Maybe this is you. You have always wanted a motorcycle, but have never taken the leap and bought one. When you were young, your parents were dead-set against a motorcycle of any kind. So, you gave up, bought a car and lived your life. But now, you are an adult, and you are ready for your first motorcycle.

But, how should you go about shopping for a motorcycle? What should you look for? What bike would be best for you? I’ll try to answer those questions for you using some of my experiences as a first-time motorcycle buyer, years ago.

Use Your Brains
That’s easy enough to say, but how do you do this? Chances are, you’re probably drooling over the latest crotch rockets. That is your first no-no. for a beginner, you really should be concentrating on finding a motorcycle that won’t kill you. My first bike was a 50cc moped. I learned to do everything but go fast. I’m not suggesting you go down that low, but you should be looking for something that will be somewhat forgiving of mistakes.

Maybe something in the 350 cc to 500 cc twin range might be a great first motorcycle. These bikes are powerful enough to be safe in traffic, are usually light enough to maneuver around, and won’t be so powerful as to pop a wheelie if you get careless with the clutch. My first “real” road bike was a Honda 350 twin. Yes, it wasn’t the fastest thing on the roads, but I learned how to ride, and ended up putting about 25,000 miles on that old machine. And, knock on wood, I never had any accidents.

Some of the older cruiser bikes, like a Harley Davidson, may seem like a bargain as a great started bike. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and there are many for sale. But, they can be quite heavy and difficult to maneuver as compared to the smaller bikes I listed above. I have nothing against Harley Davidsons, but some of the older Harleys can be quite the maintenance nightmare at times. That’s why I would look for a Japanese bike to start with. They can be quite cheap, and most are very reliable.

Should You Buy A Brand New Motorcycle?
Like cars, a new motorcycle can depreciate rapidly once you take it off the showroom floor. Some can lose up to 30% (or more) of value during the first year alone! My advice is to look for a cream-puff 2 or 3 year old motorcycle that has low mileage. In my experience, the vast majority of bikes will have extremely low mileage – often 2,000 miles per year – because the owner either finds out he or she really doesn’t like to ride, and that they can be inconvenient in cold/inclement weather.

I like the cream-puffs that were stored inside and maintained meticulously. The truth is, there’s not much in price that separates a cream-puff from an average used motorcycle. Buy the cream-puff.

Purchasing Your Motorcycle
So, you think you’ve found the perfect starter bike for you? Before you hand over your cash, I want you to do a few things – first.

Bring someone else that has experience with motorcycles. Another pair of eyes is a great thing to bring along. They can spot things you would overlook, things that could cost you a lot of money if ignored. Plus, if they are an experienced rider, they may be able to see if the motorcycle is appropriate for you. If your “expert” says to pass on this one, relax. There are literally thousands of motorcycles out there just waiting for you!

Call your insurance agent and get a quote on insurance for that bike. Chances are insurance will be very inexpensive, but if you’ve had a few tickets or an accident, that insurance may cost you an arm and a leg. Better know costs before the purchase.

So far, so good. You like the bike and your motorcycle friend likes it as well. Now, find a local motorcycle shop (with a good reputation) and have the bike checked out mechanically. This inspection should cost you less than $100, and it may be the best insurance policy you ever bought. Once again, full knowledge will help you make a good decision.

Of course, these are only a few tips on buying your first motorcycle. Do yourself a favor and pledge to be a good rider and take care of you and your new motorcycle!

Bikers who like to travel cross country often have the need to purchase some sort of trailer. The type of trailer depends on exactly what they intend on doing, as there are trailers designed to tow a motorcycle behind a vehicle and those that are designed to tow cargo behind a motorcycle.

For the rider who is going on an extended road trip and needs to bring along extra cargo, there are a wide variety of motorcycle tow behind trailers. As always, budget is a primary consideration when deciding which trailer to buy, as well as the towing capacity of the bike. Most touring bikes are capable of towing just about any type of trailer on the market for motorcycles.

Most of the cargo motorcycle tow behind trailers are a simple design, not much more than an axle, frame, tongue, and closing shell on top. This type is perfect for local use but without more advanced features like shock absorbers, it’s not fit for a long road trip. The shocks are important to keep the trailer from wobbling or weaving behind the bike for a better road handling experience.

