Fact of Harley davidson

For over 100 years, Harley Davidson has been the most popular and well respected manufacturer of motorcycles in the United States. It was founded in 1903 and since than has become the most widely used brand of motorcycles whether it be for every day use, for racing, or for the military. Every year, motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where this reputable motorcycle brand was started. Bikers from all over unite in the Midwest to celebrate the successful history and present of the most popular motorcycle in the world.

THE FACTS:

In 1903, William Harley and Arthur Davidson founded what we all know as Harley Davidson. They manufactured their first Harley bike in a tiny 10 foot by 15 foot wooden shed in urban Wisconsin. In 1904, the first Harley-Davidson Dealership was introduced and by C.H. Lang in Chicago, Illinois. The first buyer of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was named Henry Meyer and he bought the bike directly in its birthplace in the city of Milwaukee.

In the year 1905, for the first time ever, a Harley motorcycle won a race. By 1910, Harleys were competing in various races around the U.S. which ranged from hill climbing, lap races, and endurance competitions, all of which the Harley took first place in. In 1913, Harley's official racing department was created.

Beginning in 1917, about one third of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles were being sold to the elite Unites States Military. Shocking as it seems, by the year 1918, this number had increased to 50 percent. It has been estimated that by the end of World War One, more than 20,000 motorcycles were used in battle efforts, with the majority being Harley-Davidsons. The H.O.G. group was formed in 1983. This was the Harley Owners Group and it quickly became the largest factory sponsored motorcycle clubs in the history of automobiles. By the year 2000, there were more than 500,000 members actively participating in this group.

2009 marks an exciting new year for Harley-Davidson. The newest edition to the family is the Harley-Davidson XR1200 which comes equipped with a 1200cc Evolution Engine, a 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust, a custom sports fender and more. For one of these as stock, it will cost a happy driver a little more than $11,000. Click here for motorcycle parts that are highly compatible with any model Harley-Davidson motorcycle ever released. Customize your bike and take part in next year's collaborative Harley-Davidson ride to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

How to Pick Good Motorcycle Parts

You may know that you need certain motorcycle parts for your bike. You just may not get how you are supposed to pick out the good ones from the bad ones. What should you look for? Who's reliable?

When you are starting your search for your motorcycle parts you may figure that everyone everywhere has the same kind of parts and that you can just go down the street and pick them up. That's the last thing that you really want to do.

When you go to a parts store for your motorcycle parts, you may think that the cheapest one is going to be the best for you. That can be true, but often times it's really not. You need to consider a couple of other things as well. Ask if there is a warranty on the motorcycle part that you need. You may have to pay more for it, but it's worth it in the long run if something happens with the motorcycle part that you bought.

Another thing to look for is what extras may be with it. The warranty is one of the most important things but you should also know what other things may come with the part that you pick. Does it come with a gasket or are you going to have to buy it separately? This can make the price more than what you may have initially thought when you started purchasing your motorcycle parts.

You can also get used motorcycle parts, but you will not have any kind of warranty that says that they will keep working or even work in the first place for you. This makes it a little iffy on whether you should purchase them, even if the price is right.

You really just need to take the time to look for the right motorcycle parts for what you are doing and you need to understand the questions that you should be asking before you buy them. This will help you to get the right part for your needs as well as getting it done right the first time. If you get a good quality motorcycle part for your bike, you won't have to change it out later. You want to have fun when you are riding your bike, not worry about the motorcycle parts that you put on it last week and whether they are going to stay in working condition.

Accessories - Making Your Bonneville Unique

The Triumph Bonneville was introduced to the world in 1959 by the legendary Triumph designer Edward Turner. This was Turner's last Triumph, and arguably his best. At that time, Triumph had purebred racing machines streaking across the salt flats of Utah at 150 mph, so it was decided to name the new bike after this famous landmark.

Accessorizing your motorcycle with parts bought directly from the factory is actually a recent phenomenon. In times past, one had to look to the aftermarket - and even that was littered with fit and finish issues and reliability problems. Often, owners of motorcycles in the 1950's and 1960's made their own accessories or worked something from another make to fit their machine. Of course, this was also the time period of the 'chopper' and the 'bobber' as we all know them.

The Triumph Bonneville was no exception to this mentality. The owners of them modified the engines for more power, thus more speed, and they chopped the fenders and added small fairings to them, turning their Bonnies into cafe racers.

The modern - or 'Hinckley' - Bonneville is a different story. Triumph rightly recognized their customers' desires to customize their motorcycle and make it truly their own. In the interest of helping those who love them most, Triumph released a catalog of parts and accessories for the first modern Bonneville and has done so for every model since.

