Today bikers are trend setters. Gone are the days when their typical trademark was their big black boots, leather gloves and heavy chains and rings. But now they are very stylish and prefer to dress in sport wear. They love wearing trendy shoes, and designer sport t-shirts and jeans. They wear funky elbow and knee caps of different colors and styles to sport their look. But what we haven’t been able to decipher, is whether their traditional look, with boots and gloves were a necessity or just a fashion statement.

Riding a bike is very risky as one is susceptible or prone to accidents very often. It is important to be very careful while riding. Wearing proper protection, such as helmets to protect ourselves, is a must. However, traditional bikers believe that their big boots were a part of their safety gear.

While riding most bikers get burnt and bruised a lot by the exhaust pipe, which results in, blisters and large scar marks. These severe marks and blisters take weeks to heal, sometimes leaving a permanent mark. Bikers are of the opinion that big boots cover and protect their legs from the exhaust pipe, which makes them less prone to injury and scars. They even used to make the passengers wear boots to cover their legs from the heat of the exhaust pipe.

Traditionally bikers wear helmets and boots as well as heavy clothing, like big jackets, gloves, heavy pants and so on, which would protect them, or rather reduce their injuries if they fall. Research has proved that leather can save a riders skin from the asphalt. Thus they prefer to wear leather gear while riding a bike, as it lessens the impact of the fall or burn.

Traditional bikers, swear by leather boots, jackets, pants, and gloves. They often ridicule the new fashion of wearing trendy sports gear, while riding. They believe in safety first and do not bother with specific looks or fashion while riding. They don’t believe in fashionable sports gear, because according to them, a true biker would know the necessity and importance of safety, rather than giving importance to the look.

For traditional bikers, fashion means leather accessories, which gives them a mean, tough and nasty imagine, that they enjoy. They favor a rock star imagine, making them look like the typical biker image. Even in the blazing heat, during the months of summer, they sport their leather look, as it has become their style statement.

Traditional bikers not only believe in the necessity of boots, but also like to wear boots as a part of they fashion statement. They would never go without it. Apart from the look, new bikers are always advised to wear boots, to protect their legs from the scorching exhaust pipe. If they refuse, only one burn will teach them a lesson. A true biker loves his boots and would do anything to wear them all the time.

There are certain things that everyone should know about their tires and the type of tires their motorcycle uses. They must know how a tire is made, how it should be taken care of, how it needs to be put on and taken off, how to deal with minor problems that arise, and the necessary steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe ride. These things are not difficult to learn, if you’ve the time. In fact, they’re listed below.

Know what size of tire is appropriate to your bike. This is determined by many factors, but most of all by your wheels’ rim width and diameter. Tires cannot be wider or narrower than the originals that came with your motorcycle, they have to be the same width, and they have to be the same diameter. Otherwise, they will make your bike handle incorrectly, which can lead to an accident.

Know what is the right amount of pressure for your tires, and know as well that air pressure will get higher as the tire’s temperature goes up. So, for instance, if you are riding in winter, and you pump air into your tire when it is at ambient temperature, there will potentially be a great change as the tire heats up due to the friction of riding. So you will need to check your air pressure as needed, to make sure that it doesn’t exceed the maximum level advised by the manufacturer. Also, never let air out of a hot tire, or ride around on a tire that doesn’t have enough air in it. This can ruin your tires or cause you to get into an accident.

Know how your tires are wearing. Keep an eye on the wear indicator in the tire grooves, which will let you know when you need to get new tires. If at any point on the tire the indicator is level with the surface of the tread, it is time to get a new tire.

Know what the valve is and how it works and make sure to use valve caps to keep air from escaping and dirt from entering your tires.

Know how to warm-up your tires. Tires don’t handle or perform as well when they are cold, and cannot be rushed to temperature. When you first start up your motorcycle, take it easy, warming tires gradually until they are fully tempered. Then they will perform best, and most safely.

Know that the proper way to break-in your tires after warming them completely is to break them in with 25 miles or 50 kilometers of riding. This will gradually wear away a layer of tread and leave a fresh skin on your tires.

Know some basic repair techniques. This will save you hours and headaches when a problem happens. And, if all else fails, know the number of an expert repairman to use should the need arise.

It’s an argument that’s being going on for a long time – whether or not people should have to wear a helmet when they’re riding a motorcycle. No matter what your life philosophy might be, or how your friends and family feel about it, the reality is that the laws are there and you have to abide by them. Maybe you feel a helmet cramps your style, but the fact is that helmets save lives. On a more personal level, wearing a motorcycle helmet also means you’ll save on your medical costs and insurance premiums thanks to the added safety.

