MOTORCYCLE | Motorcycle Review

Motorcycle Saddlebags History

Executive Summarize By: Alamdar H.

Motorcycle with Saddle Bag

Saddlebags are most commonly used to carry luggage on a motorcycle. There are 2 major kinds of motorcycle saddlebags. Throw over saddlebags and hard mount saddlebags. The concept of hard mount saddlebags originated from throw over saddlebags which were used in early 1950 for the first time.

As the motorcycle industry experienced a big boom in 1960 especially after the Vietnam War the motorcycle luggage also evolved. As major motorcycle companies launched bigger and better motorcycle people started traveling farther on there motorcycles. Many riders formed groups and rode cross country and from city to city. A group of riders drilled several holes in the back fender of their motorcycles in order to permanently bolt the saddlebags to the motorcycle. This permanent installation resulted in the saddlebags being more reliable and sturdy. This step also contributed towards the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. Motorcycle companies like Indian Motorcycle Company and Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company noticed this trend and soon started producing motorcycles with struts. The struts enabled motorcycle riders to bolt the motorcycle saddlebags without making any permanent changes to the motorcycle such as drilling holes in the back fender. Later the same strut enables other accessories to be securely mounted on a motorcycle such as motorcycle carrier and sissy bars.

In 1980 the motorcycle companies realized that most 1000 cc and above motorcycles are used for long rides. To further add value to their motorcycles they started selling motorcycles with fiber glass saddlebags. These motorcycles did well as most of these came with the motorcycle specific luggage. This also saved the motorcycle rider a lot of time and headache.

Despite the popularity of factory installed saddlebags motorcycle riders still prefer leather saddlebags in most cases. This is due to the fact that motorcycles leather saddlebags can be customized to a greater degree as opposed to motorcycle specific fiber glass bags.

Most early motorcycle saddlebag companies used studs, spots and conchs to decorate the saddlebags. Recently the more advanced motorcycle saddlebag companies have started manufacturing and offering saddlebags that are not only motorcycle specific but also match the color of the motorcycle. Another approach is to design the leather motorcycle saddle bags in such a way that it blends in with the overall design of the motorcycle.

Learn Motorcycle Safety

By:  Lestari

Men Racing Offroad Boots

The Best Way to Learn Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycles have been around for many years. Some people consider them to be a motorized bicycle given that operates in the same manner and is powered by an engine.

A report from the National Highway Traffic Administration shows that from 1975 to 1999, more than 38,000 people have died while riding a bike. The number of those who were injured is much higher and many have suffered from head injuries.

Why so many? Simple because the driver prefers to have the wind pass through their hair instead of wearing a helmets.

If you want to enjoy riding the motorcycle for a long time, then it is best to get a helmet.   This piece of protective equipment must be worn before starting the bike and should only be taken off when it’s parked in a designated area.

Most dealers don’t offer them free when buying a bike. You will have to get this accessory separately so it is best to try on a few first before picking the right one.

Aside from the headgear, you can also wear some heavy clothing and boots. Studies have shown those who have been involved in accidents and have such things on are more likely to have only a few bruises and scratches after an impact from a fall.

When the right attire has been selected, the best way to drive the motorcycle safely will be by enrolling in a safety-training course. These are different than driving a car so it is best to be familiar with the differences before going on the open road.

You can check the directory to find a school that can cater to your skill level given that beginners and those who have been riding for a long time need to take a refresher course.

The training program isn’t only in the classroom but it will also have some practical driving. This will teach you to stay out of the blind spot of a motorist, which is one of the more frequent causes of an accident.

Since the motorcycle is much smaller compared to a car, you will also have to look at the side mirrors regularly. This will avoid getting bumped from the back when weaving from one lane to the next when moving through traffic.

The safety-training course will be finished within three to five days. What happens after that will entirely be on the driver.

The Magnificence of the BMW Motorcycle

By:  Ryan Simpson

2009 BMW K1000R

Ever since 1932 BMW has been making motorcycles that fall in the high-end class and that are regarded as being amongst the highest quality motorcycles.

They are known for excellence and for providing some of the most enjoyable motorcycle rides around.

BMW first introduced the R32 BMW motorcycle in 1932 and have been developing that particular style of motorcycle into something that has fan clubs all over the world.

This first BMW motorcycle had a peculiar engine, known as the “boxer twin” engine. It was designed for air cooling and its two cylinders protruded from opposite sides of the motorcycle.

Later during the BMW motorcycle development they also developed more traditional four cylinder motorcycle models.

Not only did BMW manufacture road bikes, they also branched out into off-road motorcycles and have made a name for themselves there as well.

Apart from the association with quality through the BMW logo and name, BMW motorcycles also attract loyal fans because the motorcycles give comfortable rides without sacrificing sportiness and performance.

