motorcycles, parts,and pieces

The pros and cons of overloading your motorcycle

mikemycroft — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 07:36:05 +0000

Those photos you see of motorcyclists in Asia riding along carrying everything including the kitchen sink give us all a giggle right? But there is a serious side to overloading your motorcycle, as this article from Phil West aptly illustrates…

If you are a motorcyclist who likes to take a long tour during summer chances are, you plan to pack things that you are going to need during your tour like riding gear, tools, food and if you coax a pretty passenger along with you plus her luggage that could all add up to a certain weight. So the question is how much weight can your bike carry?

You are meticulous in details like this because you don't want to overload your motorcycles. You know that overloading can adversely affect the motorcycle's overall stability and handling. We don't want to suffer unfortunate repercussions right? So we should stick by the rules.

Leaf through your owner's manual or check the vehicle identification number (VIN plate). There is a sticker there that lists the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight rating (GAWR). The GVWR is the maximum total weight of the motorcycle and its load that is allowable. The GAWR is the allowable maximum weight that you must place on each wheel ( front and rear wheels) when the bike is at rest. GAWR gives you the idea of how much and how well you distribute all that weight (cargo) on each wheel.

Remember to adhere to the GAWR and pack the heaviest at the bottom, so that the motorcycle's stability is not affected. If you challenge exact science by overloading the bike over the rear axle by packing high,your cruiser is going to start handling like a three-legged camel in deep sand.

Adjust the rear shock settings and tire pressure if you are going to load your bike and travel long distance. You have to remember that it is the air that supports the tires to hold the bike up. If you reduce the volume of air in your tires, it also reduces the load capacity of the tires. So when there is reduction of tire pressure,it certainly reduces the tire's carrying capacity. Always maximize tire pressure when you add a load.

If you go a wee-bit the limit of the recommended GVWR you will surely pay the price. Overloading causes speedy tire wear, puts strain on suspension,brakes,drive train etc. Brakes will be less effective and acceleration diminished.

Also consider other factors aside from overloaded cargo and rolling on under inflated tires. These are travelling on a long hot day and faster and farther you travelled on an asphalt strewn with potholes, the more your tires will likely heat up and the worst case scenario would be catastrophic. So check your tire's pressure when they are cold (at rest) and use a dependable gauge.

Putting too much cargo on your motorcycle beyond its allowable GVWR, deteriorates the bike's handling and can overtax some motorcycle components. It is now time to learn to leave something behind and decide what does not need to come along or think about another way to get all your stuff there. You can overnight a couple boxes to your destination or better yet have your passenger get a bike of his own.

Phil West is a Harley buff. Read his articles on Harley Davidson boots and top rated GPS devices

Some Basic Preparation Tips for Motorcyle Tours

mikemycroft — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:33:45 +0000

Participating in motorbike tours can be an adventure of a lifetime. Depending on the destination, you can feast your eyes on different natural landscapes and breathtaking views. For a successful motorcycle tour, make sure you cover all the essentials for the trip so you won't have to worry about anything else and maximize your enjoyment of the trip.

You must start off by having a look at your motorcycle before embarking on motorbike tours. Check the tires, hoses, brakes, fluids, and other essential component or parts. Make sure everything fits right or in place. If not, make the necessary adjustments or replacement before you travel to ensure your safety, as well as that of your passenger, if any.

You must also evaluate your riding style. This is a simple tip that most people often neglect while on motorbike tours, but it will make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the entire ride. Do you prefer riding in a group? Or would you like to tour on your own, such that you can fully embrace the scenery? Would you like to leisurely rides or speed down the highway? Your answers to the above question will enable you to decide on a route to take, as well as the things you need to pack with you through the journey.

Once you have settled your riding preference, you can now plan the specific itinerary of your motorbike tours. Make sure you have planned out ahead of time where you are going to eat, stay for the night, or destinations you would like to make a stop to. It is important to plan them ahead such that you can experience a smooth journey and you can save more time that would have rather been spent enjoying the sites or destinations you visit.

Always bring with you some extra cash. You'll never know what activities or touring ideas could come up during your journey. Make sure to stash this extra cash in a hidden place, just to make sure you have some available for such unplanned activities. Avoid using credit cards and make sure to pay only with upfront cash.

