Go with a 4 stroke dirt bike

If you have been considering moving up to a four stroke motor think about the environs and safety as a selling point. When a 2 stroke dirt bike careens up a jump it is prone to explosive bursts of power because of its fuel/oil mixing needs. A 4 stroke motor is a fair bit more sizeable and needs an oil pump to get everything lubed so the power ratios experienced are quite a bit smoother. Finally this gives the ground a bit of a breather because the nobby tires don’t throw quite as much dirt and the air takes a breather because the power spikes are more efficient when you ask for the power. From a safety point of view going with a four stroke makes the bike easier to handle as you manage the bike because your more sure that you’ll get the power you ask for and not the power that may show up unexpectedly.

4 stroke for the trails

The power management aspects of a four stroke engine will help the environment when you are on the trails as well. If you have a fairly good idea of what power you are going to get when you ask for it you can back off and then reestablish it as trail conditions permit. If, for instance, you see a good sized puddle on the trail you could go flying through it at full throttle (which might be fun but environmentally irresponsible) or you could back off a bit and ride around the edges at a responsible speed to reestablish a strong position where the trail is a bit firmer.

How much pressure

Think about how much pressure you are using in your tires as you hit the trails. What sort of soil or substrate are you going to be riding on that particular day? Just because they call them dirt bikes doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be riding on dirt all day every day. Now does it? If you are heading out to the sand dunes consider your tire pressure before during and after you ride that day. Reducing the pressure for that day may make the riding better for that day, but what about the nest day when you head for a firmer substrate? If you don’t stay on top of where and when you are riding you will not only destroy your tires but spend more on gas and send more pollutants into the air.

Check out the gear

Sure you want to look dope on the bike but safety is a good thing to. There is little use in looking good when you ride if the only person that is going to enjoy how you look is the ER nurse. When you pad up consider the materials that you are wearing. Polymer products do the job for joints and head nicely but they are after all oil based products. Heck, just about everything is a polymer base these days, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to always use it for safety protection. First, stick with the head gear that works, don’t skimp here or anywhere for that matter. When to look around and think, however, is in the ballistic and extremity areas. Here, think about spun fibers and what they offer instead of going for the hard polymer choice. These products are flexible and can give the protection you need if the right choices are made. The environment will thank you with one karma point.

There are two main pricing guides in the United States – the Kelley Blue Book and The National Automobile Dealers Association or NADA guides. Some people feel that the NADA guides are a better source than the Kelly Blue Book because the National Automobile Dealers Association is currently the largest publisher of Appraisal Guides in the world. NADA has been in business since 1933 and their handbooks provide information for almost every motor vehicle that has ever been made.

Kelley Blue Book is the most well-known pricing guide and has been in business for more than 80 years. But they publish more than one price guide for used vehicles including motorcycles, so be careful if you are consulting a dealer because the one they are using is likely to be the version labeled “Kelley Blue Book Auto Market Report – Official Guide”. The book says that ‘suggested retail values’ represent Kelley Blue Book’s estimated dealer asking price, but you can bet a dealer won’t show you those figures. Better to grab your own copy and do some pricing research yourself so you don’t get taken advantage of.

Check out motorcyclebluebook.com for pricing on a huge selection of bikes. By selecting the make, model and year of the bike you’re interested in, the website will send you an email with information on the value and selling prices for any particular motorcycle.

One more pricing guide you may want to look into is Edmunds.com. This is an online information site which also supplies you with the value of your motorcycle, or expected pricing for the make and model that you are interested in.

You can purchase the books or visit any or all of these websites. Enter information about the condition of the motorcycle you presently own and want to sell or appraise, including any custom work and options, or do a query for pricing on a new or used bike you want to purchase. You will be provided with trade-in, suggested retail value and private party pricing. You’ll want to keep in mind also that motorcycle prices vary, sometimes greatly, depending on where you live, locally and globally. A good tip is to check the books or websites and your immediate market area to get the most comparisons for the best accuracy on cost and value.

