Drivers ready to keep championship momentum going in Ennis

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals returns to the Texas Motorplex, Sept. 19-22.

Texas-based drivers Spencer Massey, Steve Torrence, Alexis DeJoria and defending event Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Michael Ray are ready to saddle up in their home state and give Lone Star fans a Texas-sized helping of 8,000-horsepower, nitromethane-burning action. Everything is bigger in Texas, and the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is sure to pack an extra-large dose of chest-thumping excitement when it arrives at the Texas Motorplex.

After all, the legendary facility is one of four all-concrete dragstrips on the NHRA circuit, which provides crew chiefs with an excellent opportunity to achieve national record performances.

The event, which is the second chance for Countdown to the Championship teams to earn points, takes place just a week after the playoff series-opener in Charlotte, making for a quick turnaround for the contenders.

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is the 20th of 24 events in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the second of six races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Last season, defending world champion Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) earned victories at the event that will once again be televised on ESPN2 HD.

In Top Fuel, five-time event winner Tony Schumacher and his U.S. Army Dragster team wants nothing more than to seal a sixth race victory in Dallas to help him finish off his season with an eighth series world championship title. But there are several drivers with the same objective, including points leader Shawn Langdon, who has four season wins in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster and defending event winner and world champ Brown, who drives the Matco Tools dragster.

In Funny Car, Virginia cattle rancher Matt Hagan leads the series standings with four season victories at the controls of his Magneti Marelli Dodge Charger and will be trying to earn his second victory at the Motorplex.

Others to watch include the Force powerhouse that includes 15-time world champion John Force, his youngest daughter Courtney, a two-time winner this season, and two-time Motorplex winner and Auto Club Ford Mustang driver Robert Hight.

Tickets for the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals are available now, ranging from just $10 to $380 for weekend packages. Youth tickets for children 12 and under start as low as $5.

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Source: WaxahachieTX (AP, 8/26)

Rick Fairless and Allstate launch motorcycle safety program

It’s well-known that riders tend to listen more closely when it’s one of their own bringing the message. Who better to bring up the hot topic of motorcycle safety than a rider known worldwide for his custom motorcycles, television appearances and owner of Strokers Dallas, a little slice of motorcycle heaven in Texas.

Clutch and Chrome caught up with custom bike builder and motorcycle celebrity Rick Fairless at Sturgis on Thursday to discuss his work with Allstate Insurance Company and their newest initiative under its Rider Protection Project portfolio, a series of programs all focused on making the roads a safer place to ride.

The latest initiative is the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest which looks to the riding community for their ideas on advancing motorcycle safety and awareness. Good Ride Grants joins Rider Risk Map, Once is Never Enough (O.N.E.) and other rider advocacy initiatives, all part of Allstate’s commitment to protecting riders.

Putting money where their heart is Allstate Insurance Company’s Good Ride Grants will award a combined total of $25,000 to contest winners with the best ideas. Now through Aug. 31, 2013, contest applicants may submit their Good Ride Grant submissions through the designated tab on Allstate Motorcycle’s Facebook page. Entries are welcome from anyone, including local governments, dealerships, rider clubs and individuals.

“Riding a motorcycle presents a feeling of freedom, adventure and camaraderie with fellow riders, but we also know the risks that come along with it,” said Keith Rutman, vice president of Allstate's Powersports unit. “The Good Ride Grant program allows Allstate to continue our mission of protecting riders while also keeping an open ear to the riding community and what they feel is important.”

The first 1,000 contest entries to be submitted before Aug. 31 will be reviewed and finalists will be chosen by a six-person judging committee, comprising of representatives from Allstate and a diverse collection of motorcycle industry professionals, including custom motorcycle builder Rick Fairless.

“I’m proud to partner with Allstate on an issue that has always been top of mind for me, and I think that the Good Ride Grant program is a great way to empower our riding community to help each other protect what is a lifestyle for so many of us by making it as safe as possible,” said Fairless.

“There are lots of people out there that ride and lots of ideas,” Rick says,’ Give’em to me. What’s the ideas, we’re going to take the idea’s and whittle them down.”

Joining Fairless on the judging committee is Keith Rutman, vice president of Allstate's Powersports unit; Rusty Creed, Allstate agency owner; Rod Krois, Indian Motorcycle’s Marketing Director; Bryan Harley, Motorcycle USA Editor; and Don Becklin, Motorcycle Superstore / Motorcycle USA founder and Motorsport Aftermarket Group’s retail group president.

