Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Motorcycle Clubs Unveiled

Motorcycle riders, also known as bikers, are often perceived either as tough and bad or slackers and bums. Such notions probably came about because motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are portrayed in books and in the movies as daredevil villains whose main concern is to sexually offend women, steal money or cause havoc.

Because some popular movies and stories have made bike riders as one of the epitomes of evil and corruption, many people also look at motorcycle clubs as a group of goons and henchmen. In reality, however, most motorcycle club members are ordinary law-abiding citizens.

What is a motorcycle club?

An MC, short for motorcycle club, is basically an organization that is composed of people who are bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts. MCs are more like a brotherhood or a fraternity of people who share the love of motorcycles and another common interests, such as preference to a particular motorcycle brand, profession, locality, or love of nature or environment.

Organizational Structure

A typical MC is composed of officers and members. Big motorcycle organizations usually are subdivided in terms of localities, called as chapters. For example, a national MC organization could have a west coast and east coast chapters, or a Nevada, Texas and New York chapters.

Usually MCs have set of officers and follow strict rules. Officers of such clubs are commonly composed of president and vice president, treasurer, secretary, sergeant-at-arms, and road captains. Large MCs usually have a set of officers for the national and local chapters.

The size of a motorcycle club can vary from just a few people, probably five to ten, to hundreds and even thousands. Like fraternities or brotherhoods, membership to motorcycle clubs are usually exclusive and must be approved.

Common MC Objectives

Although there are many motorcycle clubs around the world, most MCs share common rules and objectives. The major concerns of such clubs are to have fun and ensure the safety of its members. Members of MC clubs often help and protect each other, helping in repairing bikes, sharing motoring tips and good routes to try, and even recommend hotels, restaurants and places to try.

Many MCs also don't forget their civic duty and raise money for several charities – from helping aids awareness to feeding homeless children. Since many military and police officers are members of MCs, many motorcycle clubs also offer support during calamities, accidents and disasters.

Benefits of being an MC member

Aside from a jacket with logo or emblem, new MC members can benefit from knowledge and experience of other members. Finding the best suppliers to great motorcycle routes are things that are bikers magnanimously shared with each other.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Be Updated with Motorcycle Events

Some people love living in the fast lane.

They ride their motorcycles and enjoy the strong wind as they speed up down the road and enjoy the journey.

However, for the real motorcycle enthusiast, it isn't enough to simply live in the fast lane. Living in the fast lane must go hand in hand with living with style.

Many enthusiasts have taken odds and lengths to find the perfect bike to express themselves.

This aspect of self-expression in riding the motorcycle can sometimes be something that only people with the same interest can understand.

It is no wonder that a motorcycle lover will look for a fellow enthusiast to be able to share this ideas to those who can understand.

This is where going to motorcycle events may be of significance.


Why Go to a Motorcycle Event?

There are certain reasons why a motorcycle enthusiast will pursue this.

1.A beginner can start to learn more about the field by joining these events.

2.This is also a good venue to get to know the right people who can be of big help to each other.

It can't be denied that when motorcycle enthusiasts come together they can really go along well and understand each other.

3.Motorcycle events can also be a good opportunity to get good ideas from the other enthusiasts with regard to tips, suggestions and opinions.

4.It will definitely feel good to be able to ride your bike together with the other bike lovers. It is like coming together and expressing yourself together to the rest of the world in a rally, ride or event.

5.Finally, the sense of camaraderie is something that the motorcycle enthusiast will enjoy. There is so much to see, enjoy and be nostalgic about in these events.

How to Join the Motorcycle Events?

Given all these wonderful points of joining motorcycle events, it is a must for one to join the same.

First thing to do is to check out the local community for any organizations or associations formed by local motorcycle enthusiasts. There will surely be one, at least in every state.

You can easily talk to the members of these groups and inquire on how you can join in the scheduled events.

It is also possible to check on their schedule or calendar for the events they are organizing. You can ask for the requirements so you can easily join.

There are also some internet sites that can help you find an organization near your locality. These can also provide a calendar regarding some important events, especially those that will take place on the national level.

