By admin, on November 3rd, 2010
In many states, it is mandatory to have insurance on your motorcycle. In addition to covering any loans on the bike, the insurance is designed to cover medical bills for personal injury as well as for collision costs. Even if motorcycle insurance isnt mandatory in your state, it is still a good idea to have it. You never know when you may need it. Many people think motorcycle insurance is too expensive to have, but it is really affordable. There are some great tips to help you get the best possible rate.
If you havent taken a motorcycle safety course, you should. Not only will it help you become a better motorcycle rider, it will also help you earn a discount on your motorcycle insurance. This is because motorcycle companies feel an informed rider is less likely to make common mistakes or to indulge in reckless behaviors. If you currently have any kind of insurance on your home or other vehicles, that particular company will likely offer you a significant discount on insurance coverage for your motorcycle.
When comparing motorcycle insurance rates, make sure you are comparing apples against apples. This simply means you should only compare the cost once you have determined what the insurance covers. Ask for information about he dollar amount of coverage as well as the deductible amount. A deductible is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket for each claim filed before the insurance will pay the remainder.
If you are able to store your motorcycle inside a storage unit or garage, then do so. Most insurance companies will give you additional discounts for your motorcycle being in a secure location that reduces the chances of it getting hit, vandalized, stolen, or damaged by the natural elements. Many insurance companies will give you an added discount if you wont be riding your motorcycle during severe winter months. This is a great option for those of you who live in colder parts of the world. However, keep this coverage in mind because you will likely be tempted to get that bike out when a warm spell appears for a few days during the winter months.
Keeping a clean driving record both in your motor vehicles and on your motorcycle will save you a great deal of money on your motorcycle insurance. Insurance companies love to reward those who have remained a low risk. They also want to keep your business. If you have paid your premiums on time for six months and have not have any claims or moving violations, then contact your insurance company and ask for them to review your policy for a lower price. Many insurance companies will automatically do this upon renewal of your policy, but if you have an annual policy then you should contact them after six months.
If you are just learning to ride a motorcycle but dont have a valid motorcycle license yet, you may want to consider purchasing Learner Motorcycle Insurance. This is a great way to ensure you are covered in the event of an injury or accident. While this type of insurance is going to cost you more than basic motorcycle insurance, you cant put a price tag on safety.
The internet is a great place to look for motorcycle insurance as well. Some insurance companies dont offer motorcycle coverage while others specialize in it. The internet gives you a convenient place to enter your information once and then receive quotes by email from various insurance companies. This definitely reduces the amount of time you will spend on the process as well as allows you to easily compare rates.
Having motorcycle insurance is a good idea regardless of it being mandatory in your state or not. While operating any type of motor vehicle comes with a risk, you can help lower the financial risk involved in operating one by covering the cost of damages and medical expenses should you be involved in an accident.
By admin, on October 27th, 2010
LED Bike Light: Adding Safety and Efficiency To Your Ride
LED flashlights are an economical and safety conscious choice for any bicycle rider. Many riders overlook this piece of safety equipment because it has been traditionally considered too bulky or heavy to carry on a bike. However, there are a number of bike light options now available that are easy to carry and versatile, making them perfect for bicycle safety.
Why Carry a Light on Your Bicycle
Anyone who bicycles should consider keeping a light on their bicycle. There are a variety of types of lights that can be used on bicycles. Bicycle specific lights, such as an LED bike chip, are wonderful investments. The LED bike chip connects to the bicycle, providing a bright, hands-free source of light. If you need a flashlight, you can easily remove the LED bike chip and use it as a hand held flashlight.
There are a variety of reasons for carrying a flashlight on your bicycle. The most obvious is for safety. In the summer, when many people bicycle in the evening to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, it is easy to end up far from home with darkness rapidly approaching. While there are hours of additional daylight, once darkness settles in, it gets dark quick. What starts as a leisurely ride can quickly turn frightening if you take a wrong turn or encounter a flat tire. A bright LED torch is the perfect companion for your ride. The LED torch has a compact size, a bright light and long battery life.
If you need help, a strobing light can bring it. While you may think the chances of injury or danger on you bicycle are rare, it only takes a pothole to damage your bicycle beyond repair, or even a minor wreck to leave you too sore to ride home. A strobing light will be noticed by passers-by, and is just the thing to bring someone to the rescue. Many strobing lights can be used as a regular flashlight, and switched to strobing if necessary.
