. The backrest pad is not only functional, it is also a good cosmetic that adds to the image of the Harley-Davidson.

4. Windshield and windshield trim

Made from a hard-coated polycarbonate, this accessory that can resist scratching is a great addition to your Harley-Davidson. The trim on the other hand accentuates the windshield for added style.

3. Motorcycle Cover

Especially made for a true-blooded Harley-Davidson motorcycle, this will provide protection every time you park it at your garage or somewhere else.

2. Seats

Whether you go solo or with someone at your back, a good seat will let you enjoy the whole ride. Seats from different manufacturers are made from fine materials with designs that go with the brand.

1. Rider's essential kit

If you want to buy a whole set of Harley-Davidson that would fit on the particular model you own, a kit would be a great choice. It includes accessories such as belt buckle, windshield, side plates, sissy bar, backrest pad, storage cover, seat, and more depending on the model you have.

Answer the Call of the Open Road With Harley Davidson Motorcycle Accessories

2010-02-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

By Adam Hansen

The American identity is intertwined with several iconic brands. When you ask people from other countries to describe us they will always bring up Coke-a-Cola, Levis, rock n roll and so on. One brand that is uniquely American is Harley Davidson. Harley motorcycles and are known through out the world as symbols of American manufacturing quality.

Riding a Harley is about so much more than just owning a motorcycle. Motorcycles riders have always been seen as rebels. Movies and the media have portrayed them as modern day outlaws who seek out adventure at all costs. While many feel this gives motorcyclists a bad name, others embrace the image and seek out others who do the same.

The popularity of motorcycle rallies like Sturgis speak to the effect the motorcycle has on our society. So many people show up to this yearly rally that the state's population doubles! If you've ever been to Sturgis or another rally like it then you know how popular Harley Davidson Motorcycle Accessories are.

Harley is known for making quality products and their accessories are no different. Many Harley Davidson motorcycle accessories are vital to making your ride more comfortable and safer. Quality Harley helmets, leather jackets, gloves, goggles and boots are key to making you're a safe one. By riding without these accessories you are jeopardizing your health and even your life.

Don't buy into the pitch that since riding motorcycles is all about being free than you shouldn't worry about proper care. There is a different between enjoying your freedom and being reckless, dangerous and just plain suicidal. Make sure you ride with the proper gear on just in case you go down. No one wants to crash but if you want to keep your body from looking like Hamburger Helper leftovers you need the right gear.

Make sure you are buying genuine Harley Davidson motorcycle accessories. Many disreputable merchants make knock offs or look alike Harley goods. Check for the Harley emblem and make sure you are buying from a licensed dealer or reputable website.

Harley Davidson Accessories Guide

2010-02-20T02:40:00.000-08:00

By David J. Andrews

If you have dreams of the wide open road on your Harley Davidson, but feel like you are missing a bit of storage space, or maybe even a few accessories that make your motorcycle personal, then you are going to want to take a look at the availability of Harley Davidson accessories. It doesn't matter what you want your new motorcycle to do, or look like, someone, somewhere has already come up with an accessory for you to strap onto the bike. From saddlebags, foot pegs, skull style brake lights, and even spikes hanging off of the handlebars, your options are endless.

We all know that Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the best, hand built machines on the face of the earth. Harley knew what he was doing when he began building minimalist bikes in 1903. He knew that there was going to be a huge market for his line of motorcycles, and quickly began putting them out as quickly as his workers could keep up. This was all and well for many years, until people started to realize that they needed more accessories, and storage space for their Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Harley began building models that were loaded down with options like storage underneath the seat, saddlebags, and even radios to listen to music while you are on the road. A lot of people fell in love with these models, and while they were loaded down with comfort, and features, they pulled away from the minimalist bike that Harley Davidson intended to build. They did continue releasing these models packed full of features and accessories, but continued to ramp up production of their models that followed what Harley Davidson originally had in mind; extremely powerful motorcycles, with a minimalist look.

Thankfully, through the years, more and more manufacturers are starting to produce accessories for your motorcycle. They understand that people love the minimalist appeal of a Harley, but may not want all of the extra weight and baggage that comes with the touring models. By purchasing a bare bones Harley, and then choosing the accessories that you want to have added on, you can really personalize the bike to your own style. From flat black, black leather, chrome, and even tie die, your options are truly endless for the amount of Harley Davidson accessories that you can customize your machine with. If you haven't already, you have to take a look.

Motocross 125 - Introduction

2010-02-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

By Bill Macintosh

I've recently been through the process of trying to find a Motocross Bike for my son who is 16 years old. For months he was begged for a motocross 125cc dirt bike, all his friends had one so therefore he needed one as well. I was uncertain whether to buy one or not as there were a number of other factors and complications other than just buying a bike.

Some of things that we needed to take into consideration were the safety and cost of the motorcycle, as well as the necessity of having one. Numerous debates ensued whether or not it would be necessary to have a motocross bike because running an average bike can cost for 3000 dollars to 8000 dollars depending on the model that is chosen. Additional finances will also be need for accessories like a helmet and gloves. A license is also needed if the engine is over 50cc, and that requires both time and money to obtain. One must also become acquainted with the motorbike laws in their country or state, in Florida the minimum age to obtain a motorbike license is 16. Aside from that cost there is also vehicle tax and registration, the tax will be a permanent bill that will need to be paid for as long as he had the bike.

In the end we finally made the choice to go out and buy the bike so now the biggest decision was which bike model we were going to buy. The type we were buying was only meant for recreational purposes and wouldn't be driven on streets or used as a means of transportation. One of the most important parts of a dirt bike is they're engine, and there are many different choices available. Some of the top models were the Honda 125 CR cross country bike, the 125cc from Yamaha, and other brands from Suzuki, Arctic Cat, and Polaris.

We searched for bikes both online and at local stores. I networked with a few people who already had one and found out that my son would need to take the CBT course, this was a required course which will teach how to properly handle a dirt bike. We also ended up finding out that he legally could not ride the bike until he was 17 years old.

Eventually of course things worked out great for both of us and we purchased the WBL-10A steel-framed dirt bike. We were able to choose this model from the training tips received from the CBT classes and positive feedback from owners who already had this type of bike and it proved to be reliable and a great source of fun.

Two Reasons Why the UTV is So Popular

2010-02-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

By Robb Ellermeier

The UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) has become a very popular machine today. They are as common to find as the ATV's and in my opinion just as or more versatile as the ATV's.

One of the reasons why the UTV is so popular is because there are a wide variety of manufacturers producing them; manufacturers who don't even bother with other sport craft production.

Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Arctic Cat. These are the most popular names out there who specialize in UTV production along with other sport craft like motorcycles, ATV's, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc.

I want to talk about the other guy out there who builds just as good a quality UTV at an affordable price. Just because these guys don't specialize in sport craft production doesn't mean they can't build a quality UTV.

I am not going to name them all but we will cover three brand names to give you an idea of the different UTV manufacturers. Again, these guys specialize in other equipment manufacturing but bring their knowledge to the table to give us a quality machine.

o The Bobcat 2300 4X4 Utility Vehicle has an all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive system called the InelliTraka. This system sends power to all four wheels automatically which in turn helps prevent traction loss

The IntelliTraka has an automatic locking differential that engages when needed but disengages during turns to help minimize ground disruption and wear on other vehicle components and accessories.

The 2300 has its own hydraulic system to operate the RapidLinka attachment system. You have five different attachment options; a bucket, mower, pallet forks, material/snow blade and a push broom. There is a front mounted hydraulic gear and arm that is the workhorse of the RapidLinka attachment system and it has a 500 lb lift capacity.

The Bobcat 2300 is equipped with a 20hp Kubota diesel engine and a hydraulic automatic transmission. 25mph is about the top speed for this unit.

o Husqvarna HUV 4421Utility Vehicle comes with either a 23 hp Honda gas or for an extra $1,000 bucks you can get a 20 hp Kubota diesel engine

The 4421 has a very unique drive train. The all wheel drive system is automatic; Husqvarna calls it the terrain-sensitive-traction-system. There are no levers or switches, if the rear wheels begin to slip then the front differential begins to lock up using an overriding clutch system. This allows for true 4 wheel drive traction for all situations. This is a mechanical system; no electronic sensors or computers to activate the all wheel drive system.

The transmission is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is very common in UTV's. This single speed transmission (no low range) uses a high-ratio CVT for better low-end torque. Husqvarna sealed the CVT for deep water crossings and installed high air inlet and outlet snorkels. This is standard only on the XP version.

o The Cub Cadet C466 4X4 UTV was first introduced in 2007. It is the first 4X4 UTV ever designed by Cub Cadet.

Even though this is Cub Cadets first 4X4 UTV design, the engineers did not hold anything back. This quality vehicle ranks right up there with the rest of them.

The combination of the fully independent front and rear suspension and the locking front end gives the C466 a true 4WD package

The 20 hp, 624cc Kohler Command V-twin motor puts out about 33 ft. /lb of torque. This engine has been around since 1987; so it has proven to be a good engine for this application.

With the sharp looking hood, flared fenders, set back headlamps, brush guard and sculpted sides; this unit has a very appealing look that will attract both recreational and professional UTV buyers.

The Second reason why the UTV is so popular is because of its versatility. There are UTV's out there that are built just for recreation; but there are a lot of them built for both work and recreation.
The combination of both work and play in a UTV design makes it that much more appealing to the buyer. The more versatile the unit the more you get for your hard earned dollar.

Let's take a moment and look at several different features that make a typical UTV so versatile.

o Safety: Every UTV out there has the ability to carry two or more persons safely from point A to point B due to the fact that all UTV's come standard with seat belts and roll cages.

Nothing against ATV's, heck I have owned several in the past; but I live in a rural agricultural community where ATV's are very common. ATV's and UTV's are actually legal to drive around in our town. But I know families who have either lost or had family members permanently confined to a wheel chair due to ATV accidents.

The combination work and recreational UTV's tend to have a wider base and lower ground clearance. Lower ground clearance equals lower center of gravity; this lower center of gravity allows these UTV's to be more stable on uneven terrain.

o Load capacity: UTV's are built to haul heavier loads. Most UTV's come standard with a tilting cargo bed; depending on the make and model you can get cargo beds equipped with a 12 volt motor that will lift the cargo bed automatically.

The combination of a cargo bed and the ability to tow a trailer gives the UTV the advantage of hauling more than a standard ATV.

o Passenger capacity: As mentioned above the UTV has the ability to haul two or more people. UTV's are capable of hauling up to 6 or 8 persons depending on the make and model of the UTV.

If these two reasons were not enough to convince you why UTV's are so popular then go test drive a few and you will find out for yourself why they are so popular. You might even haul one home after test driving it. It is easy to fall in love with something this versatile; not to mention fun to drive.

For those of you who may be looking for a UTV, I'm sure there is one out there that will suit your needs perfectly. With the amount of manufactures out there producing these vehicles you will have plenty to choose from. I suggest you go and test drive several vehicles before making a final decision.

These are vehicles that the whole family can enjoy driving or just riding in; this may be another reason why UTV's are so popular.

Boom in Indian Automobile Industry

2010-02-11T02:22:00.000-08:00

By Mohit Aggrawal

Today, vehicles are in great demand between all segments of society. With a huge demand for vehicles, automobile industry is the fastest growing industry all over the world. Automobile industries play a vital role in economic development of any country.

Every week a new model of car or bike has been launching to accomplish the requirement of buyers. Various automobile manufacturing companies are in the market, which provide a lot of vehicle according to the requirements of different segment of peoples. Automobile companies are offering various products according to users budget. Gone are the days, when one had to wait for their dream vehicles. Today, it is not difficult to buy a dream vehicle because of various financial institutions. Many banks are providing loan and converting your dream into reality. Buyer needs to pay some extra money as interest rate for that finance amount. This amount depends on various factors such as buyer's credit past, finance amount, loan period and the term and conditions of financial institution.

If we consider the Indian automobile industry, there are various companies, which are offering all type of vehicles in the market. Automobile manufacturing companies are offering different cars, two wheelers, three wheelers, commercial vehicles, sport vehicles and other utility vehicles according to the user's requirement. As we all know, cars have become a need for today's world. Automobile companies are offering various premium cars to entry-level cars for the customers. Tata Motors has been working hardly for producing low budget car for Indian market. The Boom of Indian Automobile Industry can be tracked by the stat, which proves the increment in car production from 7,23,330 cars to 13,08,913 in last three years.

This huge development and consumption of vehicles encourage the various companies to produce automotive parts and accessories for these vehicles. There is a potential growth in Indian auto part market.

There are various car-manufacturing companies in Indian market. Some giants in manufacturing of cars are Audi, Ford, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Skoda, Maruti, BMW, Mercedes, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Motors and General Motors. Some awaited car models, which are about to launch in the year 2008 are Fiesta 1.4 SXi Duratorq, Opel GT, Aveo U-VA, Getz Next Generation, Logan, Rhino Rover, Audi Q7, Montero, Outlander, Grandis, Santa Fe and Roomster. All the companies are offering various attractive models in different color and designs. Some latest car models to be launched in the year 2008 are In two wheeler industries, Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and kinetic motors are offering various motorcycles, scooters and scooterettes to the market. One can choose among the various models according to his need and budget.

Before buying any vehicle, one needs to ensure about the maintenance of the vehicle. All the companies are providing servicing facility by their own service centers. The user can visit the service center and consult about the problem of vehicle with the experts. Remember that proper maintenance can enhance the performance and life of your vehicle.

ATV 4 Wheelers

2010-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

By Bowe Packer

There are many different shipway that people like to travel. From walk to running and play to driving are just a few methods of transportation system that we employ. In the area of drive there are many types of vehicles that are used, with cars and motorcycles being the more popular type. There are however some people who like to use the ATV 4 wheelers for their travel needs.

The ATV vehicles are truly known as All Terrain Vehicles. These "bikes" have the capacity of going over various types of terrain that other vehicles may have trouble with. They can also be readily adapted for use in various types of sports like motor cross racing, desert racing, hare scrambles or woods racing, ice racing and other such sports. In addition they can be used for other types of usage.

The ATV 4 wheelers are presently shared out into Two categories. These are the sports ATVs and the utility ATVs. The utility ATVs are exploited mainly for land purposes, construction, ranching and hunting. The sports ATVs are secondhand mainly for their power to undertake terrain that some of the other ceremonious sports vehicles might have unhinge with.

The current favorites for the ATV 4 wheelers sports look and performance are Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. In addition to these there are other companies that make first-class caliber motored vehicles.

These companies also manufacture other gear and accessories that can be secondhand for the ATV 4 wheelers. You will find that there are caring clothing, helmets and great aftermarket parts that can be put-upon to help make your ATV perform even better than when you first bought it.
These items put together help to make ATV 4 wheelers able of being adapted into whatever area of work that it is put to. For instance while the Honda ATVs are known for their sturdy working person ability, the North Star ATV is dubbed as being the toughest ATV in the world.

This ATV has the power of going through rough terrain that other ATV 4 wheelers might have trouble with. For illustration there is no problem for the Polar star to drive through muddy or swampy type ground without causing its driver any guidance difficulties. Likewise the Polaris has a 1,225 pound towing capability as well. This makes the Polaris an excellent option when you need to work in difficult and challenging situations.

As you see there are many dissimilar types of ATV 4 wheelers in the market. Finding one that suits your lifestyle thus should not be much of a difficulty. For the discerning drivers there are high monetary standard ATV 4 wheelers that will place them in the heart of what being an ATV Four wheel possessor is about. An somebody with the power to face whatever life throws at them with style and a relish for life.

Wholesale Minibikes

2010-02-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

By Omer Javaid

Mini bike, Mini moto or pocket bike, these all refer to the same thing. These resemble miniature motorcycles and can be ridden at a variety of places. Traveling on a mini bike can be a rage for both the juveniles, and those with young hearts. It is not just a kid who wants to enjoy his ride, but anyone can have a desire to experience the thrill of riding this bike. It could be a great venture to go to school on it.

It really is a charm to have a whole sale mini bike. Purchasing it can be, or would have been your desiderata for a long time. It is likely to tell for safety purposes that these bikes are not toys. And just like riding on a full size bike, the rider on a mini bike should also cover his head with a helmet along with protective clothing, even if riding off-road. Mini bikes are found in different categories in terms of their specializations:

1. Pocket Bike/ Mini moto: A packet of 30-50CC engine with a maximum of 15 horse power is sued for racing on tracks used for kart racing.

2. Pit Bikes: These can be said as a true small scooter and are used for super cross competitions.

3. Mini Choppers: They look like a chopper but still look like pocket or mini bike.

4. Midi Motos: These are slightly bigger than Pocket/Mini Moto but are similar to them. You can find various brands in whole sale for these bikes e.g. Polini, GRC etc. for mini motos. Explorer, ThumpStar etc for pit bikes. Honda, Yamaha etc for midi motos, and so on. You can find a wide variety of mini bikes in the whole sale directory.

Whether you are to buy one, or whether you need more, whole sale mini bikes can be the best deal you can make, because this can offer you excellent price and quick shipping. You can save a hundreds bucks if you buy whole sale. The color and accessory choice is yours. You can have an access too all the varieties and models of every color and accessory in the whole sale directory and which can save you a good sum of money as compared to buying the same stuff from retail market.

Shipping Tips Every Dirt Bike Owner Should Know

2010-02-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

By Richard Z. Cochrane

Owning a dirt bike is more than just a quixotic desire for those denizens of society whose arteries are filled Epinephrine (adrenaline junkies to you and I). But, one of the bottlenecks that can stifle the realization of that fantasy bike possession is the very act of shipping that bike, and more specifically, shipping the bike economically.

Now, dirt Bikes can be shipped across the US by utilizing a cornucopia of transportation possibilities found across the country. There are, indeed, numerous firms which offer dedicated dirt bike shipping. Shipping bikes is facile, uncomplicated and affordable using these motorbike shipping companies. You can also utilize these motorbike haulers for shipping dirt bikes or even high end luxury Yamaha bikes.

One of the chief concerns of any proud dirt bike owner will be the safety of the merchandise en route. When making the decision regarding the dirt bike transportation service, you can opt for either a generic open trailer or, perhaps more wisely, choose a covered trailer. The majority of dirt bike shipping is performed utilizing enclosed trailers. dirt bike are effortlessly harmed by the corrosive and unforgiving elements, as a consequence, the enclosed dirt bike transports trailers are a superior choice. Many dirt bikes can be conveniently fit on one 18 wheeler trailer, so numerous shipments can make the voyage simultaneously. Your bike can also be made safeguarded from theft or loss if shipped within an enclosed trailer.

Although an enclosed bike transport trailer is a wise choice in most cases, there are a, not irrelevant fraction of instances when an open trailer is the superior option for dirt bike shipping. If the bike that is being shipped is trekking a short distance-less than a few hundred miles-then it can be safely shipped on an open bike shipping trailer. Because the bike is transported in one trip, damage from the elements or possibility of theft is minimized. For the scenario that you are on a tight schedule, it may be easier to find a hauler with an open transport trailer for your bike.

