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 »

DOCUMENTS TO TAKE WITH YOU

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. 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 »

How do you make your Harley Davidson look and feel like an extension of yourself!

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. Read the rest of this entry »