If you wanted to change the sound or look of your exhaust or add a windscreen for long-distance touring, they had you covered. That trip would probably be better if you had attached the optional touring luggage as well and, perhaps, a new seat for you and a pillion. And, of course, if you are worried about theft, you have the option of an alarm which includes an immobilizer. Then you come to the selection of chrome - chrome chain guards, chrome sidestands, chrome sissy bars, etc. It was all there for the taking.

The new generation of Bonnevilles, with their fuel injection, upgraded running gear, and cutting edge technology already make for a smooth and powerful ride, but Triumph offers even more performance in its parts and accessories catalog. This catalog offers longer distances, brighter body parts, customized engines, more comfort, and whatever you could possibly need or want to do with a Bonneville. The fit and finish of their parts, the quality and the performance are all top-notch. The range of Triumph Bonneville Accessories available today means it has never been easier to jump into customizing your bike and making your Bonneville unique.

Complete Motorcycle Kits

Complete motorcycle kits are just what they sound like - kits with all the parts you would need to build a motorcycle. A few extra bits and pieces in case you lose a screw or two may also be included, but basically everything inside the box will be used to make one single vehicle - wheels, engine, drive belts and chains, frame, seat, fork, handlebars, and electrical parts, they are all in there. The question that needs asking is, therefore, why offer motorcycles in kit form? Isn't it better to just sell the vehicles pre-built. Well, there are practical reasons behind this, as well as historical ones.

The motorcycle of course, evolved from the bicycle. The idea of attaching an engine to a bicycle to make a light, cheap, and personal mode of transport was the result of people wanting more speed out of and less effort into their vehicles. The motorized bicycle concept was refined, and so we have the motorcycle today. When mass production came along and revolutionized everything, it introduced parallel manufacturing. At that time, motorcycle parts were shipped to dealers and other points-of-sale, since parts consumed less space than the whole vehicles. Perhaps one day someone thought, why not sell the motorcycles as kits, since it would make them easier to transport and also trim a little off of the price as labor and warehousing would be reduced. Regardless of the actual sequence of events, motorcycle kits have become a popular offering amongst small manufacturing companies, a phenomenon to be discussed next.

Complete Motorcycle Kits - Saving Space and Money

Complete motorcycle kits are a response to the needs of small companies and consumers who want something more personal and down-to-earth. Large companies can afford large warehouses to store their products, and so they can produce huge numbers of individual units. Shipping for volume is also cheaper if you get past a certain lower limit. Smaller motorcycle companies and shops cannot compete with that, but they still want to be able to offer their products to a wider area. With the power of the Internet, it is possible to advertise your products across the world, and offer sales to a specified region. So, even if you are in a single town or city, you can basically sell products to people in faraway places, places that would ordinarily be out of sales reach. The next advantage affects how business is done. Normally when buying a vehicle, the buyer has to come to the point of sale and drive the vehicle away after paying. The business model for motorcycle kits is different - the customer no longer has to travel to the shop. They just need to send money digitally, and the product will be shipped to their home. So how does this affect costs? The seller can reduce storage and labor costs by keeping the motorcycles in boxed kit form, so they can reduce the price of the unit. These savings are offset by shipping costs, but shipping a box of parts still costs less than shipping the pre-built thing. In the end, with just a little bit of thinking and effort, the consumer can have a motorcycle that they want and save some hard earned cash getting it.

Complete Motorcycle Kits - Steps 1 through N

Getting complete motorcycle kits is just part one of the whole deal. After choosing the design, possibly selecting custom parts, transferring money as payment, and waiting for the package to arrive on your doorstep, the next part is to build the vehicle and this is where it gets interesting. Note that despite the name saying "complete" these kits will not include the tools required to build the motorcycle. "Complete" refers to the motorcycle's parts, not the construction process. Then again you will need to have the tools to maintain your ride anyway, so buying a good set is a great idea. For real gear heads, they would have tools in their garages anyway, and these are the same people who make up the bulk of the consumers for these vehicles in boxes. A set of instructions, most likely quite long, will also be included in the kit. No amount of whining about not liking to read manuals and following steps will get you around the fact that these instructions are critical. If you fail to read the instructions, you might miss something, and that something could be the one thing that spells the difference between a great ride and a nasty crash. Doing it yourself does not necessarily mean doing it your way, at least in this case. So, with the lecture out of the way, you can get on with building the motorcycle. What comes after completing it is where you can take liberties as you wish.

