There’s something about an ATV that’s irresistibly appealing. It is designed for off-road use and may be able to accommodate passengers. Although an ATV can achieve little difference in city driving, the ability to drive on and over sidewalks and perform other small things that normal cars and motorcycles won’t be able to do can be quite tempting. If you’re of a serious mind to purchase an ATV, here are a few things to consider.

Age Requirements for Drivers of ATV
Be aware that the law doesn’t allow children under the age of 6 to operate an ATV. If you want to give your kid an ATV as a present wait until they reach first grade at least. Kids aged six to eleven are allowed to operate ATVs as long as its engines are no more than 50cc. Those between 12 to 15 years old can operate ATV’s with engines no higher than 90cc. And if your child has hit the sixteenth mark, he’s free to drive any ATV in the market.

Price Range for ATVs
An ATV can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. A high-end model can then be double the price of a low-end ATV. Price is, of course, based at times on the reputation of the company. There are some middle-end models that are just as good as high-end models but significantly cost less because they aren’t that well-known yet. If you don’t mind buying an off-brand ATV, a little bit of diligent browsing is sure to get you an affordable but feature-packed ATV.

If you’re working with a tight budget, however, then you should greatly consider purchasing a secondhand ATV. Try to look for a reputable secondhand dealer so that you won’t have to worry too much about the ATV’s condition.

Purpose for Buying an ATV
ATVs also differ on the purpose behind their designs. Some are built like armored trucks: you can use them for all types of terrain and weather conditions without having to worry even once about getting to your destination in one piece. Some emphasize the style in their design: these are the ATVs worth bragging about. And then there are those built with compact designs to provide you optimal speed and flexibility when navigating your way under time pressure and in an unknown but perilous environment.

Important Features of an ATV
Make a list of what you expect from riding an ATV. Do you want something that could give you complete assurance of your safety when traveling long distances? If so, you might want something with 4×4 wheels and a powerful engine with high displacement. If maximum comfort’s your after, you should check out its seating capacity and test drive the ATV. Can the seat be adjusted to obtain optimal distance and allow your feet to land squarely on the foot peg? Can it accommodate your height? Can you reach and manage the handlebars without difficulty?

Once you’ve considered all of the aforementioned factors, you’re sure to go home with the best ATV for you: tough enough to impress other people but manageable enough for you to make it purr!

Tags: motorcycle, buying guide, ATV motor

One easy and affordable way of customizing your ride is by substituting stock parts of your motorcycle with new and upgraded ones. If you can’t afford hiring a professional custom specialist to transform your motorcycle into a work of art, you can always pimp your ride simply by improving its performance and comfort.

Seats Are All About Comfort
Comfort is the most important factor to consider when shopping for motorcycle seats. Look for something made of durable but comfortable fabric: it’s nice to sit on, but it won’t easily tear apart at the same time. Check the stitching. Good stitching is a trademark of motorcycle seats of high quality.

Consider the size as well. A little tinkering – and maybe a bit of help from a professional – can ensure that your motorcycle seat would fit two persons comfortably. This is especially important if it’s customary for you to have a passenger. Lastly, consider its safety component. Seat fabrics with slippery texture, for instance, could be a hazard when driving in rainy weather.

Engines Are All About Speed, Performance, and Power
It can be said that the heart of a motorcycle lies in its engine. Engines may be powered by diesel, gasoline, or electricity. It could cost you a bit of money to change the fuel source of your motorcycle. Displacement ranges from engines with less than 50cc to 5735cc. This refers to the total volume of air/fuel mixture your motorcycle’s engine is able to draw in one complete engine cycle. You can basically think of this as tank capacity: the higher the displacement, the more fuel your motorcycle’s able to store.

Motorcycles commonly have one to four cylinders although some models have more. The more cylinders your motorcycle has, the “better” your rie would feel. Of course, a greater number of cylinders also mean a heavier engine, and this could affect your speed.

Two-stroke engines have a more compact and simpler build and able to produce greater power while four-stroke engines are less prone to maintenance problems. Lastly, engines may be air or liquid-cooled.

Wheels and Tires: A Mixture of Style and Functionality
Wheels and tires are also among the most commonly shopped motorcycle parts. People seem to seek the perfect blending of style and functionality when shopping for these items. Simply put, motorcyclists usually want something that looks and feels good at the same time.