When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet, there are three main types available – full-face, three-quarter shell and half-shell. Let’s take a look at each one, and see what their good and bad points are.

Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets

These are definitely the safest and most secure type of helmet that you can buy. They cover the face entirely, and also offer some protection to the neck. There’s also a clear visor covering the eyes for added safety. The visor helps to stop dirt and debris landing in your eyes, and the bottom part of the helmet also stops anything unwanted entering your mouth. A full-face motorcycle helmet is a very comfortable once it’s in place, and provides the highest level of safety, but some people find them difficult to get on and off, and restrictive when they’re in place.

Three-Quarter Shell Motorcycle Helmets

If you’ve seen a law enforcement official riding a motorbike, then chances are he or she was wearing a three-quarter shell helmet. This type of helmet covers most of the head, apart from the face, and are held in place by a chinstrap. They provide a good level of safety and security, similar to a full-face helmet. They’re also much simpler to use in conjunction with some type of communication device if you’re traveling with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Half-Shell Motorcycle Helmets

Although this type of helmet is the least restrictive of the three types, it also offers the last amount of protection. A half-shell helmet really only protects the top of the head in an accident, hopefully preventing brain damage. The regulations in many states require a half-shell motorcycle helmet as the absolute minimum that can be worn, but for safety purposes they are very ineffective, and are quite likely to fall off in an accident, providing no protection at all.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet may not be your idea of fun, but when you consider what a dramatic effect a serious motorcycle accident could have on your quality of life, if you’re still alive, then it makes sense to wear one that provides as much protection as possible.

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It is a common belief that motorcycle clubs are formed to commit horrible acts of crime and terrorize neighborhoods. Thankfully, this is rarely the case. One or two notorious groups (think Hell’s Angels) have painted a stark image of motorcycling.

In reality, there are thousands of groups in the world today. Starting in 1903, the Yonkers Motorcycle Club was formed. The group met to share their love of motorcycles. The Yonkers Motorcycle Club is the oldest of its kind. San Francisco followed suit a short while later. These two dominated the scene until the 1950s when more groups formed.

There are dozens of motorcycle groups throughout the United States and Canada. Sizes vary greatly from just three or four members to hundreds of members. Membership can be open or limited to only approved applicants. Many show their pride in motorcycling by creating jackets or shirts with their club logo.

Even today, new groups form daily. All it takes is for a few people to find they have common ground whether it is a passion for the area where they ride or the style of motorcycle they ride. Motorcycle clubs can focus on one specific model, the riders’ profession, a love for mountain roads, or dozens of other reasons.

There are many clubs scattered throughout the world. The Saskatchewan Motorcycle Club in Canada spends their time touring Canada’s remote areas. Harley Davidson Clubs meet to share their passion for the Harley Davidson brand. Vespa Riders of Rome spend their time cruising the city streets. Florida Brothers Of The Bike cruise the beaches of Daytona. These are only a few of the groups out there.

Women find a niche for themselves in the Women On Wheels Motorcycle Association. This women-only group has more than 100 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. These adventurous women plan their routes in advance and then explore new areas as a team.

Police and military groups are also common. As police and military units have relied on motorcycles since World War I, it is not surprising that they would form their own clubs dedicated to the machine that makes their job easier.

Regardless of the group, the rules never change. The important factor is having fun in a safe manner. Motorcycle riders will team up to help others repair their motorcycle, find pleasing routes to take, and even recommend restaurants who cater to bikers.

The knowledge that comes from motorcycle club members is tremendous. You can guarantee that this brotherhood will tell you where to find the least expensive parts, greatest destinations, and best hotels. Advice is happily given and someone always has an answer to your question. For these reasons, motorcycle groups are key to enjoying and sharing your passion.

Motorcycles have been around for more than ten decades. During this time, motorcycle engines have developed through tweaking and reworking items to get the best performance. There have been more than one dozen engines, but some never met with success. Cost efficiency and customer satisfaction brought failure to a number of motorcycle engines.

All motorcycle engines are fueled by gasoline. To best understand engine types, it is important to understand how an engine works.

A pole called a rod cranks inside the engine and creates a draft that pulls both gasoline and air into a chamber called the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, a piston and rod quickly move up to push the gasoline and air into a smaller space where it meets the spark plug. The spark plug produces a spark between its two metal pieces.

Once the spark plug gives off a spark, the gasoline and air explode. This pushes the piston down, which in turn drives the belt or chain. This action is called torque. The movement of the belt or chain causes the rear wheel of the motorcycle to revolve. A motorcycle’s performance is determined by how many cylinders are inside the engine and how they are arranged.

