You know you have limited storage space, and you will find that packing for a motorcycle trip takes a little more thought than packing for a trip in the car. There is hope, the key is to pack as compact and lightweight as possible. Here are a few tips to help you plan for your next motorcycle road trip.
Planning for room
Room is at a premium, if you plan to pick up a few souvenirs along the way, make sure you reserve enough extra storage room them.
Clothing
Pack clothing in layers. The warmer it gets, the more layers you can shed, and if the weather turns colder, you can always put more layers on. An easy way to pack clothing would be to use zipper-type bags. Place the article of clothing inside, squish the air out and seal. Instant space saver.
Rain gear and a safety and repair kit
Essential pieces of equipment, so make sure they are on the top of your list. Not having them would really put a damper on your trip.
Travelling using saddlebags
If you plan on travelling with saddlebags, keep in mind balance. Pack heavier items in the bottom for a stable base, and place the lighter items on top.
Luggage Racks and tank bags
If you don't have saddlebags, but use a luggage rack and tank bags, make sure the bags or packs on the rack and tank are secured. They can be secured using bungee cords, bungee nets, or magnets, in the case of tank bags.
Showing posts with label Motorcycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motorcycles. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Karizma Fi 2009 Motorcycle Review
Hero Honda is one of the leading companies in the world of bike manufacturing, but for the past years, the company made no changes or upgrades to its flagship model Karizma.
Will Karizma Fi 2009 be much different than it's predecessor?
Karizma Fi 2009 will be available with brand new fuel injected technology PGM-Fi posing tough competition to the existing Apache RTR180 and the latest Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i. What is PGM Fi? It is known as Programmed Fuel Injection that ensures optimum fuel combustion thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and was developed by Honda some 20 years ago.
Styling and color choices
This new 150 kg Karizma 2009 will be available in different colors and some spied photographs revealed one look in sporty white color. Awesome is the word for the appeal it can create with its stylish full front fairing and rear cowl design .Not only Karizma 2009 seems perfect as a street fighter, but going for long distance ride and enjoying grand touring experience cannot be ruled out. Infact Hero Honda Karizma model have always been popular for grand touring experience.
Mill of Karizma 2009
The new Karizma will run on a big mill and the 223cc engine of Karizma 2009 assures of greater power and greater torque with rear disc brakes and gas reservoir shock absorbers. With better throttle response, this stunning looking bike will also be equipped with rear disc brakes, traditional looking mounted rear view mirrors and bulb system tail lamps. New rear mud guard is expected to be another additional feature besides new split rear grab rails. Again with some minor tweaks in the silencer of the Honda Hunk, it will be fitted into new Karizma.
All's well that ends well is the adage, and in this case all this great features will be a bonus if only the price is in the affordable bracket.
Will Karizma Fi 2009 be much different than it's predecessor?
Karizma Fi 2009 will be available with brand new fuel injected technology PGM-Fi posing tough competition to the existing Apache RTR180 and the latest Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i. What is PGM Fi? It is known as Programmed Fuel Injection that ensures optimum fuel combustion thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and was developed by Honda some 20 years ago.
Styling and color choices
This new 150 kg Karizma 2009 will be available in different colors and some spied photographs revealed one look in sporty white color. Awesome is the word for the appeal it can create with its stylish full front fairing and rear cowl design .Not only Karizma 2009 seems perfect as a street fighter, but going for long distance ride and enjoying grand touring experience cannot be ruled out. Infact Hero Honda Karizma model have always been popular for grand touring experience.
Mill of Karizma 2009
The new Karizma will run on a big mill and the 223cc engine of Karizma 2009 assures of greater power and greater torque with rear disc brakes and gas reservoir shock absorbers. With better throttle response, this stunning looking bike will also be equipped with rear disc brakes, traditional looking mounted rear view mirrors and bulb system tail lamps. New rear mud guard is expected to be another additional feature besides new split rear grab rails. Again with some minor tweaks in the silencer of the Honda Hunk, it will be fitted into new Karizma.
All's well that ends well is the adage, and in this case all this great features will be a bonus if only the price is in the affordable bracket.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Motorcycle Covers For Protection
If you live in a house with a garage, then storing and protecting your motorcycle is an easy task to do. By storing it in the garage, you protect it mainly from weather damage. Consider using a motorcycle cover for protection against the weather.
The first thing you need to realize about motorcycle covers is that not all covers are made the same. Most riders believe that you can go to your local retail store, buy a cheap motorcycle cover, and expect it to do and act the same as a cover you would by at a motorcycle shop. . However if you put the money into a good motorcycle cover, then chances are it will last you a long while.
