Rider Training

If you use a motorcycle, it is important to be aware of basic motorcycle safety. Many motorcycle accidents are actually preventable had the involved parties follow these basic safety rules.

Wear the right motorcycle gear.

First of all, it is important to wear the right motorcycle gear for the sake of motorcycle safety. This includes a fitting helmet and riding gloves. You may also include knee pads and elbow pads. A riding jacket may also be necessary when riding through cool climate.

Check the motorcycle before you hit the road.

It is also important to do a basic check of your motorcycle before using it. Check your gas level and test your brakes. Likewise, constantly check the threading of your wheels as these affect the quality and safety of your ride.

Keep your eyes on the road.

Lastly, for the sake of your safety and the safety of those around you, keep your eyes on the road when riding your motorcycle. A motorcycle rider should always be aware of the road since motorcycles offer less protection than cars and the like.

A motorcycle is not complete without a saddle bag. Besides, it makes the motorbike attractive, you can also use it for safekeeping of your important travel gadgets. However, damaged saddlebags can reduce the aesthetic of your motorcycle. The cracks can even add up to the general unpleasantness of the motorbike. But don't worry, here are some tips that will help you repair and refurbish your saddlebags.

First you'll need tape, shavings, and pipe plastic glue. For shavings, I recommend ABS because it gives the saddle a luxurious glossy look and also protect for extreme whether conditions. To repair the cracks, use an adhesive tape on the interior, and then apply a thick pressurized glue together with a small piece of pliable plastic onto the crack. The most recommended glue for this is a pipe plastic glue used in plumbing sections because this type of glue becomes dry easily even without the use of heat or blower. Afterwards, mix properly ABS shavings until the emulsion becomes rich and thick. Before you apply the solution on the saddle bag, you have to polish it first with sand papers until it becomes rough. It is preferable to have an electric fan on the work site to easily dry the solution that you had put on the saddle. Then, wallah its all done! Your saddle will again look fresh and attractive after the repair.

Usually, motorcycle saddles are given with maintenance items that make them appear desirable and new again. Regularly maintain its texture and good condition by applying this products. The repairs are easy, actually you can just do it by yourself however if you like to ensure its quality, you can just visit your most reliable motorcycle repair store and let the pro do it.

It is essential that the person riding the motorcycle knows and understands how his bike works. By being equipped with the necessary knowledge, he can save a lot of money for repair when the bike malfunctions or simply for maintaining the bike in good shape. This knowledge could also render you a nice feeling when you have done a good job of taking care of your motorcycle.

If you opt to become your motorbike's own physician, there's a lot of troubleshooting manuals available that can give you important know-hows when it comes to bike maintenance and repairs. These manuals also give a detailed lowdown on the motorcycle's mechanical system like the clutch, engine, wheels, electrical system, final drive, and transmission. These books can also offer you essential ideas on how to enhance the performance of your motorcycle.

So even though you prefer to have clean hands, it is still good to know and to be equipped with the knowledge on how your motorcycle works and what it requires to maintain the smooth-running condition of your motor. You can further enjoy outdoor motorbike riding because in case there's something wrong, you know how to fix it. Indeed, it is simply like knowing your best buddy.

Motorcycle clothing and apparel are very essential to a rider. It doesn't only make the person comfortable while riding but also provides protection against harmful weather conditions and injuries from accidents. When buying an apparel, here are some important considerations that can guide you.

First consideration is protection and comfort. Make sure that they are comfortable and fit, particularly while riding the bike. The clothing must have zippers, fasteners, pockets, and flaps for wind protection as well as for convenience and ease. Consider also the padding. The stuffy make of a motorcycle apparel reduces impact and shields the person's body when he gets churned out of the motorbike. Of course, that is an exaggeration, but you know how it is when unfortunate incidents and accidents happen. Please note that zippers and pockets should not contain any sharp objects, lest you want an immediate death.

The perfect choice for a good motorcycle apparel material is leather. This is because leathers are abrasion-resistant and durable, hence these kinds of material provide riders maximum injury-protection. Synthetic fabrics are also good clothing materials. They provide protection from extreme wind and hypothermia. Another consideration is the visibility of the apparel. Select bright colored apparels to make yourself visible and conspicuous even from afar or during the dark.

