Motors & Drives Information

A cheap motorcycle helmet doesn’t have to be inferior to the more expensive ones. It is just a matter of looking for what kind of motorcycle helmets would work best for you. There are cheap motorcycle helmets that can perform just as well as the most popular brands out there. In order to look for them, you should be able to know how to find those helmets and what features and qualities to look for.

One of the most important features that you should look for in looking for a cheap motorcycle helmet is the comfort that it provides. The motorcycle helmet can either make or break your riding experience. An uncomfortable helmet can make any ride an agonizing experience. Helmet comfort is difficult to determine right away. In order to make your search easier, try checking out cheap but recognizable brands which are generally the most comfortable.

Check out also the soft rubber padding touching your head as well as the solid seal around the ears. Check out also the neck roll which cradles the back of your head and neck. When trying out a cheap motorcycle helmet, make sure that it snugly fits into your head without being too constricting. But also make sure that it isn’t loose enough to shift about your head.

Another feature that you should look for in a cheap motorcycle helmet is the level of safety that it can provide. The best motorcycle helmets are those that provide the most protection. In finding the best helmet for you, check for the fit as well as the interior padding that can provide you with the protection that you need. See to it that these interior pads can help provide the amount of safety and protection that you are looking for as well as comfort.

Try also checking out the helmets chin strap which must reach around your and under your chin comfortably and securely so that the helmet would not shift about unnecessarily. Make sure that your helmet is also the best fitted for you by wearing it yourself. A good fit should mean a helmet that is settled low on the forehead and just above your eyebrows.

Check yourself in the mirror while wearing the helmet to make sure that it is straight and properly fitted. For safety purposes, be sure to choose a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet to be sure that your safety and protection is guaranteed. Try checking the safety ratings of the helmets that you are checking to ensure that you will be using a helmet with reliable head coverage.

One of the most fun places to do long-distance motorcycle riding has to be the great state of Nevada, as there is so much to see, it is simply incredible indeed. As a young man my friends and I use to do cannon ball runs from Southern CA to Las Vegas NV. Back then there was little traffic and we would really open up the throttle and go for it.

Sometimes racing thru the desert at ultra-high speed the road was so hot it, as you looked at it; it looked wavy, similar to a dream like mirage. At those speeds you could not really tell where the road was in front of you, only an approximation and then it would drop off as the road was filled with hoop-de-doos.

Of course this was 20 years ago and today there is just too much traffic and too many highway patrol and well quite frankly too many helicopters too. You cannot do the same routes we use to do and there are not very many other ways to go. But it was a fun time in my life and we did have a blast.

We use to start out from Van Nuys CA at the Tom’s Burgers and hit the Freeway and well we were in Palm Dale, screaming thru in under 18 minutes and give it another 20 minutes and we were at the I-15, never more than 45 total to that point. From there it was a beeline, bonsai, cannon ball run to Las Vegas.

Well I will never forget those days or a very good friend of mine who did not make it on one of our runs, as he departed the freeway at 165 mph the reports said and was DOA. No one knows what happened perhaps he looked down for a half a second or more or hit tried to swerve for an animal. It makes you think back about reckless youth and wonder was it all worth it? See Ya!

One of the greatest states to tour on a motorcycle would have to be the Great State of Nevada, as there are so many excellent roads, mountainous terrain and straight flat roads to really open it up with no one around for miles. There are places to ride along the Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and out across the desert at full tilt.

Perhaps my most memorable rides in Nevada have been across Hwy 50 and really the fun starts heading East not more than about 25-30 miles past Fallon Nevada and you leave the Naval Air Station Area and open it up for a wild and fun ride. Scenic is an understatement and the road is a motorcyclists dream.

I recommend both touring on a nice comfortable motorcycle or getting a high-performance crotch rocket and honing your skills and you have plenty of time to do that too. The road is over 350 miles long. There are towns along the way that you have to slow down, chill out and mellow for a few miles, but they are well marked and you have plenty of time to decelerate and avoid any speed traps, besides the folks in these places are very nice and it does provide a nice break too along the way.

