New Pit BIkes

** The following is excerpted from the book, The Perfect Motorcycle: How to Choose, Find and Buy the Perfect New or Used Bike. The information provided here will give you a framework to guide your motorcycle purchases. Space limitations preclude an in-depth discussion of the subject. You can find out about the book at www.theperfectmotorcycle.com. There are also 18 checklists and worksheets available for download at www.theperfectmotorcycle.com/download-worksheets-and-che.html that you can use to supplement the information in the book.

Generally, when we decide what clothes to buy and wear, we choose particular clothes to feel comfortable in public settings, and to look a certain way to portray a certain image to others. We usually chose based on this evaluation hierarchy, from most to least important:

1. Style
2. Color
3. Fabric
4. Comfort
5. Function
6. Protection

Choosing specialized motorcycle riding gear requires us to flip those criteria upside down. The order of importance of the criteria for choosing riding gear is:

1. Protection
2. Function
3. Comfort
4. Fabric
5. Color
6. Style

Motorcyclists need protection from weather, abrasion, impact, invisibility, and bad music. Properly-designed riding gear can protect you from the first four. Sun, wind, rain and extreme temperatures are the elements requiring consideration. We’ll need to weigh abrasion protection in your decision, because sliding body parts rapidly along an asphalt or cement surface is an excellent way to remove skin and flesh (which presumably you want to avoid). We all understand the need limit the damage from bouncing against, and getting hit by, stuff.

It’s a miracle car drivers can find time to spend on driving at all, what with all the other obviously more important activities they need to be doing while the car is in motion. If other drivers can easily see us, though, they are way less likely to do something that will cause us injury, so we’ll need to consider how to be conspicuous.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing riding gear like we choose street clothes. But motorcycle gear is more like the gear worn by fighter pilots, professional football players, or fire fighters, than it is like the rest of the clothes in our closet. Those “clothes” worn by the professionals mentioned are used to fulfill special purposes. Those purposes are also quite different from each other. You won’t see a guy climbing into an F-16 dressed like a fire fighter, for example.

A difference between a fighter pilot and a motorcyclist, however, is that pilots don’t care how they look in their suits, because it’s rare for the pilot to walk around in public in his uniform. The way the professional uniforms look takes a back seat to the function of the garments. Motorcyclists can follow this example. It is a rare rider, indeed, who considers the protection of riding gear as the only criterion (although there are a few of us, and admittedly we look kind of funny walking through the mall while geared-up). But in all cases, protection should be the first criterion.

Plan to Upgrade
Motorcycling has a rich, vivid history and has developed a strong culture. Aviation and sports are two other disciplines that also have a colorful heritage. The motorcycling environment has changed, if for no other reason than in just the last thirty years, traffic has increased to a point where there are twice as many vehicles per mile of road. Change is also hard to deal with when it involves letting go of a product that has served you well, and that identifies you as a member of a group.

Technology keeps improving, and smart engineers keep designing great new products to make those activities safer. All professionals equip themselves with the latest and best gear available. Professional motorcyclists, too, use the best protective gear available. But your typical riding environment is much different than professional racers—it’s worse! All the traffic they have to deal with is about the same size as they are, and going in the same direction. You don’t have a paramedic standing by every couple miles. And, most competitive environments have been designed without hard, immovable objects (trees, telephone poles, guardrails, mailboxes, and the like) within striking distance of the riding area. If you consider yourself a serious rider, keep in touch with advances in riding and plan to upgrade your gear, when something measurably better comes along.

ATTGAT
A phrase used by some veteran motorcyclists is ATGATT, which is an acronym that stands for “All The Gear, All The Time.” Even the best gear won’t protect you if it’s at home in the closet. Even if you are going on a short ride, even just to the store, you should put on your protective gear.

Because of factors beyond anyone’s control, if you ride long enough, the question is not if you will need the extra protection of specialized riding gear, but when you will need it. No one plans to have an accident, of course, but they happen to even the best riders. Like all aspects of motorcycling, keeping your balance is important. Just because you want to believe you won’t have an accident, we’re all bound by the same laws of physics and probability. Keep your arrogance and vanity in check, and suit up. Riding is risky enough without tempting fate by riding naked.

