We know that most days you get your kicks from riding when you’re wearing the best boot money can buy. We also know that there’s nothing quite like taking those same boots off your tired feet and exchanging them for your favorite pair of Minnetonka moccasins. This classic casual style moccasin is a great shoe for everyday wear.

But, when you need a motorcycle boot, you want a solid rugged boot for riding, even if you don’t want to play tough all the time.

Men’s “Ariat” Motorcycle Boots

If you’ve been riding for any length of time, you’ll know that weather can change unexpectedly. You can leave your house on a cloudless summer morning and be battling an afternoon storm without ever leaving your zip code.

That’s one of the reasons we recommend wearing a waterproof motorcycle boot. The “Alloy” and “Carbide” boot are oil-resistant and feature a waterproof membrane, which is important when caught in any time of precipitation. Even with a little bit of rain, motor oils surface on the roads. You’ll keep your feet both comfortable and dry while riding wearing men’s Ariat boots.

Motorcycle Harness Boot by Double-H

Here’s another great leather boot from Double-H that’s made to last: the best-selling long-wearing Snoot Toe 10” boot.   Its welted construction allows for constant air flow through the boot, which keeps the shoes ventilated, durable and strong. The cushioned insole adds another layer of comfort and the ultra-resistant outsole provides durability and a different level of protection.

One of the best safety precautions you can take is wearing a boot with a tough outer sole. A boot that is slip- and abrasive-resistant will keep you safe for a lot longer than its inferior counterparts.

Women’s Vintage Motorcycle Boot

If you’re looking for a boot style that can match your lifestyle both on and off your bike, then the Double-H distressed leather makes a perfect fit. The vintage tan leather and stacked heel looks great with chaps or jeans. Its cushioned insole and leather outsole guarantees these boots are built for comfort and will last a lifetime.

Fashion Women’s Western Boots from Laredo

If fancy footwear is what you want, women’s Laredo boots got you covered. From leather inlays to heart and flower detailing to white or multi-colored leather, these Western boots would make you feel be right at home in the city or on the road. With flex insoles and leather outsoles, these fashionable boots were made for walkin’ and struttin’.

Best Boots for Motorcycle Riding was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) began in 1924 to promote and support motorcycling enthusiasts. Over the last 100+ years, the origin of the organization and patches worn, most often on a biker’s motorcycle vest, became lost in Hollywood lore. While 99% of bikers are law-abiding, there was 1% of the riding population that was not. At least that’s what the AMA stated in a long ago written article.

How the Outlaw Rider was Born

That outlaw concept stuck and, when the movie, The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, memorialized these “bad boys,” a popular myth of the outlaw rider began.  At this time, the use of a clubs’ “colors” emerged as a way to distinguish themselves from the founding organization and AMA-sanctioned activities.

“Colors” refers to a motorcycle club’s patch setup. A motorcycle club wears a three-piece patch as opposed to what a member of a motorcycle organization might wear. Note the distinction: a motorcycle club is not a motorcycle organization. They are governed by different rules. A family or riding club, an AMA-approved biker rights organization, for example, might typically wear a one-piece patch, which requires little more than filling out an application and mailing a check.

A motorcycle club member wearing a three-piece patch identifies the club name (top rocker), place of origin (bottom rocker) and the club’s crest (patch) placed in the center. This traditional patch follows established protocols and a code of conduct. The club also follows a rigorous membership process where a prospective member needs to earn the right to wear the full patch.

“Every Picture Tells a Story Don’t It”

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd and wanting to buy a custom biker patch, then check out motorcycle patches from Leather Bound Online. Motorcycle patches are quick and easy to apply.  They can either be sewn or ironed on.

Most people wear the bulletproof style vest when wearing club colors. Check it out.

History of Motorcycle Clubs & Vest Patches was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Jay Leno not only exhibits a passion for motorcycles, as is obvious through his world-class collection, but also he shares his passion with fans and fellow enthusiasts. Whether he’s interviewing PeeWee Herman at the Sturgis Motorcycle Festival or showcasing The Wheels Through Time Museum, it’s clear that he wears his “heart on his motorcycle jacket sleeve” when it comes to bikers.

Leno’s 17,000 square feet garage is stuffed with an awe-inspiring collection of machines. He doesn’t view his purchases as museum pieces, not to be touched. He clearly enjoys driving the motorcycles in his collection, which is why he tops our list of “celebrity motorcycle enthusiasts.”

Midnight Boys Bike Club

It’s been said that stars and pro athletes lead different lives than you and I. When we discovered that David Beckham was “biking” it with Tom Cruise, we knew we wouldn’t get any argument from our readers. Apparently, Cruise introduced Beckham to the biking world. While they both own a Ducati, Cruise rides a limited production luxury $72,000 model.

