motor cycle riding

Honda Motorcycle Accessories For Women

2010-01-21T05:43:00.000-08:00

Bikers looking for Honda motorcycle accessories are unquestionably a Honda enthusiast. Some people are preferred to a certain type of motorcycle that is made by a particular brand, such as Honda manufacturer.

Not just making the bike and its parts, Honda does release their own collections of motorcycle accessories and gear like jackets, gloves, shirts, hoodies and pants. Those are items found at today’s market.

The Honda motorcycle accessories are made from different materials like mesh, leather, textile, or air-tek and have a wide selection of models such as the gold wing collection, CBR, Project H and much more. You will find that the Honda collections are made both for men and women riders, available in many colors and sizes.

For women’s collection I really love the motorcycle accessories that Honda makes. They all look pretty! The black, blue and red colors are the common choices we usually have. And there is the WHITE jacket lady bikers can have to complete their collection.

The CBR Women’s Project H Jacket is a great jacket for women riders. This Project H textile jacket has new cool design on the front and arm with an abrasion resistant AR-600 outer shell. This jacket features zipper controlled ventilation, reflective trim and CE approved shoulder and elbow protectors.

Just listen to what a lady biker says about this beautiful jacket "Very sharp looking jacket and very comfy, doesn't ride up at all even without a belt loop or zipper attachment. Awesome!"

For pink lovers, you can combine the Honda Mesh pink glove with Honda Pacifica pink jacket, so you will look not just cool and pretty ladies, also will definitely be Pinky!

The women's mesh gloves made with mesh on top and leather on palm. This official licensed glove also features high-density knuckle padding for extra protection while riding your motorcycle.

So whatever motorcycle accessories Honda you desire, good quality you will have.

Be at One with your Motorcycle

2010-01-21T00:47:00.000-08:00

Any biker can spend a protracted amount of time trying to explain to a non-rider (or even to a newcomer to the world of biking) the great feeling that traversing the country by motorcycle brings to them. The sense of freedom and being at one with the motorcycle is really hard to describe, it is a completely different experience to driving a car or other enclosed vehicle. The kind of feeling a ride gives depends a lot on where the biker is, when on a motorcycle you are not shut away from nature and the elements, you are able to smell the forests, fields, rivers you pass, and be able to feel the wind blow by and the sun on your back (on a good day!).

When driving through new areas by car it is often difficult to get the feel, the atmosphere of the place, no matter how hard you try. Unless you stop off you are shut away, unable to use all your natural senses and instincts to become accustomed to the change in environment. It can sometimes feel in a car that you have never really left your own space or comfort zone despite the miles you have travelled. On a motorcycle this is not the case; the sense of exploration is heightened by the changes in the weather, the changes in smells and even tastes as you travel enhances any journey.

As well as feeling at one with the surroundings, as a biker you will feel at one with your motorcycle. The fact you need to move in with the machine makes you feel like one with the machine. When first learning to ride or if you have just acquired a new model it can take some time to feel close to a bike. It is important to get acquainted with any new vehicle, by eye as well as by feel. You should look a bike over; get to know how all the parts look whilst in good working order, from motorcycle brake discs to tires and handlebars. If a bike is second hand, it may be worthwhile getting all the parts checked out by a professional, catching problems early can stop them becoming more expensive to repair or even dangerous at a later time. For example, replacing worn brake pads early can prevent them causing damage to motorcycle brake discs, which are more expensive to replace. Get to know your bike at slow speeds initially, and learn its individualities. You will soon gain in confidence.

Another factor which attracts some to biking is the sense of community. A lot of people who do not own a motorbike think that this involves a certain style of dressing, taste in music or attitude, but this is not the case for numerous bikers. For some a motorcycle is a more practical and enjoyable way of commuting or a satisfying pastime. No matter why you choose to own a bike, others who share your enthusiasm will be happy to give advice about everything – from scenic routes to motorcycle brake discs!

Predictable Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

The pleasure and thrill of riding on the open road in a motorcycle is unforgettable. It brings a different kind of freedom, fun and excitement for riders. There are no seatbelts to restrict your movement, no feeling of being contained inside. You ride with the wind.