Conclusion

Take the first step and participate in the motorcycle events. A true bike lover will definitely enjoy thses events.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Getting the Best Motorcycle for You

There are plenty of benefits to having your own motorcycle but before you get into the actual buying consider some important points that you may want to take note of in order to fully assess your need to buy yourself one of these exciting automobiles.

More than 93% of the time, men want their own motorcycle. That is one of the recent datas gathered from a recent regional statistic in the United States and that's why is's normal that you want one as well.

Nevertheless, you have to think about the important talking points before you get your wallet out of your pocket and shell out bucks to cover expenses related to your motorcycle buying.

Experience. If you are going buy a motorcycle, you need to know your level of experience in terms of driving. You might have gained a professional drivers licence for your automobile but riding a motorcycle is different from a car. Consider these and get yourself out of trouble.

Motorcycle rides are one of the most dangerous accidents you will ever engage in according to the US Department of Transportation. If you want to know more about motor safety and driving, you may contact Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Motorbike’s Intended Use. Note some special considerations on how you would like to use your motorbike. Are you young, sport-enthusiast? Go for sport motorcycles. If you are someone who enjoys moving around the city with your favourite motorcycle, without becoming rough on the road, you might get yourself a commuting/touring bike.

In effect, you may want to consider your lifestyle when trying to move around the market looking for some motorcycles that will surely fit your personality and the way you live your life on a daily basis.

Budget. There are plenty of considerations that you have to think of before you get yourself a new motorcycle. Consider your allotted budget and household priorities. Should mortgage come first? Children’s tuition, pending bills, household appliances, etc. Keeping yourself interested in buying a motorcycle is OK as long as you have other more important expenses covered.

A decent motorbike would cost one from $4000 to $24000. Talk to your local motorbike dealers and inquire on the most appropriate paying options they have for you inasmuch as motorcycle financing is concerned.

Buying, Driving, and Other Tips for Motorcycle Rentals during Travel

If you and your partner are enjoying some much needed quiet time abroad or just out of town, why not add an exciting twist to your vacation by renting a motorcycle instead of the usual car and limousine?

Benefits of Motorcycle Rentals

Efficient Traveling – Riding a motorcycle will get you to where you’re going much quicker than a car would because motorcycles are able to make use of passages and perform nifty moves that bulky vehicles are essentially unable to do.

Affordable Solution – Motorcycle rentals are also cheaper than car rentals. Why spend more when you don’t have to? With motorcycle rentals, you’ll have extra pocket money to spend!

Option for Private Transporation – If you’re heading to Venice, you should know that this lovely Italian city doesn’t allow people to use cars; you can however use motorcycles if you’re not that fond of manual bikes or walking.

Tips on Renting a Motorcycle

Selection – It’s best that you rent from a shop which allows you to choose from a varied selection of motorcycles. In the event that your rented motorcycle will malfunction, the shop will surely be able to send you a replacement unit immediately.

Support and Services – If there are documentation needs for you to take care of before being able to rent a motorcycle, is the shop willing and able to help you take care of these requirements?

Price – Lastly, always compare prices and rates before making the final decision of where you’re going to rent a motorcycle.

Using and Driving a Rented Motorcycle Out of Town or Abroad

Always make sure that you have obtained the necessary license and other documentations before renting out any motorcycle. Laws regarding use and driving motorcycles after all varies from state to state (or country to country for that matter) so you may need to take additional tests even if you’re already a licensed motorcycle driver back at home.

Don’t forget to ask about insurance. Again, insurance requirements depend on where you’ll be using your rented motorcycle so you may also need to obtain additional but temporary insurance to be able to legitimately use a motorcycle on foreign roads.

Familiarize yourself with traffic and driving rules and regulations for motorcycles at your destination.

