Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

A Brief History of Indian Motorcycle - Part 1

2010-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

By Tim Joseph

Indian Motorcycle Co. was born as the Hendee Manufacturing Company by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom (pictured above with the first prototype of Indian). It was the first American motorcycle company and the most popular in the world by the time the New York Times wrote the paragraph above. Both men were former bicycle racers who got together to build a 1.74 bhp, single cylinder engine in Hendee's home town of Springfield, MA. The bike was a huge success and sales increased drastically during the next 10 years.

Indian Motorcycle was very innovative. In 1901 the prototype and two production models we successfully designed, built and tested. Work began in previous years. In 1902 the first Indian motorcycles, featuring innovative belt-drives and streamline styling were sold to the public. In 1903 Indian co-founder and chief engineer Oscar Hedstrom set a world motorcycle speed record by riding 56 mph.

In 1904, the diamond framed Indian Single was made available in deep red. This color would become Indian's trademark. By this time production was up to over 500 bikes per year and would rise to 32,000 in 1913. It's best year ever.

In 1906 Indian built its first V-Twin engine. 101 years later the V-Twin is the most popular engine style in the world. The following year Indian made a strong showing in racing and record breaking. In 1914 Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, who set many long-distance record, rode an Indian across American from San Diego to New York in a record 11 days, 12 hours and 10 minutes. Baker's engine of choice in the following years was the Powerplus, a side-valve V-Twin which was introduced in 1916. It was a 1000cc, 42 degree V-Twin which was more powerful and quieter than previous designs, giving it a top speed of 60 mph. The design was highly successful both as a roadster and as a racing bike. It remained in production until 1924.

Oscar Hedstrom left Indian in 1913 over a disagreement with the Board of Directors regarding dubious practices to inflate the company's stock values. George Hendee resigned in 1916.

How to Stunt a Motorcycle - Part Four

2010-02-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

By Nail Khazen

Lastly, this is the fourth part on "How to Stunt a Motorcycle" and features even more variations of the wheelie to help you out:

5. Frog

This is for experts only. This is similar to High Chairs but you sit like a frog. You get on the tank and clutch the bike up. You also need to be smooth when pulling the bike up since your weight is in front, and you are not holding on to anything. This might make your body fall back and cause you to squeeze on the handlebars which may make you give more throttle. The toughest part on the Frog is to let your bike down because your weight will be thrown forwards and you have to maintain balance to avoid tank slapper and crashing.

6. No-Hander

In a Standup No-hander, you are standing up the bike at 12 o'clock position with your feet on the pegs. Your idle is turned up enough to have the bike run smoothly by itself in first gear, and you only got your feet to balance the bike since your hands are up in the air. You control the height with the front tire and by modulating the rear brake.

Sit-down No-handers are harder because there is no leverage on the foot to balance the bike. Here, the idle is also turned up. You get the bike up to around 11 o'clock by letting go of the bars and leaning back. You control the height of the front tire with a combination or rear brake and leaning back. You need to squeeze into the tank, sit back against the passenger seat to keep balance and grip on the bike. With the right body position, you won't even need to use the rear brake and just use your body to balance.

7. 12 O'Clock Wheelie

This stunt is all about brake control. You go into first gear, and hit the gas hard to get the wheel as high up as possible. Use your rear brake to stop the bike from flipping when you are approaching the 12 o'clock position. You control the height of the front wheel mostly with your rear brake. This will keep you from going over backwards since you are on the throttle pretty hard to get the bike up. The 12 o'clock is also called Twelves. Twelves need more body language. Many think that Twelves are just about falling back and riding the bar, but the bike sways from side to the other side. Hence, you need to use your shoulder to rock side by side to prevent it from tipping over. You can use your legs, knees and arms to balance the bike. To be able to get down from the 12 o'clock position, you slowly apply the rear brake and when your bike slowly comes down, you need to apply a bit of throttle to soften the impact on the front wheels, stabilize the bike and avoid flat spots on the front tire.

8. Circle Wheelie

This is one of the hardest wheelies to learn since it is slow. You need to trust your tires on this one. When you get into the groove, you will just need your brakes and a bit of throttle control. There are two common ways to do a circle: riding on the regular pegs or feet on the passenger pegs. Of course, there are many variations to the style as for example using front and rear peg or only one peg and extending the other leg, etc... With the second way, you have more leverage on the back of the bike. and you can control the height of the front tire much easier through your body weight.

To start, clutch the bike with your feet already in position and bring it up to 12 o'clock while modulating the rear brake. You need to turn your idle up to ~3500 rpm depending on what gearing you actually rock. Make sure you have a foot close to the rear brake of your bike or have a proper hand brake setup, so you won't loop. Now, when your bike is up, you turn by bending the inside knee and shifting body weight to the front wheel and a bit sideways. Your wheelie goes where you look to and where you are aiming your body to. You keep the wheelie up by slightly blipping the throttle, tapping the brake and balancing everything with your body.

I hope you enjoyed the 4 articles on "How to Stunt your Motorcycle". Please be very cautious when trying out any motorcycle stunts and always wear all your protective gear. Moreover, never stunt in public places or on open roads, as you endanger other people and yourself!

Motorcycle Shops - Motorcycling Parts and Scooter Spares

2010-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

By Mark P Andrews

Motorcycle shops online, how do you find the best motorcycle trader that can fit your exact needs and requirements for motorcycle spares, parts and accessories?

Searching for your parts as we all know, can sometimes be rather frustrating, however, there really is no need to get all hot and bothered if you follow just a few simple techniques, which I hope to provide you with below.

Not everyone has a very popular make of motorcycle, so finding sometimes the right parts for you can be quite a difficult process, if you do not know how to find the best motorcycle shops or motorcycle trader business. However, all is not lost, here we provide a chunk of advice so that you can get a good grip of the situation. So, let's tackle this one step at a time, so that this isn't a long drawn out process for you.

There are one or two huge marketplaces where many a motorcycle trader and motorcycle shops exist that can supply you today, and at a very good deal prices too, if you know where to look.

eBay is just one example. If you are completely stuck finding that all elusive part for your motorcycle, the number of motorcycle traders on this particular marketplace platform and motorcycle shops is truly staggering and certainly if you contact any of these shops, motorcycle trader businesses, if they cannot help you directly, with their source of contacts in the business, generally speaking it isn't very long before they can put you in contact with a motorcycle trader or shops that can actually assist you with your inquiry directly.

Of course not limiting yourself to just one country specific eBay, for example finding motorcycle shops or a motorcycle trader let's say within the USA, you can also try looking on other international eBay marketplaces too for the motorcycle shop or motorcycle traders that can possibly help you. You just need to be aware that there may be higher postage / courier charges if the item is being sent to you from abroad and on higher value items, depending upon where you are from possibly some import duty too, so you may need to make yourself aware of this in advance.

Another simple tool to use when searching for motorcycle shops or a motorcycle trader that can help you online is to search via Google of course. If you want less search results, simply use apostrophe's in the search window. For example, let's say I was looking for, 'motorcycle shops' - I would type this in as, "Motorcycle Shops", this would return much less results overall and more importantly, results which were less general than without the quotes on those two words. The same would apply if I wanted to search for, 'motorcycle trader', again, by simply placing apostrophes around the keyword/s used, this would return much narrowed down results, try it and see for yourself! Simply copy and paste if you need to, "Motorcycle Trader", and compare the two keywords both with and without the apostrophes. You can use this technique with any keyword choice you choose in any of the major search engines.

These simple tools can release for you a great deal of tension and time lost trying to find the climax, that ultimate motorbikes find, those all elusive parts, spares or accessories that you desire for all motorcycling products online. We sure hope that this article has assisted you somewhat to search effectively, and your motorbike store has exactly what you need, to remain well oiled with your machine running as smoothly as possible for many years to come.

Finding Motorcycle Parts And Accessories

2010-02-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

By Eva Ringold

Any Harley enthusiast will tell you that a part of owning one is modifying it once it's yours. Remember the days when going through Harley Davidson parts catalog or to a local store looking for Harley motorcycles parts. Chrome Harley Davidson parts can be hard to come by if you are looking for something unique that will make your bike stand out from the crowd. The only problem was if you didn't see it advertised in the Sunday paper, you would have to wait another week before the next full classified ad section would come out. The information age has made those days a distant memory that most of us have forgotten. Motor-sports websites have changed the way we go about getting our information forever.

I have found a Harley motorcycle enthusiasts God send on a site that makes it very easy to track down the custom motorcycle parts you need. The site is designed to match Harley Davidson parts and accessories with a Harley owners looking for the perfect add on to your bike. Using sites like eBay you are united with people like you and I have access to a motorcycle superstore. Last month I was able to get a great offer through when I had to sell my Harley Davidson fairing, Harley Davidson headlight and Harley Davidson grips. I even saw vintage motorcycle parts there. The "HOG parts" site is a great source to send you in the right direction for basically anything you could need for your upgrades.

What's even better is that if you decide not to make a purchase right away, you can still keep up with everything by clicking on the RSS feeder icon in the corner of your URL. This is so cool because it will update you for whatever you are looking for similar to a news feed. All the deals come to you instead of you having to seek them. I wish you riding joy and of course ride safe.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Parts

2010-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

Harley Davidson motorcycle parts can be bought directly from the Harley Davidson company, from a Harley dealer or from a secondary market source. There are thousands of Harley parts and accessories currently available. To find the ones that you want and need all you have to do is shop around.

One of the latest Harley Davidson motorcycle parts that you can buy is a Radical Paint Set. These paint sets are distributed by the Harley Davidson Company and they are only available at Harley stores. They offer you an easy way to customize your bike. Some of the styles that this kit comes in include: bolt, terra, glory, piston and scorcher red. These kits are a limited edition part that will only be available for a short period of time. They each list for $2,499 and they require a Bobtail Fender Installation Kit, an XL seat and possibly a Large Tank Installation Kit.

The Personal Accents Custom Painted Horn Cover – Edge Flame is another Harley Davidson motorcycle product that you can buy to pimp out your hog. It comes in black with orange flames and grey with silver flames. This product can only be purchased in Harley stores. They typically list for about $140.

If you are looking to upgrade your handles then there are two Harley Davidson motorcycle parts that you may be interested in. The first part is the Ironside Collection Heated Hand Grips. These handles fit most models between 1996 and the present day. However, they do not work with handlebars that have internal wiring. The second part is the Centerline Collection Hand Grips. These handles are compatible with 1996 and later motorcycle models. They are a glueless handle that can be taken off and repaired and reattached without damaging your hog. They are listed at $89.95.

Antique Harley Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

If you are interested in antique Harley motorcycle parts then you may want to buy Harley Davidson parts listing books. The first parts listing book for this motorcycle brand covers parts that were used in Harleys between 1909 and 1932. This manual will include parts for side car models, twin models and single models of Harleys produced during this time period. The second volume in this parts listing series covers Harley Davidson models that were produced between 1930 and 1949.

Antique Harley motorcycle decals and stickers are another item that you may want to add to your shopping list. These parts are very inexpensive and they are still relatively easy to find. Online auction sites are great places to find vintage Harley decals, as are Harley trade shows and flea markets.

If you are interested in really unique antique Harley Motorcycle parts then you may want to look for one of a kind products. One item that can liven up your Harley collection is a Harley Davidson police siren. Most of the sirens that you can find on the secondary market still work, and those that don’t work can usually be repaired.

Shopping for antique Harley motorcycle parts is not difficult to do. Harleys have been a part of motorcycle culture since the beginning. You can find Harley parts in almost every part of the world. If you can’t find the parts that you need locally then you may want to try online auctions, online salvage parts dealers, Harley message boards and the Harley Davidson company web site.

Used Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

Buying used motorcycle parts can be a great way to save money on your motorcycle maintenance. Used parts can save you anywhere from 40 to 60 percent off new retail prices. In some cases you can even save more.

When you shop for used motorcycle parts you will need to know what you are looking for. The mechanics of a motorcycle are unique to their make and model. Because of this, parts are not as interchangeable between models as car parts are. Therefore you need to make sure that you buy the right parts for your bike.

To find the used motorcycle parts that you need for your bike you have several options. Your first option is to visit a local parts dealer. These dealers will have access to thousands of parts. All you have to do is tell them what you need and they can search their database. If the part isn’t at their dealership, they may be able to track down your part by searching their network of partners.

Another option you have is to search the Internet for the used motorcycle parts that you need. You can search online auction sites, aftermarket parts sites and general used motorcycle parts web sites. When shopping online you will want to make sure that the vendor you are working with is a reputable vendor. To do this you may want to check out their rating with the Better Business Bureau or you may want to check with their state licensing board to make sure their business license is valid.

Antique Henderson Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

An antique Henderson motorcycle is truly a treasure. Only produced from 1911 to 1931, these bikes were known as the Rolls Royce of motorcycles and still have great value and style today. If you’ve been lucky enough to come across one of these amazing bikes, then you might be searching for antique Henderson motorcycle parts. We can help you find the rare parts you need to fully restore your antique bike.

Antique Henderson motorcycle parts are not widely available like some other bike parts are. Because Henderson motorcycles were only produced for 20 years and because it was so long ago, you’re very lucky to find these items at all. But it is possible. The first tip we have for finding these parts is to get your hands on a parts list so you know of everything that is available. Also, many parts used by Henderson were actually manufactured by other companies. Keep this in mind when you are looking for parts.

Another tip for finding antique Henderson motorcycle parts is to visit all the local pawn shops and vintage part shops in your area. Chat with the owners, and let them know exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure you give them your contact information and let them know you’ll make it worth their time. If you can find common ground with the shop owner, you just might get special treatment when a part turns up.

Another way to find antique Henderson motorcycle parts is to become familiar with ebay.com. This website is an auction site where many rare items are sold. Sometimes people find these items around their home or garage and decide they might be worth something. Other times vintage shops are looking for a good buyer. Search around the site, create an account and see what is available.

If antique Henderson motorcycle parts are not available on ebay right away, try to be patient. New items on ebay are always popping up. You should consider setting up a search option with ebay for these parts. In the “my ebay” section, you can request that new items fitting your description be emailed to you right away, so that you don’t have to keep searching on your own. This just might be the best way to find the antique parts you need.

Making your Harley Faster, Louder, and More Powerful with Custom Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

By Christine Harrell

If you want to turn your average chopper into a loud, roaring, customized machine, there are a few custom motorcycle parts that can make a big impact. The aftermarket custom motorcycle parts listed here are generally in the $150 to $500 range and don’t require a degree from the Jesse James School of custom bike building to install. Take a look at these simple modifications that can make a big difference in sound, and performance of your Harley.

Big Growler Exhausts:

What’s a chopper if it doesn’t rumble? The Big Growler Exhaust system will turn the heads of even those sealed inside their super luxury cars, and make them wish they had the freedom a burley Harley. The long straight pipe makes this exhaust system “un-muffled” amplifying every hum and grind of the engine as it accelerates and cruises. When it comes to custom motorcycle parts, the couple hundred dollars for the exhaust is a great value.

Yost Power Tube:

One way to get a lot of power with custom motorcycle parts for a little cash is with the Yost Power Tube. More power comes from increased combustion efficiency and there’s no better way to achieve this than with the Power Tube. The kit from Yost includes a spacer for even greater power and throttle. The power tube works with all of the S&S Series B, E, & G Harleys and is one of the custom motorcycle parts that most weekend bike enthusiasts can install themselves.

Spyke Ignitions:

An ignition kit is another of the inexpensive custom motorcycle parts that makes a big impact. Spyke aftermarket ignitions have more power than the factory ignition, dyno-proven power gains, and aggressive ignition curves. This aftermarket part also reduces kickback and strain and allows for customized timing based on engine modifications.

Carburetors:

After market carburetors are another one of the first aftermarket parts people modify on their Harley. The job of the carburetor is to mix the right amount of gas with air to produce the torque that fuels the bike. Too little gas and the engine runs lean, too much gas and the engine will flood. The Mikuni is one of the most effective for pulling in air among the aftermarket carburators. More air flowing through means more peak power.

Once you get started modifying your bike with aftermarket custom motorcycle parts, you’ll most likely find scores of other projects to fill your time. In a lot of cases, the custom motorcycle parts produced by aftermarket companies surpass the look and performance of stock parts. Modifying the engine, ignition, and exhaust is a great place to start to make big changes to your stock bike. Later, with modifications to the handlebars, mirrors, gas tank, tires, and paint job can create a completely unique looking bike with a lot of power, speed, and noise.

