New Or Used Motorcycle Buying Guide - Seven Great Tips

Buying a motorcycle? Find out what are the essential seven things you need to know about before you rush into purchasing that bike.SELECT BEST MOTORCYCLE FOR YOUThe most common question I hear is "What's the best bike?"It's easy when you only have one choice, like Ural in the former Soviet Union. But here, in the land of opportunities and freedom, you've definitely got much more to choose from. There are over 300 motorcycle models you can consider!Whether you're new to motorcycles or you've been a rider for a long time, you have to do your research first. Look online, in the magazines, read reviews, look at the visual appeal, specifications. If you're a new rider, don't pick an expensive motorbike or a big motorcycle. If it's too big, it might be too hard for you to handle.If you are a beginner rider, don't fall for the expensive and loud Harley-Davidson motorcycle. While these cruisers are extremely popular, this is definitely not the bike you want to start with. I wouldn't recommend you starting with a sport bike either, unless you are mature enough to handle the power of the sport bike. Consider starting with a used standard motorcycle or even a scooter.Go to your local motorcycle dealer and work with him to help you in selecting that best bike for you. Sit down on the model you picked, and make sure you're legs are not dragging on the ground. A good dealer will have truly knowledgeable sales people. First, they should be riders themselves. Second, they should be able to answer any and all technical questions. You're not looking for a salesman; you're looking for an adviser.Now you know what kind of bike you want, think about the price and whether you can spend the money for a new motorbike or you'll be happy with a used one.NEW OR USED MOTORBIKEMany people do not realize what a huge mistake it is to buy a brand new motorcycle. Sure, everyone wants a nice, sparkly, clean, shiny brand new motorcycle, but as soon as you drive it off the showroom floor, you have lost a LOT of money.This is a mistake many people make when making the decision to purchase a new motorcycle. Buyers feel they are choosing something that is safe from breaking down, they feel they are getting a better deal that way. In reality, if you choose to buy a slightly used motorcycle, you are getting a much better deal.Think about it this way, the original owner, paid full price, may have used the motorcycle very few times, but he/she (the original owner), took all the depreciation on it. You are now able to buy it for a LOT less than the original owner, yet it still has a warranty, looks new, and IS new to you! You get the best of both worlds that way.BEST MOTORCYCLE PRICEThe best price for a used motorcycle is $0. Yea, it's when you get it for free. You'll be surprised, but I know this guy who's got a talent in getting used motorcycles for free. Well, yea, he's talking about motorbikes all the time, whoever he's with at the time, and where ever he is at. He got 1976 Honda CB750 from a friend of his good friend which only needed a minor fix (not the friend, of course). Another bike he got from his aunt's third husband or something, I think it was 1973 or 1975 CT 70. Smoke is coming out of it when you start, but my friend still rides it sometimes (the smoke goes away after a minute or two). Recently he told me he pulled next to a guy pulling an old motorbike behind him and started talking. He ended up with the bike, for free. I don't know how he does it or what he says.Seriously, you need to take your time and investigate the current prices for the brand, year and model of the motorcycle you're about to buy. You can check the blue book value of the motorcycle at many web sites such as Kelly Blue Book or Nada. I personally like to use eBay to research the prices for the used motorbikes. You have to register with eBay (doesn't cost anything), then you'll be able to view completed sales for all motorcycles and other things. eBay often has good deals, but you have to look for them.If you ended up buying a new motorcycle from a dealer, most of the time you should be able to buy your cycle for less than the advertised price. Take a look at sites like CycleBuy.com to learn the invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer. Most dealers will be happy if they can sell you a bike and make a 10% profit.MOTORCYCLE INSPECTIONWhen I hear that one of my friends is ready to buy a motorbike, I always offer to go with him. And you should too, bring a friend who can inspect the motorcycle you're about to buy. Of course, it would even be better if you bring a mechanic with you, that way you can concentrate on the price negotiations while your friend mechanic is making sure the motorbike is in a good condition. If you don't know any mechanic (hard to believe, I know), you can probably find one that will come with you for a service fee. Or maybe you can take the bike to a certified motorcycle mechanic and have him do a thorough inspection. It will cost you a few bucks, but it could also save you hundreds of dollars.When you inspect the motorcycle, take your time. You don't want to miss that scratch on the gas tank which you will find later just to get yourself upset that you rushed through the inspection. Ask to go for a test ride for a 20 to 30 minute, don't just go up and down the road and think the motorcycle is in good condition. Make sure you ride different speeds for at least 2-3 minutes each.FINANCING YOUR MOTORCYCLE PURCHASE (CASH VS LOAN)I always try to pay cash for my cars and bikes. I'm sure lots of people would argue with me on this, but many people would agree with me. Why would you want to pay $1000 in interest for over 3 years to the motorcycle loan company if you don't have to? Of course, if you don't have enough cash but still want to ride a motorcycle, consider a cheaper motorcycle or even a scooter to start with. Or, don't buy a new motorcycle, buy used and save yourself thousands.If you're going to finance the purchase, check out your loan sources before you go to the dealership. The dealer may have a low-interest finance package to offer you. On the other hand, they may work through a bank and actually charge you a few percentage points more - their profit - than you'd get by going direct to the bank..MOTORBIKE GEARYou've bought your cycle and are raring to go. All set? Not quite.A motorcycle purchase isn't complete without a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet. Most states require that motorcyclists wear them. Study after study shows that helmets are the most effective piece of safety gear available to a rider. After all, it's protecting your head!When choosing a helmet, consider these attributes: helmet type (full face, open face, hybrid, etc), safety, comfort, helmet shell material, helmet weight, size, ventilation, helmet safety liner, visor.Make sure your motorcycle gear is comfortable. Comfort and safety are always my priority.MOTORCYCLE INSURANCERates for motorcycle insurance can vary a lot. Motorcycle insurance depends on your age, the motorcycle model, your driving record, your home location and other factors. If you're 19 years old and you bought a brand new Harley, your motorcycle insurance will be much higher than if you're bought a used 3 - 4 year old one or if you've been riding a bike for a couple of years or more (other things being equal).Motorbike insurance payments can differ a lot between different motorcycle models. From one bike to another, they can be five to ten times different. For example, $200 for insuring a small commuter-type motorcycle can easily inflate to more than $1,000 for a high-horsepower, canyon-racer sport bike.Think about what coverage you need. Maybe you can save on collision and comprehensive if your bike is old. Also, check with your regular medical insurance at your workplace, it may already cover your major medical expenses. Compare costs between different insurance companies and on different motorcycle models. Most insurance companies will give you a free quote online, for some you'd have to call.

Pursuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

You can ride safer by following these quick tips on motorcycle safety:1. Always assume that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to other drivers.2. Leave plenty of space in front and back and to the sides from all other vehicles.3. Beware of motorists turning left in front of you at intersections.4. Never drink or take drugs and try to ride a motorcycle.5. Avoid riding at night, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday when drunken drivers may be on the road.6. Beware of taking curves that you can't see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.7. Do not try to 'get even' with another rider or motorist by giving in to road rage.8. If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to open more space or pull over and let them pass.9. Take a motorcycle safety course to learn what to look for to avoid accidents.10. Wear protective clothing and a helmet.There is no New York No-Fault insurance available to motorcycle riders. This means that in the event of injury in a motorcycle accident, private health insurance must pay the bills. If the rider wins a lawsuit, these bills must usually be paid back to the health insurance carrier. If there is no health insurance available, the issue of medical bills and paying for medical care becomes complicated, indeed. Consult an experienced accident and personal injury attorney.As a lawyer and rider who has held a motorcycle license for many years, I have some definite thoughts on this topic. But I'd like you to "cram down" some statistics about motorcycle safety, which relate to accidents and injuries, and which I find fascinating:1. Approximately 3/4 of motorcycle accidents involve collision with another vehicle; most often a passenger automobile.2. Approximately 1/4 of motorcycle accidents are single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment.3. Vehicle failure accounts for less than 3% of motorcycle accidents, and most of those are single vehicle accidents where control is lost due to a puncture flat.4. In single vehicle accidents, motorcycle rider error is present as the cause about 2/3 of the time, with the typical error being a slideout and fall due to overbraking, or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-cornering.5. Roadway defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) are the accident cause in 2% of accidents; animal involvement causes 1% of accidents.6. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violates the motorcycle right-of-way and causes the accident 2/3 of the time.7. Drivers inability to recognize motorcycles in traffice is the main source of motorcycle collisions. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle does not see the motorcycle before the collision, or does not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.8. Deliberate hostile action by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is a rare accident cause.9. The most frequent accident type is the motorcycle proceeding straight and the automobile making a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.10. Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls.11. Weather is not a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents.12. Most motorcycle accidents involve a short trip associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment or recreation, and the accident is likely to happen close to the place the trip began.13. The view of the motorcycle or other vehicle involved in an accident is limited by glare or obstructed by other vehicles in almost 2 of multiple vehicle accidents.14. Visibility of the motorcycle is a critical factor in multiple vehicle accidents, and accidents are significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (on in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets.15. Fuel system leaks and spills are present after 62% of motorcycle crashes. This means that there is usually a fire hazard.16. Significantly overrepresented in accidents are motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24; motorcycle riders between the ages of 30 and 50 are significantly underrepresented. Although the majority of accident-involved motorcycle riders are male (96%), female motorcycles riders are significantly overrepresented in accidents.17. Motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% are self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and reduces injury in the event of accidents.18. Almost 1/2 of fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.19. Motorcycle riders in those accidents have difficulty avoiding the collision. Most riders overbrake and skid the rear wheel, and underbrake the front wheel, greatly reducing the ability to slow down and avoid the accident. In the presence of alcohol, the ability to countersteer and swerve are just about absent.20. The typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist just less than 2 seconds to avoid the collision.21. Motorcycle modifications such as those associated with the semi-chopper or cafe racer are definitely overrepresented in accidents.22. The likelihood of injury is extremely high in motorcycle accidents - 98% of multiple vehicle collisions and 96% of single vehicle accidents result in some kind of injury to the motorcycle rider; 45% result in more than a minor injury.23. Half of the injuries to motorcycle riders are to the ankle-foot, lower leg, knee, and thigh-upper leg.24. Crash bars are not an effective injury countermeasure; the reduction of injury to the ankle-foot is balanced by increase of injury to the thigh-upper leg, knee, and lower leg.25. The use of heavy boots, jacket, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations, which are frequent but rarely severe injuries.26. Speed, alcohol involvement and motorcycle size increade the injury severity.27. Seventy-three percent of accident-involved motorcycle riders use no eye protection, and it is likely that the wind on their unprotected eyes contributes to impairment of vision which delays hazard detection.28. Approximately 50% of the motorcycle riders in traffic use safety helmets but only 40% wear helmets at the time of their accident.29. Voluntary safety helmet use by accident-involved motorcycle riders was lowest for untrained, uneducated, young motorcycle riders on hot days and short trips.30. The most deadly injuries to motorcycle accident victims are injuries to the chest and head.31. The use of the safety helmet is the single critical factor in the prevention or reduction of head injury.32. Safety helmet use does not decrease the riders ability to hear or see, and causes no fatigue or loss of attention; no element of accident causation is related to helmet use.33. Helmeted riders and passengers showed significantly lower head and neck injury for all types of injury, at all levels of injury severity.34. The increased coverage of the full facial coverage helmet increases protection, and significantly reduces face injuries.35. There is no increase in neck injury by wearing a safety helmet; helmeted riders have fewer neck injuries than unhelmeted riders.

