There are many different types of motorcycle to consider based on your interests. Do you want a motorcycle that is known for speed? If you will be taking long road trips on your motorcycle then you definitely want one built for travel and comfort. You may also want one that offers compartments to hold your necessities while you travel. Other motorcycles are designed for riding on dirt or for competition. There are also scooters that are fun for in town.

If you are new to the feat of motorcycle riding, it is recommended that you start with a moderately priced motorcycle or even with a used one. This is because a new motorcycle can cost you $20,000. Do you want to risk scratching it up or having costly repairs from dropping the bike over? Trust me, if you are new to riding that is going to be a part of the experience! You can always purchase a newer motorcycle once you have become a seasoned rider.

Even if you have a particular style of motorcycle in mind, it has to fit your body perfectly. This may be disappointing at first, but keep in mind that if the bike doesn’t fit you there is a risk of an accident. It is also very likely that you won’t be comfortable while riding it, so what fun will that be? Of course you can always have a customized motorcycle made later on of the style you want that fits you perfectly.

The best way determine if a motorcycle is a good fit for you is to sit on the bike with the kickstand on the ground. Can you touch the ground with both feet? If not, then you need to look for a motorcycle that isn’t as tall. If you can reach the ground with both feet, can you reach the handle bars comfortably? How about the brakes and the turn signals?

Of course a very important aspect you need to consider when looking for the right motorcycle is the price. You need something that is going to fit into your budget. Do you want to purchase a used motorcycle for the amount of money you can afford? Are you willing to take out a loan to pay for a higher priced motorcycle on monthly payments? You should decide this before you even begin looking at potential motorcycles.

A motorcycle can provide you with a fun mode of transportation for fun or for commuting. Motorcycles are very inexpensive to operate and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. You will find your motorcycle to be more comfortable if you take your time and select one based on how it feels with your body shape than how the body of the bike looks. Choosing a bike that doesn’t fit well will leave you disappointed as well as raise the risk of accidents and injuries taking place.

How often have we heard that? Zealous four-wheelers are bent on saving us from our own stupidity. Of course our bulbs are dim. Anyone bright wouldn’t go near one of those two-wheeled death machines. “It’s too risky,” they intone piously.

In a small part, they are right. There is risk involved in operating a motorcycle. There’s also risk involved in driving on a freeway, even in a tank. And it’s purely insane to sleep on a waterbed if we have cats. The trick is to manage the risks and to not take dumb risks.

One of the main keys to managing risks is to take a motorcycle rider course, and to keep the mental and physical skills we learn sharp. Many skills are lost in six months if they aren’t practiced. Knowing good cornering and curve-riding techniques doesn’t do us any good if we don’t practice them.

Knowing our limits, the limits of our machines, and the limits of our environment and riding within those limits is also critical. We must remember that those limits change constantly and adapt our riding style to conform to them.

Superior riders never get themselves into situations requiring superior skills. Taking dumb risks is asking for trouble. If we keep pushing our limits, we will eventually exceed them, and the consequences can be devastating or even fatal. Riding faster and faster though a familiar curve can spell disaster when we’ve pushed our traction to the limits and there’s something unexpected in the road halfway through the curve. Riding fast in the rain just because we’re in a hurry makes no sense when we know we can’t stop quickly. Slowing down and putting distances between us and a hazard is sensible risk management. Replacing worn tires helps keep us safely stuck to the road.

Part of the challenge of motorcycling is risk management, and the sport wouldn’t be very enjoyable if we wrapped ourselves in cotton and surrounded ourselves with a cocoon of safety devices. However, the sport is more fun if we don’t have to worry about dangers we create for ourselves.

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.

It’s very possible, so before that scenario can become fiction, inspect your lights and signals. Make sure your headlight, brake light and turn signals are working, and are free of cracks and condensation. Make sure the hi/low beams work, and both the front brake lever and foot lever light up the taillight. Check the wiring for fraying, cracks and pinches. Also check the battery wires, and make sure the terminals are clean and tight, and also the battery is held down securely.

Next is your throttle. Check that your throttle moves freely and snaps closed, and does not rev with the handlebars turned. Check the throttle cable for frays and kinks and also lubricate it. And never forget your chain. Adjust it to your manufacture’s specifications, clean it, lubricate it, and if it needs replacement, don’t mess around: replace it. We’ve probably all heard the horror stories of a snapped chain and the damage it causes. Sometimes it’s a just something mechanical, but it could cause some major road rash, and even death if left unchanged. So inspect it thoroughly.

The final preparation step is something most bikers take pride in, a shiny steed. I know many people who clean their bikes more than they actually ride them, but if it makes them happy, let them be. I attempt to clean my bike as much as possible, but sometimes when the grime builds I bypass the shine just to get in an extra hour of riding. But it’s absolutely necessary to do the best cleaning job when it’s coming out of storage; not only for the appeal of a clean machine, but also to further inspect the bike for any safety hazards that will prevent a season of carefree riding.

