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The Impact Of Modern Asphalt On Motorcycle Road Safety

Alex Bhaswara — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:36:45 +0000

The impact of modern asphalt on motorcycle road safety
Motorcycling can be fast, furious fun, even for the over 50s but it is also dangerous; over 50 times more dangerous than driving a car!
Statistics collected in the UK show that while the average age of motorcyclists has increased, their safety track record has improved only marginally in recent years. Rather than the pursuit of young tearaways, motorcycling is conducted by mature individuals who are also quite likely to own a car. While statistically they like to live dangerously once in a while, the research suggests they would prefer to get from A to B in one piece and remarkably few claim to be reckless speed addicts.
In fact, human error remains the main cause of death and injury but poor road design and surface condition can be contributory factors. Motorcycling associations have shown widespread concern about these issues and highways authorities across Europe have come under attack from the Federation of European Motorcycling Associations (FEMA). FEMA has even accused engineers and maintenance staff of being unaware of the hazards presented to riders.
In the European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, FEMA highlights several problem areas which it feels require more attention. These include lack of friction of some asphalt types when wet, poor drainage which increases the risk of aquaplaning and bad kerb design. Bituminous asphalt sealers, potholes and the rutting caused by heavy lorries are also singled out for criticism. The biggest problems are, as might be expected, with older highways.
Specialists within the CEMEX UK technical team are well aware of these issues and point out that good design and construction practice ensures highways are safer for all users, not just motorcyclists.
Roads are created by building up layers of different types of coated stone. Basic construction comprises sub base, base, binder course and the surface or wearing course. The base courses have larger diameter aggregate to help withstanding the heavy loads and to ensure the underlying ground is not subjected to stresses from the traffic. Modern surface course formulations, such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA), are able to resist the rutting often seen – and felt – on the inside carriageway of major roads. The final surface layer can be comparatively thin and formed using sizes and types of aggregate that provide very good grip, even in wet weather, which is imperative for the motorcyclist.
When correctly applied, these thin surfacings – including Viatex and Viapave from CEMEX’s “Via” range – are also resistant to wear, which means fewer cracks or potholes develop and less remedial work is needed between re-surfacing. Historically, it is the remedial “??overbanding”?? with bitumen used in crack repairs and repairs to joints between running lanes that creates small, smooth or “??slick”?? areas. These areas can catch out the unwary motorcyclist, especially in the wet. Under some conditions these patches are just as hazardous as the unfilled cracks as this may undermine the motorcycle and its rider.
In the past road builders relied on hot rolled asphalt or macadam (sometimes tarmacadam, Bitmac or – incorrectly – just tarmac) as the mainstay for road construction. The more recent additions to the “??blacktop”?? list such as thin surfacing systems such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex, coupled with a range of proprietary brands, mean it is possible to design each road specifically for the type and amount of traffic it handles, particularly where heavy goods vehicles are concerned.
Take a 2km section of the M9 in Sterling, Scotland for example. This contract was one of the first to be carried out by CEMEX Surfacing to newly introduced specifications aimed at improving the durability of roads. This was achieved in part by sealing the road against water through techniques such as edge compaction; using an edge roller helps to close any voids left through the traditional method of “??cutting back”??.
Detailed planning of all aspects of the project included staggering the joints, painting all joint faces, over-band sealing of the lower base and binder course layers and placing a tack/bond coat between all layers to stop water penetrating the road. Ensuring water runs off the road, not into it, is an important factor in reducing the problems highlighted by FEMA. While potentially uncomfortable for the car driver, these faults tend to be little more than inconvenient for the motorist but can be a significant hazard for the motorcyclist when they result in the appearance of potholes in the surface of the carriageway.
In total, 34,000 tonnes of material was removed on this section of the M9 and the carriageway was reconstructed with 11,000 tonnes of recycled sub base and 23,000 tonnes of bituminous material. While safety is paramount, with this volume of materials and the design of the materials installed (such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex), improved road pavement durability and longevity also gives financial benefits.
Motorcyclists can justifiably claim their machines impose very little wear and tear on road surfaces; however it is paramount in terms of safety that the motorcycle tyres have as much contact with the road surface course layer particularly in wet weather. With the possible exception of noise pollution, motorbikes are an eco-friendly form of transport. The steady expansion in motorcycle traffic can therefore be seen as a welcome trend. But with an average of over 6000 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured each year on British roads there is an obvious responsibility for all those involved in road building – from the planner to the asphalt supplier – to consider their particular requirements.

