Tips on Selling your Motorcycle

Sometimes, you have to let go of the things that you love the most. You probably want to sell your motorcycles for one reason or another, say, you need extra money, or you’re buying a new one or simply because there’s lack of space in your garage.

So, where do you start? How do you find good buyers and how do you communicate with them? Here are some useful tips:

-Bring the bike’s glory first

The first thing that you need to make sure of is that your motorcycle needs to be in top shape when you sell it. Getting the dirt off and changing a few peripherals can really shoot up the value of your motorcycle. Also, make sure that you ask a mechanic to check if there is anything to repair or replace. A bad motorcycle component can ruin a deal and ruin your reputation as a seller.

-Browse the names from your current network

If you already know someone who has interest in purchasing a second-hand motorcycle, then you should offer your motorcycle to them first. Choosing people from your own network can remove many of the hassles and obstacles that come along with the selling process. If you are inclined towards selling the motorcycle at a “friendlier” price to someone you know, make sure to weigh the amount that you would have spent in waiting for another buyer from outside. You shouldn’t be on the losing end of the bargain.

-Try selling it online

An online auction is a very effective way of doing transactions. You can opt to sell your motorcycle online with such websites as ebay.com. These auction sites connect to the whole world and everyone can practically participate in the bidding process. Make sure that you write the profile of our motorcycle in such a way that you highlight its strengths. Do include high resolution pictures that are taken from different angles. These will encourage people to inquire about it.

-Local newspaper

There’s no harm in posting an advertisement in your local newspaper. There might be people out there in your own town who are dying to buy your motorcycle.

-Try your local dealer

You may opt to ask for the help of your local dealer. You will have to pay him some amount but at least you will be freed from the problems of selling it. Selling motorcycle is their core expertise and it would be much faster to do it their way.
Try different options and get the best deal from selling your motorcycle.

Readmore »»

Choosing an Insurance for Your Motorcycle

Buying insurance for your bike isn't only wise, it's could also be a good investment. Some factors that could affect your motorcycle insurance coverage are:

Your bike's value

Always ask about insurance before buying a motorcycle. Your dealer or supplier should be able to inform you whether your new bike is covered or not. Usually, insurance for a later model, souped-up bike will cost more than that of a regular motorcycle.

Your age and home address

If you're younger, you'll usually pay more. If you're older and have more riding experience, your rate could be much better. Where you live will also factors into your insurance payments. High-risk addresses where there's a higher probability of crime or accident will mean higher rates.

Your job and driving history

Where you take your motorcycle on a regular basis will also affect your insurance payments. For example, bringing your bike to work in a construction site could raise the rates. Your past driving experience will also have an effect on your insurance payment, regardless of whether or not you've driven a motorcycle before.

Usually, your regular motor insurance company will provide enough insurance coverage and options for you, but you might want to check out insurance coverage specific to motorcycles to see what your options are. Full coverage can be quite expensive and very often, only provided for high-end motorcycles.

What your insurance should have

Ideally, your insurance should include the following: passenger, collision, liability, no-fault, uninsured and service coverage. Another insurance coverage that you might want to consider is medical, which will cover medical costs in case of injury and hospitalization.

You might also want to get insurance for bodily injury. This covers your liability in case you cause a collision that resulted in another person's injury or death.

Mind the cost

Shop for at least three insurance quotes before deciding on one. Call as many insurance agents as you can to have a better look at the coverage and rates that's available, because rates do vary.

If your motorcycle mileage is low, you could get better rates. Using your motorcycle only occasionally could get you a better insurance deal. You might also want to take a DMV class that specializes in motorcycle training. Once you get your certification, you might just be able to haggle with your insurance company for a better price.

Comprehensive coverage can be quite expensive, although it will cover instances of theft, vandalism or total wrecks. You don’t want to overpay your insurance, but if you think you are at a high risk of having your motorcycle damaged or stolen, you might want to get a comprehensive/collision coverage.

Readmore »»

Buying, Driving, and Other Tips for Motorcycle Rentals during Travel

If you and your partner are enjoying some much needed quiet time abroad or just out of town, why not add an exciting twist to your vacation by renting a motorcycle instead of the usual car and limousine?

Benefits of Motorcycle Rentals

Efficient Traveling – Riding a motorcycle will get you to where you’re going much quicker than a car would because motorcycles are able to make use of passages and perform nifty moves that bulky vehicles are essentially unable to do.

