As you all know, there are some states that do not have a helmet law. Can this be good? or bad? Well….the decision to wear or not to wear a helmet is a personal one. This goes along the same lines as choosing to wear a full face helmet, a half helmet, or even one of those light weight “beanie” types. After all, only YOU can answer the question…What is your head worth to you? If you decide to wear a helmet, great. If you would rather feel the wind blowing through your hair, then so be it. For each rider, that is their own personal choice.

I always wear a helmet and gloves whenever I ride. I was in an accident a couple years ago and those two safety items saved me a lot of grief!

This is the half helmet I was wearing. (I am thankful the side of my head hit the asphalt instead of my chin!)

As for wearing gloves….you can loose a LOT of blood through the palm of your hands and the knuckles when they are skinned by asphalt. Here is a pic of my gloves and the wear they took on contact with the pavement.

Here is a video I found that shows how quick things can go bad…and also demonstrates the worth of a good helmet and gloves. Pay attention the the first rider that goes down and what happens to him.

His helmet most likely saved his head…but I bet the palms of his hands took a beating!

The following article by Neil J Roberts has some interesting and very useful information on helmets and a comparison between the different type available.
Enjoy the article…and as always: Ride Often! Ride Safe!

Motorcycle Riders – Protect Your Head With a Good Quality Helmet

By Neil J Roberts

As a motorcycle rider, no doubt you are already aware that the safety of you and your bike is paramount. Thus, you conduct regular check-ups and maintenance on your bike, exercise vigilance when out riding, have the security of comprehensive motorbike insurance coverage and wear appropriate protective gear. Most important of all when it comes to protective gear is of course a good quality helmet, which will protect you against potential head injuries as well as shield your head and face from the wind, cold, insects and flying objects.

By law, wearing a helmet is required, but for your own protection it is not enough to wear just any old helmet. Accidents are a very real possibility no matter how safely and sensibly you ride, as demonstrated by Department for Transportation statistics showing 21,550 reported motorcycle casualties in 2008, and in the event of an accident your helmet could be the difference between life and death. As such, it is crucial that you outfit yourself with a regulation helmet that is in good condition and fits properly.

For maximum protection against severe head or facial injuries, and to ensure your motorcycle insurance is not invalidated, your helmet should meet the acceptable standards. This means a helmet that carries a BSI kitemark indicating compliance with British Standard BS 6658:1985, a UN E mark indicating compliance with UNECE Regulation 22.05 or a mark indicating compliance with a standard set by other European Economic Area countries that has the protection equivalence of BS 6658:1985.

A regulation good quality helmet will be made with glass fibre, Kevlar or polycarbonate, and any of them are acceptable.

Glass fibre helmets are heavier and last longer than polycarbonate helmets, while Kevlar helmets provide a combination of tough strength and light weight. To help choose the kind that is right for you, try on various brands and models to determine which fits best and is most comfortable. Full-face helmets are recommended since they protect the face as well as head, although riders who feel hemmed in by full-face helmets can opt to wear open-face ones with goggles, bearing in mind though that in an accident the face and chin will be unprotected.

In addition to reducing the severity of head and facial injuries, a good quality helmet can also help reduce the risk of accidents in the first place by cutting down on distractions. If the helmet is good quality it is likely to fit better and more comfortably than a poor quality helmet, which is important since an ill-fitting helmet is not going to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, and an uncomfortable helmet will ruin the enjoyment of your ride and affect your concentration. The padding inside a good quality helmet will help to block out wind noises as you ride, cutting down on that distraction, and if it is a full-face helmet you will have the added advantage of keeping other distractions such as the wind and bugs from blowing in your face.

Avoid using second-hand helmets or helmets that have already sustained a knock, since there is little point in taking the precaution of wearing a good quality helmet if it is in less than top condition. Also, never use a bicycle helmet as a substitute for a motorcycle helmet.

