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Pre-ride Motorcycle Safety Checks Are Important

It is funny how bikers will select just the right motorcycle helmet, motorcycle chaps or motorcycle jacket to protect their head, skin and feet before they ever think about getting on a motorbike. Nevertheless, they will just hope on their bike with out a thought of doing a pre-ride safety check.

Pre-ride motorbike safety checks are important. They insure that you make it to where you are going and back again safely and help prevent brake downs.

Over the years, I have heard horror stories about terrible motorcycle accidents because of a blown tire or a brake or suspension malfunction. Fortunately, this has never happened to anybody that I know.

On the other hand, my wife did have a break down one day because we didn’t give the bikes a good once over before we went for a long ride .

My wife Sherry rides what a lot of women motorcyclist are riding these days, a Harley Sportster 883 Low and I ride a Honda VTX1300R. Sherry didn’t like the feel of the center controls so we had forward control’s put on her motorcycle . She loved the way her Harley rode after we added the forward controls.

All was good, so one warm Sunday morning we decided to go for a motorbike ride in the country. It was a beautiful day and the ride was great . We had ridden the back roads for about 90 miles or so and then decided to head back home for lunch .

The shortest way home was to take the freeway .

As we turned down the ramp towards home it was a good thing I looked in my rear view mirror because my wife was stopped buy the side of the freeway onramp flashing her high beams like crazy .

I stopped, parked my VTX, and walked back to her to see what had happend .

As it turned out, the linkage that connects the foot shifter, to the transfer case had fallen off and Sherry had no way of riding her motorcycle .

This was a serious problem. We were ninety miles in the middle of nowhere, we didn’t want to leave a brand new Harley Davidson sitting on the side of the road and I could not leave my wife there alone sitting on her Harley while I went to try and find linkage. Although that would have been impossible because it was Sunday and none of the motorcycle shops are open on Sunday where we live.

Not all was lost though. I asked Sherry if she remembered the last time she had changed gears . She told me she had changed gears just before we turned onto the on ramp of the highway . Therefore, I went on a quest up the ramp to see if I could find the linkage and the two bolts that held the linkage in place.

“Awesome!” About half way up the ramp, I found the linkage. I was almost home. I still needed to find the two bolts that fastened the linkage on to the sportster so Sherry could shift and we could continue our ride home.

I went up one side of the highway onramp and down the other looking for the ever so elusive linkage bolts. Frustration was setting in, as I looked and I looked again for those bolts.

It didn’t help matters that two half drunk rednecks in an old 1953 faded red colored flat bed truck had stopped by Sherry and started to bother her. I think they thought better of it when Sherry told them to go do something with themselves that I am sure neither one of them had done with a women in years and they saw me walking up the ramp scowling. They drove off gesturing, I guess they though that we were number one or something.

Back to the problem at hand, I had the linkage but no bolts to put it on with . I had my motorcycle, however, it is a metric bike and Sherry’s sportster is good old American standard.

If you know anything about metric and standard bolts, they do not fit. The threads will not match up. Anyway , that didn’t stop me. I found out that the seat bolts on my VTX are just about the same size as the bolts that hold the shifter linkage for the forward controls on a Harley Davidson. The difference is the thread pattern is a bit larger. They did fit just enough though; I just didn’t crank them in.

After my discovery, it did not take long and we were back on the road heading home.

I guess the reason for this story is not to take doing a pre ride check for granted.

You would have thought that having work done on your new motorcycle by a certified Harley dealer would insure that the work would be done correctly . Well as it turned out, the mechanic that switched the controls on Sherry’s motorcycle didn’t put lock tight on the linkage bolts and after a few months of riding the bolts vibrated out.

Could the problem have been eliminated if the mechanic had changed the linkage correctly? Of course , it could have. However, it could have also been eliminated if we had taken the time and done a pre ride check.

We were fortunate that it was just a linkage that failed and not something that could have caused injury or death.

For your safety and others that might ride with you, take the extra time and do a pre ride safety check. It will save your life some day.

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Posted on July 13, 2010 by , Reply

BMW K1600 announced – video

German manufacturer BMW has today released the first information on its future touring models equipped with new high-tech six-cylinder in-line, K 1600 GT and K  1600 GTL.

Both models will be true showcases new technology and are powered by 6 cylinder engine 1.600cmc line, only this kind of market that will develop 160 hp at 7500 rpm and 175 Nm of torque huge at 5,000 rpm, 70 % of which is available from 1,500 rpm. The new engine benefits from the huge experience in the construction of the German manufacturer of engines with six cylinders in line engines that have made a great reputation due to great refinement and dynamic behavior.