What Makes the Best Sort of Light
LED flashlights are a good choice for the bicyclist. The battery life of the LED light is extraordinary, and the clear, bright light that the LED flashlight emits is a wonderful safety feature, particularly in foggy conditions. If you are frequently out in the early morning or late evening hours, or at times when the weather is unpredictable, a strong light, such as an LED torch is a safety conscious choice.
The batteries in an LED flashlight, as well as the bulb, last an extremely long time, often thousands of hours. Compare this to traditional filament flashlights and you can see the benefits of an LED flashlight. Also, an LED flashlight will gradually lose strength over a period of time, while a traditional flashlight will work one time, and the next time, it will be dead. Because you are unlikely to use your flashlight each time you ride your bicycle, it is important that you have a flashlight with a long shelf light. If you have a traditional light bulb, you would find it necessary to carry extra batteries and even a spare bulb, but with an LED flashlight, all you need is your flashlight. You can easily find a small LED flashlight that will fit into the palm of your hand.
~Ben Anton, 2008
By admin, on October 20th, 2010
Kawasaki motorcycles were introduced in 1954, and have made quite a name for themselves when it comes to high performing motorcycles. Many Kawasaki models have been designed over the years for dirt bike racing. They are powerful yet lightweight, giving the rider an edge over the competition. The bikes are also known for offering a sturdy frame, great suspension, and being affordable. Many people arent aware that Kawasaki manufactured motorcycle engines for years before they decided to make complete bikes. This allowed them to enter the competition knowing exactly what to build and how to build it.
In 1960, Kawasaki bought out Megero Motorcycles, who had been in the business since 1937. They took a brave move by offering every type of motorcycle at the same type across the board. It was a strategy that would make or break them. It was a wise investment as they were able to steadily sell everything from a 50 model to the powerful twin 650CC as well as everything in between.
This was the beginning of Kawasaki making out of the box decisions that influenced their competitors. Rather than being a follower, Kawasaki choose to always be a leader in the developments taking place in the motorcycle industry. While this was risky, it definitely gave them an edge over the competition.
In 1965 Kawasaki decided it was time to start exporting their motorcycles to the United States. The models sold better and faster than anyone had anticipated. The Z1 model was introduced in 1972. It was initially only marketed to the United States to meet consumer requests and demands.
The most well known Kawasaki motorcycle is the ZZR-R1100. This model was introduced in 1990 and lead the industry in sales for five years. Kawasaki made history in 2000 when it introduced the ZX-12R, a super bike featuring a unique frame that could out run any dirt bike on the track.
Most everyone is familiar with the lime green color, representing Kawasaki racing bikes. These models some in a variety of sizes and with various power behind them. Kawasaki racing bikes are known in the industry for being extremely fast as well as light weight. The Ninja series is one of the top selling models in motorcycle history.
When it comes to cruiser bikes, the Kawasaki Vulcan model offers everything you could ever want and more. The are versatile, long lasting, and easy to maneuver. They also come in a variety of sizes with many different power ranges behind each one. What makes the Vulcan so original is that it can be considered a comfortable tour bike, yet it has the power of a racing bike behind many of the models. This is a classy looking motorcycle with two comfortable seats and saddle bags to hold your necessities. The 2007 models are very stylish and are anticipated to sell very well.
Today, Kawasaki continues to be a leader in the motorcycle industry, offering consumers a variety of products to choose from. Each one offering distinct features but all of them offer great quality, lots of power, and a very reasonable price. They are also known in the motorcycle industry as being the leader in providing the necessary parts to repair any of their models. You will find Kawasaki dealerships all around the world, ready to assist you with the perfect motorcycle for you.
By admin, on October 13th, 2010
When you buy a motorbike, it is mandatory for you to buy motorcycle insurance as per the government regulations. Since motorcycle is a risky vehicle, insurers tend to charge a higher premium for it. The type of motorcycle and its horsepower will greatly affect the insurance premium. The motorcycle with high horsepower will be charged a higher premium. So if you want a fast, sporty bike, you will have to spend more on the premium. But do not worry. We give you some useful tips on how to reduce your motorcycle insurance premium without compromising on the performance.
Will the type of motorcycle affect my insurance premium?
Before purchasing a motorcycle, you need to find out the cost incurred in getting it insured. The motorcycles with higher horsepower would attract a higher premium. But you should note that there is a minor difference between the horsepower and performance. Get insurance quotes before buying a motorcycle as there are lots of bikes that are not insured by the larger insurance companies. This will force you to use smaller insurers who offer below par services. Besides, they will not allow you to combine the motorcycle insurance with the other products, making the deal very expensive.