So you still do not have a motorcycle and the reason is that you are having a hard time determining what motorcycle fits you and is comfortable for you. Well, you can do self-study by reading a motorcycle magazine and books or by talking to your friends who are hooked in motorcycles. Well, I'm not a pro when it comes to giving suggestions, but based on my research, here are some important points to ponder before purchasing one.

Well, if you're more particular about the level of comfort than the model of the motorcycle, you have to consider the ease of the three points of your body that are in contact or touching the bike: your feet, hands, and butt. First are the hands and its contact point -- the handlebars. You'll have to bear in mind the bars' width because the wider the set of bars are, the more leverage it can give you.

Next are the seats. This should be comfortable on your behind. Choose a wider, thicker seat when you use the motorcycle for extreme outdoor riding or riding for long miles of roads. For maximum convenience, a seat that is similar to a chair's shape is the best thing to opt for. For those with short legs, choose a seat with a low profile but soft cushion. Last consideration is your feet. A floorboard will give a greater degree of comfort. Choose a floorboard with rubber inserts to make this part of your body a little bit isolated from the vehicle's vibration. A broader hanger will also provide you with excellent control.

I accompanied a friend to a motorcycle test. I thought of motorcycle tests to be just like car test drives. I thought that the bikes would be provided for you to ride on the test site. It then dawned on me that motorcycles vary. Motorcycle riders cannot test ride a motorcycle that is not their own.

The basic motorcycle test would require you to bring a motorcycle that can surpass the speed limit of 100 km/h or 62.5 mph. This motorcycle should be a single or solo motorcycle which can be in between 121 or 125 cc. If you have the BMW C1 type of motorcycle, you cannot take it as a standard motorcycle test vehicle because it is not very practical and fitting to a basic motorcycle test. If you choose to ride a "light motorcycle", you must bring at least 75 or 125 cc. The motorcycle power should not surpass 11 kilowatts. Its maximum brake horse power should be 14.6.

So, if you're up for your first motorcycle test ride, just make sure that your motorcycle fits the qualifications and descriptions of the basic motorcycle test. If you do not have a motorcycle yet, you can easily inform your test drive officers. They would provide your test motorcycle of choice.

Ontario has the safest roads and expressways in the whole of North America. That's because Ontario is very strict on implementing motorcycle rules for the motorcycle riders. Even if Ontario has a perfect weather climate for motorcycle riding, it's still a must that all motorcycle riders follow the road rules.

In Ontario, even the mopeds have strict rules. Mopeds are not allowed to go beyond the highways and speedways. A moped driver should also have a valid class M1, M2, or M license with an L condition. This goes even for those who only use their mopeds around the lovely houses and streets in the neighborhood. The small vehicles should also be registered, of course.

Moped motorcycles could not carry passengers on it at anytime. This is a great policy since it reduces the possibility of an accident. Hey, even new moped riders undergo test drives and written examinations. This only goes to show that Ontario values the safety and protection of the motorcycle riders, whether it's with big bikes, motorcycles, and mopeds. So, if you're looking for the perfect place to ride around without the worries of road accidents, go to Ontario.

Riding motorcycles is certainly fun and exciting especially during this summer. For you could easily maneuver this two-wheeled vehicle and reach dream destinations. With a motorcycle, your experience of a lifetime is just a ride away.

Mounting on a bike, however, presupposes that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills not only to mobilize it, but also to ride it safely. While riding bikes may be adventurous, it may also prove dangerous to anybody, amateur or not. The annual poll of motorcycle accidents serves as evidence to this fact.

Hence, if you have the passion for riding motorcycles, you should know that getting yourself trained for a safe ride is as important as choosing and buying the best bike for you. While a great model may elevate your appeal and status as a rider, a proper and adequate training ensures your life on the road.

Today, there are various motorcycle training schools on the internet. Apparently, the numerous programs may make it difficult for you to decide. To simplify things, just determine your own needs and your level as a rider whether you are an amateur or you have been riding for a while. After which, you can browse through the various web sites and check which of the schools provide the specific training that you need.