The Impact Of Modern Asphalt On Motorcycle Road Safety

Alex Bhaswara — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:31:29 +0000

The impact of modern asphalt on motorcycle road safety
Motorcycling can be fast, furious fun, even for the over 50s but it is also dangerous; over 50 times more dangerous than driving a car!
Statistics collected in the UK show that while the average age of motorcyclists has increased, their safety track record has improved only marginally in recent years. Rather than the pursuit of young tearaways, motorcycling is conducted by mature individuals who are also quite likely to own a car. While statistically they like to live dangerously once in a while, the research suggests they would prefer to get from “??A to B”?? in one piece and remarkably few claim to be reckless speed addicts.
In fact, “??human error”?? remains the main cause of death and injury but poor road design and surface condition can be contributory factors. Motorcycling associations have shown widespread concern about these issues and highways authorities across Europe have come under attack from the Federation of European Motorcycling Associations (FEMA). FEMA has even accused engineers and maintenance staff of being unaware of the hazards presented to riders.
In the European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, FEMA highlights several problem areas which it feels require more attention. These include lack of friction of some asphalt types when wet, poor drainage which increases the risk of aquaplaning and bad kerb design. Bituminous asphalt sealers, potholes and the rutting caused by heavy lorries are also singled out for criticism. The biggest problems are, as might be expected, with older highways.
Specialists within the CEMEX UK technical team are well aware of these issues and point out that good design and construction practice ensures highways are safer for all users, not just motorcyclists.
Roads are created by building up layers of different types of coated stone. Basic construction comprises sub base, base, binder course and the surface or “??wearing”?? course. The base courses have larger diameter aggregate to help withstanding the heavy loads and to ensure the underlying ground is not subjected to stresses from the traffic. Modern surface course formulations, such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA), are able to resist the rutting often seen – and felt – on the inside carriageway of major roads. The final surface layer can be comparatively thin and formed using sizes and types of aggregate that provide very good grip, even in wet weather, which is imperative for the motorcyclist.
When correctly applied, these thin surfacings – including Viatex and Viapave from CEMEX”??s “??Via”?? range – are also resistant to wear, which means fewer cracks or potholes develop and less remedial work is needed between re-surfacing. Historically, it is the remedial “??overbanding”?? with bitumen used in crack repairs and repairs to joints between running lanes that creates small, smooth or “??slick”?? areas. These areas can catch out the unwary motorcyclist, especially in the wet. Under some conditions these patches are just as hazardous as the unfilled cracks as this may undermine the motorcycle and its rider.
In the past road builders relied on hot rolled asphalt or macadam (sometimes tarmacadam, Bitmac or – incorrectly – just tarmac) as the mainstay for road construction. The more recent additions to the “??blacktop”?? list such as thin surfacing systems such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex, coupled with a range of proprietary brands, mean it is possible to design each road specifically for the type and amount of traffic it handles, particularly where heavy goods vehicles are concerned.
Take a 2km section of the M9 in Sterling, Scotland for example. This contract was one of the first to be carried out by CEMEX Surfacing to newly introduced specifications aimed at improving the durability of roads. This was achieved in part by sealing the road against water through techniques such as edge compaction; using an edge roller helps to close any voids left through the traditional method of “??cutting back”??.
Detailed planning of all aspects of the project included staggering the joints, painting all joint faces, over-band sealing of the lower base and binder course layers and placing a tack/bond coat between all layers to stop water penetrating the road. Ensuring water runs off the road, not into it, is an important factor in reducing the problems highlighted by FEMA. While potentially uncomfortable for the car driver, these faults tend to be little more than inconvenient for the motorist but can be a significant hazard for the motorcyclist when they result in the appearance of potholes in the surface of the carriageway.
In total, 34,000 tonnes of material was removed on this section of the M9 and the carriageway was reconstructed with 11,000 tonnes of recycled sub base and 23,000 tonnes of bituminous material. While safety is paramount, with this volume of materials and the design of the materials installed (such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex), improved road pavement durability and longevity also gives financial benefits.
Motorcyclists can justifiably claim their machines impose very little wear and tear on road surfaces; however it is paramount in terms of safety that the motorcycle tyres have as much contact with the road surface course layer particularly in wet weather. With the possible exception of noise pollution, motorbikes are an eco-friendly form of transport. The steady expansion in motorcycle traffic can therefore be seen as a welcome trend. But with an average of over 6000 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured each year on British roads there is an obvious responsibility for all those involved in road building – from the planner to the asphalt supplier – to consider their particular requirements.

