12th December 2007

Why Are Chopper Bikes So Popular ?

A chopper is basically a name given to an expert hand built motorcycle or motorbike. It is more often than not a high performance motorcycle for haul racing plus a lot of costly accessories are involved in it. It is a tremendously customized motorcycle or motorbike. A big example is the archetypal motorcycle used in the film Easy Rider in 1969 which actually came from the well known company of Harley-Davidsons.The chopper is a motorbike aficionado version of a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce. It has an extremely huge engine that is actually very reliable as well. The technique is touted to be very characteristic as each design is modified to the definite owner’s dimensions and taste. The cost of a chopper from the garage of a renowned designer more often than not comes at more than 35,000 dollars.What does a chopper’s bike mean to the standard American Big Motorcycling fans? It is just a symbol of American Pride, inventiveness, tempo, consistency and only one of its kind styling. If you have a chopper, it means you are a man who do things his way productively and with style. To avoid explosive result, experienced chopper builder recommend waiting until you could afford buying all the accessories from one manufacturer. Waiting might not be simple when it comes to building your dream chopper bike. But when you lastly complete your custom chopper, you will be really glad you waited.A chopper bike is a made to order motorcycle with two huge wheels, a big gas tank, a trouble-free rider plan and lots of alterations, which entails a lot of chrome accessories. Not only is the chopper bike huge, it is also meaning looking, rough, sturdy, quick and overwhelming luxurious design. The most notable feature of a chopper bike is its unbelievable, loud bike engine sound. It gives out a thriving sound like a lion’s roar. Choppers bikes are generally with full rear suspension would have an adapted frame, usually missing the straight down tube, which comes from under the seat. Rear suspension generates a mountain bike more restful and prepared for rockier terrain, of course, it as well make the chopper bike expensive.

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11th December 2007

Lane Positioning is An Important Part of Motorcycle Safety !

When riding a motorcycle it’s important to choose a part of the lane to ride in. Most traffic lanes are 12 ft wide. So as motorcyclists we should divide the lane into three four-foot sections. Lets take a lane and look at what a right, middle, and left lane position offers.Left of the lane- In general the left third of the lane is the best position for a motorcyclist. The left third gives the rider the best view. You can see what’s happening in your lane and you can also see opposing traffic .The left side of the lane also keeps you away from oil and other potentially hazardous fluids and will make you most visible to other motorists. The left third also offers numerous escape routes because there is paved road on each side of you. Middle of the lane- The middle of the lane provides adequate visibility but not as well as the left. The middle of the lane does present a hazard because that’s where oil and fluids that leak out of cars accumulate For this reason you should stay out of the middle but if you ride in the middle stay on the left side of the middle.Right of lane- The right side of the lane provides protection from fluids on the road but it does not provide adequate visibility of on coming traffic and it puts you in a position where you might not be seen.These lane positions are not hard and fast rules. If you need to move to the right to get a better view of a potential hazard in the road then do it. Or if a large vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler is coming opposite you, avoid the wind gust that it brings by moving right.A word about fluids on roads. Most fluids will accumulate on a road in areas where traffic stops. Intersections and toll booths come to mind. When approaching these areas be cautious. When stopping make sure you place your foot down in an area that is fluid free. When you drive away take it easy. Your boots might have a layer of oil or other type of fluid on them and might slip when trying to find the pegs. Also your wheels might be coated with a thin layer of oil. Accelerate slowly and allow the tire to fling the oil off.  Maintain situational awareness and remember that your brain is the most important piece of safety gear you have.

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11th December 2007

How To Pick Your First Bike !