After Market Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

Learn about after market motorcycle parts including what they are and what you can use them for.

After market motorcycle parts are parts that are bought and sold through an aftermarket dealer. These dealers usually work within a network of parts suppliers, dealers and manufacturers. They carry parts that are used, salvaged and that also come straight from the dealer. After market parts dealers are a great resource for people who own a motorcycle.

The first type of after market motorcycle parts that aftermarket parts dealers carry and trade are used parts. These parts have been acquired through personal searches conducted by the dealer, by trades made by the dealer for other parts and by ordering the parts from another dealer in their parts trade network. You can feel confident buying parts from aftermarket parts dealers because they usually test and clean the part to make sure that it is still functional.

The second type of after market motorcycle parts that aftermarket parts dealers carry are custom motorcycle parts. Not every aftermarket dealer will have custom parts but it is still a good idea to check with your dealer. After all if they don’t have the part that you are looking for they may know how to get that part for you.

The final type of after market motorcycle parts that these dealers carry are salvaged parts. Salvaged parts are usually taken from motorcycles that have been in an accident and rendered unfixable. You can find great deals when you buy salvaged parts. Sometimes the parts are so clean that they look practically new.

Vintage Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

Restoring a vintage motorcycle is truly a labor of love. However, finding the vintage motorcycle parts that you need to finish your restoration project can be difficult and frustrating, especially if you are working on a rare motorcycle model. Fortunately, the Internet has made searching for parts and rare items much easier to do.

The first place that you can look online for vintage motorcycle parts is on auction sites. There are dozens of these sites scattered throughout the World Wide Web. Some of these auction sites are generic auction sites, while others specialize in automotive items. If you shop for vintage parts using this method you will want to make sure that the seller has a good rating and that the part is the exact part that you need. This is important because you usually can’t return items when you buy them from an auction site, nor should you expect to be able to return the part.

The second place that you can look online for vintage motorcycle parts is on after market parts sites and general motorcycle parts web sites. These web sites will offer you site based search engines that will allow you to search through their databases for the part that you are interested in. If the site doesn’t have the part that you are looking for you can sometimes fill out a parts request form or you can drop the site’s owner an email asking if they know where you can get the part that you need.

If your online search for vintage motorcycle parts is a flop then you can also conduct physical searches for your parts. Vintage motorcycle trade magazines can be great sources for finding rare parts and accessories. Simply check out the classified section at the back of the magazine. Other places that you can look for vintage parts include trade fairs, motorcycle shows and exhibits, motorcycle rallies, garage sales, estate sales and flea markets.

Shopping for Harley Davidson Motorcycle Part

2010-01-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

By Low Jeremy

Owning a Harley-Davidson is not simply a owning a motorcycle. Owning a Harley-Davidson is owning a piece of machine that has been hailed to be one of the most sought after motor vehicles ever existed. And because any Harley-Davidson motorcycle is entitled each owner to a great pride that comes along with each, no rider would want a Harley to be ill maintained.

This is why, whenever the time comes when you, the owner of a great Harley-Davidson motorcycle, need to get Harley-Davidson parts, you can be assured to have whatever part you need.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are quality motorcycle parts that match the tough image and quality of the legendary motorcycle. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part promises to be durable and dependable and would certainly last for a long time. And like the motorcycle itself, these parts can perform through different demands.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts can be acquired both online and offline.

Offline, each Harley-Davidson dealers across United States sell parts for each model regardless of the year it is manufactured. Dealers also service costumers with other merchandise. The Harley-Davidson of America is a reliable source when it comes to quality Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts.

Online, there are several websites that are dedicated in providing motorcycle parts exclusively for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These sites may be the authorized dealers themselves. There are also sites that offer Harley parts together with other motorcycle parts of different brand. This is not a concern since parts are made differently from one motor brand to another. Each site provides a wide inventory of parts to serve as many Harley owners as possible. Online parts stores provide a more convenient shopping experience than that of the traditional way, which is personally visiting each store to find a particular part.

Thus, online shopping for Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are more popular among costumers because it saves time, energy, and of course money.

Some stores only offer brand new parts while others sell used Harley parts. These parts are a lot cheaper since they are already used but not necessarily be in poor quality. Used Harley motorcycle parts can well be lined-up with brand new ones in terms of quality. Remember that each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part is built tough. Thus, even if they have already been used, they are still in tiptop condition.

Whether online or offline, used or brand new, big or small, you will have no problem finding the right one you need.

Custom Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

By Jimmy Sturo

The motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that runs on an engine. It is made up of various components such as a chassis, fuel tanks, suspensions, engines, tires, and more. Many of these parts can be replaced and customized according to the likes and personality of the bike rider.

Purpose

A rider may want to replace the part of his motorcycle for the simple reason of aesthetic purposes. Usually the chassis and the rims of the motorcycle are replaced to match the personality of the rider. It can simply be a change in color, or it can bear images, such as the face of the rider, a logo, tag line, movie theme, or anything else the rider may like. The throttle and the handles can also be replaced with colors and grips suitable for the rider.

Additional components such as neon lights can be installed around the chassis to enhance the beauty of the vehicle at night. This would entail a replacement of the battery for the additional load it would have to carry.

Aside from visual enhancements, the rider may also opt to enhance the audible noise created by the mufflers. He can install mufflers that would make a loud roaring noise whenever his motorcycle rushes by.

Performance is also a reason for customizing the motorcycle. Many motorcycle enthusiasts feel that the original components that come with the vehicle do not meet their standards. Especially for a cyclist who engages in street racing, he may think that the engine runs too slow or that there is not enough bounce in the suspension. These components can all be replaced with parts that can meet their requirements.

Safety is also a key issue. Brighter lights and warning signals are replaced to enhance the visibility of the motorcycle to other motorists. A change in brakes and tires can provide more traction. Visible speedometers can inform the rider of the act Shopping for Harley Davidson Motorcycle Partual speed he is going.

Motorcycle Parts

2010-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

By Jimmy Sturo

Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles equipped with an engine. When driven at a high speed, the vehicle stands upright and stable; when driven at a lower speed, a continuous readjustment needs to be made to provide stability to the rider and the cycle. This land-based machine consists of various parts: chassis, fuel tanks, suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, and tires.

Chassis

The chassis is more commonly known as the frame. It is usually made of aluminum, steel or alloy, although customized carbon-fiber ones are also available. The primary concern regarding the chassis is the stability it provides, which in most cases encounters three problems: capsizing, which usually happens at lower speed; wobbling, which is more annoying rather than harmful; and weaving, which makes the whole bike become unstable at higher speeds.

Fuel Tank

Fuel tanks are usually considered part of the chassis and are mounted above the engine. They are usually manufactured with high-density polyethylene. Manufacturers usually create a hollow frame in the chassis for fuel tanks although external frames are used for the oil reservoir.

Suspension

The suspension serves as the shock absorber of the vehicle. The front suspension plays an integral part in controlling the steering of the machine, while the back suspension supports the swingarm.

Brakes

A motorcycle is installed with independent brakes in the front and at the back. Front brakes are generally more powerful. Rear wheels have a danger of causing the motorcycle to skid forward due to the weight transfer. Most of the motorcycles nowadays are built with anti-lock breaking systems.

Engine

Motorcycles have gasoline-powered engines.

Transmission

The transmission is controlled by a clutch lever installed on one of the handles, usually the left-hand side. The gear lever is a foot pedal on the left side of the motorcycle.

Tires

The tire is the part of the motorcycle that comes in full contact with the road. There are different types of tires for different bikes and different surfaces. Some tires have a different gripping effect on surfaces.

Dirt Bikes and the Motorcycle Parts You May Need

2010-01-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

By Victor Epand

If you got your bike to race, you may need to think about the motorcycle parts that are available and also about where you can get them for your dirt bike. Where can you get them? How much are you going to pay for them? These are obvious questions that pester you.

When you start racing you really need to know where you are going to go for any parts that may become necesary. The best place to look for these is on the Internet because there are a lot of places that you can go to for the best kind appropriate for you budget. You can also chat with other riders and find out what their experiences were with a certain company and a certain part fo rthe bike.

The other place that you may want to look for the parts spare parts store. They will have a lot of different items to pick from as well as a means for you to order the ones that you need if they don't have them in stock. They also can give you advice on which items are good for your bike and how to fit them on the bike.

There are a few parts that you should probably keep on hand. These are the ones that you will use the most often and will need throughout the life of your bike. For instance, you really need to have an oil filter so that you can use it when you change the bike's oil. You may also want to consider having the oil that you will need for the bike after you have changed it. Another essential item you should always keep with you will be new wheels and tires because dirt bikes seem to go though these very fast. You may need to repair or get new ones for your bike.

Take time to find the right parts for your needs and to get the best that you can afford. Many dirt bike riders will want the best ones and at the best prices they can get. If you look for a little while you will be able to get a better deal on your motorcycle parts and you will be happier with what you end up with in the long run. You should be able to enjoy your bike without having to worry about any eventuality where you will have to worry about a part you have to replace. So get the right bike in the first place and get to riding!

Where to Get Good Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

By Victor Epand

When you think about it, the parts that you put on your bike are very important. You may not have really thought about it before but you really should.

When you get your motorcycle, you may not have though of how important the various parts that you put into your bike really are. This can be a hard thing to think about, but you really should. This way you will be able to get god parts for your needs. But how will you get them? That requires diligence and patience. Some basic information is also required. This article will surely help you in that.

When you start looking for the motorcycle parts that you need, you really should think about what you are going to use them for. If it's a part for the body of the bike, then you will be more able to go with those that are a little cheaper and that you may find at a junk yard. There you may find high quality replacements as well.

If you are going to be using the new parts for the actual engine, you really should go for genuine new ones. This is because they are normally warranted and you are able to take it back to the store if it's not the right thing or the right size or if it doesn't work like it should. Sometimes new parts even have a problem that you need to have fixed. You can get a better part from the spare parts store by also considering what you will get with it. You may have an add on that they offer you with those you decide to buy from there.

The other option that you can consider is getting them online. If you are looking for something that will help to make your bike go faster, then this is a really good option because they often will have parts that are just for racing bikes or to make your bike go faster. You may also be able to have it shipped to your local parts store and that will save you a little bit of money.

So when you are looking for the best pieces for your beloved bike, you should look for the best deals and the best ones for you and what you need. Many people will not care about what they get as long as it gets done, but what will happen when those cheap parts stop working and they are stranded on the road alone and with no way home?

Ground Breaking Software For the Used Motorcycle Parts Industry

2009-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

By Joe Burda

Greetings to all, this is the first installment of topics concerning the Powersports industry. This article is in response to articles we have read out there concerning used motorcycle parts. My family owned and operated a motorcycle shop for over 10 years. We were and independent shop and sold almost every brand out there. We also go into the salvage side of the business and purchase damaged bikes from insurance companies and sold off remaining undamaged parts on the vehicles.

This industry boomed for the past 5 years and as most enthusiasts know you now have TV shows on customizing, building your own bikes, and even restoring them. Now the feature concerning our article today is the used parts aspect of the industry. Now almost everyone knows the terms bone-yards, junk-yards, salvage yards, etc. And when we here these almost everyone thinks of the automotive industry. This parts recycling business has been around since the productions of vehicles. The Powersports industry however never had a prominent foot hold in this aspect of the industry, until now.

I would like to refer to a ground breaking company bringing these hard to find motorcycle salvage yards together to one meeting place and show in real time what parts they have in stock. (We have referring links to these sites below.) The company is called Salvage Dealer Link. They are an Internet based software company that stores all subscribing dealer's data in the system by original part number. The ingenious software used an interchange system to tell you the consumer which dealers have the parts in stock, how much they are asking for the part, how far they dealer is from you, and even let's you know if a dealer has the part you need, even if it's off a totally different bikes. Wow, that a lot of service the offer you in one simple search. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

But today we are focusing on the used parts feature they offer, and how these parts are handled. Dealers enter these parts with a point click selection method to keep consistency in the database. And in return they made it just as simple to search for the parts. You simple select year, make, model and then select the part you are looking for. You don't have to worry about misspelling or not finding the part because you are searching with different terminology than the dealers. And just to top of the searching experience, all data is real time, no more filing out a parts request form that gets sent who knows where and waiting days or even long for a reply. If a dealer has it, you see it instantly. And best of all, if many dealers have it, you can compare pricing, condition, age of parts and even find the closest dealer to you. They will also be launching version 2.0 in a few weeks and individuals like yourself will be able to open a free account to track your favorite searches and keep an eye out for those hard to find parts.

Should Motorcycle Part Manufacturers State Where Their Parts Are Made?

2009-12-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

By Cyril Huze

It s my point of view that there are both good and bad motorcycle parts made here in the US ...and in Europe, China, Korea and of course all over the world. It is also my daily professional observation that there is a lot of hypocrisy from those in the US, manufacturers, distributors, dealers and buyers of parts pretending to support the national economy. How many US companies in our industry silence the fact that they subcontract abroad, distribute foreign parts, sell them in their dealerships with a final user knowing or not the origin of what is installed on his motorcycle. At the same time most of these US corporations and people feel obliged to state the politically and economically correct statement "Support your country. Buy American". Buy what you want, but be an informed consumer, know what you buy, American or not, and face the consequences of your choices is my philosophy.

And all this ranting because this morning I am in copy of a mass e-mailing sent by "Accessories Unlimited" a manufacturer and distributor of both American & Korean made motorcycle parts, reporting that "Rivera Primo" has its transmission made in Korea, that both companies propose exactly the same product made with the same parts, in the same Korean factory, the difference being only the brand name stamped on them... and a big difference of price. Because I was raised with the notion that reporting, denunciating others is a no/no and to avoid this kind of situation, now I really wonder if it would not be better that part manufacturers be obliged to state the origin of their products. Below, I faithfully reproduce this denunciation email. Tell me what you think.

"Did You Know? Here is an industry secret most dealers do not know! The "Rivera Primo Transmissions" are made in Korea. The reason we know is because they are made in the same factory as the "Accessories Unlimited" transmissions, using the same parts. Up until recently we have stayed away from letting people know this information but we know feel that it is time you know the truth. The truth is that you are paying more for a name stenciled on the outside of the case. Other than that they are identical. This applies to the Left or Right Side Drive Transmission. Why pay more for the same thing". Signed Accessories Unlimited.

Ducati Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Freeland

If you have a Ducati Hypermotard then you have several upgrade options to choose from when shopping for Ducati motorcycle parts. Your first option is to upgrade your exhaust pipes. One exhaust upgrade that you can buy is the Carbon Homologated Silencer Kit. This is a 2 in 2 carbon silencer that has been designed with titanium sleeves. This exhaust kit will not only help you to reduce the noise level of your Hypermotard, but it will also help to control its emissions. Your second option for upgrading your Hypermotard exhaust system is to buy the Complete Racing Exhaust Assembly Kit. This kit is a racing 2 in 1 exhaust assembly. It offers a stainless steel manifold, carbon silencer and titanium sleeves. There are two advantages of this exhaust upgrade. First of all it reduces the weight of your bike by 7 kilograms and secondly it improves your bike’s performance.

The next Ducati motorcycle parts that you can buy for your Hypermotard are racing camshafts. These parts are designed to improve the engine’s performance. To make sure that these parts create the most benefits for your bike you will want to install the Complete Racing Exhaust System on your bike in conjunction with the racing camshafts.

Now that you know what Ducati Motorcycle parts will make your bike go faster, you next need to know what parts will help you to slow down. The Racing Brake Caliper Kit is a part that your bike needs if you plan on racing. This product is made from a one piece aluminum casting and it includes a dedicated front brake line.

To get your Ducati pointed in the right direction you may also want to shop for Ducati motorcycle parts that will improve your bike’s steering and control. One part that you may be interested in is the Cross-Mounted Aluminum Steering Damper. This part is designed to improver your bike’s front end stability, which will help you to remain in control of your bike no matter what riding style you have.

What You Should Consider in Buying Used Motorcycle Parts Online

2009-12-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

By B Travis

When you buy motorcycle, you don't assume it to be working for the rest of your life. Some of its parts will be torn and time will come you will need to replace them one by one. This process may be stressful so you should be prepared since you need to replace your motor parts in so the problem will not be developed into worse scenario. Neglecting the change of parts will more likely to cause trouble not just to your vehicle but also to you, it can cause accident which will put your life at risk. There are lots of shops today that offers used motor parts.