Wheel rims may be made of steel or aluminum. Some, known as laced wheels, have wired central hubs. Others are made of carbon fiber but these can be terribly expensive. Tire design depends on the type of motorcycle you’re using. There are types ideally suited to off-road use while others are designed for sport touring. Wheel rims and tires differ also in size and you’ll have to consider both to find a perfect match.

Adding Final Extra Touches to Your Motorcycle
Shopping for motorcycle parts would almost always include buying those small miscellaneous items that could significantly improve one or more aspects of your riding experience. These include but are not limited to screens, luggage racks, saddlebags, sidecars, and heated grips.

There are of course other motorcycle parts that you may purchase for your ride. All of them are available online so customizing your ride is really just a click away!

Motorcycling has long been acknowledged as a dangerous sport. Unlike driving a car, riding a motorcycle does not come with seatbelts and airbags. Your body is exposed to all sorts of danger since motorcycles don’t come with roofs and doors like cars do. If you don’t know how to balance yourself properly, there’s a very good chance that you’ll drive to your death. Motorcycling is dangerous, but it’s become even more dangerous in recent times as young motorcyclists find the lure of fame too irresistible to ignore.

According to the Royal Automobile Club Foundation in Britain, an illegal street racing culture is being promoted by various websites and its popularity is growing at an alarming rate. The latest trend in motorcycling challenges motorcyclists to film themselves when riding a bike in public roads.

Royal Automobile Club Foundation provides a number of examples to underline the perils of this newfound practice. They report having seen videos that featured young motorcyclists performing driving stunts on public roads and surfing on top of a car. Another video showed a motorcyclist shooting a video of himself driving at 282kmh. UK’s authorities are still on the hunt for the unknown driver. Nevertheless, a number of individuals identified of following this trend have already been apprehended. The first of them was Naythan Campbell. He was sent to prison for having a video of himself driving at 225kmh on a British motorway.

Videos of such stunts are commonly posted on popular video-sharing websites like YouTube and Current. This is in spite of the clear guidelines provided by YouTube, one of which explicitly prohibits members from posting videos showing dangerous or illegal acts. Although these websites will certainly do its best to take down videos guilty of violating their rules, the sheer number of their members and the frequency of their posts make it quite difficult to take down a video before other people would be able to see it.

Although the Royal Automobile Club Foundation acknowledges the fact that it’s not illegal for websites to upload such videos, they also believe that these websites have moral obligations not to push through with it as younger viewers may be inclined to copy what they’ve seen.

Advice to Parents of Young Motorcyclists
Parents who have freely permitted their children to enjoy and develop their passion for motorcycling must be aware of this increasingly popular practice and take the necessary steps to prevent their kids from following the footsteps of undesirable role models. The following tips may be used to keep motorcycling a safe experience for their kids.

Tip #1 If your kids want to perform motorcycling stunts, make it clear that they must also do so at appropriate plates like racing tracks. Remind them to wear complete safety gear to minimize chances of obtaining injury.

Tip #2 Set some ground rules. If they want to perform driving stunts, you won’t stand in their way but if and only if they take proper precautions. Let them know that there are dire consequences to suffer from if you’ve caught them disobeying your rules

Tip #3 If they want to be famous, let them know that there are proper and safer ways to do so. Express your willingness to help them attain glory in the race track as well.

Tags: cycling news, motorcycle risk, video

Harley Davidson is arguably the most popular brand for motorcycles, having acquired legendary status since it was founded in 1903. Now, people don’t just buy Harley Davidson for incredible performance but for status as well. Riding a Harley Davidson can veritably make you an instant source of envy for many others.

Which Harley is Best for You?
Tips on How to Choose Among the 5 Harley Davidson Motorcycle Families
Harley Davidson today has five motorcycle model families. Each family has its own distinctive construction and a unique set of characteristics. Although all of them may be used by any motorcyclist, it’s highly likely that you’ll find a particular family most suitable for your wants and needs.

Easy Does It with Harley Davidson Touring Motorcycles
As its name already implies, the touring models of Harley Davidson motorcycles are the best choice for individuals wishing to enjoy optimal safety and comfort while touring the countryside or wherever else the wind blows you to. Harley Davidson touring motorcycles may all respectively weigh more than 800 pounds, but their weight doesn’t hinder you from enjoying easy management and control and regardless of the speed you’re traveling at.