In short, do not skimp when it comes to your safety and protection. When you invest the money in a good quality helmet, you can do so knowing that it has undergone rigorous safety tests to ensure it offers maximum protection, unlike cheaper helmets that likely have not met the same level of safety test standards. You can then ride your bike with the assurance that you have safeguarded yourself with the best protection possible.

CIA Insurance is one of the top motorbike insurance brokers in the UK, with over 20 years experience in the UK. Finding cheap motorcycle insurance is easy with CIA Insurance – we do all the hard work by teaming up with our panel of leading motorcycle insurers to find you the best motorbike insurance deals whatever age, make or model of your bike.

We have a wide range of policies to suit your needs, so get a quote 24 hours a day 7 days a week to get a quote online or call to speak to one of our specialist team for a quick, no hassle and bike insurance quote. Visit http://www.cia-motorcycle-insurance.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_J_Roberts
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Riders—Protect-Your-Head-With-a-Good-Quality-Helmet&id=3313475

I can’t say it enough: Riding a motorcycle is just NOT one of the safest pastimes to participate in.  One of the biggest things that draw people to ride is the freedom and feeling of being outdoors, experiencing the environment first hand.  You might even say that the rider experiences the closest thing to flying like a bird, which has always been something man has longed for ever since the beginning.

However, with this very exposure lies the greatest danger.  The rider is exposed to weather, both good and bad.  Also the rider is exposed to great hulking masses of metal moving at highways speeds not always controlled by drivers who pay attention to motorcycles and the rider’s safety.

Another danger lies in the fact that motorcycles are more affected by roadway surfaces and terrain.  I cannot say it enough:  Whenever you are on a motorcycle, stay full alert and watch EVERYTHING .  Be ready to respond to changing conditions in a spit second.  That’s all you may have…

The following article by Jonas Blocker brings out some important tips to keep in mind as we ride.  Enjoy his article and above all: Ride often and ride safe!

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Important Safety Tips For Motorcycle Accident Prevention

By Jonathan Blocker

There is nothing more invigorating that riding on the open road on the back of a motorcycle. However, this relaxing hobby can often hold dangerous consequences. Did you know that on average, 166,000 Americans are hospitalized ever year as a result of motorcycle accidents? Almost 5,000 of those victims will die from the injuries suffered from motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle safety has never been more important.

Whether you have been riding for years or are just learning, you will soon discover you always need to be aware of everything around you. Safety is your biggest concern. Sure motorcycles have a bad reputation for being dangerous, but they are actually quite safe and very fun to ride as long as you always keep your safety in mind. When you want to ride your motorcycle safely, here are a few tips you should always keep in mind:

Always wear a helmet

No other safety tip is as important as this one. It shouldn’t matter if helmets are mandatory or not; a rider should always wear one. According to a leading Denver Motorcycle Lawyer, a helmet can prevent a huge number of injuries both small and large. If you ever find yourself in an accident involving a motorcycle, helmets reduce the seriousness of damage to the head and brain.

Make sure your helmet has a DOT label. This means it was inspected and certified to meet federal regulations. Any passenger who rides on your motorcycle with you should also wear a helmet. If they don’t, you can be held liable from any injuries suffered. Would you rather ride on the open road or sit in the office of a motorcycle accident lawyer explaining your side of the accident?

Keep awake and stay sober

Ask any Motorcycle Injury Lawyer and they can attest that drowsiness and fatigue seriously impair the reflexes and ability to react for even the most experienced bikers. Never go out riding when you are fatigued and try to take intermittent breaks from driving on longer trips. It should go without saying that alcohol and drugs should be strictly avoided when riding a motorcycle.

Wear brightly-colored, protective clothing

A motorcyclist should make a point of always wearing the correct protective gear and to be clearly visible to other motorists. Cars and trucks are much larger than motorcycles and accidents involving them can be pretty dreadful. Riders are ejected and can skid along the road and such. Without protective leather clothes or boots, objects like rocks and glass can pierce and embed the flesh.