Most of them are web based so you can easily access when making purchases. Used motorcycle parts online are sought after by more people globally because it's very convenient and affordable compared to buying brand new ones in motor shop outlets. Buying used motor parts online can be done easily in the comfort of your own homes. Even if you are at the office, internet café or in any other part of the globe, you can easily make your purchases through the internet.

It has been one of the most economical and fastest ways of buying the things you need without spending much of your time and money. You don't need to spend hours of traveling from one state to another just to find the parts you are looking for. Through the use of the web, you can easily find the things you are looking. When you found it, that's the only time you will go to the place where you saw the motor parts. This is very convenient especially if you are a busy person. There are lots of shops that sells used motor parts online. Through modernization, they convenience and comfort is truly within your reach.

Since an online based shop uses minimal capital on actual operations, they don't charge higher than what the consumers can afford. This goodness is passed on to consumers that's why buying online is cheaper than any other shops today. The only thing you need to assess is the shipping. Most shops today are fraud that's why consumers are being advised to look carefully for an efficient website. This is to lessen the risk of being fooled when you buy used motor parts online. Shipping fee is often shouldered by consumers, and the fee is depending on your location.

Online auction is one of the best places to find the cheapest used motor parts online. You can easily place your bid according to your budget. Although, not all who placed their bids became successful, there's no harm in trying because you might be chosen as the lucky one. You can also check the yellow pages, salvage yard and others. Salvage yards also offers online ordering system. You can choose among the available parts and placed order, once you're done, you can visit them if they confirm the availability of the used motor parts online you are looking for.

Yamaha Motorcycle Parts For Your Ride

2009-12-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

By Alice Mills

If you love riding your Yamaha bike, you can enjoy the experience even more through great Yamaha motorcycle parts and accessories. Use this article to learn about what parts and accessories can help you meet your biking needs.

1. Safety
The safety of your bike depends on keeping its hardware up-to-date and in proper working order. Sometimes it's important to upgrade or replace parts of your bike that have become damaged or corroded. Yamaha motorcycle parts play an important part in keeping your Yamaha bike in proper working order. Buying branded parts and hardware accessories is important to maintaining the integrity and longevity of your bike.

2. Fun
Riding your Yamaha bike is sure to be fun, but why not make it more fun by adding Yamaha motorcycle parts and accessories that increase the look, ride or personality of your bike? With parts like kick cranks and stylized shock covers, you have all the more reason to ride and show off your bike. It's important to enjoy your ride no matter where you go!

3. Maintenance
Just because your motorcycle is running, it's not necessarily running well. Yamaha motorcycle parts such as improved performance mufflers, engine fans and shocks can be added, upgraded or replaced with brand-name parts to protect the quality and ride of your bike. Keep all the parts on your Yamaha in good working order to keep your entire bike in good working order.

Keep these three uses of Yamaha parts in mind and remember that buying brand name products usually pays off in the end. Take care of the safety and maintenance of your bike and it will provide you with years of fun.

Upgrading Your Bike With Harley Davidson Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

By Elanora T. Kelly

If you are looking for an upgrade that can help you to enjoy more of the road, then you can begin by searching for Harley Davidson motorcycle parts. There are several pieces of equipment that can offer you an upgrade or alter the current functioning of your bike. Knowing how to look for the right sets of equipment can then offer you the best you need for traveling to any destination.

The first differentiation to make with Harley Davidson motorcycle parts is based on the use for the part. You can find new parts that are available through specific manufacturers. However, there are also used and refurbished options that can help you to get what is needed at a lower cost. Making sure that you find distributors and dealers that can combine this with a high level of quality can then help you to enjoy even more of your biking experience.

After you find reliable sources for the Harley Davidson motorcycle parts, then you will want to combine this with specific changes that you may need. For instance, if the parts are to replace the same part that is not functioning, then finding the right fit for the make and model of your bike is the best place to begin. If you are searching for an upgrade, then looking at the newer pieces of technology that offer the best in upgrades for your Harley is the best alternative. Everything from exhaust changes to different seating is available to help you custom build your bike.

For anyone who is looking for a new way to enjoy their ride is the ability to upgrade and fix their bike with Harley Davidson motorcycle parts. Knowing what to look for and finding the right alternatives available can then provide you with the ability to get the best quality at competitive rates.

Motorcycle Frames and Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

By Victor Epand

When you are ready to buy your bike, you may have a hard choice to make about your frame. Should you get a custom one or should you get a generic one? These are all hard questions, but they don't have to be.

When you decide that you are going to purchase a motorcycle, you may not think that you need to do anything with your frame. This is true if you are okay with what it looks like when it comes from the factory. This is going to be a basic design that uses the same motorcycle parts. You can do it yourself or you can hire someone to do it for you.

Going custom is not as hard as you may think. All you need to do is find a person that does a custom design for people to purchase. This is not as much fun but you do get to figure out what you are going to have your bike look like and gives you a chance to be different.

However, if you are good with metal fabrication, you may want to do your own work with your frame and the motorcycle parts that go with it. This can be fun and scary at the same time, because you are responsible for any mess ups that may take place and you will need to fix it if they do.

You can get custom frames for your bike from the motorcycle parts store. They have some that is an upgrade for your bike and help you to make it a little different from all the other bikes on the road. Take some time to look at these and make sure that you are getting one that is good for you and your bike in the long run.

Take some time to learn what is going on with your motorcycle parts and frame so that you can get a better idea of what you need to finish it and what you can do to make it easier in the long run. Taking the time to get it right will make a big difference on what you are going to be doing as well as what you are happy with. You don't want to get it all in there and then have to tear it out just because you do not like what it looks like after you have already done it.

Finding Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

2009-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

By Jim Buchanan

For all motorcycle riders, this is a very welcome time of the year. The weather is turning mild, the mercury is rising, and the itch to get on your bike and ride is intensifying. Whether you are a motorcycle hobbyist, or obsessed with riding, once you have experienced the speed, thrill, and freedom of the road, there is nothing quite like it. Most riders realize the importance of taking care of their bikes-making sure they keep up with simple maintenance issues, and knowing where to go for parts and services. When looking for motorcycle parts, know what you need-it's not just an issue of what looks cool, necessity should be the most important consideration when searching for parts.

If you don't have replacements parts or accessories for your bike accessible at your local parts store, there is nothing worse than having to put your bike up for a week or so. Spend some time and do some research-talk to your local store, gather information online-find out if there are any common parts problems with the model of your motorcycle. If something goes wrong with your bike, having good access to parts will help keep your bike on the road and out of the garage.

There are many good motorcycle parts dealers that have catalogs online, making parts and accessories easier to find and order. Most dealers have a huge selection, and you should be able to find anything you need. With large inventories, online retailers are very rarely out of stock on products. Convenience is also a major factor that makes shopping online for your motorcycle needs an excellent way to get exactly what you want, and usually at a very good price. If you are uneasy about ordering something online, give the dealer a call-most are motorcycle enthusiasts just like you, and have a lot of knowledge and experience that they are happy to share. The bottom line is-keep your bike healthy, and know your best options when you need parts or accessories.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

By Jimmy Sturo

Whenever a motorcycle part needs to be replaced, there are two options the bike owner has. He can avail himself of original equipment manufacturers (OEM), or of aftermarket parts.

OEM

OEM parts are the components of the motorcycle that come with the vehicle when purchased directly from the vendor; they are brand new and unchanged. This means that replacing a component of your motorcycle with an OEM part is like replacing it with an original part used to setup your motorcycle. OEM parts are outsourced to a third party company that supplies the component needed for the motorcycle. These parts are workable, but tend to be more expensive, since they are considered to be original parts.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are basically non-OEM parts that are manufactured to work in place of original parts. They could be lower, equal, or higher in terms of performance and the same in terms of pricing, although generally if they are meant to match the original part, they are cheaper.

Aside from pricing, an aftermarket motorcycle part may have a substantial advantage over an OEM part because of the high demand for customization of parts. It could simply be a change in the colors of the chassis and the appearance of the rims of the tires or the cables and sheaves inside the motors. The use of aftermarket parts can be for aesthetic values, performance reasons, and safety enhancements.

Warning

A word of warning when it comes to acquiring aftermarket parts: not all the manufacturers of aftermarket parts are accredited by the manufacturer of the motorcycle, which could mean that although the components may seem to fit the vehicle visually, there may be incompatibilities that are not evident and detectable at first. When using aftermarket parts, it is advisable to check these components before and after every ride.

When It's Time to Salvage Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

By B Travis

Having a motorcycle needs a lot of time when it comes to maintenance. It can also be expensive since most of its parts are not for lifetime use. You need to replace them or have them repaired every now and then especially if you use them often. People who had bought stereotype motorbikes most often found themselves not interested in using it anymore. They are tired of the looks and the style.

They think it is not useful to them anymore. What can one do if he doesn't want to keep his bike anymore? Salvaging motor and car parts can be an effective way of returning your investment. It's not literally salvaging the parts. It's trimming out the parts and has it available for distribution for some people who would opt to buy them. Used motorcycle parts can be salvaged easily; these steps can be helpful to you:

1. You need to find a motorcycle yard. When you do this, you should always make sure you'll find trustworthy website that can help you with your salvaging needs.

2. You can use your personal website to advertise the parts of your motorbike. This will be helpful to those hunting for the same parts you have. This can be done not just to your vicinity. It can also be available on neighboring countries.

3. Look for online shops that also operate for a salvage yard. You can coordinate with them if they will agree with your arrangements. Salvaging your motorbike can be easier if you know how to do it well. It will also be best to know who to turn to whenever you need to advertise your used motorcycle parts.

In finding a salvage yard for your needs, It will also be the same rule to follow when the need arise and you want to change your motorbike parts. Although, there are lots of dealers that offer brand new motor parts, they usually offer expensive price which is hard on the budget. Used motorcycle parts are the most sought after these days since lots of countries globally are experiencing financial crisis.

They can also work efficiently since they also came from branded motor bikes. Although, there are lots of misconception about salvage yard these days, people cannot stop purchasing from them. They are working efficiently to provide your needs and meet the criteria you are looking for. When you opt to buy for a new one, need to browse through different websites and reviews which will be very helpful to you. When you shop online, you can find used motorcycle parts through online auctions. They are the ones that can also provide you with reliable motor parts without sacrificing the quality of the product.

These sites also offer the most reliable and comfortable payment system that will ensure the security of your purchases. Although, you need to shoulder shipping fees, it's nothing compared to the amount you will spend in buying a new one.

Should You Use Used Motorcycle Parts?

2009-11-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

By Adele Lillian

Is your motorcycle in need of a tune-up or a complete re-haul? There is no need to waste the cash on buying everything new when you can get high quality used motorcycle parts instead. This does not come without risk though so you will want to keep you eye out for some things before you commit to a purchase.

When it comes down to it, there is no one size fits all, especially when it comes to used motorcycle parts. You need to consider the age of your motorcycle and even its mileage to determine what parts will suit you best.

If you are a serious motorcycle lover, then you will probably want to take the time and become an expert at the workings and parts of your bike. You will be able to save a lot of money by fixing things and even souping your bike up by using used motorcycle parts.

You can easily get most of the tools you need at your local superstores such as Costco or even Wal-Mart. You will definitely want to pick up an Impact Driver, some steel screws, a high quality hammer and of course make sure your steel screws have aluminum threads.

Before you buy anything parts related make sure you know the exact model of your motorcycle and have a tune-up guide handy and ready to go. No point in wasting money on the wrong parts.

Also, know if your bike is a 2 cylinder or a 4 cylinder. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is. Having a repair guide for your make and model will also help you out considerably.

It really is not that hard to find and take advantage of used motorcycle parts. They can save you a lot of money and will keep your motorcycle running great.

Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

By Jimmy Sturo

Whether it is an engine, transmission, carburetor, gas tank, tire, fender, windshield, crankshaft, cylinder, seat, chassis, bearing, battery, battery charger, or any other motorcycle part, you can purchase used parts and enjoy up to 50 percent off of the regular price of any brand or model.

The part may have originated from a defective motorcycle, but particular components of the vehicle that were not damaged can be salvaged in good condition and sold at a price lower than the market price. It is imperative that, before selecting a part, you determine the specific component you need. Motorcycle parts vary in brands and models. Two models even coming from the same manufacturers may use different parts.

Even custom motorcycle parts can be acquired at lower rates just because they are used. It does not necessarily mean that these used parts are defective or that they will underperform. It could mean that the previous owner has acquired a new custom component and replaced the part and that this used part is still fully functional.

Some used items may even have warranties if you acquired them from a used motorcycle parts vendor.

Alternatives

If you are looking to save by purchasing motorcycle parts but do not want to get used items, you may opt to purchase OEM parts instead. OEM means original equipment manufacturers; these parts were not actually made by the manufacturer of the motorcycle but are manufactured by another independent company. They are only packaged and labeled by the manufacturers as their own. These can be cheaper compared to proprietary parts manufactured by the motorcycle makers.

Auctions can also be a source of cheap parts. Whether brand new or used, these parts can be significantly lower as compared to purchasing directly from a dealer. A word of warning though, there have been several occasions where auctions were used to hoax bidders to acquire items at price higher than its actual value.

Importance of Finding Used Motorcycle Parts For Sale

2009-11-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

By B Travis

In finding the things you need for your motorcycle parts, you need to find the most comprehensive parts you need in auto shops and in some online shops that offers great deals to those who will purchased used motorcycle parts for sale. They will be ready to provide you with the help you need without spending extra money. Most of these shops are salvaging yard operators as well.

They venture in online shops to easily get in touch with clients and to help as well those who need immediate assistance. Internet is one of the best places to purchase the things you need. Researching will also be helpful to you. Salvage garden is one of the best places to make purchases but most people are scared to engage with them. This is primarily because; the reputation of salvage garden is not that good.

Most people think that in buying used motorcycle parts for sale in a salvage garden, they will just waste their time and money. But this is not the case, lots of salvage yard nowadays are operating to provide you with optimum satisfaction. They are merely storage yard for motor parts. Most motor parts like battery, chassis and others can be bought in a good running condition.

Most of them are not yet torn; they just came from wrecked vehicles and those who changed their motor parts just for the sake of changing them. There are lots of junk yards you can use for personal and for other purposes. When you opt to buy used motorcycle parts for sale for business and for reselling, you can shop through a junk yard.

Although, there are some that are fraud and doing illegal businesses, most junk yards these days are a member of the American Association of automotive recycler. They will ensure that you will only get the most affordable price offer you are looking for. They also employ qualified workers to help you out in finding the brand and parts you are looking for.

Online auctions can also be the best place to buy used motorcycle parts for sale. Through bidding, you will be able to get the part you are looking for without spending a lot and wasting your time. There can be other ways to locate a reputable shop for used motorcycle parts for sale. These steps will guide you in finding the part you're looking for:
1. Inspect the area carefully.
2. Pay attention to the system they are using. Salvage yards usually used computers because most of them are web based as well.
3. You should ask them on how they start shelving their motor parts. This is important because shelved motor parts should be the segregated ones.
4. You need to know about their warranty policy. This will ensure that every part you'll buy will be guaranteed useful and can be replaced if in case there's damage.
5. Make sure you have a receipt upon paying.

Where to Buy Custom Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

By Scott Olewiler

If you truly want to customize your bike without spending a small fortune and ending up with a bike that looks like everyone else's you have to learn the right places to buy custom motorcycle parts. Whether you own a metric bike or a Harley Davidson, it is very easy to get caught up in customizing your bike without much thought to whether you're spending too much money or if you're getting the best parts for your bike.

Sometimes the best parts can be found at Dennis Kirk or Cruiser Customizing, or even J and P Cycles, but often times the parts you really want aren't to be found there. Hard to find gems in the custom motorcycle parts business are everywhere yet really hard for most people to find. I'm here to help you look.

OK. You're number one friend in hunt for custom bike parts is Google. But you're going to have to learn to move beyond page one of the search results. In the past I have found many unique parts for my bike by simply typing in the bike model into the search engine and going page after page through the result. If you're too specific about what you are looking for often times the way search engines rank sites can work to your disadvantage. This is one of those times where a broad search works best. Here's a tip: bookmark each and every site that may be of interest. It is really easy to come across a cool custom bike part maker only to not be able to find them again.

Directories are your friends. I say that not just because I own one, but because they have already done the work for you. Hunt down sites that list custom bike part websites. This will save you countless hours of searching. On my site I list a lot of website that I have found in magazines, sites that you will never come across in regular search results because the search engines just don't know about them.