While on a shipping trip a dirt bike is not covered by your personal policy. Damage or loss must thus be protected by coverage from your bike shipping company offering a minimum amount of insurance. A copy of their insurance certificate can easily verify their coverage offer. A background-check regarding their provided information with their insurance company or with the Department of Transportation is all that is required to be given that additional peace of mind.

It is necessary to remember that this cargo protection insurance, although required by law, will possibly not cover the full value of your bike. So, it is important to ascertain the kinds of damages covered by the policy, the coverage limit and the specialty items or accessories that are also included. Additional insurance coverage during transport is a must in case the motor bike is valuable. Your bike shipping company should ideally supply this coverage or send you to a third-party insurance company.

Although it is improbable, bike shipping sometimes do result in damage before its arrival. In such case, all damages must be recorded on the "Bill of Lading" and the transporter must sign a copy. The acceptance of the motorcycle should not be refused unless the bike has become completely unusable due to the damages.

The claim must be filed and collected following the instructions of the motorcycle shipping company. A patient outlook right from the beginning allows for a smooth claim collection. Usually the shipping company is only interested to quickly resolve your problem, and it is in your interest to help them do that. In case you require any help, the Better Business Bureau or the Department of Transportation can surely provide it for you.

Living With the Moto Guzzi California Vintage

2010-01-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

By Danilo Gurovich

A Week with the Moto Guzzi California Vintage Street Cred without the "wannabe" Moto Guzzi has more "cruiser street cred" than most people give it credit for. They've been around continuously since 1921; longer than anyone but Harley Davidson. But for Harley Davidson, Guzzi's been building cruisers longer than anyone els - their first cruiser in the incarnation you see above coming out in 1967 with the V700. Guzzi has always liked building "big" bikes, but we must adjust scale. Italy, which was Guzzi's biggest market for most of it's life, had production street bikes with less than 100cc for decades - a bike above 300cc was considered "big".

Guzzi was at the top of the heap early on, with production 500cc bikes that were reliable and sporting. The 500cc Falcone of the 50s is an excellent example of this, a bike with incredible reliability, to the point where an American Guzzi Club member is an original owner of two, both ridden on close to a daily basis for more than 50 years! Guzzi builds cruisers, and they have built them for a long, long time. This is no late-comer, me-too, bandwagon cruiser, built to exploit a market niche that came about from Harley-Davidson's renaissance. Moto Guzzi toughed it out for years when companies with better resources and larger dealer networks walked all over them.

The thing is, they never gave up, they never stopped building the platform, and they stayed true to their mission. The current "cruiser" platform is built around the laterally-mounted V-twin motor (originally 700cc, now 1100), running through an in-line, automobile-type transmission straight through to a drive shaft and bevel-drive final. After more than 40 years, it's a highly refined system. The motor could best be described as a "two cylinder small-block, American V-8?. This really isn't a stretch. The cam is in the vee, there is a conventional sump, it has a hemi-head with pushrods and rockers. It also makes gobs and gobs of torque, is insanely easy to work on, and is dead-nuts reliable. The California Vintage is a celebration of this linage, from the first V-twins, through the Police Bike era and up through today. The first California appeared on the Eldorado platform, all white-pin-striped black with a white-trimmed "buddy seat". So what did Moto Guzzi do with this (arguments start here) most popular platform cruiser bike ever to come from Europe? The second-oldest continuously built cruiser platform in existence? They continuously refined it

The refinements are many. Brakes are sport-bike-standard Double Brembos in the front and a single in the rear. The 1094cc engine has a smooth, stumble-free injection system. The exhaust meets the tough Euro-3 standards, and the standard bags are best-of-breed huge and integrated perfectly into the design. The seat is just plain sweet. The windscreen has been tested to assure smooth flow around the rider. The suspension comes with a Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork with rebound and compression adjustability. The rear suspension is ubiquitous twin shock, with preload and compression adjustability. That Guzzi sound is still there. It sounds like no other v-twin engine, unlike their more "me-too" cruiser late-comers. It's kind of V-Twin, but more "small block". Brings smiles by the bag load, and you don't get into that "Harley patented their sound" conversation. Unique is good. It looks like a real, honest-to-goodness, Magnum Force police bike. The Cal weighs in at about 560lbs, and it really shows when the turns appear in front of you. You have a choice of three gears at any "happy speed".

The Engineers didn't give in to the drag-racing-slick-rear-tire look. It's ALL Guzzi, and that means it's not a Harley, Harley-clone, Harley-wannabe; Harley anything. It's the anti-Harley in the cruiser market. It's the non-wannabe. It's the Cruiser Bike for someone that rides a lot of sport bikes The combination of suspension, brakes, handling and balance make this a bike for a non-cruiser-cruiser-buyer. Guzzi didn't give in to fads, it stuck to its principles. No fat tires or huge cubic-inch motors; just not needed. The Goose will definitely go "fast enough" (Jim Barron of Rose Farm Classics claims well over 135mph).

If you want to ride a bike a lot, anywhere, anytime, in a comfortable riding position that doesn't require a kidney belt and three bottles of Advil for your sore arms and buffeted neck, this is your bike. I Got up at 5 o'clock that Friday morning, knowing that I was going to ride the California Vintage to work. I had just wrapped up a two-week test of the Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 Sport; this was different -- it would be three hundred miles of riding on a real, honest-to-goodness sumbitchin made-for-the-long-road cruiser. I picked the bike up and gingerly rode off. I was thinking that it would be a much heavier bike than I'm used to, but after a few miles I was surprised by the nimble feel. It was nowhere near as light and "zippy" as the Breva 1200, but it moved nicely and the not-too-fat tires had superb turn in. I knew that I would have to tweak the suspension a bit, but not nearly so much as the Breva. Funny, it has almost as many adjustments, more than my Ducati even. The steering shock is also a nice addition, as the windscreen requires it. This is the first floorboard-equipped bike I've been on in about 16 years. I didn't know what to expect. Friends of mine said that the Cal's floorboards were small, that "it needed highway pegs", and "there's no place to move your feet around". Well, I have a size 12 shoe, and I found a couple of things off the bat:

* I had never heard of full floating floorboards before, and I like them.
* I was able to move my feet in different positions while cruising long distance.
* The big jugs on the Vintage don't prevent highway pegs, although I found a spot where I could hang my heels very comfortably without them.
* The little peg used as a pivot for your brake lever is a very smart idea.

General Riding Effortless.

The big-pulled back bars take some getting used to, especially after the Breva's motard-y rack. Once underway, the big 1100 pulls like a rhino, even from beneath 2000 rpm. Gearchange is "guzzi effortless", which means that you "press and hold" each gear until you release the clutch. If you want something a little quicker, get the 6-speed on the Breva Sport/Griso/Norge, as it is much more refined. The five-speed on the Guzzi, slow as it is, is fantastically spaced to ride on the street with. First gear is completely useable, and I found myself cruising the streets of Santa Barbara in first between lights, only shifting when I had some yardage between me and the next stop. The first-second combination allows for easy maneuvering and nice "zippy" moves on the streets. If you're expecting the slouched-over, "lone, unloved and apathetic biker" riding position that many cruisers offer, you're going to be disappointed. The best position on this bike is a standard straight up and down, nearly cop-like. It's comfortable, gives you tons of visibility - you're eye-to-eye with drivers in all but the tallest SUVs. Friends that see me on the road say that I look better on this bike than the others that I've ridden - time to have a chat with the wife and see if she likes white or black.

The controls have a nice "retro" look, but they are most definitely modern. Italian bike owners will be familiar with this layout. The clutch is butter smooth, allows for a lot of feathering and never gives a hint of any wooden or binary grabbiness. The instruments all have a slightly retro character, and this is also attractive, down to the speedometer that reads about 10% optimistic.

Looks like Guzzi had some left over parts from my old one, as they read almost identically. Brakes took a little getting used to. I'm more of a "front braker" person, so I usually apply the fronts and then ease the back brake in for a settling effect. Turns out that the Guzzi Linked brakes work well for this, although I adjusted my technique slightly to just use the front brake lever to peel off speed, and the rear lever to get down to business. For those of you unfamiliar, the linked brakes on equipped Moto Guzzi bikes operate the left front disc in conjunction with the rear disc. The front brake lever operates only the front right Brembo.

The combination is both effective and safe. Hard to high-side a bike with linked brakes when used correctly, since you can modulate the speed of both wheels with the rear lever. The Cal's narrower than current vogue tires allow for the bike to turn in beautifully. I had to adjust the steering shock for high speed turns, as it tends to have an uncomfortable wobbling frequency around an indicated 80-90 in the big sweepers without it. Once dialed in it all disappears. The adjustments of the suspension are also welcome, giving me a very comfortable ride with dynamic handling capabilities. Lightness, if a word like that can be used with a cruiser, is apparent. The bike weighs in at only 560-ish pounds, and this translates into the "flick-ability" of this Guzzi when compared to it's rivals, and also accentuates the already-high-standard Brembos abilities. The 1100cc engine is matched nicely to this bike - no more engine needed because you're traveling smart and light, not loaded up with needless accessories, googaws and an extra 700cc or more to pull it around. Riding in traffic The first few miles northbound on the 405 from picking up the bike revealed a nice easy cruise in moderate traffic.

As I neared LAX, the traffic backed up and the commuter lane ended, giving me the choice of splitting lanes or sitting. Like most California riders, I chose the former, but with caution as I was adjusting to the big Guzzi's systems and controls. I have to thank Clint Eastwood and others for putting the look of the Guzzi into people's minds. My black jacket, white Shoei helmet and the windscreen/light combo parted traffic like Charlton Heston in a red bathrobe. My urban camouflage was highly successful. Even so, the bags on the Guzzi, big as they are, don't protrude past the bars or floorboards (I think this is part of the philosophy of their engineers as exhibited by the Norge's similar layout), and the upright stance gives you so much control over the bike that splitting lanes is not the thrill ride I had expected. Puppies and Kittens to that.

The cavernous bags are a commuters' delight. I was able to pack all my goodies in the side bags, and the real show-stopper was the ability to put my 17? Mac Laptop in without having to take a running start. I could have easily fit five a side! We're talking grocery bags in here. The bags come with an inner liner, they open very wide and of course have locks. I was advised to keep them locked down at all time to prevent accidental opening, didn't try to find out what would happen if I didn't. The only note about the bags would be to expect to paint the lids once in awhile as you're going to hit them from time-to-time when mounting the bike. I don't think this is a big deal if you ride it a lot, as stuff happens and that's just part of riding.

The Guzzi is so much fun to ride I don't think any of them are going to be bought as hangar queens anyway. This is a real, he-man, ride-me-everyday kind of bike. I like the way I feel and look on it. I like being seen on it, but I wouldn't ride it just to be seen on it. Does that make sense? Cool vs. Checkbook Cool. Looking for a Cool Cruiser or Big Bagger? The California Vintage is "Seriously Cool" Cool is Fonzi before the Shark Tank. Cool is James Bond before Roger Lazenby. Ford before the Pinto. The Blues Brothers before Belushi died. While it is most definitely true that some people that ride motorcycles from "The Motorcycle Company" are cool, it's not because they own Harleys. They are cool AND they chose to ride Harleys.

But there are people that are cool and they choose to ride Vespas. The issue here is the great number of people that buy Harleys and other "lifestyle" motorcycles because it will make them cool. This is "checkbook cool". No work needed, just add money and you're cool. To whom?

Well, definitely to other people that did the same thing and wrote a check. After all, one chink in the armor there, and the whole house of cards could come crashing down! If, all of a sudden, object that everyone was spending all their money on to be cool all of a sudden isn't cool anymore, then the now familiar "bubble" in that particular "market for cool" would burst, and you'd have a lot of equipment and associated bits flooding the market, and everyone would be trying to get something else that is cool. A classic example of this is the Ferrari market just after Enzo died. It went through the ceiling, then burst as speculators paying exorbitant prices couldn't find anyone to purchase, and dumping began that, nearly 20 years later, only has about 50-75% of the values at that point. I'm not saying that the Harley market is going to crash. I'm also not insinuating that people will stop buying cruisers. My point is, buy something based on facts, what YOU want, and consider all options. Too often, I'll be talking to people that want to get a cruiser, perhaps their first one, and they are fixated on the Harley, and ONLY the Harley.

Sometimes you'll have the Yamaha, Suzuki, Victory or others in the mix, but I don't hear anyone saying, "What about that big Guzzi", or "I considered the Guzzi but want the Roadliner", etc. The California Vintage isn't on their radar. Why? Lack of logo underwear? No lifestyle? What!?? The Guzzi is a great bagger for the serious rider. Guzzi gets in the magazines, but the European editor of one of these really doesn't like anything without 150 horsepower or a Munich nameplate, and just continuously "bags" on Guzzi to the US public. Shame on him. The Guzzi is well-suited to the US buyer and market. Big, long roads, lots of friends with bikes, a loyal following and a requirement for reliability. The California Vintage is a freeking bargain. If you were to load up any other cruiser with great bags, custom seats, windscreen, sportbike-level front fork and adjustable rear shocks, -you'd be lucky to get under $20-22,000. Yet, here's your California Vintage, with an incredible seat, best-of-breed suspension, mongo bags and nicely integrated screen on the basic platform, standard, for $15K. Some editors lump it against the sportster because of its weight and engine size, but the real comparison is the big baggers. If your idea of cool is:

* Light and maneuverable
* Reliable
* Heritage and Style without too much bling
* Comfortable Two-Up seating, but not barcalounger
* 43mpg
* Something Different
* An incredibly open and friendly owners' group
* You want a great commuter cruiser.
* Oh, and you aren't buying a hangar queen. You're hittin' the road!

If you think the above list defines "your cool" - You should consider the Guzzi. You should ride the California Vintage and see if it's for you. Find out when the dealer is going to have rides available and get on the bike. Fill up the bags. Bring the white helmet and sunglasses, and you're CHP - 1972. Retro with some serious riding chops, that's the California Vintage. The California Vintage leaps into the modern world from 1972 like Bob Beaman's long jump. It may not be your bike, but it's worth your consideration. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Your First "Big" Cruiser I'm going to go out on a limb here and recommend the California Vintage if you've never had a bagger before. Reason for this is that it's light. Some of the really big bikes are incredibly difficult to get in and out of parking spaces, let alone get around parking lots. They are not easy to get the hang of, and can be downright dangerous to someone that doesn't have a lot of experience, or doesn't ride much. The Guzzi is well-suited because it's conservative geometry and low center of gravity allow a less-experienced rider to easily get around a parking lot, and build serious confidence on the open road. Sweepers and bumpy turns become no big deal in no time, and the linked brakes and featherweight controls allow the rider to stop on a piece of newspaper. It's a very easy bike to ride, and if you ride a lot, it's very rewarding as you'll just be able to DUST some of the big cruisers through the twisties.

They may pass you on the straights (but I DOUBT IT). If you're like me, that just doesn't matter, as I don't ride much with anyone that is trying to die or attract too much attention from John Q. Law. The Cal is your friendly neighborhood happy speed bike that is the cruiser that sport bike and sport-touring types should buy. It's the cruiser for the rider that is going to reel in some big miles next year. A side-by-side comparison of the California Vintage and Harley Davidson Heritage Softail... After riding the California Vintage around, I thought it would be nice to compare it to the "standard" of the group - The Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. I chose the softail because it has similar look and purpose. It is a luxury touring bike with a clear windscreen, bags, etc. It's purpose is "retro"; cop-like, long miles, touch of retro and, as the name suggests, "Heritage". I think this is probably an accurate description of the big Guzzi as well. Price Price was slightly difficult to figure. Moto Guzzi has a single price, $14,999. There are no "ups" involved. You can buy only three accessories, and they're all luggage, a trunk bag, tail bag and a cover. That's it. If you want to add 40lbs of leather and logo items, you're pretty much out of luck here. Bonus in my opinion, because you're not going to get sold a whole bunch of stuff you don't need just so the dealer can load up your out-the-door price. The Guzzi is unique enough as it stands. The Harley's base is $17,999. There's a "freight" charge of $330, Wire wheels are another $500, Emissions in California are another $200, and a security system is $345. So now you're at $19,199. Oh yeah. Guzzi has that killer Marzocchi fork. Harley's got that too, but that's another $1400. Hard bags similar to the Guzzi will be another $800. So now we're up to about 21,399. That's an extra $6400 to pack it like the Moto Guzzi California Vintage.

So what do you get for the money? You do get that Harley name plate, so all you're friends will instantly know that you are part of the crowd and "stayed in the box". You get the same warranty (2 years), but I didn't see roadside assistance, which is what is offered by Guzzi. How about power? Do you get more power for your money? Well, the Guzzi's 1094cc motor lists it's horspower as 72hp. Harley doesn't list it's horsepower figures anywhere on their site, but after a Google Search I found the highest output listedas 82hp for their 96 c.i. (1570cc) lump. When you factor weight in, I get 9 lbs per horsepower for the Harley, and 8 lbs per horsepower for the Guzzi. So the $6400 does give you one more pound per horsepower for the Harley, given that the highest figures I could find are accurate (I found lower, too). Harley also delivers an extra 11 ft/lbs of torque, which indeed is nothing to sneeze at. So, dollar-wise, it costs $640 per extra horsepower, and $582 for each extra foot-pound of torque. Of course, Harley will be most happy to put more ponies under your butt for an extra charge.

You could also just live with the stock leather soft bags on the Harley and save more money... I fell in love with the Marzocchi forks. You can take them off the Harley if you want, but the handling will definitely suffer and the Guzzi will just walk away from you in the twisties. Maybe that's not you're thing, but frankly, I believe that if you're considering a Guzzi, you're probably very interested in how the bike will handle and move. Guzzi doesn't publish it's lean angles, but from my experience they are extremely sporting. Harley states their lean angles are 29° or thereabouts, and I'm sure that Guzzi stomps this mercilessly. The big, bad brembos are something else that Guzzi has that Harley doesn't; I didn't couldn't find this available from Harley - I'm sure they are available aftermarket, just pony up the bucks. I guess it depends on what you want. Many people find it extremely important to belong, and I appreciate that very much. Harley's community is very strong and definitely has a long and storied lifestyle.

You're never going to have much of a "bad boy" image on a California Guzzi, excepting the bad cops fromMagnum Force. The Guzzi is pointed directly at riders that want a great handling, comfortable and reliable bagger to soak up long distances. After all, once you're going 80, ride, comfort, handling and braking become very important. The Harley will definitely hit the road, soak up the miles, and you get to belong to "the club" - and pay the extra $6400 in "dues". I've never been much of a "joiner". I am a Guzzi enthusiast and I will readily admit that I am glad that the Guzzi compares so favorably. The Moto Guzzi National Owner's Club is a great organization that I just haven't gotten around to joining, and yet my friends in the club still invite me on their rides and treat me like a member when I show up. I think guilt drives membership there. The club is very family-oriented and friendly as all-get-out. The meets definitely have nothing "racy" about them, in fact, they are more anarchic than anything else.