Both Allstate Insurance Company and Rick obviously enjoy working together, the two are on their third year of bringing similar programs and initiatives to the riding community.

In September, the judges will determine the top 15 finalists. The finalists will then be featured on the Allstate Motorcycle Facebook page, where fans can vote for their favorite ideas. The five finalists with the highest overall contest scores by Oct. 31 will each receive a $5,000 grant to help put their ideas into action.

Complete details on the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest and details on how to submit an idea, visit Facebook.com/AllstateMotorcycle and click on the Good Ride Grant tab icon.

During the interview, it’s clear that Rick is riding what he’s promoting, motorcycle safety and awareness.

“It's not only how I’m riding but how I’m trying to get my children to ride,” Rick explains, “My daughter Lena is up here with me and she rides with me. I’m staying out of the blind spots and when I’m turning the corner I’m looking to see if there’s gravel or oil along the road.”

“When I’m going down the road I’m watching what’s going behind me as well as all around me,” he explains further.

Motorcycle safety education is obviously key according to the current initiative as well as the legendary bike builder.

“You have to teach the young people how to ride,” he explains “I had to teach my daughter to look behind her when she stops at a stop sign to make sure that jack behind you is putting on his brakes too!”

“It’s awareness and education and that’s the kind of stuff we’re trying to do [with Allstate Insurance Company] and I’m doing more [of this] now than I did ten years ago,” he says.

And Rick is a firm believer of motorcycle safety courses. He noted that in the state of Texas new riders are required to take a motorcycle safety course to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement on their license.

“I was big behind that requirement,” Rick proudly says, “You’ve got to get an official trainer to show you those things.”

Thursday was the first day of the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest and the reaction has been great according to Fairless.

“Everybody that rides wants it to be safer. Now bikers who sit around and say those ‘sure wishes’ can take them and turn the ‘sure wishes’ into a reality with the Good Ride Grant program,” he says.

“Just don’t sit around talking about it,” Rick continues taking on a slightly sterner tone, “let’s do something about it!”

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Source: Clutch and Chrome (AP, 8/09)

Indian Motorcycle reveals new line-up in Sturgis, SD

STURGIS, SD— Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced the highly anticipated details for the all-new 2014 Indian Chief family of motorcycles. Before thousands of motorcycling fans at the site of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in downtown Sturgis at 9 p.m. Mountain Time on Saturday, August 3, Indian Motorcycle unveiled the three models that comprise the Indian Chief line up. The reveal ceremony and party signaled an inflection point in motorcycling history with the renewal of America’s oldest and most legendary brand.

The new Indian Chief Classic is a pure, powerful cruiser forged from key heritage design elements yet wrapped in advanced design, engineering and technology. It features iconic styling like valanced fenders, rich genuine leather saddle, classic tank-mounted instrumentation, tear-drop fuel tank design, and sculpted and lighted front fender war bonnet. The 2014 Indian Chief Classic comes standard with a host of premium features including endless chrome, keyless ignition, ABS, cruise control, throttle-by-wire, true dual exhaust, high quality chrome laced spoke wheels, brake caliper covers, cast aluminum frame with integrated air intake, and much more.

The Indian Chief Classic, like all 2014 Indian Chief models, is powered by the all-new, clean sheet design Thunder Stroke™ 111 engine. Offering 111 cubic inches of pavement pounding power and 119 ft-lbs of torque, this class-leading power plant draws powerful design cues from heritage Indian Motorcycle engines merged with brilliant engineering and advanced technologies. The Thunder Stroke 111 is a 49-degree, air-cooled V-twin with 6-speed overdrive transmission, and features unmatched premium exterior finishes and touches. It offers owners the peace-of-mind that comes from over two million miles of on-road and test-lab verification and Polaris Industries’ 60 years of engineering prowess.

The new Indian Chief Vintage is a soft bagger that takes iconic Indian Motorcycle styling to a whole new level with handcrafted detail and a signature heritage aesthetic. The Indian Chief Vintage offers top-quality quick-release soft-sided leather bags, leather fringe, chrome fender tips, vintage chrome badging on the front fender and a quick-release windshield for easy installation or removal. It includes the same premium standard features as the Indian Chief Classic, and sports the same iconic design elements like valanced fenders, laced wheels, whitewall tires, tank-mounted instrument cluster and extensive chrome finishes throughout. It is also powered by the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine.