Affordable Solution – Motorcycle rentals are also cheaper than car rentals. Why spend more when you don’t have to? With motorcycle rentals, you’ll have extra pocket money to spend!

Option for Private Transporation – If you’re heading to Venice, you should know that this lovely Italian city doesn’t allow people to use cars; you can however use motorcycles if you’re not that fond of manual bikes or walking.

Tips on Renting a Motorcycle

Selection – It’s best that you rent from a shop which allows you to choose from a varied selection of motorcycles. In the event that your rented motorcycle will malfunction, the shop will surely be able to send you a replacement unit immediately.

Support and Services – If there are documentation needs for you to take care of before being able to rent a motorcycle, is the shop willing and able to help you take care of these requirements?

Price – Lastly, always compare prices and rates before making the final decision of where you’re going to rent a motorcycle.

Using and Driving a Rented Motorcycle Out of Town or Abroad
Always make sure that you have obtained the necessary license and other documentations before renting out any motorcycle. Laws regarding use and driving motorcycles after all varies from state to state (or country to country for that matter) so you may need to take additional tests even if you’re already a licensed motorcycle driver back at home.

Don’t forget to ask about insurance. Again, insurance requirements depend on where you’ll be using your rented motorcycle so you may also need to obtain additional but temporary insurance to be able to legitimately use a motorcycle on foreign roads.

Familiarize yourself with traffic and driving rules and regulations for motorcycles at your destination.

Readmore »»

Creating Ads for Motorcycle Sale

Selling your motorcycle has never been easier. Where the more conventional ads works on helping you sell your computer through interested parties, now online trading has become a booming business for motorcycle and vehicle buyers and sellers.

If you are looking for ways on how you could possibly increase the possibility of your motorcycle being sold in a short period of time depends on where you sell your motorcycle, when you sell it and to whom you would sell it and its relative pricing.

Below are just list of simple tips in marketing your motorcycle and keeping it on top of the general buying guide of every company you are working on appraising the motorcycle you are selling.

• Mastering the Art of Selling. You may not be an entrepreneur but everybody has their own way of effectively selling their own commodities.

You just need to set your own tone in selling and keep yourself afloat on all situations by observing how the public reacts to such advertisements. If you get few responses to the way you have advertised your product, change your strategy.

• Emphasize the Features. First and foremost, you will need to inform the public, which is your prospective buyers, as to the features of the product you are selling. They will need to have the latest information on what to expect and what not to if they will buy the product in question. Since this is selling, you should solely focuse on the benefits and good features of your vehicle and sell it!

• Prepare all Necessary Documentation. Your responsibility for selling your motorcycle shouldn't stop after you've sold it. In fact, you will need to prepare all documentation beforehand and deeds of transfer including purchase titles after the initial transaction for selling has been made.

This will ensure a smooth transfer of titles and transactions and keep you from getting yourself into trouble inasmuch as legalities in selling your motorcycle is concerned.

• Ensure Good Working Condition for your Motorcycle. Remember the old saying “do unto others what you want others to do unto you”? Everybody hates a rip off so try to make sure that the individual components of your motorcycle are all up and running.

If you see something that isn't working, replace it with a new one and try adjusting the price.

Readmore »»

Racing Motorcycle - Fast But Friendly

In the competitive world of racing motorcycles, most companies tend to bank on their racing teams to promote their street bikes. Heavy duty motorcycles with obscene amounts of power inside the chassis run across the tracks, and motorcycle racing fans find that they can own a little piece of the excitement by buying themselves civilian versions of the racers that their favorite bikers are running.

More often than not, this marketing approach has led most motorcycle manufacturing companies to come up with barely street legal specs for their civilian bikes, and the results are machines that are grossly expensive, difficult to maintain, and wind up causing accidents in the hands of bikers who don't possess the necessary skill level to handle such high performance bikes.

Honda has taken a different approach from it's competitors in this department, and has instead taken a people-friendly focus in their motorcycles. Their teams still continue to run - and win a lot - in motorsports events, but their civilian bikes aren't simply powered-down versions of their racers. They customize their civilian bike designs with the average person in mind.

One of the things that shows this approach is the price of a Honda motorcycle. Their price ranges both for the bikes and parts are considerably more affordable for people who just might want to ride a fast bike for fun without the need to cleave along the highway like a bullet.

Their parts are also much easier to find than most of their competitors, especially their european counterparts, and likewise are much cheaper while maintaining a high standard of quality. To add to the customer oriented approach, these same parts are also easier to install, replace, and yes, modify for those who want to push the specs of their crotch rockets a little higher. Honda service center personnel are highly trained under rigid standards to ensure they do their jobs on the bikes right.

