Motors & Drives Information

Owning a Harley-Davidson is not simply a owning a motorcycle. Owning a Harley-Davidson is owning a piece of machine that has been hailed to be one of the most sought after motor vehicles ever existed. And because any Harley-Davidson motorcycle is entitled each owner to a great pride that comes along with each, no rider would want a Harley to be ill maintained.

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.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:57 AM

How to prepare your motorcycle for towing and get to a new destination safe and in one piece? Here is a list of motorcycle towing tips:

• Check for damages: To prevent disputes of possible damage during shipment, make a report of any existing damage prior to pickup. You may also want to take dated pictures of your motorcycle.
• Clean your motorcycle: It will be helpful to you and the driver when inspecting it before towing for any markings or damage.
• Special instructions: Have a specific list with any problems your motorcycle may have. You carrier will want to know of such things during the loading and unloading of your motorcycle.
• Accessibility: Make sure that both your pick up and drop off locations of your motorcycle are tractor-trailer accessible.
• Alarm: If your motorcycle has an alarm, please disable it before towing.
• Tires: Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that you don't have any fluid leaks.
• The Battery: Must be secure and the battery cables must be protected from causing an electrical short. Fluids must not be leaking.
• Weight: Know the weight of your motorcycle to avoid over billing.
• Gas Tank: It's always a good safety precaution to drain your gas tank and remove your battery. If you are towing your motorcycle in a crate, draining the gas tank is required.
• Unlock the Steering: Make sure it is unlocked and remove the keys.
• Mirrors: If possible, fold them all in.
• Forks: Keep them unlocked.
• Loose Items: Remove empty saddle bags, glove boxes, etc. These items will not be insured if they are included with your shipment.
• Inventory Sheet: Maintain an inventory sheet signed by the motorcycle towing company.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:56 AM

Here are some common sense tips for what to wear while you are out tearing it up on your brand new motorbike.

First off, and I know this is old but it always bears repeating, get a helmet. Which would you rather have to do; hammer a few well earned dents out of your bike, or have the doctor hammer a few dents out of your skull? Besides, with all the technological advances in helmet engineering, you might actually look pretty cool with one on your noggin. Oh yeah, and make sure it fits snugly on your head.

Next, you will want to invest in clothing that will protect the rest of your body. With motorcycling, falling is inevitable. Get a jacket, pants, boots and gloves that will be sturdy enough to take a beating, but will still allow your body to stay cool and breathe well. It can get a little toasty under all that leather. Keep in mind also that you do not want your clothing to inhibit the operation of your machine, so make sure that the stuff you get fits well. Oh yeah, and fit is more important than style, ok?

Protective gear has come a long way, offering benefits like waterproofing, special kevlar composites and padding to protect those, um...sensitive areas. Be willing to invest in a quality set of protective gear and you won't regret the extra money spent. Next we need to talk about boots.

Boots come in an amazingly broad variety, and they are an absolute must for riding a motorcycle. Forget about wearing anything else unless you really aren't concerned about protecting your feet, ankles, and lower calf. Remember that comfort and fit are important, just as much as the new, fancy kevlar lining and neat zippers and buckles are. The boots should be fairly stiff, but only pro racers need boots that are completely rigid.

There are plenty of other handy tools and add ons that you can get for your bike. Be sensible and choose the ones that would be best for the kind of riding that you will be doing. Do your homework and go for quality.

After you have fitted yourself with the latest in motorcycle apparel, including a more than just decent pair of boots, the next thing to equip yourself with is a riding buddy. Never go riding alone, because even if you have the fancy global positioning instrumentation installed, with the emergency radio built into your well fitting helmet, it will be kind of hard to operate any of that stuff if your neck is broken and you can't move or speak. Riding buddy...if you don't have one, get one!

# posted by Medical Information : 1:55 AM

Motorcycle helmets may not seem all that important when you think about it. It is heavy, hot and even suffocating. The material may even cause break-outs on the skin and even allergies. Motorcycle helmets also keep you from enjoying the wind on your face as you ride. So why the hell should people wear them? The answer is actually fairly simple. It can keep you from having a permanent disability or even keep you from dying.

