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Motorcycle History

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:22:59 +0000

Early milestones

Petroleum power

The inspiration for the earliest dirt bike, and arguably the first motorcycle, was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885. The first petroleum-powered vehicle, it was essentially a motorized bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen (“riding carriage”). They had not set out to create a vehicle form but to build a simple carriage for the engine, which was the focus of their endeavours.

Steam power

However, if one counts two wheels with steam propulsion as being a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern United States in 1867, built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

There exists an example of a Roper machine dating from 1869, but there is no patent existing and nothing proves it was a working model. It was powered by a charcoal-fired two-cylinder engine, whose connecting rods directly drive a crank on the rear wheel. The Roper machine pre-dates the invention of the safety bicycle by many years, so its chassis is based on the “boneshaker” bike.

In 1868, the French engineer Louis-Guillaume Perreaux patented a similar steam-powered vehicle, which was probably invented independent of Roper’s. In this case, although a patent exists that is dated 1868, nothing indicates the invention had been operable before 1871. Nevertheless, these steam-powered vehicles were invented prior to the first petroleum-powered motorcycle.

An 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmller

The English persisted with steam powered bikes into the Edwardian period.[citation needed] Pearson and Cox was one firm that made units until the First World War.[citation needed]

First commercial products

In the decade from the late 1880s, dozens of designs and machines emerged, particularly in France, Germany and England, and soon spread to America.

During this early period of motorcycle history, there were many manufacturers since bicycle makers were adapting their designs for the new internal combustion engine.

In 1894, the Hildebrand & Wolfmller became the first motorcycle available to the public for purchase. However, only a few hundred examples of this motorcycle were ever built. Soon, as the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle-oriented producers increased.

The first known motorcycle in the United States was said to be brought to New York by a French circus performer, in 1895. It weighed about 200 lb (91 kg) and was capable of 40 mph (64 km/h) on a level surface. However, that same year, an inventor from the United States E.J. Pennington demonstrated a motorcycle of his own design in Milwaukee. Pennington claimed his machine was capable of a speed of 58 mph (93 km/h), and is credited with inventing the term “motor cycle” to describe his machine.

The 20th century

Before World War II

A 1913 FN (Fabrique National), Belgium, 4cylinders and shaft drive

In 1901 English quadricycle and bicycle maker Royal Enfield introduced its first motorcycle, with a 239 cc engine mounted in the front and driving the rear wheel through a belt. In 1898, English bicycle maker Triumph decided to extend its focus to include motorcycles, and by 1902, the company had produced its first motorcycle bicycle fitted with a Belgian-built engine. In 1903, as Triumph’s motorcycle sales topped 500, the American company Harley-Davidson started producing motorcycles.

In 1904, the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, which had been founded by two former bicycle racers, designed the so-called “diamond framed” Indian Single, whose engine was built by the Aurora Firm in Illinois. The Single was made available in the deep red color that would become Indian’s trademark. By then, Indian’s production was up to over 500 bikes annually and would rise to 32,000, its best ever, in 1913.

During this period, experimentation and innovation were driven by the popular new sport of motorcycle racing, with its powerful incentive to produce tough, fast, reliable machines. These enhancements quickly found their way to the public machines.

A 1923 BMW R32, with a shaft-drive, boxer twin engine

Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley, California Police Department is credited with organizing the first official Police Motorcycle Patrol in the United States in 1911. By 1914, motorcycles were no longer just bicycles with engines; they had their own technologies, although many still maintained bicycle elements, like the seats and suspension.

A pre-war Polish Sok 1000

An historic V-twin American motorcycle a 1941 Crocker

Until the First World War, Indian was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. After that, this honor went to Harley-Davidson, until 1928 when DKW took over as the largest manufacturer. BMW motorcycles came on the scene in 1923 with a shaft drive and an opposed-twin or “boxer” engine enclosed with the transmission in a single aluminum housing.

By 1931, Indian and Harley-Davidson were the only two American manufacturers producing commercial motorcycles. This two-company rivalry in the United States remained until 1953, when the Indian Motorcycle factory in Springfield, Massachusetts closed and Royal Enfield took over the Indian name.

There were over 80 different makes of motorcycle available in Britain in the 1930s, from the familiar marques like Norton, Triumph and AJS to the completely obscure, with names like New Gerrard, NUT, SOS, Chell and Whitwood, about twice as many motorcycle makes competing in the world market during the early 21st century.