One of the best sources of custom parts is custom motorcycle builders themselves. Almost every custom bike builder makes custom parts that they sell direct. These are parts you are never going to find on those large motorcycle parts websites or even at your local bike rally. A great place to find parts if you're looking to have a unique bike. Do broad searches like "Custom Softtail" or "Custom V-star". You are bound to come across a bike builder who is making some of his own parts.

eBay is a great source of custom motorcycle parts at discount prices but be wary. Many sellers are selling parts that look similar to the ones you have seen on other more expensive websites but may be of a seriously inferior quality. I have had much success on Ebay both buying and selling slightly used as well as new parts. Often time guys will customize a bike but a few hundred or thousand miles on it and then completely change the theme and resell the parts they no longer need. You can pick up exhausts and chrome covers for half of retail here.

One last thought: if you can't find exactly what you're looking for wait a little while and try searching for it again rather than settle for something close. Many times I have come across exactly what I wanted right after buying something else that was close. After all it's your custom motorcycle, why should you settle for less than perfection?

How to Pick Good Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

By Victor Epand

You may know that you need certain motorcycle parts for your bike. You just may not get how you are supposed to pick out the good ones from the bad ones. What should you look for? Who's reliable?

When you are starting your search for your motorcycle parts you may figure that everyone everywhere has the same kind of parts and that you can just go down the street and pick them up. That's the last thing that you really want to do.

When you go to a parts store for your motorcycle parts, you may think that the cheapest one is going to be the best for you. That can be true, but often times it's really not. You need to consider a couple of other things as well. Ask if there is a warranty on the motorcycle part that you need. You may have to pay more for it, but it's worth it in the long run if something happens with the motorcycle part that you bought.

Another thing to look for is what extras may be with it. The warranty is one of the most important things but you should also know what other things may come with the part that you pick. Does it come with a gasket or are you going to have to buy it separately? This can make the price more than what you may have initially thought when you started purchasing your motorcycle parts.

You can also get used motorcycle parts, but you will not have any kind of warranty that says that they will keep working or even work in the first place for you. This makes it a little iffy on whether you should purchase them, even if the price is right.

You really just need to take the time to look for the right motorcycle parts for what you are doing and you need to understand the questions that you should be asking before you buy them. This will help you to get the right part for your needs as well as getting it done right the first time. If you get a good quality motorcycle part for your bike, you won't have to change it out later. You want to have fun when you are riding your bike, not worry about the motorcycle parts that you put on it last week and whether they are going to stay in working condition.

Chrome Motorcycle Parts For Your Bike

2009-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

By Victor Epand

You have seen them, the people with the really shiny and great looking bike. You have always wondered how you can get a great looking bike kike that. The answer is simple, Chrome.

When you decide that you want your own motorcycle, you may not have the funds to go with a chrome body or even any chrome motorcycle parts as all. That's ok, because now you can add them to that drab looking bike.

A great option for adding chrome motorcycle parts to your ride is to take some of the accent pieces on your bike and simply buy them in a chrome finish. This will be an easy way to get a great looking bike without having to put out a tone of money in the end. You can add that great looking shine to the motorcycle and have it done in a weekend, if you want to. So it really is an easy thing to add.

If you are into really having a chrome finish on your motorcycle parts, then you may need to think about having the parts dipped. This can be done once the motorcycle has been stripped and the parts are ready to go. This may not be as easy as it sounds but if you are willing to take the time to work on it, you will have a great looking finish on your motorcycle.

Having your motorcycle parts dipped in the chrome finish is really a great way to get your bike to have that great shine. You should be careful because you may end up spending more money then you thought you would in the end. It will add up fast because of the cost of the chrome finish on your motorcycle parts so be careful when you go this route.

Putting chrome on your bike can be a hard thing to do but with the right motorcycle parts and the right chrome finish, it will look great. You will have a great and interesting ride when you go out for the first time because of the change in your bikes apparent and maybe even the way that you are probably driving it. You may get a new sense of pride from your bikes new look and that will change the way the you will end up driving it around the area that you live in or on your long trip.

Planning for Custom Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

By Aaron Leslie

Most bike owners want to add a personal stamp to their machines. After market motorcycle parts make this easy no matter what your technical skill is. However before slapping on custom chrome everywhere, you want to have a plan. You want your bike to have a consistent look and feel, not a patchwork appearance.

Design the entire bike

As you shop for custom motorcycle parts, you will find a piece here and there that speaks to you. It might be a set of motorcycle fenders or chrome motorcycle tanks or something else. If you just snatch up these parts and slap them on the bike then you may have a cool spot here and there, but the overall image will be weak.

Instead, use these individual parts as inspiration for an entire design. Think about how each piece compliments the other, how they fit the lines of your motorcycle, and how they match the image you want to relate. A unifying theme makes the whole bike greater than the sum of its parts and will lead to a custom creation that will turn heads.

You don't have to have a complete design plan at this point but you want some idea of your goal.

Now that you see the whole, look at the pieces

Once you have a design concept, start mentally taking the bike apart.

Start with the front end. Replacing the wheels or forks will create sweeping changes in the look of the bike, but smaller details like axle covers add subtlety that really separates you from the crowd.

Move your focus along the bike to the engine, the dominant feature of the machine. Chrome motorcycle parts like lifter block covers really draw the eye and tell everyone that you aren't riding a stock bike. Of course the engine is more than just pretty and there are many custom motorcycle parts that will improve performance.

The other important component in this area is the seat. Unless the bike is just for show, you want to consider your comfort. Options for seats and handlebars can make riding your motorcycle an even greater pleasure.

Now move along to the back end of the bike. Here again you have both functional and decorative choices. You can add bags for cargo capacity, a comfortable seat for a passenger, or you can strip off the function and chrome out the back end to leave a dazzling final impression.

Shop for the right parts

Once you have the design details down, it's just a matter of finding the right custom motorcycle parts to fit. The custom job doesn't have to cost more than the bike did, either. You can find discount motorcycle parts that are high quality additions to your street machine.

Take the time to make a plan so you will have a bike that is an extension of your true self, not an off-the-shelf carbon copy of every other one out there.

Custom Motorcycle Parts, The China Threat

2009-11-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

By Cyril Huze

We all know that after quite a few years of exuberance, our V-Twin after-market industry has slowed down and that at the same time, coincidence or not, Asia produced motorcycle parts have invaded our showrooms and found their place on our American motorcycles. In reaction to this invasion, Team America is the theme of a collective ad campaign regrouping major American manufacturers and running now in motorcycle magazines. It aims at convincing bikers to only purchase American Made Products.

If I agree with any endeavor supporting the economy of my country, I think that this campaign doesn’t address clearly enough a couple of essential points. First, let me ask you. What are the 2 main reasons why, as a biker, you buy an American motorcycle part? Probably because it is of superior quality, of its beautiful design and because deep inside it makes you feel good to own the genuine part (by the same token rewarding financially the original inventor/designer/manufacturer). In the copy of the Team America ads I didn’t see anywhere any justification given to buy American. Why? This campaign is signed by a group of the best American companies of our industry. So, why don’t they promote their creativity, their engineering as the main justifications of buying their products?

Let me tell you right away: I am in favor of free trade. The relative costs, benefits of free trade are debated since centuries by governments and trade groups. Nearly all economists support the proposition that free trade is a net gain to both trading partners and that the gains from free trade outweigh the losses. Practically it means that if there is a superior genuine foreign product at a reasonable price, I don’t feel guilty to buy it. Nor you. And it can be whatever you buy: motorcycle part, TV, car, etc. So, can an American manufacturer convince you to blindly buy its products because they are made in America? I don’t think so. The real issue affecting negatively most of us in the industry is not free trade, the fair competition from foreign corporations trying to outsmart us. It is the unfair competition from low cost labor Asian countries whose business is to steal our designs & engineering, repackaging everything in knock-off products to be sold back to our clients in the US.

Our industry is made of small corporations and craftsmen producing parts in very small quantities. The cost of research & development being the same whatever the final number of parts produced, our custom parts are expensive and at the same time are always on the lower end of profitability. And I don’t think it will change soon. Almost none of us have the financial means and time to apply for a US patent, which anyway would not protect us from copies produced abroad. As a custom builder, I know (and I experienced) that it will take only 3 to 6 months for a foreign corporation to copy and market back here poor copies of my own parts at 25% of my manufacturing cost. Even more disappointing is the fact that a large number of foreign born knock-off parts are marketed through US catalogs belonging to US corporations.

As I stated before, I am against protectionism, tariff barriers and taxes. I favor competition in the frame of fair trade. I believe in the system of hard work & merit. Since there is no way that we can avoid cheap and poor manufactured copies of our parts, the only solution to help and protect our V-Twin industry is education, education, education of our clients. But it seems to me that the V-Twin industry acts more as a group than as a team. Everybody is whining but very few are acting. And a group in itself does not necessarily constitute a team linked in the same purpose. We must all act daily and individually with our clients to explain the reasons why to buy our genuine products.

It must not be so difficult to explain to bikers that motorcycles being dangerous by nature, it is never wise to equip them with unreliable mechanical components and with unfit and poorly designed accessories, which at the end of the day will cost much more than the original parts. All well known Custom Builders are having a large fans base. So it must not be too difficult when we meet our admirers to tell them that if they love so much our bikes they should reward the original designers by buying parts from them. Since we are never going to become the cheapest producer of motorcycle parts, at least we can demonstrate that we provide top design, engineering, and manufacturing skills for a very good value. In addition, we provide assistance for installation and services after sales. Nobody is going to support Team America only because it is called Team America. Bikers will support us only because we remind them and demonstrate that without us there is no more innovation, creativity and technological progress to benefit their bikes and their lifestyle. Maybe the next collective ad campaign should be on a more practical theme. For example: “Why And How To Support Your America Team”.

Where to Find Cheap Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

By B Travis

These days there are lots of motorcycle being sold for a very minimal amount. This is the reason why more people are acquiring one. They get to purchase brand new motorbikes for a very affordable price. Owning a motorbike these days can be very efficient especially now that traffic is extremely daunting and transportation fare is very high. But where do you go when suddenly a part is torn and deeply damaged? You may know that the need to replace your motorbike part but you don't know where to find the cheapest yet functional and durable.

Used motorcycle parts are said to be efficient especially now that life is really tough. There are lots of bad feedbacks regarding used motorcycle parts or the 2nd hand, surplus items. They are not garbage or wastes, most of these parts came from working motorbikes that have been wrecked during accidents and since the parts are still working and in good condition, they owner opt to sell it for a lower price than not be able to make use of it anymore.

Salvage yard is one of the most sought after places when it comes to cheap used motorcycle parts. There is lots of it globally, you will never find a hard time looking for one. They are scattered everywhere. Whether it is engine, carburetor, gas tank, tire, chassis, bearing, battery and others, there is lots of it in used motorcycle parts shop; you will not find hard time in buying one. They are usually 50% less than the original price.

In finding the right motorcycle parts, you need to find a useful one. There are web based shops these days that offers the most inexpensive parts which you can still use as they are still in good running condition. Although, there are some really sites that sells even wrecked parts. You should always be on the lookout especially if you don't have any background in determining motorcycle parts. In buying used motorcycle parts, you need to determine the brand and others. It is important to take note of these details since they are essential when you make your purchases.

Through online motor shops, you will be able to inquire about their rates and you can negotiate easily. You will not be able to invest much time looking anywhere since internet is very accessible. If you are not at ease to buy in salvage shops, you can buy directly from used motor parts dealer. They are in depended companies that provides cheaper price than the manufacturers. You can also be on the lookout for auctions.

Online auctions are everywhere. They are very famous in providing you with an efficient and most economical offer. Although, these bidding sites have been associated with hackers, finding the most reliable and trustworthy website can be tough. You can seek for forums and reviews, they contain the actual testimonies and comments of people who had experienced using and buying used motorbike parts. These sites will surely be helpful to you.

OEM Versus Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts

2009-11-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

By Jim Buchanan

There are a lot of differing opinions in the discussion of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vs. Aftermarket motorcycle parts, when deciding what you need for your bike. One opinion that is frequently stated is that OEM parts are better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. This argument stems from the fact that if the company that made the motorcycle is also making the parts then the parts must be better for the bike than something that's made by someone else. Of course the most important part in the choice is what you, the buyer, are most comfortable with. Here's a quick comparison of the two types of parts.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts In order to reproduce a part for a motorcycle, the manufacturer must first apply for the rights to produce the part. The manufacturers then operate under stringent guidelines, and need to be very precise in their design and production. Well produced aftermarket motorcycle parts are sometimes hard to distinguish from the original parts. In fact manufacturers usually have the flexibility to actually improve on the design and quality of an original part, and aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts. A potential problem for riders who choose to use aftermarket parts is if they are installed by a technician that isn't certified, it may affect the warranty. OEM Motorcycle Parts An OEM part is theoretically made by the same manufacturer that produced the part for the original vehicle. However, this isn't always the case, as auto and motorcycle manufacturers many times don't make the parts themselves, but outsource the work to a separate company. Quality Aftermarket Parts There is a wide variety in the look and quality of aftermarket parts. The best ways for a consumer to gather information is to research manufacturers online, talk to parts dealers that they trust, read reviews, and become active in forums. Some of the more common users of aftermarket parts are:

Custom motorcycle builders often use aftermarket parts so they can put together bikes that have a unique design and look.

The wide variety of parts available makes it pretty easy for even a novice rider to take advantage of many customizable parts. People with bikes that are older may use aftermarket parts because the design or function of the part may be improved from the original version. Insurance companies frequently choose aftermarket parts to replaced damaged parts after an accident.

The bottom line when deciding between an OEM and an aftermarket part for your motorcycle is to familiarize yourself with the differences between the parts, and make a good decision based on your own needs.

Choosing a Honda Motorcycle Parts Dealer

2009-10-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

By Alice Mills

When it comes to maintaining the performance, quality and safety of your Honda motorcycle, sometimes you'll need to buy Honda motorcycle parts from a third-party dealer. A simple internet search can show you how easy it is to find a dealer of these parts, but some common sense can help you choose which one to buy your parts from.

As you choose a Honda parts dealer, ask these questions of the websites and dealerships you come across in your search.

1. Does this dealer also sell Honda motorcycles?

Before you begin shopping, learn whether or not the dealer has any experience handling whole bikes. A source that sell whole bikes in addition to motorcycle parts is more likely to understand the importance of each part to the performance of the motorcycle. Also, established motorcycle dealerships are often safer to shop with than a possibly-fraudulent online storefront and will more consistently be available to help you troubleshoot and install your parts or answer any questions you have.

2. Can I call the dealer for help with my order?

One of the best ways to avoid buying from fraudulent or uninformed online dealer is to check the site for a telephone number. As a customer and bike owner, your Honda motorcycle parts should be purchased from an online store that you can interact with, ask questions of and be sure is safe. Check for a phone number and give it a call with any questions you may have about the part you're buying.

3. Does this site offer bike-specific parts?

A really handy tool for any motorcycle enthusiast looking to buy parts is a customizable store. Look for an online store that you can customize to fit your bike. For example, if you have a Honda ST1300, the site should be able to help you easily find Honda motorcycle parts for ST1300 bikes. If you can't quickly and easily find the part you're looking for or determine if it's the correct model, chances are, it is difficult to know if you will be getting the part you really need.

4. Will I be able to buy a wide variety of parts and accessories from this dealer?

Before you settle on a Honda motorcycle parts dealer, it's worth quickly browsing through their selection of other parts and accessories. If you enjoy shopping with the dealer, you will want to know what else they offer in the future. If their inventory includes a large selection of products, it will be more convenient to order parts in the future using an already established account or combine orders for better shipping prices.

Considering these four factors in choosing a Honda motorcycle parts dealer can help you have a safe, satisfying online shopping experience.

Custom Motorcycles - Custom Motorcycle Parts

2009-10-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

By Ryan Tessevich

Custom motorcycles have come a long way in the past several decades or so. In the Fifties and Sixties, if you wanted a chopper, you bought a stock Harley or Indian motorcycle and then proceeded to chop off anything that was deemed unnecessary. You would chop off the fenders, replace the seat, drag out the front wheel, and perhaps weld on some massive ape hanger handlebars. Custom bikes were the domain of the back yard mechanics and the rebel bikers.

As the bike culture progressed and the modern biker with a nine to five day job emerged the custom bike industry progressed. Top line designers began making customized bikes for anyone with an expendable income and the bikes began to be built and designed from the ground up in lieu of coming from stock parts. For the amateur bike builder, however there is still away to relive the glory days when choppers were built in backyards and garages. Custom motorcycle parts are readily available to anyone who dares to try to put together their own bike.

