Thursday, January 29, 2009

Motorcycle Boots Buying Basics

By Anas Darmawan

Most people take a considerable amount of time when buying motorcycles. They scrutinize and check everything from models to features, appearance to price and maintenance. The same care and inspection should also be done while choosing motorcycle accessories, particularly motorcycle boots.



In order to improve safety and ease of riding, every biker must have a pair of reliable and dependable motorcycle boots. Wearing proper motorcycle gear, especially the boots, will make long journeys comfortable and safe.

Here are some tips that will help you find a good pair of motorcycle boots:

Boot material

Unlike driving shoes, motorcycle boots are exposed to several elements, such as mud, heat and water. Thus, it is important that you chose boots that are made of durable materials, such as leather and rubber soles. You can also opt for boots that are water resistant so that you won't be bothered by splashes of water when you are riding your bike.

Design

Motorcycle boots come in different colors and designs to fit your mood and lifestyle. However, it is wise to choose a design that's not only based on appearance, but also durability and safety features.

It is important to select a pair of boots that provide ankle coverage to not guard your ankles but also to help your feet handle different bike maneuvers, such as sliding, tipping over, etc. It's also advisable to look for boots with upper-part shell protection.

Aside from the upper design, you should also pay attention to the sole design. Ensure that the boots you are going to buy provide very good grip both while using the bike or for walking. Remember that your feet are exposed to oil, water and mud while on the road.

You should also pay particular attention to the foot design of your boots. Ensure that your motorcycle boots provide a good grip of you heel and ankle to prevent unnecessary accidents. Also look for a shifter pad, even if your bike has a heel shift. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Lastly, look for a design that doesn't have trimmings or laces that could get trapped on shift levers or other parts of the motorcycle.

Ventilation

Look for motorcycle boots that let your feet breathe. Just imagine how your feet might feel when they are next to the engine? High quality leather materials provide good ventilation.

The foot is one part of the body that carries all the weight and brunt of motorcycle riding. Thus, it is imperative that we buy a good pair of motorcycle boots that will help protect our feet.

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What Are Your Choices When It Comes to Motorcycle Accessories?

By Anas Darmawan


Simply buying a motorcycle may not be enough to satisfy your safety and aesthetic standards. Accessories, however, can help in making your motorcycle both safer and better looking. Everything depends, of course, on your budget.

Helmets – Although these aren't strictly considered as motorcycle accessories, they do serve ornamental purposes as well when you purchase stylishly designed and branded helmets.

Indicators – Motorcycle indicators can ruin the form and shape of your motorcycle. If you’re concerned about maintaining the ferocious appearance of your ride, make sure that you purchase indicators which fit and complement the lines of your motorcycle.

Speed Accessories – There are accessories and devices which you can purchase to increase the speed capabilities of your motorcycle engine. When purchasing speed accessories, make sure that the accessories match the specifications of your motorcycle.

If possible, purchase devices that are branded as they come with longer and better warranties. Suspension is one of the lesser-known examples of accessories to increase a motorcycle’s speed.

Tires – Changing the tires of your motorcycle depending on the terrain your motorcycle will be treading upon will not only improve your vehicle’s performance and speed but also provide better safety and protection for your motorcycle and the driver. When you’re traveling in rough and rocky roads, for instance, a motorcycle that’s using normal tires might not be able to completely absorb the impact every time your motorcycle hits a rough patch.

Having all-weather tires, on the other hand, will ensure that you will have better control and grip of your motorcycle, reducing the chances of your motorcycle accidentally slipping on wet roads.

When shopping for tires, base your shopping decision on the brand, price, type, and size.

Audio Accessories – Those who have loftier goals for their motorcycles can certainly splurge on audio accessories in order to make their rides completely distinguishable from other models. Since motorcycles aren't essentially built to provide audio entertainment for the driver, expect to make numerous modifications if you wish to install an audio system in your motorcycle.

When shopping for audio accessories, consider the size first and where you wish to have them installed.

Windshields – Not all motorcycles have windshields but all motorcycle owners can certainly have one installed on their rides if they so wish.

Safety Accessories – Installing alarms, handlebar grips, and other safety devices can also be installed in your motorcycle to discourage potential thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Your motorcycle dealer can provide for additional information regarding other motorcycle accessories out in the market. Just make sure that you’re buying something you can afford!

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Motorcycle Shops Galore

By Anas Darmawan

First things first, a motorcycle is basically a bicycle that is motorized. Though for some people, motorcycles have been synonymous with crime gangs, etc., They are currently quite popular as a practical alternative to vehicles.