Finally, don't forget to bring your camera with you. Motorbike tours would be of no use if you do not have memory to bring home with you and reminisce several years later. Touring with your motorcycle is a unique experience and something that you should be able to enjoy to its full potential. So, make sure you follow the basic tips above for planning and preparation.

If you absolutely love riding motorcycles, then you definitely want to try motorbike tours. These tours allow you to travel across the world seeing the most exotic places and natural environments. To schedule your tour today, then make sure that you visit http://www.firstclassmotorcycletours.com today.

Building custom motorcycles

mikemycroft — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:35:01 +0000

Whether you are looking to purchase a custom built motorcycle or building one on your own using a motorcycle kit, there are a few things you need to know. Most importantly, if you are going to be building it on your own, then it won’t be easy. Let’s just get that out of the way, but it is possible to get it done if you’re up for the challenge.

Before you begin, first do the necessary research online to analyze which company you’ll use to purchase your motorcycle kit. You’ll find many companies that offer a variety of styles. Select the one that best suits your taste. The kit prices can range from a few thousand dollars, to much higher. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Once you’ve selected your kit, then the next step is to actually get started assembling the motorcycle. This can seem like a daunting task at first. Be sure you have a set work area, with lots of available space to sort the parts. This is very important so that you can carefully keep track of every item within the package.

You’ve sorted your parts and now you’re ready to begin. The time it will take to completely build your motorcycle will vary based on your skill level. If you are new to the art form, then it can take a few months, especially if you’re working only on weekends or on your days off from work. If you’re already an expert and have built custom bikes before, then the task should be much easier.

The obvious advantage of buying a motorcycle kit and assembling it is the price. If you decide to have someone make you a custom bike, then you’ll have to be prepared to spend lots of money. Custom bike developers do not sell their bikes cheap, especially if they create it based on your input and vision. The ability to build your bike based off a kit, will save you money, and once completed you’ll also feel like you’ve truly accomplished a great task. It can be fun, but it can also be daunting when you’re at a stage where you are seeing little progress.

Remember, that when you create your bike based off the kit, the options are endless. Your end product can be as unique as you want it, giving you that style and flair that you wanted, but at a much cheaper cost. When you ride around on your finished bike, you’ll have a great feeling of self accomplishment.

Heated Motorcycle Grips

mikemycroft — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:40:30 +0000

If you are, like me, an all season motorcycle rider, then you probably are confronted with some pretty cold weather some times in the year. Then having heated grips is by no means a luxury, if you don’t want our fingers freezing that is. Installing heated grips is not that difficult and can be done with some pretty simple steps.

The installation

If you don’t feel comfortable installing anything on your motorcycle on your own you should pay someone else to do it for you. Or ask a friend to do it for you while you watch and help, that way you learn that it can be fun to work on your bike. When you are comfortable doing it yourself then you will first need to choose which heated motorcycle grips you would like to install. Hop on to the internet and do a search for grip manufacturers and see what kind of heated grips have your preference. Then you need to check if that specific type can me mounted on your motorcycle. Next step is order them and then you start the installation.

Always start with cleaning, if needed, your working area before you start a project. Not that installing these grips is very complicated but you don’t want to be looking for your tools and parts all the time while those things disappear under the ruble of an old project. A thing you should be aware of is that the diameter of the handles will increase in width once you have installed the heated grips.

1. Put the grips on the handles
2. Wrap the grips as tight as possible
3. Wire the grips up

Sometime there will be some extra wire that is delivered with the grips, thus you need to plan what you do with that when the grips are connected. One thing you can do is just loop that extra wire around and tie it with a cable tie. Another thing you could do is loop the extra wire in a circle a put it under the bar. That last one is probably the best way to go then it would be easier to remove the grips if you need to and if you did a good job securing the wire it will be out of view. Most of the heated grips that can be bought are without a thermostat so keep enough room for that switch on your handlebar. You don’t want to pull over every time you need to switch the heater for the grips on or off when you are on a long trip. When you see the look on your friends face when you pull over for the 4th time just to pull the switch of your heated grips you wish you had made sure that switch was on your handlebars.

When you are sure that the grips, wires and switch are where you want them to be then you should follow the instructions that came with the the grips and start hooking them up to your battery. When all is done and works as it should then you can start to enjoy those all weather rides.

youth motorcycle helmets

mikemycroft — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:16:09 +0000

Your child just told you that he wants to ride a motorcycle and asks of you would buy him a youth motorcycle helmet. Once you manage to get your heart out of your throat and back into your chest, you consider his request. By purchasing a youth helmet for him, you can take some of the decision into your own hands and alleviate your worry. The best thing you can do is make sure you buy him a helmet that fits properly, provides ample protection to his face and head, and has the correct amount of retention.