In 1937, Joe Petrali set a new land speed record of 136.183 mph (219.165 km/h) on a modified Harley-Davidson 61 cubic inch (1000 cc) overhead valve-driven motorcycle. The same day, Petrali also broke the speed record for 45 cubic inch (737 cc) engine motorcycles.

In Europe, production demands, driven by the buildup to World War II, included motorcycles for military use, and BSA supplied 126,000 BSA M20 motorcycles to the British armed forces, starting in 1937 and continuing until 1950. Royal Enfield also produced motorcycles for the military, including a 125 cc lightweight motorcycle that could be dropped (in a parachute-fitted tube cage) from an aircraft.

After World War II

An original Vespa with sidecar

After the Second World War, some American veterans found a replacement for the camaraderie, excitement, danger and speed of life at war in motorcycles. Grouped into loosely organized clubs, motorcycle riders in the U.S. created a new social institutionhe motorcyclists or “bikers”hich was later skewed by the “outlaw” persona Marlon Brando portrayed in the 1954 film The Wild One.

In Europe, on the other hand, post-war motorcycle producers were more concerned with designing practical, economical transportation than the social aspects, or “biker” image. Italian designer Piaggio introduced the Vespa in 1946, which experienced immediate and widespread popularity. Imports from the UK, Italy and Germany, thus found a niche in U.S. markets that American bikes did not fill.

The BSA Group purchased Triumph Motorcycles in 1951 to become the largest producer of motorcycles in the world claiming “one in four”. The German NSU was the largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s when Honda became the largest manufacturer title now claimed by Indian bike firm Hero Honda, which specialises in small motorcycles throughout India and similar markets.

A 1962 Triumph Bonneville represents the popularity of British motorcycles at that time

British manufacturers Triumph, BSA, and Norton retained a dominant position in some markets until the rise of the Japanese manufacturers (led by Honda) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The role of the motorcycle shifted in the 1960s, from the tool of a life to a toy of a lifestyle. It became part of an image, of status, a cultural icon for individualism, a prop in Hollywood B-movies.

The motorcycle also became a recreational machine for sport and leisure, a vehicle for carefree youth, not essential transportation for the mature family man or woman, and the Japanese were able to produce modern designs more quickly, more cheaply, and of better quality than their competitors. Their motorbikes were more stylish and more reliable, so the British manufacturers fell behind as mass-market producers.

The Honda Motor Co., which was officially founded in Japan on September 24, 1948, introduced their SOHC inline 4-cylinder 750 in 1969, which was inexpensive and immediately successful. It was not a high-performance bike, but it established the across-the-frame-4 engine configuration as a design with huge potential for power and performance. Despite being much more complex than any other mass-market motorcycle, it was the most reliable large motorcycle on the road.[citation needed]

Shortly after the introduction of the SOHC, Kawasaki demonstrated the potential of the four-cycle four-cylinder engine with the introduction of the KZ900. The only motorcycle that outperformed the KZ900 was another Kawasaki, the H1, a much smaller and lighter 3-cylinder, two-cycle engine.[citation needed] The H1 was prone to fouling, and was considered dangerous by many riders.[citation needed]

The Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the Yamaha Motor Corporation each started producing motorcycles in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the sun was setting on British dominion over the big-displacement motorbike market.

Japanese dominance

The Honda CB750 revolutionized motorcycle marketing and was emblematic of Japanese dominance

The excellence of Japanese motorcycles caused similar effects in all “Western” markets: many Italian bike firms either went bust or only just managed to survive. As a result BMW’s worldwide sales sagged in the 1960s, but came back strongly with the introduction of a completely redesigned “slash-5″ series for model year 1970.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of the East German Walter Kaaden’s engine work in the 1950s, later acquired by Suzuki via stolen plans supplied by MZ rider Ernst Degner, who defected to the West on 13th September 1961 after retiring from the 125cc Swedish Grand Prix at Kristianstad.

Harley-Davidson (HD) in the U.S. at the time suffered from the same problems as the European firms, but its unique product range, American tariff laws and nationalism-driven customer loyalty allowed it to survive. One alleged flaw, however, was retaining the characteristic HD 45 engine vee-angle, which causes excess vibration as well as the loping HD sound.

