Biker Education

Prepare your bike for winter

October 22, 2009

So here we are in October, and the overnight and morning hours are a little chilly here in the Northeast of the US. What does this mean? Winter is coming of course, and seems to be coming fast. So, what are you to do if you're not planning on riding throughout the cold, winter months? You need to prepare your motorcycle and winterize it. There are a few things you should do and buy to keep your motorcycle safe and warm throughout those frigid months.

Run the gas out of your engine- How do you do that? Start up your motorcycle with the petcock to 'on' and let your bike run for a few minutes. After your motorcycle is idling just fine, flip the petcock to off and let the engine do it's thing by cycling through any fuel that is left in the lines. You'll know as soon as the fuel is out of the engine, as the motorcycle will just stop running (like it stalled).

Battery Tender- A battery tender will keep your motorcycle battery charged throughout the winter so that when you're ready to fire her up, you won't be left with a dead battery.

Clean your motorcycle - you don't want to store your motorcycle for long periods of time with dirt, grime, tar, grease, bugs, etc. all over your bike. Not only is this bad for the paint and chrome, but it's just not right to treat your baby so badly. Clean her up before she takes that long winter's nap.

Storage Location- Your motorcycle is going to be resting for the next few months, so make sure you find a good location for the winter. The best location would be an attached garage, the next would be an outdoor storage building, and the least favorite would be outside in the elements. The winter elements can do some serious damage if not carefully watched, so I'd recommend making sure your motorcycle is stored in an area that is enclosed.

Motorcycle cover - just because your motorcycle may be stored in an enclosed area, doesn't mean you shouldn't further protect her. You can get a cover for as little as $20 or as much as $100. A motorcycle cover will make sure no additional dirt or dust gets on your bike, and will also help protect any unfortunate bumps or dings. I can't speak for bugs, as they'll find their way into any warm place during the colder months.

Start ups when you can - If there's a decent winter day, sun shinning, and not ridiculously cold, go ahead and fire up your motorcycle. Let her run for a while, she'll thank you in the spring. Just remember to follow all the steps above to ensure you put your motocycle back to rest properly.

Motorcycle Winterization

October 21, 2009

It's that time of year for those of us who live in the colder winter regions of the country. Here in NJ, temperatures are starting to dip down into the 40's already in the overnight and early morning hours. So, this is the time when a lot of motorcycle riders begin to think about winterization of their bikes. I, myself, will be keeping my bike stored in my garage and will start it up once a week and even get out on the road on a decent day.

Other folks may want to consider these great products and deals to help keep their bike in it's best condition during the winter months:

JC Whitney is having a Site Wide Garage sale with over a 1000 products up to 90% off. You can pick up a battery tender, motorcycle cover, leathers, or whatever at a great price now by clicking here at

You can also check out the sales going on with motorcycle covers at empire covers. Motorcycle covers are a great add on accessory for storing your motorcycle over the winter months (or even during the summer). Covers will keep your bike free of any dust and dirt that may accumulate in the garage or shed, and will also protect your motorcycle from the outside elements like rain. The Lowest Price for Truck and Car Covers- Beat Any Price. Large Selection of Budge, Covercraft and Tyvek Products

Harley moving away from Buell line

October 16, 2009

Harley Davidson announced that it will no longer be supporting the production of Buell motorcycles, as Harley wants to focus on the main brand that has made them what they are today. CEO Keith Wandell stated that the Buell and the MV August (Italy) brands take away too much investment dollars to continue, and Harley is looking to maintain profitability on it's core line of motorcycles.

Harley Davidson also further commented on it's expansion into overseas markets like India and China, stating their strong economic climate is a right fit to introduce the Harley brand of motorcycles. Check out my earlier blog titled "Harley going to sell motorcycles in India".

Time to buy your winter jacket

October 15, 2009

It's that time of year again. Time when those rides are a little colder than usual, especially in the morning and evening hours. Stay warm on your motorcycle rides with a great looking leather motorcycle jacket. Take a look at this great classic looking motorcycle jacket that features a 1.2mm Grade A cowhide for maximum protection, chest and hand pockets, removable inside liner, zipout sleeves, snap down collar, and nickle finished brass hardware. This is an incredible jacket that will keep you warm throughout the winter riding season. Check it out below, and click to buy at just $188.99 and free shipping.

Halloween Sale at Leatherup.com

October 5, 2009

Leatherup.com is having a great Halloween Sale going on from now until October 14th. Buy any product through their website and receive 15% off using the coupon code 101051.

Delmarva Bike Week 2009

September 15, 2009

Delmarva Bike Week is this upcoming weekend from September 17-20 in Ocean City, MD. Once again, there's an expectation of a great weekend of events. Click here for details or lodging info.

HotLeathers is offering a discount when you visit them at their booth at Delmarva Bike Week. Click here for your printable coupon and Take $10 off your purchase of $50.

Florida Police Office Killed in Motorcycle Crash

September 11, 2009

Authorities in Clermont, FL say that a Clermont police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash traveling home from work. The Florida Highway Patrol stated that the officer (a 39 year old with 2 children) was riding his 06 Triumph motorcycle home on Wednesday afternoon and came upon a sharp bend when a car in front of him stopped suddenly for a school bus. The officer hit the rear of the car and left him fatally injured.

Check out this funny mix of motorcycle videos....nuts but funny!

September 2, 2009

Here's a mix of videos (played to Benny Hill show tune) that is pretty funny. A lot of these stunts end in a wipe out or crash which of course is not at all funny, but you need to see some of these amazing stunts. The one at the end is pretty impressive. Check it out here, funny motorcycle video

Here's the Iron Horse!!