Single cylinder engine:

A single cylinder engine has one cylinder and one piston. Single cylinder engines are used in all off road motorcycles. The single cylinder provides a lot of torque, but also a load of vibration. The vibration is loud and one of the qualities that dirt bike race fans crave during a race.

Twin cylinder engine:

Logically, twin cylinder engines have two cylinders. The cylinders are placed together at an angle. Usually the cylinders are positioned at a 90 degree angle, but there are exclusions to that standard. A twin cylinder engine produces more power because there is more torque and more fuel used. Twin cylinder engines do not vibrate as much as a single cylinder engine.

Now, as stated above, there are exceptions. The boxed or boxer design finds cylinders placed side by side. This produces even less vibration, but adds a new issue. The cylinders tend to jut out the side of the bike, which makes it hard to take sharp corners. Another issue is the tremendous heat that the cylinders project; it makes leg protection a necessary evil.

Triple Cylinder Engines

A three cylinder engine finds the cylinders included in a head. This type of engine offers a load of power, but it also requires more parts. Each cylinder requires an additional fuel injector and carburetor. The more cylinders included on an engine, the higher the engine RPM. More RPM means more power. Triumph makes motorcycles using three cylinders and boy can they fly!

Four Cylinder Engines

The four cylinder engine is just like the three cylinder engine only it has the additional cylinder and therefore weighs more. As is true of any engine, more cylinders equal more power and smoother sailing.

It is important to consider how much size and power you require in your motorcycle. If you are taking your bike off road, you need a bike with plenty of torque and a low rpm to make it up hills and quickly navigate corners. For off roading, stick with a single cylinder. A double cylinder is your second choice.

If your main purpose for riding a motorcycle is riding through traffic and along roads, do not purchase a bike with less than a twin cylinder engine, although a three or four cylinder engine is a better idea.

With more than one hundred years notched on their belt, Harley Davidson is praised with building the best motorcycles on the planet. There is little doubt that they deserve the acclaim.

Arthur Davidson and William Harley dreamed of creating a “motorized bicycle” in their early adulthood. Test models were created and failed miserably, but this never deterred the boys from achieving their goal. Despite early models requiring foot power on hills, Harley and Davidson continued striving to create the “motorized bicycle” that they knew would become a success.

By 1906, the first fifty motorcycles were manufactured. A few years later, they followed with a line of motorcycles for police and military use. Short of a slowdown in the 1970s, Harley Davidson never stopped tweaking and improving their models. Today, Harley Davison produces millions of motorcycles for use on every corner of the world.

The distinct engine roar and loud vibrations through their tailpipes allow onlookers to hear the motorcycle far before it is visible. Listening to the strength of a Harley Davidson engine is an experience few will forget.

Three motorcycle nicknames were established courtesy of Harley Davidson. “Choppers” were born when the angle of the motorcycle’s front fork was extended allowing the handlebars to sit further back. “Hogs” became aptly named for the extra room used to transport racing pigs without switching to a larger vehicle. Who said people are the only ones who can ride a Harley? “Harleys” offered a shorter, catchier way to name a motorcycle manufactured by Harley Davidson.

Every March, Harley Davidson takes the Daytona by storm. June brings the Harleys to New England by way of Laconia, New Hampshire. Sturgis, South Dakota becomes a home away from home for many riders every August. Thousands of Harley Davidson’s enthusiasts attend these gatherings. Many leave with dreams of having their own bike customized to match what they have seen on other bikes.

In 1983, H.O.G., The Harley Owners Group, formed its first chapter. Today more than 1,000 chapters are in existence and more than one million members share their love of these bikes, whether they own one or not. The devotion to this fine brand is proven, and you do not have to be among the elite to enjoy all there is to Harley Davidson. There are also a slew of online forums and websites devoted to Harley Davidson. Not even Yamaha, BMW, Victory, or Honda come close to having the same fan base.

Even if you cannot afford a Harley, you can still show your enthusiasm for the maker by purchasing items from their merchandise line. All of these items help contribute to Harley Davidson’s $5 billion revenue every year. Hey, the advertising helps too! Not that Harley Davidson is hurting for promotion.

Harley Davidson truly is the reigning champion of motorcycle manufacturers. What others strive to achieve in their lifetime, Harley Davidson has conquered.

The motorcycle is widely regarded as a symbol of the rebel, a representation of youth, and an icon of Americana. The first recognized motorcycle design was made by a pair of German engineers in 1885, in what was, essentially, a bicycle with an engine. While Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki dominate the motorcycle market globally, in America, the Harley-Davidson company has firm control over the market.