This is why, whenever the time comes when you, the owner of a great Harley-Davidson motorcycle, need to get Harley-Davidson parts, you can be assured to have whatever part you need.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are quality motorcycle parts that match the tough image and quality of the legendary motorcycle. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part promises to be durable and dependable and would certainly last for a long time. And like the motorcycle itself, these parts can perform through different demands.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts can be acquired both online and offline.

Offline, each Harley-Davidson dealers across United States sell parts for each model regardless of the year it is manufactured. Dealers also service costumers with other merchandise. The Harley-Davidson of America is a reliable source when it comes to quality Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts.

Online, there are several websites that are dedicated in providing motorcycle parts exclusively for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These sites may be the authorized dealers themselves. There are also sites that offer Harley parts together with other motorcycle parts of different brand. This is not a concern since parts are made differently from one motor brand to another. Each site provides a wide inventory of parts to serve as many Harley owners as possible. Online parts stores provide a more convenient shopping experience than that of the traditional way, which is personally visiting each store to find a particular part.

Thus, online shopping for Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are more popular among costumers because it saves time, energy, and of course money.

Some stores only offer brand new parts while others sell used Harley parts. These parts are a lot cheaper since they are already used but not necessarily be in poor quality. Used Harley motorcycle parts can well be lined-up with brand new ones in terms of quality. Remember that each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part is built tough. Thus, even if they have already been used, they are still in tiptop condition.

Whether online or offline, used or brand new, big or small, you will have no problem finding the right one you need.

Some of the more popular motorcycle helmet manufacturers are Icon, Arai, Shoei, Suomy, Erex, Bell, HJC and Nolan. The majority of their helmets are approved by DOT or Snell. There are many other makers, but these are some of the better known companies.

When it comes to safety there are two major concerns. One, how is your visibility? How is your peripheral vision? Can you see enough of the surrounding area to be safe? If your visibility is poor your chances of being in an accident can increase dramatically. And two, if you are involved in an accident will your head be protected as well as you’d like? Will the material that the helmet is made from stand up to the test, to the punishment?

Many motorcyclists or bikers look solely at the aesthetic qualities of a helmet and disregard safety when looking to purchase a helmet. But in reality it should be viewed oppositely. Safety should always come first.

The main options you have when searching for the perfect motorcycle helmet are color, shape, visibility and liners. Color is the easiest decision to make, right? Wrong. As far as the safety factor goes you should be able to be seen well by other drivers. Bright colors stand out and are very noticeable, even at night, while dull dark colors are not seen easily. It’s very important to choose a bright color that can be seen easily by other drivers, even at night.

Another factor to consider is the shape of the helmet. Some people have tall slim oblong heads (egg shaped) while others have round or oval-shaped heads. Trying on helmets for a good fit is the only sure way to tell if it will fit your head properly and comfortably. Plus, you want the weight of the helmet to be distributed properly so that the head can support the helmet easily.

As far as safety is concerned the number one thing to consider is your peripheral vision. Some helmets simply do not allow a biker to see to their periphery well enough to be safe. With good visibility it’s a lot easier to see when an accident might happen and have time to react to the circumstances and maneuver out of harms way.

Liners are the last item on the agenda. The purpose of a liner is for comfort, but it also is there to help you with a correct fit. If the liner is not a good fit for your head you will notice specific spots on your head that are receiving more pressure than others. Avoid these liners. Possibly the most comfortable liner is the skull cap. You will usually have less pressure in specific areas when using this type of liner.

Last, but not least, it is not wise to buy motorcycle helmets online unless you have tried that specific helmet on previously in a retail store. In most cases you will be better off trying one on in a store first. Then, once you know the brand, size, color and type of liner that you prefer it’s an easy job to browse online for the best deals.

The biggest mistake most consumers make is locating a flashy cool-looking helmet online and then buy it solely because of its looks and for no other reason. Spend a little time shopping and you will likely end up with a product that you can be happy with for many years to come.

1. Why are new tires better?

First, new tires are better because it is organic and it decomposes. Second because the older the tire gets, the more it is exposed to outgassing. Outgassing makes the tire brittle.