I think I've met the club's president, but nobody ever discusses club politics, so I think he got elected by missing a meeting. I guess it depends on what you want, but I believe that a side-by-side comparison of the Heritage and the California Vintage is a worthy one. The big Guzzi really packs a tremendous value for the money, and it's a real delight to own and ride. I knew this day would come... Ok. It's not my bike. I've shared that. I had less time with it than the Breva 1200 Sport that GuzziUSA was kind enough to let me ride. I took the Breva back, loving the bike, but I knew that it had to go on, eventually, to a happy owner. This time it's different. The Guzzi got under my skin. This bike is the "girl you take home to Mom". I wasn't ready to let go. I woke up early and decided to take the bike from Northridge down to Newport Beach in Friday Morning Rush Hour to have lunch with a college buddy. I hadn't really experienced the center of Los Angeles in very heavy traffic, and I figured that I-5 at 9am would be a perfect crucible. This isn't a short trip. Over 70 miles on LA's inner city freeway into the heart of Orange County. I would be traveling across areas that are some of the busiest in the US.

Names like East LA interchange, where the 110, 10, 5 and 60 all meet in a pasta bowl of roads, and further south, the "Orange Crush" near Disneyland beckoned. I would definitely be doing some lane splittin' today. I hoped that the big, police-bike-inspired Guzzi was up to its heritage. For a Cruiser, the Guzzi isn't exceptionally wide. The seat is pretty mellow, really, and the bags don't stick out further than the handlebars, as far as I could tell. The mirrors protrude slightly further, but not so much. Ride height is perfect for heavy traffic. You sit up high and can look all but the largest SUV drivers right in the eye. When you're in the canyons between them, this and a good set of headlights is definitely a plus. The day started out warm and proceeded to heat up to the typical, Santa-Ana winded Indian Summer day that is famous in the region. A great test for the bike. Stifling hot, heavy traffic and a big cruiser. Not as much fun as canyon carving, but if you live in LA or any big city, considering the purchase of this wonderful, big Guzzi, you sure as heck want to know that it can live in traffic in tough conditions. Once onto the 5 South, I cruise in comfort until I reach the northern reaches of downtown LA. Traffic is backing up. I began to weave between the well-spaced cars as they moved along at 45-55 mph. Absolutely no problem.

If anything the front windscreen was too efficient in that it moved the air around me instead of through the vents in my jacket. I continued as the traffic deepened and the myriad ramps of the East LA interchange approached, signaling that stopped traffic and real, slow-speed splitting was in my future. As I worked my way through the traffic, I noticed that I was splitting through cars like butter - only the narrowest of passages had me slowed or stopped, and this had a lot to do with the Cal being "someone else's bike". Lane splitting is a black art that involves profiling the vehicle/driver combinations around you, spotting goof balls on cell phones, putting on make-up (sharp objects near your eyes at speed? stupid!), or even reading the paper. It also involves people looking back and forth in their rear view mirrors making eye contact with you. These are the real scary ones, because you don't know if they are going to move out of your way or commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon. So I take it easy. Hey! I'm on a cruiser.

There are a few squids that I let by, happy to risk a little more. I'm 47, taking my Friday off, and headed for lunch on a bike given to me for a week. I'm sure as hell not going to screw this up, the '09 Guzzis are coming out and I want my butt on them as soon as I can arrange it! The roads widen and smooth out into Orange County. Big HOV lanes, smooth roads and I'm in business all the way to Newport Beach. Arriving off the 55, I realize that my buddy, Dean, has moved his office. I call, and he's in a meeting. I need to get gas anyway, as I want to fill up the tank before I return the bike. Time to bring up one thing to remember about living with the California. The tank is kind of on the small side. I KNOW that it says that it holds 5 gallons, but I've ridden it 25 miles with the reserve light on and still only put about 3.8 into it. Jeeeeezzzussss! Can the Engineers at Guzzi give us our 6 gallon tanks back from the 60's? With these wonderful bikes turning 43 mpg, we'd have some RANGE! The seats and riding position are comfortable enough for two-plus hour stints, let's make some tanks that extend the ride. Ok. Rant over.

Had a nice lunch, a few laughs and realized that Mall Food in Newport Beach is very different than the Post-Nuclear-Battlefield food that is served in the East San Fernando Valley Shopping Centers. Time for the final ride up the 405 in rush hour traffic to the California's final stop. More lane splitting, lots of bumps (the 405 is unbelievably rough) and final arrival. I get here one week after picking it up, only 10 miles short of 1000 miles total. I really rode the bike hard, enjoyed it thoroughly and left with a sweet taste in my mouth. Time to go home and negotiate with the wife...

Looking For ATV Dealers

2010-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

By Donovan Keithly

Looking for motor ATV dealers, motorcycle dealers, watercraft dealer or snowmobile dealers? Not to worry. Some quick searches online and you'll have found a dealer near you. But here's just a few to get you started.

1. 74 Motorsports

What's your toy? ATV, dirt bike, motorcycle, or watercraft? 74 Motorsports has it all as well as a terrific selection of accessories which includes boots, tires, helmets, and handle bars. They stock competitively priced Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Sea Doo, Twister, Bombardier, and Polaris.

2. C&S Harley Davidson

Don't let the name fool you. This Harley dealership stocks more than Harley. They've got a full line of ATVs and ATV parts to choose from. And they won't charge you for preparing your order or for shipping it.

3. New York Motorcycle

You can save plenty here with their great pricing, 4 year protection plan, and warranty. They offer a full line of Kawasaki ATV's and motorcycles.

4. MotorSportsSuperStore.com

Save as much as 15% off so you can save a bundle on your new ATV. They carry 5-Star, Suzuki, Polaris, and Yamaha.

5. Discount Motorcycles And ATVs

You can shop online with their expanded selection of Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Kawasaki, Aprilia, and Victory

6. Neosho Power Sports

This family owned dealer isn't like the rest. Here you'll find personable service whether you shop in person or online and financing for your motorcycle, ATV, or even your generator.

7. Honda Of Missouri

Friendly service and all the help you'll ever need. Not sure what ATV you want or need then talk to the experts. They'll have you on the right track in no time.

8. SC Outdoors

Whether you are in the market for a dirt bike, ATV, or other big boys toys they've got it so be sure to stop by their site and have a look.

Of course there are hundreds of other dealers online and it is important that you shop around. It is also important to what you should expect from the dealer.

1. Customer Service - you should expect to be treated in a courteous manner.

2. Licensed Dealer - you should ensure that the dealer is licensed to sell that particular manufacturer's ATV.

3. Instructions - you should expect the dealer to provide you with safety information on how to use the unit safely and what the maintenance schedule is.

4. Complaint Process - you should be able to easily learn what the process of the dealer is for filing a complaint or dealing with a product problem. You should also know how they handle complaints and whether they refund.

5. Return Policy - you should be able to clearly see what your options are if you don't like your ATV. Will the dealer refund? Give you a store credit?

6. Track Record - have a look at the guest book. See what others have to say about the site and the product.

Buying an ATV should be fun not stressful. After all finally you get another one of those toys for the big boys. Your shopping time should be a blast and you should be sure you do lots of comparing to make sure you get the best ATV for your money.

There are plenty of ATV dealers around the country so whether you choose to buy online or visit your local dealer you have plenty of options. Get ready to play!

ATV's Can Be Fun and Dangerous All at the Same Time

2010-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

By Jeffrey Meier

The all terrain vehicle referred to as ATV are those small open motorised buggies and tricycles designed for rough off-road use. Also the American National Standards Institute ANSI has certain rules though, stating that ATV should have low pressure tires, seat to be straddled by the operator and used by single operator only. Nicknamed as quads in U.S. and Canada, these off the roads four wheeled vehicles are very similar to jeeps and motorcycles in terms of its ability to move adequately in rough terrains. Not only as a fashion statement use, but also is quite a capable vehicle indeed. Presently, the famous ATV's range from 50cc to 800cc, prices ranging from about $2000 to over $12000!

Developments:

ATV's were first noticed in the 50's but already its becoming quite a fad in the sports as well as in agricultural business. Early on it was developed by Honda as three wheeled meant for recreational use only. Then for better function, suspension and lower profile tires were introduced and its earlier reference as ATC with its ability to manage any terrains made it very popular. Soon used not only as an adventure vehicle but also used by hunters and trail riders. Then came Suzuki with its four wheeled ATV's, after a lot of engineering make over the present core features such as long travel suspension, liquid cooled two stroke motor and a fully manual six speed transmission was achieved. Increasingly it then became a machine exclusively designed to be raced by mega skilled riders. Another popular development was by Yamaha, introducing Banshee 350 featuring a twin cylinder liquid cooled two stroke motor, quite heavier and difficult to manage and became one great machine for sand dune riders.

ATV's meant solely for sports use are usually light, two wheeled drive vehicles running at 120km/h while the utility models are much bigger, heavier four wheeled drive with speed limit of 104km/h. Understandably, they also come with attached racks or small dump beds, some have tow trailers too. They also come in six wheeled models, the extra set of wheels at the rear to increase the payload capacity. Further there's also the eight wheel models ATV's which has the ability to float; great for swamps and dry land as well.

Criticisms:

Most common ATV's these days are the four wheeled ones as a measure to increase more stability and reduce accidents, because in just a single year thousands are admitted to ER on ATV related accidents, especially alarming to many parents. There has been many criticisms regarding the safety issue and these days, focus has shifted more to the issue of rider's age than the type of machine. As such its generally mandated that those ATV's with 90cc cannot be used by under 16. Though presently, ATV's with 50cc can be used by as young as 6 years old! Its power to move through rough terrains has made it quite popular for adventurers. But, many of them rumble off on soft grounds too making the landslide areas shaky, disturbing the area. This is one criticism made by environmentalists.

Anyhow, ATV's are very popular with hunters, farmers, ranchers and workers at construction sites and its ability to be maneuvered in muddy, rocky terrains adequately makes it quite a favourite vehicle, thus it's a great rough and tumble vehicle.

Useful Information About ATVs

2010-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

By Seth Miller

Small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use are called all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs. The vehicles are generally buggies and tricycles. The typical three-wheeled ATV is trademarked by Honda.

There are various types of buggies, like the dune buggy, which is built to travel through sand dunes and beaches, or a kite buggy, which is a light vehicle powered by a traction kite.

The tricycle is similar to the bicycle, the only difference being that it is three-wheeled. Some tricycles are also motorized. However, sidecars and three-wheelers are not considered tricycles.

The four-wheeled versions of ATVs are commonly referred to as 'quads,' 'quad bikes' or 'quad cycles.'

Six- and eight-wheeled ATVs are also available for specialized uses. Though the rider can sit on them just as he would sit on a motorcycle, the extra wheels make them more stable at slower speeds. They are known as the AATVs (Amphibious All Terrain Vehicles)

They are also considered to be Off Road Vehicles (OTVs), like the jeep and the motorcycle.

The first three-wheeled ATV was made by Honda in 1970. In 1982, Honda came out with the ATC 250R, which was the first model to have a full suspension, manual clutch and a disk brake. It was favored by hunters and was for purely recreational use.

In the later stages, ATVs had such features as four-wheel drives, long-travel suspensions and liquid-cooled two-stroke motors. The four-wheel-drive ATVs are largely used by workers, farmers and ranchers.

Safety concerns forced the production of three-wheeled ATVs to be clamped down in the late '80s. The front end of the three wheelers has only one wheel, and that makes it lighter. Flipping backwards and overturning are a potential hazard in tricycles, especially while climbing mountains.

In most accidents the driver first loses control of the vehicle. Other common types of accidents are collision with a moving or fixed object, and driver or passenger ejection from all-terrain vehicles. It is recommended that drivers never carry a passenger while operating all terrain vehicles.

There are two kinds of ATVs today, the sports models and the utility models.

The sports models are usually light, small two-wheel drives, and therefore can accelerate quickly. They have a manual transmission and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

They are generally built for racing purposes, and therefore should be lightweight and high-powered, with a good suspension and a low center of gravity. These machines are used in various races like motocross, woods, desert, drag racing, speedway and Tourist Trophy races, after modifications.

The utility models are bigger vehicles with a four-wheel drive. The maximum speed they can reach is 60 miles per hour. Utility ATVs are used for various tasks like hauling small loads or towing small trailers.

Popular producers of ATVs are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Arctic Cat.

Keeway Cruiser 250cc Review

2010-01-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

By Dave Hodgson

A few months ago I purchased a new Keeway Cruiser 250cc motorcycle in Montevideo, Uruguay; I wanted a cheap mode of daily transport and an enjoyable way to see more of Uruguay and possibly Argentina. There seems to be a lack of reviews on the bike online so this is to help address the lack.

The official Keeway statistics are:

Engine Type: 2 cylinder, 4 stroke
Displacement: 248cc (250cc)
Power: 12.9 kW @ 8000 RPM
Torque: 16.00 @ 6000 RPM
Compression: 9.4:1
Induction: DOHC
Ignition: CDI
Starter: Electric
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission: Chain
Clutch: Wet shoe, multi plate
Dry weight: 150 kg
Overall height: 1145 mm
Overall length: 2300 mm
Overall width: 762 mm
Ground clearance: 150 mm
Wheelbase: 1530 mm
Seat height: 753 mm
Front tyre: 110×90x16 Tubeless
Rear tyre: 120×90x16 Tubeless
Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Top speed: 115 km/h
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Fuel consumption: 2.4 Litres/100 km
Accessories: Windscreen, alarm, remote ignition, saddlebags, side luggage racks.

Clearly depending on which dealer and which country the bike is purchased in the price will vary, however I purchased this one in Montevideo, Uruguay from a dealership called Vladimir Kaitazoff with a list price of US $3600; it came with a 6 month or 6000Km guarantee.

In my experience with this bike I can happily state that it is a generally reliable if slightly underpowered cruiser that is ideal for short road trips, general commuting and as a learner/first bike.

The appearance of the bike is extremely striking for 250cc. Styled in the Harley image it certainly draws attention on the road; particularly in Uruguay where it is uncommon to find large bikes, I am often asked about it at traffic lights or in car parks by other riders and drivers. The appearance of the bike is more akin to a 500cc cruiser such as the Yamaha Virago and the 14L tank, screen and saddlebags all go together to give the bike reasonable road presence and a larger image than the engine might imply. In addition, at idle the engine sounds particularly nice as there are a set of sporty(ish) twin pipes fitted.

The handling and ride of the bike are reasonable; not amazing but for a cheap, small engined imitation cruiser you can't expect to feel like you are riding a one of its big brothers. Around town it has more than enough power to get you out off (or into) trouble, it is reasonably nimble and easy to manoeuvre but obviously there are occasions where it is to wide to follow a scooter through traffic. On motorways/highways it is capable of reaching and cruising at (for at least 2 days straight in my experience) the 100Km speed limits here; the ride is steady if not luxurious and the position is relatively comfortable on long rides. I managed to load it up (with my non standard saddlebags) with around 25Kg of baggage and it coped admirably; throw on a pillion as well and the suspension did bottom out occasionally on bumpy ground but on smooth highways it was fine.

The brakes are sufficient for the speed it is capable of, however I have locked up several times; I put this down to the road surfaces in Uruguay rather than the bike as it only seems to happen on one type of surface here - perhaps I could resolve that by replacing the standard tyres which are pretty basic. The brakes do feel a bit overloaded when carrying a lot of luggage and pillion but with just a pillion or just luggage they are fine.

The gearbox initially felt extremely loose and frequently dropped out of gear in 2nd; I have since been to a local mechanic to get it is resolved, it appears to have been a settling in problem on a new gearbox as it is now fixed. The clutch also felt a bit spongy initially; the same mechanic has now resolved that with some adjustments. I am now happy with the clutch and the gearbox functions correctly; however on occasion it is still evident the gearbox is cheap from the occasional clunk into gear. I think the lesson here might be to take it to a good mechanic for initial setup and not trust a dealership/service centre to do the work.

Fuel consumption on the bike is very low, I was able to make 350Km on a 14L tank of fuel on long runs consistently; although this obviously varied with luggage etc. Around town it normally gives a bit more than 300km to the tank (probably more but I am cautious with fuel).

The suspension is fluid around town and it does feel cheaper than its more expensive counterparts; probably because it is! I have also found that it is prone to squeaks which appear, stay for a couple of Kms and then disappear, however none have been persistent and a drop of lubricant has resolved them all.

The gauges are clear and display in Km/h and Mp/h, there is however a lack of rev counter and fuel gauge which would have been a nice addition. They are also well lit and readable at night with no problems. The headlights are big and strong enough to enable out of town riding at night and the main beam is sufficient for country roads etc.

In terms of accessories the bike comes with:

* An alarm on the models from late 2007 onwards and it is of medium sensitivity; I expect it would sound if you sat on it but not if you walked near it.
* Remote ignition; an electronic key fob (plus spare) is provided that allow you to start and stop the engine remotely as well as activate the alarm. It is a nice gimmick which I in practice don't use often - however disabling the engine cut of on the side stand does allow you to warm the engine up from across the street (if you trust the neighbours!).
* Screen; the standard screen is reasonable and effective at speed, judging from the state of it after 1500Km of desert riding it keeps the bugs at bay as well!
* Fitted saddlebags; they are useful for general daily use but for long trips they a bit flimsy and too small for my requirements. The saddlebag supports can however be fitted without the bags so you can fit aftermarket bags if need be.
* Saddlebag support racks; sturdy chrome racks are fitted that make the addition of aftermarket bags easy - I opted to have some made as they are difficult to buy in Uruguay but I imagine most throw over bags would fit and the spacing of the indicators and suspension does allow some pretty deep bags.

My experiences of this bike are generally positive. There were some initial reliability issues which I have since put down to poor set up from the workshop as I have managed to resolve all but one problem by using an alternative mechanic.If you are planning long tours with a passenger and lots of luggage I think this bike will cope as well as most cheap, small cruisers, you may need bigger bags fitting; but I would advise you look at bigger options designed for the job in that case.

I have no qualms about recommending this bike if you are looking for a relatively cheap, economical cruiser that is capable of undertaking some touring if required and more than up to the job of running round town in comfort.

It's One Thing for People to Buy Your Product or Service, but It's Another for Them to Tattoo Your

2010-01-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

By Josef Schinwald

William Harley and Arthur Davidson, both in their early twenties, built their first motorcycle in 1903. During their first year, the company's entire output was only 1 motorbike; however, by 1910, the company had sold 3,200. Movies such as Easy Rider made Harleys a cultural icon and soon the company attracted people who loved its bad-boy mystique, powerfulness, rumbling voice, distinctive roar, and toughness. It sounded like nothing else on the road, and even Elvis Presley and Steve McQueen longed to ride one.

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has had its ups and downs, and at times, the downs seemed as if they would end in bankruptcy. In the sixties, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha invaded the American market, and when sales at Harley-Davidson dropped drastically due to decreasing quality and increasing competition, the company began to look for buyers and was finally sold. However, the new owners of Harley Davidson knew little about how to restore profitability. The quality became so bad that dealers had to place cardboard under bikes in the showroom to absorb the oil leaking.

Daniel Gross, in Forbes Greatest Business Stories of all Times, recounts how in 1981, with the aid of Citibank, a team of former Harley-Davidson executives began negotiations to reacquire the company and rescue it from bankruptcy. Among these executives was William Davidson, the grandson of the founder Arthur Davidson. In a classic leveraged buyout, they pooled $1 million in equity and borrowed $80 million from a consortium of banks lead by Citibank.

