As soon as the snow starts to melt and the weather starts to warm up, get ready for the spring! A lot of people are excited about the end of winter and the start of spring because it only means one thing – you are free again to ride your motorcycle! It’s the perfect time to take out your bike from its winter storage and gear it up for its first ride of the year. But, before you get so excited about riding out, please remember that riding a motorcycle in spring can be dangerous. Why? The simple truth is that you’re not the only one itching for a ride. That means you will be sharing the road to a lot of motorcyclist.
Riding a motorcycle in spring does not require you to wear motorcycle rain suits but a complete riding gear is still advised. Another thing you need to remember is that, your bike has been stored for some time during the winter. Prepping your motorcycle for springtime riding will be quick and easy as long as you properly stored it. However, it is still very important to check its parts for some damage and to make sure they can still function.
To make sure your motorcycle is ready, check the following:
Oil. The first thing that you need to check is the oil of your vehicle whether it is a car or a motorcycle. Oil that runs smoothly through the system will help your engine run at its best. But since you did not use your bike during the winter, it is best to perform a complete oil change just to be on the safe side.
Lubricate some parts of your motorcycle to bring it to life again. It is important to check for dust and rust then lubricate the chains and brakes in order to have a smooth ride. This is also a perfect time to check if your brake pads need replacement.
Charge your battery. After being stagnant the whole winter, it is best to check your battery charge.
Clean your bike. Even though you did the necessary cleaning before storing your bike for the winter, it won’t hurt if you do a little cleaning now that you’re going to ride it for the first time again. Clean the tailpipes, the leather seat and shine up the chrome.
Fill up. Before you ride, remember to fill up your gas or fuel.
This process is quick and easy and will help keep you safe.
May 21, 2013, Scotland – THE nationwide campaign seen offenders receiving a fine or having their vehicles seized.
Road safety
Motorcyclist speeding at 126mph and other offences were detected in a three-dayroad safety crackdown. Offenders received a fine or had their vehicle seized in the nationwide campaign held between 7am on Friday and 7am yesterday morning. Some drivers face court over offences.
Over the weekend, many road users were caught over speeding, some drives dangerously and carelessly while others are driving without insurance or valid motorcycle driver’s license. There are people also who were caught driving vehicles in need of repairs.
Police had a particular focus on motorbikes during the campaign and of those caught speeding 39 were bikers.
Inspector Ian Paul, head of the Motorcycle Trunk Road Patrol Group, said: “The weather was not great over the weekend, with most areas in Scotland seeing at least some rain, which kept some riders at home. However, despite the bad weather, there are motorcycle riders who didn’t take the heed of road safety and place themselves in danger by riding in the rain.
“Hopefully the weather will improve and Police Scotland will maintain high visibility patrols throughout Scotland to educate and where necessary enforce all aspects of road safety legislation relating to road safety,” Mr Paul added.
Their priority is working with the community to keep people safe. Road users especially motorcycle drivers are advised to take road safety seriously and to comply with road traffic legislation.
The origins of the very first motorized bicycle can be traced back to the second half of the 19th century. It was in 1867 when a Parisian Ernest Michaux, fitted a small steam powered engine to one of his fathers ‘velocipedes’, or ‘Michauline’. This has became the first model of bicycle with pedals at the time.
The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the very first motorcycle available for purchase by the general public in 1894. Only a few hundred examples of this motorcycle were ever built, however, as engines became more and more powerful and designs began to outgrow their humble bicycle origins.
Today, there are three major types of motorcycle and typically seen with many variants within each subcategory. Street legal motorcycles include cruisers, sportbikes, and scooters, while off-road bikes include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as motocross. Finally, there’s the dual-purpose motorcycle that consists of the dual-sport style, which are made for off-roading but also include features that make them street legal.
According to Steve Swindlehurst, the enthusiastically passionate motorcycle instructor with the Grande Prairie Regional College program Ready To Ride, the passion to ride a bike is a little crazy. Riding a motorcycle is a different way to take in the scenery; a different way to take in the world as you drive around you can actually smell the rain.
The Program..