But, they both own one of the special edition $90,000 F131 Hellcat Combat bikes, evening the score. In Hollywood, their riding relationship goes deeper than owning a few similar bikes. The Daily Mail reports that the two have started a Midnight Boys Bike Club and intend to ride the Hollywood Hills together.

That’s certainly one way to get away from the paparazzi. We wonder if they’ll be inviting any other A-list bikers, like Brad Pitt, George Clooney or John Travolta.

Let’s Hear It From the Girls

What do an actress, a socialite and a pop singer have in common? You earn extra points if you can guess who they are. Give up? Lauren Hutton, Paris Hilton and Pink all share a love for the open road. If ever the stereotype of a beer guzzlin’ bandana wearin’ wild hair flowin’ biker dude could be dashed, then it’s in knowing that these superstars are motorcycle enthusiasts too.

After all, we can’t let the boys have all the fun!

Top Celebrity Motorcycle Enthusiasts was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

As with any DIY project, you’ll save time and frustration if you gather all the items needed to winterize your motorcycle. If you can change the oil in your car, you can easily winterize your own bike and save the cost of storing it offsite. The tender loving care you’ll give your bike will also go a long way toward enhancing motorcycle safety.

Where to Store Your Winterized Bike

Since you’ve decided to forgo paying for storage, you don’t want to end up paying for the mistake of storing your bike in a poor location. Ideally, you want to store your bike in a windowless room or area because ultraviolet light can fade paint and plastic parts.

Direct sunlight also raises the temperature of the storage area which promotes condensation on the glass shield when the sun sets. To avoid moisture build up, cover glass with an opaque material.

Tools of the Trade

Don’t let the following list discourage your efforts. If you plan on storing your bike every winter, you’ll be using these items and materials again and again. You can also take pleasure in knowing that you’re saving thousands of dollars over the life of your motorcycle by winterizing it yourself.

Plus, we have a sneaking suspicion you like bragging about your handy maintenance skills. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this.

• Socket/ratchet set
• Allen wrench
• Rags
• Wrench set
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Rubber gloves
• Oil funnel
• Bendable funnel
• Battery maintainer
• Coolant tester

Materials for Motorcycle Winterization

• Fuel stabilizer
• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Fogging oil
• Gear lube oil
• Steel wool
• Sandwich bag
• Pink tape
• Chain lube
• WD-40

Handy Link for the Handyman

We have included a handy link from who else? … The Family Handyman to provide step-by-step instructions on exactly how to winterize your motorcycle inside and out.

Preventive Motorcycle Maintenance

There’s one final step we recommend. Buy a specially designed motorcycle cover. They’re made of mildew-resistant breathable material. Do not cover your bike with an old sheet or tarp. You’ll be trapping in moisture, which can rust metal surfaces and create mildew on the seat, if you cover your bike with an  inappropriate material.

Although we may be facing cold winter days now, you’ll be slipping back into your motorcycle jacket before you know it.  You’ll be happy you followed proper tips for winter storage come spring when you bike is in great shape.

For more motorcycle tips and trend subscribe to the Leather Bound blog.

DIY Motorcycle Maintenance: Winter Storage Tips was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Wear your motorcycle helmet more often than not. We know the lone wolf image of the motorcycle rider doesn’t always fit with state helmet laws, but you only need to visit an emergency room on a busy Friday night to know that wearing a helmet could mean the difference between life and death. Regardless of the state in which you live, make a  resolution to wear your helmet. Period.

Simmer down on the hot-dog riding. Over-revving the bike in town, short shifting between stop lights and generally riding like a jerk is for amateurs and teenagers. Your neighbors will thank you, too, if you coast your bike upon exiting and entering your driveway and the street.

Take more roads less traveled. We’ve written about the best rides to see the fall colors and great International road trips. How about plotting out your own road map and make a pilgrimage in a direction you’ve never taken. Visit every baseball stadium, vineyard, micro-brewery or theme park in your region for starters; plan a father/daughter excursion to The Mall of America; bike to Key West taking the Eastern seaboard back roads until you run out of road. You get the picture.

Update your driving/riding skills. For those with a valid motorcycle permit, license or endorsement, taking a one-day refresher course can improve your safety on the street. Reinforcing basic knowledge and skills enables you to continue to practice and develop safe riding habits no matter how many years you’ve been riding.

Review your motorcycle insurance and research alternative quotes. If you’ve changed the way you use your bike, started garaging your bike and/or acquired another motorcycle, then it may be time to revisit your coverage. If you’ve significantly increased your annual mileage, your existing coverage may not be enough. And, if you’ve crossed into another age bracket or achieved a certain minimum number of years’ experience with no claims history, some policies may offer a discount. Check into multi-bike insurance policy discounts too.