However, nothing is worse than encountering an accident while you are riding a motorcycle. As much as the double pleasure and fun that you get from riding motorcycles instead of a car, injuries and damages tend to be doubly worse if you encounter an accident involving such.

According to 2006 statistics, in the United States alone, there had been more than 3,000 fatal and catastrophic motorcycle accidents. In the United Kingdom, the statistics are as terrifying.

It is understandable why every single motorcycle accidents are catastrophic, especially if it is a vehicle versus motorcycle crash accident. With nothing else to absorb the force of impact, motorcycle riders are usually the ones who suffer much.

Now, if you are a motorcycle rider, you not only need to wear and use protective garments and gadgets on yourself and your motorbike. You also need to know the predictable causes of motorcycle accidents. By being aware of the usual incidences, you may be able to prevent an accident from happening, or at least be alert enough to know what to do when you become involved in one.

Usual causes of motorbike crashes and accidents:

1. Poor maintenance – the most distinctive feature of the motorcycle is its two wheels. It is also the main reason why it is essentially more unstable if compared to cars and trucks. For this reason, the motorcycle need constant and careful maintenance to ensure that it will be safe when ridden out on the open road.

Even a somewhat misaligned tire can potentially cause a catastrophic motorcycle crash. Engine and brake failure is also a potential cause.

As such, constant checking to see if the motorcycle is at its top shape is needed. Replace bald and worn out tires. Always check the engine, brakes and other vital parts of the motorcycle.

If you cannot do the maintenance on your own, make sure to have someone with knowledge about motorcycles, a mechanic even to conduct a regular maintenance check.

2. Bad roads - treacherous roads that are already dangerous enough for cars and trucks can become fatal for motorcycles. Beware of roads with big potholes, loose gravel and sand.

Motorcycle riders that have no other choice than ride through bad roads must slow down and be alert to avoid accidents.

3. Road debris – blowouts due to pointed objects littered on the road must be prevented by keeping alert while driving through debris-filled roads.

Beware of oil leaks or spilled oil on the road, too.

4. Weather – passing through ice or rain is very dangerous for motorcycle riders. Always check the weather conditions before going out for a ride. It is wise judgment to avoid riding when the fog and snow is too thick or when there are torrential rains or heavy downpour.

5. Under influence of drugs or alcohol – if it is dangerous to be out driving on a car when drunk or loaded with drugs, it is doubly treacherous to ride out in a motorcycle.

Remember, much of the fun and excitement that can be had by motorcycle riding and being responsible and serious enough to be aware of the dangers.

How to Prepare Child for Motorcycle Riding

2010-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

There are many considerations to make when preparing your youngster for motorcycle riding on the track or off. They include rider safety equipment, bike size and rider training. This article will discuss rider safety equipment.

The first consideration when preparing your youngster for motorcycle riding is the purchase of safety equipment. Whether they will be practicing, trail riding or racing, safety equipment is incredibly important. Many events can take place during all types of riding, so safety equipment should always be worn.

Keep in mind that riders do fall down and they do collide during racing, and they do it while traveling rather fast. Wearing proper safety equipment can minimize the effects of contact with other riders, obstacles and the ground.

Rider Safety Equipment

Starting at the top is head protection, and this is by far the most important to a motorcycle rider, whether they are on a dirt track or an asphalt roadway. All motorcyclists need to protect their head, and helmets are able to do this effectively.

Next comes eye protection; it is hard to navigate a motorcycle safely if you cannot see where you are going. Obstacles that can interfere while riding are sun, dirt, flying debris, bugs and low lying branches. This makes eye protection important to the safety of the rider. Don't substitute other types of glasses, like sunglasses, for eye protection gear designed for motorcycle riders.

Now most street motorcycle riders don't wear neck protection, but it can be very important for track racers. With the hills and jumps engaged during racing, there is a chance of rider whiplash and so neck protection should be worn. Some helmet designs will provide some neck protection, but a neck collar that provides specific neck protection is best under all conditions.

The back and chest are very vulnerable areas and prone to injury, especially if the rider is not equipped with proper upper body protection. Whether it is the handle bars of their own motorcycle or a tree branch on the trail, chest and back protection can minimize accidental injuries to those areas.