A factory full fairing was introduced by BMW motorcycles in the R100RS of 1977, the first factory fairing produced in quantity. In 1980, BMW stimulated the “adventure touring” category of motorcycling with its R80G/S. In 1988, BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer to introduce anti-lock-brakes (ABS) on its sporting K100RS-SE and K1 models.

The present

A 2004 Kawasaki ZX-7RR

Today the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the large motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity, particularly in the United States.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in the popularity around the world of many other motorcycle brands, including BMW, Triumph and Ducati, and the emergence of Victory as a second successful mass-builder of big-twin American cruisers.

In November 2006, the Dutch company E.V.A. Products BV Holland announced that the first commercially available diesel-powered motorcycle, its Track T-800CDI, achieved production status. The Track T-800CDI uses a 800 cc three-cylinder Daimler Chrysler diesel engine. However, other manufacturers, including Royal Enfield, had been producing diesel-powered bikes since at least 1965.

Motorcycle traffic in Bangkok

Currently, the largest motorcycle market is the small machines market for the developing world, hence the claim from Indian Hero Honda to be the world’s new biggest bike firm. India has also been the home to the Enfield Cycle Company’s Royal Enfield, since 1995. Enfield India still makes updated versions of the 1955 Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.

There is a large demand for small, cheap motorcycles in the “developing world”, and many of the firms meeting that demand now also compete in “developed” markets, such as China’s Hongdou which makes a version of Honda’s venerable CG 125.

Motorcycle taxis are the developing world’s limousines. Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles offer a fast, cheap and risky way around snarled traffic and scarce mass transit, as they can easily squeeze through jams.

What To Do If Your Motorcycle Is Recalled

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:36:01 +0000

Article by John Davis – Motorcycle Life

Your bike’s been recalled. Now what do you do? Maybe you learned of the recall effort from your favorite motorcycle magazine or web site. (Recalls are published monthly on MotorcycleLife.com). Or perhaps you received a notice from the manufacturer in the mail. Either way, getting your bike repaired under a recall campaign is usually a pain-free proposition.

Here are the three steps:

1. If you haven’t received a notice from the manufacturer in the mail, wait for it. Manufacturers are obligated to notify all registered owners of affected vehicles. They use state vehicle registration records to do this so it’s important to keep your registration information current. If, after a reasonable amount of time, you have not received a notice, contact the manufacturer.

The notice that you receive will include several important pieces of information:

a description of the defect or problem a description of the risk or hazard posed by the problem warning signs of the problem a description of the remedy when the remedy will be available how long the remedy will take to correct what to do if you are unable to have the problem corrected within a reasonable time and at no charge

2. With your recall notice in hand, call your dealer’s service department to schedule the repair. Be sure to tell them that the repair is for a recall. You may need to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm that your particular bike is part of the recall campaign. Note that any dealer for that manufacturer is required to make the repair at no charge. So even if you are on an extended road trip, the nearest dealer will take care of the problem.

3. Take your vehicle in and have the repair performed.

In most cases this is all that you need to do. Of course, once in a a while, you will run into a snag. Perhaps the dealer is refusing to provide the repair at no charge. If this happens, first contact the dealer service manager and explain the situation. If you do not get satisfaction, contact the manufacturer using the information provided in the recall notice. If you are still unable to get satisfaction, contact the NHTSA.

An important point, while manufacturer’s are obligated to provide the motorcycle recall repair at no charge, they are not obligated to reimburse you for repairs made prior to the recall or by service facilities other than their own dealers. Still, a manufacturer might reimburse you for a previous repair if you provide receipts so it doesn’t hurt to try. Also, manufacturer’s are not obligated to reimburse you for damages caused by the defect.

More to Learn about Kawasaki Motorcycle Parts And Suzuki Motorcycle Fairings

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:18:17 +0000

Article by Motorcycle Windshield

There is much to learn about motorcycle spark plugs. Actually, there is more than what meets youreyes.Let us distinguish the important difference in spark plugs threaded ends. They come in four diameters and lengths. They come in nominal 14, 10, 12 and 18 millimeters diameters. Previously, there was a slight difference in thread configuration especially in different countries. However, the international standardization of the thread forms made it uniform. These new dimensions are now being followed by motorcycle parts manufacturers. http://www.idealhere.com/wholesale-Motoring_c1

Usual ErrorsThere can be lots of error in selecting the best motorcycle parts especially in the case of spark plugs. The very usual error is using 3/4-inch plugs in 1/2 -inch holes. The result of the same is horrible. When the plug threads are exposed in combustion, they become filled with deposits. Consequently, it will be hard to remove the plug without removing the hole threads. Quite the reverse, if you use a short plug to a deep hole, the deposit will fill the hole and it will be hard to re-install the right size plug.