The market for motorcycles is huge, and there are more and more motorcycles that are specialized and they are selling better than ever. The industry is taking advantage of all the new technologies that are available. You often hear a lot about these “dream” bikes, because that is what they should be for someone who is a beginner to the sport of motorcycling. You don’t hear so much about motorcycles the beginner should be riding, until they have the skills to move on to a motorcycle with a little more muscle.In the 60s and 70s a motorcycle that was considered small was one that had 50cc to 125cc; the intermediate motorcycles were the 150cc and 200cc. Motorcycles that have 250 through 500cc were considered midsize, and motorcycles whose engine was 600cc or more, was considered a big bike. Motorcycles come in 1400 through 1800cc these days and those are the big bikes. It is no wonder as these are heavyweight bikes.It is true that the motorcycle world is mostly made up of experienced riders, but it has given new riders very little choice when it comes time to buy his or her first motorcycle. Motorcycle manufacturers are selling bikes with up to 800cc as beginner’s bikes.As an example a bike that was 800cc or more was considered a bike for an experienced rider, and now because larger and larger bikes are being manufactured, 800cc seems low compared to the monster motorcycles you will see at the dealership that has 1800cc. For dealers to recommend that a beginning rider purchases any 600cc or larger is like putting your kid in the car with the keys and saying, “Have at it.”Don’t despair; there is a bike out there for you to learn safely on until you are ready for the bigger guns. Standards and cruisers are a much better for the beginner than a sport bike. Riding a standard or a cruiser is a much more versatile ride. You can drive them on the interstate, country lanes or city streets. You can use this kind of bike to commute to work, or take a ride in the country over the weekend. The novice rider will find that a standard or a cruiser handles easier when you are traveling at lower speeds. This is usually when a tip over is most likely to happen.Experts in the world of motorcycling recommend that for your first bike a 125cc-250cc is the best choice. They are typically easier to maneuver, cheaper to repair should you have a mishap; they are lighter and easier to balance. In short, this type of bike will be less likely to cause the novice rider to get into any trouble.You can find websites for more information about purchasing a good beginners bike before you go out and buy that fantasy bike. Once you learn proper riding methods and safety techniques, you will be ready to trade your old bike for something with a little more power and a bit more speed.

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10th December 2007

The Best Radar Detectors for Your Motorcycle

Because of the legal/illegal status of radar detectors in the

US market many different models with different functions from different brands have emerged onto the market.

Some of these radar detectors are the following:

• Radar Screamer. This unit provides immediate warning in order to get the attention of the driver. This enhances the audio warning which is produced by many radar detectors to allow the motorcycle rider to better hear the warning while at constant speed. This is a water proof device and does not depend on any replaceable batteries.

• Escort 8500 X50. This is known to be the one of best radar detectors in the market. It offers advanced digital signal processing which can be reprogrammed and will also allow you to customize your detector. This unit can be upgraded. It has a very clever auto sensitivity mode, which automatically lessens false alarms.

• HARD (Helmet Assisted Radar Detection). This unit provides an urgent visual alert. The warning can be find inside the helmet, lighting up within your field of vision which allows the immediate awareness of the radar. This is designed as an accessory to all the leading radar detectors, especially designed for motorcycling.

• Bel RX65. This is a the fast response device, featuring ‘Threat Display’ which tracks multiple radar signals and their relative signal strength. This allows you to customize up to 7 options for your specific driving style. Beltronics state that this is their most advanced radar, laser and safety detector.

• Cobra XRS9700 Radar Detector. This model is equipped with many features including the 11-Band technology and the SmartMute. This offers three levels of false signal controls which lessen false alerts.

• PNI Sensor Traveler II Radar Detector. This is one of the most advanced and user friendly radar detector sold nowadays. This featured bilingual voice alerts - English and Spanish. The PNI Sensor is convenient to use because of it is a cordless device.

• Whistler Pro 1730. This features a voice alert and optional mute.

• Rocky Mountain Radar RMR-D230. This automatically adjusts the laser background noise which lessens false alarms. This increases the typical scanning process by a factor of three which enables the D230 to catch even Instant-On and POP radar.

• Escort Solo II. This features the following:

1. Convenient cordless design uses
2. Uses 2 AA batteries, this maximizes the battery life
3. AutoSensitivity mode virtually eliminates false alarms
4. Long-range protection on all radar bands
5. VG-2 Protection
6. 10 user programmable features
7. High resolution graphic LCD display
8. Built-in earphone jack

Most of these radar detectors belong on the top seller lists because of high performance. So, if you have decided to buy a radar detector, you can choose confidently from the above list. But please, before you purchase, check if the use of radar detectors is legal in your states.

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10th December 2007

The Perfect Pair of Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags

When people cruise they somewhat experience a magical feeling. To enjoy this feeling to its fullest one must be care free. This is where motorcycle saddlebags come in.

When buying Motorcycle saddlebags the following 2 factors are pivotal to consider.

1. Your budget. 2. The nature of motorcycle usability.

Once you have a clear idea about both of the above mentioned factors. You should go out to hunt for the perfect pair of motorcycle saddle for your motorcycle.

Step 2

1. Avoid motorcycle dealership to buy saddle bags as they charge top prices for the bags and often don’t even provide real leather.

2. Internet is a more suitable way to shop for the motorcycle accessories as you are under no buying pressure plus you have the most variety available.

3. Type in the kind of leather bags you are looking for in Google, yahoo, or e bay. Be specific for example if you are looking for saddlebags for Harley Davidson softail saddlebags type in the whole phrase not just saddlebags or leather saddlebags.