Two areas that always seem to get banged up on the rider are the knees and elbows. On the trail it can be from bushes and trees, extending into trails and onto the track or it can be the result of contact with other riders. High impact plastics used in today's protectors will help preserve the rider's knees and elbows from injury.

Outfitting your rider with hand protection can help them to grip the controls of their bike better and reduce injury to the fingers and knuckles also.

A good pair of riding boots will be important for comfortable operation of the motorcycle, but will also help to protect the shins, ankles, and feet from injury. Make sure that the boots always fit properly and are in good condition as well.

As much of a temptation that it might be to go the cheap route when it comes to safety equipment, it is advised not skimp on safety equipment. This doesn't mean you can't get a good deal on some used gear, just make sure it is in excellent shape and fits your rider properly. Damaged gear or equipment that doesn't fit properly should be avoided.

Motorcycle Brakes Can Be Customized With Ease

2010-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Motorbike maintenance is a huge industry with every last detail being able to be customized and tailored to specific needs and demands. For the vast majority of users this will either be to squeeze every last inch of performance from their vehicle whereas for some enthusiasts, it will be to ensure that their vehicle looks as brilliant as possible. Thankfully, both groups are able to find brakes that appeal to their needs and requirements as the motorcycle brakes industry has blossomed in recent years with so many different styles and products available.

Everyone is aware of the importance of brakes on a motorcycle and the benefits they bring by enabling a motorcycle to stop. In a race situation, the performance of the brakes can shave seconds off times by enabling better cornering and handling so if gaining the best time is important, having the best brakes available to your needs will provide a greater deal of benefit. Staying in complete control of the motorcycle should allow anyone to complete a race in style and can help in many tight and tricky situations.

Depending on the type of surface that the motorcycle owner or driver will be regularly driving, the choice of brake can make a difference to the enjoyment and fun they are able to obtain from their driving experience. Downhill drivers will have a very different requirement from their brakes than a driver who regularly drives on mud and sand would require and this is important to consider before deciding on what motorcycle brakes to buy. There are many great brakes which are perfectly suited to a general level of driving so if there is no special requirement, or perhaps if the driver believes they will be using a variety of surfaces, the more general approach brakes will provide a better output than some of the more specialist brakes.

However, there is no doubt that specialist and niche markets are now being catered for in a great manner and this is vitally important to those enthusiasts who push themselves and their motorcycles to the limits. Extreme racing and treacherous conditions means that the driver is placing themselves at a greater degree of risk so knowing that the brakes on their motorcycle have been designed specifically for the sort of surface they will be regularly driving on can give them a greater degree of comfort in their driving experience.

There are obviously many accessories involved in this market that can be bought to further enhance the driving experience such as brake fluids, brake pads and brake calipers. Providing further products to improve the functions of a motorcycle is important but first and foremost, the focus should be on motorcycle brakes themselves. Buying the brakes that are best suited to the driving conditions you will be regularly facing will allow any driver to get the best start in customizing their motorcycle. From there, they can customize to their hearts content. Safety requirements should never be an afterthought but when safety can be combined with functionality and fun, there is no reason to have any hesitation in buying a great set of brakes.

Get Brakes For Motorcycles

2010-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

Although a great deal of the pleasure of owning a motorcycle comes from taking it out on the open road and living life in the fast lane, it is not the only way to get a great deal of fun and enjoyment from a motorcycle. There are a great number of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts who prefer to keep their motorcycle in the garage or shop and perfect how it looks. These people have their own reasons for doing this and are as justified in their actions as someone who takes their motorcycle out on the road as often as they can. Whatever fun is obtained from a hobby is great but one thing that both people can take great comfort and pleasure from is with regards to the brakes they place in their motorcycle.

It goes without saying that anyone who takes their motorcycle out on the road needs to brake, and therefore the variety of available brakes for motorcycles ensures they are able to pick the right match for them. With so many different driving styles, it is unsurprising to find that there is a set of brakes to match; this means that a driver may want to do a little bit of research before splashing out on a new set of brakes. Someone who sticks to city streets and adheres to the speed limits will have a very different set of requirements than those motorcycle owners who go off-road or like to push their vehicle hard. What each driver chooses to do is between them and their conscience, but they are taking a major risk if they fail to buy the best type of brake for their vehicle and driving style.