The worst error is the use of overly-long plug. The exposed threads absorb great amount of heat from the combustion process which improve the plug-nose temperatures. As a consequence, the side electrode functions as a glow plug. Early ignition or runaway pre-ignition causes higher combustion chamber temperatures that can destroy the engine.

Heat Range DemandsHot plugs come with a long insular nose. They lead heat high into the plug body before it returns to the cylinder head. Short-nosed plugs, on the other hand, have shorter heat path. Consulting the spark plug manufacturers regarding the plug’s heat range can be of great help. This may somehow clear the cobwebs at the back of your mind regarding heat range demands.Knowing which plugs are colder or hotter may be easy if you stick to the same brand however, it becomes perplexing when you change from one brand to another. http://www.idealhere.com/wholesale-Fairing_c111780

There is more to spark plugs than the three aforementioned aspects. There are still areas that we need to master like its installations, different plug configurations and maintenance work. Nonetheless, we have to be first acquainted with these three aspects.You must know more about spark plugs to pick the best type. Another, you have to complement your choice with your bike engine’s condition. These factors are hard to acquire and do, thus, we have to instill lots facts all at once. When you get it right, you will be greatly benefited.

Availing Motorcycle loans- A complete guide

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:43:19 +0000

Are you looking for a motorcycle? Don’t worry! Whether interest rates are high or low or it’s the end of a model year with lots of incentives, motorcycle buyers tend to make the same mistakes when shopping for a motorcycle loan. Here are four common mistakes motorcycle buyers make with motorcycle loans.

Many motorcycle buyers enter the showroom looking for a motorcycle before they determine how much money a motorcycle lender is willing to loan to them for the purchase of a motorcycle. There is no need to shop for a ,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle, if a lender is only willing to provide a loan amount of ,000.

Additionally, once motorcycle buyers enter the showroom slick salespeople often pressure them into motorcycle loans with much higher internet rates than they could have gotten had they shopped for a motorcycle loan at a bank, credit union or online.

Salespeople do not like motorcycle buyers to leave the dealership to get a motorcycle loan. In the salespersons mind this only increases the chance of losing a sale and commission. Therefore, salespeople frequently try for a quick sale which normally results in pushing motorcycle buyers to get motorcycle financing at the dealership.

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The bottom-line is that it is always best to shop for a motorcycle loan before entering the showroom.

Motorcycle buyers often jump into motorcycle loans that they do not completely understand or may not be the best alternative for them. On a credit card promotion if motorcycle buyers cannot afford to pay off the loan during the short promotion period, then they are typically better taking a slightly higher interest rate on an installment motorcycle loan for a longer term.

The most common mistake the first time motorcycle buyer makes in not having a clear sense of how much motorcycle they can afford. They may also have too little cash to pay for insurance, maintenance, registration or new accessories for their motorcycle.

Here are some good questions to ask:

• Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If fixed how long will it be fixed for?
• Are there circumstances that can make the interest rate on the motorcycle loan change in the future?
• What happens if a payment is 30 days late? Does the interest rate increase?
• What happens if a payment is 60 days late? Does the interest rate increase?
• How long is the term on the motorcycle loan?
• If the loan is an installment loan, does it use rule of 78 or simple interest? (Simple interest is always better because it does not penalize the motorcycle buyer if the loan is paid off early.)
• What is the down payment requirement to get the motorcycle loan?
• Is full coverage insurance required?
• How much is registration and are these fees included in the motorcycle loan?
• Are there any administrative fees to get the motorcycle loan and if so how much are the fees?

Motorcycle Security Tips – How To Keep Your Bike Safe From Theft

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:54:35 +0000

Article by Metropolis Motorcycles

With motorcycle theft a constant threat, it is important to follow basic steps to keep your pride and joy safe. Many riders wrongly assume that their bike is safe if it’s at home. This is a big misconception – in fact over 80% of bike thefts are from the owner’s home! For this reason it is important you don’t advertise your bike by leaving it outside the house when you get home. Instead you should always keep your bike out of sight, preferably in a locked garage.