Lastly, Honda also offers comprehensive packages as an added bonus, like extended warranties, insurance, and prepaid maintenance plans for their customers to make sure that they get the best deal available for their money. For Honda, service doesn't end right after the sale is made.

So, while Honda racing bikes perform on a par with their competition on the professional race tracks, their civilian bikes are made for the people who just want to ride for fun without the headaches involved with owning something just one step below formula specs.

Readmore »»

Motorcycle Clubs Unveiled

Motorcycle riders, also known as bikers, are often perceived either as tough and bad or slackers and bums. Such notions probably came about because motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are portrayed in books and in the movies as daredevil villains whose main concern is to sexually offend women, steal money or cause havoc.

Because some popular movies and stories have made bike riders as one of the epitomes of evil and corruption, many people also look at motorcycle clubs as a group of goons and henchmen. In reality, however, most motorcycle club members are ordinary law-abiding citizens.

What is a motorcycle club?

An MC, short for motorcycle club, is basically an organization that is composed of people who are bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts. MCs are more like a brotherhood or a fraternity of people who share the love of motorcycles and another common interests, such as preference to a particular motorcycle brand, profession, locality, or love of nature or environment.

Organizational Structure

A typical MC is composed of officers and members. Big motorcycle organizations usually are subdivided in terms of localities, called as chapters. For example, a national MC organization could have a west coast and east coast chapters, or a Nevada, Texas and New York chapters.

Usually MCs have set of officers and follow strict rules. Officers of such clubs are commonly composed of president and vice president, treasurer, secretary, sergeant-at-arms, and road captains. Large MCs usually have a set of officers for the national and local chapters.

The size of a motorcycle club can vary from just a few people, probably five to ten, to hundreds and even thousands. Like fraternities or brotherhoods, membership to motorcycle clubs are usually exclusive and must be approved.

Common MC Objectives

Although there are many motorcycle clubs around the world, most MCs share common rules and objectives. The major concerns of such clubs are to have fun and ensure the safety of its members. Members of MC clubs often help and protect each other, helping in repairing bikes, sharing motoring tips and good routes to try, and even recommend hotels, restaurants and places to try.

Many MCs also don't forget their civic duty and raise money for several charities – from helping aids awareness to feeding homeless children. Since many military and police officers are members of MCs, many motorcycle clubs also offer support during calamities, accidents and disasters.

Benefits of being an MC member

Aside from a jacket with logo or emblem, new MC members can benefit from knowledge and experience of other members. Finding the best suppliers to great motorcycle routes are things that are bikers magnanimously shared with each other.

Readmore »»

Ready Tips to Choosing Motorcycle Helmets

Forget what you see in the movies. Wearing a helmet isn't only the law, it could also save your life. Here are some tips how to choose the right kind of motorcycle helmet to wear:

Make sure it passed quality control.

The DOT has a set of standards for motorcycle helmets. When buying one, look for the DOT logo on the helmet, usually at the back. The helmet should also have a label that includes the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model and materials.

Go for a helmet in the mid-price range.
Don’t scrimp or spend too much on a motorcycle helmet. A no-frills, reasonably priced helmet with good quality materials will offer enough protection to keep your head safe.

Protection for the whole head.

Choose helmets that are full-faced. These offer a lot of protection for head-on collisions. Open-faced helmets do give some level of protection, but in case of a collision, your cheeks, chin and neck won't stand much of a chance.

Cover your face.

Choose a helmet with a face shield, which is usually made of hard, clear, shatter-proof plastic. This will protect your face from dust, wind, debris and rain. Some shields have tints to give you some protection against glare and some have high resolution for sharper vision. Some models are even equipped with anti-mist devices to reduce fogging or condensation.

If you’re planning to use your helmet in very cold conditions, you might want to choose one with a breath box. Located in front of the helmet, it covers your nose and draws your breath away from your shield so it won't fog.

Look for an inner lining.

Helmets should have a firm inner liner that's at least an inch thick to protect your head and be worn comfortably. Before buying one, wear it for at least 10 minutes or so to get a good feel. Safety may be your first concern but comfort is a close second. In fact, comfort determines whether your helmet is safe or not.

Make sure it fits.

