Hardcore Motorcycles T-Shirts, mugs, hats unique!

Should I Buy New Motorcycle Engines Or Used Motorcycle Engines?

2009-02-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

Should I Buy New Motorcycle Engines Or Used Motorcycle Engines?

By Billy Edwards

It depends a lot on what you intend to use your Motorcycle Engines for. If you are going to be using the Motorcycle Engines solely for installation on motorcycles, then used Motorcycle Engines may do already (though if you really want to splurge, new ones are even better.) But what if you were going to place the Motorcycle Engines in cars (rather than car engines)? How would that work out?

Actually, this is already being done by many car assembly hobbyists. Usually, the cars to be powered by Motorcycle Engines are just small cars whose size and weight specifications are proportional to the power output of the Motorcycle Engines. As far back as the 1940s, the Cooper Car Company had been undertaking this practice - to make race cars, at that. Even BMW had tried doing that too in the 1950s. Though the general public may be ignorant of this trend, motorcycle and car assembly hobbyists know this practice works and with relatively good results. Their creations might be known as motorcycle/car hybrids.

The motorcycle/car hybrids are probably still being built today in someone's backyard with better results than those experienced back in the 1940s and 1950s – all because modern day Motorcycle Engines are stronger, faster, and better engineered than their early ancestors. Thanks to the decades of research done on how to improve Motorcycle Engines, hobbyists are reaping better rewards from their hybrid assembly efforts.

However, just because it looks like a car, runs like a car, and seems to behave like a car doesn't mean your motorcycle/car hybrid is automatically allowed on public and private roads in your country. The fact that you are using Motorcycle Engines to power the hybrids may be breaking the law for motor vehicles at some point (especially if you are one of the first to make and try to run these types of hybrids in that country.) So, unless you have some kind of special permit to run your hybrid on public and private roads, you may have to confine use of your Motorcycle Engines-powered hybrid vehicle in special areas only (like in a private racetrack or in an enclosed private family compound.)

If you are attracted to the idea of building motorcycle/car hybrid vehicles powered by Motorcycle Engines by yourself, be forewarned that the process actually entails quite an all-encompassing knowledge of how Motorcycle Engines work, how cars work, and how you can bridge any differences in the engineering of both or either with your own creativity and resources. A very smart mechanic/hobbyist can probably learn from manuals and prototypes alone – but for the less experienced and less talented hobbyist, full-time tutelage under someone very experienced in creating motorcycle/car hybrid vehicles might be more appropriate. There's no shame in asking for experienced guidance (except maybe to your ego) and in the end, you may get better results that way.

Equally surprising is that companies have been established throughout the world which concentrate on creating such motorcycle/car hybrid vehicles, many for racing. It might benefit you if you did research on how these companies do their work before you set about creating your own motorcycle/car hybrid vehicle.

About the Author: Necycle is a place where you can find quality Used Motorcycle Parts. Necycle stock thousands of used motorcycles, used motorcycle engines, used motorcycle frames. Necycle deal with over 100 Motorcycle Salvage Yards daily. For more information visit http://www.necycle.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=216360&ca=Automotive

CoD Headquarters! Dark T-Shirt
Wow... Team Deathmatch - could you be anymore lame. You might as well go play single player. Man up and play some Headquarters or Search and Destroy.

View All 1 Available Products

Bumper Stickers Dark T-Shirt
bumper sticker

View All 1 Available Products

Marc's Merch Dark T-Shirt
Victory Records Hardcore Band

View All 1 Available Products

Gug's Pop Culture Experience - Banana Stickers Dark T-Shirt
The psychological validation of banana stickers are totally... METAL.

View All 1 Available Products

BLACK T-SHIRTS! Dark T-Shirt
BLACK POWERLIFTING t-shirts, BODYBUILDING workout SHIRTS and BLACK Weightlifting t shirts! We carry many novelty POWERLIFTING tshirt designs and unique POWERLIFTER t shirts, BODY BUILDER BODY BUILDING

View All 1 Available Products

As a matter of fact... Dark T-Shirt
No chicken-legged lifters need apply - show 'em you've paid your dues underneath some BIG IRON!

