Are Mopeds Safe?

The above question is exactly the same I asked when I was about to enter an airplane for the first time in my life. I inquired, "Is this plane safe?" My friend, an experienced traveler, eased my anxiety. He told me that the majority of planes arrive safely to their destination. He concluded, "Accidents do happen, but they are the exception and not the rule". This would also be my answer to this question related to moped safety, except that, sometimes, by our carelessness, we make accidents the rule not the exception.

If you are thinking about buying a moped scooter and you haven't ridden one, it is normal to have certain level of anxiety. It is not unusual to have several areas of concern: Are there going to be unpleasant surprises along the way that would add more expenses, instead of saving me money? Do I risk more by driving a moped scooter than I risk driving other motorized vehicles? Is my moped going to fall apart quickly? If we are to be honest, any of those things can happen to you while you drive your electric or gas-powered moped. But, does it mean it has to happen? Does possibility necessarily means probability? I think not.

Back in 2001, when moped scooters were relatively new products in the United States, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published a press release reporting an alarming statistic about scooter-related injuries, 2,250 in the first seven months of the year, to be exact. Yet, the same year, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 2,806 fatalities caused by full powered motorcycle crashes. This statistic does not even consider the total amount of accidents on that year, only the ones that had a fatal outcome. The point is not that driving mopeds poses fewer risks than a full power motorcycle, but that driving any kind of motorized vehicle has its risks. A moped is not necessarily a more dangerous artifact than cars, SUVs or motorcycles.

As the word suggests, accidents do happen, are not caused on purpose (at least most of the time), and occur when we least expect them. Some of them are unavoidable and some of them aren't. Fate sometimes plays a role in accidents. A lot of people have to suffer injuries, and even death, caused by other people's negligence or carelessness. When this happen, there is little you can do to avoid accidents. But the other side of the coin is that there are accidents that we can avoid. These are the ones we should be focused on preventing. Herby, I offer some general guidelines that will help us prevent accidents while driving a moped scooter.

1. When buying a moped scooter one of your main concerns should be quality. I'm aware that in these days of economic scarcity, we must be careful not to overspend. But also, we must be careful not to sacrifice quality for a bargain. It is not wise to consider only the cost factor. There are really cheap mopeds on the market, but most of the time, the savings could be directly traced to the low quality of the material with which the scooter is built. You'll be hard pressed to find a cheap high quality moped scooter. If you want your moped scooter to last, focus on quality. Recognized and established brands are a bit more expensive, not because they necessarily want a bigger profit margin, but because they spend a lot of money on strict measures of quality control, warranties and after sale service, which translate in durability and safety. The savings come later in the long-lasting use of quality moped.

2. When driving a moped scooter, consider health factors. You want not to be guilty of driving a scooter with any severe physical or mental impairment. Driving a motorcycle requires the ability to maneuver with precision, react quickly, have a good range of vision and use common sense. Therefore, in order to protect yourself and others, especially if your impairment is produced by a recent surgery or injury, I strongly recommend having your doctor test you and clear you to drive a moped. In other circumstances, a driving test performed by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suffice.

3. When driving a moped scooter, consider other limiting factors. There is no need to explain how alcohol, and other drugs in general, play an important role in traffic accidents. Age might be another limiting factor. Advanced age might mean that the reflexes needed to drive a speedy moped scooter safely are not adequate, even if local speed limits are respected. And driving too slow is not a good idea, since you could easily get run over. Additionally, emotions might impair your judgment when riding a moped. It is best not to go for a ride on you scooter if you are worried, anxious, angry o depressed. Intelligent drivers know their limits.

4. When it comes to riding a moped scooter, being safe is always better than being sorry. Do yourself a favor; find out what the legal requirements to drive a moped are in your local DMV. Part of those requirements, I suspect, will be to test your knowledge and abilities in order to qualify you for a moped driver's license. They will probably test you for road rules, road signs, driving, vision and hearing. If you want to be safe and legal, you'll be compelled to go to you local DMV and get one of their free instructional booklet that not only will prepare you for the test, but also, to be a safe moped driver. After all that's the ultimate goal of licensing. Some local agencies offer moped driving safety course. No one could tell how many lives these courses and tests have saved. Being legal and safe is the name of the game.

