Motorcycles

Nothing raises appreciation of a motorcycle windshield like a beetle impacting your forehead at highway speeds. Sport bikers and trail riders wear full-face helmets to avoid such calamities. Most…

For street riding on bikes or motorcycles, nothing beats blinking lights to indicate your intentions. Adding aftermarket blinkers to your bike can save your life and make it easier to navigate in…

Motorcycle brake calipers rely on rubber seals that will harden and crack over time, allowing contaminants into the caliper where it can create a fluid leak or prevent the caliper from operating at…

CDI stands for capacitive discharge ignition, a type of electronic ignition system used by most motorcycles built after 1980. A CDI ignition is typically more reliable and requires less maintenance…

A stream of oil, flowing from the engine's breather tube and into your motorcycle's air box, is the result of a condition called blow-by. Caused by an increase of pressure within a motorcycle's…

A motorcycle's overall height plays a big part in the machine's steering habits, but it also lends to the rider's confidence, especially at a complete standstill. For many smaller riders, having the…

Scrambler off-road motorcycles originated in England in the 1950s. Manufacturers exported the bikes to the United States in the 1960s as the burgeoning motocross competition gained a foothold in the…

Within the last few years, women have been casting aside the outdated thought that motorcycles are strictly a man's mode of transportation. More and more women are taking to the streets with their own…

A kill switch, or run/stop switch, is a control switch that is commonly found on nearly every motorcycle made. The kill switch's main duty is to disrupt the electrical circuit that powers the…

The aftermarket motorcycle equipment industry offers several different handlebar-mounted universal tachometers that can be installed in virtually every motorcycle. These tachometers use one of two…

A sticking throttle can pose a serious threat while riding your motorcycle, potentially leading to an unwanted throttle input that could make you lose control. In most cases, stiction within the…

Risers are the tower-like brackets that attach a handlebar to the front fork and are found on most motorcycles that use a single piece, tubular handlebar. While their purpose is functional,…

Most motorcycles rely on a chain final drive system to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel. The chain is turned by a pair of sprockets; one attached to the engine's transmission output…

If you've ever been in a motorcycle accident, it probably took a toll on your motorcycle's metal frame. Most motorcycle frames are built from large metal tubes made from tube steel or metal alloy. The…

If you love motorcycles, being a motorcycle instructor can turn your passion into a career. Those who become motorcycle instructors must first become expert motorcycle operators. Once you feel ready,…

Given their size, it's no surprise that most motorcycle owners are concerned about vehicle theft. Immobilizing a motorcycle won't prevent someone from stealing it, but it raises the difficulty level…

The stator is the stationary part of a motorcycle's alternator. It consists of a series of wire coils arranged in a ring around the alternator's rotating flywheel. As part of the alternator, the…

The starter relay in a motorcycle enables power to flow from the battery to the motor when you start your motorcycle. If you have been struggling to start your motorcycle recently, you can diagnose…

Learning to cone weave on a motorbike teaches you excellent control over the bike at low speeds. This can give you the confidence and ability to move safely amid traffic and other obstacles, making…

Life would be wonderful if everything about an engine were "longer for torque, shorter for horsepower." Unfortunately, this just isn't the case for velocity stacks, which lean heavily on a specific…

Most states require proof of ownership before they will allow to register and license a motorcycle for use on public roadways. If you purchase your motorcycle from a dealer or an individual who has…

As some motorcycles require pulling the throttle while pushing the starter simultaneously to start the bike, switching the horn and starter buttons on a motorcycle may be very useful for left-handed…

Towable trailers are live-in units that are towed by another vehicle. These trailers range from light pop-outs to heavy fifth-wheel trailers. Although towable trailers usually have floor plans that…

On land, towables include travel trailers, fifth-wheels, slide-in campers, pop-ups, horse trailers, toy haulers, utility trailers and park models. Driving with these in tow can present challenges to…

Once you've purchased a boat, you can employ a broker to import it from the United States to Canada. However, this will be expensive. Organizing the importation can be done yourself, at little-to-no…