Will installing any accessories affect my premium?
Fitting your bike with high-end accessories like disc locks, alarms, and satellite tracking will significantly affect your premium. Hence it is advisable to check with the insurance company about the accessories and security that can increase and decrease your insurance premium. Buying a device costing a couple of hundred pounds will have a significant impact on your premium. Find out this information beforehand to let you negotiate with the dealer who can give you a good bargain.
What are the things I should ensure before opting for motorcycle insurance?
Get many insurance quotes from various insurers for the motorcycle you want to buy. Find out if installing security instruments and add-on accessories will impact your insurance premium. Check if it is possible to reduce the insurance cost if you park your motorcycle in an area under surveillance.
By admin, on October 6th, 2010
There are many different types and styles of bicycles. You will need to decide on the type of biking you will be predominantly doing in order to help you narrow down your choices. Below are just some of the types of bicycles available on the market today.
The first bicycle we will mention here are what are considered by some to be comfort bicycles. These are the type used by most weekend recreational bike riders. They usually have a comfortable shock-absorbing seat and shock absorbing front forks and wide pedals.
Another type of bike which is a bit more rugged than the comfort bike is a trail bike or light duty mountain bike. These bikes can take a bit more rough stuff than the bikes mentioned above but are not meant for serious mountain biking.
Touring bicycles are for those who go long distances and faster than recreational bike riders. These bikes are built for riding on the pavement. They are light weight bikes with more shock absorbency than comfort bikes.
Cruiser bikes are heavier than the comfort bikes with fatter tires. They are good for the road, or riding in the sand.
A true mountain bike has a stronger frame and components than any other bike as they are intended for off road and rugged terrain. The tires on a mountain bike are knobby and wide for more shock support. The seat and handlebars are positioned to allow for the rider to lean over while maneuvering the bike.
Recumbent bicycles are becoming very popular with older riders and those who have some limits in physical ability. The rider reclines while pedaling in a feet forward position. The seat is much more comfortable than on any other bicycle. Recumbent bikes sit low to the ground and have multiple gears.
Talk with family and friends who own bikes to get their opinion on what may be the best investment for you. If you don’t think that you’ll stick with bike riding long term and if you don’t plan to do more than weekend riding you don’t need to spend a fortune. Visit several bicycles shops and talk with the pro’s before making a decision. You can get many years of enjoyment if you choose the right bike for you.
By admin, on September 29th, 2010
The first thing to do before purchasing a bicycle for any reason is to know what your primary riding is going to be. Most people initially purchase a dual use bike, something that can be ridden on road and off road. Eventually, when the bug bites big it’ll be time to invest in a bike that is all muscle for the mountains.
One of the ways that mountain bikes differ from other bikes is that they have very strong, lightweight frames, multiple gears, powerful breaks and wide tires. A comfort bike, or recreational weekend bike, touring bikes and cruiser bikes are built more for comfort than durability. WIthin the mountain bike category there are several types of bikes available; the cross country bike, the trials bike, the downhill bike and the jumpslalom bike.
Generally the largest percentage of mountain bikes sold are in the cross country, or XC classification. These are good dual purpose bikes. They are lightweight and good for riding over tough terrain, but they are also comfortable for road riding.
Jumpslalom bikes are also good dual purpose bikes. They are very strong and have an excellent front suspension.
Downhill and trial bikes are for serious mountain bikers. The downhill bikes have both front and rear suspension, disc breaks and are very strong. A trial bike is for a very skilled rider. Trail riding itself is a very competitive sport demanding a lot of precision. Most riders of downhill and trail bikes build their bikes from scratch, choosing each component individually.
You will want to do a lot of reading about different types of bikes, and you’ll want to visit many bike shops. A cross country mountain bike can cost between 600 and 800 or more. Some bikers say that your first bike should be the best bike you can possibly afford, even if you think that it’s too much bike for you. If you buy a low-end bike initially and then find you want to change components later it can get costly. Before choosing a bike you will want to ride it. Most dealers allow for a 15 to 20 minute test ride. If you do a test ride make sure you go “off road” if you can, even if it’s over curbs and grass. You want to get a feel for the bike.