Take for instance the story of Don Koening who died when his head hit a tree. He left his helmet on his front porch.

There are a lot of people who have suffered from permanent disability, some even died, just because they have forgotten one tiny detail, to wear their motorcycle helmet. What is more saddening about this is the fact that most of these people are between the ages of 16 and 24, people who still have a full life ahead of them.

Laws requiring helmet use

This is perhaps the reason why legislators have included the wearing of the motorcycle helmets in state laws. The law also states that the helmet worn must also pass the criteria that are set by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218. It is one of the three laws that require motorists to wear safety gears while in motor vehicles. The other two are the use of a child-passenger safety restrains and the use of seatbelts while inside the car.

Differences in some state laws

Although the same basic law is stated in all the states, there are slight differences as to the enforcement especially with the monetary fines. In California for instance, motorists must wear helmets all the time. Helmets should not only be worn but also securely strapped in. In Florida, the law is somewhat a little bit more complicated.

Although all motorists are encouraged to wear helmets when they ride, people over 21 years old and are covered by an insurance policy that provides for at least 10,000 dollars in medical assistance should an accident happen are exempted.

The helmet law also does not apply to people who are 16 and older and are operating a motorcycle that have a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters; does not have an excess of two brake horsepower or those that are not capable of operating it beyond the speed of 30 miles per hour.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:00 AM

Looking for a novelty motorcycle helmet can be very challenging. Such motorcycle helmets can usually be found on motorcycle helmet specialty shops that offer unique design choices for the discriminating rider.

Novelty motorcycle helmets provide a very attractive addition to a rider’s getup. Whenever you want to go for a ride, use a novelty motorcycle helmet to get yourself noticed. Such helmets can make you very popular among other avid motorcycle riders in no time.

There are many ways that you can have your own novelty motorcycle helmet. There are many shops that offer you a selection of novelty designs that you might find very attractive indeed. If this fails, you can always have one custom made for you. You can have a certain design for a helmet in your mind and you might want to have one. The best thing for you to get one is by having one custom made. That way, even your choice designs are made to your exact specifications, giving you a helmet that looks and also feels good on you.

Once you have your own novelty motorcycle helmet to use, you should be able to know how to take good care of it. Such motorcycle helmets may be tough and sturdy but they should be handled as a fragile item. In cleaning your helmet, try using only the mildest soap recommended.

Avoid using petroleum-based cleaning fluids and agents on your helmets as they can cause the protective layer of your helmet to decompose. Try not to drop your helmet on hard surfaces. A dent on your helmet would be enough to cause you discomfort when you wear it and its safety and protective properties may be compromised.

Do not store your novelty motorcycle helmet near gasoline, cleaning fluids, or in places with excessive exhaust fumes and heat. Materials that make up your motorcycle helmet may react chemically in such environments and may be invisible to the naked eye.

Read instructions carefully about painting or decorating your helmet. The material composition of your motorcycle helmet can change if painted or applied with decals. Try also to avoid hanging your motorcycle helmet on your side mirrors, turn handles or sissy bar. This can damage the inner liner of your helmet which can make it unusable after a short time.

# posted by Medical Information : 12:59 AM

Many motorcycles can travel up to 165 mph in sixth gear. The average Cessna private airplane, which has a single-engine takes off at about 40 miles per hour. So why can't a motorcycle fly? Only one reason; it does not have wings and it does not have a propeller.

However both of these problems are easily solved. The rear wheel of a motorcycle could easily be retrofitted with a propeller adapter and NASA has already designed unmanned aerial vehicles with foldout wings, which blow up. Many home built aircraft are open cockpit and many ultra-lights have no cockpit in all. You sit in a seat and basically buckle in and go for it.