And whilst the right type of brakes are necessary for anyone driving, for the motorcycle enthusiast who gets enjoyment from having a great looking machine on display, the choice of brakes for motorcycles may be even more difficult. Although the primary function of brakes is to enhance safety, there can be a fashionable element to their design and when mixed with a customized motorcycle, the overall effect can be extremely appealing, even stunning to look at. These owners are going to be concerned not only about the stopping distance or the amount of friction that brake components apply, but they will also be concerned with how brakes look and whether they manages to offset the rest of the accessories and motorcycle additions.

So, regardless of what type of motorcycle owner you may be, there is a massive need to be aware of the various brakes for motorcycles that are available on the market. This requires the owner to create a list of the issues that they need from their brakes before they go to buy them. Being armed with knowledge of what would be of benefit can make the final decision of which brakes to purchase easier. Choose those which will perform the best, and can make all the difference to the overall look or performance of the brakes.

How To Avoid Crash Accidents In Motorcycle

2010-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Riding a motorcycle requires skill and judgment. When these abilities are put to good use, we feel delighted and fulfilled – and riding motorcycles becomes an enjoyable and exciting experience.

But the fun of riding motorcycles is sometimes interrupted by accidents, which can actually be prevented and avoided.

Here are the five common causes of motorcycle crashes and the ways to avoid them:

1. Bends on country roads – When driving out of town, you should observe bends and follow the contours of the road, which is often hinted by the line of trees, the path of telegraph poles, or the hedges at the side of the road copying the path of the road.

2. Collisions at Junctions – You should obey traffic signals and know when to stop or proceed at junctions or crossroads. If possible, yield to bigger vehicles trying to cross an intersection.

3. Collisions While Overtaking – When overtaking, you should have a good judgment of your own speed, distance, and acceleration. Most motorcycle crashes happen because riders often have poor judgment of their own vehicle and the vehicle they are trying to overtake. You must have a good knowledge of your motorcycle, how it reacts to acceleration, and the braking system.

Overtaking should be avoided when approaching:

• Bends
• Intersections
• Pedestrian crossings
• Parking areas
• Blind curves
• Dips or hills in the road
• Prohibited lanes (marked by double lines)

4. Loss of Control – Most accidental crashes occurs when motorcycle riders stay too close to the vehicle in front or behind them. With less distance to move or maneuver, motorcycles often lose control when pressed in. To protect yourself, you should give plenty of room for vehicles in front of you or behind you.

5. Road Surface Condition – Another factor, which causes danger to motorcycle riders, is the condition of roads. You should be able to ride motorcycles under different road surface conditions such as concrete road, muddy lanes, gas or oil spills on roads, etc. Weather conditions call also affect your driving. Make sure your tires are in good condition and inflated with the right air pressure.

Motorcycling is a skill that can be learned. The more you ride, the more you learn from the experience. However, it pays to heed the warnings on the road and ride safely to avoid motorcycle accidents that could result to injury or damage.

However, if you get involved in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury attorney specializing in motorcycle crash cases can help recover your losses and return to enjoy the fun of motorcycling.

Dangers of Motorcycle Parts Defect

2010-01-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

In Los Angeles, motorcycle parts defect that lead to accidents are not all that uncommon. With thousands of motorists riding these 2 wheeled vehicles for speed and convenience, the motorcycle has become a part of the culture of Los Angeles.

Most motorists who buy a new motorcycle quickly assumes that everything is perfectly fine only to be involved later on to an accident caused by a motorcycle part defect.

In fact just in 2005, more than 87,000 motorcyclists’ sustained injuries and more than 4,500 died as a result of motorcycle accidents, some of which were caused by motorcycle parts defect.

Who can blame them? Some of those buyers even bought the new motorcycle to replace an old defective motorcycle. That is why it is important to be careful in buying motorcycles or any other vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration or NHTSA sets the minimum performance requirement for all motorcycle parts.