Harley's rescue team of loyal executives knew that the Japanese motorbike manufacturers were far ahead in regard to quality management, and they made a bold decision to tour a nearby Honda plant. Paradoxically, the Japanese had learned Total Quality Management from the Americans, Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran. The new business concept outlined by these two pioneers was a new management approach that, interestingly enough, had been rejected by American manufacturers. As a result, they offered this approach to Japanese manufactures that were eager to learn and implement it. Therefore, soon after their tour of the Honda plant, the Harley Davidson Motor Company decided to put into practice this originally rejected approach.

After implementing just-in-time inventory (JIT) and employee involvement, costs at Harley had dropped significantly; this meant that the company only needed to sell 35,000 bikes instead of 53,000 in order to break even. Their lobbying at Washington also helped, and import tariffs were raised temporarily from 4 to 40 percent on Japanese bikes. This extra breathing space was something that the U.S. motorbike company desperately needed for its recovery.

The combination of visiting a Japanese motorbike manufacturing plant and lobbying in Washington for import tariffs was a daring move on behalf of Harley's executives in their attempt to bring back profitability and growth to the company. Another important strategic move was the company's unique marketing and branding campaigns. Studies showed that about 75 % of Harley customers made repeat purchases, and executives quickly recognized a pattern that refocused the company's overall strategy. Simply put, they needed to find a way to appeal to the extraordinary loyalty of customers, which they found in creating a community that valued the experience of riding a Harley more than the product itself.

The sponsorship of a "Harley Owners' Group" has been one of the most creative and innovative strategies that has helped create the experience of this product. Without realizing it, Harley executives had pioneered a new paradigm that would be increasingly embraced by other industries in their quest to increase profitability by converting their product into an experience. The company started to organize rallies to strengthen the relationship between its members, dealers, and employees, while also promoting the Harley experience to potential customers. The Harley Owners' Groups became immensely popular; it allowed motorcycle owners to feel as if they belonged to one big family. In 1987, there were 73,000 registered members, and Harley now boasts to have no less than 450,000 members.

In 1983, the company launched a marketing campaign called SuperRide, which authorized over 600 dealerships to invite people to test-drive Harleys. Over 40,000 potential new customers accepted the invitation, and from then on, many customers were not just buying a motorcycle when they bought a Harley; instead, they were buying "the Harley Experience."

Harley-Davidson offered its customers a free one-year membership to a local riding group, motorcycle publications, private receptions at motorcycle events, insurance, emergency roadside service, rental arrangements on vacation, and a host of other member benefits. Branding the experience, not just the product, has allowed the company to expand how it captures value, including a line of clothing, a parts and accessories business, and Harley-Davidson Visa card.

If you were to scan the list of companies that delivered the greatest returns on investment during the 1990s, you would discover Harley-Davidson. Only a few companies have been successful in inventing entirely new business models, or profoundly reinventing existing ones. Harley-Davidson went from supplying motorcycles to antisocial raiders to selling a lifestyle to the aging bad boy wannabes caught in their midlife crises. Traditionally, Harley-Davidson bike owners came from the working and middle classes, but as quality and prices of the bad-boy-bikes rose, and with energetic marketing, the company soon attracted a different class of buyers--currently one third of Harley buyers are professionals or managers, and 60% are college graduates. The new customer segments of Harley are the Rolex Riders or the Rich Urban Bikers. Hell's Angels do not run in the same group anymore. Now there are groups of accountants, lawyers and doctors. Women also account for a significant portion of the new riders, and there are women-only riders clubs spreading all over the globe.

The future looks bright for the U.S. motorbike company. According to The Economist, overall U.S. sales increased over 20% in 2000, and more than 650,000 new motorcycles were sold in the U.S. in the same year, up from 539,000 the year before. Bike buyers spent an estimated $5.45 billion on new bikes in 2000.

Stay alert and get it early. The new branding paradigm is to sell a lifestyle, a personality and it is also about appealing to emotions of your customers. Increasingly, it will be more and more about creating an experience around the product. Brand managers and executives will need a new set of lenses. The rules have changed as well as the opportunities to maximize profitability and create value in the process. Nonetheless, the majority of companies continue to follow traditional ad campaigns and they seem to ignore the fact that the media has fragmented into hundreds of cable channels, thousands of magazine titles and millions of Internet pages.

Consumers are no longer sitting ducks for commercials; they are looking for new experiences. Whether it is the bad-boy-aura of the Harley riding experience, the exquisite coffee experience in Starbucks cafés, or the active participation in Net communities, more and more companies will need to follow these early new branding pioneers. They will need to look into the dynamics of their relationships with customers and the nature of their interaction. They will need to ask themselves some serious "out-of-the-box" questions if they want to move with the shifting value that is the result of constantly changing market conditions.

Branding has changed and so have marketing and advertising campaigns. New variability, heterogeneity where there was once homogeneity, newly emerging stratifications of wealth, new preferences, and new life styles are all characteristics of the 21st century customer that are here to stay. We better get used to it, at lease until the next paradigm is discovered. Remember, the companies that are creating new wealth are not just getting better; they are becoming different--mind-bogglingly different!

Bibliography:

Barker, Joel. Paradigms. Harper Business, 1993.

Bedbury, Scott. A New Brand World: Eight Principles for Achieving Brand Leadership in the 21st Century, Viking Press, 2002.

Gross, Daniel: Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time, John Wiley & Sons, 1997.

Hamel, Gary. "Innovation Now," in Fast Company
(http://www.fastcompany.com/online/65/innovation.html), December 2002

Kotter, John P., Leading Change, Harvard Business School Press, 1996, pp. 4 - 14.

Teerlink, Rich, and Ozley, Lee: More Than a Motorcycle: The Leadership Journey at Harley-Davidson, Harvard Business School Press, 2000.
Young, James Webb. Technique for Producing Ideas, McGraw-Hill, p. 14.

Are You Looking For Classic Saddlebags?

2010-01-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

By Dona Rosa

Motorcyclists often use saddlebags to carry things with them on motorcycling trips. You will find there are two kinds of classic saddlebags. One is the throw over saddlebag, and the other is the hard mount saddlebag. Hard mount saddlebags were really an adaptation of the throw over saddlebags, which were invented and became popular some time in the early 1950s.

Motorcycles became hot favorites with the young people of the 1960s, and the industry developed in keeping with it. New sorts of motorcycle luggage carriers were also invented. New motorcycles that hit the market were usually bigger, and often better than their early counterparts. People began traveling long distances by bike. Some youngsters got together and rode across the country on motorcycles. Throw over saddlebags were soon replaced by a sturdier and more reliable kind of bag to carry luggage on a motorcycle. Riders wanted a way of permanent storage, and this they improvised by drilling holes in the back fenders of their vehicles and bolting saddlebags to them directly.

This method of carrying luggage on motorcycles quickly caught on; riders fell in love with it. It also made the motorcycle look better. Motorcycles manufacturers started making bikes with struts, so that riders could attach saddlebags to the bike without having to go through the process of drilling holes in the back fender. The Indian Motorcycle Company and the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company did this, and their bikes sold like hot cakes. Bikes with struts had another advantage. You could add other accessories like motorcycle carriers and sissy bars with their aid.

Gradually, Asian motorbike companies made their foray into the American market. Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda knew that to make their bikes sell, they must make enough room for luggage. Yamaha was the leader in this respect. They specially made room for detachable saddlebags. The design is such that on turning, the saddlebags won't be disturbed. This problem with smaller motorcycles was resolved in this way. After the 1980s, several companies began selling motorcycles with affixed fiber glass saddlebags. Motorcycle specific luggage was invented. The motorists were saved plenty of hassle and time.

Factory manufactured saddlebags were well-liked, but till this day, most motorcycle riders prefer leather saddlebags to others. The reason is that leather bags can be customized for your personal needs unlike bags made of other materials.

Classic saddlebags were often decorated with studs, conchs and other fixtures. Of late, the bigger motorcycle manufacturing companies have started making saddlebags that match the color scheme of the motorcycle. Other leather saddlebags have also been introduced to the market, and these fit in with the rest of the vehicle. These modifications have resulted in the fact that motorcycles have become all the more popular.

Saddlebags should never get in the way when you are riding. Make sure it is fixed properly and in the correct position before you start out. This way, you can never lose control or have an accident. They should also be strong enough to hold all your things safely.

How Important Motorcycle Saddlebags Are

2010-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

By Alamdar H

Over the years, there have been a rising number of people who use motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation. With the increase of gas prices more and more people are opting for an alternative mode of transportation which is economical. The current trend shows that people are more opting for motorcycles as a mode of transportation. Motorcycles are more fuel efficient from other vehicles like cars. The disadvantage of the motorcycle is that your whole family would not be able to fit in. but motorcycles are always cheaper to keep and are faster too. Besides this we can not deny from the fact that when you drive it makes you look as you are gliding. You can enjoy the scenery without having to roll the windows down. It is fun to ride a bike.

Here are some of the popular brands of motorcycles; Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, BMW, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson. Every brand has its own different styles with good prices and distinctive characteristics of motorcycles.

Many bikers after buying a motorcycle want to decorate their bikes or they want to get luggage accessories. It is evident that two wheel vehicle can not be equipped with big metal boxes because it is difficult for the driver to keep balance and increase the speed. In spite of the fact that motorcycles can not carry luggage as compared to four wheel vehicles, the use of this vehicle is very much for entertainment, sports and specially touring. Besides this, there has been a great increase in people who use these bikes as a source of traveling. For this purpose the most important accessory of motorcycle is saddlebags. According to many bikers bags are useful for decoration and they are good source of storage too. Following are some advantages of saddlebags.

1) Now a day's saddlebags are made with advanced techniques which are stylish, very good designed and especially they have good storage capacity. The bags are made to carry heavy loads. They are a good source of carrying heavy luggage.

2) Due the good quality of leather used in saddlebags the risk of sagging of the bags reduces. The aerodynamic features of the saddlebags give you a better speed when you are riding on a motorcycle. The modern saddlebags are lighter in weight.

3) Another important advantage of saddlebags is that there is a large variety of saddlebags with different sizes and designs. The bags with various pockets and compartments provide you an ease in organizing your useful things that you requires during a long trip.

4) Moreover, the saddlebags makes your motorcycle more stylish and good looking.

Basic Tips To Shop For Used Motorcycles

2010-01-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

By Anirban Bhattacharya

Generally, used motorcycles are taken in a negative means by calling them a poor quality vehicle. If you know few basics tips about such bikes about getting a perfect used motorcycle, you can easily find the most economical and usable bike for your needs. When somebody considers buying used motorcycles or bike accessories, this means that they want a fair deal and are intend to spend less money. There are numerous cases when a used motorcycle is proved a lot cheaper. If you really want a good quality bike in minimum prize range, you should better consider your requirements. Think if you want a Hero Honda or a Bajaj? Or should you do go well with any sort of bike with an engine of 150, 200 or 225cc? If you desire a particular brand of motorcycles, you should take your time and hunt for the right one, otherwise, it is more sensible to get a new one

However, the best place to look for used motorcycles for sale is at online marketplace. Online websites feature a lot of modified bikes available for sale; you can find many brands such as Honda motorcycles and others to get the real worth of your money.

From used Yamaha to used sports bikes, Harley Davidson to classic range of Hero Honda motorcycles, the market is to the top with offers that people can grab up. You can simply find online automotive directory for motorbikes accessories and buy them at a very fair rate. There is also an additional advantage in buying used motorcycles; for example a Harley Davidson gets value in time, so the older the motorbike the more value it gets. A used sports motorbike from Yamaha and Suzuki are alternatives that everybody should know and think about no matter what the season.

The used Hero Honda motorcycles can be a worthy deal when it comes to maintaining a strong style statement. The used bikes engines can be a good alternative and their engines may value a lot, more than the actual cost. In adding, many used engines will work just fine, so there is no require to buying a novel bike, just because your engine is broken and cannot be fixed. It's simple, purchase a used engine and extend the life of your beloved motorcycle. So, get ready to hunt for a great deal and get a used motorcycle. Check out the online automotive directory for used bikes and see what special sales you can get your hands on.

2004-5 Yamaha FJR1300 Race (no cut) Frame Sliders Install Instructions

2010-01-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

By Roland Lee

These sliders have been designed to offer unsurpassed protection for your Yamaha
FJR1300 in the unfortunate event of a lowside or tip over. Motovation frame sliders
are designed and manufactured by a company that only makes frame sliders. Each
and every model is tested for drop and slide protection. They are tough but not
brittle and can also absorb a huge impact. Sportsriders around the world who have
tested various models of our products on the track have all given their thumbs up
after experiencing first hand, the benefits of Motovation Frame Sliders.

Please read all instructions before beginning work! These frame sliders are designed
to fit specific engine mounts of your Yamaha FJR1300. This kit has separate left and
right pieces (left and right while sitting on the bike). It is highly recommended that
you refer to your service manual before performing this installation. If you are
unsure about the tightening torque, check your motorcycle's manual or
http://www.motovationusa.com/torque.html for a quick reference guide.

Included in this kit:

2 x Left/ Right side frame sliders

2 x thicker aluminum spacers ( Left )

2 x thinner aluminum spacers ( Right )

2 x Left/ Right Hi Grade aluminum brackets

3 x m12 x 80mm socket head cap screws

1 x m12 x 70mm socket head cap screw

2 x m10 x 50mm socket head capscrews for sliders.

Tools Required:

Torque Wrench

12mm allen key for Torque Wrench

14mm socket

Phillips screw driver

INSTRUCTIONS: Attempt this install one side at a time.

1)

Remove both side fairings.

Remove left side original bolts. Leave original washers in place.

Install the supplied spacers as shown:

Left Side Spacers x 2 pcs (thicker ones).

Right Side Spacers x 2 pcs (thinner ones).

2)

Install the left side bracket with the thicker spacers as shown.

Tighten to manufacturer's recommended torque. (40ft/lbs)

Using the supplied M12 x 80mm bolts.

3)

Remove right side original bolts. Leave original washers in place.

Install the right side bracket with the thinner spacers as shown

Tighten to manufacturer's recommended torque.(40 ft/lbs)

Using the supplied 1 x M12 x 70mm bolt for the upper location.

Using the supplied 1 x M12 x 80mm bolt for the lower location.

4)

Re-install the left and right fairings to their original locations. This will leave only
the mounting locations for the frame sliders visible on both sides.

5)

Install the supplied frame sliders with the remaining bolts and tighten.

Do not overtighten.

Take Consideration Into Custom Motorcycles For Your Own Artistic Preference

2009-12-31T18:06:00.000-08:00

By Penny Quyen

Custom motorcycles are modified to reflect the style, the vision and the artistic preference of a rider. You can customize any bike from a Harley Davidson to a Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda. Custom motorcycles stand out from the crowd and give an immense satisfaction to the rider. There are many companies that presently produce performance and custom parts for bikes, which enables motorcycle owners not only to personalize their bikes but also to improve or upgrade their performance.

The customization options are thus anything but scarce. While some modifications apply solely to design and involve changes of painting style or the use of chrome parts, others include serious modifications of the technical features. This means that some custom motorcycles go beyond the personalized look into a superior level of performance. Yet, most bikers will be pleased with simple changes of look, achieved by graphic effects, or by the addition of leather patches and other outfits.

It is quite popular to use all sorts of leather types, some more expensive than others. Thus, enthusiasts get custom motorcycles with saddlebags, seats and leather arm bands made of crocodile, calf skin, snake, ostrich or stingray. Such items certainly do not come cheap but there are plenty of bikers who'd spend their money on them. Besides this kind of accessories, other custom motorcycles are designed with specific graphics from skulls, shreds and flames to photo-realistic images and 3D raised images.

Not all local shops can accommodate your customization expectations, and sometimes the equipment necessary will have to be brought on special order or purchased on the Internet. The most important thing before starting to work on custom motorcycles is to know exactly what you want to achieve. If you do not have a clear idea, then, it will be more difficult to purchase the right supplies and you will feel like wasting your money.

One other option to create custom motorcycles is to use customization kits that enable you to create the bike from scratch. The step by step instructions are very important to actually manage to get a bike that functions within optimal parameters. Make sure that none of your customization efforts affects the operational quality of the bike. If you don't pay enough attention to such details, you could be tempted to save money and buy a cheap kit; unfortunately, you may regret such a decision later. As long as quality standards are preserved, feel free to let your imagination work at will!

Guide to Motorcycle Covers

2009-12-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

By Scott Thomas Wolf

Many of the adventure enthusiasts who make hectic efforts buying expensive bikes and motorcycles for their journeys are proud of their rides in there social groups. A good motorcycle cover is the one which look good. Bike Covers are not accessory but an essential item for your ride. The importance of motorcycle covers have always been underestimated. The famous companies are Honda, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki.

Motorcycle Covers not only protect your bike externally but internally as well. There are numerous advantages, first of all they protect against direct ultra violet rays that make your paint dull.Bike Covers also protect against scratches, water and bird droppings. There are number materials and styles in which covers are available. The first identification of cheap motorcycle covers is that it is made of stiff waterproof plastic material and it can rip off very easily these covers would hardly survive one season. These type of covering can scratch your motorcycle or atv tanks. Good quality covers are made of soft material they tend to stick with your bike when they get wet. They are made of soft material so they wont scratch your tank.

Always prefer motorcycle or atv covers that are breathable and have ventilation openings. Breathable bike covers help to prevent moisture being trapped inside that can affect paint and chrome parts. Also try to buy motorcycle covers that come with roll bags,which help to carry covers in more safe and compact way. There is variety of bike and ATV covers available online. I always prefer covers with elasticized bottom as they quick and easy to use, as I use covers quiet often. Try to buy covers which match colour of your transportation.

Motorcycles, Scooters, and Mopeds at Auto Auctions

2009-12-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

By Lina Lynn

This economy is going to the dogs. This is a phrase I'm sure we've all heard. People have to choose between gas and groceries. Gone is the quick trip to the general store everyday, to pick up that last thing we forgot. We make lists of all the things we need and make one trip to get it all. The things we forget, we learn to do with out. Today, it's hard to find anyone who isn't struggling with the growing gas prices. There is hope in the fact that, through out history, we have adapted, learned to deal with the rise and fall of the economy.

Today, people have found ways around this latest crisis. Many people are trading in their new vehicles for older more fuel efficient ones. Some are selling their new cars and trucks and buying motorcycles. Motorcycles can be more fuel efficient. Scooters and mopeds are also popular, they would be great for the quick trip for something that you can't do without, but can't afford the gas to make a long trip to get it. The fuel efficient motorcycles, scooters, mopeds could be our way of dealing with this crisis. More and more people are switching to motorcycles. They are also saving money by giving up the payments of their gas hogs.

Sad that our economy forces us to make these sacrifices. No one wants to pay payments and insurance on a brand new SUV or luxury car that they can't even afford to drive. How will you adapt to this crisis? Is trading in your car for a more fuel efficient one the answer for you? Are you thinking about buying a motorcycle? What about a minivan? Compared to the SUV do minivans get better mileage?

