Showing posts with label Riding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Riding. Show all posts

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Men's Motorcycle Boots - Riding Gear for Bikers

Aside from the helmet, men's motorcycle boots can significantly help in the protection and safety of every biker. Today, there are a lot of boots in different styles, color, features, and prices. Buy something that you think is best for you and your riding style.

Below are Helpful in Tips Before Buying Motorcycle Riding Boots:

Features VS Looks - A lot of people say that you must choose protection over how attractive the gear is. This is only applicable if you actually ride a motorcycle on a daily basis. We all know that this type of boots has caught the fashion world and a lot of men and women are wearing it for everyday use or even at work. So you can go for a hotter-looking boot even if it does not have any safety features if you will not be riding a bike.

Ankle Support - Most motorcycle riding boots of today have a comfy snug fit thanks to its lace-up and buckle designs. This is very important to prevent common injuries while riding. It is also very helpful that your shoe does not fall off easily.

Soles - Whether you are shifting gears or braking, your footwear must be able to have a good grip on the pedals which are generally made up of steel or aluminum. These pedals can be extra slippery when wet due to rain or even with a little drop of oil. It is important that the out-soles of your boots should resist heat, abrasion, oil and slips.

Durability - Manufacturers understand the needs of riders to have tough shoes and this is why most of the boots are made up of strong materials such as leather. For added protection on your feet, there are a lot of steel-toes that you can find online. It is also helpful to read reviews made by customers before buying a particular pair.

Water Resistance - For avid bikers who are always on long rides, buying a waterproof motorcycle boots is a good investment. It is more durable and can withstand heavy rain and wet conditions which are very common.

Price - Men's motorcycle boots can range from $50 to $500 US Dollars. Most of the well-known motorcycle gears such as Harley Davidson are more expensive because you have to pay for the brand name but you will definitely be getting a top quality product. In choosing, make sure that the shoe will fit your needs and is well within the budget.

Visit MEN'S MOTORCYCLE BOOTS to see the hottest products online.


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Sunday, July 17, 2011

Saving Gas By Riding Scooters? You Bet!

Having gone to the gas station one too many times lately, many Americans are now wondering what to do with the skyrocketing prices at the pump. Some turn to public transportation, or carpooling - all great ideas, but many prefer to have their own means of getting around. A cost-effective solution is simply to buy scooters: electric scooters and gas scooters.

As a wonderful alternative to the motorcycle (which many find too expensive, especially with insurance premiums), electric and gas scooters are all the rage. Scooters also have a few advantages over other means of transportation.

Saving gas is one of the benefits, as electric scooters and gas scooters don't use up a lot of fuel or electricity. The average "fuel" cost for an electric scooter is a few cents for a full charge, the average range anywhere from 15 to 30 miles. Gas-powered scooters are simply highly fuel-efficient to ride, like motorcycles.

Price of the vehicles are much less than even a used car, no matter the brand of scooter in question (maybe Segway being the sole exception). Scooters are also much more fun to ride than cars, typically, with the wind in your hair and riding in the fresh air.

There are a few concerns when choosing to ride scooters, such as safety. Some parents refuse to allow their teenaged children to ride scooters for this reason, but responsible driving and wearing helmets can go a long way to alleviating the problem.

Another concern is the fact that the weather can prevent the use of a scooter for obvious reasons, but some enterprising frugal commuters simply don rain gear and keep on going as usual.

In most cases in the U.S., scooters are classified in a category that does not require a driver's license or insurance, another benefit. There are limits, however, such as speed limitations. In California, for instance, scooters traveling faster than 25 mph will need to be licensed as motorcycles and the appropriate insurance provided.

Finally, speed may be a factor for some depending on need and distance from common destinations. Given all that, however, scooters are a viable option for most people when it comes to budget transportation needs. With the latest in scooter technology, even gas scooters come in "green" models, utilizing propane gas versus petroleum fuel.

Considering the benefits scooters provide, weigh the pro's and con's and by all means, shop around for the best scooters if you want to save money on gas, and want to buy the best quality scooters around.

For a list of some great scooters, such as the Trikke Pon-e and gas scooters for sale, read the reviews at RideOnToyscom.com. Be prepared to be amazed at how far scooter technology has come, however - these are not simply play things, they're great rides for all ages!


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Hey Bikers, Tired of Riding Cold?