It is also tasked to investigate complaints by motorists about certain safety-related defects and decide whether a recall will be necessary.

The United States Code for Motor Vehicle Safety refers to safety related defects as a problem that exists in a motorcycle or any vehicle equipment or part that:

• Poses a risk to motorcycle safety.

• May exist in a group of motorcycles of the same design and manufacture or items of the same type.

Here are some examples of motorcycle defects that may be safety related:

• Defective steering components that break suddenly resulting to lost control

• Fuel system component problems

• Accelerators controls that either breaks and/or sticks

• Cracked or broken tires

• Sears or back seats that fail during use

• Important motorcycle parts that breaks or separates from the vehicle resulting to loss of vehicle control

• Wiring system problems

• Defective child safety seats.

To avoid purchasing motorcycles with defective parts here are a few guidelines that you can follow in buying a motorcycle:

• Research – Research the model and manufacturer of the motorcycle you are about to buy. Find out if there has been a recall order on that particular motorcycle model.

• Get opinions – Talk to people who have purchased the same motorcycle model. Ask them if they are satisfied with the performance or are there problems that they are encountering. Even the small things may matter when you make a decision.

• Talk to mechanics – Ask them about their expert opinion about the model. You can also ask them if the motorcycle model is often brought to their shop for certain problems. You can also ask them to make a recommendation on what brand and model has the best overall performance.

• Get motorcycle history – If you are buying a used motorcycle, make sure you find out about its history. How many previous owners has it had? Had it been involved in an accident? Has any parts of the motorcycle been replaced? Those are just some of the things you have to find out about the vehicle.

• Be suspicious of cheap motorcycles – Most cheap motorcycles are just that. Cheap. There is a reason why these motorcycles are sold in a low price and most likely it is also because of very low quality.

There are already thousands of road accidents in Los Angeles that are caused by various reasons like speeding, dui, and reckless driving. It is best not to add motorcycle defects to those reasons if it can be avoided.

Buying Motorcycle via Auctions

2010-01-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Auctions can be very rewarding places to look for motorcycles, particularly if you're after good value. But do not make the mistake of thinking that going this route will be easy and effortless. Auctions do not always guarantee you'll find what you're looking for or even get a bike that fits your preference and budget. You could, however, make sure that you increase the chances you'll drive a good unit home by using these tips:

Have a clear idea about your specs

Before you head out to an auction lot or go online, make sure you know the type of motorcycle that's the right fit for you. Auctions can be quite confusing especially to a beginner and the array of available motorcycles can easily overwhelm you. If you do not know what you really want in a motorcycle beforehand, it will be very easy to become overwhelmed.

Remember, too, that there is a huge difference between what you want and what you need. Try to compromise if you want the best of both worlds in terms of style, power, price and utility. Remember that what you are looking for is value. The better your perspective is, the more likely you'll find what you're looking for.

Get as much information as you can

Most auction lots provide a catalogue prior to the auction date. Get one of these. When buying motorcycles from auctions, you'll find a catalogue very valuable in helping you make informed decisions prior to purchase. If you'll be participating in an online auction, you will also find information about available units on the website.

If you have your eyes set on a particular make, brand or model, do your research first. It would help you a great deal if you know what to expect from an available bike about to be auctioned in terms of quality, performance and safety.

Inspect the motorcycle personally

Unless you know and trust the owner/operator of the auction lot, it's recommended that you inspect the unit yourself. There's a good chance that you probably won't be able to test-drive the bike, so checking the motorcycle yourself is the next best thing.

In most cases, an auction will require you to pre-register as one of the bidders. You will then be given enough time to inspect the units prior to the actual bidding. If you have little experience or know-how regarding bikes, bring someone who does with you. Your friendly mechanic, for example, will save you time, effort and money later.

Put a cap on your budget

When you really, really want something, or at least think that you do, you could get carried away just to ensure you make the winning bid. Before you know it, you could be paying more for a motorcycle than you ought to or worse, you could even end up with a bid price you can ill afford. Remember there are other costs associated with purchasing a motorcycle from auction lots, such as taxes, fees and other charges.