With so many Americans giving up their high payments for better mileage, there are a lot of repossessions going on. The number of repo's are growing on a daily basis. After these vehicles get repossessed they then get turned over to an auction, people can then buy them there very cheaply. There are also police auctions where you can buy government seized vehicles. There are many makes and models of these vehicles at auctions. Among them, you will probably find a variety of motorcycles, from BMW motorcycles, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Kymco and Triumph, motorcycle motors and parts. The variety of scooters may likely include Rascal, Vespa, and Tank scooters, also parts, motors and accessories. At an auto auction you will find motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, minivans, cars, trucks, SUV and more. They make these auction sites hard to find, many people don't even know about them. The difficulty in finding them is yet another thing we'll have to deal with.

There are places that can help you find out every thing you need to know about auto auctions. They have auto auction listings for every state. They also have several listings for just about any make and model of vehicle. Everything is organized neatly to make it even easier. These vehicles can be inspected by you, before the sale. At some auction sites they provide you with detailed information about the vehicle your interested in. These vehicles can truly be bought legally for pennies on the dollar. Government auto auctions are still a little known secret. With the ever rising cost of gas, will buying a motorcycle at an auto auction be a possible solution for you?

Motorcycle Chrome

2009-12-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

By Sam Gentry

Motorcycle chrome is probably one of the easiest and most practical ways to give your motorcycle that "custom" look, to give it classic beauty and to increase its value. Ok, I understand the beauty that chrome accessories can enhance on a motorcycle, but is chrome practical?

Chrome is not only great looking, but its ultra-hard metallic finish protects the metal underneath from the harsh environment that you ride through each day. From excessive moisture to dings and impacts from rocks, stones - and even curbs - chrome has been protecting our vehicles for almost one hundred years.

It's true, that in the early years of the last century, most automobiles' and motorcycles' shiny surfaces were from a nickel plating. While nickel plating can be an excellent industrial finish and really gives a brilliant shine, nickel can't really hold a candle to chrome - especially motorcycle chrome. Chrome is definitely a more expensive and difficult hard metal plating, as some really nasty chemicals are used in the process of chrome plating. But, time and time again, shiny chrome plating is almost always the first choice for any motorcycle chrome, from handlebars to headlights, and beyond.

As tough environmental regulations, and styling considerations over the past several decades pretty much drove good old motorcycle chrome off of many motorcycles, the resurgence of the big cruiser bikes such as Harley-Davidson and certain Hondas and Yamahas, pointed designer's tastes back to durable and cost-effective chrome plating. It didn't hurt matters that chrome platers really got their acts together and figured out how to apply chrome without trashing the environment with chemical wastes leftover from the plating process.

Of course, quality motorcycle chrome increases the value of your bike, and makes a styling statement that you are a traditionalist when it comes to motorcycle design. If you ride your motorcycle, then you'll never have to worry about rust of other forms of oxidation if you've got chrome in the right places. Even if those shiny surfaces become dull and discolored, there are literally hundreds of top-quality products on the market that will make that chrome shine like new!

Don't be bashful - motorcycle chrome is beautiful, and the classic, brilliant shine will make you look great and help your bike last longer! The age of dull, dark motorcycles has past, and a new era of beautiful and bright works of art on wheels is upon us!

History of Motorcycles

2009-12-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

By Vince Dionio

The history of the motorcycle goes back over 100 years, when an American gentleman made a steam powered motor that would be small enough to fit onto his bicycle. Howard Roper from Roxbury, Massachusetts, got tired of pedaling his bicycle over long distances. Taking months and months to draw diagrams and thinking just how he could make a steam engine that would be small enough to relieve the pressure from his legs and feet as he traveled from place to place on dirt roads and paths. Finally in 1867, Roper succeeded; it was powered by burning coal to create the steam. This bike has been displayed in many fairs and circuses over the years.

In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach (later to be the founders of the Mercedes, the forerunner of the Mercedes Benz), produced the first petroleum powered motor bicycle. However, not until 1894 was a motorized two wheeled vehicle (Hildebrand & Wolfmuller) made available for the transportation market.

As engines became too powerful for just a bicycle, and the designs changed very quickly, the leading manufacturer of motorcycles, (the Indian brand), had already produced well over 20,000 motorcycles a year until World War I.

By the 1920's, Harley Davidson took this lead away from the Indian Company as the Harley Davidson Company had acquired many dealers in as many as 67 countries throughout the world. By the end of World War II, BSA bikes took the title away from Harley Davidson, and until the 1950's had produced 75,000 bikes a year.

Through the 1990's, there had been extensive work done on two stroke bike engines due to Walter Kaaden's work in the 50's in East Germany.

Although Harley Davidson is still the leading bike manufacturer for the motorcycle market, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are also doing very well with their developments of a durable and elegant looking street bike.

Motorcycles have even gone into dirt bike track racing and cross-country racing. Several world records have been made on dirt bikes and some bike names have ended up in the Guinness Book of World Records. Motorcycles have a place in some of the Olympic Games as the advancements and the changes have been changed to the extent of taking parts off the original bike to make it lighter.

Motorcycles have jumped many cars, trucks, and even the Grand Canyon. Today riders are doing back flips, hand stands, and various other daredevil stunts.

Looking through EBay, you will be able to find many different antique motorcycles from the old Indian Frames to the Harley Davidson 1983 Wide Glide, a TR6 Triumph Trophy, and Suzuki DRZ 2003 and DRZ 250. Some of these bikes have been Chromed Out and restored to a very beautiful luster.

There is no better feeling than to be riding down the road and being able to feel the wind in your face and the freedom you feel when you are riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are today becoming more and more popular due to the fuel crises all around the world. With the smaller size engine and the less fuel consumption, motorcycles may be the next thing we see for commuters.

Your First Motorcycle

2009-12-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

By Timothy Monroe

Have you been smitten by the motorcycling bug? Have you seen that shiny new GSXRNINJACBRR1 going by in a blur and wished that was you? Thinking about buying your first motorcycle? There are lots of considerations to take into account.

A very important aspect of buying your first bike is the price. Many new motorcycles cost well over $10,000.00. Some premium models such as Ducati's and Harley-Davidsons can fetch over $20,000.00. Even if money is not a problem for you, it's probably not such a good idea to purchase a very expensive bike as your first ride. New riders almost always drop their bikes, which can result in very expensive repairs. If you want to learn how to properly ride a motorcycle, I encourage you to start with something a bit more modest.

Used bikes can be wonderful starter bikes. While a 3 year old Suzuki SV650 may not have quite as much power as a new Honda 600RR, rest assured that a good rider on a used SV can run circles around a new rider on just about anything. For experienced riders, it is not difficult to humiliate new riders on fancy expensive motorcycles. It's far cooler to go fast on a slow bike, than to go slow on a fast bike.

Sport bikes in particular can kill new riders quickly. Sport bikes tend to be lightweight and have high horsepower, resulting in extremely quick acceleration and high top speeds. While there may be a great temptation, especially among young guys, to buy a 1000 cc super bike, this is definitely not the best choice for someone starting out. Hospitals and cemeteries have received far too many inexperienced riders who just HAD to have the latest 160 horsepower liter bike.

It should go without saying that every rider just starting out should take a motorcycle training class. Classes offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are an excellent choice. Not only do they provide great training, but they also let you use their small motorcycles in the class.

Proper riding gear is also mandatory. Don't dress for the ride...dress for the crash. For discount motorcycle apparel and accessories, check out the fine products offered by The Cycle Guys at http://www.thecycleguys.com.

You've probably got your heart set on a particular style of bike. No matter if it's a cruiser, a sport bike, a standard style bike, a touring bike, or a dirt bike, its important that you get a bike that fits you.

After you've decided on your price range and style of bike, its time to go shopping. If you're not knowledgeable about mechanical things in general, and motorcycles in particular, try to find an experienced motorcycle guy or gal to help you out. I strongly encourage you to consider a used bike. Japanese bikes from the past 10 years are usually bulletproof. You can find clean, low mileage examples very easily, with price tags that are half of what a new bike will cost you.

The first thing to do is sit on the bike with the kickstand down. Can you touch both feet to the ground? If not, you should probably consider a motorcycle with a lower seat height. Check out the reach to the bars. Do the controls fall readily to hand? Where is the horn? Turn signals? Do the mirrors provide a good view of what's behind you? Does the bike feel comfortable? Using your legs, lift the bike off its side stand. How does it feel beneath you? Can you easily rock it back and forth in between your legs?

It is crucial that the bike feel comfortable, and that all the controls are easy for you to use. When gaining experience riding motorcycles, it's hard enough to keep focused on the road, shifting, your speed, and that crazy lady on a car phone next to you. Don't make your life even more complicated by purchasing a motorcycle with controls that are hard to find without looking. You should be able to operate any of the controls on your bike without taking your eyes off the road.
Congratulations on your first bike. If you've followed my advice, you've just bought a slightly used but still very exciting motorcycle that has the style you're lusting after, a price that fits your budget, and fits you correctly. You've got a new helmet, boots, and heavy duty riding jacket and gloves. You've taken the MSF class and you're ready to go out there and mix it up with the cages (cars). Just remember to take it easy for the first few months, until operating a motorcycle becomes second nature to you.

When you're very comfortable riding your first bike, you may start thinking about a higher performance model. That's OK, but I urge you to consider another option. How about a high performance riding school? You will be amazed at how fast you can go on that 3 year old SV650. Until you take a high performance riding school, you won't really have a good clue as to what you and your bike can do.

Motorcycles - Types And Use

2009-12-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

By Helen Cox

Until World War One the largest manufacturer of motorcycles was Indian who produced over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920 this honour went to Harley Davidson. Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States.

Motorcycles have historically been associated with subcultures i.e. Cafe Racers of the 1950's and the Mod's and Rockers of the 1960's. In the times we live in today motorcycle events are annually held at places across the globe in which money is raised for charity. Motorcycle rallies are also held internationally, which attract riders from all over the UK.

A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled vehicle which is powered by an engine. Styles of motorcycles vary depending on the task for which they were designed, such as long distance travel, urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorised transport.

The construction of motorcycles, with just a few exceptions involves using steel or aluminum frames, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. A one- to eight-cylinder gasoline powered engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt.

Since motorcycles have been around they have constantly been modified and up-dated and new accessories are constantly being produced to better them such as you can now get heated handle bars and heated seats to make your motorcycle journey more comfortable in cold weather and when riding late at night. With the advancements within the motorcycle industry there are now a wide range of motorcycle types that are available to you such as the Cruiser. This motorcycle is mainly produced in the Harley Davidson range and is designed for comfort/looks as it has a relaxed upright reclined seating position.

The mini bike can't really be called a proper motorcycle as it is extremely small in size and is designed to be used by both adults and children. It also doesn't have a hand operated clutch or gearbox. These bikes are prohibited to be drove on the roads in certain countries and are mainly used for off-road for racing. Another smaller version of a motorcycle is a moped. This small and inexpensive bike is very popular across the UK amongst younger riders especially. This is because they are small, light and inexpensive. The engine of a moped is mounted to its frame with a chain supplying the driving force.

Another highly popular form of motorcycle is the scooter. These have a step through frame and generally smaller wheels than a traditional motorcycle with an engine mounted near the rear wheel on the swingarm. These scooters are available in various varieties such as sport, commuter and touring models with a wide variety of engine sizes from the standard 50cc to 850cc. The main scooters that still remain highly popular are the Vespa scooter and the Piaggio.

If you are thinking about getting a motorcycle make sure that you feel comfortable with riding one as motorcycles are more likely to become involved in road traffic accidents than any other vehicle. If you feel unsure or have a lack of confidence then it is advised that you take a few extra lessons to get your experience and confidence back up.

Motorcycle Exhaust and Other Performance Exhaust Systems

2009-12-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

By Terry Price

Many exhaust performance parts can deliver a power-packed punch to your performance bottom line. In addition to realizing the boost in performance, take a few minutes to visit a performance exhaust web site and check out the sound of vance and hines sounds for yourself before you consider a purchase. In addition to a hot rod sound, many performance exhaust systems deliver signature performance along with the ultimate in style and performance. If you want to do an installation yourself, for the most part, the baffle-mounting hardware will be easy to understand. Try the vance and hines sounds on their website to experience for yourself its unique sound.

This article is going to give you an idea of just the incredible variety of performance exhaust and other aftermarket applications that are available to you. Whether you're a cruiser rider or a Harley fan, there is the right performance exhaust system for you. Many excellent manufacturers offer quality in addition to performance such as flowmaster. I'd like to focus on Harley products for a moment, if I may. Another manufacturer such as cobra can deliver a power-packed punch to your performance bottom line. In addition to realizing a boost in performance, your Harley will set the standard for custom looks with a big radius application that is sure to give the quality and perfection that you expect. Imagine your Harley with a beautiful, curved, 2 1/2" full-coverage heat shield with artistically-scalloped end tips and chrome that is blue-proofed to show room quality! You're sure to be hot on the street with the extra horsepower and torque provided by this great product! The hot rod sound is going to give you signature performance and is the ultimate in style and performance. Your baffle-mounting hardware will be easy to understand and the instructions will assure a hassle-free, perfect fit every time, even if you're an amateur. Most manufacturers offer seamless installation including yoshimura.

Flowmaster exhaust.com has a great website and if your doing an installation yourself consult their site for all the help you need. To mention a couple of their products, the 30-series offers a stupendous, deep, powerful tone and its sound level is a bit quieter outside of the vehicle than the 40-series. The flowmaster tone, with the combination of added volume and unique, low-pressure, balanced-chamber technology, creates a larger, low-pressure area behind the power chamber. You're going to experience a better scavenging of exhaust gases as a result. The system is designed for use on vans, SUV's and trucks, and incorporates 12 feet of aluminized, mandrel, bent tubing with deep, slip-fit connections. You will experience significant torque improvement and this system works well on GM, Ford, and numerous muscle-car applications, as well.

Cobra offers a great new system for Yamaha's new Star Roadliner introduction that took place in 2006. Imagine this fine motorcycle made even better with Cobra's speedster pipes. They have a great, full line of accessories, as well. This company has many new product introductions as do most manufacturers. They have some dragster pipes, which include their limited, lifetime warranty that will match the sound with the brawn! To get the best performance possible, they have a new kind application for the Fi2000R that optimizes the bike's fuel system. Yoshimura also just had a new muffler system released into the market that has now passed approval. Be on the lookout for their new GSX-R750 TRC fuel system, featuring stainless-steel construction that sports a 12" TRC cone-encapped muffler, as well as a low-volume insert. Another hot bike is the 2006 Yamaha FZ1, and Yoshimura delivers a slip-on feature termed "Shorty" that is awesome! It features a hard-mount, aluminum bracket, low-volume insert, and a 10"-inch canister. It retains the same features as the slip-ons with the exception of the muffler, which is a 12-inch canister on the full systems. Either way you look at it, performance exhaust is exciting and you'll be amazed at what technology can do for your Harley or street bike.

Advantage of Motorcycle Saddlebags

2009-12-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

By Keith K T

Motorcycles are getting more and more common on the roads nowadays. And among those the staidly increase are the big bike. Due to the economic situation that is going on, many car owners have turned to an alternative mode of transportation which is cheaper. Yes the Big Bikes. It's lower cost compare to the popular SUVs and Big trucks we used to have and more fuel efficient. Higher fuel cost has been one of the biggest drivers for many drivers to become riders. Although the down side to this that your whole family wouldn't be able to fit in. But a bike is always cheaper to keep, faster when you want to get to another destination and let's not forget the feeling of riding with risks and the excitement.

Some of the growing popular brands are Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Yamaha, and of course Harley Davidson. Each have came up with great designs and performance tag with an attractive price which attracted many bike buyers.

Like most bikers after getting their bikes, it's accessories time. Accessories are need to serve as beautifying and compartment for your bike. One of the most popular accessories for motorcycle bikes are Leather Saddle Bags. It gives you're the Rock sensation when riding your bike and it also solves the problem of storage and other things you might be bringing when you are going for a riding trip. Since motorcycle saddlebags is usually answer to many bikers for storage and decoration, another problem arise is... How do you choose the right saddle bag? Here we'll look into the advantages of having this accessory.

1) Leather Saddle bags nowadays are build to withstand heavy load, thus it can help remove and additional strains to your back when you are carry a bag at the back of your shoulder when riding.
2) Due to the agility and the flexibility of leather saddle bags, they will not restrain your movement and give you an easy maneuver and better acceleration when you are on the road.
3) Organizing your things is a ease with the large space leather saddle bags provides. And usually there are many different size in selection which will blend into your bike and your likings.
4) Most of all its trendy, stylish and will always add beauty to your bike.

Motorcycle History - Fun Facts For Kids

2009-12-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

By Michael J Bennett

Kids, the first motorcycle sold was a Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. This was in 1894 when many kids rode bicycles...

Engines and Frames

Bicycle companies put a new invention, the internal combustion engine, onto their bicycles.

When new engines became more powerful the standard bicycle frames, wheels and chains could not handle them.

Bicycle builders decided to make frames made of steel. The steel frames did the job much as they do today.

Most Popular Motobikes

Before First World War, the largest motorcycle company in the world was Indian Motors. They produced 20,000 motorbikes a year.

By 1920, Harley-Davidson sold more street bikes in more than 67 countries.

Today, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha are the most popular with enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson is still a driving force in the United States.

BMW, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ducati are also popular new street rides to buy...

Parts

Coloring pages kids, a steel or aluminum frame holds modern motorcycle parts and accessories.

Telescopic forks hold the front wheel, and disc brakes. Expect a one-cylinder to six-cylinder gasoline powered engine.

The engine is coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission with a swing arm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, drive shaft or belt.

A wind tunnel helps the engineers mimic real-life riding conditions. Different racing speeds test seating and body positions.

Experts can judge the best riding positions for racing bikes, off-road motorbikes and street cycles...

Accessories and Gear

Designed for comfort are various modern motorcycle attachments:

A "Fairing" is a plastic or fiberglass shell. It fits over the front frame of the bike. A fairing helps move the cycle smoothly and protects the engine in an accident. Fairings on touring rides improve your comfort and alertness on long rides. They reduce the harsh wind, cold and rain on your body...

"Windshields or windscreens" are built into a fairing or be attached to an unfaired motorbike. They are of transparent high-impact plastic. They direct airflow over or around your head. If you would like to raise and lower the windscreen with the push of a button, get an electric windscreen.

"Saddlebags or Panniers" rest on either side of the rear wheel to carry parts, tools, and, or travel gear.

"Heated Hand grips and Heated Seats" keep you warm in the cold and during night rides.

"Luggage Racks" remove the need for backpacks. They are a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to your rocket cycle...

A "Sidecar" is a one-wheeled partially covered seat. The sidecar attaches to the side of your motorcycle. Your big sister can sit in it and ride with you. Just remember to bring her back.

A "Trunk" is a storage box. Above and behind the seat the trunk is mounted...

Motorcycle Clubs

Clubs and organizations are popular. You can meet new rider kids, their buddies and their families.

The clubs are organized according countries, states, cities and neighborhoods. Individual motor bike makes or motorbike models have fan clubs.

You can join, if you qualify, groups like the American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group, Moto Guzzi National Owners Club, and Gold Wing Road Riders...

We will wrap it up...

