It’s always a problem knowing what to pack for a motorcycle tour. Fortunately, that feeling of utter freedom we get when we are riding our bikes far outweighs the problem of limited luggage space. Having said that, the problem doesn’t go away, but by applying a little thought, it can be overcome. Here are some tips to make life easier on the road.

TRAVEL LIGHLTY

It’s tempting to throw as much as possible into your panniers, but remember, every ounce you pack onto your bike reduces handling qualities. Add to this a pillion and the needle on the pleasure-ometer begins to swing to the low side. Of course, there are some things that you can’t do without, but the keyword here is need. Take what you need and nothing more. If you are going on an organized guided tour, the company should (if it’s worth its salt) have a back-up vehicle that will carry your luggage.

PACK SENSIBLY

To optimize the handling of your bike, place heavy items at the bottom of your panniers.

BEFORE YOU GO

In the weeks leading up to your planned tour, begin making a list of what you might need to take with you. At this stage, it doesn’t matter if the list is too long; you can always cross things off as the time draws nearer. By using this method, you will ensure that the things you take with you are what you really need. You will also reduce the risk of leaving behind an essential item. Read the rest of this entry »

Ah, the tease of spring. Last weekend, the weather was supposed to be in the high 60s for two days, but Northeastern Pennsylvania got a taste of the mid 70s. I rode about 250 miles between those days without any problems. Well there was one. During a rip on my favorite mountain road, a swarm of bugs tattooed my vision; it appeared as if I was about to ride into billions of black rain drops. I was cruising along about 70 mph, and instead of relaxing on the throttle, I screwed it on a bit more. After storming through the torrential buggy downpour, I had to stop a few miles up the road to clean my visor. Not to be upset, I realized it was my bike’s first fling with the bugs of spring, and how convenient it was, considering I just gave my cherished CBR a bath.

But now, as I sit here writing my final bike preparation piece, it’s 43 degrees, rain pouring down in biblical proportions. Everyone has a tale, and nothing beats the stories bikers have, so let’s make sure our bikes are in top shape so more can be told.
OK, since we’re on stories, let’s assume one. Imagine the sun just began flirting with the Western horizon, and you’re cruising home from a long distance trip. The weather couldn’t be more perfect, and the colors in the sky are slowly fading until it’s nighttime. The only thing lighting up the road before you is that bouncing headlight, which you expect to continue lighting the way, but it suddenly stops. You pull over, noticing with a match that your wires are all frayed and cracked, and you began ridiculing yourself for not checking for a frayed wire. Read the rest of this entry »

While taking care of a motocross chain is one of the most key forms of motocross maintenance, it is also one that is frequently ignored by most riders. Many riders, whether they are bordering on semi-pro or are just starting out should always ensure that their motocross chain is regularly kept in tip top shape. This doesn’t just mean cleaning, but also means adjusting the chain, as well as making sure both front and rear sprockets are in A1 condition at all times. Regardless of this fact, most riders select to ignore manufacturer’s guidelines and skip or cut corners when doing their routine motocross maintenance.

Neglecting motocross maintenance and your chain in particular can have disastrous effects on your bike and your wallet.

A few tips:

- Make sure your chain is cleaned the best of your ability every single time you ride. Removing your chain from your bike is the easiest way to make sure that you are cleaning your chain effectively. Many motoring outlets will supply specialist brushes which are just the thing for getting into the nooks and crannies’, ensuring this part of motorcross maintenance is competed correctly. Read the rest of this entry »

Motorcycle chopper kits are a growth industry. But what does that mean to you and me? Well one thing that we know is that we will have more choppers to ogle at. There is not a single day that goes by without more and more pictures of chopper bikes that have just been finished showing up in all the motorcycle magazines. Then at the weekends, when we are on our “hot” rides, we will see four or five show finish level bikes. There are more choppers around now than there have been in the last twenty five years.

Most of these choppers have been built from motorcycle chopper kits, the “bike in a box” approach. But hey, don’t knock it! Building your own chopper has never been easier. There are rolling chassis kits, complete bike kits, and frame manufacturers give you a multitude of choice when it comes to take the plunge and buy a motorcycle chopper kit.

Thirty years ago, the old school chopper builders had to start with a stock bike off-the-shelf and literally chop it to pieces. With the modern chopper kits, there is a viable alternative to taking the cutting torch to your favorite soft tail! Read the rest of this entry »

So you want to be a custom bike builder? Well friend, before you rush out shopping for motorcycle kits, that will set you on the road to riches and fame, stop and think about the level of expertise and artistry the top builders have attained. More importantly think about how long it has taken them to attain it! Let’s look at a few key issues…

Education

You’d be surprised how well educated a lot of today’s top bike builders are. Several of them have degrees (some more than one!) ranging from mechanical engineering to business and marketing management. Billy Lane, the founder of Chopper Inc, has several patents relating to motorcycle technology in his name for example. What about someone a little more “old school” like Dave Perewitz? Dave has accumulated close to forty years of mechanical, metalworking and painting experience. Not theoretical, but genuine hands on, early morning late night kind of experience. Could you put that kind of time in? Matt Hotch is still only young, but has gained an incredible amount of practical experience customizing first bicycles, then VW’s before moving on to custom bike building.

Facilities

These guys are building choppers and custom bikes that are state of the art. They don’t get thrown together in the yard; the motorcycle shops have all the tools and equipment required to produce almost anything out of metal, not just bikes. Just as important are the other services these builders use; the local chrome platers, machinists, painters and so on. These guys have just as important a part to play in the construction of these one off bikes as the designer builders themselves. Read the rest of this entry »