There are seven different models under the Harley Davidson touring family. They are also known as “dressers” and the only family to offer fullfairings with Radios/CBs. They are characterized by their rear coil-cover air suspension and large luggage area.

Go Classic with Harley Davidson Softail Motorcycles
If you’ve long dreamt of having an All-American motorcycle underneath you, one that speaks of the long and exciting history of motorcycling then look no further than the Softail family of Harley Davidson motorcycles. They come with state-of-the art features that nonetheless present a vintage appeal and reflect the best of each decade in Harley Davidson history.

There are seven different models belonging to the Harley Davidson Softail family and their looks are made distinct by, among other things, their unique tank designs, hidden rear suspension, and hard tail-styled frame.

All-Out Force with Harley Davidson Dyna Motorcycles
Exult in the sheer magnificence and power of the Dyna family of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Dyna lets you play with fire without risking your life. It lets you have a taste of what real excitement feels like. Dyna’s distinct form comes from its huge twin engines as well as exposed rear shocks and battery cover. Riding any Harlequin Davidson Dyna may be, indeed too much, for you, representing the ultimate test of your courage and skills, but just imagine how it would feel to win? The Dyna family comes with six models for you to choose from.

Start a New Trend with Harley Davidson VRSC Motorcycles
These models may very well reflect the future for motorcycles. VR stands for revolution while SC is the acronym for street custom. The SC models are those with adequate motorcycling skills but without enough confidence just yet to take control of a big bad cat. But of course, you’ll soon find out that it’s easier than you think! The VRSC only comes with three models, apparently.

Know the Essence of Harley Davidson Success from Sportster Motorcycles
The longest-running and most popular of all Harley Davidson models, the success of Sportsters is ideal for women, children, and first-time motorcyclists to use. All seven of its models make up a wide range of performance and street attributes, but it’s really up to you if you can handle the challenge of driving a Sportster.

Tags: Harley motorcycle, HD motorcycle, motorcycle buying guide, Sportster

Motorcycling can never be described as a safe hobby. Motorcycling can be exciting, fun, and glamorous, yes, but safe? Not really. Then again, when did that ever stop people from trying out bungee jumping? Given the proper vehicle, schooling, and supervision, kids can learn a lot from driving a motorcycle. They can learn self-discipline and hone their abilities to work under pressure. Motorcycling doesn’t just offer your kids an adventure. It also teaches them about life and the importance of living. Suzuki Motorcycles help you teach that paramount lesson to your kids with the following models.

Suzuki DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L
Kids want to have their own big bikes. If your son has been after you for his own big bike, Suzuki DR-Z125 offers the perfect compromise: a motorcycle with aggressive looks that are reminiscent of its racing championship models, but with features designed to make motorcycling easy and safe to learn.

Because of its controllable powerband and power features, amateur motorcyclists won’t have to be afraid of losing control of their bikes. The low-end power is impressive enough not to tempt your kid to reach for greater heights…and speed. But if he wants to take it to the next level, the mid-range power provided will still be easy to control. Small riders can go with the DR-Z125 while bigger riders can take on the DR-Z125L.

Suzuki RM85L and RM85
If your kid is crazy over speed and technology then you definitely need to give him the Suzuki RM85L. It offers exactly the spectacular kind of combination that your kid has been long after: hi-tech features that will keep his driving experience safe but comfortable and excellent speed that will let him know how it feels to be a prince of the road. Well, he can’t be a king just yet, after all.

Larger wheels are provided to make sure that Suzuki RM85L remains a safe and secure vehicle to drive even at undesirable driving conditions and for heavier than usual riders. A longer wheelbase and swingarm are also provided for riders who are old enough to take on the real big bikes but inexperienced enough not to want to take that risk just yet.

There’s no shame in driving the Suzuki RM85 or RM85L for teenagers. It comes with an impressive design and backed up by an equally impressive performance. With these two models, you can win the girl – and the race trophy – that your son has been dreaming for his entire life!

Suzuki DR-Z70
There’s no harm in dreaming, is there? Many of the world’s most successful individuals started out with nothing but dreams. If your son has told you that his only dream is to ride a motorcycle to victory then there’s no harm in helping him live his dream, is there? Indeed, the Suzuki DR-Z70 is probably the best gift you can give him as it’s designed to provide up-and-coming riders the best riding experience and performance from an affordable model that also offers the rider safety, security, and comfort. Its engine is larger than other Suzuki motorcycle models for kids to boost vehicle performance. Its 22-inch seat height will accommodate any kind of rider with a dream to race. With Suzuki DR-Z70, there’s nothing else your son can ask for!