View All 1 Available Products

Gym Rodent 13 where the rats gnaw iron. Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

teach me! Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

bodybuilding2 Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

It depends a lot on what you intend to use your Motorcycle Engines for. If you are going to be using the Motorcycle Engines solely for installation on motorcycles, then used Motorcycle Engines may do already (though if you really want to splurge, new ones are even better.) But what if you were going to place the Motorcycle Engines in cars (rather than car engines). How would that work out. Actually, this is already being done by many car assembly hobbyists

Women’s Motorcycle Jackets Vs. Men’s Motorcycle Jackets

2009-02-07T08:38:00.003-06:00

Women’s Motorcycle Jackets Vs. Men’s Motorcycle Jackets

By Dona Rosa

The very phrase ‘women’s motorcycle jacket’ may conjure up visions of tough looking women on huge motorcycles looking for a fight. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Today, the sight of a woman on a motorcycle is not a big deal. Now, if you are going to ride a motorcycle, you might as well wear a stylish looking women’s motorcycle jacket.

Since motorcycle jackets, particularly leather jackets, are always associated with the macho male specimen of our species, some may feel that while motorcycle and women may mix, motorcycle jackets and women certainly do not mix.

However, you can find a whole range of jackets that are available for women motorcycle riders, as all the jackets are not focused on the tough female. For example, we can find many jackets that enhance the feminine appeal of the woman on the motorcycle.

The points to be considered when purchasing a motorcycle jacket for women are not very different as compared to purchasing a jacket for a male motorcycle rider. COnsdier these points:

1) The basic purpose for which the jacket is designed remains the same. However, there are some fine differences, which result from the inherent differences between men and women.

2) Generally, women are more compactly built as compared to men. Hence, one must pay special attention to the comfort levels while buying a jacket for women like a snug fit.

3) Further, the concept of style for men is different as compared to the concept of style for women. On the whole, women prefer to make a subtle and understated style statement when it comes to motorcycle jackets.

4) On the other hand, men prefer to make a loud, aggressive and macho statement about their style quotient.

This is most evident from the fact that there is a lot of differences in colors, patterns etc between men’s jackets and women’s jackets. You would very rarely find a red or a bottle green motorcycle jacket for men while such colors are very commonly found in the jackets for women.

5) Further, men prefer jackets with a lot of metal even though it unnecessarily enhances the weight of the jacket. On the other hand, very few women opt to make such a loud style statements through their jackets.

6) On the whole, one can find a variety of jackets available for women. Some are sporty, some are stylish and some are adorned with frills, while some give an overall cowboy or rather cowgirl look.

Of course, exceptions do exist. And some men prefer to be subtle and some women prefer to be loud and over the top.

However, generally, the choice of men and women in respect of style of the jackets differs and this must be kept in mind when you are buying the apparel.

As far as the safety aspect is concerned, there is very little difference between motorcycle jackets for the two sexes. It can hardly be said that women ride any slower than men. Speeding and reckless driving is a universal phenomenon.

About the Author: For more info, visit: Rocky Top Leather and see what fine goods they have there like women's motorcycle jackets

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=330333&ca=Automotive

Emo Kid Buddies_x Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

tattoos hurt Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

I'd rather be playing Bass Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
The bass is deep, and so are the people that play it.

View All 1 Available Products

Canoers & Kayakers Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Show your love for the water with this shirt for canoers and kayakers.

View All 1 Available Products

The Hyegun Experience Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Choice Cuts, made fresh daily!

View All 1 Available Products

the choice is death Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Weather it be music, fighting, penalties, or overall feeling in the world, SHOW the world how you feel!

View All 1 Available Products

Canadian Bodybuilding Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Special Request Section Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
BUY Bodybuilding t shirts, Powerlifting t-shirts, ARNOLD IS NUMERO UNO shirt. We carry many novelty Bodybuilding tshirt designs and retro vintage style t-shirts, sweatshirts, workout APPAREL, fitness

View All 1 Available Products

I Love Hardcore Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
I heart Hardcore t-shirts and gifts for Hardcore lovers....