If you have never tried Nevada as a place to tour on your motorcycle then you need to do this and you will be so glad you did. So, perhaps you might consider all this in 2006.

In the year 1970 Harley Davidson motorcycles were the only heavy weight motorcycle manufacturer in the US. Because of this advantage they very quickly dominated motorcycle sales.

Because Harley only targeted the heavy-weight market it made it very easy for the Japanese competition to find their niche making light to medium-weight cycles. As a result Harley Davidson had to adjust it's marketing mix to meet the needs of its customers.

PRODUCT- When AMF (American Machine and Foundry) acquired Harley Davidson they "tripled the output" of Harleys, however "they lost control of product quality." As a result, "Harley's reputation suffered as its bikes became less dependable." In order to avoid financial ruin they "attacked the quality problems" with the product. They improved Harley's facilities and production process. They also "adopted statistical controls and employee involvement programs to improve quality." In another attempt to improve their product, they built the motorcycles with a new V-twin engine developed for improved reliability. They also solicited their customers at rallies for their suggestions and complaints. They also started putting more emphasis on sales of parts and accessories, and introduced an apparel line.

PROMOTION- In order to promote their new improved product Harley Davidson started a Harley Owners Group (HOG). This built closer relationships with customers, keeping HOG members involved with Harley Magazine and sponsoring weekend rallies often along with concerts. These events offered their customers a way to "express their individuality" and "as an escape from weekday pressures" promoting the "Harley lifestyle"

PRICE- Facing financial ruin, Harley had to bring their costs under control. They did this by downsizing the organization, cutting salaries and perks, and developing closer relationships and contracts with fewer suppliers. They also adopted the just-in-time delivery approach Believing that their Japanese competitors were using dumping cycles at predatory prices, Harley's management requested a tariff on imported motorcycles This gave Harley's sales a chance to improve enough to become competitive once again.

PLACE- Harley has been expanding overseas, to promote export growth they publish Harley Magazine in foreign languages and "stage beer and band fests that are adapted to the local culture." They only produced the Harleys at two American plants and refuse to open overseas plants, maintaining that "limited production is necessary to keep quality high."

1.They are putting more emphasis on sales of parts and accessories. Many of their customers are interested in customizing their bikes in order to express their individuality. They also changed their image from "bad-boy" in the 1970s to a way to express yourself and escape from weekday pressures. This attracted a new type of motorcycle rider. They also expanded their product line to include their Motor clothes apparel line attracting a new market of customers who don't necessarily drive Harleys. I think that these steps have been successful, since they have increased their revenues, not only by rebuilding the company's image, but also by creating a whole new line of products that created new customers and created the exclusive image that is Harley Davidson.

When people decide to buy a motorcycle, the dealer will usually throw in a helmet. This is because state regulations require bike owners to have this on as a safety device. Before leaving the place, the individual should check if this will snugly onto one’s head.

If this can easily be taken on and off, then the person can already drive away. Most motorcycle helmets come in just one color. This is usually in yellow, red, white and orange. Should the individual want to add style to it; there are places that offer stickers that will look good on the helmet.

The decal store is not that hard to find. This is because the people who run these places also make stickers for cars, boats and trucks. The person can drive around town to find it, check the local directory or surf for these in the Internet.

There are hundreds of sticker designs to choose from. The individual will notice that these are available in different shapes and sizes which also means that the price of these vary from $.99 cents to $4.00.

People who want this to look cool and flashy should get those that are reflectorized so that motorists can see the biker on the road. This safety feature will prevent drivers from bumping into the biker from the back causing injury or death.

Many people want to add stickers that have lines going from the front of the helmet until the back. Others want a big cartoon caricature on the sides or on the rear.

If the design the customer wants is not available, the dealer can probably make a customized version according to the specifications given by the client.

Before selecting the sticker, it will be a good idea to imagine how the bike owner will look with it in front of a mirror. If this will make the individual look like a clown, it is advisable to choose something else.

The only safety feature that a motorcycle has against collisions is the helmet. This is because this two-wheeled machine doesn’t have the space for a seat belt or air bags that are commonly found in automobiles.

