Goldwing Articles
My Goldwing Trike - Cured My Mid Life Crisis
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arnold_Hexden]Arnold Hexden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arnold_Hexden]Arnold Hexden
Ok I'm in my mid fifties have never ridden a motorcycle since I was eighteen years old and I'm in the middle of a mid life crisis. Should I go for the red sports car or a powerful Moto Gp clone motorcycle. I'm in a quandary, My wife has just told me to get a life and I'm panicking. Then it happened; I was surfing the net looking for that elusive boy toy when I flicked the page and it jumped out at me " The Honda Goldwing Trike.
I have never ever thought about having 3 wheels before I always imagined old people crawling along in the cycle lane to pick up their pension, and that is definitely not me. I spent some time researching the Goldwing trike as well as looking at the Harley which was also great fun as it adds to the anticipation.
I have now taken delivery of a second hand 2005 Gl18800 Honda goldwing trike in a metallic white and it is absolutely stunning. It is the anniversary edition with the cobra sidecar conversion and is in showroom condition, however at nearly 35,000 bucks it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Riding a Goldwing Trike takes a little getting used to but the kit conversion has been done so well it gives that feeling of confidence which you get when your driving an expensive car, it corners great and the performance engineered suspension just makes it a dream to ride.
When I bought it the salesman told me to take it out for the morning and try it for size so we took it for a 50 mile run and were totally blown away by it's attitude. My wife is in love with me again and although it is my mid life crisis the goldwing trike has re-introduced us and we're loving it. We're out hogging the road at every opportunity and there is nothing I like better than pulling into a service area or parking lot as within 5 minutes there is a crowd of folks admiring it.
So if you are sitting behind a desk all day wondering what else life has to offer you, here's a tip don't let the rest of your life pass you by. Take it by the throat and do what you want to do be it sky diving, snowboarding, writing a novel or what ever; just make sure it happens.
What ever Life decides to throw at me now I will no regret the day I fell in love with my Honda Goldwing Trike.
Find out more about the Honda Goldwing Trike with [http://www.mopeds-scooter-bike.com/Gold-Wing/Honda_Goldwing_Trike]Goldwing Trike Or Check out the main site for hundreds of new and used motorcycles and accessories at: http://www.mopeds-scooter-bike.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arnold_Hexdenhttp://EzineArticles.com/?My-Goldwing-Trike---Cured-My-Mid-Life-Crisis&id=795702
Motorcycle Touring at Its Finest - Read Easiest
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Ray]Steve A Ray
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Ray]Steve A Ray
I love touring the Rocky Mountains and experiencing it in all of its glory on two wheels. Riding the sweeping curves, tight switchback, and conquering the high mountain passes.
Of COURSE you say, and I hear the rest of that sentence,,,,,"I live 2000 miles away, and don't have time to spend 3-4 days getting there, and 3-4 days back".
Solution: FLY AND RIDE!!!!!!
Of COURSE you say, and I hear the rest of that sentence,,,,,"I live 2000 miles away, and don't have time to spend 3-4 days getting there, and 3-4 days back".
Solution: FLY AND RIDE!!!!!!
Fly into Salt Lake City, pick up a late model Harley cruiser or "bagger", or even the "Cadillac" of tour bikes, a Honda GoldWing, and set off for your experience of a life-time. Utah has some of the best riding in the country. You can ride through the canyons of Bryce and Zion National Parks, or head west to the Bonneville Salt Flats and watch some amazing machines hitting speeds unimaginable anywhere else.
By using the FLY and Ride approach, you eliminate most of the time spent getting to what you really want to do,,,RIDE. Compound that with the fact that you don't put the wear and tear on your "baby" (and yes, we mean your ride), let the rental company take care of all the maintenance like those oil changes, tires, etc., and renting a bike at your destination becomes a very viable option.
Utah has everything from the the Rockies to the Bonneville Salt Flats. A good day ride will get you to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone or to the Grand Canyon, depending on the direction you set out.