Clean your rented motorcycle regularly and treat it with care to avoid paying penalties later on. If, however, something still happens with your rented motorcycle, don't attempt DIY repair unless you’re professionally qualified to do so or it’s an emergency

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Fast But Friendly

In the competitive world of racing motorcycles, most companies tend to bank on their racing teams to promote their street bikes. Heavy duty motorcycles with obscene amounts of power inside the chassis run across the tracks, and motorcycle racing fans find that they can own a little piece of the excitement by buying themselves civilian versions of the racers that their favorite bikers are running.

More often than not, this marketing approach has led most motorcycle manufacturing companies to come up with barely street legal specs for their civilian bikes, and the results are machines that are grossly expensive, difficult to maintain, and wind up causing accidents in the hands of bikers who don't possess the necessary skill level to handle such high performance bikes.

Honda has taken a different approach from it's competitors in this department, and has instead taken a people-friendly focus in their motorcycles. Their teams still continue to run - and win a lot - in motorsports events, but their civilian bikes aren't simply powered-down versions of their racers. They customize their civilian bike designs with the average person in mind.

One of the things that shows this approach is the price of a Honda motorcycle. Their price ranges both for the bikes and parts are considerably more affordable for people who just might want to ride a fast bike for fun without the need to cleave along the highway like a bullet.

Their parts are also much easier to find than most of their competitors, especially their european counterparts, and likewise are much cheaper while maintaining a high standard of quality. To add to the customer oriented approach, these same parts are also easier to install, replace, and yes, modify for those who want to push the specs of their crotch rockets a little higher. Honda service center personnel are highly trained under rigid standards to ensure they do their jobs on the bikes right.

Lastly, Honda also offers comprehensive packages as an added bonus, like extended warranties, insurance, and prepaid maintenance plans for their customers to make sure that they get the best deal available for their money. For Honda, service doesn't end right after the sale is made.

So, while Honda racing bikes perform on a par with their competition on the professional race tracks, their civilian bikes are made for the people who just want to ride for fun without the headaches involved with owning something just one step below formula specs.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Motorcycle service packages and insurance

Believe it or not, motorcycle service is available anywhere and anytime you want it. Whether the service you require is regular maintenance, add-on accessory, tune-ups, inspections that are pre-purchased, repairs that are major or minor, the motorcycle service department of PMC is available at your beck and call.

Their service includes a whole package that is perfect for the season of winter. One such motorcycle service costs less than fifty dollars and includes the stabilization of the motorcycle’s fuel system.

Inspection of the motorcycle’s rear and front brake pads as well as rotors. Inspection of the hydraulic brake system is also included as well as the fluid top off.

Inspection of the operational clutch is also included. Tire inspections, pressure checking, suspension components inspection is considered. Inspection of the charging system, the wheel bearings, the transmission / engine / leaks for final drive.

Drive train inspection to ensure operational correctness is within the package. Cabling inspection for appropriate operation is included and instrumentation inspection.

The PMC motorcycle service also charges less than forty dollars for filter and oil change. This package includes lube oil change and extra synthetic oil.

A flush system clutch for less than thirty five dollars is also included. This package comes with a fluid.

Their motorcycle service also offers a free balancing and mounting when you buy a tire set, though the standard fee supply and disposal of tires also apply.

Another company that offers its motorcycle service is aptly called Motorcycle Service, LLC.

This company offers various programs for insurance for the dedicated motorcycle driver. They provide higher coverage limits compared to other insurance competitive programs, thus ensuring you of a lot greater savings.

Motorcycle service, LLC takes any and all information it collects confidentially. The information Motorcycle service, LLC collects actually vary on the specific product type, service one seeks.

Among the information collected includes address, name, age, contact details, social security, beneficiaries, income, assessts.

Motorcycle service, LLC makes it a point to not disclose personal info unless they are permitted by law to do so.

They do disclose info to particular companies which perform some form of service marketing especially to those institutions in which they have marketing joint agreements.

All in all, motorcycle services are available and accessible to anyone and everyone. However, prevention is always better than a pound of cure, and maintaining your motorcycle is always best than waiting for it to be worn, shabby and no longer useful.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Harley Davidson

Nothing, and I mean nothing, to me symbolizes the spirit of freedom and strength more than a Harley Davidson. Ever since Hell's Angels gained notoriety and biker gangs started their wild roaming through the interstates of the United States, the Harley Davidson has been synonymous with classic themes of focused passion and power, most especially rock and roll music.