Motorcycle kids - boys, you did a good job. You learned about Motorcycle:

* Inventions
* Clubs
* Accessories and Gear
* Parts
* Popular Motorcycles
* Engines and Frames

You can now give good answers to questions about the history of motorcycles. The End.

____________________________

Permission is granted to reprint this article "Motorcycle History - Fun Facts For Kids".

Get more free articles for kids, free motorcycle coloring pages. Use the articles for your website, class, home school, club, church or library.

Keep the ColoringKidsBoys.com links and credits intact. No permission is granted to edit, alter or sell the articles.

Why You Should Use a Yamaha Motor Bike Dealer For Your Next Motorcycle Purchase

2009-12-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

By Campbell Hicks

For many people, one of their lifelong dreams is to own a motor bike. There is no time like the present to make your dream a reality. Yamaha motorbikes are a great option if you are looking to purchase your first motorbike. With the help of a Yamaha motor bike dealer, you will be well on your way to living your dream.

There are a few reasons why you should use a dealer. The main reason is because this is your first bike, so you need to ensure that you are getting the best bike possible for a first time rider, as well as a great deal.

Many people buy their first motorbike from a private sale and although you might get a great deal, you have no idea how the bike was treated previously. It could have been in multiple accidents or might not have been well serviced. When you use a motor bike dealer who specialises in Yamaha's, you will be assured of the entire bike's history, thus making it easier to choose a great bike. The experts at the dealer will be able to work with you to help you figure out which bike is best for a beginner such as yourself. Because they are the experts, all you have to do is tell them what kind of riding you want to do and any personal preferences you have and they will know the perfect bike for you.

Another reason why you should buy your first motorbike from a Yamaha motor bike dealer is because they will have all the accessories for the bike and yourself that you will need. One of the best things about owning your own motorbike is making it your own with all the different accessories which Yamaha makes for their bikes. If you were to buy a used bike from a private sale, it might be more difficult to accessorise the bike, depending on it's age, as parts might need to be specially ordered. You can avoid all that hassle when you use a dealer.

When you use a Yamaha motor bike dealer, you also will get the benefit of being surrounded by knowledgeable people in the bike industry. Buying a motorbike for the first time is exciting, but also can be nerve wracking if you don't know what you are looking for. This happens to every first time buyer, which is why so many of them find it helpful to use a dealer. Any questions you might have, they will be able to answer. It is their job to know the answers to all the questions you could have.

Save Time and Money Next Time You Ship Your Motorcycle

2009-11-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

By Richard Z. Cochrane

Motorcycle owners naturally worry about both transit times and the delivery conditions of their "beauties" whenever they want to choose to ship their motorbikes. However, choosing an experienced and reputable motor shipping company can immediately solve most of their problems. Although cheap motorcycle shipping companies are a dime a dozen, they could come with surprises cropping up at the last moment. Still, bikers around the world are constantly shipping their bikes and many have good recommendations to make which can help with your decision. Even shipping Yamaha bikes or other foreign bikes is not necessarily too much of a problem.

There are a multitude of options available for shipping motorcycles affordably and easily. One choice that will have to be made is whether to select crated transportation or uncrated. You can generally utilize an open transportation trailer or, the more common, closed trailer for cross country deliveries across the US. The best in the business even have fleets of trailers (18-wheelers) that are customized to be "motorcycle friendly". They pack the bikes carefully and with state-of-the-art technology.

Most of the motorbike shipping companies provide a pick-up service from dealers and re-sellers in addition to private individuals relocating their own motorcycles. The only condition laid down by the motorcycle shippers are that the pick-up and delivery points must allow access to their 18-wheelers. This is, of course, imperative to allow the vehicle to navigate the roads. In case the streets in residential areas are not wide enough, or, there are low hanging cables and tree branches, you can suggest the parking lots nearby; ideally supermarket parking lots, which are equipped to handle such vehicles.

The deliveries are also made the same way by trailers. Numerous motorbike shipping companies offer about a week to 2 weeks delivery time depending upon the place of delivery. But early deliveries are a regular feature. Whether it's Yamaha shipping or any other motorcycle shipping deliveries, the haulers deliver them without a scratch despite the bikes travelling huge distances. The truck drivers expertly unload the motorcycles at the delivery point while the owners inspect their machines; they also call up the owners to fix the delivery timings beforehand.

Any reputed motorbike shipping company offering cheap motorcycle shipping will also take care of the paper work necessary for clearing and forwarding their goods. In case of international deliveries you may need to hire a customs broker recommended by the motorbike shippers. The economic burden of having knowledgeable professionals to help you get your motorcycle to its destination hassle-free is worth those few extra dollars.

Insurance and damage handling is also efficiently dealt by these motorcycle shippers. A copy of their certificate of insurance should be enough to give you enough data to make an informed decision. The damages that are covered could include mechanical damage. Make sure you ask for the coverage limit and also whether specialty items or accessories are covered. However, if your bike is expensive, buying extra coverage might be a good idea.

Tracking your consignment in real time has nowadays become easier with most motorbike shippers providing a tracking system on their web portals. Other than that, of course, you can keep track of the motorcycle by calling up the company for updates.

Cheap motorcycle shipping nowadays is easy with almost no hassles provided you choose your hauler carefully.

Saving Money With Extra Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

By Doug Segal

Its indeed difficult and its normal to have motorcycle parts wear out with time but a few tips to make them last longer and keep looking new will definitely be very helpful.

Motorcycle helps us not only for travel but also the look of it. Have you not admired a guy with the Harley Davidson ore than the ordinary two-wheeler you see everyday.

If you want to enjoy the full use of your motorcycle then learn the secrets of maintaining a high performance motorcycle.

What's the difference between a car or any four-wheeler and motorcycle? Well its obvious the number of wheels and thereby the support and strength offered by 4 wheels are not enjoyed by motorcycles.

An accident may result in the breaking of a motorcycle part and the opposite that is a broken motorcycle part can also be the cause of the accident.

Always have a spare motorcycle part with you in case it is needed. Use of used motorcycle parts is very handy here.

OEM parts for Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, and Harley are available today at great discount prices. For Motorcycle Parts, Accessories Harley Davidson, Metric Cruiser visit directparts OEM parts are also available for cheap at various places at shopping, shopzilla and ebay.

Remember to double-check the motorcycle part you want to buy. Used motorcycle parts are very notorious for giving trouble again and again. But let that not let you down, as double-checking will clear the doubts.

There are a lot of ways to save money and time in buying used motorcycle parts.

If you have your favorite mechanic who can help you get the best deals so much the better, but make sure you double check it and confirm for yourself.

A little time spent to discover the real secrets in buying used motorcycle parts will help you a lot in making the best deals.

Motorcycles Have Become Mainstream Transportation

2009-11-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

By Dirk Bennet

"I like smoke and lightening....heavy metal thunder! Racing with the wind...and the feeling that I'm under" sang the 1970's rock group Steppenwolf in "Born to be Wild." This was one of the first rock songs to glorify the freedom and power of motorcycles. Followed by movies like "The Wild Ones" starring Marlon Brando and later the fabulous "Easy Rider," motorcycles have become a symbol of freedom on the open road.

Each year the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, holds the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Thousands of cruising bikes, dirt bikes, and choppers descend upon this otherwise quiet town in the Black Hills were motorcycle devotees of all ages can party, attend rock concerts and simply enjoy talking about their favorite subject with other motorcycle riders. They come from all walks of life; doctors, lawyers, blue-collar working folks and an increasing number of women motorcycle riders. Decades ago motorcycle riders were considered as outlaws, mostly criminals. But today, all has changed and riders are viewed as true fans of the vehicles who are completely lawful, with only one two exceptions.

Indian. Suzuki. Yamaha. Honda. Harley-Davidson. These are the finest motorcycles in the world, reviewers say. For example, the Honda Gold Wing is a prized motorcycle because of its fully-equipped components such as an automatic starter, a back "sissy bar" (also known as a "bitch bar") for women passengers, a CB radio in its helmets and outstanding safety features and gas mileage. Additional accessories and parts for the Gold Wing and other bikes are readily available at dealerships and on-line at very reasonable prices. Keep in mind that some states require that helmets be worn by all motorcycle riders and passengers; your helmet, and "leathers" could save your life in an accident.

For many riders, there is only one King of the Road - the Harley-Davidson. The world-wide Harley-Davidson Group club not only vehemently defends the engineering genius of this motorcycle, but also encourages its members to hold rallies for charitable causes like Bikers Against Child Abuse. Off-road dirt bikes made by HD, Yamaha and Suzuki are very popular in racing. Whether cruising or competing, the joy of the open road (or track) continues to hold an allure for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Recently a bike called "Lethal Injection" has captured the attention of cyclists around the world. This is a "chopper" motorcycle made by Scooter Shooterz that has set new standards for the world's bikers. A 107 cubic inch V-twin, 4-valve heads, fuel-injected bike, the LI is rapidly gaining in popularity for those who want staggering power in their motorcycle. This bike's full description is easily found on the Internet.

Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider - Part 4

2009-11-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

By Travis McChesney

This is the fourth and final installment of my "Modifications to Consider" series for the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle. It's been a while since I last posted, but it's a nice day today and I was able to ride my bike and renew my FZ6 zeal.

If you remember, in Part 3, I discussed fender eliminators, mirrors, and turn signals. For this post, I'll go through some options that exist for frame sliders, brake lines & brake pads, and air filters. Some of these mods are more practical than anything else and thought they warranted some discussion.

* Frame Sliders - For obvious reasons, frame sliders are an invaluable addition to the Yamaha FZ6, especially for newer riders. The main purpose of frame sliders are to protect the expensive bike body parts if the bike were to fall over, either at a stop or while moving. I know from experience that a fallen bike without frame sliders can be an expensive ordeal indeed. I also believe that, no matter how experienced the rider, frame sliders should always be a consideration. They're essentially like insurance, and cheap insurance at that. You can expect that they'll help protect the fairings, engine, and frame. Investing in good quality sliders is a must as they are designed to break away under high pressure so as not to damage the frame. Obviously they can't protect under all circumstances, but are definitely worth a look.

* Brake Lines & Pads - Replacement of the stock Yamaha FZ6 brake pads and brake lines can be for aesthetic purposes as well as for performance enhancement. High quality braided lines decrease the amount of expansion in the lines when applying the brakes. This ensures consistent braking performance under all braking conditions. Additionally, high quality brake pads will ensure minimal brake fade under hard and constant braking as well as higher sensitivity and longevity. Many aftermarket brake lines will be steel braided and can come in a variety of colors. This can add a personalized look to the bike if desired.

* Air Filters - Replacing the Yamaha FZ6 air filter should be for one main purpose: help the bike breathe better. The most common aftermarket air filter for many applications is the well-known K&N filter systems. The Yamaha FZ6 is no exception. This filter will help air flow easier to the engine and should allow it to run more efficiently. Additionally, this filter will last much longer than the stock filter between replacements and will only need to be washed re-oiled occasionally. The benefits of such an addition are increased horsepower and acceleration.

This wraps up my series of Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider. As I'm able to round up more parts to consider I'll post more, but I'm going to try and cover some other topics in the next few posts. In the next post I'd like to share with you my fuel economy experience with the Yamaha FZ6 and give you an idea of how many miles per gallon you might expect to get.

Yamaha Saddlebags - Are They Special?

2009-11-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

By Dona Rosa

If you're finding it too difficult to make out how to carry your briefcase on your all new speedster bike, consider trying out a motorcycle saddlebag. By size, they can easily carry off more than what your briefcase does, and in any case you are expected to leave your kitchen sink back home; so the bottom-line remains that they are just enough for all you need to carry.

The toughest American made saddlebags are certainly Yamaha saddlebags. The benefit of carrying them also applies to cruiser motorcycles such as the Yamaha Virago, where the rider can carry protective gear, coats, rain gear, bags and other things necessary for a long motorcycle trip. Now we are speaking of soft side bags, though harder ones are also manufactured and sold-the only thing being they are a bit costlier! Here are certain useful tips when you go to buy a motorcycle saddlebag:

o Do Not Buy Saddlebags From Dealerships
Dealerships are generally places who charge you higher amounts of money. So it is always better to keep off them while you are trying to repair your bike or buy any accessories for it. Besides, why would you pay more for the things which have no guarantee of lasting longer?

o Try locating a convenient store for your saddlebag
These days, many customers would opt to avoid the multiple hazards of standing in long queues, braving traffic, rude salespeople and staff. First, find out a secure online site or even try an offline store. Get to know more about their shipping charges, return policies and other important aspects so that you know all before you have to choose. If you find the prices to be reasonable and site to be safe, get going with your online transaction. No need to go outdoors!

o Some Facts About Installing Motorcycle Saddlebags
The distance between the bottom of your motorcycle seat and the top of your exhaust pipe is the one which decides which saddlebag is fit for your bike or which saddlebag your bike can carry. Make sure that your saddlebag does not touch the exhaust pipe. Most dealerships allow you to try the saddlebags on your bike before you actually buy them. So you can see if the saddlebag is really the 'one' for your bike. And don't forget the coolness of how it looks! With a tough saddlebag hanging round a corner your bike can turn out to be a real 'hunk'.

It is easy to install the bags.

1. Remove the side cover panels and seat bolts, and then take the seat off so that the back fender gets exposed.

2. Clean the rear fender first. Of the two sections of your bag there must be a considerable gap for clearance of the exhaust pipe. Adjust the length such that the bags are not too tight.

3. Now put a couple of wires through the lace holes to keep them tied to the motorcycle frame. The bags won't slip anyway with this protective step. Attach the anti-sail straps to the saddlebag bracket bottoms (your bike has to have them).

At the bottom of the bags, there are loops or fasteners attached. Attach these to the straps and this will secure your bag to the side of your bike. Your motorcycle saddlebag has now been installed and is ready to use.

Replace your seat and side covers. Get going!

Is the Yamaha YZF-R6 Motorcycle Any Good?

2009-11-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

By Thomas Haugen

Motorcycles are a rite of passage for most young boys. It is the first true freedom they find to get out and go places and literally the first motorized vehicle many of them own because of the economics involved in owning a vehicle and the fact that most young boys are not well off financially.

The Yamaha YZF-R6 or the R6 as it is more commonly referred to is a sporty and fast bike that is going to excite almost anyone that sees it or rides on it. The heart pumping bike in 2006 touted a staggering 17500-RPM redline. If that were indeed the actual RPM of the engine, the bike would be up somewhere close to the performance of a high tech and high dollar formula one race car.

The bike is listed as having a 600 CC engine styled as a 4 stroke with 16 valves and liquid cooled, dual overhead cams and the new models incorporate titanium valves. It is fuel injected with a six-speed transmission and a final chain drive to get the torque to the rear wheel. There is a nearly 5 gallon tank that allows a decent cruising range and has a dry weight of only 366 pounds so it should be easy for anyone to maneuver.

It is styled like the traditional racing bikes and will turn almost any head that happens to see it streak by on the road or anyone simply walking by. It is a very attractive looking machine, which explains it's almost immediate popularity when introduced back in 1999 and also explains why it continues its popularity today, ten years later.

These machines maintain their value and resell fairly well which makes them an anomaly in the motorized vehicle industry where only a handful of vehicles actually maintain worth. There is also a huge following out there of people who enjoy customizing this bike and so there is a plethora of after market accessories available for the bike so you can truly take the production machine, which is no slouch to look at, and make it an extension of your own personality by adding or subtracting parts that show who you are.

You can get everything from replacement fairings to bar ends to exhaust, seats, mirrors and lights that will go together to further accentuate the bike you have or to allow you to totally redesign the ride to be something no one else has. All of these modifications are bolt on parts so all you have to do is remove the old and replace with the new. That makes changing your look simple, sweet and fast and it's something that you could almost do every year so it looks like you got a new bike every season. Wouldn't that make all your friends jealous?

No matter what, the Yamaha YZF-R6 is a motorcycle that will allow you to look as good on it as it looks sitting there all alone and will get you form here to there in style.

Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider - Part 1

2009-11-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

By Travis McChesney

As an owner of a new Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle, I find myself facing a world of after-market accessories and modifications that can enhance both the looks and performance of my bike. Over the next few posts, I'll list a number of options I've come across and give a little description of each. Eventually I'll be putting some of the best candidates to the test on my own FZ6. But first, let's explore the options. Keep in mind that virtually anything can be done to a motorcycle, but I'll list the most main-stream items here, just to keep it simple. Also, I'll take each one of these in turn and produce a more in-depth analysis.

* Exhaust - There are a number of options available in the exhaust arena. The key here is to find a nice balance of looks, performance, weight, and sound. Right now I'm leaning toward the Akrapovic exhaust system. From the videos I've seen, it sounds nice (not excessively loud), and gives a nice performance increase while also being one of the lightest. Some exhausts are rated for track use only and are loud enough to draw the attention of local law enforcement. I'd like to steer clear of that if possible.

* Windscreen - The stock Yamaha FZ6 windscreen is fairly small and, for the riding position, doesn't really flow the air over the rider. The wind mostly hits at about chest level. There are a couple of options to change this. Yamaha offers a larger, touring windscreen, that is a bit larger and is designed to flow air higher up and over the rider. Another company called Puig offers a racing windscreen that has a "double bubble" design that, even though it's not much larger than the stock windscreen, pushes air up and over the rider. I personally like this option as it lends an additional dimension to the bike, and they are available in a variety of looks including black, smoke, and clear.

* Seat - One of the aspects about the Yamaha FZ6 that I do NOT like is the seat. For some reason, I just don't like the way it looks. The seat is comfortable enough, I suppose I'm just used to the R6 seat that has two levels and seems more sporty. Again, Yamaha has an after-market offering, but it is considered a "comfort" seat, and doesn't look much different than the original. I don't need extra comfort, just extra awesomeness. The website topsaddlery.com has a great selection of custom seats for the FZ6. The one pictured to the right is much more my style. It's got more dimension and style than the factory seat, and I'm sure I'll be getting one eventually.

Stay tuned to my Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider series as I'll be taking a look at the following items:

* Grips
* Levers
* Rearsets
* FE kit
* Mirrors
* Turn signals
* Brake lines
* Brake pads
* Frame Sliders
* Air Filter

After this series, I'll go in-depth with each of these Yamaha FZ6 modifications to see what exactly is out there and what people think about them.

History of Yamaha

2009-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

By James S Thompson

Yamaha began life in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha repaired a school organ and decided to try starting a business building and selling these musical instruments. Torakusu had always been good working with machinery as after training as a watch maker he worked repairing hospital equipment.

He founded the Yamaha Organ Company then built and sold his first reed organ and with its success orders for the instrument started to come in with a substantial export of 78 organs to be shipped to Asia in 1892. By 1897 the business was expanding and the name was changed to the Nippon Gakki Company Limited with Torakusu Yamaha its first president. In the early 1900s they produced quality musical instruments and also began to design and make top quality furniture winning an award in 1904 at the St Louis World Fair for their pianos and organs. The company continued to grow and introduce new products although most were aimed at the music and sound market. 1922 saw hand operated phonographs produced and research into acoustics was well established keeping them at the forefront of sound technology and manufacturing.