Choosing The Right Motorcycle Tire Involves The Right Tread Style, Tire Bias And Tire Materials

Which is more critical - getting the right engine or getting the best motorcycle tire - that question may be a difficult to answer or an impossible decision to make for some.Both items are required to have to peak operation and safety. You want the superior acceleration and the best handling. Both of these items are necessary to achieving the quality of ride you desire from your motorcycle. Choosing the right motorcycle tire is no exception since it is just as important for the reasons mentioned above and many other reasons.The motorcycle tire tires you pick must be matched to your bike, simply getting the right size is not the only concern. Items such as tread style, tire bias, tire materials and other common characteristics should all be designed with the riding type - and therefore the bike category - in mind in order to get the optimum tire.Unlike most car tires, your motorcycle tires need to be different for the front and the rear of the bike. Each motorcycle tire is has been designed with the specific location in mind on the bike and each tire has differing engineered goals to accomplish. Power - acceleration is provided predominantly by the rear tire, and the front tire supplies more of the braking power than is required by the rear tire - this could be up to an 80% difference in requirements for motorcycle tire braking.Obviously the front motorcycle tire turns left and right to accommodate direction desired, while the back motorcycle tire is subject only to the lean of the bike, and that too must be taken into consideration in design and choices of motorcycle tires. Since the back tire carries the bulk of the weight, this will alter the design requirements and specification requirements.Motorcycle Racing TiresWe now venture into a unique class of motorcycle tires - Racing tires. Having their favorite tires, professionals want exceptional contact with the surface at extreme leaning angles, this is invariably an essential quality desired. Cornering at tight angles, extreme acceleration from a standing position or coming out of a turn, and prolonged stress at maximum speeds all induce the need for special engineering for motorcycle racing tires.Many hours of extreme and constant abuse on the motorcycle race track as well as the requirement to be nearly puncture proof under off-road conditions make these special motorcycle tires indispensable. Having to be able to meet expectations immediately upon installation these motorcycle tires seldom get the standard recommended 100-mile run-in period before they land on the track.Sport Motorcycle TiresReferred to as sport bias motorcycle tires, these usually have a radial-style tread patterns that give it a larger tire "footprint", (contact with the road surface). Sport bikes are usually made to be run hard on the road, and maybe even do some off-road duty. Proper adherence to the surface contact with the ground and excellent cornering are required for this style of road bike. Having to perform in various weather environments is an issue of concern too.To give these tires better grip in both wet and dry environments there must be an overall Increase in the tread-to-void ratio . Maximum tread life is desired for sport bike riders as well. Over the last twenty years unique tread compounds have been discovered and this has increased both features, those being increased grip and improved wear resistance.Cruiser Motorcycle TiresManufacturers of the most popular motor cycles such as Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and others all compete to be the best motorcycle in this particular category. Part of the standard equipment that helps put particular bikes on top is the tire they choose as original equipment for their cruiser bikes.Regardless of weather conditions superior grip on every road surface such as asphalt, concrete, chip seal and others, is essential. Design is always consists of a delicate balance between maximum tread life and superior grip. Grip is usually at the expense of tread life. Tires must be soft to stick to the road but harder tires get superior tread life. This is a problem for the engineers.Dunlop, and other tire manufacturers have accomplished that, and Dunlop offers the defacto standard for most of the best bike manufacturers. Tread designs now offer superior water evacuation for the front and rear motorcycle tire.The motorcycle tire bias-ply design, including overlapping ply's of synthetic rubber and composite mesh. This will provide the motorcycle with a good tradeoff between weight-carrying limits and ride comfort.Tire design with center grooves that are offset on the motorcycle tire give it improved straight-line stability as opposed to designs from the past. This helps keep the bike upright with minimal input from the rider.Touring Motorcycle TiresRacing motorcycle tires have fewer tread grooves giving ultimate grip, and these tires have a tall arch and tall crown in order to steer fast. There is a trade off here; this makes the tire offer less stability. By comparison, the touring motorcycle tires need the precise opposite handling characteristics.Touring bikes are usually constructed to allow a very comfortable, stable ride over prolonged distances in various kinds of weather conditions. Having less grooves could make the motorcycle tire perform rather poorly in wet weather conditions. Motorcycle touring tires need to give absolute premium stability so that the motorcycle rider will remain upright with less personal effort. All focusing on being upright by giving constant small body and steering tweaks to the center of balance - will quickly tire out the motorcycle rider.Racing motorcycle tires also have an extra ply and tighter internal winding, and this makes the motorcycle tire stiffer. Here is a time when less ply layers are going to be safer and achieve a more comfortable ride. The less ply layer count in touring motorcycle tires supply a smoother ride over roads that are not smooth. These motorcycle tires achieve a less bumpy ride and these tires are more inclined to stay in contact with the road better, and especially around hard turns.How those layers or ply's are constructed can also a large factor. Tires that have the overlapping ply's will give an excellent side grip, but those constructed with a joint less belt configuration tend to give a more stable and soft ride for the motorcycle rider.Heat always has to be accounted for in the motorcycle tire design. Racing motorcycle tires are exposed to high heat environments, because of the relentless high friction they endure while making rapid twists and decelerations. Touring motorcycle tires might also see extreme temperatures from the continual long trips on hot asphalt. But since the heat environment profile is not the same, and the motorcycle tires are designed with this in mind.A touring motorcycle tire intentionally designed for longer miles before encountering excessive wear, they are also more stable, and offer a greater degree of security while riding in various environments and conditions. It will keep those same engineered characteristics during more heat cycles and will offer a more comfortable and enjoyable ride over the upcoming road conditions.Be sure to choose the motorcycle tire that will complement your kind of bike and your style of riding. Your budget should not be your only consideration when choosing your motorcycle tire, your comfort and performance, and even your safety are also items to consider.

Common Mistakes Motorcycle Buyers Make When Looking For a Motorcycle Loan

Whether interest rates are high or low or it's the end of a model year with lots of incentives, motorcycle buyers tend to make the same mistakes when shopping for a motorcycle loan. Here are four common mistakes motorcycle buyers make with motorcycle loans.Shopping for a motorcycle before shopping for a motorcycle loan.Many motorcycle buyers enter the showroom looking for a motorcycle before they determine how much money a motorcycle lender is willing to loan to them for the purchase of a motorcycle. There is no need to shop for a $20,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle, if a lender is only willing to provide a loan amount of $10,000.Additionally, once motorcycle buyers enter the showroom slick salespeople often pressure them into motorcycle loans with much higher internet rates than they could have gotten had they shopped for a motorcycle loan at a bank, credit union or online. Salespeople do not like motorcycle buyers to leave the dealership to get a motorcycle loan. In the salespersons mind this only increases the chance of losing a sale and commission. Therefore, salespeople frequently try for a quick sale which normally results in pushing motorcycle buyers to get motorcycle financing at the dealership.The bottom-line is that it is always best to shop for a motorcycle loan before entering the showroom.Diving into the unknown motorcycle loan.Motorcycle buyers often jump into motorcycle loans that they do not completely understand or may not be the best alternative for them. For instance, in today's age manufacturers frequently run credit card motorcycle loan promotions on their private-label credit cards. But these promotions typically offer a low interest rate for a short term like 12 or 24 months and have a much higher interest rate after the short promotional term. On a credit card promotion if motorcycle buyers can not afford to pay off the loan during the short promotion period, then they are typically better finding a lender offering an installment motorcycle loan for a longer term.Borrowing too much.The most common mistake the first time motorcycle buyer makes in not having a clear sense of how much motorcycle they can afford. This is especially true for young motorcycle buyers who look to buy the top sport bikes that cost up to $10,000 - $15,000. What they fail to realize is that financing a $10,000 - $15,000 motorcycle can stretch them to thin, resulting in them having little cash to enjoy themselves and the motorcycling lifestyle. They may also have too little cash to pay for insurance, maintenance, registration or new accessories for their motorcycle.Not asking the right questions.The first warning sign that motorcycle buyers should see is that if they do not understand the type of motorcycle loan, then they should be sure to ask a lot of questions.Here are some good questions to ask:o Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If fixed how long will it be fixed for?o Are there circumstances that can make the interest rate on the motorcycle loan change in the future?o What happens if a payment is 30 days late? Does the interest rate increase?o What happens if a payment is 60 days late? Does the interest rate increase?o How long is the term on the motorcycle loan?o If the loan is an installment loan, does it use rule of 78 or simple interest? (Simple interest is always better because it does not penalize the motorcycle buyer if the loan is paid off early.)o What is the down payment requirement to get the motorcycle loan?o Is full coverage insurance required?o How much is registration and are these fees included in the motorcycle loan?o Are there any administrative fees to get the motorcycle loan and if so how much are the fees?Overall, motorcycle buyers can avoid these common mistakes by spending a little extra time focusing on shopping for a motorcycle loan and asking lots of questions.