As a rock fanatic and a biker myself, the Harleys have long had a very special place in my heart. If you're thinking of owning one just because you've got tons of money and want to show off how rich you are, I am going to wholeheartedly tell you now, DON'T. You'll give the real bikers and rockers out there a bad name. Not to mention you'll look funny, and everyone will be laughing at you behind your back. Or in your face, depending on how polite they are.

Okay, that said and done, let's talk about the bike. Harleys have pretty much set a trend and there are tons of posers out there that have come up with easy riders that try to at least imitate the bad-boy look of a Harley Davidson. The real bikers spend most of their time laughing their butts off at these imitations.

There is no way to counterfeit the look, the feel, and the sound of a real Harley. Making a line of Harley look-alikes is like trying to take a mule and asking it to pretend it's a thoroughbred stallion. No comparison, end of story.

I could go on about the specs of the machine, but that's not the point. A Harley isn't about numbers and figures like RPMs in the motor. It's something you have to ride to experience and understand. If your heart doesn't match up with the spirit of the bike, if you don't like rock and roll and are afraid of things like noise, power, roaming around, and change, then the experience of riding the bike will most likely terrify you. Like a wild horse sensing a newbie rider, the bike will most likely throw you at the first opportunity.

It's not for everyone, I can honestly say. That's what makes the Harley so special. It's all about attitude, and loving the concepts of freedom, chaos, and living life to the fullest. If you think you can handle that, then give a Harley a try, and see if you've got what it takes to run with the pack.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Where to Find Motorcycle Online Forums

What could be better than having a bike and riding it? Why, talking about it, of course! For millions of motorcycle fans worldwide, it's nearly impossible to run out of reasons and topics about their beloved rides. If you're looking to make biker friends and exchange some stories, here are a few sites to check out:

Harley Heaven (www.harley-heaven.com)

For Harley fans and those who want nothing but pure Harley news and information, Harley Heaven has a chatroom where you can meet and swap Harley talk with likeminded folks. There are also links to repair tips and tricks, lifestyle, free pictures and in true Harley fashion, a link to tattoos and piercings.

CT Biker's Guide (www.ctbikersguide.com)

If you want a site that opens directly to an online forum, then this website is for you. To get in, you must register to become a member. Membership gives you access to more features than guest users usually get.

There's private messaging, email access and a user group subscription to keep you updated. Topics include events, bands, bars, a mechanic's corner for repair tips, a swap shop for trading merchandise, photos of members' rides and even an off-topic chatroom for topics that have nothing to do with bikes.

Riding Across USA (www.ridingacrossusa.com)

RaU has an online forum for members that is categorized into different topics such as motorcycle discussions, parts sales, biker events, riding schedules, local meetings and more information about motorcycles and bikers. And you're not only limited to fellow bikers in the U.S. You could also search for biker groups and individuals in Canada and in other countries.

Bad Weather Bikers (www.badweatherbikers.com)

This site is dedicated to Buell motorcycle fans. Like most riding sites, it features some interesting links: its Knowledge Vault features articles for repairs, parts, gadgets, apparel and accessories; the Tale Section features biker stories submitted by members and there is also info about racing, news about sponsors, a classified ads page and of course, an online message board.

Real Divas Ride (www.realdivasride.com)

This site features an online forum exclusively for women riders. A good place to meet and greet fellow lady bikers to exchange news and information, find riding partners and groups and learn about current riding events. It also features a page on biker products and services and an online message forum.

Members can post queries, events and even submit photos and profiles of their own rides. Although made up mostly of women riders, male browsers are also welcome.

Minnesota Wings Motorcycle Club (www.mnwings.com)

With over 400 members, this group's site offers the usual biker info and separate pages for its seven chapters in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

What Are Your Choices When It Comes to Motorcycle Accessories?