Fifteen Good Tactics To Ride A Motorcycle Safely

Alex Bhaswara — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:31:09 +0000

Statistical studies show that motorcycle riders often crash in the first six months. If you have just begun riding a motorcycle you are statistically more likely to crash compare to those who have been riding for some time. The first 180 days is crucial.Ideally,after taking a beginner’s motorcycle riding course, you need to practice riding as much as you can and take a refresher course at least once a year. To make sure that the skills you have acquire will not atrophy after the six month frame. Here is a list for novice motorcycle riders to make life on two wheels safer.

1.Don’t assume that drivers around you in a busy urban traffic see you. Be very visible. Wear loud color riding gear and choose flourescent colored helmets like red to yellow orange or bright yellow. Forget olive drab,gray,black and camouflage patterns. These colors are not eye catching and at night worst. The bright colored helmet should have a big uninterrupted section and continuous patch of a single bright hue. If you want to be effectively conspicuous on the road,no geometrical or complicated scheme of several colors like a checkered pattern. Reflective neon strips on a helmet or jacket is eye-catching at night. Always turn on your headlights. If you want to stand out, run the high beam during the day and rev up your engine every now and then just to let people around you know that you are there.

2. Focus your attention on the road, not the semi-nude model on the billboard or piles of work waiting at the office. You could be drifting towards harm’s way.Pay attention. Get your mind right in the driveway. Most accidents happen during the first fifteen minutes below 40 mph near an intersection or your driveway.

3. It is premature yet to ride with a bunch of bikers. Group motorcycle riding may seem fun and safer but the dynamics of a motorcycle convoy makes it more risky than going it alone. You may have to deal with speed demons or beer drinkers. Wait, until you have mastered complete control of your motorcycle before taking this endeavor.

4. Heed those big yellow signs. Slow down and watch out for animals prowl at dawn and dusk. If you are riding in the West be wary of bears,moose and deer. If you are riding out of the country like Spain for instance ,watch out for bulls in the middle of the road and proceed cautiously. In the Scottish highlands learn to ride with sheep and not spook them.

5. Keep the front brake covered always. Keep one or two fingers on the brake lever always ready. Keep your foot near the brake pedal on the alert. You will never know when you need to stop and most of the time you have very little warning. Save a single second of reaction time at 60 mph and you can stop 88 feet shorter.

6. Traffic is always shifting, so keep scanning. Scan your instruments,mirrors,blind spots and the road well ahead of you. It is easy to get fixated and lock your eyes on any one thing. Force yourself actively to always scan the entire area for potential trouble and if there is, change trajectory. It might be too late to do anything about the twenty feet immediately in front of your fender. One second’s worth of distance per 10 mph is the standard, so scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential hazard. Keep scanning ahead because any road can change any moment. For instance, as you travel an asphalt road can become gravel or mud, straight roads to twisty and curvy ones.

7. The first few seconds after a signal light changes are the most dangerous. Turn your head,look both ways before barging into an intersection or changing directions. Don’t assume other drivers will wait for you to dart through the intersection. They are trying to beat the light too. Unintended lane changes and left turning cars remain the number one cause for fatal highway accidents.