Follow all traffic laws

A significant number of motorcycle riders are driving without licenses or are improperly licensed according to a top rated Motorcycle Lawyer. Always make sure your license is current, and take care to obey the traffic laws. A regular refresh of road rules and local traffic laws is never a bad idea.

Jonathan Blocker writes about–Safety Tips for Motorcycle Accident Prevention.

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During my MSF Basic Rider Course, it started to rain during the last day…and right before the skills test.  Some of the students were dismounting, making disappointed comments about the class being cancelled because of rain.  The rider coaches seized the opportunity and had them mount up again, saying “Do you think you are never, ever going to ride in rain?”  They proceeded to give demonstrations of the proper techniques for riding in rain, and the necessary precautions a bike rider needs to follow in such conditions.  They slowly and carefully had us repeat the exercises to give us the feel of riding in bad weather.  We took our skills test in a steady rain, and nobody had the least problem!

The lesson here is: Just because conditions change, never assume you won’t have to eventually ride in less than perfect conditions.  After all, who knows when you might get caught out in a rain storm…or for some unforseen reason, you may have to ride at night.

Riding your motorcycle at night isn’t that bad, but you have a new set of precautions to take.  You have to remember you aren’t as visible as during the daylight hours.  The flip side of that statement is hazards on the road aren’t as visible either.  That sharp curve, the slippery surface, rough road surface or debris in the road can be in front of you before you realize it.

I found the following article I would like to share that speaks of the hazards of riding your mototrcycle at night and what you need to do to ride as safe as you can.

Enjoy…

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Riding Your Motorcycle at Night
By Joseph Devine

Operating any vehicle at night can be challenging. It can be difficult to see the road and upcoming obstacles, and most people have more trouble with depth perception at night than they do during the day. These and other risks can make riding at night a potentially dangerous activity. If you decide to ride after dark, consider the following safety risks and preventative measures that can help to keep you safe on the road.

Safety Risks

Motorcycles are in many ways more at risk of an accident at night than are other vehicles. Much of this risk has to do with the fact that motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users and are more likely to be injured by accidents and road hazards, including:

• Drunk drivers and distracted drivers: Intoxicated and inattentive drivers may swerve or otherwise drive unpredictably, creating a distraction and danger for motorcyclists.

Lower visibility: Motorcycles have smaller headlights and running lights, so they are harder to see at night and motorcyclists may have a more difficult time judging the safety of the road ahead.

Animals crossing: A motorcyclist who hits an animal crossing the road, such as a deer, is more likely to be critically injured than is an automobile driver.

Preventative Measures

If you decide to ride at night, consider the following safety precautions that can help lower your risk of an accident:

• Reflective clothing: Always wear reflective clothing, such as a reflective vest or jacket, when riding at night so that other drivers can see you more easily.

Don’t speed: Speeding decreases your ability to stop suddenly or safely swerve around an obstacle. Follow the speed limits and slow down if your visibility decreases, especially if the road narrows or curves.

Avoid unpredictable vehicles: If you see a car swerving, driving without lights, braking for no reason, or straddling the lanes, the driver is likely drunk, sleepy, or otherwise distracted. Keep your distance from the vehicle and pull over and report the vehicle to the police immediately.

Use your brights: On empty roads, especially outside the city, consider using your brights at night. This increases your visibility and allows you to see any obstacles that may be ahead, including cars without lights or animals crossing the road.

Driving any vehicle at night can be risky, but motorcyclists are especially at risk of serious injury if they are involved in an accident. Minimize your risk of a collision by keeping these night riding safety risks in mind and always take precautions to keep yourself safe.

For More Information

To learn more about the risks of riding at night and what to do if you are involved in an accident, please visit the website of Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. today.

Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
http://EzineArticles.com/?Riding-Your-Motorcycle-at-Night&id=3196795

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Want a glimpse of what it is like to ride your motorcycle at night? Take a look at this video. It is about 10 minutes long, but pretty well demostrates what this “other world” looks like to a night rider.