 

K 1600 GT will be a touring model, as a concept similar to the current K 1300 GT, very comfortable and well equipped technologically and settings but with a slightly more sporty position than GTL model that still offers a high comfort level for long trips . 1600GT will have many features as standard such as xenon (HID), sleeves and heated board computer and cruise control.
K 1600 TWG will be touring the new high end BMW’s touring version of Super GT, with a more relaxing driving position designed to compete with the model of GL 1800 Goldwing Japanese manufacturer Honda. Scaritele are lowered and positioned forward, the handlebars is more elongated toward the pilot and passengers will also enjoy a very comfortable position, the standard Topcem taking place backrest. Standard will also include xenon headlights (HID), sleeves and heating, cruise control, trip computer, audio system and more.
In both models will come standard: three selectable injection maps (Rain, Road, Dynamic), BMW Integral ABS, ride-by-wire chassis and suspension Duolever Paralever, Multi-controller board and TFT.
The list will find optional: traction control system, ESA II electronically adjustable suspension and adaptive headlights (see video below), for the first time on a motorcycle. They have an electronic system that will adjust the beam of light depending on the angle of inclination and better illumination in turns.
Release date is still unknown but it is expected that new models make their first appearance at the EICMA Show in Milan, in the autumn.

 

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Posted on July 9, 2010 by , Reply

Canard Tops at Red Bud; Three AMSOIL Riders in Top 5

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Canard Tops at Red Bud; Three AMSOIL Riders in Top 5

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On the strength of his win in the second 250cc moto of the day, GEICO Powersports/AMSOIL rider Trey Canard won his class Saturday at the AMA Pro Motocross Championship RedBud National.
Canard finished fourth in the first moto and had the same average finish as Dean Wilson, who finished third and second. However, it was Canard’s win that made the ultimate difference. The key moment was his pass of Wilson late in the second moto, which sealed both the moto and overall victory.
“I knew Wilson was riding really hard,” Canard said. “I wasn’t sure he could keep that pace because he was really pushing it. I just tried to stay calm and make sure I made it through the moto.
The victory is the first of the outdoor season for Canard, who pulled to within seven points of third place in the season standings.

(Racer X Interview with Canard)

All of the AMSOIL sponsored riders improved from Moto 1 to Moto 2.
Justin Barcia finished fifth and third in his 250 motos to wind up fourth overall. He nearly captured second place in that second race during the moto’s waning minutes.
Blake Wharton suffered a busted lip after a rock from the track came up under his helmet and hit him in the mouth early in the second moto. He rallied to finish fourth in, two places higher than his first moto, and he ended fifth overall on the day.
Rookie Eli Tomac finished 10th overall on the day after finished of 12th and ninth, respectively.
On the 450cc side, Brett Metcalfe finished fifth and fourth for an overall finish of fifth on the day. He did slip to third in the season standings, but he’s only three points out of second.

The AMA Pro Motocross Championship takes a week off before resuming is schedule on July 17 at the Spring Creek National in Millville, Minn.

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Posted on July 6, 2010 by , Reply

Wisdom On How To Drive A Motorbike

The point of riding a Honda 750cc is to allow you the freedom of the open air while traveling. It can also be a very inexpensive way to travel or to commute. Learning how to maneuver a motorcycle is very critical. You don’t want to be an inexperienced operator out there amid so many other vehicles on the road. The process is quick for some, and some others struggle to be trained how to maneuver one. What it all comes down to is knowledge the skillset and believing in your capability to make it happen.

Bear in mind that the motorcycle you are trained on will affect how skillfully you are capable to learn to maneuver it. Ensure that it is intended to fit you. This is some what difficult for the reason that a lot of folks are trained how to ride a motorcycle on one that belongs to someone else. Nonetheless, you need to be sure that the Honda 750cc isn’t too heavy for you. This is imperative that you will be able to reach the ground flat footed. Reaching the gas, brakes, and handle bars are critical as well. It’s a good choice to find a economical used Harley Davidson that matches your size perfectly. After you have successfully learned to ride it well, think about getting a bigger bike.

Be certain your taught by somebody you have faith in and who is patient. Nothing can add to your anxiety as somebody belittling you, especially if they are apprehensive about you hurting their harley. If you don’t have somebody you can feel at ease learn from then you’re wasting your time. It could be a useful investment to enroll in a motorcycle safety course and learn from somebody who is skilled to teach this skill.

