Metric Motorcycle Holidays Tours

The Top Ten Custom Motorcycle Builders

2010-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Since I spend a good portion of my time reviewing and researching the world of custom motorcycles, I thought it might be fun to list my own top ten for the custom motorcycle world. My choices were made strictly on the quality and originality of their work and not how famous they are. Here they are in reverse order.

10. OCC Choppers – Six months ago these guys wouldn't have even made my short list, let alone my top ten, but since Paul Jr. left, the bikes they're building have been better than ever. The OCC band bike alone earns them a spot on the list.

9. Bobber Shop - The one in Thousand Oaks, CA. If you want to see how to properly take a stock Harley Davidson and turn it into a true custom you need to see the work these guys do. One of the best customizing shops in the country.

8. Greg's Custom Cycles - I'm not sure where Greg gets his ideas but I hope they keep coming. One of the most creative bike builders in the country yet smart enough to never over do it. A bike done by Greg's will truly be one of a kind.

7. Sam Nehme - Roadstar customizer extraordinaire, Sam's BMS Choppers continually keeps pumping out high quality custom Yamahas. I credit Sam for making customized Metric bikes an acceptable form of transportation.

6. Arlen Ness – The guy's an artist. He's a legend. Arlen has pushed the boundaries of custom bike design further than any single individual I can think of. Many of Arlen's unique ideas have made their way onto stock bikes. A real pioneer.

5. Mondo – After taking over Denver's Choppers from the late Denver Mullins, Mondo has carved himself a place in motorcycle history, I feel, by being one of the most versatile custom motorcycle builders around. Mondo is one of the few builders that understand every style of bike and what makes it what it is.

4. Cole Foster – I once wrote that Cole's picture should be put into the dictionary next to the world "cool". That's not a joke. This guy epitomizes cool and all that it means. While some may argue that Foster and his Salinas Boys haven't built enough motorcycles to qualify for a spot this high on the list, my response is that it's quality, not quantity that matters.

3. Roland Sands – Hello, next generation of custom bike builder. Roland can't seem to decide if he wants to build a racing bike, a sport bike, a cruiser or and off road bike, so he just builds them all in every bike. Probably the most talented artist in the entire custom motorcycle world, Sands has truly created his own signature style.

2. Wicked Custom Cycles – Who? You may ask are they? Well, do yourself a favor and Google them and you'll find out. My number two choice was selected for their unique take on the V-star 1100 as a base for a custom motorcycle. They are without a doubt building the finest metric bikes I have seen yet. Look these guys up.

1. Redneck Engineering -. The heart of a custom motorcycle is not in the engine but rather the frame. Redneck has taken frame design to its ultimate perfection. They have developed new frame styles that other bike builders are falling over themselves to use. The Redneck style is instantly recognizable, no matter who has done the finishing work, and I can not wait to see what they develop next.

Like it or not, that's my top ten list for custom motorcycle builders. Hopefully I've given you something to think about and you'll check out any of the builders that you haven't heard about before. Thanks for reading.

To learn more about great custom metric motorcycle builders visit this site: http://www.scottscustomcycles.com

Metric Motorcycle Gear Brought a Revolution

2010-01-17T04:26:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle Gear brought a revolution in the Motorcycle Industry. The popularity of motorcycles and motorcycle gear increased at a high rate in 21st Century. The demand of consumers augmented over the expectations of the manufacturers. Fortunately, motorcycles and motorcycle gears have molded the life of people unexpectedly. It has raised the living standards of people. Today markets have become intensely competitive and over the period of a decade market have given quality to the customers, which are day by day stepping ahead in finding out something new for their customers.

Motorcycles and motorcycle gears such as motorcycle helmets, motorcycle jackets, motorcycle boots, motorcycle gloves, motorcycle pants etc has driven people crazy about buying them. These not only add glamour to the rider’s style even give them proper safety. Plus the major part is that the quality which is being provided is giving people a nice feel and look. Motorcycles and motorcycle gear has become a part of the daily needs. And people are spending lavishly on buying the best ever motorcycle and motorcycle gear.

This revolution has reached the height of expectancy. Even the revolution caused television to start a series offering information about metric bike owners, builders and behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the motorcycle industry. And today probably every television channel is running a show related to motorcycles, motorcycle racing, interviews with motorcycle riders, reasons why motorcycle riding has become a passion among the new generation and so on.

For increasing the popularity of motorcycle and motorcycle gear at large scale manufacturers are running motorcycle campaigns, offering heavy discounts on motorcycle gear, launching motorcycles and motorcycle gear with a great pomp & show. All this has even affected the overall sale of motorcycles over cars.
Metric Motorcycle Gear Brought a Revolution more at http://www.powersports4less.com

10 Most Important Motorcycle Gear and Equipment

2008-11-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Confused on what to buy as an important accessory to your motor bike? Then, let us help you in choosing the right stuff that you should have!

A motorcycle is an engine- powered vehicle that is designed for off-road adventures, long distance travels or even for traffic- congested places. All over the world, this is the most broadly used means of transportation. Aside from this, it is also regarded as the cheapest. Using this type of transportation entails you to use the necessary gears and equipments in order to guarantee you and your rider's safety.

Here are the ten most important things you should have when you own a motorcycle:
1. The classic helmet is the top most important gear in the motor biking business. This is due to the fact that it can shield your head from the risk of fatal accidents in motorcycling. It is said that out of 100,000 motor bikers around 78 of these encounter critical life and death situations as compared to car accidents who experience 17 out of 100,000 car owners. This justifiably surmounts that motorcycle accidents account 4 times more, particularly in the number of deadly disasters occurring on the streets. Having a helmet will definitely lower than your risk of getting head contusions and haemorrhage whilst unavoidable circumstances should happen. It is advisable to buy a brand of helmet that is reliable and proven. Helmets of low quality are like wearing no head protection at all. Most motorcycle owners buy these, thinking only of the amount it would cost them, and not thinking about the major price they will pay once they are wearing this kind of helmet and an accident occurs.

2. Eyewear that comes in many forms like that of bugeye goggles, sunglasses and even interchangeable sunglasses. Hence bugeye glasses can be your primary choice. These glasses come in forms that can fit into your face properly. Of course, you don't want your eye protection to be sloppy because in that way you won't be able to see the road properly. This will also help avoid any dust or very small rocks, along some roads, from hitting your eyes. This is especially in roads and streets that are under construction or repair. It is said that cataracts are usually from the dust and dirt that your eyes have accumulated through the years.

3. Jackets vary from the regular ones to the types that possess support. Riders call this type of jacket as an "armour jacket". This jacket is imperative for riders in order to attain additional warmth in riding, particularly at night and during cold weathers. This is also worn to protect their inner clothes. When you use armoured jackets it can provide you the support you will need because it contains a shoulder, elbow and arms protector. Furthermore, it may also contain spine and chest supporters. Some jackets also have their own kidney belts for obvious reasons.

4. Gloves are extra paraphernalia you will need for the purpose of hand protection. This is true since it provides extra warmth and mobility, especially in cold temperatures. Furthermore, it helps reduce fatigue. Some gloves also have air ventilation for your fingers, leather protection for some high impact areas, and some even have carbon fibre heating elements that electronically give off controlled infrared heat. These carbon heating elements are safe even in wet conditions.

5. Boots are a big step in motor riding. A pair of highly durable, wide fitting foot shape for maximum comfort is a must-have motorcycle gear. Modern boots have a quick drying polyamide lining that is covered with foam and high density contoured padding. This is placed in order to absorb shocks for your foot area. Some boots also have sole tractions with distinct heels, as well as special tread patterns for better performance in any type of weather.

6. Riding suits are the best part of being a motor rider. They come in textile, leather and can be either as one-piece or a two-piece set. This is best for night time safety because of its reflective sport badges. Some even possess chrome accents. Leather suits are best for rough riding due to its excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility. Some are also waterproof and breathable textile suits that are made from nylon fabrics. This can really be an advantage during the rainy seasons. Thus, these waterproof suits can be your rainy day outfit and can prevent you from acquiring colds and coughs because of the rain.

7. Fairing or a wind shield is used in order to protect engine components during an accident. This actually helps the driver ride against the forces of the wind and for aerodynamic purposes. This is mainly crafted from acrylic plastic or fibreglass. In the absence of such, the rider can easily get a so-called "tire off". Plus, it can be the major source of a drag which can be pushed back from the handles because of the windsock effect that usually occurs at 100 km/ hour or 62 mph. Modernized fairings can even help prevent hypothermia for riders who are up for a long travel, preventing the rider from chilling and losing his balance.

8. Heated handgrips/ seats can offer comfort to the driver whenever it is winter season or windy days. This can improve the attention of the driver on the roads particularly in cold weather.

9. Saddlebags or pannier, trunk, luggage rack is mainly used for people who have many things to carry but cannot do it by themselves once they ride their bikes. The difference of each is just the location but one function would be the one previously mentioned. Hence, saddlebags or the so-called "pannier" are mainly placed at both sides of the motorcycle. The motorcycle trunk is mostly found at the back of the vehicle. The luggage rack is usually added to bikes so as to have the baggage fastened in this part of the vehicle. Thus, it can also minimize the rider's use of backpacks, making it more secure because it can add to the weight and the capacity of the motorcycle.

10. A motor cover is a thoughtful way to care for your vehicle. Imagine the change of weather and rainy seasons, especially if its winter and you will just leave your bike in the garage for a few weeks, you will definitely need this. Aside from maintaining the warmth of the engine of your vehicle, it can also prevent dirt from accumulating. Thus, a little investment on such a cheap tool can help you prevent further loss of big amounts of your income.