Ready to Ride Motorcycle Program
For two years, Steve and his wife, Heather Swindlehurst, have been crisscrossing the Peace Country region together. Working in tandem, they teach novice motorcycle enthusiasts everything they need to know when riding a motorcycle, including how to mount a motorcycle.
They provide 4 hours of studying motorcycle defensive riding theory inside the safety of a classroom, and an additional 16 hours of on-bike training. This includes on-road and gravel riding, low speed exercises, and emergency and safety maneuvers.
Throughout these two-day, 20-hour course, riders will learn the latest in motorcycle defensive driving theory and riding skills, and will be prepared for acquiring their Class 6 Motorcycle Road Test.
Steve Swindlehurst agrees that motorcycling can be a dangerous activity, however you should learn how to drive defensively while being in tune with your surroundings, and most importantly, be highly aware of your comfort level and skill. Riders are encouraged to wear motorcycle helmet andriding pants and other safety gears for protection.
The GPRC Ready to Ride Motorcycle Safety Program runs an estimated 26 to 34 classes per year, with a 10 student per class maximum. All motorcycles are included in the cost of $550, but it is mandatory that all students bring with them their own safety equipment.
To inquire about classroom availability or to simply find out more information, you can do so by logging onto the GPRC website, and searching for the Motorcycle Safety Program.
May 4, 2013, Autoevolution posted tips and suggestions on how to beat the summer heat.
They say a motorcyclist who rides much throughout the year is seldom dry, as he or she is either wet from riding in the rain or wet from sweating. Those who are familiar with long rides just know that the blessed state of “I’m 100% OK” is quite a rare thing.
Most of the riders will be aboard their bikes during the warm season between May and September. However, riding in the blistering sun, and not knowing how to defend yourself against the unforgiving heat can easily take away the joy of riding and can even lead to serious problems.
There are several issues to consider before a rider went out for a long ride. First, check the weather forecast. Second consider how long your journey will be or how long you will be riding into the day and lastly, check your riding gear and remember about your potential health issues. Doing all these will increase the chances of having a successful day of riding.
How to beat the heat when riding in a how weather?
1. Know your enemies
There are two archenemies when it comes to riding in very hot weather: dehydration is the biggest evil of all and then there’s the rest of physiological effects of sun/heat on the human body and mind. When exposed to excessive heat, the human body attempts to balance and counteract the overheating process by sweating. Evaporating water cools down the area and this is the way in which our bodies fight against excessive heat. When exposed to excessively high temperatures over an extended period, some individuals might experience nausea, nose bleeding, increased heart rate, sensory delusions and many other nasty effects that are not to be desired, especially when riding a motorcycle.
Knowing the way your body reacts to heat exposure is the key element for taking the best precautionary actions and counter-balance the negative effects.
2. Water and minerals are your best friends
When sweating, the human body eliminates a huge amount of essential minerals that are to be found in the bodily fluids. One of the main things when it comes to preventing the effects of dehydration is trying to re-establish the natural mineral balance in your body. Only water will not do, special beverages, such as Gatorade and the likes of that are more than soft drinks: they help bring back the normal level of minerals in the body.
Aside from these drinks, dioralytes or Oral Rehydration Salts are also good. Dioralyte solutions are pretty much the same thing but in a slightly different shape: they are powdered mineral compounds that can be dissolved in water, sometimes coming with certain fruit flavors.
When going for long rides, dioralyte bags are far more convenient as they take up a very small place in your luggage and can be mixed on the spot whenever needed. When riding in very hot weather, it’s crucial to remember to rehydrate periodically. Depending on how much every individual sweats, drinking a small amount of water periodically is a very good way to prevent dehydration.
3. Why avoid dehydration?
Many people believe that dehydration equals thirst and once you had some water, things are back to normal. Dehydration is in fact many times more dangerous than the mere sensation of being thirsty. Medical studies on the negative effects of dehydration states that people should try to avoid dehydration as much as possible, by drinking enough water, before the strong sensation of thirst is present.
Riders should know that feeling a bit thirsty is the initial alarm that the body needs more water in order to keep functioning well. There is a very thin line between “alright” and “very bad” unfortunately when it comes to dehydration. According to studies, a mere 2% drop in hydration levels is already causing short-term memory to become fuzzy, makes some basic math and mental associations seem like harder tasks and so on.