Protecting Yourself With Motorcycle GAP Insurance

Imagine you just purchased a brand new Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle two months ago, and it was stolen right before your eyes as you were eating in your favorite restaurant. Not to worry, you are fully protected by the full coverage motorcycle insurance policy your motorcycle lender required you to get. Right?In most cases, not exactly, if you look into the details of the motorcycle insurance policy you purchased. The reason is that most full coverage motorcycle insurance policies will cover for total loss such as theft, accident or natural disaster, but these policies typically only cover the depreciated market value of the motorcycle not the outstanding value of your motorcycle loan.Therefore, if you opted for a zero down payment motorcycle loan or perhaps a low payment credit card motorcycle loan, your Suzuki GSX-R1000 may have depreciated faster than you have paid down the value on your motorcycle loan. Since your motorcycle insurance policy will most likely only cover the depreciated market value of your Suzuki GSX-R1000, you are responsible for the difference in the value the insurance company pays you for your stolen or totaled motorcycle and what you actually owe on your motorcycle loan.In the event a motorcycle is stolen or totaled, motorcycle buyers in the first two years of a motorcycle loan are the most susceptible to not being reimbursed enough from their motorcycle insurance policy to cover the value of their motorcycle loan. So what is a motorcycle buyer to do to protect against the outstanding value of their motorcycle loan?The answer for some motorcycle buyers lies in a little known policy called gap insurance. Gap insurance is a total loss insurance policy that will pay the difference of the amount your motorcycle insurance company pay's you for a total loss on your motorcycle and the value of your motorcycle loan.Here is a quick example. Let's say your Suzuki GSX-R1000 has a going depreciated market value of $7500, yet you owe $9,500 on your motorcycle loan for it. In the event of total loss such as theft or an accident, your motorcycle insurance policy will likely only pay you the used market value of $7500. However, you still owe your motorcycle lender $9500 so you have a gap of $2,000 ($9500-$7500=$2000). Gap insurance covers the $2000 gap that you still owe to the motorcycle lender since the motorcycle insurance company only paid you $7500 for your stolen or totaled Suzuki GSX-R1000.Is gap insurance for everyone? Not exactly, it really depends on your financing arrangement. Here are some tips in deciding if gap insurance is right for you.1. If you entered a zero down payment motorcycle loan especially for an extended term like 48-84 months gap insurance is probably a good idea for you. On the other hand, if you put a large down payment down with your motorcycle loan your probably better without
gap insurance.2. If you are getting a motorcycle loan on a motorcycle model that has a history of depreciating very fast, gap insurance is likely a good alternative for you. To determine this, compare the depreciation rate of your motorcycle with the pay down of the principal on your motorcycle loan. This will give you an indication if you would be upside down if your motorcycle was stolen or totaled.3. Check all of the details of your full coverage motorcycle insurance policy to make sure that it does not cover the gap between the market value of your motorcycle and the value of your motorcycle loan. A very small percentage of motorcycle insurance policies cover the value of your motorcycle for the first year without considering depreciation. If you are lucky and your full coverage insurance policy covers 100% of the motorcycle without considering depreciation there is little need for gap insurance.4. Are you purchasing a used motorcycle? If so there is probably not an option for you to purchase gap insurance because most gap insurance policies are only good on brand new motorcycles. As a result, used motorcycle buyers are advised to place down a decent size down payment and opt to pay of the loans in the shortest possible time.5. What is the cost of the gap insurance policy? Does this cost justify the benefit?Overall, depending on the financing situation gap insurance can provide some excellent financial security to motorcycle buyers purchasing their motorcycle with a motorcycle loan. However, each motorcycle buyer's situation is different and the above five factors can be helpful in determining if gap insurance is the right decision.Copyright (c) 2006, by Jay Fran. This article may be freely distributed as long as the copyright, author's information and the below active live links are published with the article.

Motorcycles for Sale

A motorcycle is a specially designed vehicle with two or three wheels and powered by an engine. It is one of the most commonly used vehicles and is a cheap means of transport in the present day.Basically, motorcycles are classified into three categories; touring bikes, cruisers, and sport bikes. Today, the motorcycle market is flooded with different brands and models of motorcycles. Thus before buying a motorcycle, one has to determine the type of motorcycle, based on the purpose. Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Honda, Kawasaki, Motto Guzzi, Motto Morini, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha are some of the leading brands in motorcycles. All the brands and models of motorcycles can be purchased from authorized dealers, classifieds, or from online stores.Nowadays, the Internet has become one of the major sources from where you can purchase and sell different types and models of motorcycles. When compared to other sources, the online stores provide better options in different models and prices of motorcycles. For better appraisal of the products, most of the websites provide descriptions, pictures, and pricing of the motorcycles. CycleTrader.com, chooseyouritem.com, 100motorcycles.com, and motorcycleshopper.com are some of the online sites which list various brands of motorcycles for sale. These online stores may have many disadvantages, but still they are considered the best source for shopping motorcycles.Those who do not prefer online stores can get their motorcycles from the local dealers. If you are planning to purchase a new motorcycle, it is always better to consult any of the authorized dealers because most of the motorcycle companies sell their products through them. You must determine the type of motorcycle you need before going to the dealers or else, get help from the sales person who can assist you in selecting a good one. Some dealers also sell used and refurbished motorcycles. Like a new motorcycle, the used and refurbished motorcycle is also backed up by a warranty period. Another great option for purchasing and selling used motorcycles is the newspaper classified.

Understanding The Basics Of A Motorcycle Loan Calculator

Using a online motorcycle loan calculator enables you to compute the monthly charges needed in make your motorcycle loan payments. To complete a calculation all you need to do is enter the amount required by the motorcycle loan calculator such as purchase sales tax, price, fees, net trade-in value cash down payment made, and interest rate. The motorcycle loan calculator will spit out the necessary computations on how much monthly payment you are required to pay. By using the motorcycle loan calculator online you can have a much more better idea of how much monthly payment will be required for your loan.Using a motorcycle loan calculator you will typically first provide the purchase price or selling price of the new or used motorcycle before tax. Then you must calculate the net amount by subtracting the trade in amount from the gross selling price. The net amount after deduction is the net selling price. You can then multiply the net price to the going sales tax rate in order to get the sales tax. Then you can add sales tax and fees to the gross purchase price to get the total price you will pay for the motorcycle. After you have the total purchase price of the new or used motorcycle, you can deduct the amount you paid for down payment.The net trade-in amount refers to the trade-in value less the balance owed on the motorcycle loan for the motorcycle being traded in. After you deduct the down payment and net trade-in amount to the total amount of the motorcycle you will finally arrive at the motorcycle loan amount that is used in the calculator. This oveall loan amount will then be used to calculate your payment.The term cash down payment in the motorcycle loan calculator is referring to the amount of cash paid you used as down payment. The trade allowance used in motorcycle loan calculator is the total dollar amount you assign to your motorcycle in cases of trade-in. The amount in trade owed is the total motorcycle loan balance still outstanding on the motorcycle being traded-in.The taxable fees used in the motorcycle loan calculator is to account for any additional fee subject to sales tax. The Non-taxable fees are those standard fees not subject to the standard sales tax. These fees are often in the form of document fees and other fees due at delivery and not taxable.The total down on the motorcycle loan calculator is the cash you will pay as a down payment. This is typically computed by getting the cash down plus you motorcycle trade-in. If you have a loan on your trade in you can then deduct the outstanding loan balance on trade-ins. The sales price in the motorcycle loan calculator refers to the total price of the motorcycle that you pay to the dealer.

Kawasaki Motorcycles - Independent in Thoughts and Actions

The story of Kawasaki Company goes back to 1924, at that time involved into metallurgy and the aircraft industry.In 1949, they decided to enter the motorcycle industry producing engines that could be adapted to motorcycles.FIRST KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES PRODUCTS a Motorcycle EnginesIn their line you could find a 60 cc two-stroke, as well as a 150cc and a 250cc four-stroke engines developed with technology from BMW; company whom with they had had relationships since their beginnings in the aeronautical industry.It wasn't until 1954 that Kawasaki Motorcycles produced their first complete motorcycle under the name of Meihatsu (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft Co.).Almost at the same time, they also tried to introduce their own line of scooters to the market, but they soon realized they couldn't compete against the two giants of the scooters industry for those days: the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon.And now before continuing with Kawasaki Motorcycles history, I have to open a big parenthesis...IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLESWe cannot talk about Kawasaki without mentioning another make that will definitely help Kawasaki become as well as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha one of the big players in the Japanese Motorcycles scene:--> Meguro Motorcycles: better know in that time as the "senior make and the king of four strokes".Meguro entered the motorcycle industry in 1937. Having a good relationship with the government, the people at Meguro took advantage of the army orders.Their first motorcycle was the Z97: a 500cc rocker-valve motorcycle influenced by the Swiss Motosacoche. It's worth mentioning this model was a success for the factory and the Z97 was in production till the fifties.Along the years, Meguro produced some very nice 250cc and 350cc rocker-valve, single cylinder models as well as high performance twins. All of them with a very strong British influence. Then and thanks to the commercial success they were living, they also launched a rocker-valve 125 cc for their low end range and a twin cylinder 650cc to accompany the already existing 500cc.But it was in 1958, when Meguro tried to get rid of their British influence, when things started to go wrong...Based on a winning prototype of Mount Asama (one of the biggest races that time), Meguro Motorcycles produced three nice and elegant machines with overhead camshaft: the 125cc E3, the 250cc F and the 350cc Y A. Unfortunately these bikes turned out to be too heavy and didn't get the buyers' attention. Meguro will soon return to rocker valve models.Meguro Motorcycles remained as one of the top 10 manufacturers till 1960, but due to some bad decisions, as the ones mentioned above, the company started to decline and was soon bought by Kawasaki.In 1960 Meguro signed an initial agreement with Kawasaki Motorcycles, and in 1962 they had completely disappeared.....And this brings us back to Kawasaki Motorcycles...In 1960, the company decides to give a serious push to the motorcycle division of Kawasaki Aircrafts:They take out of the market the Meihatsu brand, they build their own plant of low end and low powered machines and buy Meguro.These brilliant moves and decisions made Kawasaki Motorcycles have one of the widest range of models in the market. Kawasaki Motorcycles could offer at that time (1960's) from a 50cc moped-scooter to a powerful, high end and beautiful 650 cc twin cylinder motorcycle.Its also important to mention that due to their very own nature, Kawasaki Motorcycles has always played the role of Maverick in the industry and that a feeling of independence from their main competitors has always been present.Since then, many stories have been written, many models have been produced and many races have been won on Kawasaki Motorcycles, the truth is...Nowadays Kawasaki Motorcycles is one of the major players in the industry and following their tradition, they nowadays offer a wide range of products for all kind needs and likes.You can also take a look at Kawasaki 2005 line-up. Check this page:
http://www.kawasaki.com/product_category.asp?category=2&tag=motorcycleEnjoy the ride!