So think about the 1 or 2 weeks of vacation time you want to use this summer, make a commitment to explore the Rockies and West US, and give Kim or Steve Ray a shout at Escape Motorcycle Rentals, and they will help you make all the arrangements necessary to book a shiny late model Harley or Honda GoldWing. [http://www.escapemotorcyclerentals.com]www.escapemotorcyclerentals.com
Utah has everything from the the Rockies to the Bonneville Salt Flats. A good day ride will get you to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone or to the Grand Canyon, depending on the direction you set out.
So think about the 1 or 2 weeks of vacation time you want to use this summer, make a commitment to explore the Rockies and West US, and give Kim or Steve Ray a shout at Escape Motorcycle Rentals, and they will help you make all the arrangements necessary to book a shiny late model Harley or Honda GoldWing. [http://www.escapemotorcyclerentals.com]www.escapemotorcyclerentals.com
Steve Ray is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach who has a background with a variety of motorcycles. He enjoys touring and has crisscrossed Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota, Arizona, and as far east as Wisconsin. He is also has qualified for the Iron Butt Assoc. Saddle Sore (1000mi in 24hrs) and Bun Burner (1500mi in 36 hrs) Awards. He is a co-owner of Escape Motorcycle Rentals loves to share his passion.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Ray http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Touring-at-Its-Finest---Read-Easiest&id=382335
First Ride in the Mountains
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=JoAnn_Thompson]JoAnn Thompson
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=JoAnn_Thompson]JoAnn Thompson
Our first ride in the mountains of North Carolina was the most exciting trip I ever took. We rode our 1995 Anniversary Edition Goldwing from Orlando, Florida to Asheville, NC the latter part of September 1995 for the Wings over the Smokey Goldwing Rally.
Living in Orlando, Florida doesn’t prep you for weather outside of 90 degrees and humid. The first morning we awoke in Asheville it was 41 degrees and raining. Our hopes weren’t dashed! Heck no! We were so excited about being in the mountains on our new bike that I don’t think anything could have ruined our enthusiasm. What was missing however, were proper motorcycle accessories like good rain gear, warm leather jackets, or a proper motorcycle cover to protect the bike from these wet elements.
We outfitted ourselves as best we could with what we had and off we went. The first thing we wanted to do was ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, and so we did. I can’t emphasize the dreariness of the weather. Oh. . .so cold and Oh. . .so wet! I couldn’t stay off the CB or my camera. My adrenaline was running so high. To this day I apologize to our friends for burning up their ears while I was exclaiming about the scenery over here, the mountain over there, and generally telling them about everything they could see for themselves.
If you have never ridden the mountains of western North Carolina (regardless of the weather) you are missing a trip of a lifetime. The awesome natural beauty of the area knows no bounds!
We stayed in and around Asheville for 5 days. No, the weather never improved and we didn’t care. We rode everyday – about 200 to 300 miles – and enjoyed every minute of it. We now live in these wonderful mountains and have a 2007 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic and rest assured we have all the motorcycle gear we need. Our Classic didn’t come with a helmet to helmet intercom system, so we put that on the bike. Otherwise, we are set!
JoAnn Thompson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JoAnn_Thompson http://EzineArticles.com/?First-Ride-in-the-Mountains&id=667115
Motorcycle Touring in the United States
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Motorcycle Touring in the United States is unbelievably fun and many people who have toured Europe and the United States on a Motorcycle often say that they had more fun in the United States. We simply have more scenic highways, roads, forests, canyons and space to do it in than in Europe’s largest countries. Motorcycle touring in the United States is truly the epitome of freedom.
Often as one travels the United States you see folks on motorcycles with saddle packs and gear stopped for a break and when you talk to them you find they are touring our nation on motorcycles. Well at the price of fuel that is a good way to do things. Some of these people are from the United States and some are from other countries enjoying the Euro Strength against the Dollar and they are having a literal blast cruising the highways and back roads of America.