Mild to moderate levels of dehydration lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased concentration, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness and more. Even more, dehydration makes blood be thicker than the usual, and this will cause the heart to work harder in order to pump the low-pressure fluid into your veins, causing unnecessary stress and decreasing the levels of oxygen reaching the cells.
This will also lead to rapid breathing, as the human body will attempt to supplement the oxygen intake. In more advanced situations, drowsiness may also ensue, increasing the risks of making a severe error hundredfold. Finally, if dehydration occurs, the body will regulate the amount of sweat, thus trying to preserve the water resources: less sweating equals less cooling, and there we go, a very dangerous snowball effect that can turn out extremely nasty results.
It really makes no difference which way you replenish your water resources while on the road, as long as you do it. What you eat and drink just before starting off your journey on the road can prevent dehydration.
Remember that certain types of food and beverages will require bigger amounts of water to be processed by the human body and they might have a negative impact on the water levels. Drinks such as alcohol, coffee, black tea and similar beverages that contain caffeine will cause more frequent urination and need large amounts of water to be processed.
On the other hand, dishes with high-protein content need water for breaking down the proteins, while a diet based on high-fiber content tends to eliminate water by associating it with fiber excretion. Remember that the biggest water consumption is caused by the simple sugars, as they need very much water in order to be metabolized. Candy bars and similar sweets are draining more water from your body than you could imagine.
A balanced meal before the trip will help you stay in better shape (water-wise) and is a key element for “beating the heating,” if a very subtle and often overlooked one. Ride safe and be cool, see you soon with another episode.
Wisconsin, May3, 2013– According to Cycle News, Road America announced that Yamaha has become the Official Motorcycle of Road America as part of a multi-year agreement. Additionally, Yamaha will also play an integral role at the track as part of Road America’s successful motorcycle school programs to educate two-wheel enthusiasts. Endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Road America’s Basic Rider Courses are taught by award-winning rider coaches who have completed extensive training through the MSF and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Successful completion of the school’s basic rider course enables participants to obtain a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license from the WisDOT.
“The Yamaha partnership is a deeply-integrated program that will bring many new benefits to Road America,” said George Bruggenthies, president and general manager of Road America. “We are looking forward to elevating our programs and offerings as we work alongside Yamaha to bring new experiences and opportunities to fans, motorcycling enthusiasts and the many Yamaha motorcycle dealers in the region.”
As part of being an official partner of Road America, Yamaha will have a presence through multiple areas of the venue and fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the GEICO Motorcycle AMA ProRacing Subway SuperBike Doubleheader, May 31-June 2 at local dealerships. As part of the Road America Motorcycle Schools, Yamaha motorcycles will be used exclusively to train beginner and advanced students how to ride safe.
The Courses
For anyone interested in learning how to ride at Road America, the Basic Rider Course or (BRC) consists of 16 hours of combined classroom and practical riding instruction. Participants in this course learn basic riding techniques on motorcycles and scooters supplied by Yamaha, along with important safety skills to minimize the risks of motorcycling.
For the experienced enthusiast, Road America offers a Level 1 Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic, developed by world-renowned motorcycle journalist and race champion, Lee Parks. This one day clinic will make a specific, measurable improvement in an individual’s skills regarding throttle control, throttle/brake transitions, corner entry, line selection, body position and corner exit.
Road America also offers Supermoto (Demo & Basic). These courses are taught on Road America’s Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex, a purpose-built 1-mile paved and dirt track with multiple configurations and elevation changes.
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), is a leader in the motorsports market. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include motorcycles, ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicle, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more.
About Road America
Established in 1955 as the first permanent road racing course in the United States, Road America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers a variety of group event programs, the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex for karting and supermoto, and the Road America Motorcycle and Advanced Driving Schools.
The month of May is the Motorcycle Awareness Month. The Department of Transportation is urging and reminding all motorists to observe road safety. It is always safe for the motorists to drive sober and trained. Department of Transportation reminds the motorists and motorcyclist to share the road and be aware of motorcycles. There is an increased in the number of motorcycles in the road during this month because of the warm weather. The motorcycle awareness program in every state is a reminder that motorists, truck drivers and car drivers should be extra careful in the road. They are encouraged to give several car lengths to avoid accidents.