2. What’s the right tire age?

In essence, the principle is the newer the tire the better. However, to make a tire last longer the tire’s age is of lesser importance. But be careful not to buy tires which are over six or seven years old. You will be able to know their date of manufacturing by searching for the three or four-digit number stamped in the tire’s sidewall. For instance, 2101 stands for 21st week of 2001 – which is its manufacturing date.

3. What are size and pressure?

Run the bike in the recommended tire pressure. It is so simple. You just have to stick to the manufacturers guidelines. That is the safest and the best thing that you can do. Nevertheless, you can have some deviations depending on your desired performance. Moreover, you have to check tire pressure regularly.

4. What will I do in case of a flat tire?

Motorcycle tires swerve from more directions. Unlike car tires, motorcycle tire has only the other tire to prevent it from falling. Thus, the best thing to do in case of a flat tire is to replace it and not just plug it.

5. When is there a need for replacement?

It depends. Front tires may still shot even when there is still ample rubber. In fact, they may still look good even if they have gone through considerable heat cycles. They can also cup or scallop when already having uneven surface. This is the best time to replace them.

6. When to buy a tire?

Buying tires must be made at reputable motorcycle stores. These stores have already established their names and services. You can also order online. But this remedy is a gamble because it will not guarantee that you will be getting newly manufactured tires. When you buy tires personally, you have the opportunity to choose the freshest tire in the store. You also have the chance to compare prices and quality.

The smell of lightweight oil, the rumble of the seat, the slight hint of octane perfume lingers in the air as you slip on your motorcycle helmet. You have your motorcycle boots on, and a rain suit packed on your motorcycle luggage rack. You ease the clutch out slowly and rev the throttle slightly, gliding forward, like a large self propelled ice skate.

The moment is yours. You have all of your motorcycle gear and apparel and have taken off into the wild blue yonder on a journey for your soul. The road and you become one, with your motorcycle as the medium, for your transitive state of mind. Your blood begins to race through your veins, your heart racing in tune with the engine. The vibration of the engine massages every muscle in your body at once. There is really no other feeling that comes close to riding a motorcycle.

If you are a beginner rider there are some attributes about motorcycle riding that you should consider. The first is motorcycle gear, and motorcycle apparel. You should always wear a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle boots are a nice addition as well. But why stop there? Buy a second set of motorcycle apparel as safe keeping in your motorcycle luggage rack. There may be times that you will need to change clothes on a long trek through the countryside.

You probably won’t need to buy multiple motorcycle helmets, unless you have a partner with you for the trip. In which case, there is a definite reason to make sure that you have enough motorcycle luggage storage space. All of your motorcycle apparel can be stored neatly in a motorcycle luggage trailer. Other options available for motorcycle luggage are motorcycle sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags, leather tool bags, and leather windshield bags.

Motorcycle boots have evolved over the century or so of motorcycling’s history. There are many different styles and colors to choose from today. A popular style of motorcycle boot used to be WWII combat boots. They were durable, had high sides to help protect from muffler burns, and were water resistant to help protect against the occasional puddle.

Many types of motorcycle gear have been made for todays motorcycle riding enthusiast. From mechanical additions to the motorcycle itself, to additional motorcycle gear for the rider. There are leather and textile jackets, rain suits, leather sissy bar bags, leather tool bags, eye goggles, leather and textile gloves, leather and textile pants, chaps and boots. In sizes ranging from young to old, short to tall, a multitude of choices await you when you purchase your next set of motorcycle apparel.

When purchasing your motorcycle gear, motorcycle apparel and motorcycle boots, remember to get some leather cleaning products for all of your new motorcycle gear. This will help to ensure that the gear you have now, you will have for years even decades to come. There may be many types of leather cleaning products available, but talk to the owner of the shop from where you purchased the motorcycle apparel, and they should be able to point you towards a proven product. After all, they have to keep all of that leather clean while it waits to be boughten from a consumer.

You could start with safety combined with a gift by purchasing just the right helmet. You can purchase all different sorts of helmets. The various helmet styles include, full face motorcycle helmets, half motorcycle helmets, German motorcycle helmets, beanie motorcycle helmets, even motocross motorcycle helmets. With cool looking decals or graphics painted in just the right color, there is a great motorcycle helmet for anyone. Stylish protective eye wear is an idea too. Getting the right pair of sunglasses or motorcycle goggles for your loved one is a good choice. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, and the lenses are sometimes tinted yellow. The yellow tint has been proven to help reduce glare, and help improve vision at night.