Then consider heated motorcycle clothing. Riding in cold weather for a short period of time or over a short distance is not the problem. Wear enough layers, cover your skin and hang on until it's over. But long-distance riding in cold, windy, wet weather requires cold weather survival planning. Just toughing it out is not only uncomfortable, it's also dangerous. Your internal heat source - your body - is generating very little heat as you're sitting still on your bike. If you ride long enough without an external heat source, such as battery-powered heated clothing, it's only a matter of time. You will get cold. Also consider the Sixty, Sixty, Thirty Rule: traveling 60 mph at 60 degrees F, the wind chill factor is 30 degrees F. So even on a relatively warm day, you need to prepare against wind chill that can make you miserable and unsafe.

Dressing warmly is effective for only so long as the wind chill will eventually take its toll and your body will get progressively colder, starting with your extremities and eventually cooling your core. Heated motorcycle gloves and heated socks will go a long way toward protecting your extremities from the cold, but it's most important that you keep your core warm. Fortunately, quality heated motorcycle clothing is available to do just that. For example, there are many heated vests and jacket liners to choose from. Fitting close to the body and temperature controlled, a heated vest can be an essential part of your newly comfortable world.

So how much external heat do you need? Probably not as much as you think. First you have to plug the holes allowing cold in, then the external heat needs to be distributed evenly. Advances in technology have allowed for the production of lightweight, comfortable, flexible, easy to pack heated clothing without the downside of hot spots. Also available are a variety of temperature controllers, designed specifically for heated clothing. Temperature control is very important because if the clothing is too hot, it may feel as though the skin is burning, but the deep-heated feeling of warmth to the core may not be experienced. In addition, different bodies prefer different temperatures so your clothes can be "customized," warmth-wise. And, using your infinitely variable temperature controller, you can be just as comfortable riding all day in 20 degree weather as you would be at 60 degrees. Not bad at all.

So how much will this set you back? With recent advances, a number of manufacturers have come online with quality heated motorcycle clothing and gear. This has expanded your choices while keeping prices affordable. Prices range from about $60 for a pair of heated socks to about $300 for a heated jacket with built-in heat controller. Considering the many benefits, heated motorcycle clothing may be the bargain you've been searching for.

E.W Bradley is a freelance writer living high in the Rocky Mountains and staying warm! If you're interested in finding out how you too can be warm and comfortable in the worst weather conditions, check out the heated motorcycle clothing and gear at http://cozyclothesstore.com/


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Motorcycle Boots: Important For Fun And Fashionable Riding

Perhaps one of the most neglected components of safety gear for motorcycle riders are motorcycle boots. When you think safety for your motorcycle, helmets, reflective clothing and pads may be the first thing to pop into your mind. However, you should know that motorcycle boots do play an important role in your safety gear. They also can make an important fashion statement as well, if that is important to you. But safety and comfort should be the primary considerations when you make your motorcycle boot purchase.

Keep in mind that your feet need to rest comfortably on the foot peg in order to have a comfortable ride. You do not want your feet to be sore or uncomfortable after a long day of riding! Also keep in mind that the feet are a particularly vulnerable part of your body when riding, and can easily be hurt during a fall or a collision.

For this reason, you should not just wear ordinary shoes or boots when riding your motorcycle. Instead, look for shoes or boots that are specifically manufactured to provide some abrasion and heat resistance for motorcycle riders. When riding, your feet are the body part closest to the exhaust pipes of the motorcycles, and having boots that can withstand the continual heat emanating from these pipes and also protect them in the case of accidental contact with the pipes is very important. Many boots come with additional safety features that will help keep them from easily tearing in a fall or collision, providing some abrasion resistance.

Modern day motorcycle boots manufacturers try to combine style with safety and comfort and there are some great choices available today that should satisfy almost any rider. When looking at motorcycle boots, you will find that there are a wide range of styles and colors available. There are also a wide range of different cuts you can choose from. There are low cut and higher cut boots, for example. In general, the higher the cut, the more protected your feet and lower legs will be, but low cut boots may be considerably more comfortable for some riders. Some boots will have a special extended lower heel area that allows for extra maneuverability.

You will also find that boots are made from a wide range of materials, although leather is probably one of the favorites and is certainly a classic. If you shop online, you will quickly see that there is a huge selection available to choose from.