August 27, 2009

Here's what we're talking about when we say we love to ride our iron horse. Could you imagine? Sometimes we all dream about the freedom. Funny!

Harley going to sell motorcycles in India

August 27, 2009

Harley-Davidson has announced that it will start selling it's motorcycles in India next year. India's economy has continued to grow over the years and Harley hopes that it's heavy weight motorcycles will take off along with India's growing economy, growing middle class population, and growing highways. India is second to China in the motorcycle market, but both countries use bikes just for transportation. Harley is hoping that with India's growth, the movement toward more leisure riders will come with it.

How not to ride a motorcycle

August 21, 2009

Here's a link to a youtube video that shows someone who is just learning to ride a motorcycle and of course, is not doing it correctly --- LEARN TO FIND THE BRAKE!!!. Very funny, but of course, very dangerous. Thank god it was just a couple bushes and not another vehicle he runs into. check it out here Youtube video .

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) at Sturgis 2009

August 7, 2009

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) was at Sturgis 2009 promoting his Dirico Motorcycles line. While performing his famous 'Love in an elevator' song, he reportedly fell backwards off the stage onto a couple fans. There's reports that he was in good spirits afterwards, but as a precaution, they airlifted Tyler to the hospital. He suffered minor head, neck, and should injuries.

You can check out the video of Steven Tyler falling off stage by clicking on this Youtube video . It looks as though he'll be fine!

Idiot in SUV and Motorcycle Safety

July 21, 2009

Ok, I just posted yesterday about how important motorcycle safety is on our roads. I spoke about CA specifically, but it's true in all parts of the world. I live in NJ, and riding home from work on my motorcyle, I come across an IDIOT in an SUV!! There's a pretty long winding right turn on my route home and I approached it as any other normal ride going home. But this time was different. The SUV coming in the opposite direction was flying around his left turn and crossed into my lane, and was apparently not paying attention because his head was down looking at something. At least I was attentive and recognized quickly that I had to make a move. I shifted to the far right of my lane (almost to the shoulder) and slowed down. It happened so fast that I really didn't think about it, I just reacted.

This scenario is exactly what I try to emphasize to all riders out there. Be prepared, know your escape route, and give yourself time to react. I can't stress this enough for my fellow riders. Take care and ride safe!!!

Increase in CA motorcycle deaths

July 20, 2009

While the state of California is seeing a decrease in driver fatalities, motorcycle fatalities are on the rise. In 2008, the fatalities increased over 8% versus 2007. California has spent a lot of money on safety programs in the past for driver education (which has worked), and now the California Highway Patrol is going to focus on enhancing the safety education for the motorcycle enthusiest. I can't stress enough the importance of safety when riding a motorcycle. It is not to be taken lightly as this is your life in your hands.

2010 Honda Fury

July 17, 2009

For all those Chopper Lovers out there, here is a production model from Honda that doesn't come with the high cost of custom making a chopper to an individual. It's called the Honda Fury. The motorcycle is a cross between a cruiser and a chopper. The reason I say this is that it's mass produced. When I think of chopper, it's a custom fit motorcycle to one individual, and the Fury is not but it has the style of a chopper. The Fury showcases 1312cc's at a price tag starting at $12,999 MSRP.

Check it out here on Honda's website.

Sturgis 2009

July 16, 2009

The 69th annual Sturgis Rally is fast approaching. The Black Hills event will be held in Sturgis, SD from August 3rd-9th. Make your cabin, campground, or hotel reservations today by going to Sturgis.com. Also, here's a $10 off coupon to be used at the Hot Leathers shop in Sturgis during the rally. Click this link to print the coupon

Harley profits decline, announces layoffs

July 16, 2009

Harley-Davidson today announced that it will be laying off an additional 1,000 employees citing decreasing revenues, specifically in the high-end bikes. President and CEO Keith Wandell said in his statement, "It is obviously a very tough environment for us right now, given the continued weak consumer spending in the overall economy for discretionary purchases".

NJ DMV increases registration fees

July 15, 2009

Sorry New Jersey motorcyclists, effective July 6th, the annual registration fee has gone up from $31.50 per year to now $65 per year. Take a look a the fee chart posted on the states website by clicking here. According to the state, it costs them over $70 to process a motorcycle registration. If I take a look back, the last time New Jersey raised the registration fee was back in the 60's, and their stating that they need to offset the rising costs. Come on now, do you mean to tell us that there have been no systems or efficiencies put into place at the Department of Motor Vehicles (sorry, the "Motor Vehicle Commission") in New Jersey?

Most bikers don't buy motorcycles just for the gas savings, we love to ride. But there are motorcyclists who do commute to work using their motorcycle or even a scooter to save on the rising costs of gas. So now the additional fees of $33.50 per year equates to a gas savings offset of about 4 fill-ups at the local gas station. In other words, the NJ MVC cost the average motorcylist a months worth of gas.

Happy Anniversary Easy Rider!!

July 14, 2009

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Easy Rider. The movie, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, is a story about two bikers who travel the country to experience the freedom of the open road, all from the seats of their motorcycles. Check out the history of Harley-Davidson by clicking here to the Harley Davidson Museum.

NJ DMV issues report on approved motorcycles

July 6, 2009

The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) provides the following list of manufacturers whose motorcycles meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and are thereby approved for issuance of a New Jersey Title and Registration. The listed manufacturers have obtained National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certification and have been issued a World Manufacturers Identifier (WMI).
Take a look at the published report from the New Jersey MVC on approved motorcycles.