Why is Motorcycle Tourism so popular in the US? Because we have wide-open areas, it is safe and there is so much to see and do in this country that you can never run out of great roads to ride, places to see or things to do. So consider your next motorcycle touring adventure today.
"Lance Winslow" - Online [http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/]Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; [http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/]www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for [http://www.ourspokanemagazine.com/]Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Touring-in-the-United-States&id=312062
Motorcycle Buying Tips For Beginners - Cruiser, Sport-Touring, Scooter, Dual-Sport, or Sport-Bike
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Mixson]David Mixson
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Mixson]David Mixson
With so many choices in motorcycles, selecting your first motorcycle can be challenging. Here are several tips to help you select the right motorcycle for you.
What type motorcycle should you purchase?
There are at least eight different motorcycle types (styles) of motorcycles: touring, sport-touring, standard, sport-bike, scooter, dual-sport, dirt-bike, and cruiser.
Many new riders begin their search by looking at Harley Davidson motorcycles. Don't make this mistake. While cruisers are extremely popular they don't necessarily make the best beginner motorcycle. They're heavy, loud, expensive, and unforgiving (loaded with chrome) of minor spills.
Touring motorcycles are generally built for long distance riding. Examples include the popular Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200. These motorbikes are heavy, powerful, expensive, and require significant skills to operate properly... making them a poor choice for new riders.
Sport-bikes (also referred to as crotch-rockets) are built for speed, agility, and performance. They're light weight, brightly colored, and quick. Engine sizes for sport-bikes usually range from 600cc to 1000cc.
Note: Don't let a smallish sounding 600cc engine fool you. A Honda CBR600 sport-bike can run circles around an 1800cc v-twin cruiser. Crotch rockets can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds! That's faster than 99% of all production sports cars.
Do sport-bikes make good beginner bikes? Probably not, unless you have the maturity to handle the temptations of power, speed, and agility.
The next style of motorcycle is pretty easy to describe. Dirt-bikes are made to ride off-road. Tread patterns and suspension components on dirt-bikes are very different than their street-bike cousins.
While many models have headlights and turn signals, most won't easily accommodate interstate travels. If you have convenient access to dirt roads or other off-road areas, a dirt-bike is a good beginner motorcycle.
Don't have easy access to off-road areas? Consider a dual-sport motorcycle. These bikes are made to accommodate moderate off-road conditions, and handle highway speeds. A compromise of sorts, they don't perform on-road as well as street bikes, nor off-road as well as dirt-bikes.
But, most dual-sport models can easily travel at interstate speeds and handle moderate off-road conditions. When you take that motorcycle tour (you've been dreaming about) to the Northern tip of Alaska, you'll most likely be riding a dual-sport motorcycle, like the popular Kawasaki KLR650.
A standard motorcycle is an older style that once described the majority of bikes available... hence the term 'standard'. Standard motorcycles are generally upright and moderately priced. Picture that 1970s bike your dad owned. It was most likely a standard motorcycle. While not the fanciest or flashiest bike, standard bikes can be good starter motorcycles.
Scooters? Before you form an opinion here, visit your local motorcycle dealership. Gone are the 50cc mopeds of the 1970s. Instead, several new scooters fancy large 650cc engines and automatic transmissions. With a top speed of over 100 mph, and a 0 to 60 acceleration time below 5 seconds, scooters can keep up with most anything. Want to embarrass a Harley rider or Mustang owner... no problems? A Honda Silver Wing 650 scooter can do both.
Do scooters handle like motorcycles. Sure. Do they operate easily on interstates? Yes. Do they make good beginner bikes? Why not?
A sport-touring motorcycle is the last style of motorcycle addressed here. Sport-touring models are sporty versions of touring bikes. Or conversely, relaxed versions of sport-bikes. This class of motorcycle falls between a touring bike and sport-bike.
The sport-touring class was designed as a balance between ergonomics, engine performance, and long range touring capabilities. It's a popular class of motorcycle that combines the best of both worlds. The Honda VFR Interceptor 800, Triumph Sprint ST, and Yamaha FJR 1300 are examples of popular sport-touring motorcycles. Most models utilize 650cc to 1300cc engines.