Cheap motorcycle covers that you get from your local retail store are not much more than a plastic, royal blue, tarp cover. This type of cover will tie at the bottom of the bike with elastic hooks. A high-quality cover is custom fit to your motorcycle so it fits snuggly around the bike to protect it from weather and flying debris.
A lot of motorcycle covers are made to be resistant to water, as well as to repel water or to have UV protection to prevent the harmful rays from damaging the paint job on your motorcycle. However motorcycle covers are not 100% resistant to water for the simple fact that the cover needs to be able to breathe and to get rid of any moisture that may be under the cover. The exterior of the motorcycle cover will keep water away while the interior of the cover lets the moisture escape to keep your bike dry.
Motorcycle covers can protect against all of that. The cover can also keep your seat cool from the summer sun. So what type of cover do you need to get? There are several companies that make a heavy - duty cover for your motorcycle. These types of covers may come with vents, heat shields, and a surface that is waterproof. This cover is very heavy and durable and may come with locked hems that will allow you to protect your motorcycle. Other types of covers are half-covers, bikini tops, or shades that are made just for the summertime. Covers also protect your motorcycle from potential thieves as they can't see what is under the cover.
The first thing you need to realize about motorcycle covers is that not all covers are made the same. Most riders believe that you can go to your local retail store, buy a cheap motorcycle cover, and expect it to do and act the same as a cover you would by at a motorcycle shop. . However if you put the money into a good motorcycle cover, then chances are it will last you a long while.
Cheap motorcycle covers that you get from your local retail store are not much more than a plastic, royal blue, tarp cover. This type of cover will tie at the bottom of the bike with elastic hooks. A high-quality cover is custom fit to your motorcycle so it fits snuggly around the bike to protect it from weather and flying debris.
A lot of motorcycle covers are made to be resistant to water, as well as to repel water or to have UV protection to prevent the harmful rays from damaging the paint job on your motorcycle. However motorcycle covers are not 100% resistant to water for the simple fact that the cover needs to be able to breathe and to get rid of any moisture that may be under the cover. The exterior of the motorcycle cover will keep water away while the interior of the cover lets the moisture escape to keep your bike dry.
Motorcycle covers can protect against all of that. The cover can also keep your seat cool from the summer sun. So what type of cover do you need to get? There are several companies that make a heavy - duty cover for your motorcycle. These types of covers may come with vents, heat shields, and a surface that is waterproof. This cover is very heavy and durable and may come with locked hems that will allow you to protect your motorcycle. Other types of covers are half-covers, bikini tops, or shades that are made just for the summertime. Covers also protect your motorcycle from potential thieves as they can't see what is under the cover.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Nolan Helmets Are the Best Choice
Are you considering a good Nolan helmet? If your answer is yes, then you must have realized that buying a helmet that actually works is not as easy as it may sound. You may like to consider many things prior making the right decision. After all, buying Nolan Helmets is not only about style but it is more about your safety as well!
Why the selection of right helmet is important?
All bike riders and others as well are quite aware of the fact that riding a bike is quite risky. Especially on difficult and uneven roads, riding a bike can be called safe. Nolan helmet users know the importance of safety for bike riders. How can you dampen a fabulous experience of owning a bike by choosing an ill-fitting and uncomfortable helmet? Hence, do extensive research and gather information to enjoy a long-lasting bike ride experience.
The best way to get the best motorcycle cycle is getting referral from friends and families. Make sure, the helmet you are going to choose is fit for professional bike riding as well. Nolan 103, Nolan n42, and Nolan n102 are few brands that can be trusted for ensuring a safe bike riding experience. These brands are manufactured after conducting so many testing to perfect the comfort level of helmets. In addition, the manufacturer offers a wide selection of solids and awesome graphics to choose so that users can get just a perfect safety gear. So, just have a look and choose the one fits you the best.
All varieties of Nolan helmets come with a safety seal that indicates that it is fit for use. The certification is provided by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Check the DOT sticker at the back of helmet for more assurance. The sticker also indicates that the helmets are capable of averting risks at the time of accidents especially to any brain-related injury. So, choose well and get the best helmet for your safety.
Why the selection of right helmet is important?
All bike riders and others as well are quite aware of the fact that riding a bike is quite risky. Especially on difficult and uneven roads, riding a bike can be called safe. Nolan helmet users know the importance of safety for bike riders. How can you dampen a fabulous experience of owning a bike by choosing an ill-fitting and uncomfortable helmet? Hence, do extensive research and gather information to enjoy a long-lasting bike ride experience.