Step 3

Basically there are 2 kinds of bags 1. Throw over bags ( ranging from 100 to 200 in price)

2. Bolt on bags ranging from 150 to 500).

Throw over bags are easier to install and take of as compared to

Bolton
bags unless used with detachable brackets that cost between 100 to 170 dollars. Bolt on bags are usually made of leather unlike most throw over bags unless the manufacturer states. Bolt on saddlebags look better in certain cases on a bike.

Step 4

Once you have chose the kind of saddlebag 1. Match the leather tanage(color) with the seat and other leather accessories on the bike.

2. Match the hardware on the seat or tool bags on the bike to that on the saddlebag. For example if your tool bag has studs on it or your seat is studded it would be cool to have studded saddlebags.

3. Try to buy bag that are lockable, have quick release buckles and most importantly offers some kind of guarantee. Try buying from a company as rather than an internet seller as the companies respect there promises due to there capability and skills in the field.

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10th December 2007

Don’t Get Confused When Buying Your Helmet !

Buying a motorcycle helmet can be quite confusing these days. There are so many helmets to choose from, trying to figure out which one is the right one for you can take some time. Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of shapes sizes and colors. There are also quite a few manufacturers to choose from. Most people pick a helmet that fits their personality or the colors of their bike. That is a good way to it. You should like the helmet so you will wear it whenever you are out there shredding some curves. Here are a few of the most popular motorcycle helmet makers around: Icon, AGV, Suomy, ZR, Nolan, Thor and Scorpion are just a few of the popular manufacturers you can choose from. You have several types of motorcycle helmets to choose from. Lets talk about half helmets. These are helmets that do not cover your entire face they just cover the top of your heads the side of your head and sometimes come with a visor. A lot of these types also come with a face shield to keep debris and bugs out of your face. If the half helmet you pick does not you will need to get you some goggles. Half helmets are very popular with the cruiser crowd. Also skullcaps are popular with this crowd. A skull cap is exactly what it implies it is a helmet that only covers the cap of your skull. A skull cap usually has no visor. They are very popular with the American bike crowd mainly because the skullcaps are usually adorned with a nice paint job like skulls or an old airplane motif, bullet holes, flames, iron crosses and the like. Skullcaps are mostly for show and really do not offer much in the way of protection. You will find most of the really cool ones are not DOT and SNELL approved. So if you are looking for protection I would recommend at least a half face if not a full face helmet. For cruiser riders it is sometimes hard to ride around with a full face when your buddies are wearing next to nothing. So I would recommend at leas a half helmet if nothing else. If you absolutely want a skull cap then ck to see if you can find one that is at lest DOT approved if not DOT and Snell both. I ride a cruiser myself so I understand the notion of the wind in your hair and the freedom of the road. Its just a good idea to cover your head with some thing just in case.Full face motorcycle helmets are mostly worn by guys that ride crotch rockets or sport bikes is the more correct term. Sport bikes these days pump out a serious amount of horsepower, therefore it is vital to wear a helmet that can protect you in case of a crash, while still keeping you comfortable when you are out there tearing up the street or track. It is almost impossible not to find a full face helmet that fits your personality or your ride. These days you can even get custom graphics painted on your helmet. Most offer a venting system which will keep air flowing in, a quick switch face shield so you can switch from a clear to a tinted shield in no time. Full face helmets are usually available starting at about $100 on up in to the $600+ range depending on what you want, but for a couple of hundred you should be able to find one that suits you. Make sure that the fit is tight enough where the helmet can not be turned when its on your head. the fit should be snug. Motocross helmets are the other type that we should mention. Specifically designed for off road use these helmets are made to be full face helmets with a visor and no face shield. A set of goggles is needed for them if you want eye protection. Thor makes some really nice ones for you to choose from. When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet just remember a few things. Choose a helmet that you will like and will choose to wear. Make sure its DOT and Snell approved for your safety. Make sure that the helmet fits properly on your head and is comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.

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10th December 2007

Customizing Your Own Chopper

Choosing the parts that your custom chopper will be made of can be very confusing, considering the large numbers of custom chopper bike kits available on the market today. Chopper innovators like Biker’s Choice, Phantom Cycle, Paul Yaffe and many more sell chopper-in-a-box kits available for chopper enthusiasts. Thanks to these kits, custom choppers have become quite affordable and are no longer necessarily toys for millionaires or master mechanics.