Night Ride Home From Work

 

That’s wild, huh?  Be safe out there.

It is now the end of October and the riding season is coming to a close. Before you put your bike away in storage for winter, there are a few things you should do.  There are mechanical things like changing your oil and filter.  You should fill your tank as full as you can and add some fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh and to prevent the inside of the tank from forming rust from moisture.  You want to make sure your tires are in good shape and get them off the garage floor by raising the bike on a bike lift or blocks under the frame.

It goes without saying, you will want to give it a good cleaning to remove all the grime and crud that can cause paint to rust or corrosion to form on painted and chrome surfaces.  Let us take a look at a few things you can do to keep your bike clean and ready to go next spring…

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End of Summer Motorcycle Cleaning Tips

By   Diana  Walrath

The end of summer is here and with it, for some parts of the country, the end of motorcycle riding until next year. This does not mean you can simply put your bike away until next summer. Although some riders do this, now is the time to go over your motorcycle and take care of all the little things that got neglected while you were riding. I have seen riders wait until summer is here and then they work on their motorcycles, losing out on a lot of good riding weather. Don’t let this happen to you. Take the time this winter to get you motorcycle ready for the first nice summer day. You will be glad you did.

Now is the time to check your tires, change the oil, check the air filter, check all of your cables, and do a routine check of the entire bike. Check all the bolts to make sure they are tight. Also check all of your lights and your horn. If you check the back of your owners manual there is probably a list of the things you should check on your bike. All of these are very important and should not be neglected.

You can also take the time to give your bike a thorough polishing.You could spend a small fortune on cleaning supplies or you could use a few household items such as Pledge and super fine steel wool. The Pledge works well on all surfaces and also helps to cover fine scratches on your windshield. It also helps keeps plastic lenses from yellowing. The super fine steel wool is used to clean and polish all chrome parts on your motorcycle. Be careful, however, not to use it on any painted surfaces as it will scratch the paint.

If you take the time during the winter months to care for your motorcycle, then when the first nice day arrives next spring you will be ready to ride with no worries.

For more suggestions on cleaning your motorcycle go to http://www.mcrideronline.com. There you will find more tips on taking care of your motorcycle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Walrath
http://EzineArticles.com/?End-of-Summer-Motorcycle-Cleaning-Tips&id=3092397

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Exactly how do you go about properly washing your bike?  I found these YouTube videos that help you out with this:

And now, Part 2:

Easy enough, right?
Ride safe everybody!

One of the most dangerous type of crashes on a motorcyle is what is called a highside. The simplest was to describe such as crash is if the rear tire loses traction…the bike gets a little out of line..the the rear tire regains it’s grip. If the rear tire is the slightest bit out of line when it regains traction…you are going down. Or more correctly, you are going up and over the bike as it flips. The main reason this type of crash is so dangerous is the impact from when you hit a hard surface at speed…not to mention there is usually a heavy motorcycle somersaulting behind you and worse..toward you. Not many riders survive a 600 pound plus bike landing on top of them.  Keep this in mind as you watch the following video.  Pay attention to the rider’s position and what the bike is doing behind him. 

In the event this happens to you, this is all the more reason to make sure you are wearing the proper gear…helmet, leathers, boots, and gloves. I would say the best example of the protection such gear affords is in MotoGp or superbike racing. A lot of times, when these guys go down, they will jump up and run off the track as soon as they stop sliding. Their first priority is to get out of harms way, then quickly check themselves for injuries. After all, if they go down…there is the danger of being struck by another high speed bike approaching them really fast.

Those MotoGP guys aren’t wearing jeans and tee shirts like a lot of cruiser riders do…and we cruiser riders can find ourselves in a high side situation in a heartbeat. Imagine what would happen if you got on the rear brake in a curve and the rear tire locked up and started sliding…see what I mean? Even applying too much brake in an emergency stop situation can lock the rear tire.