How would a motorcycle rear wheel propeller adapter work? Well, consider if you will the little lights that that are used on bicycles, which would run on the tire as it went around and make electricity. Similar to this but, a small rubber wheel attachment on a lever could be pushed onto the back motorcycle wheel.

The smaller wheel would have a short chain on it and spin a propeller. When you give it throttle, the propeller would go round faster and the wheel would move even if it were not touching the ground. Building a motorcycle rear wheel propeller adapter is a key component to getting your motorcycle to fly. Please consider this in 2006.

# posted by Medical Information : 12:59 AM

There can be little argument that zipping around on your scooter is far preferable to trudging around on foot and is a much more fun way to travel than driving a car. It is important before you get started that you at least have the first idea of how to ride a scooter, unless you want to wrap yourself round a lamp-post!

Riding a scooter is surprisingly easy to get the hang of :

First of all, start your engine - you'll only get so far with a head-wind! Many engines are started by pulling at a cord attached to the engine - the same as you would start a lawn mower. Electric engines have to be push-started, by first riding the scooter as you would a kick scooter.

Get a firm grip on the handlebars and place one foot on the deck of the scooter, leaving your other foot on the ground so that you get comfortable and remain balanced. Once you are ready to move off hit the throttle to accelerate, if you have a gas engine, then bring your foot off the ground when you begin to pick up speed. Be sure to accelerate gradually in order that yourself and the scooter remain as one, don't accelerate too hard as it will fly off into the road ahead leaving you looking miserable on the deck!

It is important that your posture on the scooter is correct, avoid keeping your feet and body up front near the handlebars so that your weight is distributed across the length of the scooter. You also should have one foot slightly ahead of the other, both facing forward.

Steering your scooter is very similar to that of a push-bike, steer by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go, and lean slightly into each turn. When riding your scooter treat the brake handles carefully, being careful not to grip them too strongly which might cause you to flip. Apply a steady and subtle squeeze to slow or stop the scooter. There's no need to use the scooter's brakes at all to slow down, just take your hand off the scooter's throttle.

# posted by Medical Information : 12:58 AM

Greg is an active 2 wheeled biker. The first time this person rode on one, this individual knew this was the best way to drive through the open road in the hopes of adventure.

When this individual got married, a part of this biker wanted to settle down and keep the memory of the past behind. This is the reason that this father of two would sometimes bring the kids out around the neighborhood to reminisce this memory.

State laws require the biker to wear a helmet when driving on the street. The passengers are also required to do the same even if the one in the back is a kid.

Greg knew that helmets for kids are not available where the motorcycle was purchased. This is because the place only sold models for adults so none of these will fit. The best place to go to then is the sports shop since people can get helmets for skateboarding and bicycling.

Here are tips to get the right motorcycle helmet for the kid.

· Before putting it on the child, it will be a good idea to check for defects such as cracks, loose padding, frayed straps or exposed metal that could be unsafe for the child.

· If its safe to put on, the parent must make sure that his will snugly go around the child’s head. If this is too heavy, this should be changed for something else. This should be worn for 30 minutes to make sure it is comfortable for those long trips.

· To prevent this from falling off, it is advisable to get the one that has strong straps with two rings so it can be securely fastened.

· The helmet for the kid should be just like the driver’s that come in bright colors such as red, yellow, white or orange. This should be made of reflective material that may have stickers in the back or in the sides making it easy for motorists in the back to notice there is a motorcycle in front many yards away.

· The best helmets to buy should be those that have a sticker inside certifying that this has gone numerous tests.

# posted by Medical Information : 12:58 AM

Jeremy has been a member of the California Highway Patrol for the past 6 years. This individual wanted to serve the public and ride on the bike as a kid and got the opportunity to do both after graduating from secondary school.

The job did not pay much but the rewards came when the roads this officer patrolled on were safe. One of the things that this person always had on to remind other bikers of safety first is the police motorcycle helmet.

Law enforcement riders are not the only ones required to have a helmet. State law requires bike owners to have one on every time the individual decides to hit the open road. The reasons for this are simple that is to protect the biker during an accident.