Not only can you find great boots online, but also motorcycle leather jackets and other important safety gear, such as a motorcycle helmet. Visit these links to learn more!


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Perfecting Motorcycle Riding

The racetrack isn't the place to learn to stop. Track days are expensive, time-consuming events that happen only a few times a year but you can ride around an empty or abandoned parking lot for free nearly any day of the year. Save yourself time and money by practicing your braking and steering inputs in a parking lot so you can spend your track time working on high-speed maneuvering. All you will need is an empty parking lot that is free from gravel and oil, a measuring tape, an hour of your time and some cones or chalk or some other way of marking the ground.

Measure out 10-feet and mark both ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. Measure another 10-foot line that touches the edge of the previous circle and mark the ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. You should have two 10-foot circles side by side. Begin riding around the first circle at 15 mph. You should be looking at the other end of the circle as you spin around the circle. Try increasing your speed slightly. Does the bike feel more or less stable at higher speeds? Change your body position so that the bike is leaned over but you are sitting upright with your weight resting on the outside foot peg. Does the bike feel more or less stable the farther the bike is pitched over and the more upright you sit?

Move on to trying a figure 8 by riding clockwise around one circle and counter-clockwise around the other circle. This will help you ride with your feet light on your toes to aid how well you transition from one side to the other. Now we move on to practicing braking. Draw a chalk line and mark a line off every six inches behind that line for 4 feet. Ride at 25 mph with our heads looking up at the horizon and our peripheral vision searching for the line.

As we approach the line we apply the front and rear brakes and stop in as little time as possible. Did you keep your head up, staring at the horizon the whole time? If not repeat the process until you feel comfortable looking off at the horizon even as the bike dips forward under heavy braking. Notice how and where your tire finally came to a stop. Repeat this drill until your can reduce the amount of space it takes you to go from 25 mph to a controlled stop. Try applying more or less front and rear brakes until you feel the tires start to go into a slide. This is the upper threshold of your braking and a parking lot, not racetrack, is the best place to learn to stop better.


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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Are You Prepared for the Hazards When Riding Your Motorcycle?

Even though it looks like a beautiful day for a motorcycle ride, one can never foresee the hazards that might crop up within one's path. Some hazards can be downright offensive or some, if you are not paying attention, could be downright embarrassing. Then there are some that we really do not want to encounter, especially those that can cause severe bodily harm.The best defense of course is to have lots of driver training; read books and watch clips that will enlighten you about different road hazards and how to handle your motorcycle in these circumstances.

If at all possible, avoid traveling on your motorcycle during high traffic times. Consider the other drivers around you and keep your distance by not tail-gating so that in case of an unforeseen road hazard you will have room and time to correct your navigating. Consider the fact also that when a sudden heavy downpour of rain covers a highway, following several days of hot sunny weather, the road surface can become very slippery. This slick surface is the result of exhaust fumes from heavy traffic on the highway.I suggest that this would be a good time to just take some time out or do some sightseeing on foot before venturing out again on your motorbike.

Some mountain highways are very treacherous with switchbacks or S bends. Extreme caution and close attention to posted speed signs must be observed. Be aware in a zone where large trucks are hauling sand or gravel because even though these trucks are required to cover their loads with a tarpaulin, you may find the trucks may still have some spill especially on corners. Now, if perhaps you are moving a little faster than you should be, you can expect a very nasty spill when you hit that loose grit and your two wheeler goes out from under you. What a great time to be dressed in proper motorcycle apparel like a leather jacket to protect you from the pavement skid, plus your motorcycle gloves to protect your hands and of course a properly certified helmet. Denim jeans are comfortable but for better protection it's good to go with leather pants.

The most unexpected circumstance can cause a lot of trouble when you're least expecting it! Recently, I was riding in the back country, it was a beautiful day, not too warm with just a little breeze blowing to remind me that I was riding in the beautiful land of nature. Thankfully, I was just coasting along at a comfortable country speed probably the posted speed limit for the area, when something strange was about to happen just up ahead. I could see a grove of trees, very heavily forested group of large leafy poplar trees with low hanging branches but a tunnel was carved out of these branches for vehicles passing through. Little did I know that on both sides of this country road were good grazing pastures with large herds of cattle! And little did I know that the farmer usually regulated the feeding of his herds and took them across the highway regularly.