The first Indian Motorcycle of its kind, the 2014 Indian Chieftain maintains the legendary Indian Chief styling, while taking this progressive machine to new heights with advanced features and premium comfort. Unlike any Indian Motorcycle ever made, the Chieftain features a fairing with integrated driving lights, and its power windshield is an industry-first for a fork-mounted fairing. Standard features include hard saddlebags featuring remote locks and quick-release anchors, a high-output audio system featuring integrated Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

“When we acquired Indian Motorcycle two and a half years ago we set out to capture the heart, soul and legendary heritage of this iconic American brand and then infuse it with unparalleled design, engineering and state-of-the-art technology,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Indian Motorcycle parent company Polaris Industries Inc. “On Saturday night we revealed three stunning new Indian Chief models that represent the results of our journey and the future of this brand. It was a triumphant day for all of us, and I know motorcycling fans around the world proudly join us in celebrating Indian Motorcycle and the realization that choice in American motorcycles is here to stay.”

The First 1901

To pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle’s past, the first 1901 Indian Chiefs to roll off of Indian’s assembly line in Spirit Lake, IA will be identified with a limited-edition badge. Numbered between one and 1901, these rare bikes will reflect the year of Indian’s inception by Oscar Hedstrom and George Hendee in Springfield, MA. “We have been very conscientious about honoring Indian Motorcycle’s storied history while establishing a foundation for what’s yet to come,” said Polaris Vice President of Motorcycles, Steve Menneto. “The lucky few who purchase these limited number bikes will truly own a piece of history, concurrently representing Indian’s rich past and its limitless future.” More information is available at Indian Motorcycle dealers across the country.

Availability

 Indian Motorcycle is adding dealerships across the US and globally, and is on plan to have 125-140 North American and 70 international dealers by year end. The full line of 2014 Indian Chief models are available for order now and will arrive in dealerships in September, along with an extensive array of apparel, parts and accessories. Indian Motorcycle demo rides will be available at dealer events across the country starting later in August.

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Source: AMA (AP, 8/05)

Dead daredevil: Motorcycle wheelie turns into a fatal crash on Houston's streets

A local motorcyclist’s wheelie turned into a fatal accident.

The incident took place around 8 p.m. Sunday night in the 4900 block of Reed Road.

A white Acura was traveling southbound on Jutland when it stopped at the intersection of Jutland and Reed. According to a statement from the Houston Police Department, the driver checked to make sure the roads were safe before continuing into the intersection. The motorcyclist, who was performing a wheelie, then smashed into the car.

In 2012, 460 people died on Texas roadways while riding motorcycles and scooters.

A witness said that the motorcycle was going at a high rate of speed traveling in the turn only lane of Reed Road.

The victim was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The police are still trying to verify the identity of the motorcyclist. The driver of the car was not injured, which is what often happens when a car and motorcycle collide.

Two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents in Texas result in the serious injury or death of the motorcyclist according to The Texas Department of Transportation. In 2012, 460 people died on Texas roadways while riding motorcycles and scooters.

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Source: Culture Map (Rafte, 7/30)

Crossing the Border to Ride Together

Jorge Rojas López says that like the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s, bikers and their reputation for being rough, tough and rebellious is uniquely American.

A motorcycle club's pin adorned a patch of the Mexican flag.

But that did not stop Mr. Rojas, 67, and about three dozen other Mexican nationals from traveling as far as 900 miles to attend an event in Austin that celebrates the fierce independence and individuality of the Lone Star State, the Republic of Texas Biker Rally.

Billed as one of the largest rallies of its kind in the country — rivaling similar events in Sturgis, S.D., and Daytona Beach, Fla. — the rally draws more than 35,000 people from across the world, promoters said.