Some basic tips: remember to only use CLEAN soft cloths and sponges, otherwise you’ll scratch your bike. Remove all your jewelry and other loose items that could scuff your bike as you wash it, such a belt or a watch. Always start from the top down, and don’t forget to treat your chain after washing the bike. And never, ever use a compressor to dry your bike! It blows around remaining dirt particles, ruining your paint. Some people use a leave blower, but I prefer the hand-drying method over all. And while you’re at it, clean your riding gear. Last season’s sweaty helmet is this season’s nightmare. If the insert is removable, take time to clean it properly. And do the same with jackets, gloves, etc.

Hope this mini-series has helped you prepare that machine for this riding season. No matter what, if you’re on two wheels you’re a Romantic for the Road. Remember, when it comes to the biker community, we’re all best friends out there. By having your bike prepared as perfect as can be for this season, you’ll not only remain safe, but also be a contributing factor towards our community continuing stronger. Ride safe, and I hope to see you out there.

It’s important to make sure you have the correct documentation for you and your motorcycle when travelling abroad. You must ensure you carry the following documents when riding.

1. Passport – Non-European Union citizens may also require a Visa.

2. Driving Licence – Full UK Licence with paper counterpart if a photo licence. (An International Driving Permit is not necessary).

3. MOT Certificate – If your motorcycle is more than 3 years old.

4. Registration Document (V5) – Sometimes referred to as a Log Book.

5. Insurance Certificate for your motorcycle – In line with European Union directives your vehicle insurance will automatically cover you to the minimum requirement of third party only while in other EU countries (a green card is not necessary). If you want to maintain the same level of cover you have in the UK you will need to contact your insurance company or broker before your departure. Your insurance company will normally make a small charge to extend your existing cover to other EU countries.

Make sure all your documents are up to date and will cover you for the length of time you spend abroad. Also ensure your motorcycle has a current Road Tax, and is otherwise road legal.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ride on the right-hand side of the road (except in Malta and Cyprus). If you don’t have a rear-view mirror on the left-hand side of your motorcycle, have one fitted to aid in riding on the right.

The wearing of a suitable crash helmet is compulsory throughout all European Union countries.

A suitable GB sticker must be displayed at the rear of your motorcycle. Since 2001, if you have a number plate displaying the blue GB euro-symbol, a conventional sticker is no longer necessary.

For many motorcycles, headlamp deflectors or readjustment is not necessary (the headlamp beam pattern is different to that of cars). If in doubt, ask your local MOT station to check.

Riding with dipped headlights is compulsory at all times in most European countries.

GOOD IDEAS

Although not a legal requirement, the following will give you peace of mind and could be essential should the worst happen.

1. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – In order to receive health care treatment in any other EU country you will need a European Health Insurance Card. As from 1st January 2006 this card replaced the E111 and entitles the holder to state-medical treatment for injuries and illnesses. You can apply for a EHIC by picking up a form at your local post office, there’s no charge. The EHIC may not cover all the services you might expect in the UK, so it’s a good idea to take out a suitable Personal Travel Insurance.

2. Personal Travel Insurance – Make sure the policy covers motorcyclists. Some insurance companies consider motorcycling a dangerous pass time. As always, if in doubt, ask.

3. European Breakdown Insurance – None of us expect to breakdown, but a suitable insurance could save a lot of hassle and money should you have the misfortune to suffer mechanical problems.

It’s also a good idea to carry a spare set of bulbs and fuses, a basic tool kit, a puncture repair kit, chain lube (if applicable) and a spare set of keys.

Do you think maybe it’s time to do a little customizing for that old girl of yours? Ask yourself this first.

Why do we customize and add accessories to our Harley?

Well, for me it’s simple!

We want to stand out above all else! The last thing we want is to look like every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there on the road!

You may have different reasons. You may want to add an Accessory to your bike because it fits with you and your taste.

There is an element of being practical as well. If you install a nice chrome luggage rack on your back fender, or a detachable windshield, it not only looks good but it also serves a purpose. How else would you carry your tent and keep bugs out of your teeth?

Not everyone has the same taste in customizing. Thank God for that, or it sure would be boring taking a walk down on main street in Sturgis South Dakota during the 1st week of August.

Some people go overboard on customizing their bike. Overboard for someone may be a masterpiece for someone else. It all depends on who you are and what you’re about.

How do you pick out a Harley Davidson Accessory or decide on customizing?

It’s a hard question to answer.

I would suggest that you decide on what you want out of your bike. Sit back and have a look at yourself. What kind of biker are you anyway?

Are you a speed demon that likes to lay rubber on the road every now and then. Do you get a kick out of doing a little showing off at bike rallies to friends and family? Do you like to participate in show and shine contests?

If you are this person you may want to look at getting your engine rebuilt for increased horsepower. You can’t go wrong with a lot of Harley chrome either. Just when you think you have had enough of chrome, you find some more in that catalog.

Don’t worry, there is a chrome Harley Davidson motorcycle built to date.

Your style may be a little more subdued. Your main motorcycling purpose in life may be ride the road and not waste time with anything else. You would have to agree, most people still want to look good riding a Harley.

If you are this person you may only want one or two Accessories. A nice luggage bag that slips over that backrest on your bike looks good when you are on a long trip and it serves a purpose.

Every Harley Davidson owner at some time or another has thought about adding an accessory to his or her motorcycle. You rarely see a stock Harley Davidson!

Keep in mind the kind of person you are when making Harley Davidson Accessory choices. A properly customized Harley is above all else, an extension of the owner who rides it.