When participating at motorcycle auctions, decide on your maximum bid price, keeping in mind the extra costs you will have to pay for.

How To Register a Custom Motorcycle

2010-01-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Finding out how to register a custom motorcycle or chopper begins long before you present your finished motorcycle at the local registration office for getting everything legal to go on the highway. In fact, the process begins with the purchase of your very first part and continues throughout the build process and after. This report covers the most common situations which arise when preparing to register a custom built motorcycle. Antique motorcycles are not covered since the process is rather complex and most custom builds today are not built from antique components.

First of all you must be aware that every State of the Union is slightly different in its laws and exact procedures for registering a custom built motorcycle, but many aspects are exactly the same. In order to ensure, however, that you do not fail to dot every "i" and cross every "t" along the way, you should open a dialogue with a helpful representative at your local registration office to learn any special details and requirements that may be specific to your State. In fact, it is a great idea to attempt to locate someone at the registration office who is helpful and friendly and be especially nice to this representative because you will probably need to ask some questions along the way and having a contact who is familiar with what you are attempting to do will ensure a pleasant experience when finding answers to hard questions.

Some States limit the number of "builder's titles" an individual can apply for within a specific period of time without holding a business license as a motorcycle builder. In other States, this limit is not simply based on builder's titles but is, instead, based on the number of vehicles of any kind which are titled in a person's name within one year. For example, in order to prevent people from using their front lawns to open illegal used car lots, Florida created a law stating that a single individual could not title 10 or more vehicles within one year unless they could prove either they owned and drove the vehicles (such as a car collector) or they applied to become a business. Be sure to learn about any such regulations in your area.

Much of the process required to register your custom built motorcycle will depend upon exactly how you obtained the parts and equipment used to build the bike. If the motorcycle was purchased as a basket case with frame and engine parts, you should have obtained the title to the motorcycle with the purchase. This is a key to successful registration. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the frame and engine should match the VIN listed on the motorcycle Title of Ownership and allow you to easily transfer the title. But many situations are not that simple and each situation has differing requirements. Before looking at specific custom build scenarios, let's look at the parts of the process which are the same for each type of build.

Save All Paperwork: Whatever paperwork arrives with your parts or which is provided from the seller should be maintained. Every major component should have some type of proof of ownership provided which states the VIN.

Emissions Inspection: In some States, motor vehicle emissions must meet certain standards established by law. Most of these States do consider motorcycles to be a type of motor vehicle and therefore must meet the required emissions levels permitted by law. This has long been the case in California, but more and more States are setting standards as global warming becomes more and more of a concern. If you live in a State which has legally established emissions standards, you should learn from your Department of Motor Vehicles exactly what equipment must be incorporated into your custom build to control emissions and what standards your motorcycle must meet. Also, inquire about what certification you must obtain and where tests can be run on your completed, functional motorcycle in order to obtain an emissions certificate.

Safety Inspection: After assembly, you must present your operational custom built motorcycle to a law enforcement agency in your State for an inspection to certify that the motorcycle is road-worthy and to certify the odometer setting. This usually must be performed on the proper Department of Motor Vehicles form and a small fee is usually charge for the service. These safety inspections are only valid for a specific period of time, usually 90 days.

Should the safety inspection reveal problems which cause the custom built motorcycle to fail the inspection, you can expect to have to pay the fee anyway. When you resolve the issue and return for another inspection, you will again need to pay the required fee, so try to avoid submitting your bike for inspection before it is completely ready to pass the scrutiny of law enforcement officers who are certain to look at every detail.

Title Application: Regardless of the method used to build your custom bike, you will need to obtain a Title of Ownership, or at least have proof of application of such, before registering the motorcycle. The exact type of Title and requirements, however, vary based on the type of build.

Proof of Insurance: All States require insurance be carried on vehicles to be driven on the streets, roads, and highways of that State. Proof that you have insurance on the motorcycle must be provided in order to register the motorcycle.

New Custom Built Motorcycles

A new custom built motorcycle is usually defined, for the purposes of registration, as a motorcycle assembled from new parts, usually aftermarket parts, which is assembled by a person other than a manufacturer of motorcycles by using major components which are purchased from authorized manufacturers of component parts and which are accompanied by the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).