The best way to get the best motorcycle cycle is getting referral from friends and families. Make sure, the helmet you are going to choose is fit for professional bike riding as well. Nolan 103, Nolan n42, and Nolan n102 are few brands that can be trusted for ensuring a safe bike riding experience. These brands are manufactured after conducting so many testing to perfect the comfort level of helmets. In addition, the manufacturer offers a wide selection of solids and awesome graphics to choose so that users can get just a perfect safety gear. So, just have a look and choose the one fits you the best.
All varieties of Nolan helmets come with a safety seal that indicates that it is fit for use. The certification is provided by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Check the DOT sticker at the back of helmet for more assurance. The sticker also indicates that the helmets are capable of averting risks at the time of accidents especially to any brain-related injury. So, choose well and get the best helmet for your safety.
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.
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Vital Motocross Parts For Your Dirt Bike
Motocross riding is one of the most high intensity extreme sports in the world. It involves all-terrain outdoor riding, basically which means that all kinds of courses, whether rocky, or muddy is used for most motocross events. The races are obviously held in enclosed circuits but always in public places around the world. It involves speed and a high amount of bike control during race performance.
Therefore it is absolutely essential that the bikes be in top shape and are built using the best motocross parts that are available in the aftermarket industry. A faulty dirt bike could spell disaster for a racer going high speeds on the outdoor course.
In the aftermarket industry, parts of motocross bikes fall under highly specialized motorcycle categories. That is to say, bikes from different manufacturers will have different manufactured parts and in this highly specialized sport, there can be no compromise. So, a Yamaha bike will have differently structured parts available as compared to a Kawasaki bike for example.
One vital part for motocross, or for that matter, any kind of dirt bike is brakes pads. Well maintained and top of the order brakes are essential and can make or "brake" any riders finish. Jokes apart, to maintain brakes pads, parts like brake hardware, brake lines and brake rotors are things that a biker needs to look at before the race. Motors are another thing that needs close attention. Carburetors, clutch plates and engine valves on the 4-stroke are integral components of an engine that will brake without maintaining them.
Motocross Exhaust systems are essential for any bike and more so for high speed, all off road riding that entails to the motor. With header pipes and silencers being some of the main components, an exhaust system radically improves the look and sound of the bike to stay under 96 disables without loosing power to the motor. The silencer will need serviced on regular bases before the insulation burn out and cause the motor to over heat and raises the disables over the course limit.
Other major parts are suspension parts, tires, wheels, guards or braces, fuel systems, ignition etc. These are the departments that any rider needs to look at while maintaining a bike especially for motocross racing.
Therefore it is absolutely essential that the bikes be in top shape and are built using the best motocross parts that are available in the aftermarket industry. A faulty dirt bike could spell disaster for a racer going high speeds on the outdoor course.
In the aftermarket industry, parts of motocross bikes fall under highly specialized motorcycle categories. That is to say, bikes from different manufacturers will have different manufactured parts and in this highly specialized sport, there can be no compromise. So, a Yamaha bike will have differently structured parts available as compared to a Kawasaki bike for example.
One vital part for motocross, or for that matter, any kind of dirt bike is brakes pads. Well maintained and top of the order brakes are essential and can make or "brake" any riders finish. Jokes apart, to maintain brakes pads, parts like brake hardware, brake lines and brake rotors are things that a biker needs to look at before the race. Motors are another thing that needs close attention. Carburetors, clutch plates and engine valves on the 4-stroke are integral components of an engine that will brake without maintaining them.
Motocross Exhaust systems are essential for any bike and more so for high speed, all off road riding that entails to the motor. With header pipes and silencers being some of the main components, an exhaust system radically improves the look and sound of the bike to stay under 96 disables without loosing power to the motor. The silencer will need serviced on regular bases before the insulation burn out and cause the motor to over heat and raises the disables over the course limit.
Other major parts are suspension parts, tires, wheels, guards or braces, fuel systems, ignition etc. These are the departments that any rider needs to look at while maintaining a bike especially for motocross racing.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Motorcycle Touring
Some riders like to travel alone, and if you can cope with the solitude, this has many advantages. You decide the route, the duration of the tour and you get out of bed when you please, be it early or late. If you're heading down the motorway in France, see the sign for Spain and think 'I'll have some of that', there's no problem, you just do it. This once happened to me by the way; I ended up in Spain without really meaning to, and had a great time.
On the other side of the coin, it can be a problem when things go wrong. A breakdown is always a headache, but if you're alone it can prove very troublesome, especially if you have to leave your bike unattended. Another issue is illness; no one plans to be sick, but it can happen. Being sick is bad; being sick and alone in a foreign country is worse. Which brings us on to insurance; whether you are traveling alone or in a group, do the sensible thing, and make sure both you and your bike are covered.