The easiest place to find custom motorcycle parts is online. There are quite a number of websites that offer everything for custom motorcycles, from complete kits to individual parts like wheels, frames, gas tanks, and engines. If you are mechanically inclined and know what you want in a bike than this is a good way to obtain all of your custom motorcycle parts.

If you do not want to shop around for individual parts, but still want to build a cool bike than getting a complete custom motorcycle kit might be a good idea. These kits provide every part needed to make a pretty cool, pre-designed bike and even come with instructions on how to put it together. It could even save you money to build a bike from a kit rather than piecing on together from separately obtained parts.

But, if you feel like putting together a bike from a box is too much akin to model airplane building model airplanes than feel free to go out there and shop around for individual parts that you can put together to make a truly unique bike. A good site that offers lots of individual parts for your custom motorcycle is Steel thunder Custom Cycles. This site offers everything from complete kits to listed parts and is willing to ship anywhere in the continental United States.

If you think computers are for nerdy types, or are paranoid of online shopping, than you could go check out a bike rally to find custom motorcycle parts. Bike Rallies are held pretty much in every state and most will have area dedicated to vendors who will be happy to hock their wares to you.

Learning How To Haul Your Motorcycle Parts

2009-10-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

By Victor Epand

Once you get your motorcycle and get it home, you may wonder how you are going to be able to haul any motorcycle parts with you that you may need. This is not an odd question at all. Really though how are you going to do it?

This has been the problem of many motorcycle riders and there is a solution to their problem if they are willing to look at it and find that options that are in front of them. You can always come up with new and inventive ways to haul your parts if you are a creative person. This is not going to be the end of your motorcycle riding, if you can't find a good way to haul these parts around your area or around the country.

The best thing may be a small pull behind trailer. These are made for parts or for things that a person may take with them on long motorcycle rides. You can get them in many different colors as well as looks. They are normally very small so that they don't pull on the motorcycle to hard and cause any damage to it. You will be able to find these great little trailers at your local motorcycle parts stores and at the dealers that may be in the area that you live in.

The other option is to use your saddlebags for carrying smaller tools that you may need as well as motorcycle parts that you may need on your trip. If you are not sure what ones to get, you can look around at the motorcycle parts store fro ideas and tricks to help you with them.

If you get caught out in the world without these parts, you may find that you are stuck walking instead of riding like you really will want to. Take some time to find the right way to haul your motorcycle parts so that you won't be that person and will be able to get your bike up and running again in the long run. It's really very easy to let it slip by until you realize that you should have done it and need the help now. Finding the right way to haul your motorcycle parts can be as easy as going down the street to your local motorcycle parts dealer and taking a look around the place.

Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

2009-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

By Sarah Freeland

Owning a motorcycle can be a dream come true. They offer you freedom, excitement and affordable travel. In addition to being a great recreational vehicle they can also be an affordable commuting option. Motorcycles are inexpensive to drive because they don’t use very much gas and because they don’t require a lot of upkeep. However, to improve the quality of ride that your motorcycle delivers, to extend the life of your bike and to reduce the maintenance and repair costs associated with owning your motorcycle, you may want to invest time in learning how to replace, install and upgrade motorcycle parts and accessories by yourself.

There are several types of motorcycle parts and accessories that most motorcycle owners shop for on a fairly regular basis. The most common parts shopped for are those parts that deal with lubrication and friction reduction. These parts include oil filters, pumps and air filters.

Tires and wheel rims are two other motorcycle parts that most motorcycle owners shop for. Upgrading or replacing your motorcycle’s tires and rims can be a quick way to improve the look of your bike and to improve the smoothness of its ride. They can also be a great way to transform a bike from a street bike to a track bike, or from a street bike to a touring bike.

In addition to motorcycle parts, hardcore motorcycle gearheads also spend a lot of time and money shopping for motorcycle accessories. These accessories can either be for their bikes or for outfitting themselves. Accessories that are designed for outfitting bikes include bike covers and saddlebags. Accessories that are designed for outfitting the rider include helmets, caps, apparel and motorcycle gloves.

Save Money on Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

By Ma. Carla Ballatan

For every motorcycle enthusiast, it is indeed very taxing to maintain bikes as good as new – its engine running and all its other parts functioning. We know for a fact that it’s not only for the sake of transportation but also for a little satisfaction of our vanity – seeing everyone admire us, atop an excellent piece of machine. Like any road going vehicle, a motorcycle's performance is based on the smooth running of thousands of parts, large and small. It is a nuisance indeed to find some faulty parts on a vehicle and prevent owners from enjoying its full use.

Broken parts on a motorcycle can spell tragedy for its driver and extensive damage to the machine. In a motorcycle, the safety and security provided by a four wheel vehicle on each corner doesn't exist as such, when its rear wheel locks up at 70 mph it could skid out of control and throw its rider. What’s more heartbreaking is to know that the cause of the accident is because of a broken part.

The best solution is to always have a replacement part handy in order to have extra parts for those which have been damaged or lost. Having ample budget for this would, however run risks for your pocket. If you do not have sufficient budget to afford the high costs of brand new replacement parts but afraid of scratching around for used motorcycle parts from questionable origins and warranty, don’t fret. There’s still a way for you to save money by buying used motorcycle parts and prevent you from living your worst nightmare.

Yes, indeed! Buying used motorcycle parts are a great way for you to save money and keep your bike going splendidly. There are just some pointers or guidelines for you to remember once you have decided that your budget leaves you little choice between brand new and used motorcycle parts. By following several general guidelines, you could still acquire used motorcycle parts that are in tip top shape, good condition and will not be the cause of your bike getting torn apart.

First of all, when scouting for used motorcycle parts, especially online, make a point to double – check, there are things to look out for, consider and avoid. Don’t ever miss out on crucial details, like, how old can the used part be? How compatible will it be to your bike’s model and make? Next, it is understandable to be skeptical, after all, the World Wide Web is full of BS and scams. You have to be careful to avoid those who make stupid claims that expect you to believe them. It is but your right to verify and countercheck the validity of everything that they are offering you and once you have placed an order, as much as possible, give certain conditions for your purchase. Something that may go like, they will have to show you if the purchased part functions upon getting secured on your bike. You could also inquire for warranty periods.

There are ways to save your money and still get above-average used motorcycle parts. Just be wise enough once you decide to be practical and economical.

Lala C. Ballatan is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.

Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.

Learning How To Find Racing Motorcycle Parts

2009-10-14T23:57:00.000-07:00

By Victor Epand

So you have been riding your motorcycle for many years and now think you have the guts and experience to start racing them. How should you do it? What parts will you need?

When you decide that you want to start racing your motorcycle for fun or profit, you may not know what you will need and what kinds of motorcycle parts you will want to consider for your motorcycle and the race that you are getting to. This is not as hard as you may think and you can get the right parts for the race.

So you are going to the races for the first time. What have you done to your bike? If your smart you will have made the bike as light as you can. This is so that you are able to get the most out of the engine and motorcycle parts that you have gotten on the bike. Once you have done that you are halfway there.

The nest thing that you have probably done is to get your engine as tuned up as you can so that it goes fast. This may be from the motorcycle parts that you decided to use for your bike as well as how you have tuned it in the first place. When you use the right motorcycle parts, you will have plenty of power to work with.

The best place to get motorcycle parts for bike is on the Internet. This is because there are many companies that offer motorcycle parts that will help make your bike go faster. You will have to pay for it and this could be a huge amount of money if you are not ready for it. When you look around for your motorcycle parts, you may get lucky enough to find the parts that you need for a little lower price then you may have thought.

Takes some time and find the right motorcycle parts for your bike so that you will have the best race possible. You may not know what parts are really all that good for your bike. If you are not sure about what to use, then you may want to consider hiring a person that can help you figure it out and get the right parts the first time. This will help you to save money in the long run and you will win the race the first time.

Motorcycle Parts - OEM Or Aftermarket?

2009-10-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Levy

This is always a difficult one to answer when shopping for motorcycle parts and I firmly believe that each one of us must decide what's best for our bikes AFTER carefully evaluating each of the possibilities.

For me?

Well... it really depends on what I am looking for - just replacement or improvement - , the availability of the part, my budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, others aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Keep reading. You will find some views that will hopefully help you decide the next time you shop for motorcycle parts.

What a heck are OEM parts?

OEM parts stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which not necessarily mean the OM (Original Manufacturer) actually produced them. You know, many motorcycle and automobile manufacturers don't manufacture each of the parts used in their vehicles. They frequently have the parts designed and manufactured by outside independent companies and then, install them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold as OEM parts!

Good to know when buying OEM Motorcycle Parts:

When you buy OEM Motorcycle Parts you are buying the exact same original part the manufacturer used to build your motorcycle, that means:

>> Same performance as the part installed in your motorcycle right now. The part won't be better nor worse than the original part you want to replace.

>> Normally OEM parts a more (in some cases MUCH more) expensive than aftermarket parts.

>> Motorcycle and car agencies clerks will normally tell you OEM Parts are higher quality and the best option for replacements. Is this true? Well sometimes it is, sometimes it's not.

>> Normally after a certain period of time, the manufacturer will allow the company that originally designed/produced the part to sell it in their own box at a considerably lower cost, making it: an Aftermarket OEM part! :-)

>> BE CAREFUL if your bike is still in its guarantee period make sure you use only OEM parts and have them installed by authorized mechanics. If you don't do so, you will probably void the guarantee.

What about Aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket parts should perform as well as OEM parts but are produced by companies other than the original manufacturer(s).

Things to know when buying Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

>> MAKE SURE YOUR GUARANTEE PERIOD IS OVER. In many cases, you can VOID your guarantee if you have an aftermarket part installed by an unauthorized mechanic in your machine. I know I said it before, but it's worth repeating; I happened to me! :-(

>> Equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are normally cheaper than OEM parts. Sometimes up to 70% cheaper!

>> Aftermarket parts can have lower,the same or higher quality than the original.

>> When buying aftermarket parts make sure you are getting AT LEAST the same quality as the OEM part. If possible try to get some reviews about brands and performance. You can do it in the Internet, with your favorite mechanic or with fellow riders.

>> If you are looking for high performance parts and devices, you know the kind: carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum parts and gizmos, well you will probably find them as aftermarket motorcycle parts.

OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts, sooner or later you will be shopping for them...

Enjoy the ride!

Used BMW Motorcycle Parts - How to Choose Piece by Piece

2009-10-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

By Frank Strider

The first motorcycles were in fact just simply motorized bicycles that had engines attached to bike frames. Over the years they have developed into very complicated machines. Technology was put to work to increase control, fuel economy, speed and comfort. If you have a BMW motorcycle and you own the bike for an extended period of time, you are, at some point, going to need BMW motorcycle parts. You can buy new parts but second hand motorcycle parts are often just as good and are available at a much better price. All separate components have their own purposes, but they depend on the other parts around them.

A Small Lesson in Motorcycle Anatomy

The motorcycle chassis

This is one of the most important motorcycle parts. It includes the frame, suspension and front forks. The frame is typically made from welded steel or aluminum struts with the rear suspension included as an integral component. Expensive frames can even be constructed from carbon fiber or titanium. The frame includes the head tube that holds the pivoting front fork.

Suspension

The front suspension is often built into the front fork, but the rear suspension is optional. Chopper motorcycles usually forgo the rear suspension and use a rigid frame instead. The rear suspension can consist of several arrangements, including dual shocks, traditional mono-shock suspensions or soft-tail style suspensions. The front fork holds the front wheel and allows the rider to steer. Of all the motorcycle parts, the front fork is the most critical part for steering.

Other motorcycle parts

- the engine (vertical single, vertical twin, V-twin, opposed twin, in-line triple and in-line four)
- transmission (five or six forward gears, reverse gear)
- tires
- brakes (drum or disc based, with disc brakes being the most common on larger motorcycles)
- final drive (chain drive, belt drives or shaft drive)
- instruments (Speedometers, odometers, tachometers and fuel gauges)

There are special companies that deal only in new or used BMW motorcycle parts, they are solely focused on the BMW brand. This means that if you are looking for a special part you will have a very good change these kind of companies can help you. They often have new and used parts off the shelf what means they can deliver quick and at a good price.

Buying At Motorcycle salvage yards

A real good option if you really want to save as much money as possible are motorcycle salvage yards. There are many of these businesses around the world, but the best will be you local salvage yard. If they know you and know what you are looking for , they can contact you if they have the motorcycle parts they think will fit your bike.

Just remember that if you are buying used parts you will need to put a bit more effort into checking the parts before you buy them. You need to make sure a part is not damaged or deformed. But if you put just that little bit of time and effort into looking for the right used BMW motorcycle parts you should be able to find just what you need, and for a great price.

Motorcycle Parts Touch Time

2009-10-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

By Maricon Williams

TOUCH TIME! Yeah! Its touch time once again. It’s the time to polish maintain and accessorize our bikes. This is the moment when we can have quality maintenance and repair time with our bikes. We’ve got to feel the mean and affable machine up close..

To lay our very hands to our loyal companion make us certain that the motorcycle parts are great and in good shape. It makes us secure and confident of our every ride.

Motorcycle parts play a critical role in the motorcycle’s performance and safety. It does not make sense if you try to save a few bucks on cheap motorcycle parts in lieu of an accident. The savings is not that valuable compared to your life. Thus, you must purchase the best quality motorcycle parts at your most trusted motorcycle parts store.

There are several reasons why you have to select the best quality motorcycle parts. So do not be tightfisted in buying motorcycle parts. They can save you from an otherwise complicated and terrible ride.

The best choice of motorcycle parts are those of OEM parts. They are same as those originally attached to your bike. However, if you want to deviate from the ordinary, aftermarket motorcycle parts can be resorted to. Aftermarket parts are those that you can utilize when you customize your bike to achieve a more stylish and unique look. Some of these parts have same quality as OEM parts. However, there are also some that are of lesser quality. Be careful with your choices. They can harm you and your bike if you mishandled them.

OEM motorcycle parts feel and look different than aftermarket parts. Taken in that perspective we can form query like - do they perform differently? Well, the answer goes back to their level of quality. Quality motorcycle parts perform excellently. On the other hand, in so-so parts expect a lesser quality performance. Thus, if you want to have a unique and stylish motorcycle look, be meticulous about the quality. Next to quality, you can now consider the price.

In ordering motorcycle parts and accessories, make sure that you order the right ones. Better yet, just visit your motorcycle parts store to personally throw queries and examine the parts. That way you can be sure of its quality plus the chance of being enlightened.

As a passionate rider, you must spend necessary touch time to make sure everything is exactly what it is expected to be! Then you can expect a fine performance.

How To Evaluate Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-10-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

By Travis V Edwards

It is always advisable to go for used motorcycle parts than to try using fresh parts always. A large number of options are available on where to buy used motorcycle parts from. It is human tendency to buy a product with its first experience. Various shops sell used motorcycle parts after polishing and painting it properly. Such a thought will turn out to be false only in the future after some use of the used motorcycle parts in your bike. Without going for a single opinion, get the suggestion of someone who knows about the product well.

Try to check the used motorcycle parts in the light of torch. When buying the product in dark, you might feel that it is shining which will be the extra touch up given by the seller. Analyze all sides of used motorcycle parts properly, with fingers before going to buy used motorcycle parts. You can feel any crashes or cracks on the product when you touch it with your hand. There can be scratches or bents on the used motorcycle parts which will be invisible to naked eyes, but can be known with finger touch.

Ask for the age of the used motorcycle parts that you are going to buy. Even though age is not a limiting factor that determines the quality of the product, you can have a general idea of how much quality to be expected from it. There are products that will be extremely good in quality even after years of first use. A second thought is not needed in such cases. You will have to think properly if you are not satisfied with the long use of the product. This is because every part has some maximum age limit to which it can be used.

The used motorcycle parts you are looking for should be bike specific. For this to understand you will have to look in detail. A careful analyzes and the knowledge you have about used motorcycle parts will surely help you to take a decision. Even if the seller claims that it can substitute the one you are looking for, make sure that he is right.

Most importantly, the evaluation of each product will have the product related criteria to be checked. After making general checkup, understand the things you have to check in the particular product and ensure if this is satisfied. Used motorcycle parts can be specific when it comes to fitting and appearance. Ensure that wear and tear has not damaged it fully. If it is seat, make sure that prolonged use has not damaged its interiors. So a product specific check up is essential.