This May’s campaign is a great way to increase the awareness of the motorcyclists. The riders should always wear protective gear and should stay visible at all times. They must wear appropriate gears such as helmets, jackets, pants, goggles, motorcycle rain suits and gloves. To stay visible, wear bright colour motorcycle gears. As Lubbert, the spokesperson of the Department of Transportation said, “It’s important to wear a helmet, but also full length pants, full armed jackets, gloves and boots, just to protect them in the event of a crash,” “And to make sure that people riding are fully trained”, he added.
Having a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality training on motorcycle safety and wearing safety equipment are simple, yet very important things to keep the motorcyclist from any road accident. For the drivers to be fully aware of the motorcyclists, it is important for the other motorists to understand that a motorcycle has all the same privilege as any vehicle on the roadway. When on the road, look out for motorcyclists on the highway, intersections and be aware of them because riders usually change lanes at all times. Other tip: have plenty of space in front of the vehicle and do not trail the motorcycle closely.
It is important to remember that is not safe to drive while under the influence of alcohol. If you are under the influence of alcohol or any drugs, it can decrease your perception and awareness that can lead to accidents. Driving a vehicle requires total control and concentration whether it is a motorcycle or a car. Be aware that alcohol increases the risk of crashing by 40%. Awareness in motorcycle riding is life changing. Obey these rules to keep you safe from any form of accidents. It is a must not only to yourself, but to the other motorists as well.
The rate of fatality of motorcycle accidents is higher as compared to automobiles. There is also a rise in number of people who died in motorcycles accidents due to fatal wounds that having a motorcycle safety course is needed more than ever. Almost every state strengthens their motorcycle safety programs and campaigns to lessen the statistics. Motorcycle safety is a basic topic in motorcycle riding schools and should be practiced to avoid accidents. It is one of the most highly advocated aspects in riding a motorcycle.
If you are a motorcycle rider, you have no doubt, feel the thrill and excitement when riding. Not only first time riders, but as well as professional riders must learn about motorcycle safety. It is important to know and understand the safety standards and basic riding courses. It is also important to be updated to the current safety standards, tips and techniques. The excitement and the thrill can compensate the sensation if you are safe.
Here are some of the important motorcycle safety tips:
Take motorcycle safety courses. These courses are taught by professionals and qualified coaches. Motorcycle riding schools especially approved by the MSF offered riding techniques and some tips on how to feel comfortable when riding.
Choose the right motorcycle that fits you. It’s not the cool look but the comfort it could bring you. You need be comfortable in your bike, do not choose a motorcycle that is too big or too small for your body. This can only lead you to serious accident.
Wear motorcycle safety gear when riding. Choose the right jacket, gloves, pants and boots that can protect you from harsh weather and serious injury when unexpected collision comes. During the rainy season, wear motorcycle rain suits that will help you see and be seen despite the heavy rain. You can either choose a one-piece motorcycle rain suit or a pair of riding jackets and pants. The helmet is one of the most important gears you should have. Choose the right helmet and diligently wear it at all times because it is required by the law. Choose the one that is approved by the Federal standards.
Lastly, it is important to observe and follow the law. No drinking and driving; this is a fatal mistake that some riders don’t care about. Reckless driving is prohibited by the law. It is in your hands to prevent these accidents to happen. Just follow the rules and you can make a difference.
There are lots of advantage in riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient. But they’re also way more dangerous than a car.
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than people in a car.
How to avoid this? The key to optimizing your odds is to be prepared and avoid risks.
Here are some more tips to help you stay safe while riding your bikes:
1. Don’t buy more bike than you can handle.
2. Invest in anti-lock brakes.
3. Hone your skills. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers riding courses that will teach the basic riding practices, as well as advanced techniques.
4. Use your head. Riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash.
5. Wear the right gear. Use leather or reinforced jacket, gloves, full pants and over-the-ankle footwear, even in summer. You also need to buy eye protection or a motorcycle rain suit during the rainy season.