Genichi Kawakami was a 1934 graduate from Takachiho Commercial School and in July 1937 joined the company and proceeded to work his way to manager of the musical instruments factory from there to the general manager. By the age of 38 in 1950 he became the companies president and this was to be a great turning point in the direction of this company. At this point the business was doing well and Genichi decided to look at other products and foreign markets for the company to diverse into.

After looking at many products to start designing and manufacturing from sewing machines to automobile spares and accessories he decided that motorcycles were the market to pursue. He along with some of his managers and engineers visited many motorcycle factories throughout Europe and America on fact finding missions before setting up a motorcycle production factory to produce their own machines. The first to be built was in 1955 a 125cc machine called the YAI and nick named the Akatombo which when translated means the red dragonfly. This was thoroughly tested including being taken on a 10,000km drive to ensure that the machine was reliable and hardy. The same year it was produced it was entered in Japan's motorcycle racing competitions and won over established manufacturers. This machine proved popular and the factory immediately began work on a larger machine a 175cc motorcycle which would be called the YCI.

Genichi was determined to press on fast and in 1958 entered a Japanese built machine in a grand prix race in Catalina in the USA in which it finished an impressive sixth. Wasting no time he exploited this recognition by importing motorcycles through a distributor into the American and European markets. The motorcycle proved a success and he expanded into the marine sector in 1960 looking to produce both engines and build boats using new plastics technologies like fiberglass. Shortly after stepping into the marine sector both a boat the CAT-21 and Yamahas first outboard engine the P-7 were produced and the company is now one of the biggest powerboat and outboard motor manufacturers in the world today.

BMW Motorcycles - A Little Motorcycle Wisdom

2009-11-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

By Mitch Ferguson

Why choose BMW motorcycles? There are many reasons, I'm sure. One reason I can give you is that I've been riding them for over 10 years and they have never left me stranded. Except for running out of gas once because of my own stupidity.

Some of the other pluses are: they have good power, get great gas mileage (usually 45-70 MPG depending on which model you choose), have very stable handling, long distance comfort and they are just plain fun to ride!

What's not to like?

I know that some think that BMW motorcycles are the highest priced bikes around, but that's not really true. Just like anything else, you can spend a large or small amount on them depending on the type, size and amount of accessories you decide on. They have entry level bikes up to high end models and everything in between. Other manufacturers have bikes that cost as much or more.

I have been riding motorcycles since 1987, and have owned many different brands and sizes. I've owned Gold Wings, and several others including Harley, Yamaha and a few smaller Hondas.

I traded in a Gold Wing after test riding a BMW R1100GS. It was the first of many BMW's I've had; a big dual sport bike that handled great and was a lot of fun. There have been several others over the years, including the K1200LT, which is a big luxury touring bike that my wife and I rode to Georgia and back. That was a really fun trip. Saw temperatures from 32 deg F to about 90 deg F, fog and rain.

I currently have an R1200RT. It's a sport touring type of bike and my favorite so far. It weighs less than the full-boat touring bikes, but is still very comfortable. Since it has about 100 horsepower it can move quickly if you need it to. Or just want it to.

This bike has a lot of goodies on it that my wife really enjoys. Heated seats, a power outlet that she can plug in an electric vest to (one of the many available BMW motorcycle accessories) on cold days, and a suspension that I can adjust with the touch of a button to select a comfort setting for her. That is an important consideration for us, since she has had back surgery and can't really take too harsh of a ride without it causing pain. She says this bike is the most comfortable one I've had. She loves it! And when she's happy, I'm happy!

It also has an electrically adjustable windshield that's the cat's meow! It can be adjusted on the fly so I can dial it in to that "just right" position for wind control. Also on this fine machine are heated hand grips, cruise control, removable side bags / trunk and anti-lock brakes. In my humble opinion this is the best bike around for motorcycle touring. I just need more time to ride.

Wisdom and Knowledge

My introduction to the world of BMW bikes began at Gina's BMW motorcycles in Iowa City, Iowa. The owners, Gina and Julius Dusterhoft, are riders too. They have always been a great source of help and advice to me.

If you are thinking about getting a motorcycle, then consider a BMW. Make sure to find a dealer that you like and are comfortable with. I did and I don't regret it. They will have a lot of experience and knowledge they can share with you to save you a lot of aggravation. Ride the different models and see for yourself how they perform and feel. I think you will find they are a pretty good value. Most of the time the old saying is true -- you get what you pay for. I believe that's true for the BMW motorcycles.

You may think this sounds like one long commercial for BMW bikes, but it's not. I'm just sharing my experience in order to help you make an informed decision when you decide to purchase your next bike. There are a lot of choices out there. After many years of riding I have chosen BMW's for my rides. I only wish I had done it sooner. Happy Riding!

Yamaha Scooters and Its History

2009-11-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

By Kenneth Elliott

The Yamaha Motor Company began production of Yamaha Scooters in 1955 and started exported the first models of Yamaha Scooters to the United States in 1960. At first Yamaha's were little more than scooters of a style that was familiar in movies of the period. The company has produced ever greater examples of excellence in engineering ever since.

Through the years Yamaha has worked to refine their scooters to fit the end consumers. For the most part they have been very successful. Producing models that are lightweight and could stand up to the elements. The Yamaha 125cc and 250cc models were ridden by a million people in the 1970s. But even as early as 1970 Yamaha produced a four-stroke 650cc, the XS-1, that was a beauty to behold.

Today, Yamaha makes a broad line of bikes and scooters that encompass all types and sizes. Models range from the 50cc scooters to the 249cc Virago all the way up to the 113ci (1854cc) Stratoliner S and the V-4 Royal Star Venture. The latter is 'only' 70ci (1147cc), but its liquid-cooled engine puts out a throaty roar, and the ride is as smooth as a Jaguar.

Be prepared to put out some serious cash for the larger Yamaha motorcycles models. These cruisers and touring bikes start at $15,000 and with accessories and customization can easily run $20,000 or more. Fortunately, like Harley-Davidsons, a well-maintained Yamaha can keep its value year after year. Many older models sell for more than new bikes.

But in contrast, Yamaha scooters are very economical. On the low end you could spend as little as $2000 dollars for a brand new Yamaha scooter. But on the high end you could spend as much as $8000 to $9000 dollars. The higher end models have more bells and whistles. They also have larger engines allowing them to be very good resources in urban cities.

The 49cc Vino Classic is a great starter scooter for younger riders, but would be appreciated by women and others as well. This is a European classic retro style, straight out of the movies scooter. Weighing 166lbs it may be small but it delivers plenty of power for zooming along the streets or hill climbing off-road.

Motorcycle Saddlebags History

2009-10-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

By Alamdar H

Saddlebags are most commonly used to carry luggage on a motorcycle. There are 2 major kinds of motorcycle saddlebags. Throw over saddlebags and hard mount saddlebags. The concept of hard mount saddlebags originated from throw over saddlebags which were used in early 1950 for the first time.

As the motorcycle industry experienced a big boom in 1960 especially after the Vietnam War the motorcycle luggage also evolved. As major motorcycle companies launched bigger and better motorcycle people started traveling farther on there motorcycles. Many riders formed groups and rode cross country and from city to city. The throw over style of saddlebags was soon replaced by a better and more reliable way of carrying luggage. A group of riders drilled several holes in the back fender of their motorcycles in order to permanently bolt the saddlebags to the motorcycle. This permanent installation resulted in the saddlebags being more reliable and sturdy. This step also contributed towards the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the riders. Motorcycle companies like Indian Motorcycle Company and Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company noticed this trend and soon started producing motorcycles with struts. The struts enabled motorcycle riders to bolt the motorcycle saddlebags without making any permanent changes to the motorcycle such as drilling holes in the back fender. Later the same strut enables other accessories to be securely mounted on a motorcycle such as motorcycle carrier and sissy bars.

As the Asian motorcycle manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha made their way into North American market they also made sure that the riders get enough room for the luggage. Yamaha motorcycles are a classic example of this as they manufacture most of their bikes with most room for the saddlebags. They also make sure that the turn signal does not interfere with the saddlebags, a common problem with smaller motorcycles. In 1980 the motorcycle companies realized that most 1000 cc and above motorcycles are used for long rides. To further add value to their motorcycles they started selling motorcycles with fiber glass saddlebags. These motorcycles did well as most of these came with the motorcycle specific luggage. This also saved the motorcycle rider a lot of time and headache.

Despite the popularity of factory installed saddlebags motorcycle riders still prefer leather saddlebags in most cases. This is due to the fact that motorcycles leather saddlebags can be customized to a greater degree as opposed to motorcycle specific fiber glass bags.

Most early motorcycle saddlebag companies used studs, spots and conchs to decorate the saddlebags. Recently the more advanced motorcycle saddlebag companies have started manufacturing and offering saddlebags that are not only motorcycle specific but also match the color of the motorcycle. Another approach is to design the leather motorcycle saddle bags in such a way that it blends in with the overall design of the motorcycle. These advancements have resulted in more and more people willing to install saddlebags on their motorcycles.

Why The Harley Davidson Motorcycle Is More Popular Than Ever Before

2009-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

By Gregg Hall

With more than one hundred years notched on their belt, Harley Davidson is praised with building the best motorcycles on the planet. There is little doubt that they deserve the acclaim.

Arthur Davidson and William Harley dreamed of creating a "motorized bicycle" in their early adulthood. Test models were created and failed miserably, but this never deterred the boys from achieving their goal. Despite early models requiring foot power on hills, Harley and Davidson continued striving to create the "motorized bicycle" that they knew would become a success.

By 1906, the first fifty motorcycles were manufactured. A few years later, they followed with a line of motorcycles for police and military use. Short of a slowdown in the 1970s, Harley Davidson never stopped tweaking and improving their models. Today, Harley Davison produces millions of motorcycles for use on every corner of the world.

The distinct engine roar and loud vibrations through their tailpipes allow onlookers to hear the motorcycle far before it is visible. Listening to the strength of a Harley Davidson engine is an experience few will forget.

Three motorcycle nicknames were established courtesy of Harley Davidson. "Choppers" were born when the angle of the motorcycle's front fork was extended allowing the handlebars to sit further back. "Hogs" became aptly named for the extra room used to transport racing pigs without switching to a larger vehicle. Who said people are the only ones who can ride a Harley? "Harleys" offered a shorter, catchier way to name a motorcycle manufactured by Harley Davidson.

Every March, Harley Davidson takes the Daytona by storm. June brings the Harleys to New England by way of Laconia, New Hampshire. Sturgis, South Dakota becomes a home away from home for many riders every August. Thousands of Harley Davidson's enthusiasts attend these gatherings. Many leave with dreams of having their own bike customized to match what they have seen on other bikes.

In 1983, H.O.G., The Harley Owners Group, formed its first chapter. Today more than 1,000 chapters are in existence and more than one million members share their love of these bikes, whether they own one or not. The devotion to this fine brand is proven, and you do not have to be among the elite to enjoy all there is to Harley Davidson. There are also a slew of online forums and websites devoted to Harley Davidson. Not even Yamaha, BMW, Victory, or Honda come close to having the same fan base.

Even if you cannot afford a Harley, you can still show your enthusiasm for the maker by purchasing items from their merchandise line. All of these items help contribute to Harley Davidson's $5 billion revenue every year. Hey, the advertising helps too! Not that Harley Davidson is hurting for promotion.

Harley Davidson truly is the reigning champion of motorcycle manufacturers. What others strive to achieve in their lifetime, Harley Davidson has conquered.

Thinking About Replacing Your Yamaha R6 Fairing?

2009-10-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Haugen

If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, and I am talking any motorcycle, for any type of extended ride or even a short yet high-speed drive on one. You know the importance of having a fairing on your bike. Aside from the fact that it stops you from being tossed around and buffeted by the wind as it beats you up. You also end up eating bugs like crazy and your fuel economy will suffer if you do not happen to have one.

While the removal of the Yamaha R6 Fairing is not a terribly easy job, it is one that anyone with the proper common tools, some time and patience can accomplish with relative ease. You will need to remove it if you are deciding to replace the stock factory one with any one of the many after market fairings out there. This can give your bike a hugely custom look for much less than a new bike and you can get the one that actually is an extension of your needs and / or personality.

Another option and reason to remove the fairing would be repairs and maintenance, cleaning or even painting should you decide to made change things up for a totally different look than you had.When removing the fairing, you need to refer back to the manual or any of the large number of Blogs out there because the fairing is lightweight and easily cracked if you grab hold of the wrong piece and ruin it totally and leave you with something that can cost an awful lot to replace. As you look over the Yamaha R6 Fairing you will find little access point here and there in the fairing. These are there on purpose to make it easier for you to get at the places that might need routine maintenance without total removal of the fairing. They were put there to make life easier and save the fairing and you should use them as needed.

If you are unhappy with your current Yamaha R6 Fairing, you can locate after market models that range from minute and fairly inexpensive to rather costly yet infinitely more convenient replacements gears towards specific needs, which you may have found lacking on the factory fairing. No matter the reason, the fairing is a huge part of the looks of your bike and also a large part of the stability of the bike at higher speeds and the aerodynamic quality of the unit and hence, the overall riding experience.

If you plan on taking this on yourself, you should be advised to take you time so as not to damage the bike or the fairing and make sure you follow the instructions to the letter so things are done right and safely. You will be unhooking things like your blinkers so make sure that when you reassemble you reconnect them so you can ride safely. When you are done you will have a great looking ride and the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

Do You Need Yamaha R6 Parts? An Article About Why You'll Need Yamaha R6 Aftermarket Parts

2009-10-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Haugen

Asking the question, do you need Yamaha R6 parts to a motorcycle enthusiast would be like asking a baby if he needed a new diaper. Or asking a woman if she needed some fancy make up. Chances are that you will find that while it is not actually a need, it is certainly a strong want for anyone that owns one of these bikes.

The really cool thing about motorcycles in general and the Yamaha R6 in general is that they are easy to customize and make it a one of a kind extension of you. So do you need Yamaha R6 parts? Sure you do. For a relatively small amount of cash investment you can take a stock Yamaha R6 motorcycle and turn into a head turning bike that is truly a part of you and unlike any other bike on the planet.

As you ask the question do you need Yamaha R6 parts, you need to bear in mind that need is a word that is subjective to the person talking. There are some things in life that you need, like a roof over your head in a storm or a good car for a long trip. Food and water are examples of things that you need as well. If you look at the definition of need, the answer is no you don't need them. They do score high on the want list though.

A new fairing for your Yamaha R6 is not something that you won't get up in the morning if you don't get it so if you ask do you need Yamaha R6 parts like this? The answer is going to have to be no. However if you put it in context, there are many reasons why the answer could be yes. If you like to look like you got a new Yamaha R6 but your monetary allotment for that is way short of the goal. Certainly you could answer yes to the question do you need Yamaha R6 parts?

Maybe you have ridden the devil out of your Yamaha R6 and it is getting really loud in the exhaust area. In that case you could answer the question do you need Yamaha R6 parts with a resounding yes.

A new seat might also be met with a yes if you are asked do you need Yamaha R6 parts? Especially if yours has gotten so much use that it is literally worn out. As you can see there may actually be a very fine line between the wants and the needs and with a little thought you can certainly turn a want into a need through justification.

Do you need Yamaha R6 parts? Only you can answer that question truthfully. But the bottom line is that if you own a Yamaha R6, at some point in time you might get into the dilemma of this question. But remember, you probably at one time asked yourself if you really needed the Yamaha R6 motorcycle too, and yet there it sits in your garage.

Motorbike Accessories - Discover the Ways to Accessorize Your Motorcycle

2009-10-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

By Joseph Marsh

It seems that nearly every year there are new motorbike accessories that were developed and sold in the market. Decades ago, the only known bike accessory is the helmet. Some may be familiar with the goggles in the past. However compared today, the equipments are not only significantly upgraded but their number has also increased. These equipments are not merely to add value to your bike but also they are utilized to add more safety and security to the user. For instance:

Motorcycle Gears and Helmets

Gears and helmets are expected to provide the ultimate comfort and safety to their users. They are very essential when motorbike safety is an issue. With this in mind, there is no need to let pricing be a major criterion in choosing a gear or a helmet. Today, there are numerous style, designs and colors available for a gear and helmet. They create new riding experience to enthusiasts and even professional riders.

Motorcycle Stickers

Though collection of stickers has no safety features, the stickers are still in high demand to dirt bike riders as they can add sophisticated look on the bike. Typically, designer stickers are supposed to be tough. The number of these stickers in the market today is quite impressive. They can give a new character into your bike and they can create a streamlined stylish appearance.

Motorcycle Handlebars and Mounts

Today, two of the popular dirt bike equipments are the handlebar and mounts. These equipments are available in wide range of choices. They can come in different colors such as blue, black, red, carbon, silver, etc. High quality motorcycle handlebars and mounts are more preferable by serious riders as they meet all the necessary requirements such as the selections at Yamaha motorcycle parts. Through these equipments, you can achieve a more sophisticated and customized appearance. In addition to this, the mounts are also available in wide varieties.

Yamaha Motorcycle Parts For Your Ride

2009-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

By Alice Mills

If you love riding your Yamaha bike, you can enjoy the experience even more through great Yamaha motorcycle parts and accessories. Use this article to learn about what parts and accessories can help you meet your biking needs.

1. Safety
The safety of your bike depends on keeping its hardware up-to-date and in proper working order. Sometimes it's important to upgrade or replace parts of your bike that have become damaged or corroded. Yamaha motorcycle parts play an important part in keeping your Yamaha bike in proper working order. Buying branded parts and hardware accessories is important to maintaining the integrity and longevity of your bike.

2. Fun
Riding your Yamaha bike is sure to be fun, but why not make it more fun by adding Yamaha motorcycle parts and accessories that increase the look, ride or personality of your bike? With parts like kick cranks and stylized shock covers, you have all the more reason to ride and show off your bike. It's important to enjoy your ride no matter where you go!

3. Maintenance
Just because your motorcycle is running, it's not necessarily running well. Yamaha motorcycle parts such as improved performance mufflers, engine fans and shocks can be added, upgraded or replaced with brand-name parts to protect the quality and ride of your bike. Keep all the parts on your Yamaha in good working order to keep your entire bike in good working order.

Keep these three uses of Yamaha parts in mind and remember that buying brand name products usually pays off in the end. Take care of the safety and maintenance of your bike and it will provide you with years of fun.

Yamaha Motorcycle Parts - Making A Difference To Your Ride

2009-10-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

By Craig Thornburrow

Yamaha motorcycle parts can make a huge difference in the appearance and performance of your motorcycle. Choosing the right parts for your bike can keep your ride up to date and stylish at the same time. If you are like most motorcycle owners, you understand the importance of appearance and performance. Turning heads because your bike has made an impression on others is a very important aspect to the ownership of your ride. By implementing various parts that are specifically designed for your Yamaha motorcycle, you can easily turn heads and impress others with your style and the overall performance of this type of vehicle. Here, we will explore the many creative ways that you can use these types of parts to add unique flair and optimal performance to your personal motorcycle.