When you go to get a youth motorcycle helmet for your child, always bring your child with you. An expert at any shop that sells these helmets can help you find one that has the proper fit. They will measure your child’s head and then give you a size to start with. Let your child try on the helmet’s that are the right size and in the colors and styles they like the best. By doing this you are allowing your child to have a say in an important piece of safety equipment. Plus you will be able to see if it fits properly. If your child gets to choose their youth helmet, they’ll be more likely to wear it.

Here are a few helpful tips to get you and your child started on selecting the right youth motorcycle helmet specifically for them so they can start riding as soon as possible.

The first tip to follow is to allow your child to try on several different youth helmets and wear each one for about five to ten minutes. By having your youth wear the helmet for a small length of time he will be able to tell you what spots on the helmet are not fitting well or what if any parts are bothersome to him. This time will also give you the ability to check to make sure the helmet fits properly, resting just above your child’s eyebrows. When you are removing the helmet, check for any indentations or red marks on your child’s head.

The second tip when choosing a youth helmet is to make sure the motorcycle helmet has a comfort liner on the interior. This foam will form to the shape and contour of the child’s head and will become much more comfortable with longer periods of wear. By starting your youth off with a well fitted helmet you are offering him the best possible protection while he is riding.

The next tip when buying a youth helmet is to ensure that the helmet has been treated not only with an anti-fog treatment but also with an anti-scratch treatment. This will ensure that the face protection surface will not become scratched or fogged during riding, making your youths vision the best in can be. Also check the visor and make sure it does not touch the outer part of the helmet. If it does it could cause scratches and make your youths vision blurry through his visor.

When buying a motorcycle youth helmet you should always remember that although the lighter style of youth helmet will be more comfortable to your child, the heavier style will offer more protection. Finding a balance between comfort and protection will give your child the comfort he needs from his youth helmet but also the safety you want him to have.

Motorcycles – Motorcycle Leather Bags

mikemycroft — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:51:29 +0000

Have you added the beauty of a leather bag to your motorcycle yet? When we talk about motorcycle accessories, the discussion cannot be complete without talking about motorcycle leather bags. The most professional riders specifically mention the importance of high quality of motorcycle leather bags to carry on long journeys. According to experts, one must buy great quality motorcycle leather bags to experience the joy of long drives on their motorcycles, while riding at high speeds.

Motorcycle leather bags are one of the most important motorcycle accessories to carry by a rider while riding. It is essential when the rider is riding their motorcycle on long rides, but it can also be great when riding around town. Motorcycle leather bags can provide shelter for personal belongings and some can even provide security, depending on the model. Also, motorcycle bags can be great in the event of rain, as the rider can quickly put their valuables into the bag.

Motorcycle riders can also use the motorcycle bag as a luggage storage space. These bags can be used to keep all of the motorcycle gear in one bag, properly securing them for safe and easy travel. They can be useful in large extent while journey long and cloths and other important stuff can be carried easily and the motorcycle apparel are also available in various sizes and in different material such as sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags and leather tool bags and leather windshield bags

One of the best things about motorcycle bags is that they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that the rider can personalize their bike, matching to their tastes and current bike designs. In addition to colors and styles, motorcycle bags are available in several fabric choices. Motorcycle riders will be able to find leather, vinyl, cotton and more when they are searching for bags.

So, when you are ready to consider a motorcycle bag for your bike, ensure that you choose one that is of high quality, one that has a lock to secure your valuables and one that has strength so that won’t sag when you fill it with your stuff. Also, choose the material that best suits the amount of riding that you do and the wear that you expect it to get. Ask questions of the salesperson so that you can best match your personal needs with the products that are available. With the amount of options available, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle bags, used motorcycle bags, and used car parts.

Motorcycle Helmet – Sometimes It’s the Law To Wear A Helmet

mikemycroft — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:01:55 +0000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or also known as NHTSA says that when comparing riders on a motorcycle and those in an automobile the rider of the motorcycle is 35% more likely to get injured or killed in an accident that involves another automobile compared to the lower rate of injury or death of the rider in the automobile. If the motorcycle rider is wearing a motorcycle helmet he is not as likely to sustain serious head injuries and has a greater chance of surviving the accident.