With increased border security, importation of goods from the U.S. to Canada can sometimes be a stressful and burdensome process. Anyone missing even the slightest requirement at the border checkpoint…

Harley Davidson's FLHX touring motorcycle has evolved over the years. Designers have taken many components into consideration for overall improvement, including the size of the tires. Depending on the…

Questions about adding a turbo to a motorcycle are not based on whether it's possible, but rather the degree of difficulty to make it happen. A turbo adds as much as 60 horsepower when installed…

Motorcycles are fairly weak in pulling power, but they can pull small trailers if they are equipped with a hitch. Homemade motorcycle hitches take great skill in metalworking and a good understanding…

A motorcycle ignition consists of components that produce spark for the engine's spark plugs. The components are linked by wiring circuits that receive power from a source, which is either a magneto…

The Suzuki Bandit 1250 is ideal for touring. The motorcycle has several adjustable storage options for gear, and it can seat one or two riders. Motorcycle touring requires a simplistic approach and…

East Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Discovery Children's Museum, an IMAX theater and the AT&T Park. Chattanooga also has a free electric shuttle service.

Headed camping, or would you just like to use that old hammock in the backyard little longer when the season gets cooler? Staying warm in a hammock is harder when the days get shorter and the…

Locking your bag provides a good deterrent to the opportunistic thief. Zips can easily be secured by being padlocked together, but drawstring bags seem to present a problem as there is nothing for a…

Flight helmets tend to come in flat paint styles. You can add some decoration to your flight helmet, along with a safety feature, by taping the helmet up with reflective tape. Beyond purchasing the…

When you visit Australia, there are a few must-see landmarks. You'll want to check out Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Uluru rock in Kata Tjuta National Park, Port Arthur in Tasmania and the…

Although they are not nearly as common as in some of the other months of the year, motorcycle events do take place in Alabama in November. These are annual rides that are held for the enjoyment of…

Bringing a travel trailer into Canada is not complicated as long as you take all the appropriate steps. With heightened border security, people passing from the United States into Canada with their…

When Henry Stanley found David Livingstone in eastern Africa on Nov. 10, 1871, one wonders if he tipped his pith helmet when he spoke the line, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" The pith helmet has been a…

You need a way of getting your motorcycle on and off a trailer or into the back of your van or truck whether you need to transport your dirt bike to competition sites or you want to travel and take…

Motorcycles can have expensive components, as well as intricate paint jobs, exposed to the elements as you ride them. Once your road trip has ended for the day, you need a way to cover your motorcycle…

Adjusting the seat of a motorcycle up and down can widely affect the quality and safety of the ride. Moving the seat to a more comfortable position will ensure a better feel throughout the ride, and…

There are a number of differences between motorcycle tires and car tires. These include speed ratings, the ratio of power to weight, contact of the tires with the road, and how long they last.

Motorcycle throw-over saddlebags allow riders to carry more personal items while not overloading their bikes. These saddle bags are an easy and affordable solution for storage on most motorcycles. To…

Homemade motorcycle lifts save owners time, money, muscle cramps and back pain. By elevating the motorcycle 12 to 24 inches off the ground, maintenance can be done from a natural standing position.…

Mopeds are lightweight and low-powered types of motorcycles. In power and appearance, mopeds seem to be a bridge between bicycles and motor scooters.

The Honda VT600C is a cruiser motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1988 to 2007. It is also known as the Honda Shadow VLX, and some people refer to it as the Shadow 600. This motorcycle has an…

Motorcycle seats, unlike bicycle seats, can't be raised and lowered at will. You can, however, slightly lower a motorcycle seat by removing some padding. About two inches can be gained, which might be…

Motorcycle trikes are a kind of motorcycle with three wheels instead of two. Trikes can accommodate one or two people, much like conventional bikes, but they have more luggage capacity while not…

If you have a Suzuki Boulevard C50 motorcycle, finding a saddlebag to fit it should be no problem at all. There are dozens of saddlebags out there that fit this type of motorcycle, so you'll have your…