Well, as I traveled down this country road toward this grove of poplar trees I could see that the road curved sharply to the right and as I proceeded into the turn I could also see that there was something on the road in front of me. At first, I didn't know what it was exactly but I did observe that it was spread all across the road. Then instantly I knew what it was. Apparently, these cattle were fed on such rich grass and as they were led across this road they all felt it was time for relief. So up went their tails and they all passed in unison! You got it! Cow dung (shit), fresh and greasy and believe me my wheels did not hold. I was not injured but definitely humiliated.

Try my web http://www.motorcycleaccessoryoutlet.com/

I spent my early life on a potato farm and after leaving home I managed national Department stores and after 16 years opened my own, I loved people in the retail business and people are still a big part of my life. I now do internet marketing, my web is about motorcycle accessories, good quality and well priced check it out. http://www.motorcycleaccessoryoutlet.com/


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What You Should Wear When Riding Your Motorcycle In The Rain

Riding in the rain is something that just about every rider will experience at least once in their lifetime. Sometimes you simply have no choice but to ride your motorcycle in the rain. If you find yourself in this situation, you'll want to make sure you have the proper rain gear.

Listed below are some of the more important items that you should wear when riding your motorcycle in the rain. Not following this suggestions will leave you soaking wet and probably chilled to the bone!

Now lets face it, times are getting tough, especially because of the increasing gas prices. While a tank of gas will still get you the same amount of miles, the amount of money that you have to spend in order to get that tank of gas just isn't the same as it used to be. In fact, you have to spend MUCH more in order to fill up your car, truck, or whatever it is you are driving. Those who own motorcycles are beginning to look at them in a whole new light.

Motorcycles aren't just the toy that sits out in the garage anymore waiting for the perfect day to ride. In many areas around the world motorcycles, even here in the United States, motorcycles are becoming more and more of a go to vehicle even when it isn't nice out. Why? Because they simply are much more efficient on gas. Because they are being driven more in order to save money on gas, rain or shine, many are experiencing rain riding more and more often.

Rain Jackets

One of the most important pieces of apparel that you will want to be wearing when riding your motorcycle in the rain is a rain jacket. The top half of your body is very exposed to the elements when riding. Not only does your body get blasted with rain while riding, but it also gets pounded by the wind. The combination of the two can make for a very soaking and bone chilling ride if you are not wearing the right gear. The jacket not only has to shed water, but it also has to insulate at the same time in order to keep you warm at all times.

Rain Pants

Rain pants are just as important as the jacket because they help keep your legs protected from the rain and the water that sprays up off of the road. Without rain pants, your legs also would become very wet and cold. Exposing yourself to wet and cold riding conditions for a long period of time could be very dangerous.


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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

How to Be Safe When Riding a Motorcycle

When looking at a motorcycle, you think what a saving that would be on your gas bill, getting upwards of 70 miles to the gallon, but how dangerous are these motorcycles? According to what I've been reading, they are very dangerous. It is 28 times per vehicle mile more likely you will die on a motorcycle than you will die in a car or truck.

It takes a lot of work and practice to be a safe motorcycle rider. We know from road safety that a lot of accidents causing deaths could have been altered. You must be completely conscious when starting out with your motorcycle that it has been serviced regularly, that your brakes are up to par, your bike tires have good tread, you have ample light for night driving, you are experienced enough as a driver to start out on the road conditions that are ahead of you, your bike has been serviced and is in good running order, you are wearing proper riding gear and your helmet is an approved riding helmet. Then, I would say, you are ready to go.

Well, it's a fact that you are old enough and big enough to ride a motorcycle having your approved motorcycle license and we would only believe, smart enough, to enjoy your alcohol and smoking as your off the road, end of driving day entertainment. About 27% of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes had a reading of.08% and higher, the standard for being legally drunk. Wow! it's surprising to find motorcycle teachers dispute some of these statements but I say, give your students a break, and tell them if they want to be a statistic then just go out and drink and drive, facts are what they are.

You will find all kinds of arguments about why you could die on the road driving a motorcycle more quickly than in a car, truck, because of course you have nothing between you on a motorcycle than what you hit and yourself in an accident. How many people do you know that are limping around on a prosthetic leg or an arm that had to be amputated and maybe an artificial hand to get them by. And it all just took a few seconds of neglect to have this happen or maybe just a little happy hour and go for a ride when their full awareness was not a 100%. and we end doing something that you would not want your child to do. Have many happy hours of riding but make them safe when riding your motorcycle.