In many state wearing a motorcycle helmet has become a requirement while in other states it is still up to the rider to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. Even though wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required in some states many riders still choose to wear them simply for the safety and protection the helmet gives them. By making sure the helmet fits the rider correctly his head is greater protected against injury in the event of an accident. For almost every motorcycle rider, safety is extremely important.

For some riders the desire to wear a helmet is more than the protection they offer. They like the ability to wear helmets that are equipt with a communication system. These systems allow the riders in a group to communicate with each other without having to yell over the roar of their bikes and traffic. It is also hands free making it safer for the rider since he does not have to remove either hand from the handles of his bike. This feature alone is why some motorcycle riders choose to wear a helmet.

Even if you would rather not wear a motorcycle helmet the amount of protection they provide might just win you over. Not to mention that there is such a wide range of styles, colors and protection levels offered that most riders just can’t say no to wearing a helmet. Maybe you’re a person who would rather be able to feel the wind of the open road touching your face instead of a helmet. Why not try a helmet that has an open face so you can still feel the wind but also be protected? For those who would rather have their face protected from rocks, sand or anything else that might fly your way while riding then you can choose a helmet with a face shield that flips down to cover your face.

Many motorcycle riders fear helmets because they think that the helmet will be uncomfortable to wear. In prior years that might have been the case but just as everything else motorcycle helmets have also advanced. They are not only made for protection now but also for comfort. Most helmets will have a foam or fabric interior making them much more comfortable, allowing you to wear them for longer lengths of time. Not only does the interior lining offer more comfort but it also offers the wearer more protection in the long run.

The most important feature that you need to pay attention to when choosing a helmet is not the price but the protection factors that the helmet offers in the event the rider is in an accident. Most people assume that the most expensive helmet is going to be the best helmet but that is not always the case. Before you purchase a helmet check out the protection features, if they are not listed on the helmet ask your sales person or contact the manufacture for more information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that there is about a 40% chance that a motorcycle rider who is in an accident without wearing a helmet will have a serious head injury. They also say that out of that 40% there is also another 15% chance that the rider without a helmet will be fatally injured from a head injury. While some riders dislike the idea of having to wear a helmet these facts alone are enough to make most riders choose to wear a helmet every time they fire up their motorcycle.

John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next purchase type in the coupon code: Video

Youth Helmets – What to Consider When Purchasing A Youth Motorcycle Helmet

mikemycroft — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:30:49 +0000

Your child just told you that he wants to ride a motorcycle and asks of you would buy him a helmet. Once you manage to get your heart out of your throat and back into your chest, you consider his request. By purchasing a youth helmet for him, you can take some of the decision into your own hands and alleviate your worry. The best thing you can do is make sure you buy him a helmet that fits properly, provides ample protection to his face and head, and has the correct amount of retention.

When you go to get a youth helmet for your child, always bring your child with you. An expert at any shop that sells these helmets can help you find one that has the proper fit. They will measure your child’s head and then give you a size to start with. Let your child try on the helmet’s that are the right size and in the colors and styles they like the best. By doing this you are allowing your child to have a say in an important piece of safety equipment. Plus you will be able to see if it fits properly. If your child gets to choose their youth helmet, they’ll be more likely to wear it.

Here are a few helpful tips to get you and your child started on selecting the right youth helmet specifically for them so they can start riding as soon as possible.

The second tip when choosing a youth helmet is to make sure the helmet has a comfort liner on the interior. This foam will form to the shape and contour of the child’s head and will become much more comfortable with longer periods of wear. By starting your youth off with a well fitted helmet you are offering him the best possible protection while he is riding.

John Daniele is an expert on youth helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass hjc motorcycle helmet go look at http://www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your future purchase type in the coupon code: Video

Custom Built Choppers Guide

mikemycroft — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:40:39 +0000

Similar to many motorcycle enthusiasts, I just love chopper’s from the incredible detail of OCC choppers all the way to the Bad Boy Bikes of Jesse James, there is just one hold back however and that is I just don’t have mountains of spare cash floating around to buy my perfect, ideal hand built chopper, so what are the alternatives? There are two fairly straightforward approaches to getting what we are after, the choice is whether to buy or build it yourself. Obviously both avenues have their own individual unique drawbacks, and as you may have gathered there is quite a bit of cost involved with either route that you take. Buying a chopper is by far the quickest, easiest and in many cases the safest option to take. Here I explain what I think are the options available to you.