So if the person wants to look cool and be safe on the road, it will be a good idea to have stickers on it. This will probably make the individual stand out in a crowd of bikers who might mistakenly get someone else’s head gear when it is time to go home.

If you are looking for a custom motorcycle helmet, there are many shops that can make one for you. There are a lot of motorcycle helmets you can choose from. With many designs and makers to choose from, you would surely have your hands full finding one that you will like. Different designs offer different levels of comfort and styling. There are different types of motorcycle helmets available for different types of rides.

One of the more common motorcycle helmet types is the full face helmet. This type of motorcycle helmet covers the whole head and provides the most extensive head protection to the rider. A rear extension of this type of helmet covers the base of the skull while the front tries to protect the chin. A plastic face shield allows protection to the eyes and nose and provides access to the face if pushed up. Riders would usually experience of heat, claustrophobic sensation and reduced hearing while using the full face motorcycle helmet.

Then there is the ¾ motorcycle helmet, also known as the open face helmet. This type of helmet, just like the full face helmet, covers the back of the skull but gets rid of the lower chin armor and face shield in order to provide better airflow, hearing and peripheral vision. As added protection, most open face helmets are equipped with visors that help block out sunlight. For the eyes, it is always recommended to use goggles or wrap around sunglasses as a means of protection.

There is also the half helmet that would give you the most minimum coverage allowed by motorcycle helmet law. This type of helmet has the same front design as the open face helmet but with a cropped rear portion. The use of goggles and sunglasses can provide additional protection to the rider, just like the open face helmet. Before buying this kind of helmet, make sure that it meets the government standard for motorcycle helmet safety.

But if among the hundreds of motorcycle helmet designs available do not have the features that you want, you can have one custom made just for you. Custom made motorcycle helmets are for those with special needs. They are for people who look for a unique type of helmet in terms of design or shape.

Styling is also the reason why many people would want to have custom motorcycle helmets instead. No matter what you choose, make sure that what you are using can provide you with the level of safety and protection required by motorcycle law. These helmets are made for your protection much more than just for looks. That is what you should always bear in mind.

Chain is an essential part of a motorcycle and keeping it clean and lubricated ensures that you have a trouble free smooth ride, at the same time it helps increase the life of the chain as well.

Cleaning the Chain

While there are various ways of cleaning your motorcycles chain as well lubricating it, I prefer to use the good old kerosene (if not available then petrol) to clean the chain. A small brush dipped in kerosene cleans out most of the sludge. Although it is a bit time consuming, but it usually does the trick and leaves a thoroughly cleaned chain.

However if you wish to clean the chain even more thoroughly then the best option is to remove the chain, dip it in a pot filled with kerosene and then clean it with the help of a brush. After the chain is cleaned, wipe it with a clean lint free cloth and let it hang for half an hour to dry up properly.

Lubricating the Chain

For lubricating the chain I prefer to use 90w gear oil, it is thick enough to stick to the chain properly and usually is good enough to keep the chain lubricated for roughly 1500-2000kms if the chain cover is on.

Once again the best way to lubricate the chain is to remove the chain and dip it in a pot filled with 90w oil, this way the oil penetrates all the parts of the chain. Let the chain remain inside the oil filled pot for 10minutes and then hang it for half an hour to ensure excess oil drips out (put a pot under it else the you will be left with a lubricated floor). After the excess oil has dripped out, put the chain back on and ensure you put chain lock back on properly.

If you do not wish to go in to the trouble of lubricating the chain in the above mentioned manner, then you can simply apply the oil to the chain with the help of a brush. While applying oil ensure you put a coat of oil on each side of the chain to lubricate the chain thoroughly and ensure rusting doesn’t take place.

2 stroke oil: You can also use 2t oil to lubricate the chain in the event you are unable to find 90w gear oil. However the 2t oil is only good enough for 400-500kms if the chain cover is on.

WD 40: WD 40 can also be used to clean as well as lubricate the chain; it is usually easier then above mentioned option. However it is an expensive affair and requires quite a lot of WD 40 spray to clean and lubricate the entire chain.