There are other important gears being invented for motorcycles these days. Some would be for your motorcycles appearance and some for your own safety while driving it. It is up to you if you would like to add in gears to your adored motorcycle. Just make sure that you have the important things first. Although it is quite expensive, it is definitely worth it because it will guarantee you a longer time to drive roads and even high ways, Even if you see yourself as a safe driver, you can never tell what type of driver is on the other end of the road or high way with you. It is always best to be prepared with these safety gears. So invest on the things you will surely use and be of help to your safety. You will surely get your money's worth after sometime.

10 Most Important Motorcycle Gear and Equipment by Dave Text

Motorcycle jacket

2008-11-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

Xelement Racer Leather Jacket Black and Red - Extra Large

X-Element men's red and black motorcycle Jacket is jam packed with features. It includes two side pockets with zipper closures, Velcro adjustable waist, and is fashioned in premium red and black leather. This jacket also features ThinsulateTM insulation and Scotchlite 3MTM reflective striping. The arms feature a zipper closure and snap button.

Fox Racing HC Bike Jersey - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Fox may have designed the Mens HC Long-Sleeve Jersey for moto cross, but youll be stoked to have it when you saddle up your downhill bike and begin your race run. A combination of wicking polyester and multiple vents helps you stay cool when youre pedaling like mad to get up to speed after a tech section. Like all Fox gear, this jersey takes serious abuse. So itll survive wreck after wreck without coming apart.

Men's Armored Black and Grey Cordura With Leather Trim Jackets

Men's Black and Grey Cordura and Leather Jacket. This jacket is fully loaded with features, Made of 100% Cordura Waterproof Fabric and high quality grade leather. The jacket includes a micro fleece lined rolled collar, 3M Scotchlite Reflective stripes, full sleeve zip out liner, gel foam padding on front, back and sleeves. It also features zippered cuffs, adjustable waist, zippered vents on front and back elbows. Removable foam based CE Certified armor on back and elbows. Shop with confidence from the web's #1 Leather store.

Harley Davidson Men's Raceway Leather Jacket. Screamin' Eagle graphics. 98226-06VM

Made of midweight, heat-deflecting leather, which makes this jacket breathable and abrasion resistant. Features perforated lining, two large perforated front panels and back vents for maximum ventilation. Windproof panels and arm vents. Contains removable body armor at shoulders and elbows. Decorated with a zip front, two outside, and one inside pocket, action back, pre-curved sleeves with action elbow, reflective piping, and Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle graphics.

Thank http://motorcyclelinerider.wordpress.com

Perfecto Motorcycle Jacket

2008-11-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Perfecto is a brand of double style leather motorcycle jackets manufactured by American clothing company Schott NYC. The first jacket was introduced in 1928, making it the first ever double style leather motorcycle jacket. Marlon Brando wore a Perfecto in the 1953 movie The Wild One. The jackets were also worn by punk rock pioneers The Ramones.

Light Tops In 1928 Irving Schott of Schott Bros designed a leather motorcycle jacket he named the Perfecto. It was a double style design and the first of its kind. Schott Bros later manufactured a very similar jacket for the Beck label called the Beck 333 Northeaster. Both of these styles are very rare today and highly valued by collectors.

In the late 1940's Schott Bros introduced a new jacket based on the original Perfecto and Northeaster design called the 613. It was soon nicknamed the One Star because it had a star on each shoulder passant. A few years later the company introduced the 618 which was identical to the 613 except for the stars. This was the style that Marlon Brando wore in the movie The Wild One. The stars on the passants and the snaps on the collar of his jacket were not original, but added to the jacket. These jackets have a very snug, almost tailored fit, which is perfectly suited for motorcycle riding. They are also very short by today's standards.

The 613 and 618 Perfectos have been produced for more than 50 years so finding out when a vintage jacket was made can be very difficult. There have however been slight variations in the design which can be of help. Some of the details in the timeline below overlap.

The 613 One Star is introduced. Jackets are made out of horsehide. Neck label is rectangular, black with Perfecto App U.S Pat ??? Genuine Horsehide Front Quarter - Style Quality printed in gold letters. TALON main and cuff zippers and 'Miter' belt buckle (rectangular with mitered corners). Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 50 angle, zippers close up. Jackets have snaps for attaching fur collar, no snaps on collar, plain snaps, sleeves are double stitched, passants are also double stitched and have a rounded end. Stitching on collar is placed further in than it is on lapels. Lining is black with grid stitching. Straight lower back panel and underside of sleeves are one piece. Inner lower facing and sleeve plackets are made out of faux leather/vinyl.

The 618 is introduced. It is identical to the 613 except for the lack of stars.

Jackets are made out of steerhide. Neck label is black with Style Quality Perfecto Genuine Steerhide All Hand Cut in creme and red letters on coat of arms/crest. Small long white size tag with black letters directly below neck label. Schott Bros. Inc. printed on leather neck hanger. Stitching on collar and lapels is placed at the same distance from edge. Passants have one seam and a pointy end. ESKO cuff zippers. Side pockets are at an approx. 55 angle and breast pocket at a 65 angle.

Neck label is black with bull and cactus, Perfecto genuine steerhide - handcut Schott Bros. Small white size tag with red letters directly below neck label.

Neck label is square, black with Schott in white curly letters above orange and yellow coat of arms .

Jackets are made out of steerhide (613/618) and naked cowhide (118, introduced in 1977). Neck label is rectangular, creme white with bull in upper left corner, Perfecto in yellow diagonal stripe and by Schott Bros. in lower right corner. Small white size tag with red letters directly to the right of neck label. TALON cuff zippers. Side pockets are at an approx. 55 angle and breast pocket at a 60.

Schott NYC appears on neck label, small white size tag with black letters directly to the right of neck label, tag with American flag and Made in U.S.A directly to the right of neck label (under small white size tag). Nothing printed on leather neck hanger. Schott (YKK) main zipper, EMAR cuff zippers and rectangular belt buckle with oval sides. Pocket zippers now close down. Lining goes all the way down inside of jackets, leather sleeve plackets. A slight dip in bottom part of lower back panel, otherwise straight.

Schott stops producing the 613 One Star. Underarm footballs, two piece underside sleeves, oval lower back panel, inside pocket and snaps on collar are introduced. Snaps for attaching fur collar are removed (no fur collar produced). Snaps have Schott stamped on them. Motorcycle rider instead of bull appears on neck label, size is printed on the American flag tag. Leather inner lower facing. Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 50 angle (reverse from what they were in the 1960s-70's and more like they were in the 1950s), side pockets are moved further away from the center of the jackets and down a bit. Square thin buckle is introduced.

Schott reintroduces the 613 One Star (in steerhide with mid 70's neck label) but without snaps for the fur collar and with inner pocket. Snaps on 613 are plain. Snaps for fur collar back on 618/118. Style 118 is updated to a fuller fit, 613/618 retain original slim fit. Schott NYC chrome main zipper, IDEAL sleeve zippers and bigger square belt buckle (by Century Canada) are introduced. Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 45 angle.

Style 118 is fitted with new chrome pocket zippers with different pulls (Schott recently switched back to the original chain zipper pulls) and a snap under the belt buckle to prevent it from damaging the gas tank. The side pockets on the 118 have supposedly been moved closer to the center of the jacket for easier access. The 613/618 have not been updated since the early 1990s.

Perfecto Motorcycle Jacket:dresscloth

Electrical Clothing Is Not Dangerous

2008-11-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

The first electric motorcycle vests made an appearance in 1971. But they are yet to become a rage because most riders suffer from electrocution fears. They would rather brave the cold than put on electrical clothing. This is a most unfortunate psychology. The riders must realize that the electrical clothing is wired by 12-volt charge. It is not strong enough to give them a shock, far less a fatal one.

There are some riders who fear that the electrical apparel will drain away too much amperage. This too is a misconception because electrical apparel uses too little power to affect any of the normal motorcycle functions.

These two are the main reasons why most riders avoid using electrical apparel. But there are some who take pride in their physical well being. To them it is an anathema to wear artificially heated clothes. They love to ride out in the cold in normal winter wear.

There is nothing wrong in such an attitude. You can surely avoid electrical clothing if you feel that your body is strong enough to resist even the bitterest cold weather. However, you must remember that electrical clothing can surely improve your riding experience by keeping your torso warm.

Today, manufacturers not only sell electrical vests but also jackets that have an electrical lining on the sleeves and the inside. The heat generated by such clothing increases the body temperature not only in the torso region where the vital organs are located but also keeps the fingers and toes warm.

Almost every rider knows how difficult it is to control a bike once the fingers go numb. Even the best of winter gloves can't stop the chill creeping into the fingers, and slowing down a rider's responses. This is where electrical clothing can prove very useful.

A good practice when wearing electrical vests is to wear it on top of a full-sleeved cotton shirt. This will ensure that the electrical vest does not touch the body. Also, the heat that is generated is retained by the cotton liner, and does not get dissipated.

The only danger of electrical clothing is that you may get too used to it. Even in moderate conditions you would like to put on your electrical vest. This is not a good practice. Like warm clothes, electrical clothing should be used to ward off cold. The body should not be made dependent on artificial heat sources.

Electrical Clothing Is Not Dangerous by James Gunaseelan

Motorcycle Stunt Riding Facts and More

2008-11-15T00:41:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle stunt riding is a growing sport in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, United States law prohibits "stunting" motorcycles on public roads and it can even get you in jail quickly.

If you're buying a second-hand motorcycle, check if the bike has been stunted. Check for flat spots on the front tire which shows you that the bike has done some wheelies and also check for scratches which could have resulted from a crash. Stunting can trash engines, transmissions and the suspension, so beware unless you intend to use your bikes in the same way, as a stunt bike.

