Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tips on Selling your Motorcycle
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.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Where to Find Motorcycle Online Forums
Harley Heaven (www.harley-heaven.com)
For Harley fans and those who want nothing but pure Harley news and information, Harley Heaven has a chatroom where you can meet and swap Harley talk with likeminded folks. There are also links to repair tips and tricks, lifestyle, free pictures and in true Harley fashion, a link to tattoos and piercings.
CT Biker's Guide (www.ctbikersguide.com)
If you want a site that opens directly to an online forum, then this website is for you. To get in, you must register to become a member. Membership gives you access to more features than guest users usually get.
There's private messaging, email access and a user group subscription to keep you updated. Topics include events, bands, bars, a mechanic's corner for repair tips, a swap shop for trading merchandise, photos of members' rides and even an off-topic chatroom for topics that have nothing to do with bikes.
Riding Across USA (www.ridingacrossusa.com)
RaU has an online forum for members that is categorized into different topics such as motorcycle discussions, parts sales, biker events, riding schedules, local meetings and more information about motorcycles and bikers. And you're not only limited to fellow bikers in the U.S. You could also search for biker groups and individuals in Canada and in other countries.
Bad Weather Bikers (www.badweatherbikers.com)
This site is dedicated to Buell motorcycle fans. Like most riding sites, it features some interesting links: its Knowledge Vault features articles for repairs, parts, gadgets, apparel and accessories; the Tale Section features biker stories submitted by members and there is also info about racing, news about sponsors, a classified ads page and of course, an online message board.
Real Divas Ride (www.realdivasride.com)
This site features an online forum exclusively for women riders. A good place to meet and greet fellow lady bikers to exchange news and information, find riding partners and groups and learn about current riding events. It also features a page on biker products and services and an online message forum.
Members can post queries, events and even submit photos and profiles of their own rides. Although made up mostly of women riders, male browsers are also welcome.
Minnesota Wings Motorcycle Club (www.mnwings.com)
With over 400 members, this group's site offers the usual biker info and separate pages for its seven chapters in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Harley Davidson
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
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.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Motorcycle Boots Buying Basics
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.
Motorcycle Boots Buying Basics
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.
Monday, December 1, 2008
How to Ride a Motorcycle
Riding motorcycles is a puzzle for many people. While millions know how to drive a car, a smaller fraction of the population knows how to ride a motorcycle. However, riding a motorcycle isn't really a complicated matter once you know the basic principles. It may be totally different from driving a car, but it is definitely something which can easily be learned.
Perhaps one most important things that a rider should learn is turning the head. You need to turn your head when you pull out to a road or when you change lanes in order to see what is behind and beside you. You don't have a rear view mirror when riding a motorcycle and thus this habit could be a life-saving one.
Once you have the engine started and the motorcycle is in neutral, you need to pull the clutch in using your left hand and then click the gear onto the first gear. Slowly release the clutch and gently wind the gas throttle in your direction, this is just enough to prevent stalling. Now you need to wind your throttle a little bit more and then soon enough the bike will start moving.
Now you need to know how to stop. Pull in the clutch while gently pushing your throttle away from you, and then pull the brake in with your right fingers. Keep on practicing moving and stopping so that you will be in control of the motorcycle. Just remember to grip the bike’s fuel tank using your knees to secure yourself during the ride, and keep your body relaxed.
Practice until you feel that you are confident enough to increase the motorcycle’s speed and use higher gears. During the ride, keep your head upright so that you are aware of what is happening around you. Don't keep on looking at the handles because they will distract you from seeing what is ahead.
When you are braking, it is important to apply more stress to the brake in the front than the one in the back. The rear brake mainly assists the front brake. The stopping power is really at the front. You might need extra assistance from the rear break during wet weather, though.
It is actually really simple to ride a bike. The most important thing if for you to combine all the principles together in a very harmonized manner while keeping yourself upright and being attentive to your environment.

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