Chain lubes: There are chain cleaner cum chain lube spray available in the market from Motul and cleans and lubricates the chain at the same time, also it is quite easy to apply since it is only a spray. However it is quite expensive to use it on a regular basis.

Chain Cover: Removing chain cover reduces the life of the chain drastically especially in monsoon months. If you have removed the chain cover then inspect the chain on regular intervals for signs of dirt and also keep on the look out for the chain noise as a hint that chain needs to be adjusted and/or cleaned.

There are certain things that everyone should know about their tires and the type of tires their motorcycle uses. They must know how a tire is made, how it should be taken care of, how it needs to be put on and taken off, how to deal with minor problems that arise, and the necessary steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe ride. These things are not difficult to learn, if you've the time. In fact, they're listed below.

Know what size of tire is appropriate to your bike. This is determined by many factors, but most of all by your wheels' rim width and diameter. Tires cannot be wider or narrower than the originals that came with your motorcycle, they have to be the same width, and they have to be the same diameter. Otherwise, they will make your bike handle incorrectly, which can lead to an accident.

Know what is the right amount of pressure for your tires, and know as well that air pressure will get higher as the tire's temperature goes up. So, for instance, if you are riding in winter, and you pump air into your tire when it is at ambient temperature, there will potentially be a great change as the tire heats up due to the friction of riding. So you will need to check your air pressure as needed, to make sure that it doesn't exceed the maximum level advised by the manufacturer. Also, never let air out of a hot tire, or ride around on a tire that doesn't have enough air in it. This can ruin your tires or cause you to get into an accident.

Know how your tires are wearing. Keep an eye on the wear indicator in the tire grooves, which will let you know when you need to get new tires. If at any point on the tire the indicator is level with the surface of the tread, it is time to get a new tire.

Know what the valve is and how it works and make sure to use valve caps to keep air from escaping and dirt from entering your tires.

Know how to warm-up your tires. Tires don't handle or perform as well when they are cold, and cannot be rushed to temperature. When you first start up your motorcycle, take it easy, warming tires gradually until they are fully tempered. Then they will perform best, and most safely.

Know that the proper way to break-in your tires after warming them completely is to break them in with 25 miles or 50 kilometers of riding. This will gradually wear away a layer of tread and leave a fresh skin on your tires.

Know some basic repair techniques. This will save you hours and headaches when a problem happens. And, if all else fails, know the number of an expert repairman to use should the need arise.

It's an argument that's being going on for a long time - whether or not people should have to wear a helmet when they're riding a motorcycle. No matter what your life philosophy might be, or how your friends and family feel about it, the reality is that the laws are there and you have to abide by them. Maybe you feel a helmet cramps your style, but the fact is that helmets save lives. On a more personal level, wearing a motorcycle helmet also means you'll save on your medical costs and insurance premiums thanks to the added safety.

When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet, there are three main types available - full-face, three-quarter shell and half-shell. Let's take a look at each one, and see what their good and bad points are.

Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets

These are definitely the safest and most secure type of helmet that you can buy. They cover the face entirely, and also offer some protection to the neck. There's also a clear visor covering the eyes for added safety. The visor helps to stop dirt and debris landing in your eyes, and the bottom part of the helmet also stops anything unwanted entering your mouth. A full-face motorcycle helmet is a very comfortable once it's in place, and provides the highest level of safety, but some people find them difficult to get on and off, and restrictive when they're in place.

Three-Quarter Shell Motorcycle Helmets

If you've seen a law enforcement official riding a motorbike, then chances are he or she was wearing a three-quarter shell helmet. This type of helmet covers most of the head, apart from the face, and are held in place by a chinstrap. They provide a good level of safety and security, similar to a full-face helmet. They're also much simpler to use in conjunction with some type of communication device if you're traveling with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Half-Shell Motorcycle Helmets

Although this type of helmet is the least restrictive of the three types, it also offers the last amount of protection. A half-shell helmet really only protects the top of the head in an accident, hopefully preventing brain damage. The regulations in many states require a half-shell motorcycle helmet as the absolute minimum that can be worn, but for safety purposes they are very ineffective, and are quite likely to fall off in an accident, providing no protection at all.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet may not be your idea of fun, but when you consider what a dramatic effect a serious motorcycle accident could have on your quality of life, if you're still alive, then it makes sense to wear one that provides as much protection as possible.

