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From Junk to Rejuvenation: Motorcycle Salvage

March 12th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Many a motorcycle rider likes to be known as a nightrider, because the nightriders are passionately fond of their motorcycles as they consider their motorcycles to be royal chariots. Their love for their motorcycles is without doubt an overriding passion, and there is a twinge of sadness felt when a motorcycle dies a natural death, after about 10 years of hard living. The main causes of death for a motorcycle are accidents and fire, along with the arrival of newer and more attractive models on the market.

That being the case, one wonders what happens to the motorcycle when it is no longer wanted. The answer is that it inevitably ends up at a motorcycle salvage yard, also referred to as the motorcycle junkyard or motorcycle boneyard. This junking of the motorcycle to the motorcycle salvage yard does not, however, spell the final doom of the motorcycle, which finds a new lease of life when scientists, engineers, and automobile wizards take away their spare parts for further research as well as to build new-age motorcycles. For example, some engineers from Karnataka, India, got together and put together spare parts that were at least 20 years old to build an eight-seater fuel-efficient vehicle.

Barter for Parts and Knowledge

Besides such scavengers of spare parts, there are also many thousands of junk lovers who frequent the motorcycle salvage yards scouting for spares and gadgets for not only giving their existing bikes a new look, but also to build their own bikes from these spare parts and gadgets. There is a lot of trading done in old spare parts at these motorcycle salvage yards and one great example of this is people who continuously seek out the hugely popular Suzuki Shogun, a motorcycle whose production was stopped due to government regulations but which is still much sought after by motorcycle lovers thanks to its stunning looks and exceptional features.

Another important feature of the motorcycle salvage yard is that most often, it is run by people who are very knowledgeable about motorcycles and can thus provide valuable tips and be ready to assist in tracking down the right spare part. With the advent of the internet the number of motorcycle salvage yard websites has also increased, and one can easily surf the net to find a dealer that has the right spare parts. Of course, the buyer has to beware of the odd motorcycle salvage yard that may rip them off, though this is the exception rather than the norm.

J. Wood Bike Auction: Episodes 1-3.

What to Know When Purchasing a Motorcycle Seat

March 6th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

There are many advantages to motorcycling, most importantly of which is having fun. There are a tremendous amount of seasoned riders out there, and if you are just a beginner, there are many options available out there that can help you not only to learn how to ride, but also on where to find the best deals for all of your motorcycling needs, as well as to find other riders across the world to befriend and learn new things from.

You can even customize your bike, using whatever colors and designs that you want. If this is too extreme, there is a seemingly endless amount of ready made bikes for you to choose from which you can find at some places for an incredibly reasonable price, and if you don’t mind buying a used bike, you can save a great deal there as well. However, if you do choose to buy your bike used, you should make sure that you are getting what you are expecting, so that you are not disappointed and you should make sure that the company or seller is reputable, so that you do not get ripped off.

Why is the Seat Height so Important?

There are many reasons why learning about and understanding particular aspects about a motorcycle seat are so important; first-time motorcycle riders are often incredibly concerned about the height of the motorcycle seat on the motorcycle that they want to buy. This is important because most beginning riders want to be able to maintain full control in order to keep the bike upright when they stop.

Typically, each motorcycle manufacturer will list the motorcycle seat height for each of their models; the following is a listing of motorcycle seat heights from the lowest seat height to the highest, and each motorcycle seat height is given in inches, and as well, associated with each motorcycle seat height is the year, make, and model that is associated with that particular motorcycle: The 2006 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN/I is 24.5in, the 2006 Harley Davidson Springer Softail FXSTS/I is 24.9in, and the 2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDLI is 25.2in.

Taking a look at the higher placed seats, the 2006 Suzuki DR-Z400SM is 35.0in, the 2006 BMW R1200 GS Adventure is 35.2in, the 2006 BMW HP2 Enduro is 36.2in, and the 2006 Suzuki DR-Z400S is 36.8in.