This is, perhaps, the simplest scenario for obtaining a title for a custom built motorcycle. Because each part that is purchased comes with a payment receipt and the larger components such as frame and engine also must have a valid MSO, the builder simply saves and organizes each of these key pieces of paperwork until completing the motorcycle. Parts which do not have MSOs should have the original receipt saved for proof of where the parts were obtained. It is important to be able to prove that each and every part was obtained legally.

In the case of the frame and engine, the VINs listed on the MSOs must be visible on the completed custom built motorcycle for verification. If these numbers do not match, it will be almost impossible to register the bike, so check that the paperwork included with your major components match the numbers on the components and if an error is found, contact your supply source immediately. Do not install the part and think that you can work it all out later; you might have to return the component in a worst case scenario and have replacement shipped. While these errors are very rare, anything can and often will happen during a custom motorcycle build project and the registration office is no place to reach the initial realization that you have a major issue with VINs and MSOs.

The motorcycle will need to be presented to a local law enforcement agency in your area for an inspection of road-worthiness, comparison of the VINs, and certification of the odometer reading. This certification is required for the next steps in the process.

The next step in the process is application for an Assigned ID Number. This requires filling out an application and providing photocopies of all documentation, including the law enforcement inspection, along with any fees charged by your locale. This is then submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If approved, an Assigned ID Number plate is manufactured and mailed to you. This must be properly affixed to the motorcycle.

Next, a Certificate of Title for a Custom Built Motorcycle from Aftermarket Parts must be obtained. The original supporting documentation, along with an Application for Title, and the specific fee charged by your State, must be submitted.

Once the title is received in the mail, you can obtain insurance and take Proof of Insurance to the Registration Office. You will need to pay the normal fee for registering a motorcycle along with fees associated with receiving a license plate.

Kit Motorcycles

If you are building a custom motorcycle based on a complete kit you purchased which includes the rolling chassis and engine, the VINs and MSOs will be included with the kit. If you choose to use a kit which does not include the engine and you purchase a new aftermarket engine, you will need to use the MSO for the frame from the kit and obtain an MSO for the engine from your supplier.

The remainder of the process will be exactly like that of all other scenarios.

New Rolling Chassis and New Aftermarket Engine

When you purchase a rolling chassis on which to assemble your custom motorcycle, you will be provided with the necessary MSO and VIN. You must ensure the documentation matches the numbers on the chassis. Your new engine will arrive with VIN and MSO.

The remainder of the process will be the same as that of other situations.

Custom Built Motorcycle Assembled from Used Non-Salvage Parts and Components

This situation becomes a bit more difficult unless the motorcycle builder is well aware of requirements and ensures all paperwork is readily available. The frame purchased must have a clear Title associated with it, as must the engine.

The term "non-salvage" does not mean that some of the parts or components may not come from a wrecked motorcycle. It does mean that the wrecked motorcycle has not been assigned a Salvage Title, in some States called a Scarped Title. In other words, if you locate a person holding a clear title to a wrecked motorcycle who wants to sell the engine from the motorcycle while scrapping other parts, you need to ensure that you either obtain the Title to the motorcycle or you contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles and, along with the seller, fill out an affidavit or other form required by the State in this situation. If the seller needs to sell the frame as scrapped, your local DMV can tell you the process to follow so that both parties are protected and have the legally required paperwork. This varies greatly from State to State, so be sure to fully understand your area's requirements for this situation.

By keeping all receipts as proof of purchase and ensuring you have title to the engine and frame, or other proof of ownership acceptable to your state, you can progress through the process through the standard safety inspection, titling, insuring, and registration.

Custom Motorcycle Built from Some or All Salvaged Parts

This scenario is one of the more difficult situations with which to ensure your custom build will be easy to title and register. When a motorcycle has been involved in an accident and declared a "total loss" by the insurance company and the State's Department of Motor Vehicle, the title is taken from the vehicle, reducing it to a pile of parts which can be sold to people like you who are seeking low priced parts for a custom build.