If you think the idea of racing around on a miniature motorcycle inches from the ground sounds like fun… you'd be right. Mini motos are the latest motorcycle craze, and if you've ever seen grown adults on pocket-sized motorbikes and wondered what it was all about, or want to know more, this guide is for you.

What is a mini moto?

Mini motos are small petrol-powered motorcycles, usually 39cc or 49cc. However, they are sometimes larger, up to 110cc.

Where can mini motos be ridden?

These bikes are intended for use on private land or racetracks, rather than road use. If you want to ride a mini moto you need to find a race track or get permission to use private land.

Fields are often unsuitable as mini motos have very low ground clearance and no suspension. If you want to ride on rough terrain then your best bet would be a mini dirt bike, which is made for off-road conditions.

What kind of mini motos are available?

There are several kinds of mini moto that can be bought from specialist outlets. If you are looking to buy a mini moto then there are several factors which need to be considered.

Firstly, you need to decide what you want it for. If you are planning on racing, then you will need a race-certified mini moto, such as a Blata or Polini. These can be raced in competitions as they adhere to regulations set by mini moto racing organisations.

If you are looking to ride your minimoto around private grounds just for fun, then you might not want to spend so much money. In that case, you could look for one of the many good value imports from China.

However, if you are inexperienced on two wheels, you might want to consider a mini ATV. These are great for beginners as they have the same engine as most minimotos but they use four wheels instead of two.

If you think you're too big for a Mini moto then you could try a midi moto - these are ideal for people with longer legs. The downside is they aren't as quick as mini motos due to the extra weight but they are available with a full electronics pack including electric start and lights, etc, and can be just as much fun.

Once you have made your choice, shop around to find the best deal. Some companies will sell the minimoto with extras such as helmets, or performance upgrades so it is always best to search far and wide for the best deal.

With more than one hundred years notched on their belt, Harley Davidson is praised with building the best motorcycles on the planet. There is little doubt that they deserve the acclaim.

Arthur Davidson and William Harley dreamed of creating a "motorized bicycle" in their early adulthood. Test models were created and failed miserably, but this never deterred the boys from achieving their goal. Despite early models requiring foot power on hills, Harley and Davidson continued striving to create the "motorized bicycle" that they knew would become a success.

By 1906, the first fifty motorcycles were manufactured. A few years later, they followed with a line of motorcycles for police and military use. Short of a slowdown in the 1970s, Harley Davidson never stopped tweaking and improving their models. Today, Harley Davison produces millions of motorcycles for use on every corner of the world.

The distinct engine roar and loud vibrations through their tailpipes allow onlookers to hear the motorcycle far before it is visible. Listening to the strength of a Harley Davidson engine is an experience few will forget.

Three motorcycle nicknames were established courtesy of Harley Davidson. "Choppers" were born when the angle of the motorcycle's front fork was extended allowing the handlebars to sit further back. "Hogs" became aptly named for the extra room used to transport racing pigs without switching to a larger vehicle. Who said people are the only ones who can ride a Harley? "Harleys" offered a shorter, catchier way to name a motorcycle manufactured by Harley Davidson.

Every March, Harley Davidson takes the Daytona by storm. June brings the Harleys to New England by way of Laconia, New Hampshire. Sturgis, South Dakota becomes a home away from home for many riders every August. Thousands of Harley Davidson's enthusiasts attend these gatherings. Many leave with dreams of having their own bike customized to match what they have seen on other bikes.

In 1983, H.O.G., The Harley Owners Group, formed its first chapter. Today more than 1,000 chapters are in existence and more than one million members share their love of these bikes, whether they own one or not. The devotion to this fine brand is proven, and you do not have to be among the elite to enjoy all there is to Harley Davidson. There are also a slew of online forums and websites devoted to Harley Davidson. Not even Yamaha, BMW, Victory, or Honda come close to having the same fan base.