Do sport-touring motorcycles make good first bikes? They can. Most, however, are relatively heavy... utilizing high performance engines and creature comforts like hard rear storage bags. Before you select a sport-touring model, make sure you have the discipline to use only the power that matches your skill level.
For answers to other complex questions like: "What size engine can a beginning rider safely handle?" We've written an entire [http://www.motorcycletips.com]guide entitled, "First Motorcycle Buyers Guide - Unique Perspectives from our Contributors." In this guide, several MotorcycleMentor.com senior contributors give recommendations and advice on how a new rider should select their first motorcycle.
David Mixson, a Mechanical Engineer passionate about motorcycles, is the founder and CEO of http://www.motorcyclementor.com. MotorcycleMentor.com is dedicated to helping new riders enter the sport of motorcycling.
Whether you are new to motorcycling or want to improve your current riding skills, sign up for our Motorcycle Riding Tip of the Week. This free newsletter gives solid advice for riders at all levels. Sign up information and example tips are available at MotorcycleMentor.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Mixson http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Buying-Tips-For-Beginners---Cruiser,-Sport-Touring,-Scooter,-Dual-Sport,-or-Sport-Bike&id=453832
Motorcycle Types - Choosing Your Bike
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Crockett]Kevin Crockett
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Crockett]Kevin Crockett
Are you in the market for a new motorcycle? There are many different types available. What type of riding do you do? How much do you want to spend? Do you ride daily or only on the weekends? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself. In today's motorcycle market there's a bike to fit just about everyone.
Sport bikes -
Pound for pound sport bikes are some of the most powerful vehicles legally permitted on public streets. They are a step away from full-fledged race bikes and with a few adjustments are easily able to run at the track. Because sport bikes are built for speed they usually are enveloped in an aerodynamic fiberglass mold that covers the engine and allows air to flow freely around it. Some of the features of a sport bike include: high tech design and materials, high performance parts to include the engine, suspension and brakes, a "tucked" riding position, clip on handle bars, and stiff suspensions. Sport bikes are not built for long distance riding.
Cruisers -
Cruisers are probably the most popular segment of motorcycles. When you think cruiser think comfort. They're built for long distance riding. They usually have motors that possess lots of low-end torque. Cruisers are usually heavy. They're easy to ride but they don't have the cornering clearance or ability of a sport bike. They're comfortable and usually have room for two.
Touring Bikes -
Touring bikes are also called dressers or full dressers. Touring bikes, like cruisers are built to go long distances but the difference is how cruisers get there. Touring bikes give their riders and passengers amenities that are usually found in luxury cars like plush rides and quiet engines. Cruisers offer large fairings, which provide excellent wind protection and help prevent fatigue. Their seats are large and comfortable and provide back support. Like cars some touring bikes have airbags. They have radios, CD's and MP-3 players as well as trip and navigation computers. Their suspensions adjust to provide the optimum ride and to top it off they can tow a trailer.
Standards -
a standard is a jack-of-all-trades motorcycle. It isn't built for one specific task but can perform many. Standards are usually good commuter bikes. They usually offer some wind protection, and are powerful enough to be fun on country roads. They can usually haul a small load or a passenger and sometimes both. Most bikes in this category have up-right riding positions, and friendly ergonomics.
Dual Sport -
Dual sport motorcycles are the adventurer's bikes. They're at home on the highway and the trail. They usually have large mirrors and gauges and a large gas tank. Their tires are designed both for the street and the dirt. They're built to withstand the rigors of off road riding and are very dependable.
As you can see the motorcycle industry offers many different types of motorcycles. It's up to you to decide which one fits you and your riding style.
At [http://edgeonmotorcycling.com]Edge On Motorcycling we want every ride to be your best ride. Come see us to get tips and strategies that will make you a more confident, skilled and capable rider. In addition you'll be eligible to enter our free monthly gear giveaway!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Crockett http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Types---Choosing-Your-Bike&id=802441
Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part II
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose]Robin Moose
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose]Robin Moose
Touring
Several clubs organize tours that can involve travelling 1,000 miles per day. Even on smooth asphalt, that kind of trip demands an ultra-comfortable ride. The touring motorcycle is designed with just those requirements in mind.