5. When jumping into a moped for a ride, always use courtesy and common sense. This is the essence of safe driving. Be on the alert of other vehicles and pedestrians. Dress appropriately for the ride (DOT-approved helmets have saved many lives). Ride alone, unless your moped has a seat for a second passenger. Obey the rules of the road. Do not make unnecessary moves on the city streets. Be ready for the unexpected. Avoid driving on uneven roads or through water puddles. Use hand signal before making a turn. Be especially cautious if you ride at night, when approaching intersections and at driveway entrances and exits. Safety deserves our best effort.

Are mopeds safe? They are as safe as the ones driving them. Somebody once said, "it's not the vehicle the cause of accidents and injuries; it is the operator that is driving them, and others that don't see them on the road and turn into them". If you ever want to avoid accidents altogether, then don't drive your moped. No moped was ever unsafe in the garage. But if you bought yours to use it, let it be known that you are taking some risks. And this guide, though not exhaustive, was written to help keep those risks to a minimum.

Jose Castillo is a motor sports enthusiast. He has researched extensively on scooters, and enjoys writing to educate people on the subject. Out of his passion he has developed one of his internet businesses: http://motorizedscootersite.com/. You may contact him at: motorizedscootersite@gmail.com

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Looking for Quality Motorcycle Apparel

The most important issue to consider when you are looking for apparel is the level of comfort that you are getting. There is no point in buying items which are merely going to make you tired before the end of the race. Instead you should concentrate on using the equipment which can last you a long time and hopefully help you to win.

1. Take the time to educate yourself about the product: There is no reason that justifies rushing to the shop and finding the nearest item without checking its practicability. You need to do some research and concentrate on those items which have proved to be effective. Try to expand your knowledge so that you are not held back by the jargon which is used within the industry. You can visit as many websites as possible including the Amazon page and eBay. You might find a special bargain there.

2. Check the level of customer care: Do not work with companies that have a bad reputation in terms of their customer care. For example you need to find sellers willing to provide you with guarantees on their products. This is because any damage can be expensive and frustrating especially if you are not at fault. You need to watch out for the testimonials which are printed on the company's page. Some of them are paid for but you might be lucky enough to find a genuine review.

3. Video testimony is a requirement: Many of the written reviews are in fact falsified. There is a new technique called "brand management" which involves paying reviewers to write positive assessments regardless of whether they have ever used the product before or not. You need to be wary of such reviews. Instead you should look for video confirmation of the top reviews that are publicized.

4. Read the user manual and other illustrations: Each piece of protective gear will have some unique elements that affect its use. Do not buy sports equipment before considering how the product can help you. They say that the correct use of the product will increase its durability. Always refer to the user manual if you are stuck.

5. The materials used in manufacturing are important: Try to ascertain the provenance of the product which you intend to buy. Organic materials may be desirable but durability is also important. The equipment must be capable of keeping you safe. You can visit various blogs and forums in order to get more information about the items that are on sale.

Please check these links in order to find further details about a Motorcycle Blog and a Motorcycle Race Blog with related news.

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The Best Motorcycle Roads in the Country

Every motorcyclist has their own list of the best roads they've ever ridden, as well as some ideas of some great roads they hope to ride some day. I mean, you didn't buy that Suzuki Boulevard C50T to let it sit in the garage, did you? That bike wants to go places! Wouldn't it be nice to have a definitive list of the best roads in the country so you might even make some plans to hit them?

Well, thanks to the folks at the American Motorcyclist Association, that list has been compiled. They asked their members to vote on which roads they consider the best and a list of the top 15 motorcycle roads in the U.S. is what resulted.