Most people will be riding with a group, so there are a few things to consider at the planning stage. It is imperative that the route is decided before the start of the tour. Talk to each other and agree exactly where you are going, how many hours a day you will ride and how often you will stop. Do you have both fast and slow riders in your group? If you intend to stick together, you will need to reach a compromise, but don't try and make slow riders go faster; that's a sure fire recipe for trouble.
Do your homework and know exactly where you are going to end each day, and where you will be sleeping, whether it be in a city hotel or a campsite. If you are staying in a city hotel, it could be a wise move to select one that has private, secure parking. Even if nothing happens to your bike parked on the street, you could spend a sleepless night worrying about it. A well organized, group tour can be a memorable occasion, but skimp on the planning and it may all end in tears.
When riding in a group, it's your job to keep an eye on the bike in front of you, whilst occasionally checking the one behind. If you can, it's a good idea to have communication between the lead and last bike, that way, if anything happens, the trail bike can contact the lead rider immediately. However, it's important to keep a reasonable distance between bikes. Assuming that you're going to travel within the specified speed limits, there are going to be other road users who will want to overtake. If you're bunched up, an overtaking vehicle can cause serious problems if you have effectively created one elongated vehicle.
If you want to go on a motorcycle tour, can't find anyone to go with and don't fancy going it alone, an organised motorcycle tour with a reputable motorcycle tour company could be the answer. Gone are the worries of sourcing and booking accommodation, planning routes and finding places of interest. A good company will generally have a back up vehicle available to carry your luggage, along with other essentials such as water and first aid kit. They will meet you at a designated point; from there on, you hand over your luggage and enjoy the ride.
All the hotels will have been pre-booked and places of interest checked out. Of course, it costs a little extra to do it this way, but it's well worth it. You can so easily sail past an amazing place that lies a few short miles from the well worn path. A prime example of this is the Spanish Motorcycle Museum, which sits at the edge of the village of Hervas, a place no one would ever pass through to go anywhere. Many of the gems to be found on tour are off the beaten track, but hopefully, your tour operator will have researched the area and discovered them for you. The friendships forged on this type of tours can last a lifetime.
On the other side of the coin, it can be a problem when things go wrong. A breakdown is always a headache, but if you're alone it can prove very troublesome, especially if you have to leave your bike unattended. Another issue is illness; no one plans to be sick, but it can happen. Being sick is bad; being sick and alone in a foreign country is worse. Which brings us on to insurance; whether you are traveling alone or in a group, do the sensible thing, and make sure both you and your bike are covered.
Most people will be riding with a group, so there are a few things to consider at the planning stage. It is imperative that the route is decided before the start of the tour. Talk to each other and agree exactly where you are going, how many hours a day you will ride and how often you will stop. Do you have both fast and slow riders in your group? If you intend to stick together, you will need to reach a compromise, but don't try and make slow riders go faster; that's a sure fire recipe for trouble.
Do your homework and know exactly where you are going to end each day, and where you will be sleeping, whether it be in a city hotel or a campsite. If you are staying in a city hotel, it could be a wise move to select one that has private, secure parking. Even if nothing happens to your bike parked on the street, you could spend a sleepless night worrying about it. A well organized, group tour can be a memorable occasion, but skimp on the planning and it may all end in tears.
When riding in a group, it's your job to keep an eye on the bike in front of you, whilst occasionally checking the one behind. If you can, it's a good idea to have communication between the lead and last bike, that way, if anything happens, the trail bike can contact the lead rider immediately. However, it's important to keep a reasonable distance between bikes. Assuming that you're going to travel within the specified speed limits, there are going to be other road users who will want to overtake. If you're bunched up, an overtaking vehicle can cause serious problems if you have effectively created one elongated vehicle.
If you want to go on a motorcycle tour, can't find anyone to go with and don't fancy going it alone, an organised motorcycle tour with a reputable motorcycle tour company could be the answer. Gone are the worries of sourcing and booking accommodation, planning routes and finding places of interest. A good company will generally have a back up vehicle available to carry your luggage, along with other essentials such as water and first aid kit. They will meet you at a designated point; from there on, you hand over your luggage and enjoy the ride.
All the hotels will have been pre-booked and places of interest checked out. Of course, it costs a little extra to do it this way, but it's well worth it. You can so easily sail past an amazing place that lies a few short miles from the well worn path. A prime example of this is the Spanish Motorcycle Museum, which sits at the edge of the village of Hervas, a place no one would ever pass through to go anywhere. Many of the gems to be found on tour are off the beaten track, but hopefully, your tour operator will have researched the area and discovered them for you. The friendships forged on this type of tours can last a lifetime.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)