Generally larger than standard motorcycles, touring bikes weigh more and have longer wheelbases. 500 lbs is average and bikes hover just shy of five feet long. Seats are designed with those long periods in the saddle in view, for both driver and passenger.
Comfort in seating is key, but the position of the handlebars, pegs and the overall ergonomic configuration is made as a complete package. Fairing is common, as is a larger gas tank. 'Fairing' is the flared composite that surrounds the front of the bike. It reduces drag by a modest amount, but at lower speeds it does little other than make the bike look stylish.
Windscreens are essential, even though a helmet is standard head gear. Better to have bugs on the windscreen than on your faceplate. Or, in your teeth!
BMW is famous for their touring models, but Honda has made heavier bikes since the 1980s that are often used for this purpose. And those two have lots of competition. My friend, Don, bought a Suzuki touring bike last year and he loves it. Watch out BMW and Honda!
Sub-categories include the sport touring bike, which is usually smaller and has a smaller engine. Cruiser/tourers are a cross-breed that serve a little wider set of driving goals.
Cruiser
'Cruiser' is a broad category of motorcycle that includes just about everything that came to be associated with the breed from the 1930s until about 1970. After that, bikes became increasingly individualized, customized and mass-marketed.
Ironically - considering the rebel persona associated with bikes - the emphasis in cruiser design is on tradition. Choppers, retro, standard... no matter the sub-category, these bikes are big, heavy and solid. 600 lbs is common and the seat is generally lower, with engines that are larger than other types. The wheelbase is longer than average and the forks are raked at a greater angle.
Cruisers are definitely not for off-road, though many have seen a lot of dirt. They're built for stability, but often have high top speeds. They usually have lots of room for extras, like saddlebags and even a sidecar. 1400cc engines are common and the pipes are made to rumble.
Harley Davidson is the king of the category, but they have lots of competition. Indian has made a lot of models over the decades, but they have been going in and out of business for a hundred years. Suzuki and Kawasaki make 1500cc bikes that display all the features of a traditional cruiser.
As with most motorcycles today, there are a dozen common sub-categories with a variety of customization options. Power cruisers, choppers and more are available.
A cruiser can, and has been, used for touring but for those long road trips the touring bike will be more comfortable. Here, style is everything.
by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.
I hope you enjoy the information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycling---Picking-the-Right-Bike---Part-II&id=1106607
What Kind Of Motorcycle Is Best For Touring?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Edwin_J._Hill]Edwin J. Hill
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Edwin_J._Hill]Edwin J. Hill
When it comes to touring motorcycles, we normally think of the big Harleys, Beemers and Gold Wings with their huge fairings, bags and stereos. I've always kinda thought of them as two-wheeled cars but there are a lot of people who wouldn't ride anything else.
At the other end of the scale are the people who wouldn't ride any motorcycle that has a fairing, windshield or mirrors! These are the purists of motorcycling!
So, where does the truth lie? The truth is that any motorcycle can be used for touring! Yeah, I know that sounds pretty outrageous. Who in his right mind would want to travel any distance on a 100cc Honda or Yamaha? It depends on your budget and your ability to tolerate discomfort. There are people who have no other transportation. It can be done!
What do you look for in a motorcycle you want to take on a tour? First, are you riding solo or two-up? If there are two of you, you'll need more power to handle the weight of the riders and their stuff.
How wind-in-the-face are you? Some riders want nothing between them and their surroundings. They want no windshields or visors blocking the wind, rain or bugs. They love their motorcycles bare and raw. A lot of bikes fit this category but you'll probably see more Harleys like this on the open road than any other make.