Kevin Domino’s book, The Perfect Motorcycle: How to Choose, Find and Buy the Perfect New or Used Bike, is published by 671 Press. www.theperfectmotorcycle.com

Kevin is an avid motorcycle enthusiast with a riding career spanning four decades. He has ridden many hundreds of thousands of miles on dozens of new and used motorcycles from around the world, and participated in many motorcycling activities, from riding dirt bikes and motocross to motorcycle commuting in metro areas, to long-distance rides and rallies.

Kevin’s writing is enriched by the business perspective earned in nearly 30 years in professional sales and operations management for high-tech companies.

Currently based in the Midwestern U.S., he is preparing two more books for publication.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/buying-motorcycle-riding-gear-choosing-the-right-stuff-1762883.html

The motorcycle jacket is one piece of gear that you don’t want to leave behind when you head out on your next motorcycle trip for a number of reasons including the facts that they provide comfort as well as protection from the elements that you’ll face while riding.  Style is also an important factor, but is not the most important factor that should be considered when making your jacket purchase.  Before you go out and buy yourself a jacket, let’s cover a few basic areas of importance that you should be aware of when you’re researching the different types available on the market.

One of the first attributes of the motorcycle jacket is the material that the jacket is made of.  Jackets can be made of a number of materials, but the two main materials include leather and the more general non-leather category, which includes many different types of materials including mesh and nylon.  All of these types of leather are acceptable materials for motorcycle jackets.  If you buy a leather jacket, make sure that the leather is at least 1.2 mm thick or more.  This will ensure that you get the maximum protection and durability out of your jacket.

Another important attribute of the motorcycle jacket is ventilation.  It’s important that you are able to get some sort of ventilation when you’re riding in warm conditions.  Ventilation helps keep you cool and comfortable while riding.  Jackets will either come with or without ventilation and those with ventilation are typically more expensive, but it is well worth the cost.  If you’re looking to purchase a jacket that provides ventilation, check to see that the vents are located in critical areas such as the arm pits, back, and chest.  Most jackets will have vents which are accessible with zippers.  Check to make sure that these zippers, and all zippers on the jacket are made of good quality hardware.

Also, your motorcycle jacket should make you more visible to other drivers and riders from a good distance away.  One of the major factors in many motorcycle crashes is visibility and having a jacket with reflectors, or bright colors will make your more noticeable at night as well as during the day time.

If you’re used to riding in a variety of weather conditions, then you may want to consider some sort of waterproof material that will help keep you dry when you do run into wet conditions.  There are a number of different types of rain jackets that are available on the market for you to purchase, and can be found just about anywhere online or in motorcycle stores.

Before you go out and purchase your motorcycle jacket, be sure that you have researched all of the different characteristics and features of the jackets you are considering.  Doing so will help you find the perfect solution for your needs.

Shop for leather motorcycle jackets, helmets, and other biker gear at MotorMedley.com.

Buy and sell used motorcycles with the motorcycle classifieds.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/motorcycle-jackets-what-you-need-to-know-before-making-your-purchase-1769182.html

When Jesse James and his West Coast Choppers first appeared on the Discovery channel the world got a small taste of what custom motorcycles were all about. The economy was good and many men started to dream about having their own custom motorcycle. Of course many of them being upper middle class soccer dads thought the biker lifestyle as portrayed by the great Jesse was a little too scary for them.

Then the Teutels came along. American Chopper struck a chord with men that Jesse failed to do. It made them spend money. Suddenly every man in American over thirty wanted a custom motorcycle. And those that had the money bought them up in droves. Custom bike shops sprang up in almost every small town in the country and many a custom motorcycle builder thought they had hit pay dirt.

Even people who really didn’t plan on buying a custom motorcycle ended up buying a bike because we got caught up in the phenomenon that was American Chopper. Five motorcycles later and two custom motorcycle builds under my belt, I can honestly say that if custom bikes had not been all over the TV I probably wouldn’t have a garage full of them now. The country just went nuts over custom motorcycles.

Doctors and lawyers gladly shelled out for $30,000 bikes so they could join the custom motorcycle fad. Along the way a few production custom motorcycle companies went into business and made their fortunes in a very quick time. If you had the money and wanted a cool bike without the worries about getting parts and such, the production chopper fit the bill. Many of these fad riders actually turned into true motorcyclists, myself included, but that’s where the trouble began.