A warm leather motorcycle jacket to keep the wind out is another gift, and one they can use all year long, not just in the summer. There are many styles to choose from when purchasing a leather motorcycle jacket. Denim motorcycle jackets are popular as well, although not worn in colder climates much. A decent pair of leather motorcycle chaps for the long ride home is a great gift for any motorcycle rider. These will go well with just about any other motorcycle apparel, and can be a great addition to any motorcycle riders wardrobe. Leather motorcycle boots and full fingered or half fingered motorcycle gloves made with leather and other materials are a great addition to the motorcycle leather jacket and motorcycle apparel that you buy them for a gift for Christmas.

Do they live in an area that receives a lot of rain annually? A set of rain gear to help protect all of that leather would be great as well. The most damaging effect to leather is rain, and with the right motorcycle rain gear, you can help protect their Christmas gift and your investment for many years to come.

If the motorcycle rider that you are buying a gift for is not in need of motorcycle clothing, then some gear for their motorcycle would be awesome. There are many different things you can get to add life to a motorcycle, without ever having to break the bank. The motorcycle canvas cover is a good choice, as is the motorcycle cable and lock system. Then there is the luggage systems available that make the storage and cargo area of a motorcycle morn than double, The most common type of system are referred to as motorcycle saddle bags. You can also get motorcycle tool bags that mount right to the handle bars, and a motorcycle sissy bar rack pack for storing bigger items.

No matter what type of motorcycle gear you buy as a gift for the motorcycle riders in your life, you can’t go wrong if you just snoop a little and do some investigating before you buy.

This is why there is a chance that your child will not only be interested in being a fan of the sport, but a participant as well.  The good news is that, in most cases, they can, if you want them to.  This is because there is such as thing as supercross motorcycle racing for kids.

Supercross racing is most well known for its indoor racing events.  Supercross motorcycle racing was derived from the popular sport of motocross. Motocross, like supercross racing, involves an offroad track and offroad motorcycles. Since motocross tracks are outside, they are often larger and the races tend to take longer.

However, except for those differences, the two sports are the same.  If your child is interested in motocross, it may be a good idea to start them out on a supercross track since it is smaller.

Perhaps, the first thing that you should do is see if there is a local track in your area.  If you live in the rural country area, there is a good chance that you will have access to a motocross track, since they are outdoors.  There are some rural areas, as well as city areas, that have developed indoor supercross motorcycle racing tracks.
Many times, the only difference between these tracks and professional tracks is that they are permanent.  Professionals need to travel around the country to race; therefore, their racing surfaces are only temporarily laid down.

If you are unable to find a local supercross racing track, or even a motocross one, you shouldnt necessarily discourage your child from participating in this sport. Although supercross racing does involve racing on manmade tracks, almost always indoors, you can still help keep your child interested in the sport. Depending on where you live, you may have a backyard that is perfect for offroad motorcycle riding.

Your backyard would be the perfect place for your child to learn traditional motocross or supercross techniques.  In the event that you later find access to a supercross motorcycle track, especially one that will allow children to use it, you may find that your child is bettered prepared from all their practice.

Once you have found that you and your child have access to a local supercross motorcycle racing track, or even if you decide to you use your own backyard, you will want to purchase the necessary equipment.  Depending on where you live, you should easily be able to find a supercross bike, as well as all of the needed safety equipment. Some large sports stores carry the safety equipment.

Recreational sports stores, such as the ones that sell offroad motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, should not only have the motorcycles, but the safety equipment needed as well.  If, by chance, you cannot find what you are looking for, you are urged to examine online shopping. With online shopping, you have a better chance of finding what you are looking for.

Although, shopping for supercross motorcycle racing equipment may seem easy enough, it isnt always. You will want to remember that it is your child who will be participating in the sport.  This means that you will want to purchase supplies that will fit them.  This often means that you not only need to shop for youth safety equipment, but a youth motorcycle as well.