With Motorcycles, One Size Does Not Fit All, and Not All Ages Are Created Equal

In states like Oregon, where there are fewer months with dry road surfaces and warmer air, it's hard not to notice an increase in news stories about personal injuries and fatalities due to motorcycle crashes during the summer months. Add to that the nearly steady increase in motorcycle registrations in the state over the past 10 years, often with a more than 5% increase from the previous year, and that means an onslaught of motorcycles on the roads for a limited amount of time. Increases in these motorcycle accidents could mean an increased need for motorcycle injury attorneys. But the numbers also reveal something else. In recent years, motorcycle deaths among people in their 40s to 60s have increased, likely due to the fact that there are larger numbers of older drivers, but also because as people age, the physical and mental functions needed for safe driving can deteriorate.Between 1998 and 2008, the most recent data available from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, fatality rates of motorcycle crashes increased steadily across the board, even as car crash fatalities decreased. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by 2008, car fatalities were at an all-time low while motorcycle fatalities were at an all-time high. Whether or not these motorcycle crash fatalities were a result of wrongful death, therefore requiring a wrongful death attorney, is unclear. Some of the crashes can be attributed to the fact that motorcycles are more likely than other vehicles to crash with a fixed object - opposed to another moving vehicle - according to the NHTSA. However, there's another clear piece to the puzzle: Age.The NHTSA and the CDC have conflicting data about the various ages of those fatalities, perhaps because of their different areas of focus. According to the CDC, the age group with the most motorcycle fatalities has long been riders in their 20s. The NHTSA tells a different story, though. According to their data, motorcycle fatalities in 1998 were more common for riders in their twenties. But by 2008, riders older than 40 were more likely to die in motorcycle crashes, and by a larger margin.In Oregon, the numbers support those of the NHTSA. In 2011, motorcycle crash deaths disproportionally affected people between the ages of 45-64, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation, with more deaths in that age range than all other age ranges combined. Of all the motorcycle crashes in Oregon that year, nearly twice as many did not involve another vehicle. This category includes accidents caused by overturning, colliding with a fixed object, or others classified as "non-collision." Fatalities in those categories were five times higher than fatalities of motorcycle crashes with other vehicles involved, and more motorcyclists died in collisions with fixed objects than any other kind of collision, according to ODOT. But why is there such an increase in fatalities with age?It could be sheer numbers. According to The Insurance Journal, motorcyclists older than 50 accounted for just 10 percent of all bike owners in 1990. However, "[b]y 2003, the 50-and-older crowd represented 25 percent of motorcycle owners," and "the average age of motorcycle owners rose from 33 to just older than 40."In addition to the increased numbers, factors of aging could play a role. In an article about aging vehicle drivers, the CDC noted that as people age, "declines in vision and cognitive functioning (ability to reason and remember), as well as physical changes, may affect some older adults' driving abilities."Although this does not address motorcycle drivers specifically, the more physical and mental demands of riding a motorcycle could exaggerate those age factors. "It takes an estimated 2,500 tasks to ride a motorcycle and only 800 to drive a car," making motorcycle driving more complex, according to ODOT and TEAM OREGON, Oregon's official motorcycle safety program. As TEAM OREGON's communications and outreach manager, Pat Hahn, said in a news story for KTVZ, "[m]otorcycling is different from driving a car - you need a higher level of skill and awareness than you do in a passenger vehicle."There is one more theory behind these increased deaths, though it cannot be proven one way or the other until there is a shift in data collection. In the article by The Insurance Journal, there are two trends of motorcycle fatalities that could be related. As previously discussed, one is age. The other is the size of the motorcycles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, between 1985 and 2009 there were an increase in deaths on motorcycles with engines larger than 1400cc, and a decrease in deaths with motorcycles having engines smaller than 1400cc.Although the NHTSA sees an increase in fatalities for people over 40 and for those driving larger motorcycles, there is no evident data that the two go together. If they do correlate, though, there would be ramifications. As motorcycle engine size increases, so does the weight of the motorcycle, making it harder to maneuver. If decreased strength and cognitive functions are in play with older drivers, an increased weight and necessary skill level could raise the number of motorcycle accidents and deaths.As with many other types of accidents, it can be difficult to determine the cause of all motorcycle accidents. When personal injury or death is a factor in motorcycle crashes, motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to provide assistance.If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a motorcycle crash, and you would like help sorting out the details of the crash, contact Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys. With offices in Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Medford, Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys can help clients all over Oregon who have been involved in motorcycle crashes. To contact them, call 888-247-9023.