Many of the roads on the list are what you would expect. The Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina is on there, in the No. 3 spot, and the Pacific Coast Highway is there as No. 5. Voted the best road of them all is the Beartooth Highway up in Wyoming and Montana. I've been on the PCH and the Beartooth and I can confirm they belong there. But there are some roads you've probably never heard of, and that's one of the beauties of this list. It gives you new destinations to dream about.

Here's the complete list, with my comments.

15. Washington Route 129 and Oregon Route 3, between Clarkston, WA, and Enterprise, OR -- What? Where? This is one of those "thanks for the tip" routes. It's in the very eastern part of those states and I know that area is mountainous. I'll have to check it out sometime.

14. Ohio Route 170, Calcutta to Poland -- OK, Poland is a little south of Youngstown and 170 arcs south down toward the West Virginia state line. I guess being that close to West Virginia ensures some hills as well.

13. California Route 58, McKittrick to Santa Margarita -- Hmm. Interesting. 58 runs west out of Bakerfield and comes to McKittrick. They say this is hilly so it must be going across the coastal range.

12. U.S. Route 33, Harrisonburg, VA, to Seneca Rocks, WV -- Yes! Looking at the map I can see this one is a good one. Crossing through the Appalachians.

11. Natchez Trace, from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, TN -- OK, here's one I've been on and I guess I need to go again. I've heard a lot about the Natchez Trace but I found it boring. It seemed to wind endlessly through the trees with little of interest to see. I found it more interesting getting off and visiting the town is bypasses.

10. Angeles Crest Highway, California Route 2 -- Coming up out of Los Angeles, this one is well-known, and very twisty.

9. U.S. Route 12, Lolo Pass, Idaho and Montana -- A good one for sure. Coming southwest out of Missoula, this one is sweet.

8. Route 36, California -- A heavily wooded, mountainous area in northern California. Again, thanks for the tip.

7. Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee -- Right through the Smoky Mountains. A natural.

6. Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana -- Now we're getting to the very best, and also the better known. This is definitely one of them. Ride it one way and then turn around and ride it the other way. It's fabulous.

5. California Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway -- Oh yeah, and Big Sur is the best of the best.

4. Highway 550, from Ouray to Durango, Colorado -- Going up over Red Mountain Pass, this is absolutely one of the very best roads in Colorado. It deserves this high ranking.

3. U.S. 129, The Tail of the Dragon, on the North Carolina-Tennessee Border -- The fabled road featuring 318 curves in 11 miles. Take it slow.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina -- A very famous, well-known road. Try to do it when you can avoid the worst of the tourist season.

1. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming -- Miles and miles cruising along above timberline, mountains all around you, gorgeous views. If you've never been there, put this at the top of your list.

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Why You Need Quality Motorcycle Gloves

For some, motorcycle gloves are primarily a fashion statement. But in reality, they should be much, much more. Motorcycle gloves are an important part of your motorcycle safety gear. Although wearing them are not mandatory like helmets usually are, there are important reasons you should never get on your bike without your gloves.

To start, they can help protect your hands and wrists during a collision or fall. Often your hands are the first body part to make contact with the ground during a fall, and the right gloves can provide some significant protection against scrapes and other injuries to your hands and wrists.

They also provide important weather protection as well, if you will be riding in cold or rainy conditions. Given that your hands are one of the most exposed body parts when riding, protecting them from frostbite or numbness when riding is very important during the winter.

Well designed motorcycle gloves can also prevent sweat accumulating on your hand. Many gloves are made from absorbent materials that will keep your hands dry, allowing you to maintain a good grip on your motorcycle while riding.

All of these are great reasons to purchase motorcycle gloves. But what kind of gloves are best for you? There are so many models available to choose from!

To start, consider seasonal factors. Some gloves are suited for winter riding, others are meant for the summer months. For example, fingerless gloves are best worn during the warmest months. If you are riding during the rainy months of spring, you will want to get gloves that have waterproof capabilities.

Next, consider how much coverage you need. This, in part, will be determined by what kind of jacket you will be wearing. Your gloves will ideally overlap with the sleeves on your motorcycle jacket, so you have full coverage.