It was during the late eighties and early nineties that Japanese manufacturers such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha gained a foothold in the worldwide motorcycle market that they have never let go. They were designed and built with better performance, better handling, and better quality. It is no secret that their promotional campaigns during the early years also targeted the negative reputation of the Harley-riding bikers and the public fear of biker gangs. While such attacks ceased quickly, the tarnish it left in the reputation of the Harley has not been removed. That alone is speculated to be the cause of Japanese manufacturers holding such a strong presence, even with the American buying public. Also, by reputation, the Japanese machines were easier to maintain and the general public did not associate them with leather-clad degenerates, though the biker stereotype is drastically incorrect.

However, competition has not driven the main American manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, into the background. After taking time to formulate the proper strategy, the American manufacturer returned to take back its market share. The company did so not by attempting to match the more family-friendly reputation of a Japanese motorcycle, but by exploiting the appeal of their older designs. Marketing the re-worked designs as distinctly American machines, the company rapidly regained its former customer base. They increased their hold further by appealing to collectors, such as comedian Jay Leno, and making their machines easy to customize and re-tool. In fact, it is the customization market that has really allowed Harley-Davidson to stay so long in the game despite stiff competition from the likes of Kawasaki and Honda. There is a saying that goes to state that the rarest type of Harley one can find is one that is completely stock; that is, one that has not been modified in any way. Indeed, many Harley enthusiasts believe that the main weakness of Japanese bikes is that they are not as easily customizable as a Harley is.

Regardless of whether or not one believes the reputation of Harley biker gangs or enjoys being able to customize their personal motorcycle, these machines are here to stay. Production of both Japanese and American bikes have not slowed down and there are, statistically, more bike owners than automobile owners. That statistic holds especially true outside the US, where a bike is a more common means of private transportation for the average citizen than a car is. This embracing of the motorcycle is happening despite the higher accident rate for bikes than any other private land vehicle out there. It doesn’t seem to matter what country one goes to; the youth of every culture seems to view these two-wheeled machines as symbols of teenage euphoria and thus, the adrenaline rush associated with a bike ride is, as they say, like nothing in this world.

Known for their relatively inexpensive, fuel efficient cars and trucks, Honda has far more to offer. You may not know that Honda is also one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Better yet, their motorcycles are some of the finest made.

As early as 1949, Honda began turning out high quality bikes. By the year 2005, there were manufacturing plants in more than twenty countries and more than 150 million bikes were sold to eager riders. As years passed, their bikes became better and better. Many of the best motorcycle models were created at the hands of Honda.

Perhaps the greatest of all Honda models, the Valkyrie offered a six cylinder, inline engine. Liquid cooled with a 1520cc boxer, the bike soon became a top selling model. There was no V Twin design here. Instead, Honda went for power by using six different carburetors and lining the cylinders up in opposite directions instead of at angles.

Unfortunately, the great engine noises and smooth idle was not enough. In 2004, the final Valkyrie model, the limited edition “Rune” was sold. Only used Valkyrie’s remain on the market, otherwise you must choose from other excellent bikes.

Honda offers both large and small motorcycles. Their bikes are also suited for both street or off road biking. The CR85R, with its 85cc engine, is an excellent starter bike for a teen. Off road models like the CRF50 or XR650L also deliver strong performance and a powerful ride. Meanwhile, the Interceptor is a dream bike for handling daily traffic. If a larger bike is more to your liking, the Goldwing is the man’s bike with plenty of size and power.

Beginners are probably best on the CRF50. The 49cc engine and automatic transmission offer a great bike for honing skills. With three speeds, a 21 inch seat, and a weight of around 100 pounds, youth riders will soon have the training they need to tackle larger motorcycles.

XR650L is a much larger off road bike. It is a single cylinder model that delivers plenty of torque and a low rpm. No bike can beat the XR650L at hill climbing and hairpin turn performance.

The aforementioned Interceptor is an award winning bike and has not lost its title for eleven years. It is one of Honda’s motorcycles that are currently on display in New York’s Guggenheim Museum. Even without awards, that does not stop millions of riders from relying on Honda for their riding pleasures.

Regardless of your needs, big or small, on road or off, Honda is sure to have a model that suits your fancy. You are guaranteed many years of top notch performance at a price you cannot resist. With a Honda, you know you are in for a real treat.

Upgrading your vehicle but want to keep your registration number? Have you bought another private number plate but want to keep your old one too? If you are in a situation like this and are confused about what to do, why not put your registration on “retention”. Retaining number plates is a facility which enables registration numbers to be taken off vehicles and kept on a V778 document, commonly known as a retention certificate. A V778 is a green certificate that is issued by the DVLA when a registration number is transferred off a vehicle. Your registration can be held on retention indefinitely and renewed on an annual basis for £25.