Robert Craig Knievel, Jr. is probably the most famous American motorcycle daredevil. Now considered as both an icon and a legend, he started his career as an entertainer somewhere in the late 1960s. He performed numerous motorcycle jumps which are televised in the entire country. His attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon located at Twin Falls, Idaho back in 1974 was among the most watched (it ranks number 4) event in ABC's Wide World of Sports up until this date. He died last year, November 30 at age 69.

Some Motorcycle Stunts & DrillTeams in the US include the South Florida Bike Crew, D-Aces Stunt Riders Motorcycle Team (Wasau, Wisconsin), TenNinety6 (Kalamazoo, MI) and the Hardly Angels (a Women's Motorcycle Drill Team).

Bob Duffey, a professional Motorcycle Jumper was dubbed as "The Fastest Man on Two Wheels Backwards". He's got an ET of 11.71 seconds and a trap speed of 122 mph. The man is untouched on the dragstrip riding backwards. This record was done on a 1979 stock Kawasaki Z1R-TC, his favorite bike, at an IDBA (International Drag Bike Association) sanctioned event.

Debbie Evans - The Queen of Trials was the first woman to successfully ride in the US Trials during the late 1970s and is generally considered as the best female rider in the history of the sport.

Australian Robbie Maddison now holds the record for the "Longest Motorcycle Jump". He broke it earlier in January this year at an exhibition event sponsored by a big hotel. He leapt 322 feet, 7 inches (98.34 meters) totally and ended up smashing the Guinness World Record of 277 feet, 6 inches (84.58 meters) set in 2005 by Trigger Gumm.

Perhaps the most widely known sport bike motorcycle stunt is the "wheelie". It is a trick where the front wheel or wheels come off the ground and the vehicle is balanced on the rear wheel or wheels.

Other Popular Bike Stunts include the handstand (The rider does a handstand on a moving motorcycle), the Endo (a stunt which lifts the motorcycle's rear tire off the ground while balancing the bike on the front wheel or wheels while still rolling), the Stoppie (stopping a moving motorcycle, so the rear wheel is raised in the air while the machine is balanced on the front tire and comes to a complete stop), 12 O' Clock Wheelie (a kind of wheelie that is straight up and the rider scratches the tail of the motorcycle on the street), Circle Wheelie (wheelie while driving in a circular motion), and Combo Wheelie (a wheelie that features multiple rider maneuvers while on one wheel).

A full range of protective gear should be worn when attempting a stunt in a high powered motorcycle. Some popular brands include Alpinestars, Teknic, Icon, Sidi and Joe Rocket whilst Arai, Bell, AGV, KBC, Icon, Shoei and Suomy are some of the popular helmet brands.

Motorcycle Stunt Riding Facts and More By Nail Khazen

Predictable Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

2008-11-15T00:11:00.000-08:00

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 statistics of last year, 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.

For more reliable information concerning motorcycle crash accidents and its legal implications, have your case evaluated by a qualified Los Angeles motorcycle crash lawyer

Predictable Causes of Motorcycle Accidents By Carla C. Ballatan

A Beginner's Guide to UK Learner Motorbike Insurance

2008-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

With recent news suggesting the number of people riding motorbikes without insurance is increasing, coupled with the fact that bikers are roughly 30% more likely to be involved in a crash than a car driver, it has never been more important to ensure you are covered properly when you start riding.

So what do you need to look out for to get the best insurance quotes around? Firstly, it's highly important to shop around. Make sure you check with lots of different motorcycle insurance providers - while many mainstream insurers will offer full cover on a 125cc bike for as much as 1500 pounds, a specialist motorcycle insurer could go as low as 300 pounds for a learner motorcyclist.

How do these insurers come to these insurance quotes? As with pretty much any type of insurance quotes, the insurer needs detailed information about the rider and the bike so they can get a better idea of your chances of needing to make a claim against them. The higher the chance of a claim, the higher your insurance quote will be.

Regarding personal details, a motorcycle insurer will typically require you to give the usual details such as your age, riding experience and where you live. This is so they can judge how likely you're going to have an accident, or if you're in an area susceptible to high levels of theft. It's also worth noting that an older rider, even if they are a learner, will probably get a lower quote than a learner motorcyclist still in their teens.

With the bike, you will need to declare the type of bike it is and any modifications made. If you were to be involved in a collision and you're insurer finds you're riding a different bike to that declared, or if it has modifications that haven't been noted, there is a good chance that the insurer won't pay up. Some providers may also require you declare what the motorbike will be mainly used for (i.e. for work or just leisure / commuting) and whether it will be stored in a garage or out in the street.

With all your details straightened out, your next step is to work out what level of motorcycle insurance best suits your needs. There are three levels of motorcycle cover - third party; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive.

The lowest level of cover, third party, is the minimum legal requirement of any vehicle on UK roads. It basically covers any damages to other vehicles if you are found to be responsible for an accident. It doesn't cover damages to your motorcycle.

Third part fire and theft, or TPFT for short, covers the same as above plus the risk of damage caused by fire and your bike being stolen.

Fully comprehensive cover, typically the most expensive level of insurance, as the name suggests covers everything above, plus any damages incurred to your own motorbike. It's recommended in most cases that fully comprehensive insurance is the best to go for, as it will cover you in all eventualities - sod's law says something will usually happen if you're not fully covered!

So, now you're equipped with all the information you need, it's time to get out there and search as many motorcycle insurance providers as you can to find the best deal for you!

Weber writes about 125cc motorbike insurance at 125cc motorbikes, an information and resource site all about the 125cc bikes.
A Beginner's Guide to UK Learner Motorbike Insurance By Rik Weber

Motorcycle Accidents – Typical Causes

2008-11-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

When you’re out and driving, there’s nothing worse than getting in an accident. Whether it’s just a fender bender or a windshield-cracking, door-shredding crash, accidents are horrible things to witness and worse to experience. If you’re on a motorcycle, accidents become even worse. More than three thousand motorcycle accidents resulted in death last year in the United States alone, and the numbers are just as terrifying in the United Kingdom. With nothing between you and the other vehicle to absorb the impact, motorcycle accidents can be much more injurious than those sustained in a normal car or truck.

Motorcycle accidents are sometimes caused by poor maintenance—because a motorcycle only has two wheels, it is inherently more unstable than cars or trucks, and requires more careful maintenance to ensure safety out on the road. A slightly misaligned tire can result in a fatal crash, as can an engine or brake failure, so always make sure your motorcycle is in top shape.

Also, check the tires themselves. If you leave your tires too long without getting them replaced, the treads can wear away. These bald tires can lead to fatal motorcycle accidents, especially in snowy conditions or on wet roads where bald tires are more likely to hydroplane. Have your mechanic check your tires and make sure they’re still good to ride on.

Bad roads can lead to fatal motorcycle accidents as well. The government can only repair so many roads at a time, and some roads go for years without ever seeing the attention of a road crew. These roads can be treacherous enough to normal cars and trucks, with loose gravel and big potholes that can swallow a tire whole. If you’re on a motorcycle, that pothole can flip your motorcycle over and throw you onto the street, so you have to be a lot more careful. On bad roads, slow down and keep your eyes open, and avoid otherwise very painful motorcycle accidents.

There are plenty of other conditions which may lead to bad motorcycle accidents. Watch out for debris on the road – a nail in the tire at sixty miles and hour could lead to a potentially fatal blow-out. Also, sometimes things get spilled on the road – say a truck has an oil leak and is spilling oil onto the road as it drives. Oil isn’t the most friction conducive material it’s possible to put on a road, and driving over a patch could lead to a slide out and loss of control over your motorcycle. Watch for dark patches on the road that indicate spilled oil.

Then there’s ice. With as much rain as Britain gets, ice is fairly common whenever it gets cold, and when it’s present you have to be especially careful. In a car, a spinout could lead to ending up in a ditch. In a motorcycle, loss of control usually leads to a motorcycle accident – at the best, bruises or broken bones, at the worst, death. The human body isn’t made to slam into asphalt at sixty miles an hour, and won’t react well if it does. If there is ice on the road, drive slowly and very carefully, and you’ll come through all right.

Alcohol and drugs, of course, are an obvious problem. They impair judgment and turn otherwise good drivers into dangerous ones – the only good part of driving a motorcycle drunk is that when you crash you probably won’t take anyone else with you. The bad news is, you’ll still be just as dead. Sleep deprivation is nearly as bad, so make sure you’re always well rested before driving. Remember, because of the small size and low profile of motorcycles, drivers of cars will have a harder time seeing you. The responsibility of safety is up to you, so take it seriously.

Accident claims for the UK market contact Accident Consult for your no obligation consultation. They are experts in dealing with motorcycle accident claims

Motorcycle Accidents – Typical Causes By Carolyn Clayton

Women Handbags, What Does it Say About Your Personality!

2008-11-12T00:26:00.000-08:00

What a collection of handbags do women have? Awesome range and beautiful finish. A range of Shoulder bags, laptop bags, handbag tote, vertical bag, clutches, canvas sling with leopard design or zebra pattern to pick from. Isn’t it maddening? If you are a fashion fanatic, you’ll be amazed by the collection that’s available online.

Women handbags in Australia are made out of skin to cart coins, into splendidly designed accessories made from select materials. The range of brands to choose from which women usually rave about are Zac Posen, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Alexis Hudson, Valentino, the reason being they offer fine designs and quality. Which is your choice? Don’t forget to choose different handbags for different occasions and based on your personality and body type. What does your handbag say about your personality?