Taking Care of Your Motorcycle

There's nothing like riding a motorcycle on the open road. For most of the world, the motorcycle or 2-wheel scooter is the most common form of motorized transportation available. Around 200 million motorcycles are in use worldwide (compared to almost 600 million cars) and almost 60% of these are in Asia and the Far East - China and India both have over 35 million motorcycles and motorized scooters in use. Contrast this to the United States where the car is dominant (about 30% of the world's cars are here in the United States). In fact, the world's largest producer of two-wheel vehicles isn't Harley Davidson or Suzuki, it's Hero Motocorp, based in India. Kind of small indication of how the world is changing, isn't it?While we're not experts on the place of motorcycles in the culture of these other countries, it's obvious that here in the USA, the motorcycle has a unique niche in our pop culture consciousness. This place was cemented in the 1960s with movies like Easy Rider and Hunter S. Thompson's book on the Hells Angels motorcycle gang in the mid-1960s. Harley Davidson's sales are bolstered by their unique marketing appeal to how motorcycles look and feel on the open road. Harley even patented the exact sound of their engine. Beyond Harley Davidson, motorcycle sales in the United States today are around 1 million units a year. So lots of people these days are hitting the open road and feeling the wind in their face.While motorcycles and scooters are fuel-efficient and a lot of fun to ride, they aren't necessarily cheap. High-end motorcycles like a Harley can easily rival what it costs for a new car. That's a lot of money invested in two wheels. So if you have a motorcycle or scooter, it's important to take care of your investment so it will keep you riding for years to come.This article covers advice and tips from professionals to guide you in the steps you need to follow to take care of your bike and keep it working its best for as long as possible. We will talk about areas of the bike that you need to pay regular attention to and why. We'll talk about the right fuels to use and how to store your bike.YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL - THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SUCCESSFollowing the owner's manual is, quite frankly, pretty underrated when it comes to ensuring a long and successful ownership experience of your motorcycle (and your car, too). But they write owner's manuals for a reason. The manual will give you the best advice from the manufacturer on important issues likeWhat you need to get fixed, how often, and when you should schedule the service
The type of oil and essential fluids needed by your bike
Any special procedures you can undertake yourself to keep your bike running its bestFor those of us who are heavy into DIY and more mechanically-inclined, there are "full service" manuals available that basically tells a mechanic everything they need to know to rebuild the entire bike from scratch, down to such esoteric information as how many pounds of force to tighten a bolt on the bike.Whether you're one of those gearheads or just an average biker who wants to keep your bike in its best shape, you need a copy of your owner's manual and you should check it often. The investment will be worth it.PROPER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULESManufacturers recommend that motorcycles be serviced at specific mileage or time intervals. The suggested maintenance intervals are listed in the owner's manual to help owners and technicians set up a realistic and appropriate maintenance schedule. Most motorcycles made after 1980 are pretty reliable if maintained properly. To some extent, the high reliability of today's motorcycles has worked to the disadvantage of many riders. Some riders have been lulled into believing that motorcycles are like modern cars and require little maintenance. Modern bikes require less maintenance than they did in the 60's and 70's but they still need a lot more maintenance than a car.BREAKING YOUR MOTORCYCLE IN FROM NEWWhen you lay out the money to buy a new cycle, you certainly want it to start its life out right. This means you have to "break it in" correctly. This will prevent problems with your bike later on. Exactly what you need to do in this respect depends on the manufacturer recommendations for your bike, which will be found in your manual. It could be as light as just being advised to do "light riding" for the first hundred miles of life, to more complex and involved break-in protocols that involve driving the bike at specific speeds and engine RPMs for specific amounts of time, and which may change and morph from doing one thing during the first few hundred miles to doing something else for the next thousand.Whatever your owner's manual says for this is what you need to do. And you do need to do it. It will save you headaches down the road. You have enough headaches in your life without having one from not following these guidelines.THE ESSENTIAL OIL CHANGE STEPYou should be well familiar with the concept that changing your oil within the recommended guidelines is the single best thing you can do for any engine on any kind of vehicle. This obviously includes motorcycles.It's just as important to change your motorcycle oil on a regular basis because those engines tend to work harder - at higher speeds and RPMs - than cars and truck engines. Your owner's manual will have the best recommendation for the right oil to use. It will also tell you how often you need to change it. Ignore these recommendations at your peril.Go too long between changes and your oil won't protect the metal parts from wear as effectively as it should. Remember that oil contains additives such as acid neutralizers which are used to protect the engine surfaces from build-up of damaging contaminants and combustion products (like soot and acid). So if you go too long between changing your oil, these additives will wear out and stop protecting the engine.On the flip side, change your oil too often and you'll be flushing money down the drain. Sure, you could change your oil every 500 miles "just to be safe", but what would be the point? You'd just be wasting money by being too overly cautious.AIR FILTER MAINTENANCEAn internal combustion engine requires a constant intake flow of air to provide the oxygen needed to support combustion of the fuel. A clean air filter is important for making sure that the air that goes into your engine doesn't bring in foreign contaminants and substances that may do harm to your engine. Dust and dirt and particles from the environment can get trapped in the oil film or onto metal surfaces where they act as abrasives and damage the valves, cylinder and internal bearings.Cleaning or changing the air filter will help prevent this. How often you should do so is dictated by your owner's manual (there it is again). It's also always a good idea to increase the frequency with which you change the filter if you ride your motorcycle a lot in dusty environments. Obviously a dusty environment increases the speed at which your filter gets dirty and excessively plugged.Lastly, a clean air filter will also help your gas mileage. This is a bonus that everyone likes. Now it won't boost your mileage by 20% or anything like that, but you do typically get a small mileage bonus for being conscientious in your maintenance in this area.RIDE UNDER PRESSURETire pressure can be the difference between wasting gas and money or riding at your best. Tires are the contact points for the road and influence so many things about your riding experience. Your fuel mileage stays high and your bike handling is best when your tires are at the proper pressure. Tire pressure that is too low causes too much of the tire's surface to contact the road at any given time. This creates excessive drag and drops your gas mileage. It also places pressure on the side walls of the tires and speeds the wear of the tire. So make sure you're not riding too low. But don't raise the tire pressure too high, either. It is true that higher tire pressure gives you a mileage boost. But go too far in this direction (some people think if a little of something is good, a lot of it has to be great) and you won't get the best traction in wet weather, which is obviously dangerous. And tires that are overinflated wear more quickly too, but in the middle of the tread, instead of on the sides.There's no rocket science here - just check your tire pressure once a week with a gauge.KEEP YOUR BEARINGS (GREASED) AND CHECK YOUR SUSPENSION PARTSPeople who own dirt bikes are already familiar with the habit of greasing wheel bearings, since dirt bikes need a lot of grease virtually from the minute they've been purchased. Street bikes don't have as many exposed bearings as dirt bikes do, but they do need a healthy dose of grease in areas like suspension linkages. Checking them and following regular greasing routines will make these exposed parts last longer.Any good maintenance routine should involve checking the health of important bearings for signs of wear. It's essential to do this because these bearings wear out quickly when they start to go. Steering stem bearings should be checked (raise the front wheels off the ground on a stand and check the feel of the turn). Any unusual feeling or excessive loose play during this check could be a sign that these bearings need to be replaced.Check your bike's swing arm. The pivot point should be tight and it should not have any side-to-side play in it. Same thing for the front and rear axles. Any play in these areas necessitates replacing of these bearings.In summary, check all your bolts and bearings regularly. Grease them regularly to make them last longer, and put anti-seize coating on them when you reinstall your bolts (swing arm, linkage, motor mount). Paying attention to these critical parts will prevent bigger issues at a later time.WATCHING YOUR DRIVETRAINWe've already talked about the importance of clean oil and a clean air filter in your bike's health. But another essential part that works with these components is the chain, belt or shaft that enables your transmission to drive your bike's wheel - the drive train. Which one of these you have depends on the model of bike you have.Keeping your drivetrain healthy is pretty straightforward but important to do. Check your chain and sprockets for wear. Make sure you have no cracks in your belt. Check the shaft housing and add oil to it every so often. Maintenance to this essential area pretty much involves observation to ensure the lubrication is adequate. Don't ignore this. You can't go anywhere if your drive train is out of order.BATTERY CHARGEEven if your drive train is in good working order, you won't go anywhere if your battery is dead. Batteries drain slowly from new, so it's up to you to maximize the total life you'll get out of it. There are two kinds of batteries you can opt for: a sealed battery and an exposed battery. Exposed batteries require that you check the liquid solution inside every so often. If the solution gets too low, top it off. This keeps the internal plates from getting exposed and wearing the battery out too quickly. If you use a sealed battery, you won't have to worry about this.RIDING WISELYBeyond the simple things above that you can do to make your bike last longer, how you operate the bike also goes a long way in this regard. A car driver who squeals his tires, pops his clutch and slams on his brakes isn't going to get very long life out of his clutch or brakes and transmission and is likely to be spending a lot of time with his friendly neighborhood mechanic. The same is true for motorcycle riding. Riding the bike rough, not feathering the clutch while shifting, not backing off the throttle at the right time - these will wear your transmission out pretty quickly. In the same vein, accelerating and braking in controlled manners help out as well and will keep you out of the repair shop for much longer periods of time. You have enough things to spend money on these days without wasting it by wearing essentially bike parts out too quickly.FUEL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE - ESSENTIAL STEPSThe fuel system is an essential internal system that ensures your motorcycle gets its essential life blood of fuel delivered to the right place in the right amount for the best performance. Like other parts of the bike, the fuel system requires a little bit of looking after, but it doesn't have to be difficult or labor intensive, it's more preventive in nature.GETTING THE FUEL RIGHTFuel is quite often overlooked as a form of preventive maintenance on a motorcycle. Any time you're talking about fuel and fuel systems, you should always consider the fuel filter. It's wise to check the fuel filter regularly if you have one to make sure it is not clogged, looks clean and is clear. It is recommended that you replace fuel filters every 2 years, or sooner if you have any signs of contaminated fuel. While you're at it, check the bike's fuel lines for weather damage and cracking. Replace these lines immediately if any damage is found.Typically, untreated gasoline retains its best combustion quality in storage for about six months; much less if the gasoline contains ethanol. Things that cause gasoline fuels to lose their quality are exposure to air and light, and the accumulation of water from the environment. Air and light cause chemical reactions (oxidation) to occur in the fuel, producing discolored gasoline with dark deposits collected on the bottom of the gas can or storage tank. These reactions happen faster in hot weather.Ethanol fuels also have the issue of pulling water out of the air and into the fuel. This is due to the chemical nature of the ethanol itself. When enough water is absorbed, the dissolved ethanol m ay start to drop out of solution in a process known as "phase separation". The free ethanol mixes with the water and sinks to the bottom of the tank (because water and ethanol is heavier than gas). When this happens, you've got some problems that are best avoided, like leftover gasoline that is stripped of its octane rating, or your fuel line sucking up a water/ethanol mix instead of sucking up gasoline.The best way to prevent these storage problems is to treat the fuel with an additive. But in order to be effective, any fuel additive must be added when the gasoline is in good shape. Once the fuel goes bad, there are no products on the market that can restore it to good condition, and the gasoline must be discarded at that point. At best, poor performance and at worst, serious engine damage can result if deteriorated gasoline is burned in your engine. A good fuel additive treatment can double or triple the life of gasoline and will have a positive effect on the performance of your motorcycle.Furthermore, the ethanol found in most on-road gasoline is highly corrosive and will actually dissolve the aluminum in your carburetor over time. A good fuel additive mixed in with the gasoline should coat and protect the carburetor and fuel system components, protecting them from this process. This is very important when your bike is in storage for a long period of time.WHEN YOUR BIKE SITS AROUND - BURNING YOUR RESERVEAlso remember that, when parking your motorcycle for any extended length of time, to turn the petcock to the off position. This prevents any fuel potentially leaking or flooding the carburetor. The fuel that is drawn in when you change your petcock setting from "Normal" to "Reserve" comes from a different part of the gas tank, usually from the very bottom. The gas located in this part of the tank is more likely to be phase-separated gasoline containing higher concentrations of water, ethanol and whatever foreign matter and heavy deposits that would have accumulated over time. The potential here is that the very first time you need your reserve fuel, your motorcycle just stops dead because this contaminated fuel would be drawn into the carburetor or fuel injection system. A good preventive solution to this problem is to ride on the reserve setting with a full tank of fuel on occasion. The ratio of contaminated to good fuel will be so small as not to be as much of a problem. You're more likely to burn off whatever bad gas is in the reserve without nearly as many problems. This will also mean that the day you need your reserve, it's going to work like you need it to.STORING YOUR MOTORCYCLEWhen preparing to store a motorcycle for an extended period of time, you should take certain steps that will reduce the chances of having certain storage-related problems. The following items are some recommendations for steps to take before you put the cycle away for storage. This will ensure that when the next riding season arrives, your motorcycle will be free of problems and ready to go:Change the oil and filter.
If the motorcycle is liquid-cooled, be sure that the cooling system is filled with a 50 percent antifreeze solution to prevent the cooling system components from freezing.
Fill your fuel tank with gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer. There are a number of options for this, some better than others. A good fuel additive will prevent corrosion to fuel system components (especially from ethanol) and prevent the fuel from deteriorating during storage.
Drain the carburetor if possible or turn the fuel petcock to the off position and run the engine until all the fuel in the carburetor is consumed and the engine dies.
To prevent rusting in the cylinders, poor a teaspoon of clean engine oil into each cylinder by removing the spark plugs. Place a piece of cloth over the spark plug holes and turn the engine over a few times to disperse the oil and coat the cylinder walls. Replace the spark plugs after completing this operation.
Remove the battery and verify that it is fully charged and store it in an area to protect it from freezing. You should place the battery on a trickle charger once a month while in storage to prevent it from discharging and sulfating.
If the motorcycle has a drive chain, you should lubricate it to prevent it from rusting.
Inflate the tires to the factory recommended pressure to prevent sidewall cracks or flat spots.
Wash and wax all the painted and chrome parts.
Cover the motorcycle to keep dust and grit from settling on the paint which can result in a scratched finish. It is also recommended using a cloth cover to avoid any moisture collecting on the cover or the painted or chrome surfaces.Following these procedures will reduce the chances of having problems when taking the motorcycle out of storage and ensuring that your motorcycle will look as good and run as well as it did when you placed it in storage. The result will be an enjoyable riding season when it begins.

The Perfect Motorcycle - Are You and Your Motorcycle Still an Ideal Match?