Only the registered keeper of the vehicle can apply to retain the registration number. If you want to retain a number plate, your vehicle must be taxed and have a valid MOT, if applicable. Applications to retain number plates may be considered if the tax disc has expired no more than 12 months ago, providing vehicles have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and there is no gap between the tax disc expiring and the SORN commencing.

Retaining number plates is easy. You will need form V778/1 which is available from the DVLA or in any Post Office, and provides information about the retention process. Your completed form should be sent to the DVLA, either by post or in person to your local DVLA office with the following:

• The V5/V5C (commonly know as the log book) for the vehicle the registration number is currently assigned to.

• An MOT test certificate if applicable.

• The fee for retaining a number plate. This is currently £105 which includes an £80 assignment fee and a £25 retention fee. This is payable to the DVLA.

When the details have been confirmed, a new age related registration number will be issued to your vehicle free of charge, and a replacement licence disc will be sent displaying the new registration. Where possible the vehicle will be issued with the registration number that it gave up as the result of the initial transfer. A V948 certificate will also be issued to you which enables you to have acrylic number plates produced to display the new registration.

If your vehicle was registered before 1963 it will be issued with a replacement registration number that is has no age identifier. If this is the case the new registration number will be non transferable. Dateless number plates (ones which have no age identifier) can be sold for vast amounts of money, so the inability to transfer a replacement registration number means that people cannot continually sell their replacement marks for profit. The vehicle can still however have another private registration assigned if the owner so wishes.

If you are in possession of a V778 and wish to assign it to your vehicle, the process is the same as if it was on a V750 certificate of entitlement. Applications can be made in person or by post to your local DVLA office and must include the following:

• Your V778 Retention document

• V5 Registration Document (commonly known as the log bog) for the vehicle you wish to assign the registration to. Please note that the grantee or nominee name must match the name that appears in the V5 log book.

• A valid MOT certificate (if applicable)

• £80 assignment fee if this has not already been paid

Once your application has been processed you will be issued with a new tax disc displaying your personal registration, and an updated V5 will be sent out by the DVLA. You will need to have new acrylic number plates produced displaying your new registration number and you must remember to inform your insurance company of the change in details.

Retaining a number plate is a simple process and typically takes two weeks to complete. The retention facility is a crucial aspect to the number plate industry and is welcomed by everyone. If it wasn’t for the retention facility, dealers and collectors of number plates would have to have a vehicle for every number plate they own!

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When you are making decisions about your car or motorcycle, one of the first things to choose is the correct tire for your driving conditions. While this decision is important year round, it is of extreme importance during the winter months when weather turns cold and snow and ice can be very common. Having the wrong tire in these situations can be a question of life and death. But thankfully choosing the right tire is not difficult, if you follow certain steps.

The first step in choosing the correct winter tire is to see what sort of tire, that is, what size and types of tires, your car’s manufacturer has recommended for your car. You can find this information in the owner’s manual that came with your car. Then head to your local tire dealer and purchase snow or mud tires appropriate to your car and have them installed. Tires like these, ones without metal studs manufactured into them, help your vehicle handle slick winter roads and can be used on public highways.

If you live in an area with an extreme climate, where tires with metal studs are allowed during the height of the winter months, you will likely have to purchase two sets of tires. The first set, as outlined above, that has no metal studs, and a second set, which does have metal studs, for the iciest parts of the year. Later in the winter season, you will likely have to change your tires back to the rubber tires, since in most areas metal stud tires are only allowed during the coldest months. Check your local regulations in any case, since metal stud tires are banned in 10 states.

Remember to ensure that all of the tires you have installed at the same time are all of the same measurements. That is to say, that each one is of the same size, tread, and type. Having tires of different type, size, or tread can result in a loss of traction on slippery winter roads.

Never equip your car with tires that are too big for it. Tires that are too large than those recommended in the manufacturer’s guidebook may damage your car’s fenders or suspension, or just make it handle miserably.

The difference between snow tires and regular tires is in the tread. Snow tires are made with wide spaces between their treads, giving them something like cleats to grab into snow with and maintain traction, whereas all season tires are made with narrower treads. Narrower treads can proved a quieter ride, but they cannot ride well on the snow.

If you don’t want to install snow tires, or you do not live in an area that merits them all the time, you might want to consider tire chains. Chains can greatly enhance the traction of tires. As always, ensure that the chain is properly fitted to your car’s tires, since improperly fitted chains will not work properly, damaging your car or malfunctioning.