The event, which celebrated its 19th year when it was held this month, included performances by the 1980s metal stars Twisted Sister and the Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil. It also featured, for the first time, performances by Mexican motorcycle acrobats, part of a national club called the Confederación Internacional de Motociclistas Oficiales y Policías de Caminos. The group includes members of regional clubs, like Dorados de Villa in Ciudad Juárez, of which Mr. Rojas is a member, across the border from El Paso. Others come from Mexico City, Nuevo León, Querétaro and Guadalajara. The group’s performers are daredevils who mount one another’s shoulders, ride backward on front-end rims or form human pyramids on two motorcycles as they cruise along a designated route. By day, they are professors, teachers, police officers and businessmen.

“The biker is from here, the real biker, and this is a Mexican expression of that culture,” Mr. Rojas said. But the Mexican signature, he added, is the acrobatic element. “We don’t see them dominate the bike the way the Apaches dominated the horse better than the Spaniards,” he said.

Mr. Rojas, a criminology professor and the rector of the Universidad Cultural in Ciudad Juárez, said the performance transcended the tumultuous histories between Texas and Mexico.

“From my sociological point of view, Texas is really a mixture of cultures,” he said. “Mexicans, we don’t harbor resentment. To the contrary, we see this as a cultural expression. The culture is universal: it doesn’t have borders or limits, it doesn’t have a color. We’re citizens of the world, and as such, we understand this cultural expression.”

Alejandro Galán, the national group’s leader, acknowledges the history but uses it as a punch line instead of a point of contention.

“We’re here because we want to take it back,” he joked, referring to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, under which Mexico in 1848 lost its northern territory to the United States.

The state’s Chicanos, Americans of Mexican descent who identify with both cultures, say the Mexican bikers are a welcome addition to the Texas event.

Mikey Rodriguez, 42, is a member of the Latin Lords MC, a group from Baytown, near Houston. This was his 13th visit to the rally. In previous years, the Mexican riders would caravan in, wearing Mexican wrestler masks amid a cheering crowd. That they make the trek, he said, is not surprising.

“When you’re involved in this lifestyle, you travel left and right,” he said.

Rachel Salas, 36, a Latina and native of Lubbock, said the Mexicans were as welcome as anyone else and just as embraced.

“Everybody gets along, I think that’s a good thing,” she said. “Everyone is very friendly, almost too friendly.”

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Source: NYTimes (Aguilar, 6/21)

Night Riders On A Roll

On some days it seems like the Near South is overrun with biker gangs — not the leather-clad groups of 50-somethings wearing skull caps and riding noisy luxury motorcycles. The area is host to several bicycle meet-up groups that ride en mass from bar to bar, spreading revelry and body odor wherever they land.

The longest tenured Southside beer-and-bike group is the Night Riders. The two-wheeled pub-crawlers meet twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday) at The Chat Room Pub and pedal into the night, jumping from bike seat to bar stool. Anywhere from 10-80 people show up for the bi-weekly ride. In addition to swarming bars, the group is also raising money for charity and doing its part to improve bike culture in the Fort.

Recently, the Riders held its second annual BBQ Fundraiser, and raised $500 for the West, Texas volunteer fire department.

“[The donation was] nothing extreme in terms of dollar amount, but substantial for a completely volunteer, non-official and free cycling group,” said George Gdovin, one of the group’s leaders.

The cyclists also successfully raised $900 through raffles and donations and installed a publicly accessible bicycle fix station, where riders can stop by and make minor repairs, pump air into their tires, and make minor adjustments to their bikes. The first such station is bolted to the bike rack of their home base at The Chat. Here is a picture of it on the Fortworthology blog.

Gdovin said the group is in talks with other bars and hopes to install more stations in the near future.

“We started talking to other bars that are going to chip in [towards the cost],” said Gdovin, “or we’ve arranged it that if we go to a bar, a certain portion of the proceeds [from sales] will go towards getting them installed.”

The Night Riders have also started a Fort Worth Bike Polo Group that meets once a month.The owners of Trinity Bicycles donated the mallets and balls, and a group from Denton came down and taught the bikers how to play.

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Source: Fort Worth Weekly (Griffey, 5/31)

How to choose a safe motorcycle helmet

The ability to choose a safe motorcycle helmet is easily among the most important aspects of motorcycle travel, and the subject should be afforded the proper attention to protect the lives of both drivers and passengers. Unfortunately, a large percentage of motorcyclists opt to choose a helmet that "looks cool" rather than one that is protective, and others choose to wear no helmet at all. Without question the largest percentage of motorcycle deaths are related to head trauma resulting from either not wearing a helmet or choosing a motorcycle helmet that offers little protection. By doing a small amount of personal research a biker can choose a safe motorcycle helmet that is both protective and fashionable, without detracting from the enjoyment of the recreation.