Heavy sized tote or cute clutch, Very funky, very retro canvas sling what is your choice. You can now buy handbags that you have seen on famous celebrities and on the pages of fashion magazines. Just compare prices online and choose the best and reasonable one. Online route, offers you the latest and popular styles such as the ever-popular motorcycle handbag, paddington handbag, stam handbag, gaucho handbag, guaffre handbag, silverado handbag, betty handbag, oversized weekender bag, messenger handbag. Don’t just go by the style and design look at your requirement too. Women with children will clearly need some additional space, whereas the women who want to go to a party or special function will look for something which matches their outfit and isn't too large. Leather is pricey but will last you longer and will show to be a unbelievable investment if you take good care of it.

Edgy fashion and accessories label, specialising in women's bags, belts, jewellery and shoes, providing a range of highly sought-after collection. Different types of handbags include; clutch, tote, satchels, shoulder bags etc and with different designs the choice is substantial. The design is very vital and will clearly fit the individuals fashion sense, but the material the bag is made of will also play a role.

If you choose the online route to select your bags, you get to see the latest and popular styles There are many more other styles to choose from and are all available at only a fraction of the cost of designer australia handbags. There are online discount women handbags and purses featured which is similar in style to that of famous celebrity bags & fashion purses. Then, what are you waiting for?women handbag Australia helps you.

Women Handbags, What Does it Say About Your Personality!:Kirthy Shetty

Travel Discounts By Mode Of Travel

2008-11-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

Some people look for travel discounts that are based on the mode of travel. Some people like to travel by automobile, train, boats, motorcycles and last but not least by a wide assortment of airlines. The discounts that are offered for each of these modes will make travel more affordable but they will also give the traveler pleasure because it is their chosen mode of travel.

Some people are very uncomfortable with the idea of traveling by air. No matter what type of discounts are offered on their flights, people still have the preference of remaining on the ground and arriving at their destination on time. Some people are completely different and choose airline schedules because they know they can save many hours of their vacations if they travel by air.

There are some people who can travel in a variety of ways and not give it a second thought. These travelers know what to look for when they visit travel websites because the travel opportunities offer them a wide assortment of departure times to pick from and amazing travel packages that make any type of travel mode seem very fair and reasonable and certain to please any type of traveler at sometime during the year.

When people choose to travel by boat, there is always a place on the itinerary that they have always wanted to go. They find that the ship's itinerary is the most important part of their travels and pricing for a particular stateroom is usually the last thing they consider when booking their reservations. Some people will book last minute cruise deals to enjoy their vacations even more.

Some people use their memberships in travel clubs to gain the best airline fares and discounts on hotel rooms and fine dining. The discounts begin to add up when they are also given discounts that encourage them to rent a car somewhere along their travel route. The discounts from shopping at certain stores will give travelers discounted gift cards that can be used to pay for gasoline or a variety of souvenirs that they find along the way.

Some foreign countries promote the use of scooters and motorcycles in various travel packages. These modes of transportation will allow visitors to travel through streets that are noticeably smaller and difficult to manage for some travelers. They reasonable prices that this mode of travel affords will make travel in the foreign city much more exciting and fun to do. Some vendors in foreign countries will give families large discounts for renting several scooters at one time and this makes travel modes for the whole family very affordable.

Travel Discounts By Mode Of Travel:Jim Brown

Driving in Chiang Mai, Thailand. - Can I, should I?

2008-11-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

Having had my Driver's License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs, to Corvettes, to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo's to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them, you can drive on the side of them, but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi's (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk's (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.
Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first, second, third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one, two, or perhaps three seconds ago.

Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles, all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice, polite, quiet people that they are Thai's when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.

In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful, either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur whenever and wherever.

Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY, vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself, Is this guy trying to scare me, is he trying to be funny, does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:

I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction, they may not have any decent insurance coverage, and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them, I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky, cheerful, hard working people and I love them.

If you are interested in learning more about living here, moving here, Thai foods, about Thailand and Chiang Mai visit our website.

Driving in Chiang Mai, Thailand. - Can I, should I?:George Dowhan

On Your Bike – The Route To Success

2008-11-10T03:29:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest reasons that I love my job is that it gives me so much time to develop myself personally. Each and every day I set about learning new skills and challenging old limiting beliefs about what I can and can’t do! Many of my clients think that because of the job that I do, that I am 100% and that I have reached my potential. Well I must say that the success that I have created for myself so far in life is certainly fun and exciting and it allows me to do things that others only dream about, however I always feel that I can develop and improve more as while I continue to grow older and wiser my wants and needs in life are changing and ‘success’ now has a different meaning to me than it did… say ten years ago.

So what is success to you?

Is it earning enough money each and every month to pay your taxes and your bank for any credit cards you have? Is it raising a happy family and living happily ever after in your home sweet home? Maybe it is being the CEO of a major international companying. Whatever success is to you, one thing should be well understood – you can achieve and reach your success with a little planning.

As a child I remember taking my bike out of the back garden and deciding that I wanted to go on a bike ride. I peddled around for hours wondering which route to take out of town. Before I knew what was happening the sun was setting and it was time to get myself off home for my dinner. Later that year I decided on another bike ride, however this time I decided to do a little research and go to the local filling station and get a map of the local area and all the towns around my home town of Bicester. A few days before the week end I studied the map and decided to visit Banbury which was some 17 miles away. I decided the route and what I needed to take for lunch and that weekend I was off!

Success – I had achieved a bike ride that will stay in my memories as a true achievement for the rest of my life. Not bad for an 11 year old boy is it?

Just imagine what you could achieve if only you set your mind to it and did a little bit of planning!

On Your Bike – The Route To Success By Richard MacKenzie

Mexico Motorycle Insurance For Road Trips to Mexico

2008-11-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy motorcycle trips, then a motorcycle trip to Mexico can be one of the best cycling adventures on the planet. Mexico has thousands of miles of scenic coastal highways, and the interior is full of quaint little villages and exciting terrain to explore. But before the fun begins, you need to first make sure you have Mexican insurance for your trusty steed.

Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles driving to Mexico. As most people know, US and Canadian insurance is not recognized in Mexico, so you need to purchase Mexican insurance for your vehicle before entering Mexico.

You can choose to purchase either a Mexican Liability policy which only covers damages you cause to third parties (it will not pay for damages to your motorcycle), or you can choose to purchase a full coverage policy which also includes theft and physical damage coverage for your motorcycle. The liability policy will fulfill your legal obligations in Mexico in the event you are in a traffic accident, and the full coverage policy will cover both liability and damages to your motorcycle. Obviously, the liability only policy will be less expensive.

Where to purchase Mexico motorcycle insurance

These days, most customers are finding the internet to be the easiest tool for shopping for Mexican insurance. You can also purchase Mexican insurance at the border, but this means you will have to wait until the last minute to get your Mexico insurance, and you may not be able to easily find a border insurance location that actually covers motorcycles.

Online Mexican insurance websites allow customers to get an instant quote in less than a minute, then you can purchase and print your policy in less than five minutes. Before using a Mexican insurance website, make sure to check for a visible valid insurance license and a phone number. As an added precaution, you may want to call the customer service phone number just to make sure there are live humans there ready to help you. Almost all of these websites are run by US based insurance brokers who have contracts with the Mexican insurance companies, so these brokers are regulated by US laws.

Full Coverage or Liability Only?

Only a handful of Mexican insurance companies will insure motorcycles, so it is highly recommended that you secure your Mexico motorcycle through an insurance broker before you leave for your trip. There are even less Mexican companies who will provide full coverage for motorcycles, so you may need to do some shopping around.

Of the few companies who provide theft and physical damage Mexico insurance for motorcycles, this coverage is usually limited to street motorcycles. Race bikes and off-road motorcycles are usually only eligible for Mexico liability insurance. Harley Davidsons, Honda Goldwings, and other non-racing type motorcycles are usually eligible for full coverage Mexico insurance.

What to look for in a Mexican motorcycle insurance policy

If you are only getting liability only, the difference between insurance companies are very small. Make sure to get at least $50,000 worth of liability coverage, and make sure legal services are included with the policy.

If you are looking for theft and physical damage coverage, then you need to be a bit more careful with your shopping. There are a few coverage categories that could make a huge difference in how your Mexican insurance claim could be handled.

Deductibles: Make sure you know exactly what your deductibles are for both physical damage and theft. The best Mexico motorcycle policies will usually have a $500 physical damage deductible and a $1,000 theft deductible.

Hourly Labor Rates for Repairs Made in the US or Canada: First of all, make sure the Mexico insurance policy allows you to repair your bike in the US or Canada. Then check to see what hourly labor rate the Mexican insurance company will pay for these repairs. If the Mexican company does not disclose this amount, then you can guess that it could be as low as $15 per hour. Only select a Mexico motorcycle insurance policy that pays at least $35 per hour for repairs made in the US, and try to find a policy that pays a higher US labor rate.

Medical Evacuation and Travel Assistance: Some of the better Mexican insurance brokers will bundle in free medical evacuation and other travel insurance services. If you are going to buy the insurance, you might as well get one that includes these extra features. An emergency medical evacuation runs anywhere from $15,000 - $50,000 these days, so this is a great coverage to have.

Once you have your quality Mexican motorcycle insurance secured, you are ready to get on with your Mexican motorcycle adventure.

A few driving tips for motorcycles in Mexico:

Never drive at night. The roads are not well lit, and debris and live stock are often on the roads at night.

Drive much slower than you would on US roads. Many of the Mexican roads are not well maintained, and it is not unusual for debris, sand, or gravel to accumulate on the roads.

Jeff Nordahl is an avid traveler to Mexico and a motorcycle enthusiast. He is also president of Adventure Mexican Insurance Services who specializes in Mexico motorcycle insurance. He has over 10 years of experience in the Mexican insurance industry, and he continues to work with Mexican insurance companies to improve the insurance products they offer to visitors to Mexico.

