Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Are children safe as motorcycle passengers?

The matter of age requirements for motorcycle passengers is a unique one, in researching the issue, we were surprised to find there is no minimum age specification for motorcycle passengers in many states. Motorcyclists are left to use their judgment. Only five states specify minimum ages for motorcycle passengers, according to the American Motorcyclist Association: in Texas, Washington, and Louisiana passengers must be at least 5, in Arkansas a minimum 8 years of age, and in Hawaii 7 years.

Texas requires helmets for motorcycle passengers under the age of 21, and even those 21 or older must wear helmets unless they've been licensed to operate a motorcycle, or have completed a motorcycle-safety course under Chapter 662, or are covered by a health insurance plan providing at least $10,000 medical benefits. More on those laws can be found at www.bikersrights.com.

In truth, the decision on the age at which passengers safely can ride on motorcycles amounts to a common-sense judgment as well. Most wouldn't consider nine-year-olds to be overly risky. Even the states with mandates specify ages lower than that, so nine-year-olds are legal throughout the country.

The truth is, taking any child in any car at any time is probably the most dangerous thing you'll do with that child that day. We kind of know that — we certainly should know it — but try not to think about it. What's the alternative? Refusing to take the new grandchild to the grandparents' for the holidays because there's no guarantee of a safe trip? The children have no say or control in those instances, either. The inside of a minivan is safer than the back of a motorcycle, but it's not "safe."

We encourage bikers and parents to join the discussion in the comments below.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Home of the World's Best Motorcycle Collection


The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home of the world's best motorcycle collection. This museum has over 1200 vintage and modern motorcycles as well as racecars. They also boast the largest collection of Lotus cars as well. They have approximately 1200 motorcycles but only display 600 of them at any given time. This massive collection on bikes ranges from 1902 to current year production. Some of the bikes on display are your typical run of the mill street bikes but they also show off rare Gran Prix race machinery.

The museum is located in Birmingham, Alabama on 740 acres, which includes a world class 2.38 mile racetrack.

If your interested in cool biker tourist destinations, and are thinking of a road trip, this is a must see. Check our Calendar to see if there are any rallies that may coincide with your trip.



Thursday, August 25, 2011

7 Tips To Consider When Buying Custom Motorcycle Wheels

Choosing custom wheels for your motorcycle is important. They can change the ride as well as improve the look of your bike. Who doesn't like to see heads turn when you ride by?

1) Motorcycle Wheels - How Much Are you Willing to Spend?

The first thing to consider when choosing custom motorcycle wheels is the amount of money you are willing to spend. Knowing how much you have, or are willing to spend before walking in to the store will keep you from wasting time looking at things you can't afford. Most custom wheels are comprised of billet aluminum and not in mass quantities such as automotive wheels. They are costly so make sure you are giving yourself a large enough budget. It may take some time to save up for the wheels so make sure you start saving earlier rather than later.

2) What Type of Wheel Are you Looking For?

The next decision can be made while you are saving the money. What type of wheel are you looking for? What have you seen that really catches your eye? The type of wheel you are going to choose will dictate the look of your ride. On a custom wheel you can choose everything from spokes to the metal that is used to the finish. Chrome finishes are easily cleaned but you need to give them attention after every ride to avoid premature corrosion. Furthermore chrome is not a good option for someone living in an area by the ocean due to the high salt content in the air. In this case a polished aluminum wheel may be a better choice. Powder coated wheels are easier to hide blemishes but often times are not as durable as other wheel choices.

3) Customer Motorcycle Wheel Designs

After you have some idea about what kind of wheel you are interested in you need to choose a design for your wheel. Remember, the wheels will determine the look for your ride. There are several media outlets in which to view that will assist you in deciding on an option that is right for you. If you are going to spend the money to buy custom wheels you need to find something that you love.

4) Motorcycle Wheels Size & Tire Considerations

Next in the line up is the size of the wheel. There are several different sizes to choose from and not all size wheels will fit on all bikes. Know your motorcycle and what the minimum and maximum wheel sizes your bike will allow. Research the type of tire that will fit on your new rim and what type of wear the tires will get. Remember when you buy a set of custom motorcycle wheels you are also going to need new tires. Allow for this in your budget. If you are ordering your new wheels with the tires mounted make sure you ask questions. Specifically, find out if your new wheels come with the hubs and if they are ready to mount. Ask if you will need to make any additional modifications before putting on your custom wheels. If the hubs are included, ask if the bearings are included in the hub as well. Where the tires are concerned you need to inquire as to whether they are mounted and balanced and if the valve stems are included.

5) Shipping Costs

Another consideration is whether or not the company you are ordering from includes the shipping cost in their pricing. If not, how much will shipping be? Where are the custom wheels going to be shipped? Is the company located in the same state? If so, sales tax will be applicable. Ask the salesperson how long it will take to receive your new wheels. If you are ordering a unique wheel it may take a couple of months to get them. This is important because you don't want to have your bike in parts for months when you are planning to ride.

6) Other Parts & Accessories

Some bikes have a visible rear rotor and pulley. If this is the case for you, what condition are yours in? Do the current rotor and pulley match the new custom motorcycle wheels? If not you may want to consider allotting a little extra cash to purchase new parts. If you decide to go with new parts you should inquire as to what hardware is included. It's no fun to get your new parts home and find that you can't install them immediately because you are missing hardware.

7) Motorcycle Wheels Warranty

For any aftermarket purchase you need to consider the warranty as well as the return policy. Many businesses today will allow you to return items but charge a restocking fee. An acceptable warranty on motorcycle wheels is 2 years on the chrome and lifetime on the structure. Also find out, if your bike is fairly new and still has a remaining factory warranty, whether the work is required to be completed by the dealer in order to maintain the warranty. Some manufacturers will void warranties if work is done by someone other than the dealership. Determining when the parts will be in is important if you have to schedule an appointment at the dealership to get your bike in. Coordinate properly so you spend minimal time on 4 wheels.

Choosing custom motorcycle wheels for your ride can be very frustrating. With a little preparation before you begin your hunt, you will find your buying experience much more enjoyable.



source: Ezine Articles (King, 8/24)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Biker Nerds Rejoice: R2D2 Motorcycle Helmet


Philadelphia area maker Jenn Hall improved the visual quality of her motorcycle helmet by turning it into a R2D2 helmet. The process included scuffing up the existing paint job and adding consecutive coats of spray paint and laboriously cut masking tape. The whole thing is finished off with some PVC tubing, some blinking lights, and plenty of clear coat. What a great way to liven up an otherwise mundane safety apparatus. [via Makezine]

Also, a Boba Fett themed helmet via paintjob.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Ferrari Custom-Made Motorcycle or Car?!

Ummm...what?
This vehicle was built by François Knorreck.

Although his real job is technician in an hospital at Saint-Etienne in France, he spends all his free time to build, manufacture, modify and tune motorbikes.

He spent 10000 hours of hard work, more than 10 years from time to time in the garage and about 15000 Euros to create this vehicle.




[via]