If you’ve ever ridden a custom motorcycle you’re well aware that these things are great for bar hopping and to parade around at your local bike night but as a full time rides they just don’t work. Trust me I know; after a 400 mile ride to Niagara falls I quickly realized that have a low long custom bike wasn’t what I wanted to ride on long trips. And many other new riders learned the same lesson. As sales of touring models soared the custom motorcycle industry started to hear the death knell that was around the corner. Then tragedy struck the motorcycle industry in general.

As the US economy fell demand for custom bikes fell with it. Many newcomers to the bike building business whom had lucked into a full time carreer out of a hobby soon discovered that when only real bike riders wanted custom bikes built, only hardcore established custom motorcycle shops got the business. Even the well know OCC felt the pinch as their once coveted theme bikes became a low priority for corporations who were now on a budget.

Watchers of the show watched as Paul Teutel Sr had to lay off a bunch of workers and fans could only wonder if their new building was ill timed. The custom motorcycle fad was over.

So what does all this mean for the custom motocycle business in general. Is it dead? Hardly. It’s way bigger than before than fad started. A lot of upstart companies have managed to survive because they created a good product. Some production chopper companies have fallen by the wayside. But the most importan thing, to me is that motorcycling in general has finally become main stream. In spite of a tumbling economy and HD in financial trouble more people are riding motorcycles now then ever before. And that means more people will be customizing them also.

It’s a rare sight to see a motorcycle that hasn’t been customized in one form or another and I confidently predict that after this economy bounces back the custom motorcycle industry and custom motorcycle parts industries will flourish. How do I know all this? Because in spite of lagging sales and the passing of the custom motorcycle fad , websites about Custom Motorcycles are busier than ever. People may not be spending money right now but they’re doing something almost as important. They’re making their bike parts wish lists and in some case determining who they are going to get to build their custom dream bike when things turn around. Which they will.

Take heart my friends, the custom motorcycle industry is not dead, just taking a much needed siesta.

For more controversial reading on custom bikes and choppers visit http://www.chopperssite.com</a

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/is-the-custom-motorcycle-industry-dead-1771423.html

Although there are many online auctions, we will focus here on eBay because of its popularity and the fact that it has become the standard for most online motorcycle auctions. The people who run eBay work hard to ensure that its system is as fair and safe as possible because the company makes its money by drawing lots of buyers and sellers together. Because the site continues to add functionality, you should check the section of the website on buying resources and services to learn about the most up-to-date suggestions and features.

* The following is excerpted from the book, The Perfect Motorcycle: How to Choose, Find and Buy the Perfect New or Used Bike. The information provided here will give you a framework to guide your motorcycle purchases. Space limitations preclude an in-depth discussion of the subject. You can find out about the book at www.theperfectmotorcycle.com. There are also 18 checklists and worksheets available for download at www.theperfectmotorcycle.com/download-worksheets-and-che.html that you can use to supplement the information in the book.

** Important Saftey Tip: Because you’ll probably be bidding in the comfort of your own home and you might have access to alcoholic beverages, be careful–beer and online auctions don’t mix. You need to stay sharp, keep a cool head, and keep your emotions in check when bidding. Alcohol or anything else that reduces inhibitions should be avoided. This is especially true when you can spend ever-increasing sums of money by simply clicking your mouse.

Here are the recommended steps for buying bikes on an online auction:

For new users:

1. Set up an account
2. Buy something small that you need anyway and would buy locally, to get a feel for the system

For all users:

1. Research: Watch bikes similar to the ones you’re interested in to see, and keep notes on 1) The prices they sell for 2) The timing of the winning bids 3) The time of day and day of the week of the auctions that conclude in especially good deals 4) Click the “Research” button in the search results
2. Inspect: When you have selected a bike you want to bid on, inspect it in person or have your trusted advisor inspect it in person (don’t skip this step). Ask the seller all the questions you would if you were face-to-face.
3. Determine Your Price: Determine the maximum you’d pay.
4. Buy: If your number is close to “buy it now,” buy it now to avoid getting swooped by another buyer. If there is a “best offer” on the listing, submit your number. If there isn’t an option to stop the auction, place your bid in an amount just over your maximum bid price, in the last 15 minutes of the auction.
5. Second Chance: If you don’t win the auction, you probably didn’t lose at the last minute and miss by the little amount that is listed as the winning bid. The other bidder was probably willing to buy for substantially more than you bid. The proxy bidding bid just that little bit more than your bid, on behalf of the other buyer. If you’re outbid on a bike, wait a while after the auction has ended before placing a bid on another motorcycle. If the bidder who won the auction retracts the bid for any reason, you could receive a second chance offer through eBay from the seller, and your bid could become the winning bid.
6. Next?: If you don’t receive a second chance, do like the shampoo bottle recommends—rinse and repeat. If you realize ahead of time that you may need to go through a certain number of auctions to get the deal you want, you’re now one more “no” closer to your “yes.” Just keep at it until your
   bike in shining armor comes along.