Mexico Motorycle Insurance For Road Trips to Mexico By Jeff Nordahl

Coachella Truck Accident Lawyer’s Top Ten Things You Wish You Would See Reported in the Press After a Truck Accident

2008-11-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Just what the tanker truck was carrying that caused whole neighborhoods to be evacuated.

Just how toxic that cloud of gas was after the truck caught fire.

How many hours the truck driver had been driving since his last rest.

What kind of deals the casinos offer the truck drivers if they stop.

What really goes on at those truck stops.

If truckers still use CB radios.

Whether your call would get routed to India if you call the number on the back of the truck that asks you to call if you don’t like the way they’re driving.

What happened to all the mud flaps with the girl on them.

Whether truckers will still honk if your kids motion for them to do it.

What the truck driver who hit you was doing just before he slammed into you.

Here are ten actual tips of advice from a truck accident lawyer to follow if you have been in an accident.

Obviously, if you have had an accident, and you are reading all of this advice, it’s probably been at least a few days since the accident. However, if it’s only been a few hours or if you ever have another accident, here’s what you should do the next time from the start.

First, take a look around and determine if you or anyone, are hurt. If so, taking steps like trying to prevent further injury or loss of blood are the most important thing you can do. Even if some other driver caused you to be injured, it’s just good manners to help the other driver if they are hurt. They may even be so thankful that they admit their fault to you. The worst thing you can do is get angry or start a fight.

Second, make sure everyone is safe from being injured further. If you are in the middle of traffic, and you are dizzy, sit down away from traffic. If your vehicle is a traffic hazard and you have accident warning devices like flares or triangles, put them out on the road to warn other drivers and get away from the car. Let the police an other emergency personnel investigate the scene with the vehicles in place and move them more safely at a later point.

Third, call the police. Accident reports are extremely helpful if the police will do such a report. Let the police know you are injured immediately. Answer the police questions honestly. But if you are dazed or confused, let them know you need medical treatment and answer only what you feel sure about. Remember, your statements can and will be used against you if you admit fault, and it will be too late and too fishy to later say you didn’t know what you were saying at the scene. Police know that your best recollection is immediately after an accident.

Fourth, get the other driver’s information including their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, make and model of their vehicles, license plate numbers, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers as well. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well.

Fifth, if you have a camera on your cell phone or in the car and you aren’t too injured, take some photos of the vehicles and the scene. If you can’t do it right away, do it after you are released from the hospital.

Sixth, if you are hurt, obtain medical treatment. Don’t decline the ambulance or hospital examination to save your insurance company money or to be stoic. Take your valuables out of your car if you can and get checked out at the hospital. If you are not hurt, don’t get treatment you don’t need. However, remember, after an accident, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that causes you to only start feeling symptoms of pain a few hours later. If you have a health plan that requires you to obtain permission first, call them and find out where you are allowed to seek treatment.

Seventh, call a good truck accident attorney as soon as you have had your initial treatment, so the lawyer can gather other important evidence and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you and obtaining such things as recorded statements that you feel fine, when many of your symptoms have yet to manifest themselves. A good truck accident attorney can save you from making a great deal of mistakes and can shoulder much of the hassle of knowing what to do about car repairs, car rentals, medical treatment, witness statements and the like. If you think you will save money by not having an lawyer, think again. A good truck accident attorney can almost always obtain much higher settlements, obtain reductions of medical bills and insurance liens and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Also, most truck accident lawyers advance costs of obtaining police reports, medical records and the like and are paid and reimbursed for these costs only out of any settlement.

Eight, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but since they will want to take a recorded statement from you, just like any other driver’s insurance company, it’s good advice to retain an attorney first. And if the other driver did not have insurance, remember that it is your own insurance company that will be your adversary. You will also need to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your lawyer can give you the form for this.

Ninth, do not agree to settle your claim privately with the person at fault for the accident. This almost never works out to your advantage. Don’t agree not to call the police. Police reports that determine the fault for an accident are golden. Your agreement to not involve the police only affords an opportunity for the other driver to change his story and blame you when the police will no longer investigate the accident.

Tenth, don’t pay a traffic ticket without a fight if you weren’t at fault or agree to accept a small payment for your vehicle repairs without knowing that the amount will in fact cover the cost of all the repairs.

If you’ve had a truck accident in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Thermal, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your Coachella Truck Accident Lawyer and your Palm Desert Truck Accident Attorney. Be sure to hire a California law firm with auto, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, car, bus, train, boat and airplane accident experience, wrongful death experience and insurance law expertise who can ensure you are properly represented and get the compensation you deserve.

If you have a personal injury legal matter, a dog bite or if you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com and learn how we can assist you.

Coachella Truck Accident Lawyer’s Top Ten Things You Wish You Would See Reported in the Press After a Truck Accident by R. Sebastian Gibson

Visit our website at http://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com if you have a personal injury legal matter of any kind. We have the knowledge and resources to represent you as your Coachella Truck Accident Lawyer and Palm Desert Truck Accident Attorney or your attorney in and around the cities of Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Jolla, Del Mar and Escondido. We also serve Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, Westminster, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Laguna Niguel, Chino Hills, San Clemente, Pacific Beach, Tustin and Yorba Linda.

Securing Motorcycle Loans For Bad Credit Individuals - 5 Tips

2008-11-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

The dream of owning a shiny new or used motorcycle is shared by many people, but only a fortunate few are able to afford a good one. The motorcycle is a symbol of freedom, passion, and independence in our post-industrial age. Whether you are looking for the classic look (like a Harley), a touring bike, or a superfast sport bike, the thought of owning your own bike can be tantalizing. Also, in today's world where gas can cost more than $4/gallon and commute times are getting longer, buying a fuel-efficient motorcycle can be a smart financial move as well. All this is true, of course, if you can get the financing you need!

If you happen to have a low credit score due to past unpaid bills, bankruptcies, or just a lack of sufficient credit history, securing financing for a motorcycle can be tricky. Fortunately, being what banks call a "bad credit individual" does not mean that you cannot be a "bad boy (or girl) of the road" with your own motorcycle. It is my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to ride a two-wheeler, regardless of their credit rating.

Here are 5 tips for securing a motorcycle loan for bad credit individuals:

1. Try to boost your credit score as quickly as possible:

If your time horizon for buying a new bike is at least 30-60 days out, do what you can in the short term to boost your credit score. There are a number of common-knowledge ways to do so, like contacting creditors to remove past credit glitches from your credit report. There are also a number of other tried-and-true methods for raising your score hundreds of points in as little as a couple of months. Try these techniques to get that extra boost in your score, which could mean hundreds less in annual loan payments if you do decide to get a nicer bike that requires you to finance the deal.

2. Check out an in-house dealer financing program:

If you are considering financing your motorcycle, it is wise to ask your local dealer about financing options. You might be surprised that they just may approve your loan application - and many have special financing programs for people with less-than-perfect credit histories.

3. Consider a personal loan:

If you are not interested in raising your credit score or just want to avoid trying to qualify for a motorcycle loan (which can be considered high-risk by many lenders), consider getting a personal loan to finance your purchase. Many lenders have special personal loan programs for bad credit individuals. The great thing about these loans is that you do not have to report how you will using the money - you can use it however you want, including to buy a new motorcycle.

4. Expect higher interest rates:

By now it should be obvious that lenders willing to lend money to people with poor credit are going to ask them to pay higher interest rates during loan payback. Suggestion: find an online loan calculator and plug in different interest rates with different loan principle combinations and payment horizons to see how your monthly payments will vary. Remember than even increasing your credit score by 50-100 points can mean a significant monthly savings for you (see above).

5. Find lenders and apply online:

If you are looking to go personal loan route, on the other hand, you can find many lenders online willing to extend you a personal loan without major collateral commitments. Rather than initially requesting quotes from individual lenders, I suggest you visit a lending aggregator Web site that give you the information for multiple bad credit lenders all in one place so that you can pick and choose the right one for you.

With all of the loan options available to you, it is wise to do your homework and look at all of the possibilities before settling on one in particular. Once you do get that bike of your dreams, please be safe out there and I hope to see you out on the road!

Securing Motorcycle Loans For Bad Credit Individuals - 5 Tips by Susan Willis

Top 5 Wintertime Motorcycle Tours

2008-11-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Just because winter is right around the corner doesn't mean that you need to lock your bike in the garage. There are plenty of places where the sun is warm, the air is cool, and the scenery will take your breath away. Winter provides the perfect excuse to get out of your local environment and take your chopper on new and exciting adventures. In this article, we'll take a look at five of the most beloved bikers choice locations for a wintertime motorcycle ride.

Southwest: Las Vegas, NV to San Diego, CA – 333 miles
Bikers Choice! It doesn't matter what time of year it is, Las Vegas and San Diego are always nice and warm, and so is the path between these two interesting cities. On this trip, you'll ride through beautiful Lake Havasu, Lake Gregory, the infamous Death Valley, and Palm Springs. Make sure to budget extra time in San Diego and in Vegas, both of which are ideal to tour from the seat of a motorcycle.

Pacific Ocean: Big Sur, CA to Ensenada Mexico – 500 miles
Bikers Choice! Coast Highway is one of the most scenic views in all of America and the view continues down the coast road into Mexico. On this tour you'll experience a wide range of scenery from the natural rocky coast of Big Sur, through the beaches filled with sunbathers in Los Angeles and San Diego, and down into Mexico where the food is delectable and the manana attitude promotes relaxation.

Arizona: Cottonwood, AZ to Eager, AZ – 210 miles
If you're seeking a relaxing tour with little traffic and lots of scenery, this motorcycle ride through Arizona's state route 260 is ideal. High deserts and dense forests paint the backdrop as you cruise through some of the United State's most interesting landscapes.