How many miles do you want to ride in a day? If you're going to ride long distances, you'll be better off with a motorcycle that has a good fairing or, at least, a windshield. As exciting as it can be to ride with the wind in your face, it can also be physically tiring. If you are physically exhausted, your reflexes may not be quick enough to save you in the event that someone does something stupid in front of you.
How much comfort do you want? There's one rule to remember: the more comfort, the more weight. Just realize that you'll have to give up one for the other. The really comfortable touring motorcycles are the big ones mentioned at the beginning of this article. The really small ones will beat you to death if you're riding any distance at all. Your butt will hurt along with other parts of your body. You won't get up the next day looking forward to doing it again!
How well do you want your motorcycle to handle? Some smaller bikes handle extremely well but are "twitchy." That means you can never really relax on them. At the other end of the scale are the "two-wheeled cars." If someone pulls out in front of you, it's very hard to take them through an emergency maneuver. It's almost like driving a truck. You hope your brakes, or luck, will save you.
I personally like the European sport touring bikes. They have enough fairing on them to provide decent protection but they're also designed to handle well in high-speed riding or emergency situations. BMW's and Moto Guzzi's are especially good in this regard.
What kind of seating position do you prefer? There are two major things to consider: do you lean forward or sit back, and where are your feet in relation to your seat? Sport bikes tend to have you lean forward with your feet directly below your seat or a little farther back. The sport touring motorcycles will have your feet directly below your seat or a little forward of that point. Touring bikes will have you sitting as though you were sitting on a chair. Cruisers have you leaning back with your feet farther forward.
What about comfort? Cruisers have your weight on your tail bone which can cause discomfort over a long distance. Sport bikes have you almost crouching over the tank with your upper body weight on your arms and hands. By far the most comfortable are the touring motorcycles with the upright seating.
I, personally, prefer the seating arrangement of the sport touring motorcycles. I'm leaning forward a bit but not enough to put my upper body weight on my hands and arms. My feet are under me where I can stand up on the pegs to maintain control if an emergency situation arises. They give me acceptable comfort while still keeping that level of control.
Which motorcycle is best for you? Whichever one most closely meets your needs and desires is the best one for you. Look at the factors above and decide what is most important to you.
The bottom line is that any motorcycle you enjoy riding any distance you want to go will be, for you, a great machine. They'll all offer a level of freedom and awareness of your surroundings you can't get in a car.
Isn't that what motorcycle touring is all about, anyhow?
Ed Hill bought his first motorcycle back in 1966. Since then, he has ridden thousands of miles in all kinds of weather conditions - on a variety of bikes. Most of his miles were accumulated doing long-distance motorcycle touring. You can read more of his thoughts at http://www.EnjoyMotorcycleTouring.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_J._Hill http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Kind-Of-Motorcycle-Is-Best-For-Touring?&id=937756
6 Critical Tips For Nighttime Motorcycling
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Carson]Jenny Carson
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Carson]Jenny Carson
Are you a night-rider? Do you enjoy strapping on your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots and riding at all hours of the night? Unfortunately, sometimes we must ride at night, due to factors such as the end of Daylight Savings Time. While night riding can be enjoyable, it can also be more challenging. Thus, it is important to take certain precautions, to ensure the safety of you and others traveling on the road:
1. Consider the factor of age in nighttime visibility
Can older riders enjoy night riding as much as youngsters can? That is certainly possible. However, you should also consider that our nighttime vision worsens as we become older. Thus, more "mature" riders should be particularly cautious when riding at nighttime.
2. Prepare your motorcycle for night riding
Make sure to make your ride clean as a bean, before you hit the roads at nighttime. In particular, Items to focus on include:
• headlights
• helmet visors
• signal lights
• taillights
• windshields
• helmet visors
• signal lights
• taillights
• windshields
Make a point to scrub down these items a minimum of two times weekly.
3. Never be a glutton for glare
Glare can be tough on any rider's eyes. In particular, it can be difficult on older riders in particular. This will remain an increasingly important issue, as the average age of motorcyclists continues to rise. Keep this in mind, as the glare of your headlights could be particularly troublesome for other riders.