Because the definition of a total loss simply means the cost of restoring the entire motorcycle to its original, safe operating condition is too costly to perform, this does not always mean that all of the parts and components are of no use to a custom motorcycle builder. If you are planning to modify the frame anyway, you may not mind a little damage in certain areas of the frame. Some experts can straighten a frame without weakening the frame strength even when it is slightly bent. Perhaps the engine was not seriously damaged but the rest of the motorcycle is beyond repair and you want that specific engine for your custom build.

Some States make it especially difficult to title a motorcycle which includes salvaged major components. It can actually be beneficial in some situations to go ahead and buy the entire motorcycle and obtain the Title which has been marked as Salvage unless the seller is willing to surrender the Salvage Title with only purchase of some of the parts. Generally, a seller will want the frame and engine to go together in order to surrender the title since these are the parts that carry the VIN displayed on the title's face.

If you buy one motorcycle to get the frame and obtain a Salvage Title with it and buy another bike to get the engine and obtain a Salvage Title with that component, you should still be in good shape in almost every State. Before you invest the money, however, take the time to call the local DMV and be absolutely certain of the regulations in your State if you wish to present two Salvage Titles with the other proof of ownership for your custom restored motorcycle.

In many States, the safety inspection required will be more extensive and more costly, but than that required for custom built motorcycles using non-salvaged components. However, the cost is still usually under $100.

When you obtain a Title for a motorcycle which was created from salvaged parts, the Title will most likely carry a description of "Restored Salvaged" or it may continue to simply be state "Salvaged Title". Some States, however, will provide a clean title to the custom build motorcycle, considering it as if it were simply constructed from used parts. Check with your local DMV to learn the exact policy regarding this issue if it matters to you. As long as the State issues you a valid Title, you will be able to register the motorcycle. Therefore many custom builders do not consider it a bad connotation to have a Salvaged Title for their custom ride.

From the point of applying for the Title, the rest of the process is the same as with other custom build projects: http://www.custom-choppers-guide.com

Motorcycle Choices

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Today there are a variety of motorcycles available, something to pretty much any rider’s tastes. For those who prefer something more unusual, and have a higher budget, custom made motorcycles are always an exciting option. If you are looking into getting your first bike, you may well have looked online for reviews of different makes or models. This can be quite a daunting task. The moment you type a motorcycle related keyword into a search engine, you begin to sift through hundreds of advertisements and blogs that may seem of very little use. If you look hard enough, however, you can unearth a goldmine of information, from common faults with different makes and models, to general reviews and user opinions.

Magazines can also be a useful source of information, reviewing all sorts, from buyer’s guides to brakes for motorcycles. You may already have an idea of what your ideal bike will be like, but remember to consider all the practicalities such as your experience level and for what purpose the bike will be used. Like cars, motorcycles are changing and advancing rapidly, there are now electric bikes available, though they are unlikely to take the place of more traditional models any time soon!

Before choosing your first motorbike for definite, it is a good idea to spend quite some time getting acquainted with typical biking jargon and familiarising yourself with terminology. If learning to ride, you should choose a reputable instructor who will work at your pace and ensure you have a full understanding of how and why things are done in specific ways. An instructor should also be able to provide you with advice about selection of, maintenance of and parts such as brakes for motorcycles.

Once you have purchased your own bike, get as familiar with it as possible. Find out how to use all equipment, and learn how to check levels such as oil. Get used to regularly inspecting brakes for motorcycles, suspension, tires and steering for any problems. Remember to store your vehicle safely, if it is to be kept outside, a waterproof cover should be able to prevent damage from rain and other moisture.

When you are proficient at bike care, maintenance, and have some experience at riding you may wish to upgrade to a newer or higher powered model. As when choosing any vehicle, look around to compare prices and specifications. If your find you want to upgrade anything, performance parts such as brakes for motorcycles are readily available. Try to choose a well known, good quality manufacturer, and get any parts fitted by a professional.

It is often not a good idea to start out on a motorcycle that is the make or model you have always dreamed of. Getting used to handling a bike and different situations that can arise on a low powered model is for the best. While you are honing your skills and learning to love life on the road, you can start to think about which bike is the one to make your dreams come true.