View All 1 Available Products

Vegan/ Veg Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Wayrad Gamer Gear Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
The real table of the elements! Fire, Earth, Wind, Holy, Ice, Dark, and so on. Includes a classic and modern spell for each!

View All 1 Available Products

bendingbar Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

I don't know karate, but I know karaze! Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Black Straight Edge Shirts Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Straight XXX Edge Black Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

New Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
These t shirts feature a traditional dragon with a fading kanji for the word dragon. available in a veriety of colors and sizes. T shirts hodies and more.

View All 1 Available Products

Lacrosse Haunt You Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Our "Sticks and Checks may break my bones but my goals will always haunt you" design with a ghostly player driving the cage will give the goalie and his defense something to think about.

View All 1 Available Products

Bumper Stickers Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
bumper sticker

View All 1 Available Products

Mommy's Lil Misfit! Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Those silly little fiends, Mommy loves ya regardless! Just try to not always be a misfit!

View All 1 Available Products

Simple Minded Madness Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
You're hot and the ladies love it!

View All 1 Available Products

Bumper Stickers Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
bumper sticker

View All 1 Available Products

T-Shirts, Hoodies, & Other Scene Stuff Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Straight edge pride is pouring from this awesome t-shirt!! Now you can get it in 8 MORE colors!!

View All 1 Available Products

Indy Wrestling Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Are you hardcore?

View All 1 Available Products

Derby Since 2007 Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Airborne Wings Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Airborne Wings

View All 1 Available Products

The very phrase ‘women’s motorcycle jacket’ may conjure up visions of tough looking women on huge motorcycles looking for a fight. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Today, the sight of a woman on a motorcycle is not a big deal. Now, if you are going to ride a motorcycle, you might as well wear a stylish looking women’s motorcycle jacket. Since motorcycle jackets, particularly leather jackets, are always associated with the macho male specimen of our species, some may feel that while motorcycle and women may mix, motorcycle jackets and women certainly do not mix

Riding a Motorcycle That Does Not Have Motorcycle Insurance is Stupid

2009-02-06T08:36:00.003-06:00

Riding a Motorcycle That Does Not Have Motorcycle Insurance is Stupid

By Frank Strider

There is no other way to put it, if you are riding without good motorcycle insurance you are just plain stupid. Most motorcycle owners have insurance but there will always be some that think it is not necessary, it is to expensive, they don't need it because they drive safe and many more excuses. When you are the one making these excuses, please read this article and make sure you are smart not stupid.

Why is good motorcycle insurance so important?

There is a big difference between car and motorcycle insurance for example it is possible to just insure your motorcycle and not yourself not that this is smart thing to do but it is a possibility. You can also cover bike, rider and people that will be riding pillion on your bike. Something not all motorcycle owners do but should be is cover bodily injury and damage to property. When you are in a accident and cause damage or even injury the cost can be extremely high, motorcycle insurance will be necessary to pay for those costs.dent that causes harm to other people.

If you already own a motorcycle or if you are planning to buy one you really need to get motorcycle insurance and we know it is something some of you bike owners do not give much adequate attention to, there really is no doubt about how useful this can be. It is very simple to find a good insurance company that insures motorcycles and when you already have a insurance for your car you can check out the same insurance company because most will give you discount if you take a motorcycle insurance with their company as well.

What type of motorcycle insurance?

The type of motorcycle insurance policy will depend on:

- coverage

- price

- type of motorcycle

- neighborhood

- driving record

- age

Take as much coverage as you can afford but at least the legal minimum requirements

There is of course no limit in the amount of coverage you can take but you should at least have the legal minimum requirements, and you need to be sure that you know what they are. There are a lot of options you can choose from in the amount and the type of the coverage but it is still up to you what you decide to take for your own protection. You can also ask for additional services like roadside assistance, glass insurance, towing costs. This last service can be extremely convenient when you take long distance trips and are not so good in repairing your motorcycle.

Discount if you take a course.