8. If it looks slippery, it might just is. There is a patch of wet leaves or suspicious misted pavement or your approaching a toll booth. Better slow down,apply laser-like focus and maximum level of caution. Who knows it can be more slippery than you think it really is and you never know how much grip there is.

9. Do not ride if you are angry,distraught,tired or anxious. Stay put,.Keep your emotions in check, Emotions can be powerful as any drug or liquor.

10.If you are riding through urban traffic heightened your awareness as to who shares the road with you like large trucks,taxis,bicycles,scooters,ipod -toting pedestrians,skateboarders,runners and drivers who multi-task (using cellphones,applying make-up,reading newspaper and holding coffee cups. All of these are day to day hazards especially in rush hour traffic both coming and going.

11. If your motorcycle has bolt-on saddlebags, do not under-estimate it’s width and take those into consideration when attempting to maneuver your bike through tight spots like between gas pumps or splitting lanes.

12. Put down the kickstand before dismounting from your motorcycle, It is there for a reason.

13. If you are heading onto dark streets from a well-lighted garage give your eyes a minute or two to adjust. Otherwise you are riding blind for the first mile or so. As you approach a tunnel,shut one eye and count to ten. Your eyes will acclimate faster to the change in light.

14. When parking your motorcycles check if there are designated spots for motorcycles. Be sure to park in a space and not between cars (this is a ticket in most cities) Park your motorcycle properly. The rear tire to the curb.

15. Practice those basic avoidance skills. Do two tight turns in quick succession. Fleck around the tar spot, then right back to your original trajectory. If you ride a cruiser, practice dragging your bike so you can use the available lean angle when you need it and learn the bike’s limits. These skills will come in handy in a crisis. Also master the slow u-turn. Practice all these skills until they are ingrained,automatic and become a natural reflex.

16. You are all alone at night on the road and for some reason the light won’t turn green. Put as much motorcycle weight directly above the sensor wire underneath the pavement located behind the limit line. If nothing’s happening,put the kickstand down right smack on the wire. You should be on your way in a heartbeat.

If you keep practicing these skills suggested in this article, you will one day realize that you are no longer the novice motorcyclist you once were but an expert in the realm of motorcycling. But with good reason. Riding a motorcycle will cut your fuel bills and emission in half.

Riding a motorcycle introduces you to a world of adventure. For riders, the roads are much more than a way to connect you from A to B. You experience the peak of freedom and excitement if you travel on a motorcycle.

Group Motorcycle Riding : Pros And Cons

Alex Bhaswara — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:32:09 +0000

It feels good to do activities with people who likes to do same things that you do right? If you like motorcycle riding then think how fun it would be if you join a motorcycle convoy. There is this kind of camaraderie and security as well as risks if you choose to ride in groups.

Motorcycle riding with a group feels great because you have people to share your experiences and expectations. The number of people you ride with makes you feel secure especially when unexpected things happen.

Some motorcyclists like to do camping weekends, some like riding down scenic highways, others like speed,some like hair pin turns,others prefer great sweeping curves or prefer to ride in the dirt. So it is important to seek company of like-minded people. Other motorcyclists only wants to ride a bike of a particular brand like Harley Davidson motorcycles for example.

Once you find a group, there should be a pre-ride discussion and establish the basics down like your destination,preferences and talk about signals,pace and details like gas stops and routes. Make sure that everyone in the group understands these symbols before heading out to avoid surprises. Use those signals liberally on the road so that other riders are aware of your intentions. Set a meeting place in case someone gets cut off from the group.

It is always good to ride in sub-groups like four bikes riding together is safer than larger numbers where it can get confusing and frustrating. So think in multiples of five.

Have the group’s leader lead the pack and should signal early and slow gradually. He should know the way ,well ahead of time and should have a plan not to disrupt other traffic and get everyone safely to their destination. Ideally a seasoned rider should be at the back of the road to ride sweep and take care to those who have problems. Everyone should have a cellphone to call for help just in case. Side-cars or trikes should be best at the back of the group or in a group of their own.