While a proper suspension system is necessary, your budget will determine how many other accessories you add to your trailer. Common accessories for motorcycle two behind trailers include things like interior lights or garment bags. Depending on the type of road trips you like to take, some bikers like to carry things like a water cooler or even a small grill. Another thing to consider is even a place to store a spare tire.

If your budget is small and you only occasionally need a trailer, you may want to consider motorcycle trailers for rent. You may not get all the bells and whistles that you get from buying your own trailer but you will get a break on your wallet. On the bright side there are a ton of sites on the web that will review motorcycle tow behind trailers and help you to choose the perfect one for your needs. A little bit of research can go a long way in saving you some cash.

The cultural perception of motorcyclists – crafted by exposure to representations of these individuals in television and film – is largely negative. They are viewed by many people as social misfits who are reckless thrill-seekers. Or, worse yet, they are assumed to be afoul of the law. This often leads to unfair and inaccurate judgments about those individuals who choose to ride a motorcycle rather than to accept a more conventional form of transportation. While there are certainly some motorcyclists who exhibit the characteristics that people assume are shared among them all, the reality is that motorcyclists are as diverse a group as any other and it would be unreasonable to apply a universal set of traits and behaviors to them all. This is perhaps never as important as when attempting to investigate or resolve the circumstances that caused a motorcycle accident.

As is the case with all motorists and motorcyclists, there are some elements of vehicular operation and safety that are under one’s own control. But there are many more that are not within the capacity of a motorcyclist to do anything about. This is a troubling imbalance, to be sure, and it often prompts a rider to pay special attention to the task of safely operating his or her bike. Accidents that occur despite a skilled and experienced rider’s best efforts, however, may provide grounds for the pursuit of a civil lawsuit against the person or party whose negligent actions or behaviors caused the motorcycle crash.

Potential Sources of Motorcycle Danger

The aforementioned cultural misunderstanding of motorcyclists is sadly a factor that indirectly causes many motorcycle accidents. Motorists who are operating passenger cars and trucks often tend to disregard the fact that motorcyclists are entitled to be on the roadway and fail to safely share the space with them. In contrast to the preconceived notions that one might have, in the majority of multiple vehicle collisions involving a motorcycle, the other motorist’s failure to yield or even to take not of a rider’s presence is the proximate cause of the accident.

A few of the potential sources of danger for a motorcyclist are:

• Roadway defects
• Tire defects
• Motorcycle defects or malfunctions
• Defective motorcycle helmets
• Seat defects
• Negligent driving by others
• Excessive speed
• Aggressive and reckless driving, such as following too close or passing without adequate space between vehicles

Protecting Motorcyclists’ Rights

Motorcyclists are granted the same legal protections as other drivers, and it is important that you understand the potential benefits of legal action if you have been injured by another party’s negligence.

Even as it is doubtless that one of the numerous benefits of riding a motorcycle is being out in the middle of a highway on your own, there are instances in which you might feel like listening to some music, talking to the other riders or even your accompanying traveler. A high quality motorcycle headset offers users those features and more, including top grade, clear and crisp audio without static interference. There are some motorcycle headsets that feature the Bluetooth accessory, but you don’t require that to experience the best audio performance.

There are all kinds of headsets that utilize many different features, such as your average tubs, electronic parts and batteries, all of which are used to boost and enrich audio quality. The more old-fashioned and affordable headset types usually utilize a system that doesn’t need powering or batteries, which means you deal with fewer issues on the road. You don’t have to worry about draining batteries or malfunctioning electronics, and the tube system pretty much operates by carrying audio to the microphone that is fixed to the earpiece by your mouth.

The more complex choice would be to get a wired headset that enables bike riders and passengers alike to have a connection to the bike’s central unit via its wiring. This series of wires has to be connected and unhooked whenever the rider mounts or gets off of their bike, but the audio is much crisper and will be augmented to match every person. In addition, these can be used for communicating with other bikers on the road.

The wiring goes down the arm from your earpiece and microphone, after which it is plugged into the bike’s corresponding jack. Aside from that, the belt is hooked to the sending unit, it works a lot like a cell phone case. These wires may be utilized with either closed or open helmets and ought to contain a noise canceling feature that augments the clearness of the audio.