The best way to choose a safe motorcycle helmet is to simply follow the U.S. Department of Transportation recommendations as to which helmets on the market offer the greatest amount of personal protection. Every motorcycle helmet is tested by the government in one form or another to see how it stands up in a collision, and the motorcycle helmets that are certified as safe are the ones to purchase. Not all motorcycle helmets are equal in safety, and just because a rider is wearing a helmet does not mean that they are protected.

To choose a safe motorcycle helmet requires that the type and style chosen offer the maximum protection. While hybrid, open face and half-helmets offer some measure of protection, the best type to choose for a safe motorcycle helmet is by far the full-faced type. These not only protect the head from impact but also keep a rider's face from flying objects and hitting the road in an accident.

Lastly, to choose a safe motorcycle helmet requires that any helmet that is purchased fits properly and comfortably. An ill-fitting motorcycle helmet is a dangerous distraction on the highway and may be the cause of an accident in and of itself. Investing a small bit of time at a helmet retailer pays big dividends simply because a helmet that is uncomfortable at first inspection will be nightmare on the road. By choosing a safe motorcycle helmet that is comfortable a rider will most likely wear it more frequently, and hopefully wearing a helmet will become a habit. With the number of safe motorcycle helmets available a biker should have no problem finding one that is also fashionable with a little effort.

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Source: Helium (Conroy, 6/19)

THE 1 MOTORCYCLE SHOW

We knew it had to happen. The generation-long “Easy Riders” orthodoxy of custom-bike design has finally sputtered out, setting people free to build whatever they like. Remember that word, freedom? It means no one laughs and points if you fail to include a bellowing Harley-Davidson engine in the middle, with a Schwinn wheel way out in front and a Buick tire in the back. Anything goes.

The idiosyncratic bikes in these photos appeared at the “1 Motorcycle Show” in Austin, Texas, the same weekend as the nearby MotoGP event at Circuit of The Americas. Austin is the state capitol, an arty town that calls itself “the live music capital of the world” and is willing to try anything.

Like simplicity? Take pride in your sheet-metal skills? Or perhaps you see the motorcycle as “Death Star”? The “Art of the Motorcycle” at the Guggenheim Museum in 1998 was just a beginning. Start noodling with tools and see where it takes you.




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Source: Cycle World (Cameron, 5/3)

Cool Gadgets Recycled From Old Motorcycle Parts

On a design show held by Triumph Motorcycles and Birmigham Institute of Art and Design, many students brought us with various smart gadgets made out of recycled motorcycle parts.

Every gadget in the collection has a stylish appearance and you’ll find that it is actually alright and good to build household items with handbrake, headlights, instrument panel and other parts of a motorbike.

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Source: InewIdea (AP, 1/17)

URAL Quartermaster motorcycle project

Russian fortitude is at the heart of every URAL motorcycle. The technologies and blueprints that would eventually become the URAL Solo were traded as part of the 1939 non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Battle hardened during WWII, the URAL Solo would serve diligently on the front lines for the soldiers that depended on her.

As widespread as WWII was, it paled in comparison to the Containment Conflicts. Spread across every continent like an undead wildfire, no vestige of humanity was spared. Mobility equaled survival - mobility without stint or limit. With loins girded and back braced for the load, the Quartermaster answered this charge. it was to be a life of hardship and despair, but she had known little else. Her more technological-reliant brethren, fit with impressive componentry and power, struggled to maintain operation through the daily slog of post-humanity. Engineering complexity, once the darling of modern society, had become a mechanical albatross. The need for specialized parts and manufacturing processes had doomed the beautiful machines. Though time hadn't fully reverted back into the dark ages, it had become a very foreboding shade of grey. This was a time of simplicity and ease of use. This was the day when reliability outpaced aesthetic. This was the era of the Quartermaster.