You can take a riding course with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and some motorcycle insurance companies will give you ten percent discount on the insurance premium. The key messages of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for bike owners are:

1. Get trained and licensed

2. Wear protective gear -- all the gear, all the time -- including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the DOT

3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs

4. Ride within your own skill limits

5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher rider courses

And last but not least the final tip to pay less premium if you really want to minimize the amount of premium a cruiser is cheaper to insure than a sports bike.

About the Author: Frank Strider loves to talk about motorcycles and all the things related to it. Visit his website if you want to find out more about a razor scooter or maybe motorcycle tires.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=264028&ca=Automotive

Hoodies Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Train Hard Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

What the mind BELIEVES Light T-Shirt
You're only as STRONG or as BIG as you believe you can be. BELIEVE and ACHIEVE!

View All 1 Available Products

Lacrosse Defense Hurts Light T-Shirt
Lacrosse players on the D Unit - this shirt is for you. Offense sells tickets â€“ Defense HURTS people! What else can be said? This is the perfect gift for the wicked body taking defenseman or lsm.

View All 1 Available Products

Straight Edge Apparel Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

I'd rather be playing Drums Light T-Shirt
Pound it out. Rocknroll. Drums rock.

View All 1 Available Products

How Much Ya bench? Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

COO Light T-Shirt
You know...

View All 1 Available Products

I'd rather be playing Drums Light T-Shirt
Pound it out. Rocknroll. Drums rock.

View All 1 Available Products

Hardcore Goalie Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Chicks with sticks Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Lacrosse Skull and Crosses Light T-Shirt
Spooky! Let the other team know how you feel with this lacrosse inspired take on the old pirate Jolly Roger symbol. A skull with two lax heads for bones.

View All 1 Available Products

Vegetarian Because I Know Better Light T-Shirt
This simple, bold design makes it perfectly clear why you choose vegetarianism.

View All 1 Available Products

Harbor Hope Light T-Shirt
A very cool-looking version of the Africa shirt, with a slightly altered design. All proceeds go to African NPO of choice.

View All 1 Available Products

Ride Baby! Light T-Shirt
BMX crazy cool biking. Hit the ramp, the bench, the stairs. Just RIDE!

View All 1 Available Products

TRAIN like an ANIMAL... Light T-Shirt
Got Muscle? Wear this. Hardcore BODYBUILDING POWERLIFTING SHIRTS, T-SHIRTS to wear in the gym, on the street or in a meet. Shirts reads: ""Train like an ANIMAL to build the BEAST!"

View All 1 Available Products

SHUT UP & SQUAT Light T-Shirt
Shut Up & Squat Black Powerlifting t-shirts, BODYBUILDING UNIVERSE sells anabolic BODYBUILDING SHIRTS, Powerlifting t-shirts, workout clothes with STEROIDS sayings and BODYBUILDING ARTWORK! We carry m

View All 1 Available Products

Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

The Raw Vegan Radio Online Store Light T-Shirt
The truth about milk...

View All 1 Available Products

BMX Rock Light T-Shirt
Wicked extreme riding!! Bikers ride for life.

View All 1 Available Products

Train Hard Now 4 Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

XXX Drug Free Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Big Deal Light T-Shirt

View All 1 Available Products

Rock Climbing t-shirts & gifts Light T-Shirt
Climb - Live on the Edge! Rock climbing t-shirts & gifts, with a climber hanging from a rock! Extreme sports fans will love the rock climbing design with a rock climber hanging from a rock!

View All 1 Available Products

Moose Motorcycle Gear: The Best Motorcycle Accessories For Riders

2009-02-05T08:34:00.002-06:00

Moose Motorcycle Gear: The Best Motorcycle Accessories For Riders

By Mike McGrath

The collection of motorcycle accessories manufactured by Moose is truly revolutionary. The company has always been known for their sense of style, high quality of products and long shelf life of all their motocross accessories. No wonder then this brand is such a hit with all ATV riders!

Diverse accessories

Moose has come up with a fine line-up of cutting edge motorcycle accessories. The Hitch Extender, Luggage Tankbags, Mud Paw hand warmers etc. remain some of the most popular of the styles. For example, the tankbag luggage comes in Black and Camo varieties and is a very popular item with all ATV and motocross racers. It allows you to carry your luggage with you in true classic style.