Motorcycles are especially practical to use in urban areas where car sizes could be constrictive and eventually not ideal due to area’s limited urban space.



Fortunately, the motorcycle’s small size has an advantage. It is also quicker to maneuver, accelerate and run compared to a bulky car.
Also, motorcycles are a lot more affordable than the common car.

There is also another motorcycle misconception which claims that riding motorcycles is more dangerous.

Though there are cases where injuries were sustained from accidents via motorcycles, most of such accidents are actually caused by drivers of four-wheeled vehicles.

Thankfully, there are now motorcycle shops that offer training to riders of motorcycles both new and those that have considerable motorcycle riding experience. Doing such helps prevent serious injuries and accidents in the long run.

Motorcycle shops are everywhere

There are now many motorcycle shops in various areas, the same way that there are car shops and companies.

One such motorcycle shop is Harley Davidson. This famous motorcycle company now offer dealerships which exclusively sell their latest models of motorcycles.

One motorcycle shop is called Total Motorcycle. This particular shop carries anything and everything for the biker who is just beginning to enjoy motorcycling to the experienced rider.

Some of the motorcycle-related items available at this shop include batteries, apparel, helmets, books, gloves, jackets, spares, tires, suits, bike loans, magazines, insurance, security, manuals, among others.

The following motorcycle brands are also carried in this motorcycle shop: KTM, Hinda, Harley, Buell, BMW, Ural, Triumph, Moto, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Victory, Hsyung.

Also, any motorcycle preference you may have in terms of style is also available at this motorcycle shop. This includes supersport, cruiser, classic, naked, standard, custom, MX, dirt, enduro, off road.

This particular motorcycle shop also offers shipping to any area in the United States, Canada, UK or Australia for free.

Another motorcycle shop is Concord. They have been in the motorcycle business for more than three decades. They claim that they are the best in the field thanks to their highly-knowledgeable sales staff.

All in all, there are also motorcycle shops that sell varying motorcycle brands. Therefore, for those who do plan to buy a motorcycle, wear your leather suits, helmet and begin to shop for the motorcycle ride of your life.

Check out my other tips on Finding the Best Motorcycle Dealers

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Harley Davidson

By Anas Darmawan


Nothing, and I mean nothing, to me symbolizes the spirit of freedom and strength more than a Harley Davidson. Ever since Hell's Angels gained notoriety and biker gangs started their wild roaming through the interstates of the United States, the Harley Davidson has been synonymous with classic themes of focused passion and power, most especially rock and roll music.

As a rock fanatic and a biker myself, the Harleys have long had a very special place in my heart. If you're thinking of owning one just because you've got tons of money and want to show off how rich you are, I am going to wholeheartedly tell you now, DON'T. You'll give the real bikers and rockers out there a bad name. Not to mention you'll look funny, and everyone will be laughing at you behind your back. Or in your face, depending on how polite they are.

Okay, that said and done, let's talk about the bike. Harleys have pretty much set a trend and there are tons of posers out there that have come up with easy riders that try to at least imitate the bad-boy look of a Harley Davidson. The real bikers spend most of their time laughing their butts off at these imitations.

There is no way to counterfeit the look, the feel, and the sound of a real Harley. Making a line of Harley look-alikes is like trying to take a mule and asking it to pretend it's a thoroughbred stallion. No comparison, end of story.

I could go on about the specs of the machine, but that's not the point. A Harley isn't about numbers and figures like RPMs in the motor. It's something you have to ride to experience and understand. If your heart doesn't match up with the spirit of the bike, if you don't like rock and roll and are afraid of things like noise, power, roaming around, and change, then the experience of riding the bike will most likely terrify you. Like a wild horse sensing a newbie rider, the bike will most likely throw you at the first opportunity.

It's not for everyone, I can honestly say. That's what makes the Harley so special. It's all about attitude, and loving the concepts of freedom, chaos, and living life to the fullest. If you think you can handle that, then give a Harley a try, and see if you've got what it takes to run with the pack.

Check out my other article in Finding Best Motorcycle Dealers.

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Suzuki Hayabusa

By Anas Darmawan

The nasty-fast 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa just got badder! The Hayabusa, along with the Kawasaki ZX-14, have been regarded as the fastest production motorcycles in the world.Suzuki gets the last laugh after producing the fastest production motorcycle on the planet!

If you plan to go out and purchase this bike, you need to be extremely careful, this bike is nasty-fast, and if you're not careful, this motorcycle will throw you like a bucking bronco. If you bought the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa, congratulations, and happy riding!