Florida: Orlando to Key West – 393 miles
Bikers Choice! This trip takes you from the home of Disneyland, to the tip of the Florida mainland, and across the gorgeous blue waters as you ride through the Florida Keys. If you're looking for a shorter ride, start your trip in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, but don't miss out on the amazing cruise over the long bridges that connect the keys.

Baja Mexico: San Diego to Cabo San Lucas – 1059 miles
Bikers Choice! This is a trip for the serious rider. It will take you approximately 15 days to cruise from San Diego down to the southern tip of Baja Mexico. Make sure to set aside some cash to pay the tolls along the way. Once in Cabo, there is no lack of relaxing ways to occupy your time like fishing, golfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Before you set out, be sure to gear up with all of the proper safety equipment and any custom motorcycle parts that will make your trip more enjoyable. If you don't want to worry about towing your motorcycle to your starting destination, find a place to rent one in the area. Whatever you do, don't set aside your passion for riding during the winter months-consider the season a reason to have an adventure!

Top 5 Wintertime Motorcycle Tours : Christine Harrell

Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Road Trip

2008-11-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

The Blue Ridge Parkways is the longest rural parkway in the United States. It runs 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains in southern North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia and stretches across the southern Appalachian Mountains. That fact alone promises a very scenic ride. So why don't you give yourself a break and on a motorcycle road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway!

If you want to get the most out of the beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway, you will need to allot four days for this motorcycle road trip. Take the time to stop and explore nearby towns that have existed since the first settlements in America.

Starting from North Carolina, the beginning of your road trip is kicked off with a movie-like dramatic setting as the from the Smoky Mountains is so visible. Ride to Boone, the Firefly Capital of the World. If you are feeling like being a child again, stop by at Boone's major attraction, the Tweetsie Railroad. Moving along to Asheville, treat yourself with cultural and historic attractions. In Asheville, you will find the famous Biltmore Estate, the most technologically-advanced home during the time it was built. You might want to spend the night at Biltmore Estate for their wine and experience the life of the rich and famous.

If you are a fun of the Wild West, you might want to go on your motorcycle road trip with a stop at Maggie Valley. In Maggie, there's the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park. Relax and enjoy staged gunfights. Explore more of Blue Ridge as you head to Humpback Mountain. Deep inside, you will find Linville Caverns. Be sure to look around Linville Caverns and brace yourself to see oddities after oddities in each room.

Leaving North Carolina, you get a chance to see Native American culture manifested in such towns as Cherokee where the Cherokee Indians settles. From another group, however, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you can even learn words from their native tongue and participate in some of their activities like mask carving and canoe hauling. Reaching Virginia, stop by for a live entertainment with local actors giving life to the 1800's Appalachian skills, customs and traditions, all complete with costumes and other props. This performance is held at the Humpback Rocks. The same entertainment lies ahead at Mabry Mill as performers also demonstrate old Appalachian lifestyle. As you relax in Mabry Mill, a bite the town's specialty, the fresh apple butter, will make this motorcycle road trip all worth it.

As dramatic as the Smoky Mountains mist has provided for the beginning of your motorcycle road trip, so does the roaring sound of the Crabtree Falls for the ending. Take one more stop before finally concluding your trip at the Blue Ridge Music Center and listen to some old folk songs dating back from the time of the early settlers.

A four-day excursion via Blue Ridge Parkway will make you realize that there are really so many beautiful places in the United States. As you think of your journey, it encourages you to explore more of the country's four corners to see its beauty with a motorcycle road trip.

To plan your next motorcycle road trip, please use our ultimate road trip planner, which leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable. http://www.tripwiser.com

Get the Most for Your Used Vehicle by Selling it Through Capital Auto Auction

2008-11-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

When you’re ready to sell your car, truck, motorcycle or boat, how will you get it before potential buyers? Most people will pay hundreds of dollars to list their car, truck, motorcycle or boat in their daily or local newspapers. There are even some magazines that specialize in selling used vehicles. For a fee, you can list your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or any vehicle in their pages. You may get the exposure you’re looking for, but you will have to answer countless phone calls. You’ll most likely spend hours giving out your address and directions to your home to total strangers. Hopefully, they’ll show up when they say they will but it’s pretty common for some of these ‘interested’ customers to fall by the wayside.

You could save your advertising dollars and spend your time going to countless dealers trying to trade-in your car, truck, motorcycle or boat. Most people simply go the route of a trade-in because it saves them time and effort. But they may not be getting as much as they could for their car, truck, motorcycle or boat.

If you’re looking to get the full value of your car, truck, motorcycle or boat, avoid losing money at trade-in by listing your car, truck, motorcycle or boat with CapitalAutoAuction . When you list your car, truck, motorcycle or boat with Capital Auto Auction hundreds of people will see it. The professional staff at Capital Auto Auction know how to show off your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat at its best.

You will be getting the full value of your car, truck, motorcycle or boat. And think of how much safer selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat through Capital Auto Auction is. You can avoid having strangers coming to your home.

To get started selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat through Capital Auto Auction, you can visit our website at www.capitalautoauction.com. In order to get started the title to your car, truck, motorcycle or boat must be free of liens and in your name. Capital Auto Auction takes consignments on a first come first serve basis. There are a limited number of consignments taken each week so you will need to fill out the short questionnaire at our website. You will be asked which auction location site you wish to sell your car at. You will also have to supply us with your car, truck, motorcycle or boat’s vehicle year, make and model as well as mileage. You can then list your asking price.

When you sell through Capital Auto auction we do all the advertising and take all the phone calls. We know how to show off your car , truck, motorcycle or boat to get you the full value. We take the worry out of selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat because if there is ever a problem we do everything possible to make sure both the seller and buyer are satisfied.

Get the Most for Your Used Vehicle by Selling it Through Capital Auto Auction:search rankpros

Transportation Guide in Bangkok

2008-11-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Most Asian countries have problems in their big cities, like Bangkok, with over-population, traffic congestion and pollution. There are several modes of transportation in Bangkok, with the automobile being the most popular. Bangkok is a large city that possesses only the beginnings of a mass rapid transport system such as can be found in Singapore or Hong Kong. Traffic in Bangkok is also notoriously bad, and it is often impossible to ascertain just how much time is needed to go from point A to point B if you are travelling by road. There are ways to get around the city however, and the best method of transport can very much depend on the time of day, or other circumstances such as start and end points of travel. Although not expensive in any case, cost can also be a factor in selecting the best method of transport.

The colourful taxis that dominate the traffic in Bangkok are cheap and plentiful, and these days they are all fitted with meters. Nevertheless, some unscrupulous drivers will refuse to turn on the meter and quote you a flat, inflated price. This particularly happens in certain tourist areas. In this situation, it is best to get out of the taxi and flag another one down. In order to try and avoid this situation completely, it is usually better to walk just a short distance away from the tourist spot and flag down a moving taxi. It is normally the case that it is the stationary taxis who most frequently behave in this manner, although it has to be said that the vast majority of taxis will turn on their meters straight away without you having to ask. For short trips, outside of rush hour, a taxi is probably easiest and quickest, and is particularly economical if you are a group of 3 or 4. It also has the advantage of taking you from door to door. In rush hour, you will probably find that the taxis will, in any case, refuse to take you to certain areas because they don't want to be sat in a traffic jam either. Taxis are also good for longer journeys at weekends when traffic is usually much lighter.

The ubiquitous and photogenic tuk tuk is probably something every tourist wants to try once, but as a regular way to get around the city they are to be avoided. They are often involved in scams with the intention of taking you to specific shops where they get free petrol and you get ripped off. The usual approach, is to quote you a very low price per hour, and then to take you on a tour of places where they get their commissions and kickbacks. Don't be fooled! Even if there is no scam, they will almost always quote you a price more expensive than a normal taxi. Add to this, the fact that they are dirty, noisy and just a little dangerous, then there is little reason to use them in preference to taxis.

Equally dangerous, if not more so, are the motorcycle taxis often preferred by the locals. They are quick to get around the streets as they negotiate the traffic, sliding between cars and buses, and even taking to the pavements in some areas! They can be useful for short journeys as long as you are prepared to take the risk of travelling on the back of a motorbike without any protection in the form of a crash helmet. Costs are generally less than a taxi for short journeys, but can be more, depending on the state of the traffic.

Since 1999, the Skytrain has weaved through the streets of central Bangkok on just 2 routes. Initially empty, it is now crowded, especially at rush hour, but it is a fast and convenient way to get around if your journey coincides with one of its two routes. Expansion has already started, but it will be some time before there is greater coverage of Bangkok. 2005 saw the addition of an underground system known as the MTR but as yet there is only one line, and, in typical Thai fashion, there is no cooperation with the Skytrain, for example, in the use of a single ticket. This is despite the fact that the two systems are somewhat integrated with connecting stations. As with the Skytrain, if your starting point and destination happen to coincide with the MTR's route, then it is probably the best choice, although if there are 3 or 4 of you it will cost more than a taxi. Safety and speed are however assured which cannot always be guaranteed with a taxi.

The Skytrain (BTS) connects, not only with the MTR, but also with the express boat services at Saphan Taksin. They ply their trade up and down the Chao Phraya River through central Bangkok, and all the way up to Nonthaburi. Incredibly cheap, it is something of an experience to take one of these boats. They only stop for a few seconds at each landing stage, allowing passengers to jump on and off, before speeding on to the next pier. They are definitely the preferred mode of transport for any destination along the river, and are particularly good for tourists wanting to visit the sites, most of which are situated close to the river. Boats also head off river, down the klongs (canals), and provide a convenient and fast mode of transport through some parts of the city. Other boats service some of the larger klongs through the city and, of course, there are long tailed boats available for hire that will take you on a site seeing trip through the klongs and to some tourist attractions such as the snake farm.