There should be a gap of four or more car lengths between each sub-groups of motorcycles. This formation leaves room for each bike and sub-groups to swerve to the side and provides reaction time to brake. When threat arises riding side to side limits routes to escape when you are close to any other vehicles. It would present a potential risk. If you are in close proximity with other riders, there’s a tendency to wander into each other’s zones and can cause you to be rear-ended or if not, two or more bikes in a group would collide.

When everyone is stopping for fuel have one rider mans the nozzle (provided you use the same kind of fuel) and the rest of the bikers can simply march through and later figure out who owes what. This system saves time compared to each rider has to get off his bike, picks up the nozzle and pays independently. I mean, riders should avoid wasting time because no rider wants to spend more time than he has to in gas stations. But what about the rider who does not want to ride with a bunch of other motorcyclists? The rider who thinks that riding with a group slows him down,changes the rhythm of his riding and gets in the way of the freedom that is the heart of why he rides? The fact is, some riders want to go it alone or ride only with one other rider he knows and trusts.

Motorcylce riding with more additional people will slow you down. You can only go as fast on the road, at lunch or in a gas station as the slowest member of the group. Give yourself plenty of margin if you are not comfortable with riders you wind up riding with and to discover you companion’s habits as well. A common issue is speed differential. Faster folks often complain that slower riders are slowing them down. On the other hand slower riders feel uncomfortable trying to keep up the pace with faster riders. Well both kinds of riders shouldn’t try to. We don’t want accidents or the tickets.

Basically if you feel uncomfortable with what others in the group are doing, drop out by all means, before it causes trouble, or better yet tell them to go ahead or go ahead yourself or take a side trip. So before committing totally to spending hours and days riding with a convoy, it is a good idea to do some shorter day or weekend rides with a certain group. There are riders who jive with others personality-wise but contrast in their riding styles just plan to meet each evening and have leisurely meals but get from one point to another at their own pace and on their own routes.

In motorcycle group riding, each rider is responsible for the one behind him. If you don’t see the rider behind you for a few minutes, signal the rider ahead, then slow down, pull over and wait for the riders behind you. You can avoid the three digit miles of backtracking if everyone in the group look out for the one behind him. But it is still possible to get lost from the group, such as when the rider wandered off the intended path or missed turns than those ahead. To help your group stay intact, give everyone an emergency phone number in writing to call, agree on the next stop every time you all pause for gas, meals or scenic viewing. Be specific. And let everyone knows the day’s destination.

Riding with a group is worth the initial adjustments to your companions habits. Who knows you may find someone you enjoy riding with and form a special bond.

Tips For Safer And More Enjoyable Long Motorcycle Tour

Alex Bhaswara — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:04:59 +0000

In this day and age touring by motorcycle seems basic. It is because it really is. If your bike is well prepared( that means you have done your pre-ride motorcycle inspection), you drag along a few motorcycle tools ,if you have common sense, wear proper riding gear and always bring your owner’s manual, you should be able to overcome most emergencies and all kinds of weather conditions that you will encounter during your long motorcycle tour.

For some riders, the perfect vacation is riding long days on their bikes. For them the road is simply a way to merge points of interests which are best experienced on a motorcycle. The ride is the destination.

Riders with rigid schedule and who strictly stick to it will not only fore go and by pass chances to stop and smell the roses like, taking leisurely meals and see some exotic sites. It will also expose them to dangerous situations because they force themselves to ride even if they lack sleep and tired.

Experienced riders normally ride 300 to 500 miles a day and usually already have developed systems and routines for long motorcycle trips. They usually ride alone on major roads and interstates and can still do it leisurely. But if you have never taken a long ride before, you should start carving away a few miles on the first day. The first day of your tour will involve some adjustments and delays to your gear and motorcycle. The second day will probably be the best day for beginner motorcycle tourers because you are still fresh and most bugs will probably be worked out. After the third day, fatigue is likely to become a major factor.

Minor things such as a flapping jacket collars, loud pipes, uncomfortable helmet and motorcycle seat, wind noise,scratched face shields or windshields, continuous exposure to sun and wind can dehydrate you faster than you may have realized. These situations can easily wear you down and can be a tremendous source of fatigue.

