Finding Motorcycle Parts and Accessories
For all motorcycle riders, this is a very welcome time of the year The weather is turning mild, the mercury is rising, and the itch to get on your bike and ride is intensifying Whether you are a motorcycle hobbyist, or obsessed with riding, once you have experienced the speed, thrill, and freedom of the road, there is nothing quite like it . .Most riders realize the importance of taking care of their bikes-making sure they keep up with simple maintenance issues, and knowing where to go for parts and services When looking for motorcycle parts, know what you need-it’s not just an issue of what looks cool, necessity should be the most important consideration when searching for parts . .If you don’t have replacements parts or accessories for your bike accessible at your local parts store, there is nothing worse than having to put your bike up for a week or so Spend some time and do some research-talk to your local store, gather information online-find out if there are any common parts problems with the model of your motorcycle If something goes wrong with your bike, having good access to parts will help keep your bike on the road and out of the garage . .There are many good motorcycle parts dealers that have catalogs online, making parts and accessories easier to find and order Most dealers have a huge selection, and you should be able to find anything you need With large inventories, online retailers are very rarely out of stock on products Convenience is also a major factor that makes shopping online for your motorcycle needs an excellent way to get exactly what you want, and usually at a very good price . .If you are uneasy about ordering something online, give the dealer a call-most are motorcycle enthusiasts just like you, and have a lot of knowledge and experience that they are happy to share The bottom line is-keep your bike healthy, and know your best options when you need parts or accessories .
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Motorcycle Safety
Spring is here in full force, birds have returned from their southern trip, and are waking me up early in the morning, more people are outside walking and running, baseball fields are abuzz with activity, the weather is a little crazy, and of course, more and more motorcycles are on the streets and highways . . .This time of year is always good for some reminders about motorcycle safety for bikers and car drivers alike Just as car and truck drivers must get readjusted every winter to driving in snow-in the spring they must readjust to sharing the road with motorcycles Of course bike riders also go through a period of adjustment early in riding season when they are anxious to hop back on their bike . .For Bikers .1 Make sure you or anyone else who drives your motorcycle has a valid license Too many bike riders out there are not properly licensed Also, get proper insurance coverage-the costs vary quite a bit, so do some shopping around . .2 While my personal belief is that everyone should wear helmets while riding, I understand it’s a personal choice in some states Know the requirements and laws in your state, and also in other states you may be traveling to, or through . .3 Obey the speed limit Ok, let’s face it, its fun to drive fast, but for the sake of safety, stick to the posted speed limits Often times car and truck drivers can become nervous when sharing the road with motorcycle riders, so drive smart and drive safe Keep the proper spacing between vehicles-three seconds behind cars on the highway, two seconds on roads where the speed limit is 45 or below Also, always position your bike where it can be seen by vehicles . .4 Don’t drink and ride Really, did that even have to be mentioned? Sadly yes, in Illinois in 2007, 44% of the motorcycle operators killed in accidents were legally drunk . .5 Keep up with the maintenance on your bike Faithfully follow your motorcycle’s maintenance schedule as listed in the owner’s manual Furthermore, you should have all this work done by an authorized dealer to prevent potential problems . .For Car/Truck Driver .1 When you see motorcycles on the highway or streets, be aware Understand that since they are smaller vehicles, they are harder to see at times, so be vigilant in looking out for them . .2 You need to realize that bikers don’t always slow down by using their brakes Sometimes they downshift, or just ease off the throttle, so it’s imperative that you keep focused on maintaining the spacing between vehicles . .3 Understand that motorcyclists have the same rights as you do to be on the road-respect that . .4 When bikers adjust their position within lanes, they are usually doing it for a reason, whether it is to be seen more easily, to avoid debris on the road, to pass cars, or due to wind conditions Car and truck drivers need to understand that these movements are not reckless, nor are they making room for you to share a lane with them . .Hopefully by following these guidelines, and giving some thought and attention to safety on the roads, we will all have an enjoyable and safe riding season .
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Planning a Motorcycle Road Trip
As summer draws near, the call of the open road beckons you to seek out new adventures Here are a few tips to help you plan for your next motorcycle road trip . .Packing for a motorcycle trip takes a little more thought than packing for a trip in the car You have limited storage space and plenty of items that you might need along the way The key is to pack as compact and lightweight as possible If you’re not sure you’ll need an item, remember that you can always pick up an extra sweatshirt or other item along the way . .Instead of packing bulky clothing for cold weather, pack layers The warmer it gets, the more layers you can shed, and if the weather turns colder, you can always pile on more layers Remember to pack your rain gear and a safety and repair kit for emergencies on the road If you plan to pick up a few souvenirs along the way, leave enough extra storage room for those as well Don’t forget to pack a travel motorcycle cover to protect your bike on the road A cover not only shields your bike from the elements but it also keeps it out of sight from vandals and thieves Secure a lock through the grommets for extra protection . .When you fill your saddlebags, try to balance out the weight on each side as much as possible Pack heavier items in the bottom for a stable base, and leave the lighter items for on top Engine guard chaps serve a double purpose by keeping your feet warm and dry and providing extra storage space for maps, sunglasses, a water bottle, cell phone, flashlight, or other small items Engine guard chaps, or soft lower covers, keep your feet from getting soaked in the rain or chilled in cold weather . .Perform a thorough maintenance check on your bike to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible Follow the T-CLOCS method compiled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation: . . * Tires and Wheels: Check for proper inflation and make sure you have enough tread left for the miles you plan to cover . * Controls: Inspect the throttle, cables, hoses, and levers . * Lights: Check the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights . * Oil: Check fluid levels and top off or change as needed . * Chassis: Make sure your frame, suspension, belts, and fasteners are working properly . * Stands: Make sure your center and side stands are able to support the weight of your motorcycle . .As a safety measure, let someone know your travel plans and when you plan to come home from your motorcycle trip You can still be flexible along the way Just let that someone know if your plans change Leave room to be spontaneous That’s where you make the best memories .
Source: www.rsstnx.com