Roho Airhawk Cruiser Motorcycle Seat Cushion - Medium: 14″ x 14″

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Tire for Your Bike

March 4th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Feeling the wind on the open road while riding your motorcycle is one of the best feelings in the world a person can have. Knowing that you have a finely tuned machine underneath you, hugging the road, brings a sense of reassuring freedom that you simply can’t get cooped up inside a car. You definitely love riding your bike, so you take care of it by doing such things as changing the oil regularly and keeping the finish and chrome polished clean and bright.

If you talk to just about any motorcyclist, you’ll find that one of the most important parts of the bike is the motorcycle tire. This is the only part of the bike that touches the road while you’re riding; it stands to reason that the quality of the motorcycle tire would have to be high. The last thing you need is to have your tire blowing out while you’re going 50 miles per hour down the highway.

A Different Motorcycle Tire for Street and Racing

As you probably know, there are a few different types and brands of motorcycle tire. Each type is made specifically for a certain style, performance, and durability. Two general classifications of motorcycle tires are that of racing and street. Each is designed for specific conditions, and using them interchangeably is not always a good idea.

Although a racing motorcycle tire can give your bike a sleek look, especially if you have one of those ’street’ racing bikes, it’s important to remember that these tires are designed to have their best performance racing around a track. They’re meant for speed, and not necessarily for handling. Chances are at the greenlight, you’ll spend a few moments spinning your wheels.

If you’re looking for a motorcycle tire that is great for regular street riding, that’s something completely different from the racing tire that you see on the professional racetrack. Unlike a racing motorcycle tire, these beauties have a bit more tread, and a lot more durability. They are designed for the open road, long rides, and whatever you can throw at them.

Choosing a motorcycle tire for your ride is perhaps one of the most important aspects of maintaining your bike. There are many factors to consider, including choosing a tire that can support your bike, offers the best longevity, and the best drivability for your bike.

HI-TEC DIGITAL TIRE GAUGE

Important Things to Know About Motorcycle Racing

February 29th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

What are the Different Types of Motorcycle Racing?

There is in fact a wide variety of sports that involves motorcycle racing, including that of the following: road racing, circuit racing, classic racing, motocross, supermoto, motorcycle speedway racing, auto race, motorcycle enduro, motorcycle drag racing, and flat track racing.

Road racing is a form of motorcycle racing in which the objective is to be the first rider to cross the line. These types of races often include that of difficult feature sections including such things as tough climbs, fast descents, and sometimes extremely technical surfaces. There are single-day races, multi-stage races, and the main types of road races are: open road race, criterium, individual time trial, team time trial, and stage races.

In regards to circuit racing, this form of motorcycle racing in which participants race heavily modified bikes from an earlier era and these usually consist of pre mid 70s style bikes.

In regards to motocross motorcycle racing, this is a type of racing which is held on dirt courses. It is cross-country motorcycle race over a closed course of rough terrain with steep hills and sharp curves involved. This style of motorcycle racing is especially well-known, and has extremely popular riders who are known all over the world, such as Carey Hart for example.

Supermoto is a crossover form of motorcycle racing between that of road racing and motocross. The racetrack on which these races take place is usually a mix between road and dirt courses, and these courses are typically handcrafted. Then there is the motorcycle speedway racing, which is held typically on oval circuits where riders slide their machines around critical turns.

There is also the motorcycle endurance form of racing, which involves two participants who begin by lining up at a dragstrip at a signaled starting line; upon the designated starting signal, the riders then accelerate down a ¼ mile long, two lane, straight paved track where their elapsed time and terminal speed are then recorded. Quite obviously, the first rider to reach the finish line is the winner.

Flat track racing on the other hand is done on a ¼ mile, ½ mile, and 1 mile dirt ovals, and includes TT courses which include at least one hard right turn and a jump. Flat track racing is the world’s oldest form of motorcycle racing, and speeds of far over 100 miles per hour are common on the mile and half mile tracks.