Highway patrol officers are given a helmet before going on the road. The best ones are those made of thermo plastic composite material that uses high pressure compression giving it strength and making it lightweight.

The helmet is about three pounds. When the police officer puts this on with the radio and the utility belt mounted on the waist or shoulder, this will be an additional 6 pounds to the individual’s normal weight.

There are two types of visors that can be chosen for the motorcycle helmet. The person can choose to get the standard snap on visor or the fixed patent leather version.

The individual can easily put this one or take it off because of the quick nylon tubular chin strap that is adjustable. This means that it can fit any officer who will be patrolling the streets using a motorcycle.

The interior of the helmet can be removed and is hand washable. This will keep it clean and smelling good even if the person sweats due to extreme heat especially in the hot summer months or during rainy weather.

Those serving in law enforcement can only purchase the police motorcycle helmet. This means people who want to have one should pass through the rigorous process of applying then training to be one of the few with a badge and a gun.

It takes courage to get on a bike and join the ranks of others in the service who have been doing this for a number of years. This is the reason that people like Jeremy still prefer to patrol the streets so that ordinary motorists can always be safe.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:32 AM

If you share interest on becoming a Harley Davidson dealer, the first thing you should know is that Harley Davidson is open for dealership. Having said that, the next question that should be answered is: “How?”

There are two possible ways where you can acquire for dealership.

First, is the sellout of the existing dealership. Here, Harley-Davidson has a list of existing dealership locations ready for sale. If you match the requirements on this site, you can be contacted for an interview. But first you have to submit an application. Harley-Davidson can disclose the list of dealerships that are to be sold-out once you have submitted your perspective dealer application. It does not end here though. The company has to review your application, your business experience, your financial strength, and your geographic preference.

Second, is the opening of a new dealership location. You must be aware that the company is the sole determiner whether it needs to open a dealership on a particular location or not. Once it has determined the need and the location, Harley-Davidson advertises on newspapers for applications, interviews and assessments.

The Harley-Davidson requires you to complete the Prospective Dealer Application together with the required documents that come along with it. Failure to provide the required documents will mean delay on the processing of the application.

What are the investment requirements?

Take note that Harley-Davidson does not charge for franchising fee. It only requires applicant to have sufficient financial status, which depends on the need and the market standing of the dealership location. Your finances will be reviewed and your capability to become a dealer lies greatly on this.

What are the financial requirements?

To become a dealer of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, you must reach the minimum financial requirements. This is to guarantee the capability of the applicant to sustain and improve the business. In general, a minimum $600,000 of liquid asset and $1 million net worth are required to pass the financial requirement.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:32 AM

Motorcycle Touring in the United States is unbelievably fun and many people who have toured Europe and the United States on a Motorcycle often say that they had more fun in the United States. We simply have more scenic highways, roads, forests, canyons and space to do it in than in Europe’s largest countries. Motorcycle touring in the United States is truly the epitome of freedom.

Often as one travels the United States you see folks on motorcycles with saddle packs and gear stopped for a break and when you talk to them you find they are touring our nation on motorcycles. Well at the price of fuel that is a good way to do things. Some of these people are from the United States and some are from other countries enjoying the Euro Strength against the Dollar and they are having a literal blast cruising the highways and back roads of America.

Why is Motorcycle Tourism so popular in the US? Because we have wide-open areas, it is safe and there is so much to see and do in this country that you can never run out of great roads to ride, places to see or things to do. So consider your next motorcycle touring adventure today.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:31 AM

Motorcyclists spend hundreds of hours studying, thinking and shopping for their motorcycles. Yet, if they are really smart it is more important to attempt to buy your motorcycle from a place who will give you the best service too. However, if you are solely shopping for price or buying used then this may not be totally possible.

Next order of business after your purchase is to consider the preventative maintenance for your bike and which company or motorcycle shop can help you keep your cycle in pristine shape. This is about as important or perhaps more important than your actual purchase of your iron horse.