It would be smart of you to sample different systems and earpieces to see just how comfy of a fit they are for you. If you just use them for intermittent bike rides during those nice summer days, you might be able to make due with a cheaper headset. On the other hand, if you plan on using them often or in different weather conditions (from severe to sunny), you should seriously consider investing in a waterproof model. There are some headsets that have several earpieces, while others only come with one; then, there are systems that contain a voice activation feature that turns off when there is no sound in the air.

A motorcycle payment calculator makes it easier for you to work out how much you have to pay for your new or used motorcycle each month. In order to do this all you need to do is enter in the information that the motorcycle payment calculator asks for. These can include things such as; the price, purchase tax, fees and any down payment made.Before you decide to purchase your motorcycle figure out how much you are able to borrow for the payment of your motorcycle. Don’t borrow any more than you have to otherwise you could end up with problems. Decide if you want a loan with a fixed payment or a flexible loan where the payments vary.

Before you agree to anything allow yourself time to shop around and take a look at interest rates in order to get yourself the best deal that you possibly can. Ring up local banks, look in newspapers and search through websites in order to find the best deal.

Whilst researching payment options and the motorcycle that you want take into account whether you need to buy any protective gear. If so add this onto your initial price for the motorcycle and take this into account when you are searching for a loan.

When you have decided on the company you will get your loan from don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. If you don’t understand something then ask about it in order to clarify what it means. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied into taking out a lone if you don’t agree to the terms of contract. There are plenty of companies that will offer to give you a loan so don’t think all is lost if the first one you go to won’t or if you don’t agree with the repayments.

In order to transport your motorcycle safely in the back of your truck, whether you are heading to the track, the trail, or a bike show, motorcycle loading ramps are a necessity. No doubt you have a lot of money tied up in your bike. You can protect your investment by investing in a quality loading ramp.

It’s important that you use the right ramp to load and unload. One important factor is the height from the ground to the truck bed. Another is the size as well as weight of the bike. The heavier the bike, the more challenging it can be to load and unload. The risk of damage occurring can be minimized simply by using the right ramp. Motorcycle loading ramps are made with metal, often aluminum. In order to get better traction, ramps may be designed with a textured surface. Some come with holes drilled out at equal intervals.

If you load or unload your motorcycle by riding it on or off, a good feature to have is the safety strap. The strap is attached to one end of the ramp and can be connected to the back of the vehicle to prevent the ramp from moving while in use. Some of the better ramps also have rubber padding on the end that leans against the truck and help keep the ramp in place. Motorcycle loading ramps generally come in one of three main styles.

One of the main types is a non folding ramp. This type of ramp has a long straight span and is often made from aluminum. Aluminum is often favored in ramps because its light weight makes it easy to handle when you are by yourself. In general an aluminum loading ramp is able to handle loads of greater than 500 pounds. Spans may be perforated for better traction when loading a motorcycle.

The second kind is a folding ramp. A folding ramp is designed to be folded into two, three or even more sections. This makes them easy to both set-up and store. Folding motorcycle ramps may have greater weight capacity than non folding ramps. That makes them perfect to use with heavier larger motorcycles and even ATVs where extra width can come in handy.

With folding ramps, aluminum is the most common material used. It’s not only strong, but much lighter to maneuver around than ramps made with heavier metals. Aluminum also remains rust free. You can also get a ramp extender. With a ramp extender, you get an inclined type ramp as well as a bed extender. This comes in handy when your motorcycle is too long for the bed of your truck. Motorcycle loading ramps come in many styles and designs and with the added features available make loading or unloading your motorcycle both easy and safe.

The hand controls on most motorcycles older than five years are screwed together using a variety of screws and bolts, usually finished in an MOD black finish, sometimes zinc passivated or black painted. Hand controls for the purpose of this article would be the clutch and brake lever clamps, the throttle tube pulley housing, left and right hand switch gear assemblies, hydraulic reservoir mounts and tops and, perhaps for aesthetic value, the rear view mirror mounts on faired machines.

Screws are often of the pozi pan or Phillips head type and are prone to deforming when being unscrewed after corrosion has seized the threads insitu. Another problem with these screws is that they are often quite long (up to 50mm) for a typical M5 screw in a switchgear assembly and these are not the sort of length screw most people will have a spare of lying around in their toolbox or garage. With time and change of owners the fixings on the hand controls are often damaged, corroded, seized or missing.