Simply buying a motorcycle may not be enough to satisfy your safety and aesthetic standards. Accessories, however, can help in making your motorcycle both safer and better looking. Everything depends, of course, on your budget.

Helmets – Although these aren't strictly considered as motorcycle accessories, they do serve ornamental purposes as well when you purchase stylishly designed and branded helmets.

Indicators – Motorcycle indicators can ruin the form and shape of your motorcycle. If you’re concerned about maintaining the ferocious appearance of your ride, make sure that you purchase indicators which fit and complement the lines of your motorcycle.

Speed Accessories – There are accessories and devices which you can purchase to increase the speed capabilities of your motorcycle engine. When purchasing speed accessories, make sure that the accessories match the specifications of your motorcycle.

If possible, purchase devices that are branded as they come with longer and better warranties. Suspension is one of the lesser-known examples of accessories to increase a motorcycle’s speed.

Tires – Changing the tires of your motorcycle depending on the terrain your motorcycle will be treading upon will not only improve your vehicle’s performance and speed but also provide better safety and protection for your motorcycle and the driver. When you’re traveling in rough and rocky roads, for instance, a motorcycle that’s using normal tires might not be able to completely absorb the impact every time your motorcycle hits a rough patch.

Having all-weather tires, on the other hand, will ensure that you will have better control and grip of your motorcycle, reducing the chances of your motorcycle accidentally slipping on wet roads.

When shopping for tires, base your shopping decision on the brand, price, type, and size.

Audio Accessories – Those who have loftier goals for their motorcycles can certainly splurge on audio accessories in order to make their rides completely distinguishable from other models. Since motorcycles aren't essentially built to provide audio entertainment for the driver, expect to make numerous modifications if you wish to install an audio system in your motorcycle.

When shopping for audio accessories, consider the size first and where you wish to have them installed.

Windshields – Not all motorcycles have windshields but all motorcycle owners can certainly have one installed on their rides if they so wish.

Safety Accessories – Installing alarms, handlebar grips, and other safety devices can also be installed in your motorcycle to discourage potential thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Your motorcycle dealer can provide for additional information regarding other motorcycle accessories out in the market. Just make sure that you’re buying something you can afford!

Tips on Selling your Motorcycle

Sometimes, you have to let go of the things that you love the most. You probably want to sell your motorcycles for one reason or another, say, you need extra money, or you’re buying a new one or simply because there’s lack of space in your garage.

So, where do you start? How do you find good buyers and how do you communicate with them? Here are some useful tips:

-Bring the bike’s glory first

The first thing that you need to make sure of is that your motorcycle needs to be in top shape when you sell it. Getting the dirt off and changing a few peripherals can really shoot up the value of your motorcycle. Also, make sure that you ask a mechanic to check if there is anything to repair or replace. A bad motorcycle component can ruin a deal and ruin your reputation as a seller.

-Browse the names from your current network

If you already know someone who has interest in purchasing a second-hand motorcycle, then you should offer your motorcycle to them first. Choosing people from your own network can remove many of the hassles and obstacles that come along with the selling process. If you are inclined towards selling the motorcycle at a “friendlier” price to someone you know, make sure to weigh the amount that you would have spent in waiting for another buyer from outside. You shouldn’t be on the losing end of the bargain.

-Try selling it online

An online auction is a very effective way of doing transactions. You can opt to sell your motorcycle online with such websites as ebay.com. These auction sites connect to the whole world and everyone can practically participate in the bidding process. Make sure that you write the profile of our motorcycle in such a way that you highlight its strengths. Do include high resolution pictures that are taken from different angles. These will encourage people to inquire about it.

-Local newspaper

There’s no harm in posting an advertisement in your local newspaper. There might be people out there in your own town who are dying to buy your motorcycle.

-Try your local dealer

You may opt to ask for the help of your local dealer. You will have to pay him some amount but at least you will be freed from the problems of selling it. Selling motorcycle is their core expertise and it would be much faster to do it their way.
Try different options and get the best deal from selling your motorcycle.