Make sure your garage lock is reinforced, as a standard garage lock will do little to keep thieves out. You should also install a ground anchor to lock your bike to. For extra defence consider adding a security light and even CCTV (if you can’t afford real CCTV then get a fake camera – they look genuine and many thieve won’t want to take the risk). It is believed that the vast majority of stolen motorcycles are broken down and sold off as spares. To reduce the demand for these spares, and therefore reduce the number of bikes thefts, always buy your motorcycle spares from a reputable motorcycle dealer, such as Metropolis.

Although many motorcycle thieves are professionals, they will still move on to another bike if they think yours looks like too much hard work. Make sure you put them off with visible security devices.

There are a huge variety of motorcycle security devices on the market, ranging from a good old fashioned lock through to sophisticated tracking devices. Although these may seem a big cost at the time, they will often pay for themselves in savings on your insurance policy, and of course the reduced risk of bike theft.

If funds allow then fit a pager alarm which texts you when your bike is under attack. There is also evidence that a talking alarm (instead of a siren alarm) is more effective in discouraging thieves, as more passersby pay attention to a human voice. A GPS tracking system is also a great idea as this will deter thieves in the first instance, but will also mean you are much more likely to recover your bike if it is stolen.

It is also a good idea to make your bike parts with an ultraviolet pen. In the unfortunate event of your bike getting stolen, this will make it easier to recover and increase the chance of the thief being prosecuted.

When out and about, always try to lock your bike to an immovable object such as railings or a designated bike anchor. This will make it much more difficult for any potential thieves to steal your bike. Otherwise a thief can come along in a van, grab the bike and worry about getting the lock off later.

There has also been an increase in thieves breaking into houses to steal bike keys and paperwork so if you go out without your bike always take your bike keys with you or hide them in a safe place.

There Are Many Cool Motorcycle Fairing And Wholesale Motorcycle Lighting

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:59:13 +0000

Article by Motorcycle Windshield

There was a time when most motorcycle riders didn’t wear helmets. They also tended to get into unfortunate accidents. Protect yourself and look awesome doing it with the many types of cool motorcycle helmets.When you’re ready to invest serious cash in a bike, you should also be investing serious effort into finding a cool bike helmet. A metallic helmet is a great blend of flash and style that’s sure to turn heads. http://www.idealhere.com/wholesale-Motoring_c1

If you’re into racing, either motorcycles or cars, a racing helmet may be just the thing for you. These helmets have a great stylish flair, and also offer superior protection, like any excellent cool motorcycle helmet. If you’re a fan of loud graphic style, there are many great graphic print helmets for you to choose from. You can go with stripes, stains, or flames, whatever design suits your style and personality. There are many different designs for cool motorcycle helmets. Many riders like to go with an open face helmet. These have many different configurations, but all let you feel the wind in your face.

You can find a variety of cool motorcycle helmets, including those with a full face plate or visor. Many of these styles are detachable, so you can ride either with or without face protection, depending on the conditions. For maximum safety is is the best to go with a full face helmet. Both DOT and SNELL ratings are important aspects to consider when choosing a motorcycle helmet. There are safety ratings recognized by other countries as well, so depending on where you live a particular helmet may meet the requirements but not in another country.

One manufacturer of great looking helmets is HJC. They are well known for having great looking helmets in all different varieties. For example, for a full face helmet you have choices ranging from radical graphics to solid or even solid metallic colors. It shouldn’t be a problem to find one that looks great and compliments your bike as well. Something else to consider is venting. For example, many of the HJC helmets have venting built into the helmets. The CL-15 Crypt full face helmet has an adjustable “ram air” chin bar vent to help control airflow. This helps keep you cool in the Summer but minimize air flow in the Winter.

Any parent planning on riding with their kids should be sure to get a child sized helmet. Making sure that the sizing is right will ensure your child’s protection while you ride, and you can use your own helmet wearing as a good example. You are sure to find exactly the cool motorcycle helmet that you’re looking for. Not only will these helmets protect you, but they’ll also help you to show off your individual style and to look your best while you’re riding. http://www.idealhere.com/wholesale-Fairing_c111780

Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to ride safely! There are so many options out there for cool motorcycle helmets as well as other safety gear that whatever your personality or personal style choice is, you can find something that fits you. So do the right thing, ride safe and in style! If your ready to check out some cool motorcycle helmets, just visit http://www.idealhere.com for a wide range of helmets as well as other motorcycle apparel and safety equipment. Not only can you now adequately protect yourself – you can look good doing it! Stylish and Safe is our motto.