They say that if you know how to ride a bicycle, then you can easily learn how to ride a motorcycle. I won't argue. Basically, bicycles work if you know how to balance yourself. You have to get enough speed to get the balance. The basic mechanical wheel and axle is used on a bicycle. On motorcycles, the speed you need to get a balance is easily provided by the engine. The problem would be how to control the speed.

There are automatic motorcycles, like scooters, that you control the speed by the twist of the handle. Unfortunately, these ones are not so fast and are not used on races. The basic design of a motorcycle is that it has the acceleration control on the right handle and the clutch controls on the left. Like cars, you use the clutch to control the speed of the motorcycle. This is ideal on races because you can immediately reduce or increase the speed of your motorbike on curves and corners.

It's like combining your car driving skills with riding a bicycle. You have to get the right mix so you will have the safe and wild ride you want. Train yourself and get riding.

Getting your car robbed is something that will happen to you at least once in your lifetime. That is the real statistics. That is why we invest so much on keeping the thieves away from our cars. Imagine the threats we have for our motorcycles. For chrissake, it has no doors!

As we all know, doors keep things safe from suspicious eyes and itchy hands. So what do we do to protect our motorcycle form these? No, it's silly to install doors on your motorcycle. The better thing to do is to park it indoors. Park it in your garage. Block it with other vehicles so it'll be harder for thieves to steal it. Of course, lock the garage doors.

What if you need to go out? Make sure you just don't turn off your engine, lock your ignition and remove the key. Never leave your motorcycle registration and insurance identification card on your bike, keep it with you always. This will make sure that you can help the police trace your bike in case it gets stolen or you can easily settle your insurance policy with the company.

If you plan to spend a night on a hotel or motel, park your bike on area where there is a security camera doing surveillance. Be sure it is in the camera's view. Also chain your bike on a steady and unmovable object or lock your and your friends' motorcycles together.

Invest on disk brakes and alarms and use it to keep your motorcycle away from thieves' hands.

Imagine that this is your first real motorcycle, and you are given the choice on how you would want to learn how to ride it. Do you go to a friend and ask him to teach you, or do you go to a professional motorbike riding trainer to learn the riding basics.

Seeking help from a professional instructor may seem too much of a bother but now that the internet exists, there are now many ways for you to learn about the basics of riding and some of its safety tips. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the MSF offer short courses for those new riders who want to learn about riding safety and riding properly. This is the equivalent for driving schools for cars or vehicles. Although not all the riders who have undergone MSF rider training approve of the way the MSF trainers handle the classes (military style, said some), there are those who are thankful for the existence of the MSF educational classes. They could be useful to those beginners who are so enthusiastic about their new motorcycles.

You may have undergone the basics of motorcycle rider training and would like to proceed to the next level. What's stopping you? Speed biking gives an extreme high to most advancing riders. Here’s stuff you could use:

Pay attention when cruising down the corner. Some riders do get a little panicky and lose their focus. The tendency is to lock the rear brake, causing him to skid. You must relax but it does not mean you should let go. Freezing on the spot is deadly. Your eyes should be open to the entire road, since if you miss a ditch you are likely to dump yourself there.

Practice is the key. If you've experience a false move with your breaks--unanticipated breakneck speed--you must learn from this experience. Explore the performance abilities of your bike until control is finally in your hands.

Riding the motorcycle can be very exciting. Just mount on the vehicle and it can take you to many places. Another reality for riders however is the danger or possibility of accidents on the road. For, this reason motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to attend courses and trainings to learn the proper and safe techniques. If you have a bike, perhaps you already know most of the techniques, nevertheless, the following may be useful tips or reminders just in case you have not learned them or have forgotten a few:

First, always use all your gears everytime you ride your bike. The same rule applies if you have a companion. The gadgets include the helmet, eye protector, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots or protective shoes. Second, at night, make sure that you are noticed by other drivers by using reflective apparels, tapes, or stickers. Third, always slow down when you are nearing a curve. Fourth, drive slowly when you are passing through a slippery road and also pay attention to objects, mud, or sand scattered on the road. Fifth, refrain from riding when you have taken alcohol, drugs, or any other medicines that may affect your concentration and vision. Sixth and last, always check your bike before going for a ride. This will help you determine if there are damaged parts. In this way you are able to avoid any accident.