You will also want to consider how much protection you want or need in terms of abrasion and heat resistance. Ideally, you will get as much protection as possible, which usually means purchasing as thick of gloves as are comfortable for the season you will be riding.

Finally, comfort is very important. If your gloves are uncomfortable, you will not want to wear them. You will want gloves that stretch and are not too stiff, and that fit properly. Always keep in mind that safety, not fashion, should be your primary consideration when making your selection.

You can find many quality and affordable motorcycle accessories online, including a wide selection of motorcycle jackets suitable for riding in almost any weather condition.

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What Effect Do Wide Tires Have On Motorcycle Handling?

Often times, motorcycles are running on narrow tires which do not run on flat surfaces. This is completely different than how car tires work. Lately, however, motorcycle tires have been manufactured with wide proportions. Skeptics would tend to ask, what effect do wide tires have on motorcycle handling? This article will explain about this query and more.

The Rear Difference

Motorcycle tires with wide rears do not work the same with cars that have them. They have the tendency to tread more, therefore creating a situation where the motorcycle pushes through the turns instead of going around them. Since this is a very dangerous way to go, most people, when selecting their motorcycle tires, opt to have the front wider than the rear. The motorcycle actually appears to be more responsive with this type of tire. Still, you have to be very careful because the ride may still be a bit twitchy due to the combination of a short wheelbase and a wide front tire.

In general, it is always best to go both ways if you decide to have wider tires on your motorcycles. This is because motorcycle tires will have a great overall grip while retaining the handling balance if they have wider front and rear portions. Make sure, though, that you are particular with how wide your motorcycle tires are. They should not be more than 10mm wider or narrower than the stock tire. If this is the case, then it will result in pinch flats or a possible wearing out of the tires which may even result in a blow up.

Approved Installation

Nobody is stopping you from installing additional motorcycle apparel or making changes to your motorcycle tires. You should, however, only consider doing this if you have the approval of your motorcycle or tire manufacturer. Most manufacturers are keen on having their models altered. If they would approve of the changes in your tires, it would usually be minimal. One allowable size will do. Be safe with this alternative, and it is advised to get a clearance. The main reason why manufacturers see to it that these protocols are followed is because there is an effect on stability and handling with wider tires, as explained above. You see, tires often grow in size after inflation and may continuously do so after riding on them for a hundred miles or so. So, it basically means that it's more than just the tires that would change, your other gears should as well be adjust to the changes.

The Real Score

If your motorcycle tires are wide, they will obviously make wider footprints. Apart from this, it does have an effect on how you handle your vehicle. If you check your motorcycle's manual and consult its manufacturer, you will find that there are suitable widths for various types of motorcycle tires and suitable adjustments that need to be made on motorcycle apparel.

If you fail to read the guidelines, you will see that if you happen to have your motorcycle too wide, the inner parts of your vehicle will be struck and this may interfere with your road performance. Your driving will be a bit off. So it is best to have the width proportional to your motorcycle's other parts because you do not want to risk purchasing other parts that will give you a dangerously hard time on the road.

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Motorcycle Upgrades for Avid Riders

Motorcycling has always been one of the most loved and followed means of recreation for people from all age groups. Regardless of the caste, culture or the color of the skin, motorcycling is something that has bonded mankind for ages now. Though, with the advancements in the manufacturing and designing, different genres of bike can be found in the market, but bike enthusiasts has always been able to find their fellowmen. Be it a cruiser group, a racing group, adventure enthusiasts or stunt bikers, every fraternity of motorcycle community wants to get the best out of their prized possessions. This is where getting appropriate upgrades can redefine your biking experience.