If you need assistance, picking out these supplies and equipment, you may want to think about shopping at a recreational or outdoor sports store.  Many of these store employees have experience with sizing children to equipment, including offroad bikes.

After your child is all setup and ready to go, you will probably enjoy the experience just as much as they do.  Although the experience will likely be fun, it is important to remember that supercross motorcycle racing can be a dangerous sport.

You may want to think about enrolling your child in an offroad motorcycle course or a youth racing course.  If you are unable to do this, it is okay. You just need to remember to always keep an eye on your child, regardless of whether they are in a supercross motorcycle racing venue or in your own backyard.

The miracles of modern textiles could have saved you the trouble and hassle of a cold. Quality motorcycle rain suits are made from an advanced waterproof technology, 600 Denier nylon. They will have several pockets with full enclosed flaps and Velcro, and even an inner pocket to keep your wallet nice and dry.

With numerous styles and colors to choose from, you can find one that matches your tastes, and still have a comfortable fit. You can purchase a rain suit in either a one piece style or two piece style. The legs should have Velcro and zippers to accommodate the wearing of boots, and the sleeves should have Velcro and zippers as well to help facilitate the wearing of a leather jacket. There should also be a durable heat resistant inner leg lining to protect the rain suit from becoming melted due to high engine and exhaust temperatures. Finding a motorcycle rain suit that has reflective material is also important. This helps to ensure that other drivers see you in bad weather.

When riding in the rain remember to take it slower than normal. Try to keep the turns to a minimum, as you only have two wheels touching the ground, and a condition called hydroplaning can occur very much easier than in a passenger vehicle. Hydroplaning occurs when the water underneath a tire causes the tire to actually float on the water, causing the tire to loose traction and stability. Be sure to observe the amount of rain on the road, as even a couple of inches of rain can cause hydroplaning.

Finally when you arrive at your destination, be sure to treat all of your leather products with a good polish and leather preserver like, Skidmore’s Biker Motorcycle Edition Leather Cream that helps preserve and restore a soft durable quality to the leather. The best time to do this actually is after every rainy ride, or at least once a month.

Whatever the weather that you are riding in, always be sure to stay safe, and have fun. The art of motorcycle riding can be dangerous, but you can help keep it safe if you follow the rules of the road. Be sure to help out your fellow bikers, and always wear head protection.

When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is good to plan what and how you are going to pack your motorcycle. Make a list of supplies you are going to need . Lay out everything and check off the items on your list as you pack them into your motorcycle luggage. Remember to take an extra change of clothing, just in case. Pack your motorcycle rain suit in last, so that you can get to it easily. The last thing you want is to have to search for your gear in the rain.

Take the time to research different motorcycle repair shops along your route. Keep a list of these shops in your wallet, or even better in your motorcycle tool bag. You did remember to pack that right? Take as many tools that you might need for any minor repairs. A phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your motorcycle, and a repair manual might even be handy too.

Make sure to pack some easy to eat snacks for the road. Granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars are a good idea. You can also purchase MREs, (Meals Ready to Eat), from a local army surplus store, and use these on the road as a quick meal. Use a large gallon sized sealing bag to store your food to keep the mess to a minimum.

A road map is essential. You can buy folding maps for the trip, no matter your destination. Even better, consider buying a navigation system for your motorcycle. These are great, and can be easily adapted to work with your motorcycle. If you don’t want to use a navigation system, consider using a cell phone with broadband internet access, to use free services like Google maps or Mapquest.

Think about the other essentials of the road. Personal toiletries like travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant can all be obtained and stored in a small travel bag, easily stored in your motorcycle luggage. Consider even packing a small roll of toilet paper, for when nature calls, and you are in the middle of nowhere. You are going to some remote locations at times right?

When packing your motorcycle luggage, try to keep the weight balanced on each side of the motorcycle. You don’t want to have a bike that wants to lean to one side or the other. Taking a long trip with a lopsided motorcycle will wear you out quickly as you try to fight to keep the motorcycle upright. The best way to do this, is to have someone help you pack the luggage, while you balance the motorcycle. After packing, take your motorcycle out for a short test ride, and make adjustments.