Even if you cannot afford a Harley, you can still show your enthusiasm for the maker by purchasing items from their merchandise line. All of these items help contribute to Harley Davidson's $5 billion revenue every year. Hey, the advertising helps too! Not that Harley Davidson is hurting for promotion.

Harley Davidson truly is the reigning champion of motorcycle manufacturers. What others strive to achieve in their lifetime, Harley Davidson has conquered.

Known for their relatively inexpensive, fuel efficient cars and trucks, Honda has far more to offer. You may not know that Honda is also one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers. Better yet, their motorcycles are some of the finest made.

As early as 1949, Honda began turning out high quality bikes. By the year 2005, there were manufacturing plants in more than twenty countries and more than 150 million bikes were sold to eager riders. As years passed, their bikes became better and better. Many of the best motorcycle models were created at the hands of Honda.

Perhaps the greatest of all Honda models, the Valkyrie offered a six cylinder, inline engine. Liquid cooled with a 1520cc boxer, the bike soon became a top selling model. There was no V Twin design here. Instead, Honda went for power by using six different carburetors and lining the cylinders up in opposite directions instead of at angles.

Unfortunately, the great engine noises and smooth idle was not enough. In 2004, the final Valkyrie model, the limited edition "Rune" was sold. Only used Valkyrie's remain on the market, otherwise you must choose from other excellent bikes.

Honda offers both large and small motorcycles. Their bikes are also suited for both street or off road biking. The CR85R, with its 85cc engine, is an excellent starter bike for a teen. Off road models like the CRF50 or XR650L also deliver strong performance and a powerful ride. Meanwhile, the Interceptor is a dream bike for handling daily traffic. If a larger bike is more to your liking, the Goldwing is the man’s bike with plenty of size and power.

Beginners are probably best on the CRF50. The 49cc engine and automatic transmission offer a great bike for honing skills. With three speeds, a 21 inch seat, and a weight of around 100 pounds, youth riders will soon have the training they need to tackle larger motorcycles.

XR650L is a much larger off road bike. It is a single cylinder model that delivers plenty of torque and a low rpm. No bike can beat the XR650L at hill climbing and hairpin turn performance.

The aforementioned Interceptor is an award winning bike and has not lost its title for eleven years. It is one of Honda's motorcycles that are currently on display in New York’s Guggenheim Museum. Even without awards, that does not stop millions of riders from relying on Honda for their riding pleasures.

Regardless of your needs, big or small, on road or off, Honda is sure to have a model that suits your fancy. You are guaranteed many years of top notch performance at a price you cannot resist. With a Honda, you know you are in for a real treat.

Motorcycles have been around for more than ten decades. During this time, motorcycle engines have developed through tweaking and reworking items to get the best performance. There have been more than one dozen engines, but some never met with success. Cost efficiency and customer satisfaction brought failure to a number of motorcycle engines.

All motorcycle engines are fueled by gasoline. To best understand engine types, it is important to understand how an engine works.

A pole called a rod cranks inside the engine and creates a draft that pulls both gasoline and air into a chamber called the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, a piston and rod quickly move up to push the gasoline and air into a smaller space where it meets the spark plug. The spark plug produces a spark between its two metal pieces.

Once the spark plug gives off a spark, the gasoline and air explode. This pushes the piston down, which in turn drives the belt or chain. This action is called torque. The movement of the belt or chain causes the rear wheel of the motorcycle to revolve. A motorcycle's performance is determined by how many cylinders are inside the engine and how they are arranged.

Single cylinder engine:

A single cylinder engine has one cylinder and one piston. Single cylinder engines are used in all off road motorcycles. The single cylinder provides a lot of torque, but also a load of vibration. The vibration is loud and one of the qualities that dirt bike race fans crave during a race.

Twin cylinder engine:

Logically, twin cylinder engines have two cylinders. The cylinders are placed together at an angle. Usually the cylinders are positioned at a 90 degree angle, but there are exclusions to that standard. A twin cylinder engine produces more power because there is more torque and more fuel used. Twin cylinder engines do not vibrate as much as a single cylinder engine.