Take a look at the following video and see the protection full racing leathers and armor provides.

The opposite of a “high side” crash? What else? That would be a “low side!” This is what happens if you ride the bike to the ground, not releasing the brake when the rear tire starts sliding. As you can see from the following short video, not as violent and more surviveable. Now..let me make it clear…any time you go down on your bike, you can be injured. This move doesn’t guarantee you will come out without a scratch. There may still be road rash involved..maybe a broken bone or two..but the bike is AHEAD of you..not flipping end over end behind you trying to squish you. Again..an example from a MotoGP race…with no oncoming cars, no steel guard rails to bounce off of…and no cage driver turning left in front of you..but it shows the difference…

I know, I know..the music is obnoxious..but the video is short and sweet …

I know I just “skimmed” these types of crashes (no pun intended). You can find a lot more information with a search on Google.

I am in no way an expert, but I just wanted to share these videos with you.

Ride Safe…Ride Often…and Enjoy the Ride!

So you went out and bought that shiny new bike, did you?  You made a wise decision and took a motorcycle safety course and now you have the skills under your belt to ride in an empty parking lot.  As soon as a you get a chance, you nervously venture out onto public streets and ease your way into traffic.  So far, so good, right?

A couple of days later, you are out riding and you figure out you are on the wrong street…or a dead end street and you need to turn around and go back the other way.  Uh oh…  When did the city street department narrow this street?  Or did they?  Even worse, you have a passenger on your pillion seat behind you…so..when you stop and try to make a three point turn…you discover just how heavy that bike really is! 

Even a medium sized cruiser like my Vulcan 900 LT weighs about 600 pounds…now add your weight and that of your passenger!  Geez!  You are about to learn how strong your legs are trying to back that thing up so you can get it turned around.  The best case scenario is if you practiced making U Turns in a parking lot beforehand, you could have developed the skills to make a smooth, effortless U turn and saved your legs!  Not to mention impressing those watching you or worse..riding with you!

When I took my MSF course, they had the dreaded Figure 8 in a Box exercise…where you make a Figure 8 maneuver inside a 12 foot box…and don’t put your feet down.  In my case, I was thinking “This is like high school calculus…I can learn this stuff..but there are no “real world” uses for it.”   WRONG! 

Let me give you a couple of examples:  

1)  A couple times per week, I stop by the drive through ATM at my bank.  When I am done there, I have to make a hard right turn to get pointed back out towards the street.  A quick dip to the left, turn the bars right, turn head and eyes right…and look back where I want to go…use the friction zone and a little trailing brake..and around we turn.  Pointed back toward the street and on my way again.

2)  On one of the side streets I travel on the way to work one morning, I come upon a two vehicle accident that has the street blocked off.  Hmm…  this is going to take a while…  might make me late for work..  Check the mirrors to make sure nothing coming up on my left..slight dip to the right, then turn the bars hard left, look as back as far as I can to where I want to go…bike comes around in less than 12 feet radius..and we are on our way.

The U Turn isn’t a high speed maneuver, but it is important to maintain control of your bike.  VERY IMPORTANT:  THE BIKE GOES WHERE YOU LOOK!  If you glance at the curb while turning…guess where it is going to go?  Also, remember to slip the clutch and use the friction zone while putting a light pressure on the rear brake.  This will help you keep the bike upright and under control while making your turn.  Another important point to remember:  Keep your feet on the pegs or floorboards!  You are making a hard turn here..if you let the bike catch your heel or foot as it comes around..it can hurt you..big time!

Jerry “Motorman” Palladino is a recognized authority in motorcycle rider training.  His video makes this all clear and simple.

Check this out:

“Motorman” also puts this exercise into a real world scenarios in the following video. Here is his humorous outake on the dilemma a new bike rider finds himself in while trying to turn his bike around with his wife on the back:

I would recommend finding an empty parking lot and practice making your U Turns using the marked parking spaces as a guide. Start easy by practicing making your U Turns using two spaces in width. Here is a video of how to accomplish the infamous MSF Box. Captain Crash makes it look easy, doesn’t he?