It was in 1949 when Honda released its first official and complete motorcycle model in the market. By 1970’s, it was acknowledged as the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturer and there was no looking back since then. Honda today offers consumers five types of motorcycles to choose from. One of them is sure to fit your needs and lifestyle!

The 5 Types of Honda Motorcycles

Touring and Sport Touring Motorcycles
While it’s possible to use just about any type of motorcycle for touring, there are however models specifically designed for riders to enjoy maximum comfort during heavy commuting hours and long-distance touring. These models tend to have larger than usual screens to provide sufficient protection against the weather, seats designed more for comfort than performance, luggage space, and high capacity fuel tanks. Honda Gold Wing is a good example of a touring motorcycle.

Sports touring motorcycles are similar to basic touring motorcycles, but they’re designed to provide greater speed and capacity for long-distance touring. Honda Interceptor and ST1100 are good examples of sports touring motorcycles.

Cruiser or Standard Motorcycles
Standard motorcycles are the most basic model of all. They are also known as street bikes or naked bikes. Like touring bikes, they are designed to provide with the utmost comfort. Unlike touring bikes however, standard motorcycles don’t offer more beyond that. They’re simply just a step above ordinary bikes, with engines to make them faster. Honda Hornet and 919 are excellent samples of standard motorcycles.

Cruiser motorcycles resemble, on the other hand, the classic designs of motorcycles. They are, as their name implies, built for cruising and not much else. In motor shows and exhibits, you’ll also notice that cruiser motorcycles are the ones that are most often provided with after-production modifications by their owners. Honda refers to their cruiser models as “freedom bikes”; Honda Rebel and Shadow Aero are excellent examples of this type of bike.

Ultimately, cruisers and standard motorcycles are the best type of motorcycle to start off learning how to ride a motorcycle. They’re fast enough to get you where you want to go in record time, but they’re certainly not fast enough to deliver you to death’s door in a rush.

Sports Motorcycles
Also known as performance bikes and crotch rockets, sports motorcycles are, in a nutshell, the type of motorcycle used for motorcycle road races. They are smaller and lighter compared to cruiser bikes, and they’re primarily designed to provide riders maximum control and speed.

Beginners are not encouraged to purchase sports motorcycles for their first try, but there are certainly many non-pro riders using sports motorcycles on the road. The riding position is not entirely comfortable, requiring the individual to place his feet towards the back, keep his hand low and the spine inclined forward.

Off Road Motorcycles
These bikes are characterized by their lightweight design, small engines, big suspensions, and the ability to trek even the worst road conditions. These are also known as dirt bikes and adventure bikes. Honda XR650L is one good example of off-road motorcycles.

Motocross Bikes
Last but not the least is technically a sub-classification of off road bikes but which Honda awarded with a class of its own. Motocross bikes are, of course, designed for motocross racing. Honda CR125R is one good example of this type of bike.

Now that you know all five types of Honda motorcycles, which do you think best reflects your driving profile?

Tags: Honda, motorcycles, offroad, motocross, bikes, cruiser

The thrill of flying high with a big bike is an incomparable feeling. Once tasted, it lives forever in your blood. But of course, motorcycle riding is a sport that’s fraught with dangers and risks. If you don’t want to give up your newest and most exciting hobby, consider the following tips on care and maintenance for your motorcycle’s Yokohama tires.

Let Professionals Take Care of Wheel Installation
Installing wheels for your motorcycle seems easy at first glance, yes, but it’s harder than it looks and the consequences are bigger than most people can imagine. The tiniest mistake on installing them can easily cost you your life and your passenger’s. If you want to keep things safe from the very start, have professionals take care of wheel installation for your motorcycle.

Understand the Importance of Tread Design
Don’t just install any wheels for your motorcycle. Also, remember that size is not all that matters. Bigger wheels may seem look great with your Harley Davidson, but they won’t do you any good if their tread design isn’t the ideal match for your ride. Tread is what you call the part of a tire that gets into contact with the ground.

The ideal tread design can help enhance your motorcycle’s traction, durability, and handling. Tread designs also have considerable effects on fuel efficiency, noise level, and ride comfort. Now, do you understand just how critical choosing the proper tread design is?