In these months when the snow is falling and for safety's sake you're all bundled up at home, with your toes getting all toasty by the fireplace, what better way to spend your downtime than to curl up with a good book?

And if you're a motorcycle enthusiast, there's no better way to spend your winter months than by reading Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough. It's a great tome chock-full of many tips, tricks and guides to better riding and motorcycle safety.

This book and its follow up, More Proficient Motorcycling will make an excellent tandem for the motorcyclist in you life or even as a gift to yourself. But you'd better behave yourself first, you hear?

Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, it always pays to review the basic rules of motorcycle safety. Now we'll review some of the more important ones.

Rule 1: Always assume that drivers can't see you. A person in a car is only aware of other cars on the road. A sad but true fact, so please be extra careful.

Rule 2: Keep a space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Sudden brakes or turns are a part of the riding and driving experience, so keep your distance, just to be sure.

Rule 3: Ride at your own pace. So what if your friends can ride faster than you? It's better to be called a slowpoke than be called a good friend at your funeral.

Rule 4: Avoid riding at night. In the dark, a motorcycle will only be seen as a flash of chrome and light. And drunk drivers (and riders) can't see much at all!

Rule 5: Keep your cool. It's better to be safe and angry than be avenged and dead.

There are many of use, who, for the sake of fashion or being with the "in" crowd, often eschew safety and common sense. You can see this every day. Too-high heels, too tight shirts, and unwashed clothes. In the world of biking, it's no secret that there are some of these poor souls out there too, who will only wear the barest of shirts or the smallest of helmets just to prove their belongingness with the rest of the biking world.

That's just sad. Worse than that, it's dangerous. A shirt or plastic skullcap won't protect your sorry ass in the event of a crash. Don't learn the hard way. Sometimes it's best to be tacky and safe than be cool and dead.

Actually, unless you're bald or have hair extremely close cropped, riding with a motorcycle helmet is sure to give you a bad hair day, or in the more common speak "helmet hair." Helmet hair is a common, but usually unavoidable consequence of motorcycle riding. It is the condition in which your hair, after a hard day's worth of riding, gives you further grief by giving you a bad hair day.

It's a harmless thing actually, and most riders just laugh it off as part of the whole motorcycle riding experience. But for those of us who value our crowning glory and can't be bothered to explain why their hair looks so funny, there are special liners and/or skullcaps that can keep your hair in place.

No, road rash isn't something you get after a one-night stand with a biker. That's called something else. Road rash isn't something infectious.

Road rash is what motorcyclists lovingly call an abrasion from a fall. As you might expect, it can be very painful and can put a halt on your biking days for a time. Falling and skidding on the asphalt can be very serious. The most common areas to receive road rash are on the legs, sides and arms.

This is why bikers wear leather jackets, chaps and gloves. Not only do they look cool, they also prevent or lessen the incidence of road rashes.

Like it or not, we all have to deal with the real world when we ride out into it. That real world will always include thieves, waiting for the opportunity to steal your bike when you're not looking.

Bikers will have to learn how to protect and guard their rides from any and all potential thieves, and being the kind soul that I am, I'm here to give you a few tips on how to do it.

First, don't park your bike in a questionable place. If you do, you'll only have yourself to blame for not parking it in a safer area.

Second, use a good bike cover, one that'll make your bike inconspicuous. They can't steal what they don't think is worth stealing.

Use a heavy duty chain and lock. A cable lock isn't going to cut it.

And if you can, always keep one eye on your bike. Constant supervision is often the only deterrent to a determined motorcycle thief.

You've decided to do it. The weekend isn't coming soon enough. You just can't wait. It's beginning to drive you up the wall. You've decided that this weekend will be your first bike tour, and you're all too excited to get it on!