Here are what you need to fight fatigue:

1. Adequate sleep-If you plan to rack up numerous miles on your long motorcycle tour, you need to strategically plan your sleep and rest. You can have a sleep deficit if you ride long and hard by day and not get enough sleep and waking up for early departures. Plan to have a catch-up on sleep every two or three days and set a flexible riding routine. Do not make the mistake of drinking liquor thinking that it is a sleep aid. Alcohol actually reduce the quality and quantity of your sleep. Give your body a chance to adapt. Take breaks as often as you can.

2.You will need ear plugs and good quality full face helmet to protect against wind noise. A windshield that you can comfortably see over can also reduce wind noise.

3. You will need a vented or mesh jacket and helmet to protect you against sunburn and windburn. Some riders mistakenly wear only a cotton tshirt or even go top naked in dealing with the scorching heat. They don’t know they are more likely to fatigue faster.

4. Modifications on your bike like adding a comfortable saddle, a sissy bar bag with a combination backrest,small windshields with no visual distortions. These things can contribute to a more comfortable and more fun long motorcycle tour.

And of course a few calisthenics( before and after a ride), proper nutrition and constant re-hydration by drinking a lot of water will increase your energy, makes you more alert and consequently enable you to experience an enjoyable journey on a bike. These tips are boring i know, but these are time tested solutions for fighting fatigue.

One of other major concerns of riders who are planning to embark on a long motorcycle trek is gas mileage. How many miles does a tank full of gas cover? You would not want to be stranded in a strange deserted road and as darkness fall ,waiting for someone who would come by and help you.

The main idea here is to find ways to maximize the gas tank’s capacity. Make sure to load up a full tank of fuel before a long leg. Some bikes will take a minute or two before the air escapes around the filler baffle and adding a squirt or two will get much more fuel to the tank. Another way is to straighten up the motorcycle instead of leaning it on the side stand will get significantly more fuel into the tank.

If you have 5.0 gallon tank, it will take about 4.0 gallons of gas consumption when the low-fuel light blinks for the first time. You have about 1.0 gallon of gas left and you can go approximately 40 miles at 45 mph after that. You have to pull over and fill up the tank completely when the low-fuel light comes on.

Speed changes mean more mileage especially if you are riding on little country back roads compared to a long stretch of straight roads.

Leave some time in your itinerary for the unexpected. As the saying goes” you experienced nature first hand on a motorcycle”. It also means motorcycles are susceptible to weather and mechanical delays than cars. Give yourself extra time as buffer, just in case you get held up surprisingly by traffic, weather and motorcycle problems etc. This particular riding tip is for riders who must be back at work on a given day.

These long motorcycle tour especially if this is your first time, might turn out to be rides of exploration and discovery. This might be the occasion where you learn what moves you to travel by motorcycle. You might realized that the scenic roads is the highlight of the trip or meeting new people or nonetheless you will decide that only few activities can ever match the adventure of a long motorcycle tour.

Professional Motorcycle Racing Gains Popularity

Alex Bhaswara — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:07:33 +0000

Motorcycles have become increasingly popular amongst Americans, particularly the younger generations. While many people enjoy large cruising bikes, others prefer sport and dirt bikes. Over the past few years, motorcycle racing has been gaining steam and has become all the rage. Pro riders are achieving celebrity status all across the globe and becoming household names. If you’re new to motorcycle racing and looking to learn a little bit about the sport, here is a quick that will get you on your way to becoming an aficionado.

There are two major types of motorcycle racing. One of the most popular is street racing, which includes professional series such as the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix and the Superbike World Championship. The other type of racing is an off road variant that includes the Motocross World Championship and the AMA Motocross Championship.

Street racing is typically held on closed tracks that may also be used for car racing as well. In the Grand Prix series, bikes are typically designed exclusively for racing and are not street legal vehicles. These motorcycles are not available to the general public and are entirely exclusive to the racing circuit. This is comparable to the Formula 1 car racing series. The Superbike circuit hosts motorcycles that are modified versions of production models available to the public.

