Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
Nothing beats riding a sport bike with the wind on your hair, the open road in front of you and the beautiful scenery passing
the corner of your eyes. Some people consider owning a sport bike as one of the best things that they have ever purchased.
However, statistics has shown that motorcycle accidents have increased 89% from 1997 and that those involved are usually aged
20 to 29.
The high rate of motorcycle road crashes can be alarming so imagine what a high-speed sport bike would fare in terms of
crashes and accidents. It’s not therefore a matter of question that protective gear be used and prioritized to prevent the
fatal consequences of motorcycle accidents.
1. The Helmet
The all-essential helmet is the most important protective gear for any serious sport bike rider. Full face helmets are
usually required and can protect the head better than open-face ones. High impact lightweight helmets are popular but the
important features for a good helmet include its ability to absorb shock, a comfortable internal lining and a tear resistant
face shield. Make sure that the helmet can also be removed easily and that it has a cooling system that will allow your face
to breathe.
2. The Knee straps and braces
This gear is important to prevent any injury to the knee, calves and lower part of the thigh. Make sure that you pick a high
quality knee brace that is lightweight as it is durable. Some braces use velcro for straps but this is not advisable. Choose
pull on designs that can securely fasten the brace to your knee and can comfortably compress the brace to your knee to
prevent it from moving or shifting.
3. The Gloves
Gloves can protect your hands from scratches and gashes. Since they are the ones most likely to borne the impact of any
crash, make sure that they are sheathed with gloves made of leather or high-quality synthetic material. The better ones are
perforated for ventilation and have a comfortable inner lining to prevent the palms from sweating. Some gloves come
fingerless, while others fully-cover the whole hand. Make sure though that they fit you well and the straps holds the glove
in place.
4. The Jacket
Primarily, jackets are more for style than they are used to protect the body from injury. Today, however, more and more
jackets are produced with protection as the primary purpose. The exterior may be made of leather or of a synthetic material,
but inside, the jacket is stuffed full of pads to protect the shoulders, elbows and chest from injuries. It also functions as
a reflector for sport bike fanatics who take out their bikes in the evening.
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Friday, August 15th, 2008
A motorcycle is typically a two-wheeled vehicle run by a small, loud engine. These vehicles are basically motorized bicycles, but are structured with heavier, sturdier and more complex parts, implying that a motorcycle is more machine than bicycle.
Motorcycles have various uses, but the obvious primary use is to ride, to serve as a form quick transportation. Other uses: military and law enforcement, sports/racing, touring, and serving as a symbol of freedom, depending on who is riding it. Motorcycle conventions also allude to yet another purpose for the motorcycle: a show piece! Motorcycles, like automobiles, are also works of art for those who are mechanically inclined or like to showcase their unique and innovative machines (concept bikes).
Motorcycles: Types
Road Motorcycles: motorcycles built for riding on paved and public roads. These motorcycles have shallow treads and 125cc engines capable of reaching 100 mph (160km/h). Some can go over 125 mph (200 km/h). These aren’t designed for racing, but merely for public transportation. They have license plates, blinkers, and other accessories necessary for riding on public roads.
Cruiser-reminiscent of the style of American machines during the 1930s through the 1960s. These motorcycles are designed for long distance riding and provide some comfort. Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Henderson, and the Chopper are cruisers.
Sports bike-performance bikes that are usually lighter and smaller in structure than the cruiser. These motorcycles are racing bikes and have four-cylinder engines ranging 600cc to 750cc. “Super bikes” can also provide up to 1,000cc.
Touring bike-these motorcycles offer large displacement parts, to protect from inclement weather and heavy winds; high-torque engines; comfortable, upright seating positions; and large capacity fuel tanks for long-range mileage. Types of tour bikes include: Full-dress Tourers, Standard Tourers, Global On+off Road Tourers, and Sports Tourers.
Naked bike-reduced in parts to its essentials, this bike emphasized function, performance, and ergonomics over the appearance that is a preferred feature of the sports and tour bikes. These motorcycles are also referred to as “street” bikes. The Yamaha Seca II is a fine example.
Scooter-Motor Scooters are short-distance motorcycles with small wheels (357 mm or 14 in. in diameter) and engines in the swing arm. Typically, these run less than 125cc, but some larger scooters exceed 250cc. One popular scooter is the Honda Lead 80.
Moped-a bicycle/motorcycle hybrid with a two-stroke engine that goes up to 50cc. These have demanding licensing in some localities. Their popularity dropped in mid-1980s, but they are still used today.
Off-road bikes-these include dirt bikes and are built for rougher terrain. They have larger, deeper-treaded tires, small engine, long suspension travel and high ground clearance, and no street accessories. These motorcycles have engines that comprise two-strokes at a single cylinder or four-strokes at a single cylinder, and can go as low as 50cc or as high as 750cc, depending on age of the riders and the size and style of the engine. Trial bikes, which go no more than 250cc, are off-road motorcycles. These are used for Motocross and Enduros.
“Dual-Sport” and Adventure-Touring-these are “on-off road” bikes. They are similar as the “off-road” motorcycles, but they are equipped to ride on public roadways as well.
Farm bike-a variant of the trial bike, this motorcycle was used by dairy farmers in New Zealand during the early 1960s. These are low-pressure motorcycles used for easy transportation.
Derny bike-a specialized motorcycle used in track cycling for blocking air-resistance for racing bicycles.
Towing bike-designed by a Swedish company, this motorcycle has a high-torque engine and retractable trailer for towing cars and light trucks. The only one in existence is the Retriever, an altered form of the Honda GL 1800 old Wing.
Concept bike-these are prototypes created to measure the response to innovative designs, new and unique technologies, cost effectiveness, and other factors. Most are never realized, but a small few are released in compromised combination form, taking into consideration marketing realities, public reaction and preference, and manufacturing capabilities.
Motorcycles are the rage of the road-and off the road. These machines are as inspirational as they are dangerous, and they require as much respect as they do training and practice to operate. If treated well, motorcycles will treat riders well.
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Monday, August 4th, 2008
A pocket bike is getting to be more and more popular for people. With so many of the manufactures bringing new ideas to the bike trend, there are so many bikes to choose from to fit your style. When you are buying a pocket bike, you have to do a little research before you agree on one certain kind.
One of the most important facts about buying a pocket bike is to find a high quality product at a great price. You want to get the most for your money and have a bike that will last a long time for anyone to have. There are gas and electric pocket bikes to choose from. You need to determine what style and brand that you want and then do the shopping to find the best prices around.
Do not let anyone pick your pocket bike for you. This is something that you want to use and you should pick the right one for you. You want to check how powerful the bike is going to be. If the bike is for you or another adult, then the more horse power the better. If it is for a child, then you may want to tone it down a little bit more for safety. Think about how heavy the rider is going to be and where they will be riding it. The atmosphere is so important to the size and the kind that you decide on.
Make sure that the bike is made from durable materials and put together in sturdy way. You should inspect the bike thoroughly so that you do miss any imperfections or mistakes. You want your ride to be as safe as possible.
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