From the practical to the sublime, we think these resolutions are keepers. Have a Happy & Safe New Year!

New Year’s Resolutions for Bikers was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Buying gifts for someone who enjoys a special interest or lifestyle, like motorcycle riding, can be a lot of fun. From stocking stuffers to big ticket items, here are our gift ideas for the motorcycle enthusiast in your life.

Stocking Stuffers

If the biker in your life hasn’t seen the movie, Easy Rider, this gift is a must have. Even if he’s not the nomadic biker type, this movie will give him a sense of the open road.

If your motorcyclist enjoys travel, working on bikes and learning about new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, send a gift subscription to American Iron Magazine.

Moccasin Slippers

Slippers may seem ho-hum, but Minnetonka moccasins are not your grandmother’s slippers! These fabulous sheepskin slippers are perfect for Minnesota’s frigid winters. They come in so many shapes and sizes, it won’t matter that you gave your honey a pair last year. We know a lot of people who even wear their slippers around town because they’re both stylish and comfortable.

Motorcycle Jacket

Whether you’re male or female, anyone will be thrilled to receive a leather motorcycle jacket this holiday season. Styles are as varied as the myriad people riding motorcycles today. Women can make a fashion statement with a cowhide jacket that accentuates her shape or when wearing a pink leather-braided coat. For the man in your life, choose from retro brown leather, reflective leather or the classic leather riding jacket.

Motorcycles & Mistletoe

Go hog wild and buy that special someone a brand new motorcycle. What could be more exciting and extravagant? But, just like fashion, motorcycles come in every shape and size. When buying a big ticket item like a bike, you want to do some research. Kelly Blue Book and National Automotive Dealer’s Association (NADA) offer a place to start online. Both are industry leaders in providing accurate reliable automotive pricing information. They’ve expanded to include pricing for both new and used motorcycles.

Happy Holidays from Ours to Yours

From movies to magazines, moccasins to leather jackets as well as the bigger gifts that say you care, wishing you happy holidays from all of us at Leather Bound Online!

Holiday Gift Guide for Motorcycle Enthusiasts was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Whether you’re mucking stables or riding wide through Wyoming, motorcycle boots can work hard for you on or off your ride. The custom once was that work garb and leisure wear didn’t mix on the job, but we can thank updated boot styles, quality workmanship and advancements in fiber technology that allows for a cross over from work to play and back.

Types of Motorcycle Work Boots

Double H – Western wear is worn on and off the range and cowboy boots appear on New York runways. So to see a western work book, like the Double-H, doing double-duty is no surprise. The classic “mocc stitched” boot will keep your feet comfortable all day long.

You’ll feel confident in any setting, from the city wearing a pair of harness boots to the country sporting the Buckaroo leather western boot.

Carolina – When you’re job requires heavy lifting in rugged conditions, you’ll be glad you’re wearing the Carolina. From high lace ups to waterproof steel toe boots, these leather boots are great on the line, a rig or a pole. Incorporating patented fiber technology, like Goretex® and Thinsulate®, these boots will last a lifetime.

The super-tall Carolina lace-up with its extra heavy-duty steel linesman shank provides stability on narrow perches. A cushioning Permafresh® insole protects against foot fungus which could develop in wet conditions.

Ariat – When you want to take your “hog” out for a ride, but the weather’s not so nice, what could be better than a pair of waterproof motorcycle boots? Made of oiled full-grain leather, a slip-resistant Duratread™ outer sole and waterproof inner membrane, the Ariat provides great comfort and functionality.

The men’s Ariat “Workhog” boot is a real work horse! This boot can withstand the harshest environments including electrical hazards. You can boast about their heavy-duty Goodyear® welt construction, a shock absorbing EVA midsole and a steel toe making your safety a priority through this advanced design.

Combining safety features with fashion, advanced technology and comfort, the motorcycle work boot today accommodates every work place and setting.

Best Motorcycle Boots for Work & Play was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

First off, there are motorcycle safety “no-no’s,” and then there are the motorcycle ‘faux pas’ (as in publicly embarrassing yourself), because you don’t have a clue about social cues. We’ve pluralized “pas” as we’ve been subject to way too many insufferable assumptions among fellow motorcycle riders.

Safety Don’ts

We’ll start with safety warnings that constitute not only a breach of etiquette, but also could cause bodily harm. Here are a few safety faux pas’:

1. Do not share a lane (side by side) with someone who hasn’t told you it’s okay.
2. When approaching a motorcycle that is not part of your group, do not pass in his lane. Respect his space and pass around him in the passing lane.
3. Not using both brakes to slow/stop is a no-no and more common than you think.
4. Buying more bike than skill/experience. Enough said.
5. Teaching new riders how to ride by putting them on your bike with no protective gear. Word. Stupid.
6. Over-revving the bike in town, short shifting between stop lights, and generally riding like a jerk.
7. Assuming that drinking is part of the motorcycle lifestyle. Some stereotypes persist. Sigh.