The Quartermaster is a URAL x ICON collaborative project designed to increase the long distance off-road capacity of the URAL Solo. Devoid of the sidecar found on most URALs, the Quartermaster was a single-track beast of burden. Extensive frame modifications, including an oversized backbone, braced headstock, and high clearance subframe, differentiated the Quartermaster from her stable mates, Reinforced swIngarm, long-travel suspension, and knobbed tires provided a surefooted stance when the road ended. The oversized fuel tank, fitted with frisco'd feed lines, made available every ounce of fuel for maximum operational range. Custom skid plate, crash hoops, and high-mount fenders all spoke to her mastery of the unimproved path. Lathered in haze grey from stem to stern, she would survive where on many others had fallen. Ironically, the Containment Conflicts had turned The Quartermaster's workaday looks and antiquated performance specs into the most desirable traits of beauty. Time has a way of evening things out. Check out the video at: RIDEICON.com /Quartermaster

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source: Icon1000

SCHUBERTH COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR S2 HELMET

 S2 customers have been eagerly awaiting the SRC-System™, Schuberth’s in-helmet Bluetooth® communication system which is based on the Cardo Scala platform.

The S2 full face is the only motorcycle helmet in the world with built-in FM and Bluetooth® antennas which plug directly into the SRC-System and enhance the communication distance between paired helmets as well as the FM radio reception.

The SRC-System™ allows up to three riders to communicate wirelessly with each other simultaneously and supports Bluetooth®-enabled peripheral devices such as cell phones, GPS units and MP3 players. The most important functions can also be operated by voice commands.

The system is integrated into a replacement neck collar that is a ‘snap’ to install and fits into the helmet perfectly.

The S2 SRC-System™ and S2 helmet are available now from authorized Schuberth dealers.

SRC-System(TM) for S2:

- USD $429

S2 Full Face Helmet:

- Solid Colors: $699

- Hi-Viz: $729

- Graphics: $749

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Source: Cycle World (11/21)

5 Rational Ways to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Premiums

Motorcycle insurance premiums are normally higher than insurance for automobile drivers because motorcycle drivers are more vulnerable to accidents and mishaps. If you are a high-risk motorcyclist, such as one who has had a DUI or has frequent accidents, rates could go even higher. These are the top five rational ways to lower your motorcycle insurance premiums.

Way #1: Join a Club

Many riders’ clubs have advanced riding skills training aimed at improving your riding skills on the road. The membership and skills training can help reduce the cost of insurance or even get a flat out discount from some insurance carriers. Some of the major worldwide motorcycling clubs you may consider are: BMW motorcycle club and Harley owners association.

Way #2: Be Completely Honest With Insurance Agents

When buying a policy, be completely honest about your riding habits. Many insurance companies have lower premiums for lower mileage riders. Bear this in mind when you are purchasing your motorbike’s policy and be completely honest when you declare your intended riding mileage. If you don’t use your bike often--for example, if it’s just a weekend toy--see if it’s possible to cap the mileage limit.

Your riding experience, riding history and length of ownership for your bike are also factors that might affect your insurance rate. Generally more experienced riders with incident-free records are given lower premiums than young thrill seekers with a record of regular accidents or traffic violations. It’s best to be honest about your record, as most insurance companies will do a background check and find out about accidents or other incidents anyway.

Way #3: Choose The Level of Coverage That Saves You The Most

By and large, your level of coverage is the main factor in determining the price of your premium. Comprehensive insurance that includes cover for your bike in case it is damaged is generally more expensive; however, it gives a lot of extra protection when needed. These extra benefits include coverage for breakdowns and legal expenses as well as other options that will lower your out-of-pocket expenses if an incident occurs. Third party coverage, on the other hand, has a lower premium and offers great savings but does not cover any damage claims.

There is also such a thing as being over insured. If you have medical coverage via another type of insurance, that policy will most likely include accident coverage. In this case, getting medical coverage on your motorbike insurance is redundant and costly.

Way #4: Include Security and Safety Gear in Your Motorcycle Purchase

A majority of motorcycle related claims are theft related. Thus, installing a security system such as an immobilizer will definitely shave money off your premium. Keeping your bike in a garage or a secure parking structure also contributes a lot to reducing your premium.

Proper riding gear such as helmets and padding will keep you safe in the event of an accident and reduce risk of grievous injury, thus lowering your medical expenses. Riding without such safety gear may result in your premium being invalidated.