There are two main benefits of replacing these bolts with new ones. Firstly, replacement fasteners will give you new, undeformed threads which will clean the female threads of the accessories they fasten. It will also give you the chance to use a proprietary anti seize compound such as copperslip to future proof your hand controls against corrosion and guarantee ease of disassembly later on. Secondly, you can address the aesthetics of your machine in this area by considering the use of stainless screws, bolts, washers and nuts, which will not corrode, and will retain their finish for longer than your motorbike is likely to last.

You can also consider the use of a socket type head in lieu of the Phillips or hex heads that may be on your OEM arrangement. Socket heads receive allen keys rather than screw drivers, are less prone to deformation under higher torque and look nicer. Where you have a Phillips head, replace this with a socket button head screw. A hex bolt can be replaced with a socket cap head of the same length and thread size and countersink Phillips screws can be substituted with socket countersink screws.

Here is an example of a hand control kit for a Suzuki 1200 Bandit in stainless socket type screws and bolts.

Motorcycle touring is a pastime of choice for many couples. Long or short trips down the open road provide thousands of couples with a unique experience every year. The level of intimacy and togetherness rivals even a stroll on the beach. With some advanced planning and preparation before a long touring ride together you can increase the chance that the ride is safe. Advanced planning is the first step to making your tour an enjoyable and lasting experience.

Before hitting the open road you should sit down together, open a map, and discuss the points of interest you plan to visit. Communication during the ride should be kept to an absolute minimum for safety’s sake unless you have invested in radio headsets. Be sure you highlight possible pit stops along the way well before setting out together. Deciding together how frequently to pull over will reduce the need for a distracting tap on the shoulder which can sometimes be alarming at sixty miles per hour when your head is really into the ride.

A thorough safety inspection is a good idea before any ride, regardless of the length. For longer tours, a complete check of tire pressure, fluid levels, and working equipment is an absolute necessity. The longer the ride, the easier it is to let road fatigue affect driving ability. Maximize your chances of arriving safely by ensuring the bike is in top form before setting out. Check the owner’s manual for proper tire inflation; be sure to carry a gauge in the saddle bags and check tire pressure any time the ride feels a little shaky.

Finally, check for weather and road conditions in the general area you are heading before starting out. Rain, high winds, and thunderstorms make touring hazardous. Be sure you know what you are riding into. Plan for detours in case the weather turns quickly, and don’t forget to pack the rain gear. Road delays and long construction zones can turn a great trip into a headache instantly. Be sure to know the conditions of the roads you intend to travel.

Motorcycles are famously dangerous and riders must to put their safety first. It’s not relevant if it’s your first time on the back of a bike, or your fifth motorcycle, nobody can foretell when an accident will happen. A helmet should always be worn to help protect the head from injury. DOT stands for the dep. When buying yourself a helmet be sure to check for the DOT sticker on the back.

The Fed office of transport (referred to hereafter as DOT) remits that all motorcycle helmets in the U.S. Be tested for safety. The DOT does its own in-house testing on these helmets, labeling those that meet its standards. If you are brooding about purchasing a motorcycle helmet and don’t see a DOT sticker, think again.

Get a proper helmet on your head, and get your head around these statistics – The DOT’s studies indicate that the proportion of motorcycle riders wearing helmets has dropped thirteen percent in the last 4 years, down to 58 p.c of riders. Notwithstanding accounting for only 2 % of the traffic on our roads, motorcycles are involved in ten percent of all road accidents. of foam to pad your head. This froth is meant to help absorb and spread the shock of hitting the ground. Though some riders may go for a ‘skullcap’ look, those do not meet the DOT standards and a not extremely useful upon impact.

In the motorcycling circuit, DOT refers to the office of transport, which controls helmet circulation by way of ensuring they meet safety requirements. Also, you want to check twice before using an unlabeled helmet for it’s your own safety you’re compromising as such helmets won’t be of much help in case of an emergency or accident. Another quality characteristic of a DOT motorcycle helmet is the chin strap. Although the DOT doesn’t require that all motorcycle helmets are full face, it does need that they have extraordinarily sturdy chin straps.