By admin, on September 22nd, 2010
Choppers came into being in the 1960’s and 1970’s. They were the next step in motorcycle evolution after the “bobber”. The bobber came about after American soldiers returned home from World War II. While they remained loyal to the Harley Davidson company, riders that had served oversees just weren’t quite satisfied with the machines the company was producing. These riders remembered the motorcycles they had seen in Europe that were more lightweight and more exciting. Most hade been trained to work on motorcycles and automobiles in the service. They began to get together and talk about improvements.
To make the bike lighter, riders began removing or shortening the fenders. The front fender was usually removed completely, while the back fender was made short enough to just protect the passenger from mud and water thrown up by the rear tire. This is where the term bobber came from. Riders continued to make changes or customizing their bikes and eventually the “chopper” was born. Their original purpose was for dirt track racing.
The term chopper comes from the process of chopping. Riders began chopping off any part they felt was unnecessary. This included windshields, front fenders, big headlights, crash bars and big seats. The standard large footrests were replaced with forward-mounted foot pegs. The fuel tank was made smaller. This made the bike lighter.
Next, riders began raking the front end of their choppers so that the angle of the fork to the ground decreased allowing for an increase in the wheelbase. They also raised the handlebars and called them ape hangers.
Anything that was thought too big or unnecessary was either made smaller or removed. The front tire was made small; the rear tire was made fat. Each rider created the bike he wanted to ride.
As always, as soon as this rage caught on, enterprising individuals began designing and creating custom bikes to sell to other riders so they didn’t have to do the work themselves. Choppers began to be built, not just chopped. While this trend slowed for a few years, it seems to have made a comeback. Custom built choppers created by top designers are greatly prized and sought after.
The Shovelhead FX Super Glide was one such Harley Davidson model to come out of the chopper evolution. Choppers became especially popular after the film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, was released in 1969.
By admin, on September 15th, 2010
In the last part of the Get To Know Your Mini Moto series, I will explain how further components of the mini moto contribute to this great little machines.
Throttle
The throttle on your new mini moto is a ‘twist grip’ style throttle. When you twist the throttle the throttle cable is pulled back revving the engine. It is important to keep this cable free from obstacles and clean. If the throttle begins to feel ‘loose’ of ‘gives’, the tension of the cable can be adjusted via the adjusting screw.
Brakes
The brake system comprises of brake levers, brake cables, brake calipers and brake discs.
The brakes on your mini moto are operated by levers found on the handle bars. The right hand brake controls the front brake, and the left controls the back brake. Pulling on the handle pulls the brake cable which in turn pulls the lever located on the bake caliper. This action pushes the brake discs towards each other. This creates friction on the brake disc which slows down or stops the bike.
The brakes can be adjusted in the following ways.
The brake cable can be tensioned using the adjustment screw found on the brake lever. Unscrew the locking nut; twist the screw to reach the desired tension. Re screw the locking nut.
This is a two person job. Adjust the screw on the hand brake so that is at the end of its travel. Undo the clamp that holds the brake cable on the lever located on the brake caliper. One person needs to push the lever forward as far as it will, the second person needs to pull back on the brake cable and re fasten the clamp. The crake cable will now be highly tensioned.
Pull Start
To start the mini moto pull slowly to turn the fly wheel. This pumps some fuel around the engine, which lubricates the moving parts. Pull the pull start firmly in order to start the engine. Important, do not pull the cord to the end of its run as it can break. If the mini moto does not start check the choke and the throttle cable.
Choke
The choke controls the amount of air that is allowed into the airfuel mix. The choke is adjusted via a lever located on the side and back of the engine. The choke is off when the lever is down, and on when the lever is up. When you start the mini moto the choke should be on, when the mini moto is warm and ready to ride the choke needs to be off.
Carburetor
It is recommended that any adjustments to the carburetor are made by a professional. The carburetor pumps and mixes the fuel and air. The small diaphragms, orifices and ports mix the air and fuel very precisely, this process demands clean fresh fuel.
Jet
The jet can be adjusted by the screw located in the access hole to the right of the choke lever. The jet is adjusted by the manufacture however the conditions of where you wish to ride may be different, which means that you will need to make adjustments. Turning the screw clockwise will make the bike run with a leaner mixture, and counter clockwise will richen the mixture. Only adjust the screw 1 tern at a time and then test the mini moto, this is trail and error. Please note that it is best to find the optimum setting for performance and then run a slightly richer mixture as a mix that is too lean can seize the engine.