To begin with, an excellent upgrade option for motorcycles is motorcycle intercoms. As the name suggests, this accessory is used to meet the need communication among riders or with the team. If you are into cross country biking, these intercoms eliminate the need for you to slow down or take a halt to communicate with your fellow riders, thus saving a lot of time as well as keeping you connected with the other riders. On the other hand, for racing enthusiasts, they offer the ideal way to keep communication with their team during practice sessions and at times of a race. Premium quality motorcycle intercoms offers stereo sound with crystal clear clarity and is a highly recommended add-on.

Since I am a better fan of cross country biking, the next on the list has to be motorbike saddlebags. These bands come in extremely handy for carrying essentials and belongings when travelling long distances. These bags offer waterproof storage environment for safe storage of anything you may need that is helpless to water. Besides offering the obvious utility, motorcycle saddlebags also enhance the overall appeal of the bike by giving it a much meaner and muscular look. If you own a cruiser or a chopper, motorbike saddlebags are an absolute must.

Last, but certainly not the least comes helmet with speakers. First of all, they are highly recommended if you intend on getting a motorcycle intercoms installed as they eliminate the need for wearing wires around your body; something most riders are uncomfortable with. Secondly, they offer a great way for you to relax while staying connected as these helmets can be used with most music players and radios. Buying a motorcycle with speakers will let you enjoy long rides listening to your favorite tracks or knowing where the world is stuck when you are roaring on a freeway.

The author is an experienced Content writer and publisher on the topics related to motorbike saddlebags and motorcycle intercoms.

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How to Ship a Motorcycle Overseas From USA

1) Title & Ownership of Motorcycle

All motorcycles shipping overseas from the US must have a free and clear title. Obtaining this is an easy process if the owner is in the United States. If the motorcycle was purchased online by someone overseas, the same applies. If the motorcycle has a lien on it, an international motorcycle shipping company will not ship it.

An exception to having a lien on the title of ownership is for US active duty military personnel. In this case, permission will have to be granted from the lender and an Original Notarized Lien of Authorization Letter must be obtained.

2) Selecting an International Motorcycle Shipping Company

This is a very important step. A) Only use a company accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). B) Only use a company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in Washington, DC. If the motorcycle shipping company is registered with both BBB & FMC, you are safe.

3) International Motorcycle Shipping Rates

If the motorcycle is far from the departure port, most international motorcycle shipping companies can arrange a transporter to pick up the motorcycle at an additional cost. This is an optional service. The transport company will meet with the owner or the designated person and will take copies of your paperwork to the shipping docs. The VIN # must match all the paperwork.

If the motorcycle is close to one of the major shipping ports, the person can opt to ride it there and save money. Rates are going to vary on year, make & model.

4) Taxes & Fees

Since international motorcycle shipping companies do not quote import tax, contact the nearest Embassy in the United States. Don't call the US Embassy, rather your country's embassy. Call the branch and they will give you the latest import taxes and fees. Many Embassies are located in Washington, DC. Add the import tax to the amount quoted by the international motorcycle shipping company. Taxes are to be paid once the motorcycle arrives the destination country.

5) Making Payment

Credit Card - Most international motorcycle shipping companies will accept multiple forms of payment. If a payment is going to be made by credit card, a professional shipping company will only "authorize" the credit card to make sure the funds are there. Once a booking number is confirmed, the credit card will be "charged". This is the preferred method for most people because it provides the maximum protection. This is a safe form of payment.

PayPal - PayPal does not give any financial information to the motorcycle shipping company. This is also a safe form of payment.

Bank Transfer - If a bank transfer is used a form of payment, make sure the motorcycle shipping company passes step 2 and the name of the bank account matches the name of the company. Do not deposit any money if the account is in someone's personal name. This method is often used by purchasers who reside in 3rd world countries.

6) Picking up the Motorcycle

Only the owner, or the consignee designated on the Bill of Lading, is authorized to pick up the motorcycle. Once the motorcycle arrives to the destination port, it is left on the premises and daily storage fees will apply. These storage fees depend on what company runs the dock. It is normally in the best interest to pick up the motorcycle as soon as possible.

Francisco is a professional in the international vehicle shipping industry. He ships car, motorcycles and heavy machinery overseas.

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