By Steve Francis
If you ride or have ever ridden a motorcycle, then you have experienced the feeling of total freedom. A motorcycle of today is so easy to ride all you really have to do is keep your balance and hang on. Well, it may not be quite that simple. There are a few variables that come into play such as weather, road conditions, and other motorists. Of the three just mentioned, which do you think is the most important? If you said other motorists, you are correct.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration nearly half of all motorcyle fatalities were caused by a crash with another vehicle. Half of those involved alcohol and a little over a third involved speeding. Now if someone pulls out in front of you, there's not much you can do about that. The alcohol and speeding are well within a person's control, so that is on that person and nobody else.
The term "motorcycle safety" is overused. I prefer personal safety. After all, I can replace the motorcycle. I can't replace myself or my passenger quite that easily. With that thought, I offer the following. Nothing new, just a few things that could save a life.
Be very careful when entering an intersection and be especially alert for someone turning left in front of you. Always be prepared to take evasive action. Be aware when riding with the sun at your back. Even with your headlight on, don't assume the approaching motorist can see you. Be careful when taking curves because we all know what a little loose gravel can do. Don't drink and ride a motorcycle.
These are just a few reminders that never hurt to be mentioned from time to time. Oh yes. There is something else. Always wear protective clothing and a helmet. It's amazing what they can do for you.
Now for the real surprise. Bet you didn't see this coming. It just so happens that RitzyShopper.com has the finest motorcycle parts and accessories you will find anywhere on the planet. Motorcycle helmets that are Dot or Snell rated. Motorcycle boots, jackets, gloves and ATV gear are available now. Anything you need from tires to casual wear is waiting for you here. Be a RitzyShopper and remember it's not motorcycle safety that counts. It's personal safety!!
Steve Francis writes articles primarily for http://www.RitzyShopper.com It is enjoyable work as I get to write about different topics related to products marketed by top quality merchants. This particular article dealt with motorcycle safety. Be a http://www.RitzyShopper.com by visiting our merchants and getting your proper motorcycle and ATV protective gear today!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Women's No-B.S. Beginning Guide to Motorcycles - Part One
By Janet Green
I've said it before: women learn differently than men. My personal feeling is that we're more cautious, more studious, and less "just do it." We're also pretty supportive of each other in general, but when serious questions arise about how, exactly, one gets started riding motorcycles, that can lead to inadvertant sugar-coating and very vague answers given in such a round-about way as to be completely meaningless. So here is an attempt to bust through all the nicey-nice... you can still get that elsewhere... and just answer some questions directly. We'll take it in small chunks because, well, it's just easier to write it that way.
The first question for a new rider always comes from that place in the woman's heart that wants to be practical, yet take a risk, yet not have any nasty surprises as she's getting started down a new road. The question is, "What do I need to get started?"
It's tempting to try to pass this question off with something really vague and diplomatic like, "That's different for every person." But since this isn't the nicey-nice Beginner's Guide, I'll take a stand and say you can actually boil it down to a short list of five things you need to get started riding. Here they are:
You need a practice bike. Borrow or buy a small-cc brike from someone who can show you the proper start-up procedure for that bike. (They're not going to teach you to ride, but it would be helpful if they could show you how to start the bike.) Don't forget insurance.
You need some safety gear. A DOT-approved helmet, leather or armored textile jacket, and sturdy riding boots that cover your ankles and have solid gripping soles are necessities. Some type of gloves, at least the fingerless style that cover your palms, are also a good idea.
You need instruction. You can learn from a trusted, experienced friend or spouse, but you run the risk of picking up bad riding habits. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers courses at venues across the country, and some insurance companies offer a discount if you train with MSF.
You need a practice area. Just because you pass your MSF doesn't mean you'll feel comfortable enough to cruise out on the highway immediately. A large parking lot, preferably empty, is ideal.
Finally, you need support, or at least encouragement, preferably from an experienced rider. Tackling a new skill is always easier if you have someone to cheer you on or even help you learn and practice. At a minimum, you need a person who will speak encouraging words and who won't constantly berate you for trying or blather on about the horrible accident their friend's cousin was in.
So that's it, the bare necessities if you want to learn to ride. Don't skimp on 'em!
Janet Green is the editor and chief biker chick at Biker Chick News, a popular web destination for women who ride motorcycles. For her complete ride journal, plus news and links of interest to women who ride, visit http://www.Bikerchicknews.com.
I've said it before: women learn differently than men. My personal feeling is that we're more cautious, more studious, and less "just do it." We're also pretty supportive of each other in general, but when serious questions arise about how, exactly, one gets started riding motorcycles, that can lead to inadvertant sugar-coating and very vague answers given in such a round-about way as to be completely meaningless. So here is an attempt to bust through all the nicey-nice... you can still get that elsewhere... and just answer some questions directly. We'll take it in small chunks because, well, it's just easier to write it that way.
The first question for a new rider always comes from that place in the woman's heart that wants to be practical, yet take a risk, yet not have any nasty surprises as she's getting started down a new road. The question is, "What do I need to get started?"
It's tempting to try to pass this question off with something really vague and diplomatic like, "That's different for every person." But since this isn't the nicey-nice Beginner's Guide, I'll take a stand and say you can actually boil it down to a short list of five things you need to get started riding. Here they are:
You need a practice bike. Borrow or buy a small-cc brike from someone who can show you the proper start-up procedure for that bike. (They're not going to teach you to ride, but it would be helpful if they could show you how to start the bike.) Don't forget insurance.