By admin, on September 8th, 2010
The second part of Get To Know Your Mini Moto will delve further into the many components that contribute to a mini moto, namely the clutch and spark plug, and explain how each plays its part in these remarkable machines.
Clutch
The mini moto uses a centrifugal clutch to power the drive the sprocket, which in turn drives the back wheel of your mini moto.
When you start your mini moto the clutch spins as the engine ticks over. The clutch is engaged when you pull back on the throttle. The increase in speed of revolution of the clutch makes the clutch expand and grip the inside of the clutch bell which turns the sprocket that drives the back wheel of your pocket bike.
The clutch can be set up in different ways depending on the type of performance that you want from your minimoto. Adjustable clutches are not standard on mini moto’s but an after market Polani or Blata style adjustable clutch can be used in your new mini moto. These allow the rider to adjust the mini moto’s set up in according to their preference. Setting the clutch to engage too late when the engine has built up too much power may cause the clutch to slip and never fully engage. This can result in excessive wearing. However setting the clutch to engage too early, before the power has built up in the engine can cause your pocket bike to ‘bog down’, resulting in slow acceleration. The perfect set up is to get the clutch to engage just as the engine has built enough power to rocket the mini moto away, but without making the clutch slip, this is achievable through trial and error.
Spark Plug
Making sure that your spark plug is fresh is important in a two stroke mini moto engine. You can tell a lot from the color of the spark plug. The top part of your spark plug is covered in ceramic insulator which, when brand new is white. This part of the spark plug can change color according to how your engine is running. The plug should appear as a nice tan color when the engine is running perfectly, this indicates complete combustion. A grayish or white color indicates that the engine is running too lean which can result in engine damage. In this case you should clean and check your fuel system for any obstruction, check your fuel mixture, check for loose intake manifold bolts and carburetor mounting leeks, faulty gaskets and leaking crank seals. Anywhere that your engine could potentially leek and suck in fresh air can be the source of a lean condition.
A blackened or oily spark plug indicates improper combustion and is the result of running too rich. This can be caused by too much oil in the mixture or the spark plug could be faulty and misfiring. Check the fuel mixture and replace the spark plug.
By admin, on September 1st, 2010
The motorcycle was first developed for every day use in the military during WWII. Along with this development came a lot of the motorcycle gear and motorcycle apparel that enthusiasts still use to this day. One of these style are the German motorcycle helmets.
Fashioned after World War One and World War Two German Army battle helmets, the German motorcycle helmets do not stray far from the original design. There have been other helmet designs based on the original German motorcycle helmet, but this style remains true throughout time.
Being one of the most popular styles today as a motorcycle helmet, the German motorcycle helmet was once only available as a novelty item. It was something to set the extraordinary motorcycle rider apart from the rest of the crowd. Today, there are German motorcycle helmets, that have been approved by the D.O.T. for use in motorcycle riding.
There are no face shields for these types of helmet. They look a lot like the half shell of a turtle. The only other part that sets it apart from a turtle shell are it’s colors and the chin strap. Black is a very popular color. Pink German motorcycle helmets can be purchased for the female motorcycle rider as well. Chrome German motorcycle helmets are available and add a certain flair to the helmet.
Carbon fiber German motorcycle helmets are very durable and have a resilience like no other. They can be covered with leather to give them a smooth and semi-glossy finish, as opposed to the shiny black that carbon fiber offers. These can also be adorned with flat black flames that offset the glossy black of the helmet.
When you are measuring for the size of a German motorcycle helmet, use a cloth tape measure. Consider having someone help you to do the measuring. This will ensure that you obtain an accurate measurement. Placing the tape measure about one inch above the eyebrows, and calculating the circumference of your head is the best way to find out the size that you would need. If the measurement falls between two sizes, choose the smaller size. Remember that the chin strap will also help adjust the fit for you as well.
As there are no face shields to the German motorcycle helmet, the motorcycle rider might want to purchase some motorcycle eye protection for their apparel. This is an absolute must on long road trips. The more popular options are yellow, gray, or clear blue tinted goggles. These use a strap around your head and are even more securely fastened in place by the chin strap feature of the German motorcycle helmets.
Whether you prefer leather, carbon fiber, chrome, or simply flat black flames, there is a German motorcycle helmet right for you. The sizes are plentiful, and the originality of the style ensures that you remain a part of motorcycle riding’s great history. Purchase one today, and be sure to make the right call and buy the eye protection right for you.
|
|
|