6. Be defensive. You need to be extra alert.
7. Avoid bad weather. If you need to ride in the rain wear a one-piece motorcycle rain suit or two-piece rain suits.
8. Watch for road hazards. Bumps and potholes can pose serious danger when riding a bike.
9. Be ready to roll. Before you ride,check the chain, belt or shaft and the brakes. And inspect the tires for wear and make sure they’re set at the proper pressure.
Summer is definitely here! It’s time to do some physical activities and visit other places. Instead of having to spend the day in the front of computer, it is time to drive around with your motorcycle. Since the heat is on, it is important to protect yourself from extreme heat and dehydration. There are lots of motorcycle riding gears that are available in the market today but it is important to choose the right one that would cater best to your needs. Summer is the time of the year that does not require you to wear a motorcycle rain suit. But, there are important gears to bring when out riding under the summer heat.
Before you hop on your motorcycle, here are the few guidelines to follow to avoid any accidents in the road and keep the cool despite the harsh heat:
1. Helmet that is vented. Recent helmets have specially located vents. It is a must for the air to circulate inside the helmet to dissipate the outside heat.
2. Motorcycle suits. In summer having a suit that has protective layer yet does not trap heat is important. Most of these suits are used like an undergarment for the leather suits. This liner is washable, and helps air to circulate for the body temperature to be regulated.
3. The same thing about leather jackets. It should be vented so that the air can pass through giving the rider a cool feeling. In order to stay cool and comfortable despite the heat, wear bionic jacket that has a built-in padding to stay cool. This bionic jacket has a mesh material making the heat more bearable.
4. Gloves. Though leather is the deal material for gloves, choose the one that is vented. It allows the air to enter and to cool the body.
Also, you need to check your riding gear. Examine closely the headgear, boots, and other driving accessories to make sure there are no broken parts or bits. When buying a new riding gear, check the quality of the jackets, helmets, gloves, pants and boots. Buy only the right kind of protective gear. There is a wide collection of motorcycle riding gears that are available online and in local stores in your area.
It is important to invest in your safety gear; certain analysis on what you should be getting and what you should not, can save you time and money.
Riding a motorcycle is fun and liberating yet it can be messy during wet season. It is important for bikers to be prepared in case they’ll be caught in the rain. It would be a personal achievement to be able to enjoy riding a bike despite bad conditions when other people have no choice but to stay huddled at home or tucked tightly behind the wheels of their cars.
One-piece motorcycle rain suits are helpful during rainy days. The material of the best motorcycle rain suit is flexible in the limbs’ joint areas, which can lessen the resistance of the suit in aggressive driving maneuvers. Suits like these are comfortable and flexible even new and will become a second skin to you in no time at all.
Things to remember in buying a one piece motorcycle rainsuit:
In choosing a color, do not forget that color is more than just a fashion statement. It has a lot to do with your safety. For rain suits, it is advisable to pick a high visibility color because rain or snow on the highway makes riders harder to see. Other drivers can easily distinguish you even from far away when you choose bright-colored vest or suit. Therefore, there’s a lesser chance of them running into you.
Motorcycle rain suit can give extra warmth aside from your layer of clothing so try to buy rain suit that’s got some extra thermal protection because snow and rain can make the temperature drop lower. Sometimes it is also necessary to consider how many pockets does the suit have. It can be handy when bringing things that wont fit in the bag. Putting things on the pockets of the suit made them very accessible when needed.
Another factor is its durability. Suits that are always exposed to moist should be made of durable materials to last a long time of usage. Of course, less expense in buying a new one.
During shopping for rain gear, there are two options: online and offline. With online purchase, you can compare the review of products and you can save your time. But going to local motorcycle shops can guarantee you the quality of materials and you can check its actual fitting before purchasing.
As soon as the snow starts to melt and the weather starts to warm up, get ready for the spring! A lot of people are excited about the end of winter and the start of spring because it only means one thing – you are free again to ride your motorcycle! It’s the perfect time to take out your bike from its winter storage and gear it up for its first ride of the year. But, before you get so excited about riding out, please remember that riding a motorcycle in spring can be dangerous. Why? The simple truth is that you’re not the only one itching for a ride. That means you will be sharing the road to a lot of motorcyclist.