Buying a chopper outright is definitely the fastest way and indeed has a great many advantages especially if like me, you are a very busy individual with not too much time on your hands. Too, you can rest assured that the bike you buy has likely been built by a professional and therefore you will know with all due diligence that the chopper you are about to acquire is indeed a very safe bike to purchase, not just for you, but also for all the other road users out there. If you are prepared to buy outright, you have many options that you can take later on too, if you decide to carry out any modifications to put your own individual stamp on the chopper motorbike itself. Also buying these days a chopper in the aftermarket is a pretty easy process with a great deal of options available to you. To get a good general idea of the kind of bike you may be after, have a look through the listings on ebay where there is a good choice usually on offer with highly detailed photographs displayed alongside each bike too. Sometimes though, buying a second user machine you are likely somewhere along the line, going to have to make compromises, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you how far you are willing to bend, to source your perfectly ideal, chopper motorbike.

The other option if you have the time, the expertise and the money is to either build one yourself from scratch or have a chopper motorcycle hand built for you by a professional. This will obviously take a great deal of time but the overall result is much more likely to be a bike with which you can ultimately enjoy your very own personal relationship with as you learn all about it’s individual characteristics and road handling ability etc.

Whichever option you choose to go with, may we wish all fellow bikers a happy and safe touring summer in 2008!

Mark P Andrews is the owner of UltimateMotorbikes.com http://www.UltimateMotorbikes.com

Go for Full Face Motorcycle Helmets for 100% Head and Face protection

mikemycroft — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:20:25 +0000

Fact number one: the motorcycle exposes the rider with no protection from a crash. That’s pretty obvious. Unlike a car, the motorcycle has no windshield, door, window, roof, and airbag; not even a seatbelt, to secure and protect the rider. Fact number two: most motorcycle accident deaths occur because the rider is not wearing protective equipment. Riding without body jackets or armors and helmets makes any area of the body vulnerable to impact. Fact number three: a full-face motorcycle helmets provide the most protection to a rider!

While a shorty or a half-face helmet will offer some kind of protection, nothing beats the protection offered by full-face motorcycle helmets. Covering the entire head area, with the helmet’s rear extending to cover the nape and the skull’s base, and front protection for the chin and jaw area, full-face motorcycle helmets cover a hundred percent of what should essentially be protected. A shorty falls short of protecting the ears, the base of the skull, the chin and jaw area. A half-face may cover these areas but still leaves the face open to damage. Full-face motorcycle helmets take care of them all.

Some will say the full-face motorcycle helmets are very constricting, isolating, not to mention it is hot, it reduces hearing, and it separates the free-rider from the wind. Safety-buffs, however, are quick to retort that they can still get wind and coolness and relative freedom with full-face motorcycle helmets without compromising their protection. They say there are modular or convertible, flip-up or flip-face helmets, all improvements of the full-face motorcycle helmets, where chin bars pivot upwards, venting systems allow for head crown cooling and internal airflow, visors and chin portions extend to leave more room, and acoustic features ensure low-noise and maximum sensitivity to ambient noise.

For full-face motorcycle helmets to provide the maximum protection, the outer shell should be sturdy and rigid enough to avoid penetration yet capable of spreading the load and impact. Inside the shell, the liner must be made of materials like expanding polystyrene that absorb the energy of, and crushes on, impact. The chin section or chin strap must fit the helmet snugly to the rider’s head without constricting movement. And fit padding and liners must allow for comfort and snug fit so that the helmet remains intact and in protective position in the event of a crash.

The full-face motorcycle helmets work like a shock absorber during a crash. At top or normal cruising speeds, the motorcycle and its rider is in for a neck-breaking stop in the event of an accident. The momentum being brought to that sudden stop when the rider hits another vehicle, a wall, or a roadside sign, or the pavement, translates to a lot of impact energy that the head has to disperse. Otherwise, the head absorbs the impact and tends to be crushed. The full-face motorcycle helmets disperse that energy over the helmet area and especially the internal liners. The blow of the impact is thus reduced, protecting the head, the face, and the skull most importantly. Without the helmet, imagine a water melon smashing on a wall.

John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty full face motorcycle helmet see http://www.helmetsrus.com