Kevin Domino’s book, The Perfect Motorcycle: How to Choose, Find and Buy the Perfect New or Used Bike, is published by 671 Press. www.theperfectmotorcycle.com

Kevin is an avid motorcycle enthusiast with a riding career spanning four decades. He has ridden many hundreds of thousands of miles on dozens of new and used motorcycles from around the world, and participated in many motorcycling activities, from riding dirt bikes and motocross to motorcycle commuting in metro areas, to long-distance rides and rallies.

Kevin’s writing is enriched by the business perspective earned in nearly 30 years in professional sales and operations management for high-tech companies.

Currently based in the Midwestern U.S., he is preparing two more books for publication.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/buying-a-motorycycle-on-ebay-motors-a-successful-6step-strategy-to-get-the-perfect-bike-1762978.html

Do you enjoy cycling but find tired after getting where you’re going than where to go? If so, then you may want to consider investing in a motorized bicycle. This type of wheel is not just relying on their feet, nor does it rely solely on the engine. They allow you to choose whether you want to peddle a bike, or if you want to operate on their own.

While it may seem counter intuitive that a wheel that will work on their own, these types of wheels are great if you like the bike, but quickly find yourself tired, or if you just want to be able to get where you want to go on the wheel. No matter what your reason for wanting motorized bicycle is, they are equally viable standard bicycles, and they are equally fun.

These types of bicycles are basically made in order to take some of the work off of your hands. Imagine riding a bike after a long journey and getting lost. After a while, you’re going too tired. With a motorized bicycle, you can continue to ride a bike without tired on long journeys. Moreover, if you see a bike, because you don’t have a license to drive a car, and this is a good alternative for you to get from one place to another relatively easily.

Many states require that you be licensed in order to drive wheels. Make sure to check the laws in your state and county, you can be sure they have proper documentation before actually riding a bike. Technology has been getting cheaper, that’s how it appears from the motorized bicycle as well as with anything else.

If you’re interested in your motorized bicycle, you have the easiest time to find them in stores or mountain bikers club. Getting information from other people waiting to get to discover high quality models at reasonable prices. Finding one or not by itself be difficult, but not something that is usually found in normal shops. So be sure to keep your ears open, when to ask around to find exactly what you’re looking for.

While some people may be opposed to the concept of motorized bicycle, the fact is not intended to completely replace your standard pedal bicycles. There are specific cases where a motorized bicycle is useful, and if you have never met one of these cases that you are fully aware of what they are.

Even the most avid cyclist can get tired on long journeys. A motorized bicycle lifts the pace, when you just can’t, and finding one is easier than ever these days.

MBB Imports is a world class importer of Motorized bicycle, Motorised Bicycle, Electric Bicycle Kit.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/enjoy-the-ride-with-motorized-bicycle-1763930.html

When discussing the notion of kid’s motorcycle accessories, the designers and manufacturers aren’t suggesting that you establish a rite of passage for your six-year-old by setting him or her up with their first Harley. Still, it’s no secret that kids like to emulate their parents. Even if their current ride is a bicycle, their interest is still peaked when their mom and dad’s favorite pastime is donning leather jackets and chaps and heading out with the biking club.

When it comes to having your kids seated behind you on the motorcycle, the same safety and comfort stipulations apply to the kid’s motorcycle apparel that applies to yours. Designers recognize that kids love to wear the kind of clothes that look so cool on adults.