Though external appearance is not an evaluation criterion, it has some importance when buying used motorcycle parts. A little common sense is essential while buying used motorcycle parts. Along with the common sense, you must have some basic idea about the bike as a whole and about each part in specific. Buying used motorcycle parts might consume much time sometimes. In such cases, never make a hasty decision and end up in problem.

Reviews On Used Motorcycle Parts

2009-09-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

By Travis V Edwards

It is only when your motorcycle is damaged that you might be thinking of the cost of repair. This will put you in trouble when you are in immediate need of motorcycle parts. At this point, you can go for used motorcycle parts. They are easily available and will be extremely cheap that you can afford easily.

Used motorcycle parts can be bought easily from any of the shops that you trust greatly. If you are in a confusion of which shop to go for, reviews on used motorcycle parts will help you to take a decision. The reviews generally analyze various issues concerning the used motorcycle parts.

When you are looking for reviews, you will come to know about the rate of used motorcycle parts. You can search for any product and you will get the details of the prices. The price that is common in the international market will be given in the reviews. The rate of the used motorcycle parts in various shops located in various parts of the world will be given. A comparison of the used motorcycle rates in each online shop will be given in the website as reviews.

The quality of the used motorcycle parts in each shop will be given in the reviews. Since used motorcycle parts can be of varying quality, there are chances that you get the worst quality in some shops. When you start using the part, it will be damaged easily. To avoid this risk, you can go through the reviews prior to buying used motorcycle parts and arrive at a conclusion of whether to buy the product from the particular shop.

The reviews will be taking into consideration various other issues concerning the used motorcycle parts including the tips and tactics to buy the best product. Various points have to be noted before going for buying used motorcycle parts. Those who have no clear idea about this will end up in trouble. The reviews will have posts which will give the beginner an idea of how to deal in the market of used motorcycle parts.

Customer reviews on used motorcycle parts in various shops is another entry in the reviews. They will be analyzing the use of used motorcycle parts, their advantages etc. they will give suggestions and information that will be of use to other customers. Since such reviews are from the experienced users, they are reliable and will be helpful to customers. Customers can use the information on the shops as suggested by other customer reviews to buy motorcycle parts.

A large number of reviews that will be helpful to customers who want to buy used motorcycle parts are found in internet. The information is easily accessible by simply visiting the website. Since parts are bought by a large number of people, these reviews have large number of visitors as well. Though there are a number of reviews online, always look for the reviews that are visited by a large number of customers. Those visitors turn out to be the customers of various shops online.

OEM Parts - OEM Honda Motorcycle Parts For Your Bike Project

2009-09-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

By Travis Walter

I remember my first motorcycle. Well, technically my second, but the first one was just a little 80cc dirt I had as a kid. So let me start over. I remember my first street motorcycle. It was a gift from my grandfather. The motorcycle had sat in his garage for years and years and was practically disintegrating into the concrete floor, many of the parts were rusting away. The motorcycle was a 1966 Honda Scrambler 305 (CL77). I remember seeing it sitting there when I was a kid and even taking a picture sitting on it with my two brothers. I had fond memories of that motorcycle. I always wanted a motorcycle which is why I would sometimes ask my grandparents about it. Then before I knew it, it was mine. The title was signed over and I had my first classic Honda motorcycle. The only problem was that it didn't run...

I had never worked on a motorcycle before then and so was a little intimidated. But wanting to learn and being curious how it all worked I eventually began taking it apart, piece by piece. Most of the part on the motorcycle I had no idea what they did or what they were called. But slowly I got through it, learning more here and there. I went so far that I even dissembled the entire transmission. I had the gears out and everything, talk about jumping right in.

Many parts on the motorcycle needed replacement. I had a very difficult time finding OEM parts for such and old bike. There just weren't many parts available for it, at least not where I was looking. For those of you wondering, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Basically, the original parts. I looked around at some Honda dealerships but even their old stock of parts was extremely limited. For many of the parts that I couldn't find an OEM part for I actually ended up either getting some custom made or just fabricating it on my own.

It was after that first encounter with rebuilding a motorcycle that I learned having that having great resources for finding hard to find parts is more than invaluable. It can save you so much time and frustration from searching countless stores, junk yards, other web sites. I really wish I knew about bikebandit.com back then.

Like I said, what I really could have used at that time was a place like bikebandit.com. This online store has such a huge selection of OEM parts for Honda motorcycles. and other bikes and toys, that it's almost hard to believe. It's like they went around and bought up all the OEM Honda motorcycle parts in existence. This online store really is an irreplaceable resource for anyone rebuilding a Honda or other motorcycle from the ground up, or even just replacing a few parts.

Just a quick browsing of their tremendous online catalog, lets see what I can find.
Honda - OEM Parts > 1966 > CL77 (See, they list my specific motorcycle).
Left crankcase cover, right crankcase cover, frame? (are you serious), front wheel, muffler, points, tail light. I'm just grabbing random parts that they have available. In fact it looks like I could probably build an entire motorcycle just from their parts if I wanted to. Now that is impressive!

If you're looking for an original OEM part for your Honda motorcycle, or if you're looking for an original OEM part for your non Honda motorcycle I really must insist that you head on over to bikbandit.com to find exactly what you're looking for. Bikebandit.com is the web's largest power sports store and actually has OVER 7 MILLION POWER SPORTS PARTS AND ACCESSORIES. With everything from carburetors to clutch plates bikebandit.com is the best resource for OEM Honda Motorcycle Parts that I have seen.

Why Should You Prefer Used Motorcycle Parts?

2009-09-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

By Travis V Edwards

When motorcycle parts are damaged, we will have to pay a lot towards getting it repaired. The rate of motorcycle parts will be so high that we will not be able to afford it. When things are got done, we will be fed up of the rate closing to the motorcycle's current value that we paid towards it. It is here that we can go for used motorcycle parts for repairing them.

When using used motorcycle parts in the place of new parts from company, there are various advantages. The biggest advantage is the low rate incurred for the used motorcycle parts. The fresh products directly from the company will be expensive and using it for repairing will finally make the repair charge too high. When it is used motorcycle parts, the rate will be far less as compared to the original product.

Another great advantage is the quality of used motorcycle parts. It is a false concept that used parts of motorcycles will be poor in quality. Used motorcycle parts will be used before and will have acquired the strength to move on any kind of road. The smoothness of most of the motorcycle parts are attained through usage for days. There are parts which are best once they are used when compared to a fresh part from store.

Used motorcycle parts have another great advantage over fresh parts that, they are easy to get. There are a few products which are taken away from the market by the manufacturer after a few years of the launch of the vehicle. In such cases, when the part is damaged, repairing will be extremely difficult. When you can search for used motorcycle parts for the part, it will be easy to get from other users who have it or from vehicles that are damaged due to other problems and can't be used again.

Another reason why you can prefer used motorcycle parts for fresh parts is that your motorcycle might have been used for long time. All other parts of the vehicle are used for years. Now the total value of the vehicle is depreciated. So when you are trying to sell it, the value you can get is less. At this point, when you are using fresh parts, you will have to accept the fact that the value of the fresh parts is greater than the total value of the motorcycle. In the same place, the value of used motorcycle parts is reasonable.

There are a large number of sources which sell used motorcycle parts. Customers can go to the website and look for the used motorcycle parts and select the particular product that they are looking for. The reviews of the websites will help them to get the best used motorcycle parts.

Though there are various websites selling used motorcycle parts, all of them are not good in quality. It will be better to search the websites and get the best product in the market before going blindly for the used motorcycle parts selling website.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts or OEM Parts?

2009-09-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

By Christine Harrell

Contrary to what many believe, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motorcycle parts are not inherently better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. Like any product in a dynamic marketplace, aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturers often find a way to improve upon the performance or the look of the part. A comparison of the two types of parts is often contrary to what many people assume.

OEM Motorcycle Parts:

An OEM part is part made by the same company that made the part for the original vehicle. Oftentimes, auto and motorcycle manufacturers don’t make the parts themselves, but contract the job to a manufacturing company. A comparison of the two different types of parts shows the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

The manufactures of aftermarket motorcycle parts must apply for the rights to reproduce a part. Aftermarket motorcycle parts manufactures operate under strict guidelines and by nature of their profession must be absolutely precise in their design.

Good aftermarket motorcycle parts often can’t be distinguished from the original. Additionally, manufacturers of aftermarket motorcycle parts have the flexibility to improve upon the design and the quality. Normally, aftermarket motorcycle parts are sold for much less than OEM parts. The possible downside to using aftermarket parts is, that if installed by a non-certified technician, could impact the warranty.

Finding Quality Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

Different company’s aftermarket motorcycle parts will differ in look and quality. Your best bet is to find a highly reputable aftermarket motorcycle parts dealer who is in the know about all of the latest parts and manufacturers and who only offers the best quality after market motorcycle parts.

Who Uses Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

Those who build custom motorcycles use aftermarket parts to build bikes with fresh new designs and unique looks. Those with older model bikes often choose aftermarket motorcycle parts because parts for older models have often greatly improved since the original part was manufactured.

Insurance companies almost consistently choose identical aftermarket motorcycle parts to replace damaged bikes after an accident. When the price is cheaper and the quality is as good, if not better than the original, it makes sense to use aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Custom Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:

Aftermarket motorcycle parts are essential for customized bikes. Aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, handlebars, frames, foot pegs, mirrors, etc. offer a great number of options in terms of customization. The wide variety of aftermarket motorcycle parts available today makes it easy to create an original looking bike.

There are lots of after market motorcycle parts to make fixing or customizing your bike inexpensive and simple. Before forking out too much cash on a comparable part, take stock of your aftermarket options.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Motorcycle Review

2009-09-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R. Riding position, styling, performance, handling, reputation no other two-wheeler gives the same overwhelming sensation of endless, immeasurable, gushing speed.

And Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R's engine that stands proud: a monumental engineering gem that seamlessly blends manners and usability with enough ludicrous, undiluted performance to scramble your brain by halfway through the six clean-shifting gears. Third does everything: from mindless dawdling round town at 30mph, eyeing up yummy mummies to indicating 60mph at the test track and smearing the landscape into a three-year-old's painting. Pointless? Definitely. But fantastically life-affirming a neat shot of the gloriously outrageous in our cotton wool world.

There's such a deluge of drive even the ZZR feels lacking and the BMW peaky and harsh next to Suzuki's transcendent long-stroke might. Power-to-weight wise it's behind a GSX-R1000 or Fireblade but with vast torque anywhere in the rev range nothing gets near its fluid, instant clout. Clever, and I get the theory behind capping the stupendous torque in tricky conditions. But in C-mode on a chilly, wet morning I just end up using bigger throttle openings to get the drive I want. The engine's so civilised I'm happier in full-fat A-mode, where it delivers exactly what I expect.

Even the riding position is a subtle reminder of Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R befuddling speed. With the view over the low screen and enveloping fairing, there's no mistaking the potential.
Both ZZR and BMW sit you higher, with narrower bars that are easier to push and tug. They feel sportier, more modern. Both feel lighter than the Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R as well, the Kawasaki particularly being more nimble at low speed. The 1400 has a better chassis for our wriggling B-road route, too, remaining level and unruffled over imperfections and fast sections that make the Busa squat and squirm. Open A-roads are friendlier terrain. The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R floats with graceful violence; better damped than the Kawasaki and shaking off the BMW with the lightest touch. It's point-and-squirt king. Motorways are equally stress free, with only a low screen to moan about. Gadget nerds might grumble at the lack of trip gizmos on the superb clocks, but there's a fuel gauge and you don't really miss the additional info.

But such peripheral details don't matter. It's a Hayabusa. It doesn't handle as lightly as the ZZR, doesn't have the handy gizmos of the BMW, and is wasted at legal speeds. Buy the Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R.

A. 2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000
The GSX-R1000, also known as the Gixxer, is a legend in the Suzuki lineup. The engine is liquid cooled with dual overhead cams and 16 valves, helping to increase the power of this beast. Suzuki features their Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) on this model to aid in the fuel-injection, making their fuel system compact and efficient.

The 2008 Gixxer sounds great in part from the Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES), featuring aluminum/titanium mufflers located on both sides of the bike, with pipes of equal length that run under the engine. With Suzuki you would expect a cutting-edge chassis, and they deliver in spades! The five-casting, twin-spar frame, is lightweight and durable, offering flawless performance! Suzuki also boasts a rigid aluminum-alloy swingarm that pivots for better traction and performance. The front suspension is race-ready with an inverted telescopic design, featuring coil springs, and is fully adjustable. The rear suspension is a link-type, gas/oil set-up. The 2008 model is available in Blue/White, Black/Gold, and White/Silver.

The Suzuki Hayabusa is the flagship motorcycle of this company, but the GSX-R1000 is an ample and nasty little brother to it. In typical Suzuki fashion, the GSX-R1000's acceleration is swift and the handling is track-ready.

B. 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
The nasty-fast 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa just got badder! The Hayabusa, along with the Kawasaki ZX-14, have been regarded as the fastest production motorcycles in the world. Now Suzuki claims to stand alone at the top as the fastest motorcycle in production today. New titanium valves, a refined fuel injection, and chrome-moly connecting rods take this bike to a new level of performance. This ride is stunning at 110 foot-pounds of torque and will run through the 1/4 mile in less than 10 seconds!

The Hayabusa first hit the showroom floor in 1999 to raves and criticism. The critics viewed the styling as offensive, calling the design too aerodynamic, and even goofy looking. It has a long sleek design that some critics stated that it went against the grain of standard design. Suzuki gets the last laugh after producing the fastest production motorcycle on the planet! A caution to new riders. If you plan to go out and purchase this bike, you need to be extremely careful, this bike is nasty-fast, and if you're not careful, this motorcycle will throw you like a bucking bronco. If you bought the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa, congratulations, and happy riding!

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Boots For You

2009-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right Motorcycle Boot for you.
Like so many things when it comes to motorcycle apparel and gear these days, motorcycle boots are being produced by so many manufacturers its hard to pick one. You can get a cheap motorcycle boots for under a hundred bucks these days. Most have reinforced stitching, ankle protection and a shifter pad as well as a non slip type sole. If you are looking for a quality boot or shoe there are several manufacturers with a good track record to choose from. Alpinestars, AGV Sport, Double H and Icon are most of the more popular brands currently available. I have a pair of AGV Sport motorcycle boots that have lasted 8 years.

Picking a motorcycle boot really depends on you. Double H makes an engineer boot which is a perfect nostalgic looking motorcycle boot or the Jump boot which also has a classic look. I find that people that rider cruisers tend to lean towards those styles, since they fit that sort of bike as well as the gear that goes with riding a cruiser. Motorcycle Boots and Shoes for riders of sport bikes are quite abundant. Icon AGV and Alpinestars all make quality motorcycle boots that are tough enough to even wear on track days depending on the one you decide to wear.

Most of these boots come with toe sliders, ankle support, shin and ankle protection as well as high impact materials that are integrated in to the boot in case of a crash. These boots are usually made for more aggressive riding there fore you will find more safety features designed to protect your feet from the road. You will find these boots come in lots of different colors that will match most sport bike gear. Also most of the manufacturers of these boots also make gloves and leathers that are all color coordinated to be worn together. Now one of the newer things on the scene are motorcycle shoes. These shoes are quite durable but are not recommended for track use. They are tough enough to offer some protection but nothing like what you will get out of a full boot. The shoes are generally made for street riding. Most of the shoes are reinforced to some degree but not nearly like motorcycle boots.

Typically your riding style and the type of bike you ride will dictate what kind of motorcycle boots you will choose to wear. Just keep in mind to wear gear that adequately protects you for your style of riding. Ideally a helmet, gloves, jacket, riding pants and boots should be worn at all times when you are out on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Boots in Demand
Like so many motorcycle apparel and gear exists in the market, motorcycle boots stands among them as one of the want motorcycle gear in demand. Today numbers of manufacturers are producing quality Motorcycle boots for enthusiast motorcycle riders.
There is so much competition in the market that to pick up any type of motorcycle boots is a hard job.

Motorcycle boots are rough & tough shoes, these are made enough durable to give you good protection in a crash or while any mishap.
Most of the motorcycle boots have ankle protection, a shifter pad and a non slippery sole.

It totally depends on you how you choose a motorcycle boot for yourself.
The market is abundant with Motorcycle Boots for sport bikes riders. Almost all these boots have a toe sliders, ankle support, and ankle protection.
Motorcycle boots are specially designed for aggressive riding therefore provides you with more safety features to protect your feet from the road.
Motorcycle boots are available in lots of different colors that you can even create a match with your sport bike.