Suzuki GSX-R1000

The GSX-R1000, also known as the Gixxer, is a legend in the Suzuki lineup. Suzuki features their Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) on this model to aid in the fuel-injection, making their fuel system compact and efficient.

Suzuki also boasts a rigid aluminum-alloy swingarm that pivots for better traction and performance. The 2008 model is available in Blue/White, Black/Gold, and White/Silver.

In typical Suzuki fashion, the GSX-R1000's acceleration is swift and the handling is track-ready.

Suzuki Scooters

Suzuki scooters perform well at different speeds, are smooth to handle, and can take sharp turns evenly. Younger women opt for the nimble GSR 600 Suzuki scooters. For moms’ lazy afternoon drives to visit friends, these Suzuki scooters are just ideal.

The well-built Suzuki scooters can carry two, and comfortably. Suzuki scooters are easy to steer and easy to accelerate. Smooth road operators – easy clutch system and liquid cooled engines for better road performance in urban settings. These are the trademarks of Suzuki scooters. Caring for Suzuki Scooters

Like all machines, scooters need upkeep.

Drive safely

If you have poor night vision, don’t dare drive your scooter. Steer clear of night driving. You will enjoy the time of your life during those exhilarating and safe drives with Suzuki scooters!

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Monday, January 26, 2009

Tips on Buying Your New Kawasaki Motorcycle

By Anas Darmawan

Kawasaki is among the biggest and most popular producers of motorcycles world wide. Because of its great quality and streamlined design, millions of motorcycle riders opt to buy Kawasaki. If you have decided to buy your own Kawasaki motorcycle, you might benefit reading on for some of these useful buying tips.



When buying a Kawasaki motorcycle you should carefully scrutinize the following:

1. Seat Height – you want to make sure that the seat height of your Kawasaki motorcycle is right for you. Obviously, shorter riders would need shorter motorcycles, and tall riders would need taller bikes. Be sure that the seat height is just right for you.

2. Balance – different motorcycle models in each make, including Kawasaki, differ in balance. You need to find a unit that has the appropriate gravitational center for you to balance it well. A good measure of right balance would be trying to balance the motorcycle with your feet flat on the floor and your hands away from the bars. Just do this with somebody around to make sure you don't tumble.

3. Motorcycle Weight – you should check if the Kawasaki motorcycle has just the right weight for you. You should be able to pick it up without help. It shouldn't be so heavy that you can't balance it while waiting for the traffic light to go green.

4. Motorcycle Features – While Kawasaki motorcycles have similar features, each model might be different from the other. You have to check everything from the size of the gas tank, the styling, the looks, engine size and so on. You want to make sure that the Kawasaki motorcycle model you get is one that suits your needs.

Now these are just the things you should look for the Kawasaki motorcycle itself. You should also be aware of the dealership. See if the dealership is concerned about you or if they just want to get your money as soon as possible. They should watch out for your safety and be able to suggest the right type of motorcycle for you to buy. You would also want the sales staff to be knowledgeable about riding. You can only trust one who at least knows how to ride a motorcycle.

Perhaps the best tip for you when buying your Kawasaki motorcycle is to try it out. Don't buy the bike without even sitting on it. Insist on testing it to make sure that it is the right motorcycle for you.

Kawasaki motorcycles are known to be among the best. But you need to be sure that you are indeed getting the best you need to check it out carefully.

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Tips for Buying a Motorcyle

By Anas Darmawan


When shopping around for a good motorcycle, keep in mind that, like every other business out there, the dealers are out to get your money. It may seem like a harsh thing to say but their main goal is to get your cash, but let's face facts. No business is out to give away things for free. Every dealership is going to be looking for ways to maximize their profits at the expense of you, the buyer.

To avoid getting your wallet unnecessarily drained, keep in mind that when shopping for a good motorcycle, you shouldn't simply look at the flat-out front end price of the bike. Since many dealers will have their front end prices vary, some will seek to make a profit by offering a seemingly rock bottom front end price, but will have other additional fees and charges that will make them a kickback.

These additonal charges have to be factored into the overall price when you compare motorcycle dealer offers, so that you can pick one that will offer the least strain on your budget. These additional areas to look for are the following:

Installment Payment - while the ability to pay for the price of your bike with monthly installments seems to take a huge burden off, as opposed to making a much larger 1-time cash payment or credit charge, look at the terms of payment involved in the installment package. Usually, the overall amount of money you'll be spending will be subtly higher.