The motorcycle attire for kids is designed with kids in mind. They are manufactured to accommodate the hot and cold weather conditions as well as all of the safety features. They’re also more kid-oriented with cartoon characters, superheroes, and sports teams, as well as an assortment of colors and hues. Many of the motorcycle jackets have reflective strips to enhance the visibility of the riders.

Kid’s motorcycle jackets are commonly made of pigskin, cow skin, or cow hide and are designed to provide warmth and a fashionable fit. They are also durable and low maintenance so your kids will likely outgrow the clothing long before it wears out.

Naturally you want your kids to share your same enthusiasm for your biking hobby and have the same enjoyment that you do when you ride. Therefore, it’s a good idea to listen to what they want in motorcycle apparel. They might want to wear attire and accessories that is similar to your own. However, they still have their own ideas about what they would like to wear and will likely enjoy the hobby more when they have a say in what motorcycle accessories and clothes they use.

In addition to the proper attire, kids need to become accustomed to other motorcycle accessories such as chaps. Even though they are sitting behind you, they can still be a target for flying dirt and other objects. Another accessory item to consider is eyewear. Getting them started on proper eyewear early makes them more inclined to think about eye protection as the get older. Also, studies have shown that kids who start wearing eye protection at an early age increase their chances of avoiding eye health problems later in life.

Your kids can certainly share your enjoyment for biking. With the proper preparation and approach to kid’s motorcycle apparel, you can create some memorable family experiences. You cannot take shortcuts when it comes to the safety and comfort of your kids when they are passengers on your motorcycle. Just like adults, kids need superior protection. Therefore, you need to consider each kid individually in terms of motorcycle jacket and accessory purchases.

David Jensen is a content contributor
for jacketsforbikers.
To view and comment on this article, see www.jacketsforbikers.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/kids-motorcycle-apparel-1762256.html

Clothing designers and manufacturers are pretty adept at keeping up with the latest fashion trends and styles. Manufacturers of motorcycle apparel are equally savvy about what looks good in the biking arena. However, when it comes to outfitting people whose build is outside the small, medium, and large categories, finding quality accessories that fit comfortably can be a challenge.

This doesn’t mean that if you happen to be the size of a pro football lineman or an NBA basketball player that you shouldn’t become a motorcycle hobbyist. It’s a common misconception that there are very few options for clothing in big and tall sizes. This is not true. You might not always have the option of purchasing clothing (let alone leather motorcycle gear) off the rack. However, you can still get the items you need in your size without sacrificing quality and style.

There is more to accommodating the big and tall sizes than just advancing the overall size of a clothing item. This is especially true for motorcycle jackets and accessories. Because motorcycle apparel is form-fitting, the clothing items need to be designed to fit the body proportionally. If a tall person put on an XXL size jacket in order to have long enough sleeves, the rest of the jacket would be oversized and baggy. This won’t work if the biker prefers a form-fitting jacket.

When you purchase motorcycle apparel in the big and tall categories, you might not always find what you need or the best prices in the brick-and-mortar shops. Inventory tends to go fast in these specialized locations. You don’t need to completely ignore the shops, but you might be more successful at getting what you need by shopping online. If you are just starting out with your motorcycle hobby, visit the brick-and-mortar stores first. This can help you determine what your fellow bikers are wearing. The items that stores have on their racks are the most popular products that people are buying. When you get an idea of what’s out there and what you like, but it’s not available in the store, you can visit more of the specialty shops or online retailers, to find exactly what you need.

When purchasing specific motorcycle apparel, Make sure you read the description of the product carefully. Just because a particular shirt looks great in the picture does not mean that it will look equally good on you. It can be challenging to return specialty products—especially those purchased online. Learn about the product first. It is important for you to know what fabric has been used to make the item and the exact dimensions of the item. Purchasing big and tall sizes is more costly because of the specialized production process. However, you want your apparel to last so it’s worth it to make a bigger investment at the beginning. This will reduce the number of items you will need to return.

If you’re in the big and tall size category, you have the same number of outfit choices as anyone else. You just need to work closely with the sales staff to ensure that you are getting the exact items you need and fully understand the product descriptions. Having the right design and fit for motorcycle attire and accessories is important to enjoying a rewarding motorcycle hobby.

David Jensen is a content contributor
for jacketsforbikers.
To view and comment on this article, see www.jacketsforbikers.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/motorcycle-apparel-for-big-and-tall-riders-1762270.html