Handlebars and other accessories

Moose also has a great collection of handlebars. Some of the most popular amongst this collection of motocross accessories are the ATV Lever Honda 554-10-16 L and the ATV Lever Honda 554-11-16 L which is also a left hand system. The prices for each of these items is extremely reasonable which makes for a great shopping experience for your next motocross racing action!

Other value-added items

The other value-added item from Moose amongst its line-up of motorcycle accessories is the Hose Clamp Assorted. It comes in the 15PK – 5-1/4 5-5/16 and 5-7/16 varieties. These are made of very high quality materials and Moose makes sure to test them under some of the most rigorous conditions. This way, all of these clamps function extremely well even under the toughest riding conditions and terrains.

Plows and snow accessories

For all of you who love to ride in the snow and go snowboarding Moose has some amazing tools and motocross accessories for you! The ATV Tire Chains, County Plow Blades, E-Z Plow Lift, Electric Winch, Fairlead Winch and Plow Blade all remain the top contenders amongst the list of favorite plows. The ATV Tire Chains have been designed for all types of ATV action even on ice and snow. Due to the high tensile strength of these chain materials extra pulling power can also be achieved easily. These chains come in sizes A, B and C. The County Plow Blade comes in a bold yellow coloring and has a superb blade curve which guides snow away from the surface on which digging happens. The plow flap made of rubber helps to prevent snow blowing into the face. The plow lift is yet another very useful addition to have amongst all your motorcycle accessories. As you can well imagine, each and every accessory manufactured by Moose is meant to provide the best value for your money. Right from the styling, colors used to the actual design and shape of these motocross accessories every product is a surefire winner. So, the next time you want to shop for the best quality motorcycle accessories make sure to buy from Moose brand. You can be assured of a very long lasting product coupled with the assurance of added comfort and elegance.

About the Author: Bobscycle.com provides an amazing selection of Motocross Apparel such as Motocross Jerseys MX Gear and Motocross Boots

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=297505&ca=Opinions

HARDCORE Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

KillU Graphics Sticker (Rectangle)
Hardcore gear

View All 1 Available Products

NYC HardCore Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Copy of Evil Bitch Sticker (Rectangle)
A proud evil bitch has no fear of wearing the Evil Bitch t-shirt in public. One of the best sellers at OnusDesigns t-shirts.

View All 1 Available Products

New York Hardcore Sticker (Rectangle)
New York hardcore t-shirt, caps

View All 1 Available Products

Tanks Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Mommy's Little Monster 2 Sticker (Rectangle)
A punk attitude version of our popular Mommy's Little Monster design. This one is a tribute to Social Distortion (true fans will understand).

View All 1 Available Products

Hardcore Tribal Tattoo Sticker (Rectangle)
Hardcore workout wear from Bodybuilding Universe.com - PERFECT for the street, meet and gym! You've got the TATTOO. You've got the ATTITUDE and the DEDICATION. Get the SHIRT!

View All 1 Available Products

Gun Sticker (Rectangle)
It's a bird! It's a plane! Nahhh... It's a simple gun on tshirts and gifts by OnusDesigns.

View All 1 Available Products

Atomic Methods Workshop Sticker (Rectangle)
You rock, you know it, show those posers where they stand!

View All 1 Available Products

Tanks Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

IRISH DRINKING TEAM! Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Property of a Hardcore Deputy Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Straight Fuckin' Edge Sticker (Rectangle)
Straight Edge SXE Logo

View All 1 Available Products

Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body Sticker (Rectangle)
Such a great quote! A saying of the US Marines, pain truly is weakness leaving the body. Wear it at the gym working out, or anytime you want to let your whiner buddies know they are a bunch of wusses.

View All 1 Available Products

Costa Rica Soccer T-Shirts and Gifts Sticker (Rectangle)
The Costa Rican flag is the focal point of this Hard Core Soccer Logo. Each design has a soccer ball on opposite sides of the riveted steel logo and is surrounded by barb wire!

View All 1 Available Products

GO FREAKIN' HEAVY! Sticker (Rectangle)
Got POWER? Wear this in the gym, on the street or in a meet. ONLY for the hardcore!