Today’s biker is looking for elegant styling, extraordinary performance and incomparable quality from their motorcycle boots.

Ultimately what matters is your riding style and the type of bike you ride, this will determine what kind of motorcycle boots you should choose to wear. Just keep in mind to wear gear that effectively protects against any mishap.

Why a Harley Davidson Motorcycle

2009-09-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

The BMW for one, builds performance driven motorcycles for years. Japan-made Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha also have race winning motorcycles. Why is Harley-Davidson so popular around the world? Why is it that when one talks about motorcycle, the very first brand in mind is the Harley-Davidson?

Finding answers to these questions will give us 3 words: name, quality, and pride.
Name – When you hear the word “Harley-Davidson”, the first thing that might pop out from your mind is a “one hell of a machine”. Hearing the name “Harley-Davidson” would also easily gives you the impression of a great motorcycle company that set a great legacy throughout history. The name can be synonymous with toughness, quality, speed, and versatility. Quality– Whether it is a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations), Dyna, Sportster, Softail, Touring, or VRSC model, it is a Harley-Davidson. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is made in superiority from the engine parts to the decals and finishing touches. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made not only to sell but to live for a lifetime as well.

Pride – Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing motorcycles for over a century. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have gained so much respect over the years and it has set the trend for the motorcycle industry in the United States. Any Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner would say that they are proud to have at least one great motorcycle in their possession.

What would you feel if you are riding a motorcycle with the name “Harley-Davidson”? Proud as if you have your first baby; proud as if you have owned a brand-new house; and proud as if you have realized your dream. Indeed, owning a Harley-Davidson can be a dream come true for most. As the price of a Harley motorcycle does not come cheap, owning one can be hard.

A. Quality Harley Davidson Parts for One Great Machine
With the company that has built its name to become one of the most respected manufacturers of top quality motorcycles around the world, there is no doubt that each Harley-Davidson part is assured to fit in the category: superior.

Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 and had rolled-off thousands of motorcycles since then. The real test is outside- on the road where each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is being tested everyday several thousand times over- by Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners around the globe.

What makes each Harley-Davidson motorcycle a living legacy? From the overall look of the motorcycle, to the tinniest moving part inside the engine, Harley-Davidson is superb.
Of course, every Harley-Davidson part contributes on how the motorcycle performs. The suspension parts provide the smooth ride to the Harley. The seat gives the rider comfort while cruising down the road. The infamous v-engine gives each Harley-Davidson motorcycle the power to conquer roads. The handlebars give the motorcycle the stability that each rider needs. The paint provides the exterior look of the Harley.

The different decals make each Harley unique from another Harley. The wheels roll the motorcycle to any place of any terrain. The transmission parts give better run to the motorcycle. And every Harley-Davidson part contributes to how Harley behaves on the road.

It is not surprising that each Harley-Davidson owner would want to infuse a little something out of their personality to their motorcycle. This the reason why there are several Harley-Davidson parts available just to provide better performance to the motorcycle. There are also several Harley-Davidson parts that are made to transform the stunning Harley into a more interesting motorcycle on the road.

Some Harley-Davidson parts act as an accessory. With Harley-Davidson parts, your motorcycle can posses the best look possible.

B. Shopping for Harley Davidson Motorcycle Part
Owning a Harley-Davidson is not simply a owning a motorcycle. Owning a Harley-Davidson is owning a piece of machine that has been hailed to be one of the most sought after motor vehicles ever existed. And because any Harley-Davidson motorcycle is entitled each owner to a great pride that comes along with each, no rider would want a Harley to be ill maintained.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are quality motorcycle parts that match the tough image and quality of the legendary motorcycle. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part promises to be durable and dependable and would certainly last for a long time. And like the motorcycle itself, these parts can perform through different demands.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts can be acquired both online and offline.
Offline, each Harley-Davidson dealers across United States sell parts for each model regardless of the year it is manufactured. The Harley-Davidson of America is a reliable source when it comes to quality Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts.

Online, there are several websites that are dedicated in providing motorcycle parts exclusively for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. There are also sites that offer Harley parts together with other motorcycle parts of different brand. Each site provides a wide inventory of parts to serve as many Harley owners as possible. Online parts stores provide a more convenient shopping experience than that of the traditional way, which is personally visiting each store to find a particular part.

Thus, online shopping for Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are more popular among costumers because it saves time, energy, and of course money.
Some stores only offer brand new parts while others sell used Harley parts. Used Harley motorcycle parts can well be lined-up with brand new ones in terms of quality. Remember that each Harley-Davidson motorcycle part is built tough.

Owning a Harley-Davidson entitles you to a great pride. It is like owning a luxury car or owning a private jet. This is why, even if what you are buying is a used Harley, the excitement is still the same. But before closing the deal, here are the pros and cons of buying used Harley-Davidson:
Pros…
• Used Harley Davidsons are cheaper.
Well, resale value of some Harley models can be as high as its original price. But, there are several models that can buy for less. There are several sites online where you can find cheap but high-quality Harley Davidson models.

• Rare Harleys are Used Harleys
Over a hundred years of motorcycle production has produced hundreds of models, some of them are hard to find while most of them are out of the production line. If you are looking for a particular model of a particular year, you can search for used Harley-Davidson for sale.

• Used Harley-Davidsons are well-maintained
Since owning a Harley-Davidson is like owning a luxury car, outmost care is being practiced by most of its owner. Thus, you rarely see an ill-maintained Harley-Davidson on the road. You also cannot see any ill-maintained Harley-Davidson on an auction site or selling site. This is another reason why some models have prices even if they are old.

• Used Harley-Davidson are customized
If you prefer a unique Harley-Davidson, then a used one can come in handy. There are several used Harley-Davidsons that maintain their original look but most owners prefer to modify some parts according to their personality.
Cons…

• Used Harley-Davidson are customized
This may be an advantage for some but it does not mean that it is not a disadvantage. Since, most owners would want to infuse a little of their personality to their Harley-Davidson, the next owner will inherit what has been changed on the motorcycle. Unless you want to buy used Harley-Davidson regardless of the modifications that have been made, you may have difficulty to give it some of your personal touch. And sometimes, you are paying for the accessories that you really don’t need.

• Some used Harley-Davidsons motorcycles are expensive
Cheap Harley-Davidson can be hard to find. Unlike used cars, some used Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expensive. In fact, rare models are more expensive than other newer models. But don’t be discouraged; there are several models that are less expensive than others.

Kawasaki Motorcycles - Independent in Thoughts and Actions

2009-09-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

The story of Kawasaki Company goes back to 1924, at that time involved into metallurgy and the aircraft industry.In 1949, they decided to enter the motorcycle industry producing engines that could be adapted to motorcycles.

FIRST KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES PRODUCTS a Motorcycle Engines
In their line you could find a 60 cc two-stroke, as well as a 150cc and a 250cc four-stroke engines developed with technology from BMW; company whom with they had had relationships since their beginnings in the aeronautical industry.

It wasn't until 1954 that Kawasaki Motorcycles produced their first complete motorcycle under the name of Meihatsu (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft Co.).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES
We cannot talk about Kawasaki without mentioning another make that will definitely help Kawasaki become as well as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha one of the big players in the Japanese Motorcycles scene:
--> Meguro Motorcycles: better know in that time as the "senior make and the king of four strokes".
Meguro entered the motorcycle industry in 1937. Along the years, Meguro produced some very nice 250cc and 350cc rocker-valve, single cylinder models as well as high performance twins. All of them with a very strong British influence. Then and thanks to the commercial success they were living, they also launched a rocker-valve 125 cc for their low end range and a twin cylinder 650cc to accompany the already existing 500cc.

Based on a winning prototype of Mount Asama (one of the biggest races that time), Meguro Motorcycles produced three nice and elegant machines with overhead camshaft: the 125cc E3, the 250cc F and the 350cc Y A. Unfortunately these bikes turned out to be too heavy and didn't get the buyers' attention. Meguro will soon return to rocker valve models.
Meguro Motorcycles remained as one of the top 10 manufacturers till 1960, but due to some bad decisions, as the ones mentioned above, the company started to decline and was soon bought by Kawasaki.

In 1960 Meguro signed an initial agreement with Kawasaki Motorcycles, and in 1962 they had completely disappeared.
....And this brings us back to Kawasaki Motorcycles...
In 1960, the company decides to give a serious push to the motorcycle division of Kawasaki Aircrafts:
They take out of the market the Meihatsu brand, they build their own plant of low end and low powered machines and buy Meguro.

These brilliant moves and decisions made Kawasaki Motorcycles have one of the widest range of models in the market. Kawasaki Motorcycles could offer at that time (1960's) from a 50cc moped-scooter to a powerful, high end and beautiful 650 cc twin cylinder motorcycle.

Since then, many stories have been written, many models have been produced and many races have been won on Kawasaki Motorcycles, the truth is...
Nowadays Kawasaki Motorcycles is one of the major players in the industry and following their tradition, they nowadays offer a wide range of products for all kind needs and likes.

Keeping Your Kawasaki Motorcycle Maintenance Costs Down in 5 Easy Steps
One of the most important things that you can do to keep you Kawasaki motorcycle running at optimum performance is to perform regular maintenance. Some owners take their bikes into a repair shop every six months or so for a check-up. Others save money by doing the work at home themselves. Doing it yourself can help keep the maintenance costs of your Kawasaki
motorcycle down. Lets start with the brakes.

Step number 1 is to replace the brake pads. If your brakes feel a little soft, or are making a squealing noise, replacing the brake pads might fix the problem. Kawasaki motorcycles use EBC/HH brake pads, and any reputable dealer can find the correct model numbers for your bike. A better choice when replacing the brake pads is to go with Kawasaki's own brand, the OEM pads. Kawasaki's website has a listing of brake pads for each model of motorcycle.

Step number 2, check the levels of brake fluid on your Kawasaki motorcycle. Kawasaki includes a level window with a marker near the master cylinder. If the levels are too low, you will need to add more fluid. You may discover that the brake fluids are too high, in which case you'll need to siphon out some of the fluid. Too much fluid can overflow from the tanks, even when sitting in place. Since you're already working on the brakes, you can work on.

step number 3, which is to bleed the brakes. Most motorcycle owners have their own way of bleeding the brakes, and Kawasaki owners are no exception. There are dozens of ways to bleed brakes, but only one that the Kawasaki manufacturer recommends. Start by filling a pump oil can with new brake fluid, and attaching it to the brake bleeder valve via a hose. Pump the oil can slowly, to get the fluid moving through the bike. It will slowly push out the old fluid, and let the new fluid flow through your motorcycle. Then slowly pump the brakes until you get the air out.

Step number 4 is to check the oil filter. The oil filter is used to catch any dirt or debris from entering into the engine. Certain items can poke holes in the filter, allowing larger items to slip inside. Clean out the debris, and if there's any damage, replace the filter immediately. A Filter can befound at any store specializing in aftermarket kawasaki motorcycle parts.

Step number 5 is to check the U-joint. You might notice a vibration in your Kawasaki motorcycle, that starts out light but gets progressively worse. Try using a small amount of lubrication on the joint, and taking the bike out for a small drive. If the problem persists, its time for a new U-joint. Kawasaki dealers carry the part in stock, or can order it for your bike for around $60-70. If you are looking at keeping your Kawasaki motorcycle costs down, start with these five easy steps you can do right now.

Buying a Harley Davidson in Chicago and Illinois

2009-09-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available in the city through an authorized dealer. The Chicago Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc., which is located at 6868 N Western Avenue, Chicago is your one-stop shop for Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Choose from any Harley-Davidson Sportster, Harley-Davidson Dyna, Harley-Davidson Softail, Harley-Davidson VRSC, and Harley-Davidson Touring models.
Dyna has Super Glide, Super Glide Custom, 35th Anniversary Super Glide, Street Bob, Low Rider, and the Wide Glide.

Harley-Davidson Softail has 9 models in line. These are Softail Standard, Night Train, Springer Softail, Deuce, Heritage Softail, Fat Boy, Softail Deluxe, Springer, Classic, Heritage Softail and Classic.

The Harley-Davidson VRSC has 3 models. These are V-Rod – VRSCA, Night Rod – VRSCD, and the Street Rod – VRSCR.
The Harley-Davidson Touring has 8 models. These are Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide Standard, Electra Glide Classic, and Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

Now, after you are finished with your Harley-Davidson motorcycle shopping, you can turn into available Harley-Davidson merchandise on sale. Both men and women can enjoy exclusive Harley-Davidson shirt, boots, jackets, jewelry, chaps and vests, hats, and eyewear.

In Chicago, you can also have your Harley-Davidson motorcycle serviced. If you have an antique Harley, have it restored at Chicago.

There are also pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles if you want save some bucks.
• Chuck's Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2027 Ireland Grove Road Bloomington, IL 61704 (309)663-2188 Fax (309)664-0859
• Conrad's Harley-Davidson/Buell 1541 Riverboat Center Drive Joliet, IL 60431 (815)725-2000 Fax (815)725-9973
• Chicago Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc. 6868 N Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60645 (773)338-6868/(888)338-6868 Fax (773)338-8868
• Dale's Harley-Davidson of Mt. Vernon 1121 Veterans Memorial Drive Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 (618)244-4116 Fax (618)244-5470
• Frieze Harley-Davidson Sales, Inc. 517 South Illinois Street Belleville, IL 62220 (618)277-8864 Fax (618)277-9832
• Illinois Harley-Davidson/Buell Sales, Inc. 1301 S Harlem Avenue Berwyn, IL 60402 (708)788-1300 Fax (708)788-1356
• Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson 11040 S. Cicero Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (708)423-9005 Fax (708)423-9089

Where to Find Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle for Sale
If you are thinking of buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you have several places to go. In this article you will learn where can you buy Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
• Online Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealers
If you prefer to go online shopping, the internet has hundreds of online authorized Harley-Davidson dealers with sites and addresses, phone numbers, and email address. You can visit the www.hogs4sale.com and go to the listings of authorized dealers. To give you an overview of what to expect, all States with authorized Harley-Davidson dealers online. The District Columbia, Vermont, and Hawaii are the exemptions.

• Online Classified Sites
There are sites in the internet that act as a yellow pages for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These sites are open to buyers and sellers to post their demands online. The good thing about these sites is that transactions can be made directly from seller to buyer. An example of this site is the www.harleyhunters.com.

• Online Auction Sites
There are some Harley-Davidsons up for grab here but if you want quantity and wider selection, you can go to exclusive online auction sites for Harley-Davidson. You can visit www.harley-auctions.co.uk/cgi-bin/auction.pl or the www.auctions.yahoo.com.

• Newspaper adds
Local newspapers have section where they publish several items for sale including Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

• The Yellow pages
Look for the listings of Harley-Davidson for sale. If you want to go far, there are several international sites that sell used Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This is good if you would like to transfer to another location, stay there for long, and have a bike waiting for you upon your arrival. These sites can be easily found online.

Actually, there are several owners who are selling their used Harley-Davidson motorcycles whether online or offline.

Suzuki Motorcycles - From Fine Loom Manufacturers to Major Motorcycle Company

2009-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Started in a small warehouse by Michio Suzuki back in 1909, Suzuki aimed at making better looms for the Japanese silk industry. It was only thirty years after its existence that the company started thinking of diversifying into cars, motorcycles and related machinery. One of the first two-wheeled innovations by Suzuki was a motorized bicycle called the "Power Free". This bicycle was so ingeniously designed that the government of Japan gave Suzuki a subsidy in order to continue their research in motorcycle and car innovation. As time progressed, the company started to build better and better motorcycles. And by 1962, Suzuki Motorcycles had won their first 50cc Grand Prix World Championship.

By the late 60s, the company had become known and respected in the American and European motorbike world. One of their best-selling machines during this time period was the Suzuki X-6 Hustler, which was the fastest Japanese 250cc for that time.

Suzuki Motorcycles also gained fame in the motocross world. In the 60s and 70s, motocross racing was largely dominated by European motorcycle manufacturers. Japanese motorcycles did not have much of a presence or respect in this arena, but during this time, Suzuki Motorcycles won the World Championship several times between 1971 and 1976 in the 500cc MX race. By the late '80s, Suzuki had gained the respect of all within the racing community at the highest levels. One of the best Suzuki Motorcycles of this era was the GSX-R750. Even now, twenty years later, you will find the GSX-R line in Suzuki Motorcycles current catalog. Since the GSX-R750, Suzuki Motorcycles has come with many other successful models and today, Suzuki is a well-known name in the Motorcycling world . The company has won over a dozen World Championships along with many other races. Their long-standing emphasis on innovation as well as their meticulous care in craftsmanship has lead the company from strength to strength for more than 50 years. For all this Suzuki is now one of the four big names in the Japanese motorcycles industry.