Motorcycle Faux Pas’ 

Assuming familiarity with another motorcyclist is probably one of the biggest social gaffes new riders make. Here’re a few things to keep in mind when encountering other people on or off a bike.

1. Don’t assume that because someone says “Hi” to you in a parking lot that they want you to ride with them.
2. I’m not your “bro” because you ride a motorcycle like mine.
3. Do not make fun of other makes of bikes. You are inadvertently making fun of the rider who will take offense most likely.
4. It is never okay to tape, paste or attach things to someone’s bike as a joke.
5. Mounting someone’s bike without their permission is often responded to the same way it would be if you mounted… .  We’ll let you fill in the blank.

A Friendly Final Word

Just remember that anything you would not do in a car or when meeting someone on the street, the same standards of behavior apply. If you use common sense, you won’t place your safety or your reputation at risk.

Avoid a Motorcycle Faux Pas was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Save on motorcycle helmets, motorcycle boots and glasses this weekend from Leather Bound!  Gets a jump start on your holiday shopping this year with Black Friday deals.  We are offering exclusive discounts to customers shopping in-store and online Friday, November 25^th through Saturday, November 26^th.

You can beat the crowds and shop online or come visit us in our Pennsauken, NJ location. Either way check out some amazing deals below and take some time out to this holiday season to shop great motorcycle helmets and leather apparel.

November 25^th and 26^th Online Deals:

• 15% off helmets or hats
• 50% off transition glasses (Priced at $29.99)
• 50% off pin locks

November 25^th In-Store Deals:

• 30% off any Harley boot  (Excluding close-out sales)

November 25^th and 26^th In-Store Deals:

• 15% off helmets or hats
• Buy 1 get 1 free transition glasses in-store (Priced at $29.99)
• Buy 1 – get 1 free pin locks
• FREE gift with any purchase (Fingerless glove, EZ-Throttle, Kick-Stand Plate or Select sunglasses)

Save big this Thanksgiving weekend by visiting Leather Bound Online or in-store.  Start finding great deals on motorcycle jackets and more today!

Find Great Deals Thanksgiving Weekend! was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

We are obviously big fans of the leather due to the look and functionality while on your bike, but we aren’t the only ones in love with leather this season. Both men and women’s fashion designers focus on leather this 2011 fall runway season. The emphasis for women moves away from the classic biker chick to incorporating leather in every day garments and evening wear.

For men, of course, the leather motorcycle jacket, never goes out of style.  Following are our designer favorites, from pea coats to accessories, showcased on the Paris and Milan runways by some of the best designers in men’s wear.  Take inspiration from the runway looks and then check out Leather Bound Online’s selection of leather jackets, vests and pants.

10 Top Leather Trends for Fall

1. Switch up textures with leather detailing on wool outerwear. On the lapels or sleeves, it can make all the difference. (as seen in Simon Spurr)
2. Mix it up. Big sweaters worn underneath suit jackets and with khakis, casual coats over luxurious leather jackets. (as seen in Tommy Hilfiger)
3. The bomber parka. Functional, practical, and completely cool. (as seen in Gilded Age)
4. For your next winter coat look for simple, sculptural shapes and wear them with clean lined and fitted casual clothes like a leather pea coat. (as seen in Valentino)
5. Layer different tones of dark wool, and add an unexpected dose of color with an accessory like leather gloves. (as seen in Louis Vuitton)
6. Try a retro briefcase in wine or caramel. (as seen in Prada)
7. Rustic Americana straight out of the Pacific Northwest. No leather here but going for “more motorcycle punk than granola backpacker.” (as seen in Adam Kimmel)
8. Layered militaristic detailing, wool felt, and treated leathers over a super-masculine, slightly oversized silhouette. The collection, a mix of black, pale grays, brown, and teal, included two elements that were popping up all over in Milan — the color camel and the use of double-faced materials. Another interesting wrinkle? Use of laser cuts. (as seen in Z Zegna)
9. Great detailing on leather pants and outerwear, mixing hard and soft with bold masculine silhouettes undercut by soft fabrics. (as seen in Versace)
10. Reversible wool pea coats, robust knitwear and luxury suede parkas put the emphasis on function. (as seen in Bally)

Function Over Form

The trend for fall seems to point toward a reworking of classics to add more function to menswear. It may be a sign of our economic times, but practicality never goes out of style when you mix it up with a little color.

Fall 2011 Leather Trends was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com