Apart from some of its off-road models, the BMW motorcycle generally is a big motorcycle. However, drivers of these motorcycles will tell you that they handle like a dream.

Today they are four different series of BMW motorcycles. These are the F, G, R, and K series.

The F series has a four stroke, four valve engine and has a chain drive to the back wheel. The G series is an off-road motorcycle that BMW developed in conjunction with Aprilia. The R series motorcycles still have their trademark protruding cylinder heads but they have been improved upon over earlier models. The K series has also been developed into a motorcycle technological wonder. Both the R and K motorcycle series come with powerful engines that can drive a small car.

If comfort, style, technology, and stylishness appeal to you in motorcycles, then the BMW motorcycle will definitely be on your shopping list. On the one hand they come with a high price tag, but on the other hand you know that you are buying BMW quality, comfort, and style.

How to Buy and Take Care of Your Motorcycle Apparel

By:  Lestari

Everyone who has been riding motorcycles knows very well the utmost importance of protecting one’s body. With a motorcycle you are more vulnerable than when you are in a car and thus you have to take all necessary precautionary measures to maintain safety. The helmet is a given in terms of biking protection, however, you shouldn’t overlook what you wear when riding. You should also take into consideration the motorcycle apparel you wear.

Motorcycle apparel should be designed for riding and one that keeps you insulated and dry during your rides. It should also be sturdy enough to protect your from scrapes and bruises in case of accidents. Motorcycle apparel serves as your second skin and keeping you warm in cold weather, or ventilated during warm weather. A good material for motorcycle apparel is leather.

When buying your motorcycle apparel you should ask the store or the manufacturer about the materials used for the gear. You should know whether it uses synthetic or natural fibers and materials. This also determines what kind of caring and cleaning steps are appropriate for its materials. This is especially important with leather gear, because with proper care motorcycle apparel can last to up to 10 years or even more.

Ask the store for maintenance or cleaning products that they recommend for the motorcycle apparel you are buying. If you are choosing leather gear, be sure to know the type of finish it has because that would greatly determine what kind of care would be appropriate. Stores sometimes have their own set of cleaning solutions for motorcycle apparel and it would be recommended to use them. If they are too expensive for your budget, look at their ingredients and find similar products in the supermarket.

Motorcycle apparel may cost a lot more than your regular clothes because they are made for riding. Despite the costs, they could be worth every penny because of the protection they could provide you. They can also help you build on your style as a rider. By wearing real motorcycle apparel you can definitely look and feel like a bike rider.

Buying motorcycle apparel should be considered as an investment by any rider. With god motorcycle apparel, you can ride with style and at the same time feel confident about your warmth and safety. So go ahead to your local motorcycle apparel store and find the gear that fits you and your taste.

Knowing What Makes Motorcycle Prices Zoom Up and Fall Down

If you wish to make a wise investment when purchasing a motorcycle, you should start by learning about the various factors that affect motorcycle prices and to what extent it’s able to affect them.

Factors Affecting Motorcycle Price

Engine - The engine is arguably the most influential factor regarding motorcycle prices. Size, power, and type are properties of motorcycle engines that you should be most concerned. A bigger engine, for instance, may hamper your motorcycle’s speed. Power allows you to achieve greater performance but at greater risk to yourself because a powerful motorcycle is harder to control than one that’s designed for leisure driving only.

Level of Expertise - The level of expertise required to handle a particular motorcycle model also marginally affects motorcycle price. Expect motorcycles designed for the use of first-timers and beginners may be priced cheaper than those designed for experts and professionals. The reason behind this is simple: motorcycles for novices need fewer requirements to deliver customer satisfaction.

Type - The type of motorcycle you’re buying will also affect the price range that you’ll have to accommodate. There are various types of motorcycles on the market so you need to determine your purposes for buying a motorcycle before making any purchases.

Sports bikes are for speed junkies and look best when accessorized with lots of bling-blings; standard bikes on the other hand ensure that you reach work or home quickly but safely; motocross bikes are specifically designed for users fond of off-road travel; while cruiser bikes are the motorcycle industry’s version of show-type dogs like poodles and other toy dogs as opposed to those belonging to the sports or work classes.

Aesthetics and More - Lastly, the style and design of motorcycles also has an effect on its price. The materials used are just one of them. Expect motorcycle prices go up when additional modifications have been made such as the inclusion of an audio system and security alarms. Motorcycle prices which include insurance charges are naturally more expensive than those without although they may prove more affordable in the long run.

Brand name is definitely a factor since the motorcycle industry has its own hierarchy and in which names like Ducati and Harley Davidson reign supreme.

Now that you know all the factors affecting motorcycle prices, the only step left to take is determining which factors are most important for you and which motorcycle models are capable of meeting your expectations. Have fun with your big bike!