Large and small buses are everywhere in both air conditioned and non air conditioned forms. They are very cheap, and although they can suffer the same traffic delays as taxis, they are an economical way to get around the city centre and to the outlying districts of Bangkok. Bus route maps are available free at BTS stations. At certain times of the day, they can be very crowded on certain routes. Given this and the traffic situation in Bangkok, they are, therefore, not always the best option.

It is often worth spending a few minutes studying the options available when travelling from one part of the city to another, and considering using a combination of the different methods to get to where you want to be. For example, if you are located near to BTS or MRT station and wish to go to Chinatown, you could take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, and then take the express boat. Alternatively, you could take the MRT to Hue Lampong, and then take a short taxi ride or even walk. It really all depends on time of day, your personal preference and the number of people in your party as to which is the best method.

Until expansions to both MRT and BTS are completed, Bangkok will remain a traffic clogged city, suffering the pollution caused by exhaust gases from cars and ageing, diesel fume belching buses. These expansions, however, point to a cleaner, easier to get around city in the future. It will, however, be some time before Bangkok can begin to match the efficiency of the transport systems of Singapore and Hong Kong.

Transportation Guide in Bangkok:Daniel Jowssey

The Various Coopers Rock Climbing Areas

2008-11-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

An overlook-area is a prohibited area for rock climbing but still this area is home to some great climbing, which is no longer permitted. Coopers rock climbing was done primarily in the 70's and early 80's until a ban on the park were imposed in '85. It is still an awesome place to take pictures while visiting the park.

Problems with boulders are more in Motorcycle Rocks. In fact actual climbs are lesser than the boulder problems. These blocks contain boulder problems which are exhilarating and interesting.

Haystack Block is the block which is home to some of the best slab climbing in the park. The left line consists of two sport routes rebolting and the right line of bolts consists of Needle on the Haystack. Trad routes are to the back of the block and there is a project to the left of the rebolting development.

Greenback wall is a very high quality climbing. It has several thrilling climbs on it that are just great which is very similar to climbing at the New River Gorge. This clean face of rock climbing is of the finest quality. It has 1 trad climb Greenback 5.6, and several thrilling stellar 5.11 faces climb.

Roadside Rocks, the most popular, congested and trampled area of the park. You can get a map at the stand. This map will be helpful in providing details about various routes on the cliff or the Sunset Wall.

This area is also a famous bouldering cooper's rock climbing destination. Another popular climb is the one known as the Tendon Repair Kit. Huge boulder problems such as the Greenblock Testpiece, Woody's Arete, The Mountaineer Route, and many others are present in Roadside.

Sunset Wall Extension is the area which is beyond the standard Sunset Wall. This extends all around the woods and upstream up to the Raven Rocks. Coopers rock climbing is one of the finest in the park.

You can park your vehicles either at the main parking lot or at the lot before the main parking lot located on the right and follow the maintenance road on the opposite side of the road. Some of the popular blocks there are High Intensity Block with the super popular Pump it out and Funday Bulge both are top roped routes.

The Good Block in coopers rock climbing has several bolted and mixed climbs on it. A Very Good Climb 5.9 and A Good Climb are very famous here. Around the left side of this block is one of the tougher and thrilling uncompleted projects in the park. Chains and bolts are used to mark the peak of the climbing expedition project as well as to indicate the fall from the peak.

Green Acres is a place of little bit of a hike into, but really worth the hike. There is nearly as much traffic as most of the other areas of the park. Out in the woods with the Rattlesnakes and other critters this cliff is home to quite a few good varieties of rare species.

Raven Rocks is the favorite destination for the tourists of the park and home to very little quality climbing. A good overlook with not as much traffic as the main overlook, this area is near to the Green Acres so can be climbed the same day.

The Various Coopers Rock Climbing Areas by Muna wa Wanjiru

Build a Bike from Scratch or Refurbish with Custom Chopper Parts?

2008-11-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of publicity about custom built choppers, but is building a motorcycle from the ground up the right thing for you? Building custom choppers from scratch or from custom bike kits can definitely be a gratifying journey, but you must be certain that you're prepared for the amount of work, skill, and perseverance it will take to build a bike from nuts and bolts. If you're not sure you want to go the road of custom bike kits, there is a middle ground between a complete build and a stock bike through refurbishing with custom parts.

Custom bike kits:
If you want full bragging rights or a really unique design, custom bike kits are probably the best choice for you. With custom bike kits, you can choose a frame and get all of the necessary parts in one package while still having full reign on every ounce of the customization.

Whether starting from scratch or from custom bike kits, there really are no design limitations unlike when refurbishing a stock bike with custom parts. The more unique the bike, the higher it's resale value will be if you ever decide to part with it. Unlike stock bikes that are a dime a dozen and lose resale value, custom bikes hold or even increase in value.

The potential downside is that even if you're using custom bike kits, building a motorcycle from the ground up is not as simple as many kit manufacturers and producers of DVD training guides make it out to be. Starting from custom bike kits and working your way up is going to be a challenge-which isn't a bad thing, but something you'll want to be honest with yourself about. If you think you won't see the project through for one reason or another, you can still build a killer bike by customizing a stock bike with custom chopper parts.

Refurbish with custom chopper parts:
With the right custom chopper parts, you can easily give an old bike a completely custom look without the time and frustration of building every single intricate element. Refurbishing with custom chopper parts also means that you're going to experiencing the freedom of your bike a lot sooner than those who chose custom bike kits.

When choosing a bike to refurbish with custom parts, the most important thing to look for is the frame style. There are chopper parts that can easily replace just about anything on an existing bike, but the frame is essentially the backbone of the bike and won't be easy to replace. The gas tank however, is among the custom chopper parts that can be replaced and can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your bike. Find a shop that will paint your tank with your design concept and you're well on the way to owning a bike that reflects your personality.

Other chopper parts that make a major impact in the overall look and feel of the bike are the wheels, tires, mirrors, exhaust, pedals, and handlebars. A brief look at the huge number of styles of custom chopper parts out there are you'll soon realize that it's feasible to completely change the personality of a stock bike with a few select custom chopper parts.

The decision to build from scratch, from custom bike kits, or to refurbish with custom parts is as unique as every individual is. If your goal is to get out there on the open highway and enjoy the freedom of riding, you may want to spend less time in the garage and make your bike your own with a few select custom chopper parts. On the other hand, if motorcycles are your life, if you want to challenge yourself, or if you desire to create a truly unique machine, then building a bike from the ground up is probably the route you'll want to take.

Build a Bike from Scratch or Refurbish with Custom Chopper Parts? by Christine Harrell

The Importance Of The Biker Jacket

2008-11-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

The biker jacket is by far the best part of the biker's wardrobe. You can see a good looking jacket a mile away. So why is it so important and how should you choose it? There are a few foolproof ways.

Find your Style

When you are looking for your perfect jacket, you need to find the style that fits who you are. This can be anything from the color of it to the way it looks on you. There are all kinds of styles that you can pick from and chances is one of them will look great on you. That way you will have the best looking motorcycle gear that you can. Take your time finding your style because it really is very important to your image as a rider.

Color and Design Are Important

When you start looking for your favorite style of motorcycle gear, you will notice only a few great looking colors. These are usually the browns and the blacks that are very popular in the motorcycle look today. You should also pay attention to the design that is on your jacket because it will be one of the first things that anyone you are around will see. Picking the right color and the right design with your motorcycle gear is really crucial to your style.

Comfort Is Important

When you look at a motorcycle jacket for the first time, you should pay attention to the cut of it as well as the color and style that you may see. A great looking piece of motorcycle gear is nothing without being able to be comfortable in it. You don't want to look great but not feel great because then you won't want to wear it out or to the next great motorcycle event.

There are many things that you should consider when you are choosing that perfect jacket. You need to think about how it will look on you and how you will feel in it after a long day of riding. Feeling good and looking good is the key to having a great ride and a great end to your fun filled day. Keep looking if you can't find the jacket that's for you or you can take another route and create your own jacket. Some more famous bikers have done this in the past, but be careful and make sure that you know what you want in your motorcycle gear and your jacket.

The Importance Of The Biker Jacket by Victor Epand

Dual Purpose Riding the Lost Coast

2008-11-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Lost Coast

The day had finally arrived to ride the Lost Coast. Immediately upon being stationed back in Northern California I traded in my BMW RT 1100 for a 2008 KLR 650. What better route for an inaugural ride? After many years of “hotel” touring I was transitioning back to my “pack it light, freeze at night” mode of travel. The Usal Road and Lost Coast road conditions were an unknown. The winter months of 2008 had seen a lot of rain on the North Coast near Eureka California and my research indicated that the roads could be impassable if wet. Would the KLR be able to conquer what the King’s Range and Sinkyone Wilderness threw our way in late March? To hedge my bets I packed two motorcycle tie down straps that could possible double as tow straps. My riding partner for this trip would be a college roommate from 19 years ago. Glenn had called the day prior with a cryptic, “I’ve bought something that will handle anything the road will throw at us.” Cryptic messages are usually never good. Maybe the extra space the straps would take was cheap insurance. Where we were going Triple A would fear to tread.