I have seen just about every possible configuration of handlebars and hand controls you can imagine on a motorcycle.  Some were on sweet custom bikes like “ape hangers” or wide beachcomber bars, while some were stictly utilitarian  and functional such as the sport bike clipons or the simple controls on a dirt bike.  On a “blinged out” custom street bike, nothing looks better than some sweet custom grips and loads of chrome.  Well…let me restate that.  On a shiny, glimmering  chromed out cruiser type bike, that is. 

There is a trend lately for “blacked out” bikes, where anything that was normally shiny or chromed is now either black chromed or powder coated black. Still sweet, if this fits the theme of the bike.

If a rider is into off roading with a dirt bike or dual sports where you can ride on the highway until you get to where you are going to play in the dirt, they tend to lean more toward ultity and function.  All that shiny stuff is going to get muddy and just more to clean up right?

Either way, almost every rider makes changes to his control setup by either adjusting or changing the bars, levers, or adding electrical accessories.  This is all part of making the bike fit better, ride more comfortably, or simply “making it your own.”

Let’s take a look at custom motorcycle handlebars and controls to get an idea what they are and what they do.

Here is an article by Tyler Powers that gives you some further information on the subject.  Enjoy…

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Custom Motorcycle Handlebars and Controls

Handlebars for your motorcycle serve two purposes. First, and most importantly, the handlebars provide a means to steer the motorcycle by controlling the swivel of the front wheel enabling the rider to ride in a straight line or turn. Secondly, the handlebars provide a place to locate important controls and accessories which allow the rider to operate the motorcycle safely.

Handlebars are available in many designs ranging from straight bars to high rise “ape hangers” and everything in between. The particular handlebars you chose for your motorcycle should be based on what is most comfortable and safe for you, the rider, as well as what will look best with the overall design of your cycle.

Mounted on the handlebars are the hand grips which should be comfortable in your hands since you will spend a great deal of time holding onto these grips. You can find them in foam “titty grip” composite, hard rubber, smooth or grooved. Your throttle is also operated through the right hand grip on the handlebars. Because you must hold the throttle open during times you are moving, hand grips that are comfy as crucial for making road trips comfortable. Choose the style that feels best in your hand and looks good on your motorcycle.

Your turn signal controls will be mounted on the handlebars. Choose chrome or black controls, depending on your personal taste. The clutch and front brake are, in most cases, controlled by levers mounted on the handlebars. These levers are available in a wide range of styles from plain, straight chrome to decorative levels with skulls on the end or other embellishment.

An important set of accessories that will be mounted on your handlebars are the rear view mirrors. You can really add pizzazz to your sled by choosing custom mirrors that reflect the theme of your cycle. Maltese cross designs, mirrors with LED turn indicators include on the side facing oncoming traffic, and other unique designs can add a special look for this safety accessory.

If your motorcycle has an electric start switch, it will also be mounted on the handlebars. This simple button switch makes life much easier than having to kick start a big engine.

You may choose to strap a bag onto your handlebars which will be attached by two straps and may be placed in front of the handlebars and above your head light. This can provide a nice place for all those little items you need to stash. Other bags may be designed to sit on the gas tank without obstructing your view of any indicator displays in your console if your motorcycle includes an on-tank console.

As you can easily see, handlebars are for more than just driving controls. They serve many purposes. Chose stylish handlebars that fit the overall look of your custom cycle. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of designs from which to choose.

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If custom choppers and custom motorcycles are your passion, you will find our chopper website to be a great resource for buying and building motorcycles. Whether you like bobbers, custom harleys, Triumphs, Japanese choppers, or pro-street bikes, you’ll discover quality articles, bike building mini courses, videos, and chopper plans that will suit your all of your bike building or motorcycle buying questions and desires.

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