How can you tell if you have found a good motorcycle shop? Well when you ask questions they will know the answers completely. You can also tell because they are busy and all those waiting in line are happy and satisfied with the service they have been getting, rather than bitching and moaning about the wait, excuses and lack of parts inventory.

Now then, just because someone is upset in the lobby or hanging out in the show room in a piss poor mood does not mean they are mad at the service. So, realize there are hard to deal with customers and ask them if the service is good or bad and exactly what is wrong.

If you get many horror stories of service, then leave. If on the other hand people are chatting up a storm about motorcycle riding experiences and having a good time in the waiting room, then you have found a good motorcycle shop and stick with them. Consider this in 2006.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:28 AM

As motorcycle street performance bike riders get more proficient they find them selves searching out more and more challenging highways to ride on. In fact eventually they find two or three and really like to let it all hang out and test their skills. As a young man living close to the Malibu Hills in California, I found myself bonsai’ing thru the canyons about three times a week. Eventually I met others doing the same. Being self-employed like a number of the high-performance riders, sometimes I would ride mid-week, evenings too, when there were little or no other cars on the road.

Indeed I would ride with full racing gear and literally become one with the road. Was what I was doing illegal? Well, I doubt that the speeds I was riding at would be considered anything less than a Two-Point Reckless Driving Ticket, although as I got better and more proficient, I certainly was not reckless driving, more like precision performance riding. Later, I took in on the track, grew up a little bit and raced against even better riders.

In doing all this, which I cannot say I condone it in hindsight and today there are more cars on the road and the bikes are even faster and more maneuverable, which is good and bad; in that you can have more control for safety, but are tempted to go much faster. Nevertheless more than once I had come around the corner and had my pulse and adrenaline catapult into hyperspace when there was debris on the highway, no where to go, no time to slow down and well you get the point.

My advice to younger riders is learn the fundamentals and although you should not play at this level too often, I know the reality of testosterone youth. Here is the deal; if you set up the turn and are doing everything right, you can still have things go wrong and make it thru.

So learn to do it right, take some SuperBike professional classes and take every turn seriously. This way if you end up hitting a rock you may hurt the bike, but you should be able to stay on it without crashing or taking a free fall on the cliff side, where no one will ever know you took a flying leap on a drop off and are resting on the other side of the canyon wall, ten feet from the bottom of the creek. The Helicopter Evacs do not need your business, nor do you want to spend the rest of your life in a wheel chair. Consider this in 2006.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:27 AM

There are several manufacturers of motorcycles around the world. The BMW for one, builds performance driven motorcycles for years. Japan-made Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha also have race winning motorcycles. Ducati is another motorcycle brand that is very popular around the world. But why a Harley Davidson?

Why is Harley-Davidson so popular around the world? Why is that when a Harley rolls on the road, everyone will turn their heads for a glance? Why is it that when one talks about motorcycle, the very first brand in mind is the Harley-Davidson?

Finding answers to these questions will give us 3 words: name, quality, and pride.

Name – When you hear the word “Harley-Davidson”, the first thing that might pop out from your mind is a “one hell of a machine”. Hearing the name “Harley-Davidson” would also easily gives you the impression of a great motorcycle company that set a great legacy throughout history. The name can be synonymous with toughness, quality, speed, and versatility. The name itself will set itself on the top of your mind.

Quality– Whether it is a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations), Dyna, Sportster, Softail, Touring, or VRSC model, it is a Harley-Davidson. And when we say Harley-Davidson, we mean quality that is built over the years. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is made in superiority from the engine parts to the decals and finishing touches. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made not only to sell but to live for a lifetime as well.

Pride – Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing motorcycles for over a century. And with a company that survived this long, owning one is like owning a piece of history of the company. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have gained so much respect over the years and it has set the trend for the motorcycle industry in the United States. Any Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner would say that they are proud to have at least one great motorcycle in their possession.