When planning a long motorcycle trip, a cargo trailer is an essential investment. Use it to store a suitcase and whatever else you may need to transport. When looking for the right one for your bike…

A motorcycle muffler's main purpose is to lessen the noise of the engine. Despite its practical use, a muffler can be customized to add individual style to the overall look of the bike. This is one…

Sales for new motorcycles are down to half the level of its 2006 peak market, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a California-based trade association that reports on the motorcycle…

Riding a motorcycle in 90 degree weather isn't always possible. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you probably enjoy riding even when the temperature outside isn't warm, but doing so means that your…

250cc motorcycles are favored by novices and experienced riders alike. The simplicity of design and ease of control that 250cc motorcycles offer make them a favorite for beginner riders. For the…

Motorcycle helmet standards require them to withstand high impacts while keeping your head intact. A motorcycle helmet can weigh as much as 3.6 lbs. While this may not seem heavy, when your daily ride…

Though motorcycles provide freedom and joy on the road, sometimes the distance you are required to cover with your bike may be too much for either you or the bike to handle. In those situations, it…

Motorcycles are available in numerous styles, sizes and shapes. When purchasing a motorcycle, it is important to keep in mind that it is a major purchase and it is easy to become overwhelmed with the…

Yes, it can. Improving the flow of spent exhaust gas can generate more power with the same amount of fuel. Whether you actually get improved fuel efficiency depends on how you ride after the exhaust…

Not to be confused with trailers used to transport motorcycles, trailers for motorcycles are hauled by the motorcycle itself. Usually used by touring bikes such as Honda Goldwings, motorcycle…

The Honda GL500 Silverwing was first released in 1981 as a variant of the previous Honda CX series of motorcycles. The Silverwing GL500 had an engine similar to the CX500, but with some changes. The…

The Yamaha V-Star cruiser motorcycle series, called the DragStar in Europe and Japan, was introduced in Asia in 1996. A 650 model was released in Europe in 1997, with the 1100 coming in 1998. As of…

The FZR 600 was a sports bike produced by Yamaha for 10 years, from 1989 to 1999. The 1995 model was actually called the FZR 600 R. They were the next generation of Yamaha sports bikes after the FZ…

The R1200C motorcycle was BMW's first cruiser bike. Cruiser bikes, as opposed to sport motorcycles, are made for comfort rather than speed. They can be plenty fast, but have a laid-back, low-slung…

A motorcycle helmet is designed to withstand trauma from impact, protecting the valuable head inside. Like the head it protects, so, too, does the motorcycle helmet need to be protected to ensure its…

In the state of California, a Class M license from the California Deparment of Motor Vehicles is necessary to operate a motorcycle. A skills test is typically required to receive this license, but…

Motorcycle chains wear out over time and it is necessary to replace them. Measuring the chain in order to purchase a new one is not difficult, but it is vital to purchase the right pitch and width in…

The first known motorcycle in the United States was brought from overseas in 1895. In the same year American inventor Edward Pennington demonstrated a motorcycle he had designed. He was also credited…

A trike is essentially a motorcycle with two rear wheels instead of one. Trikes offer the open-air experience that motorcycles provide but require less balance to ride, making them a potentially…

Japan is full of interesting backroads that can be appreciated on a motorcycle. Purchase a motorcycle from a dealer or get a bargain through the English-language classifieds, and you'll save gas and…

Repairing an electric starter on a motorcycle requires an ability to perform tests in the proper sequence. A volt meter is often used for testing circuits but is not necessary for basic repairs. Using…

As many cities implement tougher laws on motorcycle noise emissions, many motorcyclists are looking for newer ways to quiet the exhaust notes on their machines. The rumble emitted by a modern…

Motorcycles are a fuel-efficient form of transportation. Unfortunately, many motorcycles are not configured to carry small-to-medium sized items such as a briefcase or a bag of groceries. One…

Motorcycle bars, commonly known as "biker bars," are frequented mostly by bikers, individuals who enjoy motorcycling. Motorcycle bars appear all over the United States and are laid-back places for…