Standing in front of a sleek, well-appointed motorcycle, it's very easy to be seduced by the shine of glistening chrome and the promise of adventure. But the relationship a rider develops with his or her bike changes - not only with the rev of the tachometer but also with the steady increase of miles.Learning how to assess a motorcycle actually means learning how to assess whether a motorcycle is right for you. Determining whether you and your motorcycle are a good match requires that you ask the right questions about what you expect, what kind of riding you do and what level of motorcycle your current riding skills can handle. When you consider specific key qualities you will make better decisions about which make and model best suits you. This is invaluable when trying to determine if you've outgrown your current motorcycle or whether or not a different type of bike would be a better match for your riding style.The four components for evaluating a motorcycle are: handling, comfort, dependability and, last but not least, overall sexiness.Handling
A fine handling motorcycle turns power into grace. Handling is the ability to transfer engine output into an exhilarating sweep of forward momentum. However, no single motorcycle handles perfectly for every rider. Getting the most out of any bike is a matter of matching the rider's experience and ability with the motorcycle's technical capabilities.There has been a trend toward bigger motorcycles. While large displacement motorcycles certainly have their place, this trend can be deceptive. Many accomplished riders still prefer the personality and nimbleness of lighter bikes. And novice riders should always start with smaller displacement motorcycles - 250cc or less. Besides what's the point of owning the latest bike with the largest power plant if you're only comfortable riding it slowly in a straight line?Obviously an off-road rider will be looking for something different than someone who routinely chews up hundreds of highway miles. But a good indication of handling characteristics can be found in how well a motorcycle maneuvers at very low speed and how stable it feels at high speed. Solid, accurate shifting should be considered, as well as efficiency and sure-footedness in a hard breaking situation.Comfort
All it takes to get a sense of a motorcycle's comfort factor is to spend a day on it. Greater physical demands and exposure to the elements are part of the allure of motorcycling. But if you perpetually want to end your ride at the chiropractor's office there may be a problem.Basic comfort is mostly a matter of suspension and ergonomics. These factors are designed into the motorcycle's intended purpose. A steeply angled sport bike, with its aggressive rider position is intended to offer speed and agility - not long distance comfort. Cruisers and touring bikes have a more upright riding position, longer wheelbase and more compliant suspension.A motorcycle's seat height can greatly affect comfort as well. The same low-saddled cruiser that easily accommodates a diminutive rider may severely cramp a taller individual. Again, it's all about finding the right match. Fairings and windshields help avoid fatigue caused by wind buffeting. Perks like heated grips can also give a motorcycle's comfort factor a boost.Dependability
In motorcycling the trust between rider and machine is everything. Beyond the simple mechanics of starting, moving forward and stopping - an undependable motorcycle creates worry in the rider's mind. It's difficult to fully enjoy a ride if you are constantly concerned about whether or not you're going to stall at the next red light. Preoccupation with your motorcycle's performance is at the very least a nagging distraction and at most a safety hazard.Motorcycle technology and machining tolerances have improved dramatically over the years. Still, engines leak and electronics fail. Some motorcycles are better than others at keeping their riders on the road. But if you have to cross your fingers and throw salt over your shoulder before starting your motorcycle perhaps you ought to think about finding a bike you can trust.Overall Sexiness
It's no secret there is more to motorcycling than getting from point A to point B. Sexiness is that hard-to-define purely emotional part of motorcycling. How it makes you feel while standing still as well as in motion. Remember how I said it's very easy to be seduced by the shine of glistening chrome and the promise of adventure on the open road? Well if you have honestly assessed your motorcycle for handling, comfort and dependability and your motorcycle still makes you swoon... well... then you have found your match.

The History of Motorcycle Clubs and Motorcycle Paraphernalia

club [kluhb] noun, a group of persons organized for a social, literary, athletic, political, or other purposeJust like a book club or a gardening club, a motorcycle club is a gathering of individuals with the same interests. But they have a fascinating history behind them, as well as the paraphernalia and accessories used to promote and advertise one's inclusion within a motorcycle group.The Birth of the AMAThe birth of motorcycle clubs actually started back in 1924 when the American Motorcyclist Association, or AMA, was organized as a division of the existing Motorcycle & Allied Trades Association (M&ATA) in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization has one mission in mind: "to protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists while serving the needs of its members." The AMA charters biker clubs around the United States, and current helps lead approximately 1,200 clubs across America. The AMA assists these various chartered clubs in running events, promoting their club, and gives these clubs the opportunity to vote on matters that affect AMA clubs and members.While the AMA is considered one of the largest motorsport organizations in the world, it does not oversee every motorcycle group in America. Many clubs are formed outside of the AMA rules and regulations, and these clubs are called "outlaw motorcycle clubs."Outlaw Motorcycle ClubsThe American Motorcycle Association enlists a number of rules and regulations for their chartered clubs to follow and maintain. But as with rebellion in anything in life, biker clubs were formed outside of the AMA rules and were quickly dubbed "Outlaw" clubs or "One Percenters." Some popular outlaw clubs that formed outside of the AMA include the Hell's Angels and the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. They grew extensively after World War II when American soldiers were coming home from war and looking for adventure or companionship with other World War II veterans. Many bonded over motorcycles, which led to the development of hundreds of outlaw clubs--as well as more sponsored clubs within the AMA admission. Many motorcycle clubs are created for those who have a particular loyalty to a certain brand, such as Harley Davidson, BMW, and Honda, just to name a few.The Negative Perception of Motorcycle ClubsMotorcycle clubs have gotten a bad rap in the past. Due to the "outlaw" nature of many of the clubs, as well as the frowned-upon lifestyle and unfavored appearance of those riding the road, biker clubs and those who are part of them have not always had a positive reaction from others. Throw in a few Hollywood movies that gave the groups a negative connotation and made them out to be violent and favor illegal drugs and activities, and one could see why these clubs were portrayed in such bad light. However, over time, motorcycle clubs and members of them continue to go about their hobby without concern as to what others may think of them, and many are realizing the assumptions and rumors of motorcyclists and their hobbies have been very much off the mark. The assumed lifestyle of motorcyclists has changed over the years, and others are more accepting of those who enjoy the hobby and involvement in the motorcyclist community.Identification of Motorcycle ClubsIn order to show one's participation and acceptance into a particular motorcycle club, many members will sport leather jackets with club patches and paraphernalia. As with membership and relation to any other particular club or social group, leather vests, patches, vest pins and zipper pulls. Each biker club will have a certain design and color that represents their organization, and members of particular motorcycle clubs will don these colors and patches to represent their membership with a certain organization, whether or not it is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association or is an outlaw club. Leather jackets are typically worn by motorcyclists because of their high quality and ability to withstand excessive wear and tear while on the road, while offering protection from dirt, debris, and the weather during one's ride. Many will stitch on biker club membership patches onto their jackets, as well as add zipper pulls and vest pins that match their interests, their history, or their club.Motorcycle Club Patches and Their MeaningsThe patches worn on motorcycle jackets and vests have particular meanings depending on the number of pieces to the patch itself. If a patch has only one piece, it means that the club is a family club or a "law-abiding" group. The two-piece patch denotes a transitional biker club from a law-abiding club to an outlaw club. These are typically worn while a club is waiting on approval. An outlaw group is signified by the official three-piece patch, showing admission into the Outlaw Motorcycle Club of outlaws, or "One Percenters." There are different variations of the patches that have a number of meanings, but the most notable and most recognizable feature of motorcycle club patches are the one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece vest and jacket patches.Rocker PatchesRocker patches are those that have a "banner" over the top and bottom of the main patch with the motorcycle club logo and/or name. These rocker patches will typically show the name of the motorcycle club on top, and the location/region on the bottom. These are oftentimes three-piece patches which represent outlaw motorcycle clubs, or "One Percenters."The Meaning of Motorcycle VestsMotorcyclists are commonly seen wearing leather motorcycle jackets in order to keep warm while on the road. However, motorcycle vests are also seen. There are two reasons why motorcycle vests are worn. The first is to allow a motorcyclists to show their club affiliations with patches and other accessories. Just like the jacket, patches can be sewn on and worn to display one's association with a particular biker club, either an AMA club or an outlaw club. However, jackets may be too warm during hot summer months, and when layered with other clothing underneath for warmth during cooler months, it can restrict one's ability to move their arms and elbows freely for riding. A motorcycle vest is sometimes worn in order to lessen the amount of layers on one's arms and help with movement, while still allowing a motorcyclist to display patches while riding.Motorcycle clothing, patches, and clubs have been around as long as the motorcycle itself, and the history behind them is fascinating and intriguing. Learning more about motorcycle clubs and the background of them will help you easily associate with other motorcycle hobbyists and community members and determine what makes each group and motorcycle club different and distinguished from the others.

Cheap Stylish Motorcycle Clothing and Motorcycle Gloves to Keep You Safe

People all over the world are motorcycle enthusiasts, some even since their childhood, and they have never missed an opportunity to delight in this passion. Most of us have seen people cruising along the highways and roads on their bikes with great pride and gallantry. Motorcycle drivers are mostly chivalrous and confident. But to motorcycle drivers and riders ever consider the array of accidents which are inseparably linked with motorcycle riding? Motorcycle accidents are extremely common; hence, it is important for motorcycle drivers to equip themselves adequately in order to protect themselves. If you are a resident of the UK and enjoy riding your motorcycle, you should have motorcycle gloves and clothing that will keep you safe.Motorcycle clothes and motorcycle gloves should combine style, protection and comfort. These types of clothing are meant to protect you from accidents. A biker requires a minimum amount of comfort to be able to drive at ease. The proper motorcycle clothing and motorcycle gloves enable bikers to ride comfortably in all types of weather conditions, even in the most harsh weather conditions. Whether it is rain or snow, good motorcycle jackets offer protection from water seepage and road burn if you fall off your bike and slide. Many bikers like donning the latest styles in motorcycle clothing and motorcycle gloves. Motorcycle clothes are not just meant to protect a biker and keep him or her safe; they are also an excuse for bikers to wear the latest items of fashionable clothing.Clothes for motorcycle riders include a number of items from motorcycle jackets to motorcycle gloves. Biker jackets are the most important items in motorcycle clothing and they are manufactured of leather in UK. However, they are also available in nylon, which offers year round protection to bikers. Most of these jackets are manufactured in the UK in such a manner that they offer warmth during the chilly winter and protect from water during the rainy season. The jackets should be purchased only after proper measurements have been taken, unless the jackets are comfortable and accommodating the bikers will not ride comfortably. For bikers who indulge in professional racing, motorcycle body armour is a must. It acts as a shield and protects the back, chest and arms from injuries in accidents.Motorcycle chaps are another important component of motorcycle clothing, it protects bikers from cold winds, dirt and dust. Motorcycle gloves are another important clothing item that bikers cannot avoid while riding on their bikes. Without motorcycle gloves, motorcyclists may fail to keep the grip needed to handle their bikes. Often the grip of the motorcyclist is compromised due to sweat, which causes her grip to slip. The last and the most important item of motorcycle clothing is the motorcycle helmet. Helmets offer protection to the head and face of the riders from injuries. Hence, a helmet protects the most important part of the body and is surely the most indispensable item of clothing that one needs to wear while driving a motorcycle. However, before purchasing a helmet, make sure that it is endorsed by the Department of Transportation. A DOT certified helmet ensures that it has passed the optimum stages of protection and the helmet complies with motorcycle laws.A lot of manufacturing companies in the UK produce branded motorcycle clothing and motorcycle gloves. This motorist wear comes at premium rates however, it is unavailable to most motorcycle owners. Since the most important function of these items of clothing is protection, one can choose affordable motorcycle clothing instead of paying high prices for the expensive brands. Though it is true that affordable clothing items are not as popular as their branded counterparts, these items offer sufficient protection to bikers as long as they have been approved. Before purchasing motorcycle clothing and motorcycle gloves it is necessary to consider certain factors like the fit and the thickness of the jackets. There are a number of motorcycle clothing stores in the UK; shop around to find out best motorcycle clothing and gloves for you.