What would you feel if you are riding a motorcycle with the name “Harley-Davidson”? Surely, you feel proud. Proud as if you have your first baby; proud as if you have owned a brand-new house; and proud as if you have realized your dream. Indeed, owning a Harley-Davidson can be a dream come true for most. As the price of a Harley motorcycle does not come cheap, owning one can be hard. But if you do, you feel fulfilled and you somehow feel you have your life complete.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:27 AM

Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.

Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.

Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.

Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:

FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.

OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:27 AM

We all have enough "In memory of…" patches on our vest and do not wish to add any more. So here are 11 motorcycle riding tips to remind us of the things that can keep us in one piece and out of the hospital.

· If you are a novice, sign up for and attend a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Not only will this course teach you lots of the things that will help keep you safe but your motorcycle insurance will probably be slightly lower as well – and who doesn't want to save on insurance, especially when riding in states with Helmet Optional laws that require large bodily injury coverage to enjoy the right for those who ride to decide.

· Remind yourself where your suicide or kill switch is located. This switch, if you realize you are going to have to drop the bike, can save you from having your own motorcycle run over you causing injury.

· If you are just learning to ride and live in a highly populated area, have an experienced rider take you and your bike into an area with little or no traffic. A parking lot of a closed business works very well. Neighborhood streets can cause the residents to complain. Ride in this controlled environment until you feel completely in control of the vehicle. Learn how to stop and start easily and smoothly. Learn how long it takes to stop safely – it isn't the same as stopping a car.

· First-time street riders should choose a time of day when the traffic is at a low. Jumping into rush hour traffic can easily lead to an accident on your very first outing. Select a route that takes you into very low traffic zones such as through neighborhoods, scenic routes and avoid at all cost getting on a freeway until you gain quite a lot of experience.

· Never, ever become aggressive toward a car or truck driver. Those cars win every single time in a road rage situation. They are bigger, heavier and have a lot more power. If someone tailgates you, tap your brake lights a few times and if they don't back off, change lanes or give them the road by pulling off to the side

· We all know black is the only cool biker color, right? Well, if you are going to be riding at night in a poorly light area, it is much more important to be seen than to be cool, no matter what your friends say! Be sure your lights are bright and clean for maximum visibility but also consider placing reflective tape on the back of your helmet (if you use one) and maybe a glow in the dark patch on your back.

· Never trust cages. Car drivers somehow, no matter how loud or how rowdy bikers can be, manage to simply not see us! The blind spot in most cars is sufficiently large for a motorcycle to be completely hidden from view. But other cage drivers simply don't seem to look for us. Unless, of course, they son, daughter, husband or wife happens to ride; unfortunately, we can't tell who those people are and have to be doubly aware of other vehicles than when driving a car.

· Never assume that just because there is no turn signal on that car that it isn't going to turn right in front of you. No matter how many other drivers don't use turn signals, ALWAYS use yours and, if you have a passenger during daylight, hand signals can be an extra preventative measure.

· You know those trucker bumper stickers that say "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you"? Well, use this same common sense when riding. If you can't see the driver's face in the rear view mirror of the vehicle in front of you, chances are they can't see you at all. Stay out of blind spots at all times.

· Once you become an experienced rider, when riding on city streets, always allow room for other people's errors. An added safety tip is that you should remain aware of where you would choose to put the scoot down if the need arose. If you get in trouble and have any time at all, select where to lay the motorcycle instead of allowing traffic or the bike to determine that for you. If you can elect to place the bike on the ground, allowing it to move out from between your legs at low speed, you will experience much less road rash than allowing momentum to take you with the motorcycle.

· Novice riders should never carry passengers. That comes later with more road experience. The movements of a rider can cause a situation where you can easily lose control, especially at very low speeds.

Above all, plan for safety so you will come home safely to ride again another day. Road rash and accidents costing hundreds of thousands in medical bills are all too common. Be defensive and be aware to avoid losing your bike – or worse, your life.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:26 AM