Complete Motorcycle Kits - Personality for Personal Utility

Having a ride of your own means you can design and customize it as you wish and this is especially true for something that you built yourself, though admittedly it was from a complete motorcycle kit. Adding personal touches to your ride makes it more personal, and more unique. It will be your sense of design and aesthetics that will make or break the appearance of the ride, so have fun with it. Maybe some fancy exhaust pipes, a few or a lot of decals and custom paints jobs, or even flashy neon lights, and you could have one sweet bike. Any customization of your motorcycle lies outside of the kit cost, and with customization the price can soon add up, but remember, after all it is all in the pursuit of enjoyment. Nothing beats being able to ride something that you designed yourself, since it is about pride, personality, and identity. Of course, there are those who prefer it straight up and simple.

Regardless of which one you are, the thrill of taking to the blacktop and riding off is something you will enjoy. The adrenaline of the moment and the rush of the wind in your face make the experience worth every cent. Just remember to stay alert and ride safely, okay?

Motor Scooter Safety

All too often, we hear about people on motorcycles and bicycles being injured or killed in accidents. Sometimes, it is clear that another motorist is at fault, but that does not change the outcome. Since a car or truck is many times larger than the two-wheeled vehicle, the cyclist pays the higher price.

The same is true with gas motor scooters. While they are faster than bicycles, they can still have the same problems: moving slower than the surrounding traffic, and being difficult for other drivers to see. Fortunately, it only takes some basic practices to make riding a scooter safe and enjoyable. Here are a few tips on how to arrive at your destination without incident.

The first safety rule for scooter drivers can be summed up in one word: awareness. Just as with bicyclists, you should always be alert and anticipating what could go wrong while on the road. For instance, when driving a scooter, you should never ride on the far right side of the lane, especially when there are parked cars or blind intersections. If you stay in the left half of the lane, opening car doors and trucks pulling out of alleys will be easier to avoid.

Sometimes, of course, it is going to be difficult to determine what might happen. When in doubt, slow down. Do not come to a complete stop, but decelerate just a few miles per hour to see how a situation near you may develop.

For example, a scooter being tailgated by a car is in a very vulnerable position. As the rider, it is tempting to move over to the right, but this may encourage the driver to try to squeeze by, passing perilously close to your scooter. Stay in the left half of the lane, but watch the behavior of the driver in your mirrors. If they show signs of agitation or anger, find the next available place to turn off, signal with both blinker and hand, and pull over to let them pass. If a left turn lane is available, make your "escape" in that direction, as it will get you out of the driver's path much more quickly and safely.

Speaking of tailgating, this is just as bad a thing for a scooter rider to do as it is for other drivers. Always leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If you follow too closely, you may not have time to miss the pothole or debris that suddenly appears from under the vehicle in front of you.

Finally, scooter drivers should wear protective gear, just as a motorcyclist would. Some scooters can reach speeds of 80 mph; taking a tumble at that velocity could have terrible consequences. Always, always wear a helmet. As for the rest of your attire, jeans, boots, and eye protection are all excellent choices. None of this gear will necessarily prevent injury, but it will help keep it from being serious.

Do not be discouraged from buying a new scooter because of these challenges, however. Riding a gas scooter is a great way to save money, help the environment and have fun. Obviously, there are other safety considerations for riding a motor scooter besides those described here, but if you start by developing the habits of staying alert, slowing down at any sign of potential trouble, and leaving room in front of you to react, you will enjoy many wonderful, accident-free hours on the road.

A Great Option For Hauling Your Bike

How to transport your motorcycle easily and cheaper ?

There are a lot ways to transport your motorcycle whether you use a transport service, a trailer or a carrier. A transport service can be expensive and if you are doing it regularly it will cost quite a bit, especially if you are traveling to the same place as your bike. Motorbike trailers are a good option, but they can be cumbersome and take up a lot of space when you are not using them. A great option if you have the vehicle size are motorcycle carriers, also known as haulers. Not only are they easy to use but also a lot cheaper than tow behind trailers.

Carriers or haulers carry your bike, or bikes, straight on the back of your vehicle. You attach the carrier to a hitch which is attached to your vehicle. Many carriers come with a load ramp and wheel choke for stabilization and then you use tie down straps to secure the bike. You don't need to tow anything, which some people are just not comfortable with or you maybe fine with it but your wife isn't who will also be sharing the driving.

There are limitations with motorcycle carriers which you should definitely know about before purchasing one. Basically you will need the ability to use a hitch class 3 or above. Along with this the hitch class and specific carrier will determine the weight you can carry which for your large cruisers and sports bikes is a problem. They are pretty good for dirt and trail bikes and you can even get double carriers, again as long as your hitch class weight capacity will allow it.

If you want to haul your cruiser or sports bike there are few other considerations. Usually you will need a much larger vehicle and a specialized carrier to allow for handlebar, bike and wheel widths. It is not impossible but you do face a few more challenges and may be forced to consider a transport trailer. Just be certain to check your vehicle specifications and hitch class options before looking at any carriers.

Reasons to Buy Pit Bikes!