Speed Up - Tips on Buying Your First Motorcycle

Purchasing first motorcycle is not an easy thing to do for those who have never had a motorcycle before. It does so because there are bulk brands, models and features so that picking a certain choice is not an easy way. If you are a newbie and have never bought a motorcycle before, the following information and tips might be important for helping you making the best option of choosing your first motorcycle. Just take a look and follow the following tips to get your first motorcycle.Knowing your ability is the first important tip to consider. It means that you must not overestimate your ability. By knowing your ability it means that you will not buy a motorcycle which is far more than you can handle. If you are a newbie, picking a motorcycle with an average engine is far more suggested than buying a motorcycle with has more than 600cc engine power. Moreover, if you want to handle a much more powerful motorcycle in the future, you could start by learning more about it from your first motorcycle.The second important tip to know is being really conversant on your needs for a motorcycle. A motorcycle for racing or a motorcycle for daily riding might be different. Thus, you must really know what you really need from a motorcycle. It is important to choose the most suitable models and features of a motorcycle you want to get. Knowing your needs will help you out finding the best motorcycle that will fit with your goal of having it.Then recognizing your picks are also important tip to consider. There are so many options for motorcycles you can choose nowadays. That is why knowing your options is really important to make sure you know what models you want, how much it costs, and other aspects as well. You could also find the options by browsing the motorcycle you want to buy from internet sites. After knowing the option you want for your first motorcycle, then you could visit a dealer and go on the next step of choosing the most perfect motorcycle for you.The next tip is that in a dealer you want to visit you should try some motorcycles you have checked from internet sites. Try it to know the comfort of riding them. Try the various sizes of motorcycles to find your most perfect first motorcycle. Then make sure the motorcycle you are going to choose really fits with your body and gives you comfort. A cool motorcycle might be not comfortable for you because they are made only for show off, while you need a stronger motorcycle. That is why by really trying the motorcycle you will get so many advantages.The next important tip to follow for a newbie who is choosing a motorcycle is considering whether you want to buy a new or used motorcycle. If you have limited budget, you might choose a used motorcycle. Yet, if you want a fancier motorcycle with a guarantee of safety, then choosing a new motorcycle is very much recommended. For sure, if you buy a new motorcycle you will need to spend much more money than buying a used one. It all depends on your own preferences and considerations. If you want to get your first motorcycle as a media to practice your skill for competition field, then you might not choose a new one. Choosing a used one is better because you will have no fear that you will damage it. Once again, it all depends on every person's preferences and considerations.Those are some important tips to follow to buy your first motorcycle. You should think everything carefully and make your best decision. Do not feel hesitated to contact a dealer's staff if you are still confused in making your pick and want to get a help on choosing your first motorcycle. The will be happy to solve your problem with you.

Motorcycle Accessories to Enhance Your Riding Experience

Motorcycle accessories can enhance your riding experience. With the right accessories, your ride will be safe as well as comfortable. What things should you consider when selecting motorcycle accessories? Lets have a look at some of the essential items:Motorcycle Helmets - A Must-Have Motorcycle AccessoryRiding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience for the adventurous rider. If you have the passion of riding such a powerful machine on the open road, you most certainly need adequate head protection which will protect your head in the event of an accident.In this article we will discuss must-have motorcycle gear that can enhance your riding experience: When riding a motorcycle, your head needs maximum protection. Whether you are a daily commuter, a weekend rider or a just-for-fun rider, a helmet is an essential accessory when it comes to protective gear. Some motorcycle helmets are designed specifically to protect your entire head and face. Motorcycle helmets also help protect your eyes from blowing wind and debris which can impair your vision and cause an accident.Helmets may seem a little uncomfortable but the fact is, they provide ventilation. Your head may feel a little warm with prolonged use but you have to endure it for your own protection.For any rider, motorcycle helmets are indeed a necessity. Helmets cannot promise 100% protection against head injury, but they do without a doubt, decrease the severity of an injury and reduce the chances of a fatality in any motorcycle accident.Some motorcycle helmets protect both your head and face. There are several different kinds of helmets, each offering different benefits. These include:* A Full face helmet
* A Motocross helmet
* Open face helmet
* A Half helmetA full face helmet provides the most protection; as it covers the entire head while also protecting your skull and chin. These helmets are much larger in size but the advantage is definitely more than in most other types. All these helmets have a chin guard that should be kept fastened at all times while riding. For long distance rides, there are special helmets with sturdier features such as face guards. These face guards are retractable and they even provide anti-glare protection to help keep riders from being blinded by the bright glare reflected off shiny surfaces from other vehicles.Motorcycle helmets provide a great deal of protection for your head and by wearing one each time you ride significantly reduces the chance of a head injury if involved in an accident. Statistics show that the risk of major head and soft-tissue injuries are reduced by nearly 40% with the use of a motorcycle helmet. Many States have passed a law making it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. To ensure your safety, you should always check for any defects when buying a motorcycle helmet. Do not ignore even the slightest crack. You will have more security if you ride using all safety precautions.Motorcycle Saddlebags - Another Must-Have AccessoryOne thing is for sure, motorcycles are not at all convenient for transporting personal belongings or items that you may purchase at the store. Most motorcycle owners know this and you will hardly ever see a person riding a motorcycle down the street one-handed, steering with one hand and carrying a bag of groceries in the other. Those who ride often, need a durable and reliable way of carrying these items while riding and motorcycle saddlebags provide perfectly for this need.These saddlebags look great and fit well on most motorcycles. It is the most convenient way to carry anything while you ride. Bikers should also have these spacious compartments to store certain items in the event of an emergency. Such items that should be stored in these compartments and may also come in handy include:-A First Aid Kit
-A Flashlight
-Goggles/Glasses
-Mobile phone
-Some groceries
-Flares and Tool Kit
-Registration and motorcycle Insurance
-Map(s)These are just to name a few. Most saddlebags come with enough space to carry almost anything you need while on the road. Saddlebags come in a variety of sizes however, leather saddlebags are a bit smaller than the hard plastic shell types. Every motorcyclist needs some kind of storage for their personal belongings and saddlebags provide plenty of space and does it with style.Leather Vests - A Stylish AccessoryAre you planning a motorcycle adventure trip? If so, then you need to think about what motorcycle gear you would like to put on for this thrill ride. It is nearly impossible to experience such an adventure in your regular street clothes or with long sleeves. You should wear something that is both tough, yet trendy. If you prefer to embark on your adventure in style,then you need a cool leather motorcycle vest.Leather vests have always been a favorite amongst all bikers. Leather motorcycle vests are a way of displaying a bikers smooth and rugged look. Motorcycle vests provide an ample amount of room and comfort for that rugged adventurer without skimping on its essential purpose: protection against the elements of nature. These leather vests are meant for inner wear by both guys and gals, but they are most often worn externally for that trendy leather appeal. Leather motorcycle vests are available in a variety of styles with each leather vest encompassing its own unique image.Ideally, they are comfortable, form fitting and made with quality leather. They provide plenty of pockets to carry all your essentials. Riding vests are manufactured with a sturdy lining to protect the rider from strong winds, rain or other undesirable weather condition. They can be worn with or without an undershirt and on any riding occasion. So get into your gear with these three motorcycle accessories and make your road trip a riding adventure!