Custom chopper kits provide the future chopper owner with all the instructions and just about every component necessary to create a perfect chopper of ones dreams. Jesse James, famous for his Discovery series “Monster Garage”, offers a Big Book catalogue loaded with individual parts and accessories needed to create a fully custom bike with truly unusual frame configurations and groundbreaking metal sheet parts as seen on his TV show. However, the most exquisite details, such as an unusual tortoiseshell finish of the gas tank, can be obtained in your custom chopper only if you have your chopper built from scratch by Jesse himself.

Before you start building your custom chopper you need to ask yourself what kind of chopper are you interested in building. Then you have to set up a budget for parts, labor and inevitable cost overruns. The price of the parts has scared many chopper enthusiasts from building a custom chopper of their own, but if you have exact specifications and the time and skills to invest into the project, then parts can be fairly inexpensive. If you choose the parts for your kit at the lower end spectrum, you will still end up with bike that will look like a Jesse James creation but will still have enough money left to throw a party when your new chopper leaves the garage.

When you select the parts for your custom chopper kit, try to use the most genuine parts available on the market within your price range. Sometimes even if you have a beautiful design in-mind, you can end up with poor-looking chopper, due to a lack of attention to detail by different suppliers

Complete custom chopper kits typically consists of an engine, chassis kit, exhaust pipes, tires, steel tanks and other metal parts, taillights, various controls, a seat, headlamp and many more. The extras supplied with a chopper kit would vary depending on the brand of chopper chosen. To finish your project, you will need paint and sometimes battery acid. Most chopper kits do not provide mirrors, speedometers or other accessories. These you can buy separately according to your taste.

To avoid unpredictable result, experienced chopper builder recommend waiting until you can afford buying all the accessories from one manufacturer. Waiting may not be easy when it comes to building your dream come true. But when you finally complete your custom chopper, you will be really glad you waited.

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6th December 2007

The Addictive ATV Racing Sport !

ATV Racing is fast growing sport with many longer term enthusiasts. In practically every state you will find Motocross venues. You will have your survival skills tested as you will find any kind of terrain you wish from dirt track to cross country events. Many seasoned individuals consider cross country to be one of the most mentally and physically draining sport that can be attempted even when compared to other demanding sports such as cross country skiing.

The terrain that can be encountered can include hills, rocks, mud, cliffs, dirt, as well as thick density forest. Different races can cover many miles and can continue for several miles. There are numerous differing monetary awards available for the winners of the race. Smaller race purses can get $1,000 although professional arenas can pay up to $500,000 or more. Winners of the first, second, and third place are usually given monetary rewards.

For those with a feint of heart ATV racing is not an option. It has the potential to cause significant personal injury as well as loss of life. The participants of ATV racing must adhere to a stringent set of rules whose primary purpose is to render the sport as safe and fun as possible for all those involved. All racers in this port are urged to either have or obtain health insurance.

Every rider is accountable for their actions in addition to the actions of their pit crew as well as team members. In the event of accident or injury participants have to agree upfront to go into the race at their own risk and will not hold anyone but themselves responsible. Enforcement of these rules are very strict and any person not in compliance will then be required to give up their right to enter the race. Before race day happens it is important that each participant know the set of rules of that particular place that they are racing at.

ATV Racing - PreparationWearing the right protective gear is one of the most crucial elements of ATV racing. One of the most significant pieces of riding equipment you can own is a SNELL or DOT certified helmet. The best protection of achieved by wearing a full facial helmet. A respectable dealer can counsel you on the variations in protection and padding.

Regardless of whether your helmet is full faced or not you should still wear goggles. Body armor that protects the front and back will help in the event of impact and additionally protects from flying objects. Wearing shirts that are long sleeved with elbow pads, pants with subsequent knee pads, and gloves all serve you to give the needed protection. Proper footwear such as boots should constantly cover the ankle as well as provide support.

Your ATV needs to have never-ending maintenance when doing ATV racing. It is critical that you either inspect the equipment yourself or have a qualified professional do it for you prior to every use. Success in this field of racing can hinge very much on locating a dealer that is reputable.

Numerous dealers sponsor various race teams and they realize the significance of maintaining your ATV in topnotch condition. They also have the knowledge to give you advise on the best quality wheels and tires as well as other ATV parts.

ATV racing is a sport that instructs control as well as being responsible. In contrast with team sports, each individual rider is responsible for their own actions. They need to discipline themselves so that they can learn to deal with the potential for disappointments and to solve the mistakes they have made.

 They need learn to develop the habit of practicing at all available opportunities. This includes practicing on numerous different kinds of terrain. Getting familiar with your ATV and the way it operates had better be a top priority if you wish to be a serious-minded race competitor. The crucial element of ATV racing is educating yourself about safety as well as having fun.

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