Ironically, an instrument that you use to shed some light on the situation could actually increase the likelihood of accidents! Thus, try to keep the brightness of your headlights and taillights, at a reasonable level.
4. Be alert to nighttime dangers
Because the effectiveness of our vision and reaction time drops during nighttime, it is important to be particularly aware of nighttime dangers. These include roads lacking overhead lighting, careless and exhausted drivers, and animals crossing streets.
While drivers and animals can also create problems for motorcyclists during the daytime, the lack of light at nighttime makes the situation even more potentially troublesome.
5. Wear scratch-free and fog-free helmets
A damaged visor can create double, triple or even bug vision! It will be very challenging to know which items are coming from which direction. Use an anti-fog coating or shaving cream to anti-fog the visor of your helmet. A variety of products is available to fight the fog. While they differ in price, remember the general rule that you "get what you pay for."
6. Be prepared for a slower reaction time
As you know from experience, it is hard to see at nighttime. Likewise, the evening slows our reaction time. In fact, experts have revealed that a motorcyclist's vision determines 90% of his reaction time. Unfortunately, our age further reduces our reaction time.
Certainly, night riding on your motorcycle can be just as thrilling as day riding. However, it is important to take some safety precautions, to ensure that the nighttime remains the right time for hitting the road on your chopper!
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Carson http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Critical-Tips-For-Nighttime-Motorcycling&id=1653071
9 Effective Tips For Winter Motorcycling
By Jenny Carson
Winter can be brutal for motorcyclists! Like any other type of machinery, you have difficulty in operating your vehicle. While cruising down country roads or interstate highways, the wind chill factors can make your experience nearly unbearable. Your body can instantly transform into a human icicle. Thus, you should take certain precautions to ensure that you and your motorcycle are aptly prepared for the wintertime. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve that goal:
1. Use a windshield
This step is vital. The weather's wind chill factor can make a cold day, simply freezing. Use a windshield to safeguard yourself from such bitter-cold gusts.
2. Review road condition reports and weather reports
It is vital that you are aware of the weather and road condition reports for the particular course that you will be taking. The farther away from home you drive, the more important it is to get the latest versions of these reports.
3. Keep an eye on motorcycle fluids
Several types of motorcycle oils are available on the market. Which one is ideal for winter riding? The 10w-40w would be ideal for winter cruising.
Also, if your motorcycle is of the liquid-cooled variety, verify that the anti-freeze reading is adequate for the temperature range in which you will be riding.
4. Wear warm boots
Make sure to wear warm motorcycle boots, such as Harley Davidson motorcycle boots. Most importantly, keep your feet dry! Some boots contain a waterproofing treatment on the outside, or a waterproof liner on the interior of the boot.
5. Keep your body covered and airtight
Make sure that you expose none of your body to the winter air, or that cold air could penetrate your clothing easily. You can find specialized winter clothing that manufacturers designed for motorcyclists.
6. Keep your battery powered up
Any battery is only useful if you have powered it up. Do some test runs to verify that your battery can withstand the rigors of icy gusts. In addition, use a Battery Tender to keep the battery charged.
7. Never sacrifice mobility for warmth
When selecting your wintertime riding gear, avoid choosing gear that will hinder your overall mobility while cruising. For instance, bulky clothing and full-face types of helmets could prevent you from moving easily and freely.
8. Consider electric gloves and vests
These battery-operated items can add extra warmth on frigid days.
9. Consider the dangers to you and your bike
Wintertime can be downright dangerous to you and your motorcycle. It is important that you take certain precautions, to ensure the safety of you and motorcycle. In fact, it is not enough to simply pile on more gear and then reveal how Herculean you are, by riding in the coldest of temperatures. If you are going to enjoy winter riding, do it safely.
Many of us are hesitant to enjoy motorcycling during the frigid temperatures and relentless winds of wintertime. The conditions may make us cold to the idea. However, by taking some basic precautions, we can keep our motorcycles and ourselves warm and running!
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