After you have learned the basics of bike riding, carry on practicing. Just like driving a vehicle, you will get better when you practice. Avoid riding on busy streets, highways, or interstates until you’re very secure with your motorcycle riding skills. Put into practice changing lanes, turns, curves, and unexpected stops because they are all things you will experience once you are operating a Honda 750cc on the open road.

Put into practice riding your Honda 750cc in a array of weather. This can give you some very significant motorcycle skills that you won’t get anywhere else. You’ll be surprised at how different your motorcycle operates on a sunny day versus a very windy day. Being ready for a mixture of riding conditions is gonna make you a much better women rider. In time you’ll feel at ease enough for long rides, possibly even to some of the fantastic motorcycle rallies that happen every year.

Should you start small and practice hard, learning to operate a motorcycle will probably be a very satisfying experience for you personally. Too many newbies want a new motorcycle or the same engine capacity as their buddies. They either find the bike to be too hard to handle or critically get hurt riding it. This could cause you to loose interest in the thought of learning to ride a motorcycle, and you will sell it and it becomes a used motorcycle rather quickly.

Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a terrific experience if you find the right motorcycle riding course and you aren’t in a hurry to be driving it fast on major road ways. Like anything else, your skillset will only improve as you rehearse and learn from your own mistakes. Operating a Harley is a challenge for women riders that you will proudly be a success at if you work hard and follow the safety safeguards of the road.

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Posted on July 5, 2010 by , 1 comment

Women’s Harley Apparel And Bike Accessories To Make Your Outing Safe

There are actually so many wonderful motorcycle accessories and women’s motorcycle apparel to select from, you will absolutely look first-class and make your Honda look unique, even if your Harley is one of hundreds that are designed precisely the equal when you acquire it. A few Harley Davidson accessories are optional and some you will need to buy with no exception. While your motorcycle gear can be as original as you are.

Safety accessories are something you must invest your money in the morning you acquire your bike. The exact holds correct for biker apparel. If you can’t come up with the money for the safety equipment, then you don’t need the Honda! You will need to acquire a superior quality helmet that fits you accurately. You are able to get one customized to match your bike if you like. These are offered in a array of colors and styles so that you won’t have any problem finding one that fits your style. A good Women’s leather Jacket, leather chaps and full fingered gloves are just as significant.

There are additional motorcycle accessories that you’re able to get if you like for safety, although they aren’t mandatory. Full motorbike riding suits that are flame resistant and extremely protective are a much better option. You may find sunglasses, goggles, gloves, knee pads, women’s chaps, plus much more. A lot of these safety accessories will make riding your motorcycle more comfy. It’s a useful plan to buy some rain gear too.

Do you plan to travel a great deal on your Harley Davidson? How do you plan to transport your necessities? You can find many Harley accessories to pick from to take care of this for you. For short motorcycle rides, think about purchasing a motorcycle back pack. You will find a array of leather pouches and travel equipment that fasten to your Honda. Lots of them are detachable in order to easily add them while you tour.

Riding your motorcycle is supposed to be enjoyable, so make sure you are comfortable. My partner finally got the Harley Davidson he had always sought, only to learn that the seat was to hard when riding it for more than an hour. We invested a few hundred us dollars in a customized seat so that he could get more enjoyment out of the bike. If you ever have a girl friend on your Honda, contemplate installing a back rest. An extra set of highway pegs on the front of your Harley Davidson can help you stay comfy also on a long ride. They may be ideal for stretching out.

There’s also a variety of motorbike accessories to help you convert the look of your motorcycle. Decals are very widespread, and they really are quite simple to put on. Choose from stripes, flames, and several other cool styles. Perhaps you’ll resolve to have a customized design painted onto your motorcycle rather than using decals. There’s also a variety of chrome parts one could replace standard ones on your bike with.

Selecting the right accessories for your Harley is going to take some time. Consider the alternatives presented together with the quality of the manufacture that you’re looking at. In most cases, you will be better off saving your money to purchase quality accessories as compared with forking over less for junk. It can be fun fixing up your Honda to your own special look. Just don’t forget to invest in those important safety accessories and apparel first.

You can acquire motorcycle apparel for women and motorcycle accessories everyplace that offers motorcycles. You can also call for catalogs from Harley Davidson companies. The internet also offers you the chance to check out thousands of styles of women’s motorcycle gear and motorcycle accessories.

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Posted on July 5, 2010 by , 2 comments
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