Way #5: Pay a Monthly Premium

It can be difficult to pay a year’s worth of insurance for your bike, especially in tough economic times. It is more pragmatic to break down the insurance to manageable installments. Setting up an installment plan via your insurer can sometimes be more expensive. Consider paying the entire premium on a zero rate or low interest credit card and then paying the credit card balance over a period of months.

Picking the right insurance company for you can ultimately save you a lot of money and grief when it comes to making claims for damages. The tips above should help you find the policy that’s right for you and your budget so that you can enjoy riding your bike.

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Source: Carlton Wright Insurance Agency (10/15)

10 Ways to save gas on your motorcycle

One of the many reasons we love motorcycles is because they don't burn gas like crazy, well some do but at least they are capable of achieving impressive fuel economy numbers under certain circumstances. Texas Rider has a few tips on how to keep more money in your pocket and not in the gas tank.

 Don't Lollygag During Warmup

Warming up a bike's engine is part of the riding ritual, but most fuel-injected motorcycles are actually ready to ride instantly, making the warm-up routine a bit of overkill.

If you're confident the engine won't stall or rev sluggishly, riding off without waiting will not only avoid wasting fuel while idling, it will enable the motor to reach operating temperature more quickly, which will enhance combustion efficiency and allow you to achieve better fuel economy.

Don't Let Your Tire Pressure Drop

One of the quickest and most effective ways to boost your MPGs is to check your tire pressure. Find the pressure rating for your tire on the sidewall or owner's manual; not only will hitting the correct PSI boost your fuel economy, it will also improve your bike's handling. And while some hypermilers swear by running on higher-than-recommended PSIs, we recommend you stick to the recommended figures for maximum safety.

Take Care of Your Baby

Motorcycles run best when their engines are maintained, and that includes making sure the air filter is clean, the spark plugs are fresh, the fuel filter is free, and the timing/valves are adjusted.

Some economy-minded riders even use lower friction, energy saving oil for lubrication. Whether or not you're interested in going that far, some basic maintenance can make a surprisingly big difference in fuel economy.

Smooth it Out

Focus on maintaining constant speeds, smooth throttle inputs, and avoiding unnecessary slowing, and you'll watch your fuel economy rise. Not only does even-keeled riding allow you to stretch your gas budget, it makes for smoother and potentially more enjoyable rides.

Lower Your Cruising Speeds

Motorcycles offer amazing performance that fits between your legs-- hence the term "crotch rocket"-- and the rush of acceleration and high-speed cruising can be addictive. But twisting the throttle hard quickly kills your fuel economy, as does high-speed cruising.

Think of it this way: highway speed limits were created partially in order to conserve gas, and following the rules will not only enable you to ride farther, it could help keep your DMV record clean.

Get That Junk Out of Your Trunk

The more weight your motorcycle has to haul around, the harder the engine has to work. If you've got saddlebags on your bike, empty them out if you can afford to do without extra junk. Even better: if you're not using the saddlebags all the time, remove them for a relatively quick and easy weight loss tactic.

Practice Your Aim

When you're in a hurry to fill up and still wearing a helmet and gloves, you're probably not paying much attention to your refueling tactics.

Take some care while positioning the nozzle into the fuel filler, and you'll not only save a few cents by avoiding spilling, you'll also protect your paint from the damaging effects of stray fuel. Also, avoid the temptation to overfill your tank, as the spillover will create a mess and waste fuel.

Think Aero

Aerodynamic drag has a serious effect on fuel economy, and pushing a higher profile shape through air will make your engine work harder.

If you're interested in short term gains, consider making a more compact shape behind your windshield; if that's too much of a bother, you might think about how your bike is configured, and make changes like removing saddlebags or other drag creating accessories.

Cruise it if You Can Use It

Constant speeds improve fuel economy, and relying on your internal speedometer is an easy way to go farther on a tank of gas. But if your bike has the luxury of cruise control, it will do a better job than any human at sipping fuel while cruising along the highway.

Set it and forget it, and watch your MPGs rise!

 Keep it on the Road

We should all be so lucky as to have the option of riding on dirt when we want to; riding offroad offers a refreshing take on the terrain around you, but it also requires significantly more fuel than riding on pavement.

If you've got the choice between a paved and a gravel or dirt road, pick the former and you'll use less fuel getting from A to B. Also remember that a motorcycle with knobby offroad tires won't get the same fuel economy as street biased rubber.

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Source: About (Wasef)