Motorcycle Accessories – Whats the Best For 2008

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:34:45 +0000

Article by Motorcycle Windshield

Nowadays you will find a variety of good motorcycle accessories. You can purchase most of these items over the Internet. While motorcycle dealers will offer you high-priced accessories, you can buy most of the accessories from online auction shop.

Some motorcycle accessories, which are important for your motorcycle, are windshield, engine guards, sissy bar, luggage rack, and saddlebags. You may have come across the problem of wind and draft from the large vehicles during your ride. A good windshield will deflect the airflow from the large vehicles around the sides of your bike. While making a pick for motorcycle windshield you should have the proper knowledge and know, which one will best suit you. It is recommended that the windshield height should not be more than your eye’s level. Some windshields also allow you to hold a cup of coffee between sidebars and a windshield-but do not let the coffee spill over!

A set of engine guards is also a useful motorcycle accessory. Not only does it add an extra safety feature to your bike but also gives extra chrome to your bike. In case of any accident that might occur and cause your bike to fall, engine guards will protect your legs from getting broken as well as protect your bike from getting damaged.

Another good accessory is sissy bar. It not only gives an improved look to your bike but also, like engine guards, adds additional safety feature to your bike. Sissy bars provide a support from the backside to the passengers sitting behind you. If you are not carrying passengers, a sissy bar will provide support to carry cargo. All you need to do is to place your cargo inside cargo net and strap it firmly to sissy bar. Sissy bar is especially helpful in carrying cargo if you do not have saddlebags.

Along with sissy bars, you should also consider adding luggage rack to your motorcycle. This is a recommended motorcycle accessory especially if you go on longer trips. You can place your bag in the luggage rack whenever going to work. All that is required from you is to place your items in bungee cords or cargo net and strap it to the luggage rack.

Other motorcycle accessories that you should consider buying are saddlebags and cargo storage systems. There are many items in accessories that will come handy during a ride. In addition, you can get different kinds of leather bags for your motorcycle from online websites. You should also check for new exhaust system for your bike.

As you see there are a number of different accessories that you can buy for your motorcycle. Before spending any money, you should make sure to search Internet for all available options. You should primarily opt for those motorcycle accessories that are best for your motorcycle in terms of safety and necessity. After that, you should move towards buying those items that are more of a fashion statement. Always remember that from wherever you buy make sure that it is a reputable dealer in motorcycle accessories.

Motorcycle Buying Guide

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:02:27 +0000

Article by Buy-Motorcycle.com Editors

What to pay for the new or used motorcycle you are looking at?

Determining an accurate value when looking to buy a motorcycle can be a tough challenge sometimes. Brand new motorcycles usually have a set value which is dictated by the manufacturer. Used motorcycles have many variables that come into play when calculating a true worth. There are a few major things that can drive what a motorcycle is valued at, and they are listed below:

Year, make, and model

New motorcycles will have a high price tag compared to an older version that is a few years old. Some Harleys, specialty bikes, and antiques are exceptions to this rule, with values that generally increase over time.

Style of motorcycle

Different types of motorcycles bring different prices. Cruisers, sport bikes, dirt bikes, and custom choppers are the general categories and should only be compared within each genre of bike.

Engine size

Bigger engine sizes generally carry a larger price tag and insurance cost, no matter what the type of motorcycle. You can compare buying a larger sport bike with a fast sports car. Expect the insurance man to want $ $ $ to insure it, because they assume you are going to be driving fast (surely not!)

Overall mileage

High mileage on motorcycles isn’t as much of an issue as with automobiles because of greater engine durability. As with buying a car, check to see how well the original owner maintained the bike, and request detailed service records.

Physical condition

Scratches and dings are fairly common on used motorcycles. The overall appearance and total amount of damage is what is important. It is usually very clear by just looking at a bike how well it has been taken care of.

Market conditions

The economy can affect the value of a motorcycle, especially with gas prices on the rise. The values of used motorcycles have gone up recently because of the high demand.

Time of year

Used motorcycles sometimes sell for more in spring or summer. Try to purchase in the winter time, and sell in the right before or during spring to take advantage of the upcoming riding season.

Demographics

Motorcycles will be valued higher in some parts of the country because of climate patterns and traffic considerations. Look in the local paper and go look at a few similar models to get an idea of an average asking price in your area.