View All 1 Available Products

Squat Bench Deadlift POWERLIFTING T-shirts Sticker (Rectangle)
BUY patriotic POWERLIFTING t-shirts, workout clothes and posters! We carry many novelty USA POWERLIFTING tshirt designs and retro vintage style POWERLIFTING t shirts, POWERLIFTING sweatshirts, jerseys

View All 1 Available Products

Hardcore Straight Edge Sticker (Rectangle)
The philosophy/life-choice that humans should have strength, pride, dignity, honor, and self respect; that they shouldn't engage in activities that are a disgrace to their minds and bodies.

View All 1 Available Products

Mosh Apparel Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Splattered Hearts merch Sticker (Rectangle)
mosh mosh mosh mosh... nothings better

View All 1 Available Products

Straight Edge Apparel Sticker (Rectangle)

View All 1 Available Products

Stickers, Magnets, & Buttons Sticker (Rectangle)
Straight Edge, what a bold statement...stick this sticker on anything and promote the drug fre, poison free lifestyle to everyone who sees it...

View All 1 Available Products

VINTAGE BENCH PRESS Sticker (Rectangle)
BUY POWERLIFTING t-shirts, workout clothes and APPAREL! We carry many COOL novelty BENCH PRESS tshirt designs and retro vintage style POWERLIFTING t shirts, POWERLIFTING sweatshirts, & Muscle Shirts!

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycle Leather: A Purchasing Guide For Leather Motorcycle Apparel

2009-02-04T08:30:00.004-06:00

Motorcycle Leather: A Purchasing Guide For Leather Motorcycle Apparel

By Michael Talbert

Since the dawn of the age of motorcycling, it was apparent that something was needed to protect the exposed human body from the elements. The natural solution was leather. The leather motorcycle jacket, a style made popular by such movie icons as James Dean and “the Fonz”, not only serves as a fashion statement, but is an essential piece of equipment to any serious biker for keeping warm, dry, and in one piece. A good “riding grade” leather jacket combined with motorcycle chaps or leather pants, will act as a second skin between you and the road, and can quite literally “save your hide”. With all this in mind, let’s explore the things to consider when purchasing motorcycle leathers.

The most common material for motorcycle leather is cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. Buffalo hide, another high quality leather, is made not from the U.S. buffalo, but the water buffalo most commonly found in India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Whichever type of hide you choose, you must understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather.

Leather was of course once the skin of an animal, and therefore must go through a tanning process to strengthen it, and to keep it from decomposing. Tanning makes the skin stable and rot proof without sacrificing its structure and strength. The tanning process involves several stages, including the removal of the hair and the outer layer of skin, as well as the fatty part of the flesh. The hide is then stabilized by one of several methods using animal oils, alum, chrome salts or vegetable tanning. How it is actually finished determines the quality, or riding grade, for our purposes.

Types of Leather

To fully understand the types of leather available, one must first know the term “grain”. The grain is simply the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal’s skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist, the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.

Finished Split Leather

The middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.

Top Grain Leather

Top grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is not the same quality as full grain or naked leather, but thicknesses of 1.2-3mm make this type of leather a very strong and durable riding grade material.

Full-Grain and Naked Leather

Full-Grain leather is made from the finest hides, and has not been sanded to remove imperfections. Only the hair has been removed. In the case of Naked Leather, where nothing other than the dye is added; this very soft leather requires no breaking in period. Hides are typically 2mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.

Now that we know what type of leather we want, we must understand the fact that leather is hot, and understand the options that we have for the climate we live in. For winter biking, a jacket with side laces and a belt will allow you to adjust the jacket to fit snugly against the upper body. Of course, being able to fully zip up only adds to your protection from the wind. You can also wear a leather vest underneath your motorcycle jacket for extra warmth. For hot summer days, a leather jacket with air vents allows the air to circulate underneath the jacket and around your body. For an all year round jacket, consider one with a zip or snap out insulated lining.