Eventually, you will come to the point in your bike ownership in which it will become necessary to purchase parts for standard maintenance and/or replacement. This is true of every single brand name - whether it is Harley Davidson or Yamaha. When this day comes, why go with generic, everyday parts and accessories? If you are a Yamaha owner, you will want to avoid doing this altogether! It is important to select high-quality; superior Yamaha motorcycle parts that are built to not only enhance the performance of the bike, but the overall appearance of the vehicle as well. By choosing these types of parts for motorcycles, you will quickly gain respect among all of the individuals that you know or come in contact with that has a basic appreciation for motorcycles.

Yamaha motorcycle parts are assembled using many different types of materials. These materials are durable, and built to withstand more than the average wear and tear that is placed on these vehicles. Some of the most common materials that are used for these types of parts include titanium, aluminum, and even chrome. Many individuals elect to use only one type of metal on a certain aspect of a Yamaha to ensure that the unique part stands out. There are some bike owners, however, that elect to redo their Yamaha motorcycle completely in one form or another of metal. This can make for a very unique appearance, as well as performance that rank high above the standard Yamaha.

There are many different parts that can be obtained for your Yamaha motorcycle. When using these parts, you can rest assured that you are implementing the highest quality for your special bike. Some of the many components that you can elect to purchase include:

o Deluxe Hour Timers and Meters

o Chain Guards

o Trunks

o Exhaust systems

o Chains

o Pouches

o Special Sprockets

o Back rests

o Passenger seats

o Liners

o And, more!

Motorcycle parts for your Yamaha include more than just standard components that are used to enhance performance - they can also be used to enhance accessories as well. Yamaha motorcycle parts are an essential component to success when it comes to the look and performance of your motorcycle.

Choosing a Motorcycle

2009-10-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Life is a journey! You may as well be riding a Harley Davidson!
Choosing a motorcycle should be an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. However for the beginner motorcycle rider it may be a little intimidating. Generally, men purchase motorcycles on an impulse. Statistics show women spend more time to research their purchase. I want to outline a few points to consider when choosing a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The Sportster models, because of their lighter weight, are popular among beginning riders. Harley-Davidson features 31 models of motorcycles grouped in 5 different families. I would suggest becoming familiar with all the models. Have a look at their specifications regarding weight, seat height wheelbase etc. Consider the 3 main contact points. Your hands, feet, and bottom should all be where they are most comfortable. When sitting on the motorcycle, your hands grasping the handlebars, you should have a slight bend in your elbows and knees and have your heels on the ground. As you gain experience you will able to move from a flat-footed position to resting on the balls of your feet. In the future this will allow you a greater choice of motorcycle styles.

Handlebars
To get that perfect fit, you may need to experiment with the best combination of handlebar and riser. (A riser is the piece that connects the handlebar to the fork). Consider the width of the bars as well.

Seats
There are many different kinds of accessory seats available on the market. You may however need a seat like this if you have short legs. Some accessory seats can lower the seat height as much as 2 inches. For long distance riding I recommend a thicker wider seat for improved comfort. A seat shaped more like a chair is ideal. There are suspension lowering kits available for most of the models. A person can get the best of both worlds, a lower seat height and a more comfortable behind.

Foot pegs
A floorboard is the most comfortable on the feet. Some models have only foot pegs to rest your feet on. There are accessory foot pegs available that are a little wider and have rubber insets to keep your feet a little more isolated from vibration. A wider peg will also give you better control. Once you've decided on a model the fits, you can start to accessorize your motorcycle to suit your riding style. Take the time to compare products from different manufactures. Having the proper windshields, saddlebags and raingear will make your ride just that much better. Talk to friends and other Harley riders to get ideas. Taking the time to follow these simple steps will help guide you to the start of a lifelong relationship with your Harley Davidson.

Motorcycle Accessories and Motorcycle Modifications for a Camping Holiday on a Motorcycle
It is not possible to travel long distances on a motorcycle without making some modifications to the motorcycle. Fit a luggage rack behind the saddle, above the tail light. Some racks have provision for panniers which attach to either side of the motorcycle. Panniers can hold quite heavy loads. They are ideal for storing clothing and food as they are water resistant - some are fully water-tight. When fitting panniers you may need to reposition the turning indicator lights. Make sure the fitting kit contains the correct brackets for this motorcycle modification.
A motorcycle accessory advisable for comfort on long trips would include a saddle-cover, sheepskin or plastic.

A tank bag attached to the top of the fuel tank is handy for personal items which need to be taken with you when the bike is left unattended. The bag clips to a fame which fits over the tank. Some tank bags have a clear section at the top to put maps under for easy reference. A fairing reduces buffeting. In hot weather only a top fairing is required. A bike without a fairing should be limited to short or slow-speed journeys. Additional lights are needed for night riding. Touring handlebars allow the rider to sit in a more upright, comfortable position. www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/motorcycle-bags.html

Fuel and Oil
Calculate the distance your motorcycle will travel on a full tank of fuel. It is unsafe to carry big quantities of spare fuel on a motorcycle. If you must carry fuel, use a specially designed container. If your motorcycle will be due for an oil change during the journey, check beforehand that you will be able to buy the oil along the way. Lack of oil could cause the bike’s engine to “seize”. If necessary, carry 100 ml of brake fluid in a tightly sealed container. Wrap the container in plastic and duct tape as it is highly corrosive if spilt.
A plastic bottle of non-aerosol chain lubricant is useful for various lubrication jobs.

Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

2009-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Owning a motorcycle can be a dream come true. They offer you freedom, excitement and affordable travel. In addition to being a great recreational vehicle they can also be an affordable commuting option. There are several types of motorcycle parts and accessories that most motorcycle owners shop for on a fairly regular basis. The most common parts shopped for are those parts that deal with lubrication and friction reduction. These parts include oil filters, pumps and air filters.

Tires and wheel rims are two other motorcycle parts that most motorcycle owners shop for. Upgrading or replacing your motorcycle’s tires and rims can be a quick way to improve the look of your bike and to improve the smoothness of its ride. They can also be a great way to transform a bike from a street bike to a track bike, or from a street bike to a touring bike.
In addition to motorcycle parts, hardcore motorcycle gearheads also spend a lot of time and money shopping for motorcycle accessories. These accessories can either be for their bikes or for outfitting themselves. Accessories that are designed for outfitting bikes include bike covers and saddlebags. Accessories that are designed for outfitting the rider include helmets, caps, apparel and motorcycle gloves.

Custom Motorcycle Parts, The China Threat
We all know that after quite a few years of exuberance, our V-Twin after-market industry has slowed down and that at the same time, coincidence or not, Asia produced motorcycle parts have invaded our showrooms and found their place on our American motorcycles. In reaction to this invasion, Team America is the theme of a collective ad campaign regrouping major American manufacturers and running now in motorcycle magazines. It aims at convincing bikers to only purchase American Made Products.

If I agree with any endeavor supporting the economy of my country, I think that this campaign doesn’t address clearly enough a couple of essential points. What are the 2 main reasons why, as a biker, you buy an American motorcycle part? Probably because it is of superior quality, of its beautiful design and because deep inside it makes you feel good to own the genuine part (by the same token rewarding financially the original inventor/designer/manufacturer). In the copy of the Team America ads I didn’t see anywhere any justification given to buy American. Why? This campaign is signed by a group of the best American companies of our industry. So, why don’t they promote their creativity, their engineering as the main justifications of buying their products?

The relative costs, benefits of free trade are debated since centuries by governments and trade groups. Nearly all economists support the proposition that free trade is a net gain to both trading partners and that the gains from free trade outweigh the losses. Practically it means that if there is a superior genuine foreign product at a reasonable price, I don’t feel guilty to buy it. The real issue affecting negatively most of us in the industry is not free trade, the fair competition from foreign corporations trying to outsmart us. It is the unfair competition from low cost labor Asian countries whose business is to steal our designs & engineering, repackaging everything in knock-off products to be sold back to our clients in the US.

Our industry is made of small corporations and craftsmen producing parts in very small quantities. The cost of research & development being the same whatever the final number of parts produced, our custom parts are expensive and at the same time are always on the lower end of profitability. As a custom builder, I know (and I experienced) that it will take only 3 to 6 months for a foreign corporation to copy and market back here poor copies of my own parts at 25% of my manufacturing cost. Even more disappointing is the fact that a large number of foreign born knock-off parts are marketed through US catalogs belonging to US corporations.

As I stated before, I am against protectionism, tariff barriers and taxes. I favor competition in the frame of fair trade. I believe in the system of hard work & merit. Since there is no way that we can avoid cheap and poor manufactured copies of our parts, the only solution to help and protect our V-Twin industry is education, education, education of our clients. We must all act daily and individually with our clients to explain the reasons why to buy our genuine products.

It must not be so difficult to explain to bikers that motorcycles being dangerous by nature, it is never wise to equip them with unreliable mechanical components and with unfit and poorly designed accessories, which at the end of the day will cost much more than the original parts. All well known Custom Builders are having a large fans base. Since we are never going to become the cheapest producer of motorcycle parts, at least we can demonstrate that we provide top design, engineering, and manufacturing skills for a very good value. Nobody is going to support Team America only because it is called Team America. For example: “Why And How To Support Your America Team”.

How to Maintain Your Leather Motorcycle Accessories

2009-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Leather accessories definitely look good on motorcycles and on the bikers as well. After all, leather accessories are perfect combinations of quality and fashion. Although a leather jacket or any other leather accessory usually lasts for about 9 to 10 years, it still needs proper care and constant maintenance. Motorcycle accessories made from leather should be given the same attention as that of a cashmere sweater or silk fabric. Common motorcycle leather accessories are tool pouches, tank panels, and saddle bags. You may also include leather boots, gloves and biker outfit on the list. These items should have a regular cleaning schedule to prevent their exterior from damage and to prolong the life of your leather accessories.

Here are some tips from motorcycle experts on how to maintain your motorcycle accessories made from leather:
1. Thoroughly vacuum your leather accessories first before cleaning.
2. Use cleaners especially made for vinyl and leather. Choose a leather cleaner that is not acidic or that does not contain alkaline. Acidic cleansers may cause your leather to dry.
3. Do not use detergents, bleaches or any regular soap in cleaning your leather hand grips, saddle bags and seats. This would easily dry the leather and would doff the oil that is needed to maintain that shiny coat.
4. Saddle soaps are not recommended for cleaning motorcycle accessories. A saddle soap is actually used as a leather tanner rather than a product for the maintenance of leather motorcycle accessories. Saddle soap contains high amount of alkaline that gradually damages the leather as well as the stitches binding it. If you want to buy a leather tanner, look for modern emulsions that have deep leather conditioning and have lasting moisturizers in them.
5. With the help of cloth and water or clean sponge, rinse your leather accessories thoroughly. Do not use blow dryers or any extra heat that would dry the leather quickly.
6. Once your motorcycle leather accessory is completely parched, you may put a small amount of leather restorer or conditioner. This would help maintain the supple look in your leather accessories. It moisturizes, nourishes, and prevents environmental leather pollutants from damaging the said material.
7. Motorcycle clothing such as chaps, pants and jackets are the usual outfit motorcycle riders or bikers use when aboard their favorite two-wheeled vehicle. In case you feel that your leather clothing is beginning to dry, apply a very small amount of petroleum jelly and wipe it all over he leather. Do not treat your leather clothing as if it is water resistant. Rain could wash the oil out of the leather and may eventually lead to a dry and cracked outfit.

Maintenance of your motorcycle leather accessories is very vital to keep it always in good shape. Take proper care of your leather components to maintain a smooth-looking exterior and to enjoy the benefits of leather for more years to come.

Clothing and Accessories for Bike and Motorcycle
While Robert Pirsig's widely popular philosophical tome, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", was more about discovering the quality of life while taking a road trip on a motorcycle, Pirsig failed to note that there was zen in the actual building of the motorcycle itself. Whether you create a full chopper from the ground up with a custom kit, or simply add and replace parts on a stock bike, the satisfaction derived from the process of completing your road raring beauty may just reestablish what the quality of life is all about.

Custom bike kits offer full design personalization, even if all its parts come included in the kit. You can also use other parts and accessories acquired through other means; it's pretty much anything goes when building a custom bike from scratch. It's not as easy as the bike kit company will assure you, though; it's not a tub of Lego, after all.

Adding or replacing custom parts to a stock bike will be much easier than building one from scratch, although not as impressive to other bikers, and the resale value will obviously be much less. Still, either way, putting your own bike together is bound to be both pleasurable and challenging, and ultimately, zen.

You can't change the frame of your bike, which is why it is important to choose the best frame for you when buying your custom kit. What you can personalize instead is the appearance of your street fenders, gas tank, undertails and tire huggers. There is also a wide range of decals and stickers to decorate your bike, with more innovative designs to choose from. While choosing, you should also look into protective stickers, such as tank and gas cap protectors, and traction pads which will not only enhance the look of your bike but keep its parts pretty.
Change the look of your bike by simpling replacing your handlebars or handlebar grips, mirrors, tires, wheels, exhaust, pedals, seats and luggage storage space. There are additional accessories for some of these parts; for instance, you can get caps for your mirrors or hard seat covers, to protect them while parking. Also choose a durable all-weather motorcycle cover to use to keep the elements at bay, even before you finish putting your bike together.

Necessity of Motorcycle Parts

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We may be judged heavily for this perception but you might even be willing to dump your partner just so you could spend time riding and caring for your bike… though, we hope you are not that obsessed.

Of course, once you’ve discovered the thrill and speed of the open road, there’s really nothing quite alike the exuberance you felt. Many other motorcycle enthusiasts discover these at certain stages after acquiring their motorcycles. It’s no surprise to know that you would also demand nothing but the best motorcycle parts for your bike. Getting the right motorcycle parts is not only a matter of vanity or style. Once you do not have sturdy replacements for important parts and even accessories like worn brakes, cracked windshield, bent kickstand, you’re in trouble. All the more worse if your local parts store has no replacement parts available. Most motorcycle parts should be found not to make your bike look nice and sleek. You may never know what sort of disaster may arise that would make you realize just how important it is to have extra or replacement motorcycle parts and accessories handy all time. Equally important, too, you have to know where you could easily get the specific parts you need that suits the model of your bike. It is frustrating to find out that the motorcycle parts store in your state doesn’t have any of the items you badly need.

Motorcycle parts suppliers can be hard to find in a lot of areas of the country. With a reverent understanding of these situations, it is good news to report that motorcycle parts industries and retailers have gone online with their motorcycle parts catalogs. Huge selection, large inventory, and convenience are the factors that make shopping for your motorcycle needs online the best way to get exactly what you’re looking for.

The Internet has hundreds of catalogs full of any motorcycle parts you may need. As a true biker, you have to be complete with all the motorcycle parts and facilities that will enable you to ride out with the finest bike, sturdy, dependable and lovely piece of machine, too.

Motorcycle Parts Touch Time
TOUCH TIME! Yeah! Its touch time once again. It’s the time to polish maintain and accessorize our bikes. This is the moment when we can have quality maintenance and repair time with our bikes. To lay our very hands to our loyal companion make us certain that the motorcycle parts are great and in good shape. Motorcycle parts play a critical role in the motorcycle’s performance and safety. It does not make sense if you try to save a few bucks on cheap motorcycle parts in lieu of an accident. The savings is not that valuable compared to your life. Thus, you must purchase the best quality motorcycle parts at your most trusted motorcycle parts store.

There are several reasons why you have to select the best quality motorcycle parts. So do not be tightfisted in buying motorcycle parts. They can save you from an otherwise complicated and terrible ride.

The best choice of motorcycle parts are those of OEM parts. They are same as those originally attached to your bike. However, if you want to deviate from the ordinary, aftermarket motorcycle parts can be resorted to. Aftermarket parts are those that you can utilize when you customize your bike to achieve a more stylish and unique look. Some of these parts have same quality as OEM parts. Be careful with your choices. OEM motorcycle parts feel and look different than aftermarket parts. Well, the answer goes back to their level of quality. Quality motorcycle parts perform excellently. On the other hand, in so-so parts expect a lesser quality performance. Thus, if you want to have a unique and stylish motorcycle look, be meticulous about the quality. Next to quality, you can now consider the price.

In ordering motorcycle parts and accessories, make sure that you order the right ones. Better yet, just visit your motorcycle parts store to personally throw queries and examine the parts.

What Are The Hot Motorcycle Accessories And What Will They Do For You?

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The most popular motorcycle accessories are exhausts, chrome rims and air cleaners, saddlebags and fenders. In terms of riding gear the most popular accessories include helmets, riding
leathers, boots, and gloves.

Motorcycle accessories allow you to personalize your bike. The number of accessories are as endless as your imagination. There are now several companies that will take your design for a custom part (rim or air cleaner, etc.) and turn it into a custom piece for your bike. There are a lot of manufacturers that produce quality exhausts. On-line the most requested exhausts are m4, dd, and cobra. These exhausts are all well-built and come in a variety of styles and finishes.

When selecting an exhaust for your bike you should consider performance as well as style. Reputable exhaust manufacturers will provide dyno sheets that show their pipe's improvement over stock through the rev band. The horsepower (and more importantly the torque) improvements will vary for every application.

Chroming pieces for your bike provide a great way to step up the looks. Helmets are a personal choice. Some bikers like tiny skull caps and sunglasses for cruising while the sportbike crowd prefers full face helmets with chromed shields. If you wear prescription glasses, make sure you have those on when trying a new helmet.

The choice of leathers and other riding accessories are more important for personal safety than any bike accessories. Teknic leathers are quite popular. These leathers offer high-end features that make them some of the best leathers available.

Gloves and boots are basic safety items that will protect you in a fall. Gloves that have padding in the palm and on top of your fingers offer the best protection. Look for boots that have a thick sole and cover your ankles.

The choice of motorcycle accessories allows all of us to customize our look. The important thing to consider when researching accessories is to try to get the best quality pieces that fit your needs and your budget.

Online Shopping for Motorcycle Accessories
When shopping for a certain item and material, the way to do it is to shop like a woman. Who else knows how to shop till they drop but women, right? Isn't it that husbands, partners, spouses and lovers often complain about the amount of time and the energy given to shopping by their women even for just one item they need?

But who else gets the most of their budget, and takes home the item of high grade quality at the least price possible? Women. Women are known to have the intuition for great sales and wonderful bargains just because they give time and effort in looking for the item at the best price.

Same thing with motorcycles. When you need to buy performance motorcycle parts accessories, we know that our local motorcycle parts store is a great place to begin with. Aside from being near our home, our familiarity with our local store will help reduce the time it takes to choose the accessory most suitable to our requirement.

However, as any woman would tell you, your local store may not have the item you need, or it may only have a limited number of stock items on hand. Shopping for performance motorcycle parts accessories online is the most ideal means of making sure you get the best selection and the best possible prices, all in the comforts of your home or office. You don't need to use fuel and get stuck in traffic just because you need to have the item for your precious motorcycle. With so many vendors in the wide world of the internet, from here to Timbuktu, chances are, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for in no time. Plus, internet retailers often ship to any location in the world. You just have to pay extra charges for the shipment costs. No worries. It's better than endure the traffic and pollution, and the migraine you're sure to have when you do it on foot and in every store you could find.
There are a lot of items in the internet if you just know where to look. With the vast access of the internet, you'll be able to get a wide range of selection from which to choose from with just a click of your fingers.