I spent my early life on a potato farm and after leaving home I managed national Department stores and after 16 years opened my own, I loved people in the retail business and people are still a big part of my life. I now do internet marketing, my web is about motorcycle accessories, good quality and well priced check it out. http://www.motorcycleaccessoryoutlet.com/


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Monday, June 27, 2011

Dirt Bike Trail Riding Tips

Riding your dirt bike in the great outdoors can be a very fun experience. Dirt bike trails not only allow for exciting riding, but also beautiful scenery as well. However, there are some general rules and guidelines you should follow in order to have the best experience possible.

First, of all, be prepared. Make sure you know where you are going and all the rules and regulations governing the train you are on. Getting lost is no fun, and it can be dangerous as well. Not following the park rules, can ruin the experience for yourself and future riders as well. It is likely that only some trails in a park are meant for dirt bikers. Stay off trails meant for hikers or horses, and also make room for these fellow trail riders when they are on a multi-usage trail that you are using as well.

Next, always be sure to stay on the trail and to not stray onto private property. Keep in mind that in order to keep dirt bike trails accessible in the future, preventing conflicts from private property owners whose lands are next to the trail is very important. It is also important to be respectful of other's property and to not disregard posted signage when riding, and it can be potentially unsafe as well.

When on the trails, make sure that you only stayed on the designated portions for dirt bikes. Riding and potentially tearing up trail sections that are not meant for dirt bikes is a serious hazard both to the environment and to the ability of future riders to enjoy the trails meant for them. Repairing destroyed trails is expensive and time consuming, and it makes parks less likely to approve future areas for dirt bike riders as well.

One of the best actions taken by a dirt bike rider is to actually leave the area and the trail looking better than it was before arriving. This means picking up not only your trash, but any others left behind from careless riders before you. Also, consider volunteering if you can to help maintain and improve the trails. And if you are unable to volunteer your time, making a financial donation can help significantly as well.

By making a positive impact on the trails and the local environment, you will help make sure that these trails remain accessible to you and future riders as well.

For your equipment needs, consider looking online for cheap motorcycle jackets or helmets for motorcycle and dirt bike riding.


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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Textile Versus Leather Riding Gear

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched," explained professional boxer Mike Tyson. The same goes for motorcycling, as you are lucky until the day you get hit by the ground. When that day happens good motorcycle riding gear will protect you against the initial impact of hitting something and the subsequent abrasion as you slide to a halt. Armor is used to minimize the likelihood of broken bones and bruises that result from impacting an object at speed while the choice of exterior fabric and stitching will determine how much of your body is covered in road rash. The climate you ride in will play a large part in determining what material riding gear you will wear but you will have to choose between wearing leather or synthetic material.

Nothing looks or feels like zipping up a leather jacket over a wool sweater and going for a long ride on a cold day. But after the 100th mile nostalgia falls by the wayside and you need something to keep you warm and dry. While leather can be made of any animal, motorcycle jackets are generally constructed out of cow or kangaroo skin. Both types of leather look great and will last a lifetime assuming you clean and oil them with some frequency. When coupled with armor, leather offers great protection against impact and abrasion even at high-speed. In the event that your riding gear is damaged, leather is easily repairable. Unfortunately, leather is quite bulky, offers little in the way of waterproofing and is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

The modern alternative is riding gear made of synthetic material like Cordura. Synthetic riding gear is generally waterproof and features retroflective patches to make rider more visible to motorists. If you demand riding gear that is compressible and loaded with vents and pockets, then a synthetic jacket might be your best bet. As good as synthetic textiles have come; leather still offers more protection, which is why riders are forced to wear leather when rounding racetracks. While armor is identical to a leather jacket,.5mm of Cordura doesn't offer the same resistance to abrasion as 2.0mm of leather. Additionally, the use of modern material, colors and cuts imparts an odd aesthetic to modern riding, which looks weird if you are rounding turns on a vintage Norton. Any riding jacket is going to involve compromises so pick a material and wear it religiously because you are lucky until the day you're not. Whatever you choose, make sure to take good care of your gear to maximize safety.


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