Factors that Affect Wheel Balancing
Balance is all the more important since your motorcycle only allows you to work with a pair of wheels. Even though you already know how to balance yourself well on a big bike, you also need to understand how wheels balance themselves and how to maintain such balance.

Basically, balanced tires are those with its mass distributed evenly around the action. When wheels don’t balance, it leads to the rider’s discomfort and threatens his safety. Wheel balancing is also dependent on vehicle speed and if you’re the type to love racing just for the sake of it, a pair of imbalanced wheels can cause you physical injury. Also, neglecting to rectify the matter will gradually shorten your tire life and damage your motorcycle’s shock absorbers and other components.

Imbalance comes from two sources: rotor and axle as well as wheel variations. There are also two types of imbalances. Dynamic imbalance occurs when both tires are suffering from unequal weight and are forced to sway from side to side. Static imbalance, on the other hand, occurs when a considerable amount of weight concentrates on one part and forces it to wiggle up and down.

Always Perform a Maintenance Check
Last but not the least, remember to check your tires’ condition before you leave. Unless you say you’re able to keep an eye on your motorcycle 24/7, there are numerous instances when accidents – deliberate or not – can cause your wheels to malfunction.

Why Yokohama Tires?
But we could also you, why not Yokohama? Yokohama tires are well-known all over the world for its superior product quality and excellent service. There’s a good reason why it’s the official tire provider for the Macau Grand Prix, the oldest motor race in Asia, and why it’s chosen to be the official outfit for numerous motorcycle brands and models as well as other types of vehicles. With Yokohama tires underneath you, there’s no need to risk your life while having fun on a big bike.

The official website of Harley Davidson describes the starting point of its company history as “a story no one on earth could have made up”. They’re right, of course. Who in their right mind would imagine that an experiment conducted in a small wooden barn – which coincidentally caused an explosion and burned the shed down – would result into a majestic line of motorcycles that has served the needs of millions of people for more than a century?

Humble Beginnings for Harley Davidson
In 1903, Milwaukee-born Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson were able to invent a one-cylinder motorcycle. They may have burned their shed down, but the result was a beautiful and functional vehicle. They managed to sell it and there was no looking back since then.

Their little company soon expanded into something bigger. William Davidson joined the two friends in inventing motorcycles. Soon, they had a stone factory to produce motorcycles and about twenty employees working for them.

The Classic 1000 CC V-Twin from Harley Davidson
This particular vintage model is extremely popular and serves a symbol for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Although it only possesses 7HP, the V-Twin – invented by Bill Harley in 1909 and patterned after vehicles of his time - remained in production for a very long time.

Logo Brings Luck to Harley Davidson
A year after, the company was able to create the “bar and shield” logo it is now famous for; it took little time for people to soon associate the logo with Harley Davidson motorcycles and being able to win numerous competitions for its products certainly didn’t hurt.

Harley Davidson Expands Beyond United States
By 1912, the company was already busy building another factory for their production. It was also this year that they first exported their vehicles overseas, with Japan as its first international client. As of 1912, Harley Davidson already had more than 200 dealerships all over the nation.

Harley Davidson Strengthens Its Popularity
Sidecars for Harley Davidson motorcycles were introduced two years later, together with clutch and brake pedals. This was also the year that the company officially joined motorcycle racing and quickly gaining success in the sport that it soon became known as the “Wrecking Crew”.

The First Problems for Harley Davidson
World War I and the Depression Era had witnessed Harley Davidson’s growth into becoming the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. Although many companies collapsed under the burden brought about by these two cataclysmic events in the world’s history, Harley Davidson was able to survive them. Nevertheless, the company did suffer a few setbacks caused by the motorcycle’s decreasing popularity and consequently, the increase in its price.

To prevent itself from fully caving in to the pressures of those times, Harley Davidson began to expand its product line. They began to manufacture parts for other vehicles and sought to improve their own models.

The Sportster is Born
In 1957, Harley Davidson was able to survive other setbacks in the industry with the launching of the Sportster. This became known as the pioneer among other “Superbikes”. Up till today, it is still a favorite of many biking enthusiasts.

A lot more changes had occurred and causing Harley Davidson to be what it is now: a company that’s just as tough as its models, just as reliable and impressive. Their innovations continue to be of great benefit to its patrons and the we can only look forward to the next generation of bikes coming from Harley Davidson.