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
The nasty-fast 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa just got badder! The Hayabusa, along with the Kawasaki ZX-14, have been regarded as the fastest production motorcycles in the world. Now Suzuki claims to stand alone at the top as the fastest motorcycle in production today. New titanium valves, a refined fuel injection, and chrome-moly connecting rods take this bike to a new level of performance. This ride is stunning at 110 foot-pounds of torque and will run through the 1/4 mile in less than 10 seconds!

The Hayabusa first hit the showroom floor in 1999 to raves and criticism. The critics viewed the styling as offensive, calling the design too aerodynamic, and even goofy looking. It has a long sleek design that some critics stated that it went against the grain of standard design. Suzuki gets the last laugh after producing the fastest production motorcycle on the planet! A caution to new riders. If you plan to go out and purchase this bike, you need to be extremely careful, this bike is nasty-fast, and if you're not careful, this motorcycle will throw you like a bucking bronco. If you bought the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa, congratulations, and happy riding!

Do You Need a Part for Your Harley Davidson Motorcycle?

2009-08-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Need a Harley Davidson Part for your ride?
Where do you get a good quality Harley Davidson Part? Can I use an aftermarket part?

An OEM part versus an aftermarket part.
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part are of course the genuine Harley Davidson Part you would find at an authorized Harley dealer.
These parts are original in that they have the exact same specifications that came with the original part.

These parts however many not have been manufactured by Harley Davidson themselves (at their physical location). Harley may get another company to manufacture these parts to Harley specs, and then they will sell them in the Harley box as OEM.

OEM parts are generally more expensive, and almost always recommended by the dealer. (They make their money by selling parts not bikes)
The dealer will most likely tell you that OEM parts are of a higher quality. An Aftermarket part should perform as well as an OEM but take note. These parts were made by a company other than the original manufacturer.

Sometimes after a certain time period the original manufacturer of a part will allow the company that physically manufactured the part to sell it at a reduced price and in their own packaging. The part now becomes an OEM aftermarket part.

Normally after a certain period of time, the manufacturer will allow the company that originally designed/produced the part to sell it in their own box at a considerably lower cost, making it: an Aftermarket OEM part

If you cannot find the quality in an aftermarket part, then search for the OEM provided it is in your price range.
An aftermarket Harley part, for your Harley Davidson are generally of good to excellent quality.
If you own a Harley, sooner or later you will have to buy parts for it.

Ford Harley-Davidson Delivers Hallmark For Toughness
Ford, which is said to be the leader in global automotive industry, unites with Harley-Davidson to create a series of pickup that will astound the truck market. 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 Super Crew is the latest from the two motoring giants. The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 Super Crew is the 9th model from the partnership of Ford and Harley-Davidson. All-new Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew boasts its powerful and beefy 22-inch forged-aluminum wheels with split 5-spoke design to deliver precise driving experience. It also features chrome billet grille, blacked-out headlamps and dark tinted smoked-out tail lamps to accentuate its powerful stance.

Cisco Codina, president of Ford says "This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that's been the hallmark of the Ford brand. F-150 Super Crew also comes in an entrancing black glossy Monotone exterior striped with hot-rod scallop. To add an air of elegance and roughness in its interior, designers used vent rings, chrome handles, floor shifter and door pulls. At its rear portion, the Harley-Davidson F-150 badge is placed. Gordon Platto, Ford F-Series Chief Designer says "We've designed a cockpit that's a tribute to the open road. We've introduced high-gloss Piano Black cues along the instrument panel, center stack and console to bring in a feeling of visual motion. Combine that with the rich leather and bright chrome that's been such an essential part of all our Harley trucks, and you're surrounded with styling that salutes motorcycle culture."

Yamaha Motorcycles - Creativity and Spirit of Challenge

2009-08-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

"If you are going to do something, be the best"

Ginichi Kawakami, Yamaha Motor Company First President.
Yamaha Motorcycles, under this motto, employing all its creativity, and with a very strong spirit of challenge, became what it is now: one of the biggest players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.

But Yamaha's history doesn't start with motorcycles...
It is back in 1877 that Torakusu Yamaha started with the Nippon Gakki Company that later would become Yamaha Corporation: an important manufacturer of fine musical instruments.
As the company grew, they explored several fields of opportunity in the textile industry and others.

During the World War II, the company set up a factory to produce airplane propellers. This plant played an important role in Yamaha's entry to the motorcycle industry as you will see.
After the war, Yamaha Corporation had to find new ways to use the tooling and experience that had been accumulated during their times in the airplane industry, and it was then when Yamaha Motor Corporation was founded.

Before producing their first motorcycle, Ginichi Kawakami traveled a lot establishing what would be very useful relationships. One proof of this is that nowadays, the only two manufacturers in the world of mass-produced five side-valve engines are Yamaha an Audi (DKW - Auto Union).

One of the most important legacies from this international relationships were all the skills learnt by Yamaha's engineers on two stroke engines know-how. Not to wonder why the first bike from Yamaha Motorcycles the 125 YA-1 was fairly a faithful copy of the 1949 DKW RT 12. The only two important differences were the four speed gearbox instead of the original three speed gearbox, and a gear transmission replacing the primary chain drive.

IMPORTANT MODEL FROM YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES
>>> Yamaha YA-1
Even the big boss himself, Ginichi Kawakami, rode the bike without any incident from Hamamatsu to Tokyo.
It was beautiful: with this model Yamaha was the first manufacturer to put special attention to the decoration of the motorcycle. It's worth mentioning that this firm has designed the "look" of most Yamaha motorcycles to date.

It was fast: the YA-1 obtained excellent overall results in the most important local races of that time: Mount Fuji (third place) and Mount Asama (first place).
In fact it was this aggressive attitude in the sporting world that helped Yamaha Motorcycles gain fast acceptance even though they made a late start in the motorcycle scene (in comparison to Honda and Suzuki).

In other words: Yamaha Motorcycles showed the world they had arrived to be considered good and fierce competitors from the beginning. Particularly to Honda and Suzuki.
>>> The Yamaha YD-1 (the competition for the Suzuki TP of that time)
Some technical specifications:
Yamaha YD-1
15 hp
70 mph.
185,000 yen

Suzuki TP
18 hp
80 mph.
195,000 yen

>>> The Yamaha YDS-1
Some technical specifications:
20 hp
333 lbs.
85 mph.

Today, Yamaha Motorcycles is one of the major players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.
Just to give you an idea of how important Yamaha Motorcycles have become:
- The 2004 Moto GP was won by excellent rider Valentino Rossi on a Yamaha motorcycle.

I could go an and on writing about Yamaha Motorcycles, victories, challenges and models but I would need a whole book…

Yamaha Dirt Bikes - Not For The Timid
There are few companies that can rival the products of Yamaha Dirt Bikes--known for its quality and superior work, this company consistently creates what the public wants. And, of course, its dirt bikes are of no exception. What astounds many riders, however, is the company's odd origins. Few can wrap their motocross minds around how a brand known for its dirt bikes could originally stood for music.

In 1888, Torakusu Yamaha founded the Yamaha Musical Instrument Company. Though Yamaha died in 1916, his company was able to stand natural disasters, labor problems and even World War Two. Since then, Yamaha Dirt Bikes has become a leader among the field, creating quality products.

Whether you ride professionally or simply enjoy the thrill of racing your friends on back trails, there is a Yamaha dirt bike perfect for you.

Yamaha Dirt Bikes - Off-Road
WR450F: Perfect for the serious rider, the WR450F features a two position handlebar for higher adjustment range, new enduro computer and reinforced swingarms for better handling. It's priced at $6,799.
WR250F: With a 249cc, four-stroke engine and improved fuel flow for strong reliability, this Yamaha dirt bike is the essence of quality. Priced at $10,449, the WR250F is for the serious racer.
TT-R250: Even the most casual rider can appreciate this easy-to-handle, yet very powerful, offering. The CD ignition system never needs maintenance and the frame is designed for high impact. Priced at $4,499.

TT-R230: Created for superior handling and strength, the TT-R230 is excellent for any competition. Lightweight but stout, this bike will go wherever you need. Priced at $3,299.

TT-R125L/LE: At an affordable $2,749, this is the bike for the every-man. TT-R125E: Yamaha totes this as the "small but mighty" bike and with good reason. Created with novice riders in mind, this has pushbutton starting and drum brakes. This bike features a pushbutton electric start and a low seat height for added ease with shorter legs. The TT-R90E is priced at $1,699.

TT-R50E (mini): Want to give you child a dirt bike? PW80 (mini): For riders looking to transition to a new bike, this could be perfect. The PW80 has a 79cc two-stroke engine and semiautomatic 3-speed transmission. Priced at $2,389.
PW50 (mini): With a 49cc two-stroke engine and a fully automatic transmission, the PW50 is a powerful but dependable dirt bike.
Yamaha Dirt Bikes - Motocross:
YZ450F: Built to race, the YZ450F is the ultimate lightweight contender, with new upgraded suspension and handling.
YZ250 (2-stroke): With a price tag of $6,199, this bike stands for power. It's already a winner of multiple competitions and with good reason: speed sensitive system and power-valve-equipped ripper.
YZ250F: For the racer in your family, consider this dirt bike.
YZ125 (2-stroke): Named the 125cc Shootout Winner by "Dirt Rider", "Dirt Bike" and "Transworld Motocross", this dirt bike has a mighty heritage and ever mightier features. Priced at $5,499.
YZ85 (2-stroke mini): Compact and lightweight, this bike is designed for sharp handling and superior maneuverability. Novices will appreciate its simplicity and its affordable price tag: $3,099.
Whatever your experience or riding style, Yamaha Dirt Bikes have something for every enthusiast.

Some Great Tips To Help You Choose The Right Motorcycle

2009-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's also a good idea to take some special courses about riding a motor bike, if you've never done so before, and to get a special endorsement on your license saying that you have that training.

In Ohio, the classes are required and it is not legal to operate a motorcycle without the special classification on your license. If you haven't had that much experience, according to one large dealer, it is a good idea to get a smaller bike. They are easier to maintain, and less likely to be seriously damaged in the event of a fall or a minor collision. Large, faster bikes have larger displacement engines and design that emphasize speed over durability in the case of a small collision, so they are not advisable for new riders. For example if you drop a small bike it might cost fifty bucks to fix, but one of the bigger bikes would run you several hundred dollars to fix if the same thing happens.

For those of you with a few years experience under your belt who want to step up to the next level of motorcycling, buy a motorcycle that suits your needs. What kind of payments are you able to afford after paying maintenance, gas and insurance? There's most likely going to be a loan agent right there at the dealership that can set you up with a loan. Get approved for a loan and you'll be able to figure out what kind of motorcycle you can afford.

Check in the Internet, magazines, and the dealership and ask your friends what they can tell you about prices and quality of motorcycles within your range. Find out what kind of report the bikes you like are getting from people who ride them every day. Compare the benefits of buying new compared to buying a used cycle. New bikes come with a warranty, and old ones may have hidden problems that you can't see before you have ridden them for a while. The advantage, of course, is price.

Is it better to buy a motorcycle from a dealer or from an individual? You can get a good one at a good price from an individual if you're lucky. The advantage of buying from a dealer is that the dealer has a reputation at stake and would not want to sell you a dud. There's a lot to think about. If you're a good mechanic you would be less scared of finding a few problems in the engine, and you might be willing to take a chance. If you don't know much about fixing bikes you might want to play it safe.

The Fun of Riding a Mini Motorbike
The mini-bike craze is sweeping the world in popularity. Associations have sprung up everywhere and are dedicated to finding safe ways and safe places to share in the fun of riding minibikes.

Almost with speeds to match. Some cities have banned the mini motor bikes on city streets and sidewalks because children began seriously injuring themselves by driving on streets where cars could not see them because of the small size of the bikes and the size of the young drivers riding them.

The new pocket rockets and super mini bikes have never been more popular, although there has been an increased number of complaints and probably will be for some time. "They are noisy, low to the ground, too fast and hard to see around cars and trucks." For instance, California requires riders of motorized scooters be at least 16 years old and wear helmets, and the state does not allow riding after sunset.

With the mini bikes getting more faster and more popular then ever, the latest trend after purchasing a minibike is to totally customize it. There are loads of accessories available to personalise your mini bike such as custom saddles, handlebars, headlights, chrome accessories and of course, to increase the power of the mini motor bike.

Although the modern mini motor bike looks like a full sized motorcycle in miniature, it was originally brought in for youngsters to enter the world of two-wheel racing. The mini bike offers the ultimate in fun, even to spectators, who fill the stands to watch the excitement, as dare devils perform back flips, wheelies, rail grinds and ramp tricks. From teenagers to adults the stunts are performed with precise timing.

A lot of the fun is in modifying the mini bike and bike chop shops have sprung up all over. Almost every part you can imagine is available on the Internet, all the latest enhancements for the 49cc minibikes. They are built to a max speed of approx 35mph, but with modifications, some have achieved speeds nearer to 60mph!

Today, some of the new mini bikes can be picked up as low as $300, which makes them a less inexpensive toy. And, for the mechanically minded out there, you can also purchase a minibike in kit form for the serious hobbyist who wants to build a fully customized machine.

Although low to the ground, the minibike has gained new stature over the last couple of years, they have become more popular for off-roading, as they manage well on rough terrain and are not damaged by a fall.

What the Harley Davidson is the to the road, the mini bike is to the track.
It's nippy and loads of fun for all!
Happy and safe motorcycling.

Motorcycle Parts

2009-08-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles equipped with an engine. When driven at a high speed, the vehicle stands upright and stable; when driven at a lower speed, a continuous readjustment needs to be made to provide stability to the rider and the cycle. This land-based machine consists of various parts: chassis, fuel tanks, suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, and tires.

Chassis
It is usually made of aluminum, steel or alloy, although customized carbon-fiber ones are also available. Fuel Tank
Fuel tanks are usually considered part of the chassis and are mounted above the engine. They are usually manufactured with high-density polyethylene. Manufacturers usually create a hollow frame in the chassis for fuel tanks although external frames are used for the oil reservoir.

Suspension
The suspension serves as the shock absorber of the vehicle. The front suspension plays an integral part in controlling the steering of the machine, while the back suspension supports the swingarm.

Brakes
A motorcycle is installed with independent brakes in the front and at the back. Front brakes are generally more powerful. Rear wheels have a danger of causing the motorcycle to skid forward due to the weight transfer. Most of the motorcycles nowadays are built with anti-lock breaking systems.

Engine
Motorcycles have gasoline-powered engines.

Transmission
The gear lever is a foot pedal on the left side of the motorcycle.

Tires
There are different types of tires for different bikes and different surfaces.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts or OEM Parts?
Contrary to what many believe, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motorcycle parts are not inherently better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. Like any product in a dynamic marketplace, aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturers often find a way to improve upon the performance or the look of the part.

OEM Motorcycle Parts:
An OEM part is part made by the same company that made the part for the original vehicle. Oftentimes, auto and motorcycle manufacturers don’t make the parts themselves, but contract the job to a manufacturing company.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
The manufactures of aftermarket motorcycle parts must apply for the rights to reproduce a part. Aftermarket motorcycle parts manufactures operate under strict guidelines and by nature of their profession must be absolutely precise in their design.

Good aftermarket motorcycle parts often can’t be distinguished from the original. Additionally, manufacturers of aftermarket motorcycle parts have the flexibility to improve upon the design and the quality. Normally, aftermarket motorcycle parts are sold for much less than OEM parts.

Finding Quality Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Different company’s aftermarket motorcycle parts will differ in look and quality. Your best bet is to find a highly reputable aftermarket motorcycle parts dealer who is in the know about all of the latest parts and manufacturers and who only offers the best quality after market motorcycle parts.

Who Uses Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Those who build custom motorcycles use aftermarket parts to build bikes with fresh new designs and unique looks. Those with older model bikes often choose aftermarket motorcycle parts because parts for older models have often greatly improved since the original part was manufactured.
Insurance companies almost consistently choose identical aftermarket motorcycle parts to replace damaged bikes after an accident.

Custom Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Aftermarket motorcycle parts are essential for customized bikes. Aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, handlebars, frames, foot pegs, mirrors, etc. offer a great number of options in terms of customization. The wide variety of aftermarket motorcycle parts available today makes it easy to create an original looking bike.