You need some safety gear. A DOT-approved helmet, leather or armored textile jacket, and sturdy riding boots that cover your ankles and have solid gripping soles are necessities. Some type of gloves, at least the fingerless style that cover your palms, are also a good idea.
You need instruction. You can learn from a trusted, experienced friend or spouse, but you run the risk of picking up bad riding habits. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers courses at venues across the country, and some insurance companies offer a discount if you train with MSF.
You need a practice area. Just because you pass your MSF doesn't mean you'll feel comfortable enough to cruise out on the highway immediately. A large parking lot, preferably empty, is ideal.
Finally, you need support, or at least encouragement, preferably from an experienced rider. Tackling a new skill is always easier if you have someone to cheer you on or even help you learn and practice. At a minimum, you need a person who will speak encouraging words and who won't constantly berate you for trying or blather on about the horrible accident their friend's cousin was in.
So that's it, the bare necessities if you want to learn to ride. Don't skimp on 'em!
Janet Green is the editor and chief biker chick at Biker Chick News, a popular web destination for women who ride motorcycles. For her complete ride journal, plus news and links of interest to women who ride, visit http://www.Bikerchicknews.com.
Friday, May 25, 2007
The Women's No-B.S. Beginning Guide to Motorcycles - Part Two
By Janet Green
The next question new riders often ask is, "What kind of bike should I get?" This question has a zillion possible correct answers, depending on your comfort-level with riding at the time you're ready to shop, the type of bike you want to own (sport bike? cruiser?), your budget, your personal tastes, brand appeal, etc. For simplicity's sake, though, I'll take a stab and answer the question directly assuming you want a cruiser that's similar to what you used in your MSF course.
The three major manufacturer bikes I would recommend for absolute beginners are:
The Yamaha Virago 250 - a great-looking, easy to handle V-twin.
The Honda Rebel 250 - classic-styled, chain-driven 250
The Kawasaki 125 - single-cylinder five-speed, air-cooled commuter bike
If you're confident in your abilities but not ready for the heavyweight cruisers, there are a few more choices. These are my favorites, in no particular order:
The Yamaha VStar 650 - Classic, custom, or Silverado styling; an awesome middleweight cruiser you may never outgrow.
The Honda VLX or VLX Deluxe - Low to the ground, four-speed 600.
The Honda 750's: Aero & Spirit - five-speed bikes with forward controls
Harley Davidson Sportster 883, Standard or Low - If your heart's set on Harley, the 883 has the HD looks, sound and agility. Of the majors, only the Honda Aero has a lower seat height.
Kawasaki Vulcan - sizes range from 500 to the 900 Classic.
Suzuki Boulevard C50 and S50 bikes - five speeds, forward controls, higher seat height
For a more thorough comparison of these and other bikes, try the BikerChickNews Short Rider Spreadsheet. Although it was intended to be a round-up of cruiser models for shorter riders, it also serves well as a guide to mid-weight bikes from various manufacturers. It's by no means complete, but it might be a good place to start.
Janet Green is the editor and chief biker chick at Biker Chick News, a popular web destination for women who ride motorcycles. For her complete ride journal, plus news and links of interest to women who ride, visit http://www.Bikerchicknews.com.
The next question new riders often ask is, "What kind of bike should I get?" This question has a zillion possible correct answers, depending on your comfort-level with riding at the time you're ready to shop, the type of bike you want to own (sport bike? cruiser?), your budget, your personal tastes, brand appeal, etc. For simplicity's sake, though, I'll take a stab and answer the question directly assuming you want a cruiser that's similar to what you used in your MSF course.
The three major manufacturer bikes I would recommend for absolute beginners are:
The Yamaha Virago 250 - a great-looking, easy to handle V-twin.
The Honda Rebel 250 - classic-styled, chain-driven 250
The Kawasaki 125 - single-cylinder five-speed, air-cooled commuter bike
If you're confident in your abilities but not ready for the heavyweight cruisers, there are a few more choices. These are my favorites, in no particular order:
The Yamaha VStar 650 - Classic, custom, or Silverado styling; an awesome middleweight cruiser you may never outgrow.
The Honda VLX or VLX Deluxe - Low to the ground, four-speed 600.
The Honda 750's: Aero & Spirit - five-speed bikes with forward controls
Harley Davidson Sportster 883, Standard or Low - If your heart's set on Harley, the 883 has the HD looks, sound and agility. Of the majors, only the Honda Aero has a lower seat height.
Kawasaki Vulcan - sizes range from 500 to the 900 Classic.
Suzuki Boulevard C50 and S50 bikes - five speeds, forward controls, higher seat height
For a more thorough comparison of these and other bikes, try the BikerChickNews Short Rider Spreadsheet. Although it was intended to be a round-up of cruiser models for shorter riders, it also serves well as a guide to mid-weight bikes from various manufacturers. It's by no means complete, but it might be a good place to start.
Janet Green is the editor and chief biker chick at Biker Chick News, a popular web destination for women who ride motorcycles. For her complete ride journal, plus news and links of interest to women who ride, visit http://www.Bikerchicknews.com.
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