Tips on Motorcycle Racing If You Can’t Afford to Enroll in a Racing School

Not all of us are blessed with sufficient time and money to be able to enroll in a racing school and take all the necessary courses to improve our motorcycle racing skills. If this is your problem as well, you can still have success in your chosen hobby or profession just as long as you’re willing to practice hard and make the most out of your free time.

Basic Motorcycle Racing Lessons

Braking – Emergency stops are common in the field of motorcycle racing. This lesson however is difficult to learn so expect to spend lots of time falling on your butt while you’re attempting to perform a successful emergency brake.

The key to emergency braking is being fully conscious of what you’re doing. There are many instances in motorcycle racing that you’ll be required to make an emergency stop, and when you do, your movements will be initially instinctive and automatic. Although your instincts may be correct, you’ve a better chance of saving yourself – and your position in the race – if your mind’s working as well.

Also, when you’re pressed with time, concentrate on making an emergency stop with the use of the front brake. Using both brakes requires too much concentration and coordination skills and would only further compromise your safety.

Counter-Steering – If you’ve read lessons about counter-steering, you might be finding this particular move difficult to understand. The only thing you should remember when counter-steering is the rule “like follows like”. If you’re going right then it’s your right hand that should be doing the work. It may seem complicated at first, but constant practice will soon make this move as natural as breathing.

Cornering – Again, there are many instances that you’ll be required to make this move so don’t bother skipping this lesson and postponing it to another day. If you want to succeed in motorcycle racing, you need to corner this lesson right away!

Firstly, practice making accurate calculations in a matter of seconds. One glance of your surroundings should be more than enough for you to learn the degree of which you’re required to turn to the corner and the necessary speed and gear you should employ when doing so.

Secondly, braking must be employed BEFORE you access the corner.

The last requirement is simple: you need complete confidence in yourself. Confidence is the only thing that will enable you to increase your speed as you move even if your instincts are screaming to do the opposite. Confidence will teach you to trust your instincts, know when it’s the right time to turn, and maintain your stability as you drive in a leaning position towards the end.

Tips on Motorcycle Maintenance

If it’s your first time to own a motorcycle, you should be aware that motorcycles are slightly more troublesome to take care of than cars. While cars can survive a long time of neglect, the same thing can’t be said for motorcycles. Worse, just one instance of neglect can immediately cause peril to your life.

Inspect Your Motorcycle Regularly

Make up a checklist of the important things you should inspect regarding your motorcycle’s safety and performance. Send it to the service center as well every time you cover 5,000 kilometers. Regular visits may cost you a small amount of money but this amount is certainly nothing considering that it’s equivalent to the price of your life!

How Oily is Oily?

Make it a habit to check your motorcycle’s oil level when you’ve stopped for gas. While checking the oil, make sure that no foreign material will accidentally fall into your motorcycle’s oil storage compartment. Avoid subjecting your motorcycle to constant exposure to extremely hot or cold weather as this can affect your oil’s quality.

Batteries are a Motorcycle’s Best Friend

Do you know that one of the most common causes for motorcycles to cease operating or malfunction is due to battery problems? As such, you need to take excellent care of your battery at all times. Firstly, never remove or replace them if the engine is still running. Don’t change batteries by yourself if you don’t have any experience.

Adding Fuel to the Fire

An absence of care and precaution can easily add fuel to the fire and lead you to experiencing an unfortunate accident. To avoid fuel troubles, start by learning the various locations and uses of your motorcycle’s fuses. When changing fuses, always subject it to testing to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Damaged fuses put you at the risk of having your motorcycle’s blow up while you’re on the driver seat.

Clean Up Your Act

Believe it or not the mere act of cleaning can significantly reduce future maintenance costs and the chances of having an accident while you’re riding your motorcycle. If you don’t like the idea of regular cleaning, just think of it as killing two birds with one stone: cleaning will let you enjoy a safer and cooler ride on your bike!

Your Motorcycle’s First Aid Kit
Always have a properly equipped toolbox strapped to your motorcycle. Even the world’s slowest and safest driver can still be an unfortunate victim of an accident so having a toolbox will just be your way of preparing for any eventuality!