Never buy a helmet without trying it on first. It should fit your head comfortably – not too loose or too tight. If you tried to move it back and forth over your head, it should offer some resistance and the cheekpads but it shouldn't press on your face too much. Too much pressure will cause headaches later.

Be sure you have enough visuals.

The upper lining should just be above your eyebrows and your eyes must be centered. Avoid helmets that limit your peripheral vision in a big way. A good figure to watch would be about 200 degrees or more.

Readmore »»

Knowing What Makes Motorcycle Prices Zoom Up and Fall Down

If you wish to make a wise investment when purchasing a motorcycle, you should start by learning about the various factors that affect motorcycle prices and to what extent it’s able to affect them.

Factors Affecting Motorcycle Price

Engine – The engine is arguably the most influential factor regarding motorcycle prices. Size, power, and type are properties of motorcycle engines that you should be most concerned. A bigger engine, for instance, may hamper your motorcycle’s speed. Power allows you to achieve greater performance but at greater risk to yourself because a powerful motorcycle is harder to control than one that’s designed for leisure driving only.

Level of Expertise – The level of expertise required to handle a particular motorcycle model also marginally affects motorcycle price. Expect motorcycles designed for the use of first-timers and beginners may be priced cheaper than those designed for experts and professionals. The reason behind this is simple: motorcycles for novices need fewer requirements to deliver customer satisfaction.

Type – The type of motorcycle you’re buying will also affect the price range that you’ll have to accommodate. There are various types of motorcycles on the market so you need to determine your purposes for buying a motorcycle before making any purchases.

Sports bikes are for speed junkies and look best when accessorized with lots of bling-blings; standard bikes on the other hand ensure that you reach work or home quickly but safely; motocross bikes are specifically designed for users fond of off-road travel; while cruiser bikes are the motorcycle industry’s version of show-type dogs like poodles and other toy dogs as opposed to those belonging to the sports or work classes.

Aesthetics and More – Lastly, the style and design of motorcycles also has an effect on its price. The materials used are just one of them. Expect motorcycle prices go up when additional modifications have been made such as the inclusion of an audio system and security alarms. Motorcycle prices which include insurance charges are naturally more expensive than those without although they may prove more affordable in the long run.

Brand name is definitely a factor since the motorcycle industry has its own hierarchy and in which names like Duchatti and Harley Davidson reign supreme.

Now that you know all the factors affecting motorcycle prices, the only step left to take is determining which factors are most important for you and which motorcycle models are capable of meeting your expectations. Have fun with your big bike!

Readmore »»

Be Updated with Motorcycle Events

Some people love living in the fast lane. They ride their motorcycles and enjoy the strong wind as they speed up down the road and enjoy the journey. However, for the real motorcycle enthusiast, it isn't enough to simply live in the fast lane. Living in the fast lane must go hand in hand with living with style. Many enthusiasts have taken odds and lengths to find the perfect bike to express themselves.

This aspect of self-expression in riding the motorcycle can sometimes be something that only people with the same interest can understand. It is no wonder that a motorcycle lover will look for a fellow enthusiast to be able to share this ideas to those who can understand. This is where going to motorcycle events may be of significance.

Why Go to a Motorcycle Event?

There are certain reasons why a motorcycle enthusiast will pursue this.
1. A beginner can start to learn more about the field by joining these events.
2. This is also a good venue to get to know the right people who can be of big help to each other. It can't be denied that when motorcycle enthusiasts come together they can really go along well and understand each other.
3. Motorcycle events can also be a good opportunity to get good ideas from the other enthusiasts with regard to tips, suggestions and opinions.
4. It will definitely feel good to be able to ride your bike together with the other bike lovers. It is like coming together and expressing yourself together to the rest of the world in a rally, ride or event.
5. Finally, the sense of camaraderie is something that the motorcycle enthusiast will enjoy. There is so much to see, enjoy and be nostalgic about in these events.

How to Join the Motorcycle Events?

Given all these wonderful points of joining motorcycle events, it is a must for one to join the same.

First thing to do is to check out the local community for any organizations or associations formed by local motorcycle enthusiasts. There will surely be one, at least in every state. You can easily talk to the members of these groups and inquire on how you can join in the scheduled events. It is also possible to check on their schedule or calendar for the events they are organizing. You can ask for the requirements so you can easily join.

There are also some internet sites that can help you find an organization near your locality. These can also provide a calendar regarding some important events, especially those that will take place on the national level.

Conclusion

Take the first step and participate in the motorcycle events. A true bike lover will definitely enjoy these events.

Readmore »»