Above all, do your homework and research and plan what you are going to buy. Proper due diligence is important for your safety and to get a good deal on your new motorcycle purchase. Happy riding!

How Can You Be Fairly Compensated After You’re Hurt in Motorcycles Accident?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:10:17 +0000

Article by Motorcycle Windshield

As a lawyer representing people hurt in a motorcycle accident, I was recently retained to represent three people who suffered serious injuries in three different motorcycle accidents. What do all three of my clients have in common? All three motorcyclists suffered a serious leg fracture requiring surgery; All three were injured because someone else was 100% at fault; In each of the accidents, the person who was at fault had minimum insurance liability limits of ,000; All three motorcyclists had minimum insurance liability limits of ,000 without underinsured insurance coverage; All three motorcyclists could only collect ,000; All three motorcyclists could have been compensated for their injury in an amount of several hundred thousand dollars. http://www.idealhere.com/power-balance_s7.html

I have several tools available in my law practice to uncover all available insurance coverage and assets to compensate my clients. For instance, I use a service which can find additional insurance policies and excess insurance policies ot blanket liability insurance. I also use an investigative database which can locate real estate and other assets anywhere in the country which are owned by the person responsible for causing the accident.

When the person who causes the accident has an insurance policy with 0,000 or 0,000 liability limits, there is a good chance that I can find a ,000,000 blanket liability policy, if one exists, even though the insurance companies are not always forthcoming about blanket liability policies. The problem is that people who have a minimum liability insurance policy almost always have little or no assets and no other insurance policies.

If you are seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, you will probably be out of work for several months and may not even be able to continue your present line of work. You may not be able to pay your rent or mortgage payments and other bills. Hospital and medical bills for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident often range from ,000-,000 and more. It can be financially devastating if you are single. If you are married and have a child, your entire family will suffer.

Motorcyclists know that they are constantly in danger of drivers who don’t pay attention to motorcycles. If you ride a motorcycle, you must protect yourself from financial ruin. Fortunately, you can adequately protect yourself from someone else’s negligence for very little money by purchasing an insurance policy with underinsured and uninsured coverage of 0,000.

An online quote with nationally known insurance company for a 35-year-old male with a 2001 Harley XL 1200S Sportster showed that the cost to increase insurance coverage from ,000 to a 0,000 liability policy with 0,000 uninsured/underinsured coverage is only .91 per month extra (depending upon your geographic location, personal history, and other conditions, your extra premium could be less or more). http://www.idealhere.com/wholesale-Windshield_c350

This means that for an extra 3 per year, my three clients could have obtained an additional 5,000. You may think this will never happen to you, but unfortunately I see it all the time. Please call your motorcycle insurance agent today and increase your motorcycle liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage to at least 0,000.

Free Online Quotes For Motorcycle Insurance Washington State

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:12:19 +0000

Article by Best Motorcycle Insurance

The present world is full of each pleasures and uncertainties with all folks residing throughout the world. Auto Insurance could be very a lot considered by the present day generation, since majority of the cars and bikes with different make, mannequin and types are assembly with accidents every day at numerous elements of the country. Every state or nation may have totally different type of insurance companies of main manufacturers, which is doing enterprise at varied components of the world with quality services and advantages to its esteemed consumers. Individuals are giving immense significance to motorcycle insurance washington state than the life insurance, since, any motorcycle or cars operating on road without insurance coverage are thought-about as breaking the laws of the nation. Free online motorcycle insurance washington state quotes can be found with many websites and the purchasers can avail the identical by on-line within couple of minutes, which is quiet thought-about as a time saving measure as well as the money. The client can avail all the most important info related to motorcycle insurance washington state through loads of on-line sites. Customers also can contact the 24 hours buyer support assist desk had been the skilled and qualified professionals are able to reply any queries of the customer regarding the policies and advantages provided by the insurance coverage companies. Since, there’s certainly some threat of getting contracted with any unlucky events like highway accidents and accidents, it is at all times higher to be insured for security and safety issues and also the situation is considered as unpredictable. The uninsured motorcycles of the purchasers will likely be forced to pay the penalty for obeying in opposition to the regulation of the state, which is the important purpose for everyone to get insure with their motorcycle and all other automobile belongings of the customers. Motorcycle insurance performs the key function in giving care and benefits to the customers.