Steve Lamson’s Racing Techniques

4,500 LB Low-Profile Aluminum Racing Jack

Why Wearing Motorcycle Leather Rocks

February 25th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Riding a motorcycle down the open road is perhaps one of the best feelings that you can have during the day. Feeling the air whipping around you, and watching the scenery fly past can be a great stress reliever. However, as a motorcyclist, you know that having the proper equipment is essential to making the ride that must more enjoyable. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the motorcycle leather worn by the rider. Surprised? Here are a few reasons why.Reason # 1: Protection from the Road

As you know, other motorists on the road often ignore motorcycles. Whether they do it out of spite or just bad eyesight, the truth is that motorcyclists get into more accidents through no fault of their own. Although the best protection from an accident is not to get into one, wearing a set of motorcycle leather is a way to offer a bit of protection where normal street clothes simply would not.

Reason # 2: Protection from the Bike

The various pipes and engine on the motorcycle can get a little hot, to say the least. When you’re riding down the road, allowing your bare skin to touch the metal can leave you with some serious burns. One way of preventing these injuries and still ride your motorcycle is to put on some motorcycle leather.

Now, many would tell you that during the summertime, wearing motorcycle leather could lead to overheating and heat exhaustion while riding a motorcycle. What those people fail to take into account is that you’re not standing still. The air whipping around your bike is also racing around you, cooling your body. In addition, wearing motorcycle leather is a great way to prevent loose clothing from getting wrapped around the different exhaust pipes. The last thing you need is to have the clothes that you’re wearing cause an accident.

Reason # 3: Protection from the Elements

Chances are if you spend any amount of time on your motorcycle, you’ll run into a situation where Mother Nature isn’t your friend. Now granted, most of the times you ride your bike, wearing motorcycle leather is hot and bothersome, with the sun blazing down at you. But just think of the last time you got caught on your bike in a sudden downpour with nothing more than a t-shirt and shorts. Chances are you wished you had some motorcycle leather at that point.

Bottom line is that wearing motorcycle leather is a great way to offer the protection that your body needs, the comfort that you desire, and the flexibility you demand. It’s definitely something to consider the next time you ride.

Heavyweight Leather Motorcycle Jacket SZ 28

Alpinestars SP2 Leather Gloves 2006 Blue LG 35582670L CLOSEOUT-no return

Join the Exciting World of Dirt Bike Racing On a Mini Motorcycle

February 21st, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Dirt bike racing, a sport event currently sweeping across the country, sometimes takes place on a mini motorcycle. This competitive sport involves thrill-seeking motorcycle riders who have a fiercely competitive nature and a desire to race against similar enthusiasts. To obtain a better appreciation for the exciting world of dirt bike racing on a mini motorcycle, let’s look at three areas of the sport — history, the actual racing component, and safety.

History

In the early days mini motorcycles were built out of spare parts in local garages. Eventually their usefulness as a mode of transportation was noted, and then small bikes were used by drag racers in the 1950s to conveniently travel around the pit area.

The natural progression from racetrack to neighborhood ensued as racecar drivers saw the benefits of having this simple mode of transportation around their homes. The introduction of the mini motorcycle into residential areas provided excitement around the neighborhood as its size and similarity to a bicycle coupled with a motor made it an instantaneous hit with the children. This kicked off the early manufacturing heyday of the mini motorcycle for children.

The popularity, excitement, and potential of the mini motorcycle has since come full circle and been discovered, once again, by adults. Often these small bikes can be adapted for adult use by installing bigger handlebars and equipping the bike with a modified suspension system. Today, mini motorcycles are used by adults and children as dirt bikes and for racing. This popularity allows for a broad range of mini motorcycle lines to compete for the customer’s dollar, which is good news for your wallet.

Racing

Mini motorcycle racing has become a very popular sport. Often called pitbike racing, the investment in the purchase of one of this bikes makes participation in this sport less costly than the use of a full-size motor-cross motorcycle. Racing speeds can be attained that top 40 mph; the engine size for these bikes ranges from 40 cc to 110 cc.

Safety

However, despite its miniature size, the thrill of competition and also the potential dangers of racing are not minimized. As with all sports, the safety of the driver is of paramount concern. It is imperative that drivers wear proper safety equipment, which includes wearing a safety helmet at all times when riding the mini motorcycle. Also, to protect the knees and the body in the event of a spill, drivers should wear knee protection and appropriately tough clothing to prevent serious injury.

Razor Pocket Rocket Miniature Electric Bike

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