Motorcycle Loans - loan programs may seem useful too, but dealerships which offer partnerships with a bank and give you a bank loan option for financing your new motorcycle will usually tack on an added amount into the interest charges of the loan. The banks in these cases often give the dealers a kickback from the additional interest.

Warranties - extended warranties beyond the basic necessities will usually involve extra cash. Check the terms of the warranties including overall price and the duration of the warranty, as well as it's coverage to make sure you get the best possible comprehensive warranty.

Freight, Shipping, and Handling Charges - while seemingly innocuous, quite a few dealers actually subtly hide their additional kickbacks in additional freight charges for delivering your motorcycle. Find out beforehand how much damage (financially speaking) you'll be taking from the dealer for freight.

It is your duty as a consumer to make sure that you get the best possible deal for your money, so being able to detect these little areas where dealers make an extra (at your expense) profit are a must.

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Finding the Best Motorcycle Dealers


By Anas Darmawan

Motorcyle enthusiasts and lovers are out there enjoying life and this passion for the two-wheeled vehicle. They share this love for the motorcycle and the degree of freedom it provides to those who get to ride and cruise.

The motorcycle is definitely a good companion. It can bring you almost anywhere. No wonder many people have fallen in love with them and would like to buy them. However, when it comes to buying a motorcycle, there must are certain precautions to be taken.

Finding the Best Motorcycle Dealer

Motorcycles are available at motorcycle dealerships. They can also be bought from the people who do buy and sell of these vehicles. There are also some that made their services available on the intenet. Evidently, the buyers have been given a wide leeway to choose as desired.

However, it is a must to find the one who can really give a good deal. Stay away from those who will defraud you. Here are some things to consider when you seeking the right motorcycle dealer out there.

1.From the Dealer or from an Individual?

Some people can actually get a better deal from an individual, only if they are lucky enough. It may be cheaper because the bike isn't as new, but aside from that, there may be no warranties.

Buying from a dealer can actually give you the edge because these dealers are banking on their reputation. There is no room for mistakes for the dealers or else they won't get the buyers. There are also warranties in the contract. This will at least ensure that any problems encountered later on will be addressed properly.

2.Ask Your Friends

It will be helpful to ask your peers about the dealerships that can offer good prices and quality based from their experiences. They may have encountered some problems during their time, you will definitely not repeat the same.

You can also read some magazines and reviews to know the opinions of other people regarding a particular dealer or experience. It never hurts to listen to what they have to say.

3.Check Your Online Options

Motorcycle dealers have expanded to the internet. Today, you can browse the internet and look for a dealer and compare the various prices and offers.

There are also web sites that will allow you to find the nearest motorcycle dealer in your locality or state. This way, you won't be clueless if you don't have any information to begin with.

Conclusion

Look for and buy only from the best dealer that you can find. This is the only way to ensure that you are getting a good deal for your money and effort.

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Getting the Best Motorcycle for You

By Anas Darmawan

There are plenty of benefits to having your own motorcycle but before you get into the actual buying consider some important points that you may want to take note of in order to fully assess your need to buy yourself one of these exciting automobiles.

More than 93% of the time, men want their own motorcycle. That is one of the recent datas gathered from a recent regional statistic in the United States and that's why is's normal that you want one as well.

Nevertheless, you have to think about the important talking points before you get your wallet out of your pocket and shell out bucks to cover expenses related to your motorcycle buying.

Experience. If you are going buy a motorcycle, you need to know your level of experience in terms of driving. You might have gained a professional drivers licence for your automobile but riding a motorcycle is different from a car. Consider these and get yourself out of trouble.

Motorcycle rides are one of the most dangerous accidents you will ever engage in according to the US Department of Transportation. If you want to know more about motor safety and driving, you may contact Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Motorbike’s Intended Use. Note some special considerations on how you would like to use your motorbike. Are you young, sport-enthusiast? Go for sport motorcycles. If you are someone who enjoys moving around the city with your favourite motorcycle, without becoming rough on the road, you might get yourself a commuting/touring bike.

In effect, you may want to consider your lifestyle when trying to move around the market looking for some motorcycles that will surely fit your personality and the way you live your life on a daily basis.

Budget. There are plenty of considerations that you have to think of before you get yourself a new motorcycle. Consider your allotted budget and household priorities. Should mortgage come first? Children’s tuition, pending bills, household appliances, etc. Keeping yourself interested in buying a motorcycle is OK as long as you have other more important expenses covered.

A decent motorbike would cost one from $4000 to $24000. Talk to your local motorbike dealers and inquire on the most appropriate paying options they have for you inasmuch as motorcycle financing is concerned.

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