In both types of street racing, riders compete in time trials on flat road courses in an attempt to qualify for the main event. There are different classes based upon the engine configurations of the motorcycles. One of the major drawbacks to this type of racing is that most races cannot be conducted during any adverse weather conditions such as rain. The high speeds and tire compositions are unsafe on a slick or wet track and can be dangerous to riders.

The other popular type of racing is off road motocross. In these events, riders race modified dirt bikes on closed courses that are built to simulate all terrain conditions. It is very common for a number of different features to be placed all around the track, including ramps, hills, berms, and moguls. All of the courses are typically composed entirely of dirt. Riders compete in time trials in order to qualify for the main race. During races, riders are often speeding around the track and flying through the air in very close quarters. Studies have shown that motocross riders must be in peak physical condition due to the stresses the rough terrain can put on the body.

Motorcycle Helmets

Alex Bhaswara — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:06:32 +0000

Motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular with the current economy today. They have the ability to navigate through traffic fast, costs less, and is very easy to store. For these reasons, the motorcycle is a choice that many decide to go with. When you decide to get a motorcycle, the most important thing is the helmet. There are numerous reasons why the helmet is important.

The first obvious reason for owning a helmet is for head protection. Getting a motorcycle helmet is significant due to the fact that it protects your head from injuries you may get into. The nature of the motorcycle itself already makes it very dangerous if you get into an accident, so additional protection is needed. The motorcycle is vulnerable because it is moving so fast while having little mass compared to the cars. For this reason, the motorcycle is almost a guaranteed death if a car hits it; the motorcycle will go out of control as well as the person as the car has a lot of mass. By having a motorcycle helmet, you reduce the chance of death or serious injuries that may occur during any type of accident.

Another reason for having a helmet is the wind. When you are riding the motorcycle, the wind coming towards you will be strong. The motorcycle helmet will usually have a shield that covers your face so the wind does not bother you while you are riding the motorcycle. This is important as having another factor such as the wind bother you will be dangerous when riding the motorcycle.

In addition to these 2 features of the motorcycle helmet, the helmet can be stylish. Many people like to shop and buy a helmet that matches their style. They can show this off anywhere they ride to. Some people like to match the motorcycle while others choose to just make it unique to their personality.

The price of these helmets varies greatly, so make sure you look around before purchasing a helmet. The average motorcycle helmet will range anywhere between 30-600 dollars, so make sure you compare the prices. Some places will be a lot cheaper than another, but you also have to watch for the quality. The best thing to do is compare all the helmets you like with great quality and then pick the lowest one. This way, you will get a great helmet for a cheap price.

Tips on Buying a Cheap Motorcycle Helmet

Alex Bhaswara — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:05:27 +0000

Congratulations! As a proud new motorcycle owner, you’re undoubtedly itching to hit the road on your sleek set of wheels. Riding your bike down scenic byways or city freeways is an exhilarating experience–but as all riders know, motorcycling comes with plenty of risks. Motorcycles can be hard for automobile drivers to see, and in the event of an accident, a motorcyclist doesn’t have the benefit of thousands of pounds of steel protecting him (or her) from the impact. The best way to reduce the risk of serious injury or death is by wearing a helmet.

After buying a new bike, many riders are chagrined to find that a standard helmet purchased from a dealer can set them back an additional several hundred dollars. Many higher-end models can easily approach $800 to $900 or more. Fortunately, a helmet’s safety and quality doesn’t necessarily go up with the price; cheap helmets can also provide ample protection. Basic helmets can be found for around $100, and it’s very possible to get full protection from one of these less expensive models.

The most important thing to look for when shopping for a helmet is certification from either the DOT (Department of Transportation) or the Snell Foundation. These organizations certify helmets based on their ability to absorb the force of an impact and other stringent safety criteria. Their standards are similar and an approval from either one will ensure that you’re getting a quality helmet.

Whether you’re looking at cheap helmets or the pricier versions, be sure that the one you select fits you properly. Even the best helmet won’t be able to protect you if it falls off your head during a collision. A simple test is to fasten it properly and then push up firmly on the back. If you’re able to get it off, it’s not a good fit.