Now, as stated above, there are exceptions. The boxed or boxer design finds cylinders placed side by side. This produces even less vibration, but adds a new issue. The cylinders tend to jut out the side of the bike, which makes it hard to take sharp corners. Another issue is the tremendous heat that the cylinders project; it makes leg protection a necessary evil.

Triple Cylinder Engines

A three cylinder engine finds the cylinders included in a head. This type of engine offers a load of power, but it also requires more parts. Each cylinder requires an additional fuel injector and carburetor. The more cylinders included on an engine, the higher the engine RPM. More RPM means more power. Triumph makes motorcycles using three cylinders and boy can they fly!

Four Cylinder Engines

The four cylinder engine is just like the three cylinder engine only it has the additional cylinder and therefore weighs more. As is true of any engine, more cylinders equal more power and smoother sailing.

It is important to consider how much size and power you require in your motorcycle. If you are taking your bike off road, you need a bike with plenty of torque and a low rpm to make it up hills and quickly navigate corners. For off roading, stick with a single cylinder. A double cylinder is your second choice.

If your main purpose for riding a motorcycle is riding through traffic and along roads, do not purchase a bike with less than a twin cylinder engine, although a three or four cylinder engine is a better idea.

It is a common belief that motorcycle clubs are formed to commit horrible acts of crime and terrorize neighborhoods. Thankfully, this is rarely the case. One or two notorious groups (think Hell's Angels) have painted a stark image of motorcycling.

In reality, there are thousands of groups in the world today. Starting in 1903, the Yonkers Motorcycle Club was formed. The group met to share their love of motorcycles. The Yonkers Motorcycle Club is the oldest of its kind. San Francisco followed suit a short while later. These two dominated the scene until the 1950s when more groups formed.

There are dozens of motorcycle groups throughout the United States and Canada. Sizes vary greatly from just three or four members to hundreds of members. Membership can be open or limited to only approved applicants. Many show their pride in motorcycling by creating jackets or shirts with their club logo.

Even today, new groups form daily. All it takes is for a few people to find they have common ground whether it is a passion for the area where they ride or the style of motorcycle they ride. Motorcycle clubs can focus on one specific model, the riders' profession, a love for mountain roads, or dozens of other reasons.

There are many clubs scattered throughout the world. The Saskatchewan Motorcycle Club in Canada spends their time touring Canada's remote areas. Harley Davidson Clubs meet to share their passion for the Harley Davidson brand. Vespa Riders of Rome spend their time cruising the city streets. Florida Brothers Of The Bike cruise the beaches of Daytona. These are only a few of the groups out there.

Women find a niche for themselves in the Women On Wheels Motorcycle Association. This women-only group has more than 100 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. These adventurous women plan their routes in advance and then explore new areas as a team.

Police and military groups are also common. As police and military units have relied on motorcycles since World War I, it is not surprising that they would form their own clubs dedicated to the machine that makes their job easier.

Regardless of the group, the rules never change. The important factor is having fun in a safe manner. Motorcycle riders will team up to help others repair their motorcycle, find pleasing routes to take, and even recommend restaurants who cater to bikers.

The knowledge that comes from motorcycle club members is tremendous. You can guarantee that this brotherhood will tell you where to find the least expensive parts, greatest destinations, and best hotels. Advice is happily given and someone always has an answer to your question. For these reasons, motorcycle groups are key to enjoying and sharing your passion.

It is essential to understand how a motorcycle works before you take it out on the road. Lack of preparation and knowledge can lead to serious tragedies.

How does a bike stay upright?

This is a common question. Think back to riding a bicycle. Everyone knows that a stationary bike is going to tip over. However, when the bike is in motion it never tips. This baffles many people.

The answer lies within the realm of gravity and physics. Motion creates friction. Friction applied with subtle balancing techniques of the rider's body help maintain a balanced bike.