How to Ride a Motorcycle Properly

So you want to ride a motorcycle? This article will address the proper riding techniques and tips and will give you the base information on what you'll need to know on starting to ride a motorcycle.Motorcycling is a great deal of fun. But it's very important to learn how to ride defensively and respect the motorcycle and it's power. If you start out with this attitude at the outset, you will ensure that you're entering this high risk activity with thoughtfulness and self-preservation, and it will make the riding experience so much more enjoyable.Perhaps you know what type of motorcycle you want, or you already own a bike, or maybe you just want some refresher information -- no matter who you are or where you are in the process of riding, you can use this online guide and information as a source of information on anything from how to start riding to wearing the proper gear or to whatever.And please know that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers rider safety and education courses. The courses are covered in more depth further in this article and found as its own section on our site (you can go to our website for more info on the MSF rider courses.Proper Riding GearWhether you are just learning to ride or you're already an experienced biker, remember to always wear your safety gear. Going down on a motorcycle hurts, there's no denying it. Have you ever fallen off a bicycle? Remember how badly your skin and hands hurt because they were scraped along the street or sidewalk? Remember how easily your knees and elbows bruised? Now magnify that based on the speed your traveling on the motorcycle. Even if you're driving around the block in your development or driving in a parking lot, you will easily scrape yourself up worse than any bicycle fall. I'm not stating this to scare you away from riding a motorcycle, I just want to make sure you protect yourself by wearing as much safety gear as possible, including gloves, leather jacket or armored clothing, boots, goggles or sunglasses, and a helmet (which is required by law in most states) . Go to my website to view the proper gear and shopping pages. Once you have your proper riding gear, you're ready to get on the bike.Getting OnBefore you just jump in the saddle, you should do a T-CLOCS check of the bike. Let me explain ---- EVERY TIME before you ride, you should make sure it's fit to be on the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a checklist they call T-CLOCS:T -- Tires, wheels (air pressure)C -- Controls (clutch lever, throttle, brakes/pedals, cables, hoses)L -- Light (battery, headlights, turn signals, mirrors)O -- Oil (and other fluid levels)C -- Chassis (the frame, suspension, chain/belt, etc.)S -- Stands (kickstand and/or the center stand )If the motorcycle checks out just fine, you're ready to get in the saddle. Always mount the motorcycle by throwing your right leg over the seat. When getting off, always bring your right leg back over the seat. This is done for two very important reasons: 1) The kickstand is on the left side of the bike and that's where the motorcycle weight is hanging. 2) When getting off, it is very easy to burn your leg on the exhaust pipes on the right side of the bike, and you don't want to get your leg caught on the seat and pull the bike down on you.So, starting at the left of the motorcycle, grab a hold of the handlebars, put the weight of your body on your left leg, and lift and throw your right leg over the seat and onto the other side of the bike. Take a seat on the motorcycle. Take your time and get accustomed to the bike. Make sure your mirrors are adjusted properly to where you're sitting, get used to where the controls are (horn, turn signals, lights, etc.). While the kickstand is still down and holding the bike upright, put your feet on the pegs and get a feel for your leg positioning.Now before you put that kickstand up and start riding, let's walk through the controls.....Controls/Hands&Feet Let's go over the basic controls of a motorcycle. Get familiar with the key controls like the brakes, clutch, pedal shifter, throttle, and turn signals. This will enable you to learn fairly easily and then we can work on technique. I say this because you don't want to be looking down at your feet or your hands while riding.Let's start with the right side:Your right hand is responsible for two major functions in motorcycling - accelerating and braking. If you turn the throttle by twisting the right grip toward you, you apply throttle and give it 'gas' to the engine. Do not overdo it here as a little twist will do the trick. If you pull back on that throttle too hard, you'll end up on your butt before you get out of the driveway. So be gentle with this control.The right hand also controls the front brakes, just like you would have had on your bicycle. Pulling the lever toward you applies the front brakes. You want to gently add pressure to braking as you don't want to yank the lever too hard, forcing the front brakes to lockup, thereby causing the bike to skid, and possibly end up in an accident. Most bikes are able to come to a stop using a two-fingered technique (your index and middle finger on the brake level while the thumb is under the throttle and the other fingers are on top of the throttle). Some bikes require all fingers around the lever and the thumb under the throttle. You'll need to assess and use whatever technique works best with your bike.Your right foot is used to operate the rear brake, but just note that when you use the front brakes, the rear is a little less effective. See, what happens is when you break with your front brakes, the bike's weight is transferred to the front. Rear brake application is more useful during low speed maneuvering.Use this as an approximate guide for braking: Slow speeds up to about 10 mph, you can use your rear brake. Speeds above 10 mph, you can use your front brake lever. Now, in any case where you need to come to a quick and sudden stop -- USE BOTH BRAKES!! It's been proven that using both brakes in an 'emergency stop' can cut the stopping distance by more than half.Clutch Now the left side:The clutch is the lever just forward of the left hand grip. Sportbikes typically only require only a two-fingered operation (or pull of the lever), while other bikes like the cruisers and touring motorcycles typically require your whole hand to pull the lever and engage the clutch. The clutch is used as a way to connect and disconnect the engine from the transmission. If you've ever ridden a stick shift in a car, you understand what I'm referring to. In essence, when you pull in the clutch lever, you're cutting off the power to the rear wheel and bike will coast as if it's in neutral even if you're in a specific gear. Once you release the clutch, the engine kicks in and if you're in gear, and will power the rear wheel.I'd suggest you practice this part before you ride off for the first time. Practice by gradually and slowly pulling the clutch with your left hand. Don't think of it as off or on. You need to find that spot where the engine begins to engage. Each bike is different, so you have to find that 'sweet spot'. I'll give you more info when we get to starting the bike and riding off.ShiftingMotorcycles shift differently than cars. The thought process is the same (Pull clutch/throttle off, shift, release clutch/accelerate), the motorcycle shifting is handled by moving the left foot lever (shifter) up or down with the left foot. The typical shift patters for motorcycles are:-- 6th gear (if applicable to your bike)-- 5th gear-- 4th gear-- 3rd gear-- 2nd gear-- Neutral-- 1st gearMost motorcycles fit this pattern, which is referred to as the "1 down, 5 up" or "1 down, 4 up". Finding neutral with your left foot will take some getting used to, but you'll pick it up pretty quick. The gauge in front of you will have a green "N" that will indicate you are in Neutral. There have been comments and arguments from all over stating that you can shift without using the clutch and it won't hurt anything. I agree that you CAN shift without using the clutch. My argument is that you SHOULD use the clutch when you shift. Over the long haul of your motorcycle, it will be worth it to use the clutch every time.I mentioned it earlier with shifting, but here's how the shift should be done: If at a complete stop, pull in the clutch with your left hand, shift down to first gear with your left foot, ease off the clutch until you feel the motorcycle moving forward and give it a little throttle. If you are already moving, pull in the clutch with your left hand and ease back on the throttle with your right hand, shift gears with your left foot, ease off of the clutch your left hand and twist the throttle to continue the acceleration. I know it sounds like a lot to remember, but when you're moving, everything happens quickly. Some happen simultaneously. Pull clutch/throttle off, shift, release clutch/throttle on.Starting it upOk, we've covered a lot of functionality of the motorcycle, and now we're going to 'fire it up' and start the engine. Most motorcycles these days no longer need to be kick started. We all have that image of the biker jumping up and thrusting his leg down to get the bike started. Not anymore. Here are the steps to follow to start up your engine:-- If you have a choke on your bike, pull it out completely-- Turn the key to the ignition position (you'll see all the gauges come on)-- Flip the red kill switch down to the on position-- Hold in the clutch (not necessary if you're in Neutral, but a good habit to just 'make sure'.)-- Push the engine start button (black button located below the red kill switch)-- Slowly release the clutch (make sure you're in Neutral - the green N will be lit up)If you have a carbureted bike, you may need to twist the throttle a little to get gas into the cylinders. If it's fuel injected, there is no need to throttle.Warming up/Choke Warming up a car engine is basically a thing of the past. But a motorcycle engine requires the rider to trust the engine will perform at its optimal level and therefore, must be warmed up before taking off and riding. Once the engine has turned over, allow it to sit idle for a minute to several minutes, and do not rev the engine during this time. Revving the engine can cause issues as the oil may not get properly distributed to the moving parts. Again, if your bike has a choke, begin pushing the choke back in until the motorcycle is idling properly and not sputtering. You'll get used to the sound of your engine and will easily know when the engine is warmed up. You can use the temperature gauge as a general guide that your motorcycle is warmed up and only start off when you're confident your engine won't sputter or fail because it's not properly warmed up.Kickstand Today, most motorcycles have an automatic shut-off if you try to put the bike into gear while the kickstand is down. So, before you attempt to switch into first gear, balance the bike while sitting on it, and use your left heel to pull the kickstand up into place. If you have a bike that has a center-stand, the process is quite different. You'll need to stand up while straddling the bike and rock the bike forward in order to get the stand retracted.Now let's get riding!Get going Now that you've gone through all the preliminary steps of making sure you're wearing the proper gear, checked the bike over to make sure no issues (T-CLOCS), are now comfortable with where the controls are, how to shift, how to brake, etc., you are now ready to ride!Here are some of my suggestions for getting the feel and taking it slow: Practice where the clutch engages the engine - pull the clutch all the way in, and shift down into first gear. Hold it there and relax. Very smoothly and slowly, start releasing the clutch. At a point somewhere halfway between pulling it all the way in and having it all the way out, you should feel the bike start to lurch forward. This is the 'sweet spot' where the clutch engages the engine/transmission and the rear wheel begins to move.Now take your time and just play with this feeling. Let the clutch out slightly until the bike moves forward, then pull it back in. Do it again. Do it again. Get comfortable with this feeling.Ok, now that you've got the feel for where the clutch engages, now it's time to move. As the motorcycle begins to move forward, twist the throttle with your right hand just slightly to give it some gas and you will start moving forward. Once you start moving, pull those feet up onto the pegs. Get comfortable moving with the bike. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to keep the bike stable once moving forward. Once you're moving at a rate of up to about 10-12 miles per hour, you'll hear and feel your engine race and you'll need to pull in the clutch/close the throttle, shift upward with your left foot (pump it upward), release the clutch and twist the throttle to accelerate. It may sound like a lot to do in little time, but trust me, it'll come naturally with practice. Do the same (Pull clutch/close throttle, shift up, release clutch/twist throttle) to pump the shifter up again to get into 3rd, etc. You also do the same to downshift the bike into a lower gear, except instead of pumping the shifter upward you are pumping it downward. To come to a very controlled and steady stop, you can downshift your way and let the engine do the slowing for you. Again, practice this and it will come naturally to you.Turning Now you're a rider...but wait, what about turning the motorcycle!? Have you ever ridden a bicycle? Ok, if you have, it's almost the same with turning a motorcycle. Anything under approximately 8-10 mph, you actually turn the handlebars to steer the motorcycle. Once you get over about 8-10 mph, there's a lean that's involved. Say your motorcycle is at 35 mph and you're coming up to a right hand turn. Slow the bike down and downshift to where you are comfortable BEFORE you get to the turn (use 2nd gear as an example). Say you're now at 12mph as you enter the turn. Push the right handlebar to the left slightly and lean to the right to make the right turn. Yes, I said that correctly. With your right hand, you push the right side handlebar slightly to the left to make a right hand turn. Push left, lean right, go right. It's called countersteering and it works. Most bikers will tell you 'that's not right', but trust me, they are doing this exact thing and sometimes don't realize it. And if you take the safety course, they will cover this subject. You can also practice these exercises in a controlled area like a parking lot. Click here to view the various motorcycle exercisesAll of the above that I've discussed takes practice. The idea is to start and stop and ride as smoothly as possible. This will be your key to a safe and incredibly exciting time on the road with the wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth, freedom that only comes with riding a motorcycle. Remember to check out the riding courses offered in your area. Enjoy! And Safe Riding!