While it may be tempting to pick up a second-hand helmet from a yard sale or a thrift store, don’t–even if it’s certified. The typical lifespan of a helmet is about five years, as the protective foam material inside degrades fairly rapidly. If you’re using one older than that, it may not be as effective. Similarly, a helmet that has been involved in an accident, even a minor one, has been permanently altered even if there is no visible damage. If you’re considering buying a used helmet, you’ll want to be certain you know everything about its history.

Wherever you purchase your helmet, making sure it’s a certified, properly-fitting, and recent model will give you the best chance at a safe and enjoyable motorcycling future.

Simple Motorcycle Bill of Sale – Why You Need to Use a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form

Alex Bhaswara — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:03:09 +0000

A motorcycle is a great mode of transport. It can get you from A to B quickly and using the least amount of gas. Motorcycles can be particularly good for anyone who has to commute to work. Or you can just use it as a bit of fun. Of course the cheapest way to buy a motorcycle is to buy used. This gives you the best value for money and doesn’t mean that you have to spend wasted months breaking it in!

If you are thinking of buying a used motorcycle then you should do your research. Decide which is best for you and make sure that you know what you’re looking for. When you have found the right bike be sure to ask lots of questions about the history of the bike and its previous owners. A simple motorcycle bill of sale form should be able to tell you all of this as a bill of sale is usually passed from seller to buyer each time a motorcycle is sold. If your seller is unhappy about giving you a simple motorcycle bill of sale then be wary of where the bike has come from. These bills were designed to protect the buyers and sellers from any wrongdoing so if your seller isn’t happy then that should send off warning signals!

Buying a used motorcycle should be an easy and simple project and will only take a matter of days if you find the right bike so be sure to do a few things before you hand the cash over. Compare similar bikes that are selling too to make sure that you’re getting a fair price, take it for a test ride so you know you will feel comfortable on it and most importantly get a simple motorcycle bill of sale! They can be downloaded and printed off the internet so there isn’t even an excuse not to have one!

Discount Motorcycle Helmets

Alex Bhaswara — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:48:46 +0000

Discount Motorcycle Helmets are highly sought after in today’s motor mobile market. With the fiscal crisis still growing, many motorcycle and moped enthusiasts are seeking helmets at discounted rates, but with the same level of protection and security. The auto industry has always stressed important transit measures, therefore, motorcycle helmets are consistently being updated to assure safety for all riders and drivers. There are several discount motorcycle helmets available online, and prices can range from $50 to as low as $20. They offer the same comfort, durability, and design options as premium helmets, but at discounted rates and cost effective prices.

From racing and touring to motorcross and Harley Davidson, there is a wide online selection of discount motorcycle helmets to choose from. You can get full face, open face, flip, half, or DOT touring helmets in a broad range of sizes and designs. If time is of the essence, simply browse for the best deals on the internet and you’ll surely find what you’re looking for. Some of the top helmet brands currently on the market are Answer, Arai, HJC, and Nolan. They offer a vast array of helmets to meet your needs, as well as accessories for any brand of motorcycle. They also specialize in head gear for ATV’s, Snowmobiles, novelty bikes, children’s bikes, and motorcycle helmet shields.

You can also visit your local motorcycle or motor gear shop for a customized fitting. Like online searching, a discount motorcycle helmet can be adjusted to fit your specifications, and meet your needs. There are daily and weekly sales offered by some of the top vendors in the market, and all it takes is a little leg work to find the cheapest prices on helmets around. From KBC and MSR to Skid Lid and Sparx, you can compare brands and prices at your convenience, and within time and budget.

The industry professionals suggest onsite test runs with a new or used helmet, before purchasing the item. If this can be facilitated at the motorcycle venue, chances are a substantial discount will be offered to match your interest level. If you can’t visit your nearest pro bike shop or a Harley Davidson outlet, then make sure to check the validity of each helmet offered when searching online. From purchase date and warranty to new or second hand status, you want a discount motorcycle helmet that guarantees your safety when on the road.