A DOT helmet will also be considerably heavier than that of a non authorized one. Look for one that is at least three pounds. This can seem heavy at first, but you’ll quickly become used to it, and will feel safer knowing that you are as protected as possible. This weight proves that it is made from quality material and will face up to the sudden stop of a fall. To determine if yours is a DOT authorized helmet you’ve got to first look on the back for the letters DOT. The thicker the firm froth the better as it will absorb more of the shock of impact.

Fed Motor vehicle Safety Standards – The NHTSA, or state highway Traffic Safety Administration set a FMVSS (Fed. All of the way back in Aug of 1973. This was last updated in October 1998. There’s also a need that motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S. There also must be a DOT label permanently stitched in to the inside, and not located where it could be removed along with the froth cushioning. A real DOT label will have the following info : the name or symbol of the maker, size, date of manufacture, model number or name and the elements from which the helmet is made.

Here is an extensive list to guarantee you are purchasing a genuine DOT licensed helmet. You will find it at the middle- back of the helmet, towards the bottom. Check the label looks fresh and not fiddled.

- Another thing to check for is the DOT label, which you must find sewn to the inside of the helmet. It should be in a place that doesn’t permit it to be torn off easily or fiddled.

In case these critical details is missing and the sticker or label don’t satisfy you, it would do you better to purchase your helmet from another supplier. Helmets that will protect the headpiece in this test are then DOT labeled.

- After a product receives a DOT sticker, manufacturers don’t have to test each of their products again.

As you’ll have understood by this point, a DOT motorcycle helmets rating guarantees that the helmet you buy maintains quality and sturdiness standards. The DOT ranking helps a patron ensure that the helmet they are buying has met critical safety standards, and one is no longer obliged to depend on the dealer’s word for the safety of the helmet. Concentrating to the previous criteria will help the shopper choose for him/herself.

Choosing to ride a motorcycle, as opposed to a large SUV or truck, means that you have a higher risk of being seriously injured in an auto accident. Because you don’t have the protective shell of a major automobile surrounding you, your body is more exposed to a massive impact. In studies directed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was found that one’s head and extremities are the most commonly injured areas in an accident. However, there are many things you can do to protect your body in a crash as well as reducing your chances of being involved in an accident. Wearing protective clothing will not only act as a shield from weather and environmental elements, but it will also protect your skin, bones and head from serious injuries. By wearing colorful and reflective clothing, you make yourself more visible to other motorists and reduce the risks of being involved in an accident in the first place.

A helmet is the single most important element that can save your life during a motorcycle crash. The leading cause of deaths in motorcycle accidents is from head injuries, and wearing a helmet can dramatically lower your chances of incurring head trauma. Washington State laws require the use of a helmet when riding a motorcycle, but make sure the helmet you buy is sanctioned by the Department of Transportation.

Protecting your eyes by wearing goggles will drastically reduce your risks of eye damage caused by debris and insects. Since motorcycles rarely have windshields, you’re more susceptible to eye injuries. Buying a helmet that comes equipped with a full face shield will also help to achieve the same amount of protection. It’s important that your goggles or visor have anti-fogging properties and are shatter resistant.

If you happen to fall off your motorcycle during an accident or otherwise, road rash is one of the most common and painful injuries that you will incur regardless of your traveling speed. Broken bones are also a major concern. By wearing a jacket and pants made from a durable material such as leather, you can greatly reduce your chance of abrasions. One thing to watch out for though is any leather clothing with chains or loose pieces that could become caught on the bike in an accident.

Gloves and footwear are also very important, though not as critical as the other items listed above. However, as long as you’re gearing up with all the other safety essentials, gloves and shoes are an easy addition. Once again, leather is the preferred material for these items given it’s long-lasting and durable nature. With gloves, you want to make sure they have a non-skid grip on the palm and boots should extend up to the lower half of the leg to protect the ankle. Sneakers and sandals won’t provide any protection during an accident, so steer clear of wearing that type of footwear when riding your motorcycle.

While all of these items will protect your head and body during an accident, they won’t prevent an accident from happening in the first place. The easiest way to avoid an accident from the get-go is by making yourself more noticeable to other drivers. Wearing brightly colored clothing that is also reflective, will make you more visible in both daytime and nighttime. You can simply add a bright vest over your jacket, or you can add bright colors to your bike and helmet for the best possible outcome.