But before you get too carried away, take some time to take stock of yourself and your bike.

Preparing your bike is almost as important as preparing yourself. Make sure the tires are fresh, the oil and filter are changed, and all necessary joints and valves are checked. Tighten any nuts that need to be, but not too tight.

Next is preparing the most important component of any bike tour: You! A rider is the determining factor in any motorcycle ride. You have to be prepared to take care of any contingency that may happen, but if you take care and prepare your bike before you tour it can save you a lot of grief. Also, if you start a bike tour, be determined to finish it as well. Plan your trip, and don't over-estimate yourself. There's nothing more daunting to a biker than the realization that he's bitten off more than he can chew. And when going home, don't rush. Hurrying will only make you careless, and will lead to a higher risk of accidents.

Most importantly, have fun! After all, what's the point of going on tour if you're not going to enjoy it?

This is one debate I don't see any reason why it even began. On one hand there are those who prefer the fast rides of the street bikes, zooming down roads at unbelievable speeds. On the other are the proponents of the cruiser bikes, who prefer the experience of seeing the scenery as they ride, with the open air on their face and the sun at their backs.

The debate rises over which is the better bike: a cruise bike or a street bike?

For me, it all boils down over which one you like, and respect the other guy for his choice. Really, it's that simple. These bikes are built for specific uses. A street bike is built for speed, with rider comfort second. A cruise bike is all about the rider, with performance as a second consideration. It's like comparing a Ferrari with a Land Rover. One is built for speed, the other for moving people around comfortably. Deciding on what's best is actually a personal decision. Try them both out before you do.

Riding in the rain has to be one of the worst riding conditions to be in. I mean, in the sun you can seek shade. When it snows, you have the snow to cushion your fall. In the driving rain, you can't see anything, and when you take a nasty spill, you'll end up wet and bruised or more.

I normally don't ride my bike in the rain, but there are times when it's inevitable, especially on a long trip. Thankfully I keep in mind a few tips I now want to share with you.

First off, avoid riding in the rain if you can help it. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or in this case a full body cast.

Second, take it easy. If you can't avoid riding, then take it slow. A tire is more likely to lose contact and its grip on the road when it's raining. Making turns will become more difficult too, so as contrary to your instincts as it may be, slow down when it rains.

If you're expecting bad weather, remember to bring with you your rain gear. Keeping dry not only will keep you comfortable, but healthy as well.

Finally, when the downpour gets too strong, don't force it. You just can't beat Mother Nature sometimes.

Of course, you can use regular shoes to ride your bike. Heck, you can even use sandals to ride. But just be prepared to spend a bundle replacing them or going to your podiatrist regularly.

Boots are highly recommended for motorcycle riding because they can give the rider all that he needs in a piece of footwear: Protection, support and comfort. Protection from the elements and the road are primary concerns in choosing a good boot. It must be high enough, and tough enough to withstand the rigors of taking a quick tumble or a sudden brake.

Supporting your feet and ankles are paramount in your criterion for riding boots. They mustn’t buckle, or you can wind up with a nasty sprain or worse.

Good boots must also be comfortable. If safety and support were your only concerns, then why not just wear a brick on your foot then? Didn't think so.

Boots are an important part of motorcycle safety. Not to mention they can make you look like a badass.

Summer is here, and some of us would want nothing more than to ride all day with the sun on our backs, the wind in your face, and nothing but open road for your bike to zoom on.

But before you do, take a few moments to prepare yourself before you ride: It's hot out there, and if you're not careful, you're very likely riding towards disaster.

Keeping yourself hydrated is the key. Bring along a bottle of water, or a sports drink. Avoid coffee and caffeine based drinks. They can drain you faster than a vacuum. When you get too hot or dizzy, take a rest. These are the early signs of dehydration. Dehydration also impairs your judgment, which can make you a hazard to yourself and others on the road.

Sunburn is also a concern. Try riding early so that the heat is not as great as it would be later and wear a sunblock and protective eyewear to prevent UV damage to your eyes.

Summer is a fun time to ride, and keeping these tips in mind will make sure that it stays fun and not dangerous.