Many travelers to Europe dream of hitting the open road on a motorcycle, scooter or moped. Before you go, it's a good idea to know which countries have adopted helmet laws so you can be properly…

If you are looking to decorate your motorcycle but are not satisfied with the stickers that are for sale online or in stores, there is an alternative. You can make your own stickers, giving you the…

Where there are motorcycles, there are bound to be many good places to stop and socialize with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts when out on the open road. There are plenty of motorcycle enthusiasts in…

California motorcycle helmet laws were put in place a few decades ago to prevent accidents from causing serious injuries or death. The laws are different for road motorcycles and off-road motorcycles.…

There are many ways to travel and many places to go, but seeing Tennessee from a motorcycle is a unique travel experience. Tennessee welcomes bikers from all walks of life. Starting in the spring,…

Three-wheel motorcycles date to World War I. At that time, Harley-Davidson made side cars for the U.S. military bikes. The advantages offered by motorcycles with an extra wheel include the ability to…

There are many reasons an owner might want to replace the fuel gauge on their Fat Boy. The reason could be as mundane as the old one has stopped working. However, for many riders, the reason will be…

One of the more common problems with the fuel system of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be the failure of the fuel pump. If the fuel pump fails, your engine will not receive the fuel it needs to…

Whether you take a cross-country trip on a touring motorcycle or just take a dirt bike out for a fun ride in the fields and roads near your home, you will need a properly fitted helmet. The helmet is…

Traveling on a motorcycle gives you a feeling of freedom, is very relaxing and is good for the environment since motorcycles use less fuel than cars. The bad thing about the sport of motorcycling is…

It is extremely important to have the wheels and tires on a motorcycle balanced correctly. Having unbalanced tires could lead to a rough ride and lack of control, thus presenting serious safety…

An avid motorcycle tourist will tell you that two major necessities for riding are the handling of the bike and rider comfort. If you are just getting into motorcycling, don't be misled into thinking…

Motorcycles represent freedom, independence, personal style and, for many bikers, a significant investment. While those without the luxury of a garage may be forced to leave their motorcycles outside…

Because of wind chill, motorcyclists must frequently wear clothing that may be too warm for the season. When you're not riding the bike, the leather jacket you are wearing for protection and comfort…

When shipping your motorcycle to a Caribbean island, among the things that you have to consider is the method of shipping, the budget you have for shipping and the destination for the shipment. The…

For some motorcycle owners, their bike is a personal thing. Those who own motorcycles are such big enthusiasts, that their bikes are more of a lifestyle choice than just a mode of transportation. If…

Shipping a motorcycle can be a costly endeavor. If you do some online research beforehand, you can actually get motorcycle shipping companies to compete for your business, which results in you getting…

Many people are finding different modes of transportation for pleasure, economics or impact on the environment. Today, two common vehicles found on the road the motorcycle and the scooter. But what…

The motorcycle has entered its third century, and the two-wheeler has come a long way from its origins as a bicycle with an engine. It's now celebrated in museums and is revered as a symbol of…

Motorcycles are great for jaunts around town, but something a little extra is needed if you want to take it to the highways like the bikers in "Easy Rider." There are numerous storage options…

Learning to ride a motorcycle comes naturally for some but not so for others. If you would like to learn how to ride a motorcycle safely in a controlled environment, motorcycle safety courses are for…

Falling over on your motorcycle can be a frightening experience. After you fall off, however, you need to assess yourself and your bike. If everything appears to be OK, you'll need to return your bike…

Radar detectors aren't just for cars anymore. Originally, radar detectors were not designed for motorcycles. As motorcycles have become more popular the demand for radar detectors has increased.…

If touring Rome and Sicily has always been a dream, your dream can become a reality. Now, you can take the trip that you've always wanted and see some beautiful sights along the way! Here are some…

Renting is a great way to get the "Harley Davidson" experience without the cost and maintenance of owning your own "wild hog." Follow these steps to rent a Harley.