Sunday’s early morning start was delayed until 3:00 pm due to Easter commitments. The afternoon came and went. I received a call from Glenn that his new mystery machine would not start. Certainly a dark harbinger of things to come. The afternoon ticked by and 5:00 pm turned to 7:00 pm. Glenn limped into Rohnert Park, CA around 8:30 pm, cold, lost but armed with a hearty appetite and an equally hearty and upbeat attitude; definitely the kind of partner and attitude you need when venturing into the unknown. The said mystery machine came in the form of a 1985 KLR 600! The $800.00 museum piece was a steal until the hard starting bike continued to flood the aftermarket two stroke carburetor and killed the battery (steal was the right term but only time would tell who the victim was). Ever resilient, Glenn fixed the problem that Sunday and forged ahead from Sacramento to Sonoma County. My mom was all too happy to feed the tired road warrior with a home cooked meal. We modified the game plan that night and decided not to ride the Trinity Heritage National Scenic Highway (also known as Hwy 299/3) and the Bigfoot Scenic Byway (Hwy 96) loop out of Eureka. The bikes were prepped and ready despite a little incident with my newly purchased mount. I realized I shouldn’t have procrastinated in purchasing a center stand. While filling the tires earlier in the day the bike fell over as I pushed on the stems with a bit too much vigor. To the KLR’s credit, the new plastic radiator shrouds withstood the tip over and the “Bug” (as my daughter calls it) came away with only two minor scratches.

The next morning we headed north on Hwy 101 in the early Northern California chill, the two extremes of the KLR spectrum thumping along in harmony. At 8:30am we decided to pull into Cloverdale and have a quick bite at the local McDonalds. An old timer took an interest in our trip and told us how he used to race his Harley Davidson against the British invasion of BSA’s back in 1949 but lost to the lighter, faster bikes when it came to cross country racing. Over coffee talk turned to younger days. We shared our experience in the Cavalry (Glenn a pilot in the Air Cav, I a ground scout, and Don a sixteen year old Horse Cavalryman back in 1938). Soon after his horse cavalry days Don was prowling the South China Sea. His new ride was the USS Snapper, a 1928 era sub that made it out of Manila Harbor prior to the fall of the Philippines. He wished he could join us on our bike trip but his knee replacement was in a few days. Any adventure we would encounter paled to his depth charge experiences during the war. We thanked him for his sacrifices and service to country as we headed northwest.

The bikes made quick work of Hwy 128 to Mendocino as we fell into a smooth pace through the vineyards and redwood trees. At Fort Bragg we attempted to find a dirt route east towards Glenblair and back to 101 in order to shake down our load plans and bikes. We were thwarted by dead ends and gated access but rewarded by the single lane dirt roads. Doubling back we proceed up Hwy 1 picking up the pace, energized by the crashing waves and redwoods. Passing Rockport we scanned for Hwy 435/Usal Road but were so enamored with this part of Hwy 101 that we were nearly in Leggett before we discovered we had missed our turn. Backtracking we found 431. If it wasn’t for the fact that we knew it was at mile marker 90.88 we never would have found it. The start point looked like a private dirt drive. How this used to be a stagecoach route is beyond me. They must have gone through multiple teams given the steep hills and rough conditions. The views were stunning as we peered down on the Pacific. Accompanying the breathtaking scenery was a chance encounter with a bear cub ambling across the road. Startled by the “Bug’s” growl he ran back to mama and we continued our journey. The KLR weren’t challenged by the roads and we thought the estimated 3 hrs to reach Shelter Cove was an erroneous estimate. We would soon learn 6 hrs was barely enough. I also discovered that years of “hoteling” had taught me to over pack my Givi top case. The first and only flaw of my KLR became evident when Glenn yelled for me to stop. Rolling down the hill was my Givi and half my KLR luggage rack! The tie down straps were pressed into service sooner than I had expected.

Soon we encountered the first of many delays. Mud, and lots of it. The KLR’s could not make it through the think soup, rear ends spinning out of control and flopping on their sides. Glenn and I ported our gear when necessary and then manhandled our mounts, pushing and cursing the machines through the muck. At the worse point, after we found a bypass to a seemingly impassable portion of the road, Mark from San Jose (in a tricked out Jeep-the only other human encounter on the scenic roadway), destroyed the bypass (for bikes at least) as his Jeep chewed up the ground. Bouncing off a tree he succeeded but erased any notions of turning back. For better or worse we were committed. No further than 200 yards down the Usal Road we were forced to unload the KLR’s again and push our mounts as the rider “paddled” along a foot and half wide path. A fall to the right and the bikes would disappear below the murky surface like the USS Snapper did to evade the Japanese warships seeking revenge. A fall to the left and the KLR’s would tumble down the cliff face to the Pacific. Riding the bikes across the narrow path was too risky as the path itself was muddy and the tires could possibly slip. A few adrenaline filled heartbeats later, the bikes were safely across, loaded and moving at speed. Usal Road might support KTM Adventures and BMW GS’s in the dry seasons but in the winter months anything larger than a KLR would be difficult to navigate the numerous mud bogs. The bigger bikes would be exhausting to manhandle through calf high mud. When we finally reached Usal Beach we were rewarded by pristine beaches. The ocean front was all but abandoned and the KLR’s proved capable of crossing numerous streams as we explored the beaches. The “Bug” loved the fresh ocean air but the KLR 600 began to show her warts. On the last stretch prior to reaching Shelter Cove the KLR 600 quite running on one of the steepest parts of the route. Glenn rolled his chicken bones and sprinkled blood on the carburetor with no luck. Un-strapping one of the tie down straps from my Givi I hooked it to the 600 and the “Bug” transformed to “El Burro” as I towed the 600 up the hill. A day of many first. A quick dance to the motorcycle gods and the 600 fired up and we were Shelter Cove bound. The night at Shelter Cove was one of the most beautiful I have spent on the Northern California coast. The wind was totally absent and the stars shone brighter than the light in the decommissioned lighthouse. A couple of touches of Kentucky Bourbon made the night complete.

A late start on day two due to Glenn locking his clothes in the dryer room and a non-responsive “steal of a bike” delayed us until 10:30. I began to sense who was the victim on this purchase and it wasn’t the “master mechanic” in Sacramento who sold Glenn the bike. Another quart of chicken blood and his bike roared to life. We entered King’s Range Road and crossed into another world. The range had received more than its average share of rainfall that winter. The fog shrouding the greenery reminded us of the rainforest of Costa Rica and Ecuador. Taking a wrong turn we followed the rocky dead end road to the Lightening Trailhead. The rocks took a toll on our tires but the scenery was worth the cost in rubber. The tight, twisty, uphill, climb on the way to Honeydew was one of the best parts of the trip. It was only challenged by the route from Petrolia to Ferndale. This portion of road twisted along the shore and then paralleled the crashing waves. Glenn played the part of ranch hand as he herded an errant cow off the road and back into the field on his temperamental steed. Anything can be thrown your way on the Lost Coast.

Leaving the ocean behind us, we quickly climbed 2,400 ft. to Bunker Hill and then descended into a beautiful valley. As we crossed Bear River were it emptied into the ocean, Glenn pointed to the switchbacks climbing the hill. I pumped my arm in response and rolled on the throttle. In the ensuing climb we became one with our machines to the point where it felt as if the bikes disappeared and we were “skiing” through the picturesque Northern California scenery. The environment was a mix of Switzerland and Southern England, the narrow two lane roads lined with shrubs, trees, and cattle racing by. We were sad to see the Lost Coast disappear in our rear view mirrors but looked forward to exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants, and the Eel River.

Unable to find a camp ground in Eureka we headed to Fortuna were the KLR 600 died on Main Street. Coaxing the bike to life Glenn met me at the RV park were we secured a log cabin for a pittance. Money well spent considering the rainfall that night. After filling our belly’s with our fair share of ale at the Eel River Brewery, Glenn filled his ego flirting with the very attractive female body builder bartender. We needed sleep as the road began to take its toll. Tomorrow would be very trying for us both.

The next morning the KLR was DOA but Glenn was loathe to admit it. After coaxing him into getting a U-Haul we doubled up on the “Bug” and made our way through Ferndale. We were already pushing 11:30 am so time was a factor as work loomed the next day. In route Glenn spotted an ATV and Tire shop. Tom, the owner and mechanic, took pity on us and gave us the keys to his truck and the KLR 600 received a new lease on life. In two hours we were rolling south on Hwy 101 thanks to Tom and his prompt attention. Although this was my fourth time down the Avenue of the Giants, I was amazed by the 40 miles of beauty. The coup de grace was when we received a free “Drive thru Tree” experience by a fellow KLR rider.

The low point came 11 miles north of Laytonville. The KLR 600 gave up its ninth life and died on the west side of 101. Suspecting fuel starvation I made desperation run to Laytonville for gas. False hope as the bike had pulled itself off of life support. A CHP officer radioed a tow truck which arrived at 6:30 pm and Glenn was on his own. Facing 35F weather and a 2 hr plus ride from Laytonville I raced south. Two things helped me survive that trip; the Hotgrips on my KLR and singing every cadence at the top of my lungs. By 8:40 pm I was eating hot chow on the objective while Glenn was writing a new chapter on motorcycling on the edge. A day and a half later he made it back to Sacramento. A story best told over several cold beers.

For pure diversity of terrain, vegetation, animal and road conditions nothing can beat the Lost Coast of California. Dual purpose riding milks the most fun per mile than pretty much any bike I have ever ridden. Despite all the web noise about the fairing falling apart due to vibration and the new KLR consuming quarts of oil, it is simply has not happened with this bike. Despite an operator induced tip over, the KLR fairing survived an encounter with a concrete parking block and after 2,000 miles the “Bug” has not consumed any oil. The KLR will remain in the stable regardless of whatever type bike comes along in the future. For pure versatility and “bang for the buck” fun, this bike cannot be beat.

Dual Purpose Riding the Lost Coast by Edward Ospital