Take a simpler example. Balancing a stick upright in your hand is a guarantee that the stick will tip over. If you move your hand, however, the stick will stay upright. The trick is to keep the object in motion.

How does a motorcycle operate?

Throughout the twentieth century, motorcycles have seen some changes. In the end, however, the motorcycles are all operated in the same manner. First things first, you have to turn the motorcycle on. Motorcycles come with either a key ignition with a push button start or a kick starter that turns the engine on.

The throttle increases the flow of gas to the engine resulting in increased speed. This throttle is your right handle grip. To move forward, the engine needs that gas.

Meanwhile, the clutch helps change gears. The left hand grip houses the clutch level. You pull it in to change gears and then release at a consistent and slow speed.

The pedal under your left foot is the gearshift. You use this pedal with the clutch to change gears, either up or down. The higher the gear, the faster you are moving.

The right handle grip also houses the lever for the front brakes. The front brakes contain up to 80% of your braking power. Pulling the lever towards you provides you with friction needed to slow and eventually stop your motorcycle. Again, you must pull the lever slowly and fluidly or you can brake too suddenly and flip.

A pedal on the right side under the foot contains the brakes for the rear tire. You should use the front and rear brakes together to prevent excessive brake wear.

A few higher priced motorcycle models have linked brakes. Here the brakes work in tandem by pressing the brake pedal under the right foot. They utilize disc brakes for all stopping and can create a smoother stop by gently using the disc to put pressure on the tires.

Almost all motorcycles have a kill switch. In certain cases, turning off the key from the seat can cause the motorcycle to go off balance and tip. Another example of kill switch use would be if you fall from your bike and need to turn the engine off to prevent further damage. In both cases, the kill switch prevents additional injury.

The motorcycle is widely regarded as a symbol of the rebel, a representation of youth, and an icon of Americana. The first recognized motorcycle design was made by a pair of German engineers in 1885, in what was, essentially, a bicycle with an engine. While Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki dominate the motorcycle market globally, in America, the Harley-Davidson company has firm control over the market.

It was during the late eighties and early nineties that Japanese manufacturers such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha gained a foothold in the worldwide motorcycle market that they have never let go. They were designed and built with better performance, better handling, and better quality. It is no secret that their promotional campaigns during the early years also targeted the negative reputation of the Harley-riding bikers and the public fear of biker gangs. While such attacks ceased quickly, the tarnish it left in the reputation of the Harley has not been removed. That alone is speculated to be the cause of Japanese manufacturers holding such a strong presence, even with the American buying public. Also, by reputation, the Japanese machines were easier to maintain and the general public did not associate them with leather-clad degenerates, though the biker stereotype is drastically incorrect.

However, competition has not driven the main American manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, into the background. After taking time to formulate the proper strategy, the American manufacturer returned to take back its market share. The company did so not by attempting to match the more family-friendly reputation of a Japanese motorcycle, but by exploiting the appeal of their older designs. Marketing the re-worked designs as distinctly American machines, the company rapidly regained its former customer base. They increased their hold further by appealing to collectors, such as comedian Jay Leno, and making their machines easy to customize and re-tool. In fact, it is the customization market that has really allowed Harley-Davidson to stay so long in the game despite stiff competition from the likes of Kawasaki and Honda. There is a saying that goes to state that the rarest type of Harley one can find is one that is completely stock; that is, one that has not been modified in any way. Indeed, many Harley enthusiasts believe that the main weakness of Japanese bikes is that they are not as easily customizable as a Harley is.

Regardless of whether or not one believes the reputation of Harley biker gangs or enjoys being able to customize their personal motorcycle, these machines are here to stay. Production of both Japanese and American bikes have not slowed down and there are, statistically, more bike owners than automobile owners. That statistic holds especially true outside the US, where a bike is a more common means of private transportation for the average citizen than a car is. This embracing of the motorcycle is happening despite the higher accident rate for bikes than any other private land vehicle out there. It doesn't seem to matter what country one goes to; the youth of every culture seems to view these two-wheeled machines as symbols of teenage euphoria and thus, the adrenaline rush associated with a bike ride is, as they say, like nothing in this world.