Leather is not meant to get wet, as that tends to deplete the natural oils, and it is advisable to wear a rain suit over your leathers in inclement weather. However if they do get wet, allow them to dry naturally away from extreme heat. If the leather seems to be losing its luster, it can be oiled to improve its appearance. This supplements the natural oils in the leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to water. Frequent oiling of leather with mink oil or other commercially available products will keep your leathers supple and improve their lifespan dramatically.

Now that you have found the perfect biker jacket, take care of it, and it will reward you with years of wear. The typical lifetime of a heavy textile jacket will be from 3 to 6 years at the most. A well maintained top quality leather motorcycle jacket will easily give you 10 years and more of riding pleasure!

About the Author: Michael Talbert is the founder of Florida based Biker Leather Ltd.,
an online retailer of leather and textile motorcycle apparel. For more information
on leather and leather care, you can visit this web site at http://NakedLeatherBiker.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=7807&ca=Recreation

Packin' Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycle Toys Infant Bodysuit
Funny t-shirts and more are perfect for any motorcycle owner that haven't really grown up-their toys just got bigger.

View All 1 Available Products

Ride My Motorcycle * Infant Bodysuit
"My Perfect Day: Ride My Motorcycle" - DON'T LIKE THIS SAYING? Select the "Customized Saying Shirts" link (in the far left column) to create a shirt using your own text.

View All 1 Available Products

Chopper #15 Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

For The Rest Of Us There's Motorcycles Infant Bodysuit
For Some There's Therapy, For The Rest Of Us There's Motorcycles Baseball Jersey

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycle Wear - Wildout Gear's Motorcycle Shop Infant Bodysuit
My Dad Is Faster Than Yours Infant Creeper

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycle, motorcycle, motorcycle funny clothing Infant Bodysuit
Motorcycle, motorcycle, off road motorcycle gifts & t-shirt. I Do My Own Stunts - funny motorcycle picture with the motorcycle rider falling of his motorcycle. Motorcycle racing gifts and t-shirts.

View All 1 Available Products

Stuntin' V1R Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

Distracted by Motorcycles T-shirts & Gifts Infant Bodysuit
Humorous t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers and more are perfect for anyone that's easily distracted by Motorcycles. A great gift idea!

View All 1 Available Products

Biker Baby Cry...Grandad Infant Bodysuit
Of course your Biker Baby doesn't cry too much. But when they do it's because Grand-Daddy went riding without them.

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycle Like Daddy's Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

pavement Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

Baby Bikers Infant Bodysuit
Biker in training for the future lady biker

View All 1 Available Products

Grey Streak Infant Bodysuit
Motorcycle products inspired by MotoGP, World Superbike, and other motorcycle racing. This one's in black and white! Check out the other colors too!

View All 1 Available Products

Ride Hard Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

Live to Ride Infant Bodysuit
Reads: "Live to ride, ride to live" around a barbed wire circle with a motorcycle silhouette inside, all done in a soft distressed style.

View All 1 Available Products

Have a Harley Christmas Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products

Motorcycles are like... Infant Bodysuit
Features the phrase motorcycles are like potato chips, one is never enough.

View All 1 Available Products

Apparel For 2 Wheels Infant Bodysuit
2 is greater than 4

View All 1 Available Products

Ride, Break, Fix. Motorcycle gifts and clothes. Infant Bodysuit
Ride, Break, Fix. Share with the world your motorcycle riding passion with this funny biker design. Unique motorcycle racing accessories and humorous motorcycle gifts for bikers & mechanics.

View All 1 Available Products

Future Rider Infant Bodysuit
To wear this shirt, kids have to start small, with tricycles and bicycles before moving on to their motorized counterparts as there is a steep learning curve.

View All 1 Available Products

Angel Flight II-tx Infant Bodysuit
Guardian Angel guarding a motorcyclist in a turn, pen and ink, b/w, shirts and gifts.

View All 1 Available Products

Biker Dad Infant Bodysuit
Here's a cool design just for the Biker Dad in the family. Combine with Biker Mom and Biker Brat and do the family thing!

View All 1 Available Products

Boys Only Infant Bodysuit

View All 1 Available Products