1. Lets face it; they're strapped for cash and want to buy a cheap bike to either thrash till the engine stops (no oil changes required), or...

2. They want to get into the sport of Motocross at the entry level and don't want to outlay a lot of money to discover the child is not interested in going further with the sport.

Lets explore reason number 1, the most common reason. People buy cheap so they think the quality is cheap and they treat them accordingly. Nowadays there are a lot of Pit bikes out there that are cheap, say $600-$800, but still good quality. Over the past 3-4 years quality is also more stable and the price has dropped. You can buy a cheap Pit Bike with SDG style Chromoly frame, USD Forks, Adjustable Rear suspension, even alloy rims for around $800. Try looking on eBay; there are hundreds for sale. In fact, most people never change the oil; if you bought it on eBay, out of the box it's amazing what a good oil change can do for the life of the engine.

The second reason and the more valid reason: This is why Pit Bikes are so popular over recent years because motocross tracks are forced to let Chinese Class bikes run their own races due to the sheer volume of Pit bikes out there and no where to ride them. Kids can get into the sport at a ridiculously low price and still have change for dad. One Pit bike, helmet, clothing, boots, gloves, and goggles can cost under $1500. Add annual track fees and insurance and this bad boy's on the track for under two thousand. Go down to your local Honda dealer and you'll be lucky to buy half a bike for that price.

Any kids or Teenagers out there looking to Buy a Pit bike - do the maintenance, regular oil changes and your $600-$1000 investment will see you into your adult life. Best fun and don't forget to ride responsibly.

Motorcycle Safety Begins With a Helmet

In this troubled economy of 2009, a vast majority of Americans are looking for ways to save money. We are clipping more coupons, we are shopping for cheaper gas, we are shopping at second-hand stores, and many of us are turning to cheaper modes of transportation. Americans are giving up their cars and choosing instead to ride scooters and motorcycles both to and from work and around town on errands. As the number of motorcyclists increases on America's roads, so does the opportunity for motorcycle accidents. And as more and more states are repealing their laws requiring motorcycle helmets, the number of motorcyclists on the road without a helmet is also on the rise.

When we ride without a helmet, we are risking our lives to save a few bucks on fuel. We are risking severe injury and even death to look cool on our motorcycles. And it's not just the thrill-seeking crotch rockets, it's your neighbor or his wife who is looking for a cheaper method of transportation. Motorcycle fatalities have increased every year since 1996, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And one of the biggest factors in motorcycle fatalities is the refusal of riders to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that, "Motorcycle helmets have been shown to save the lives of motorcyclists and prevent serious brain injuries." Why wait until your state requires a helmet to wear one? Why not choose instead to ride safely and ride smart?! The NHTSA keeps statistics on how helmets prevent injury and death. And they keep statistics on fatalities as well. Wouldn't you rather be in the first group than the second?

Young people tend to think (and I know, because I was one not too long ago) that "nothing is going to happen to me." They tend to think that helmets are for the older generation. And they care all too much about how they look on the motorcycle instead of how they'll feel if they ever lay the motorcycle down.

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, helmets "can help to protect your brain, your face and even your life." The research and development that goes into an approved helmet has resulted in a very specialized and sophisticated piece of life-saving gear. The tough outer shell is meant to compress upon impact, thereby lessening the force that comes into contact with your head. DOT-approved helmets also have an impact-absorbing inner liner designed to absorb the shock as your head hits the inside of the helmet. Helmets are actually designed to break upon impact, as another way of absorbing the shock otherwise meant for your head.

On top of the impact-absorbing liner is what the industry refers to as comfort padding. It's the layer next to your head providing comfort and fit. And the last part of the helmet, which is equally as critical as the others, is the chin strap or the retention system. It must be securely strapped to give you optimal protection.

Head injuries account for most motorcycle fatalities. But you don't have to be one of the statistics - instead, choose to be one of the survivors. For a relatively small investment, compared to the cost of medical and hospital bills, you can invest in a good (DOT-approved) helmet that is both cool and protective. Ride safe, ride smart, ride responsibly.

GPS for motorcycle

Have you ever been in a situation wherein nothing looks familiar, no one else is around to give you directions, your mobile phone has just died on you, your map doesn't seem to make sense, nothing else can give you assistance, you are all alone, and you realize you are lost? This has happened to all motorists at least one time or another, and when everything else fails, it is time to rely on your trusty GPS device. However, what if you were on a motorcycle? Are there any motorcycle GPS devices that can be mounted on the bike, since in the past, they were only available to cars? This was in the past.

These days, a GPS device can be used by both automobiles and any form of vehicle driven with the use of handlebars. The motorcycle GPS can be easily mounted and viewed on any type of handlebar, thanks to the special mounting system designed for motorcycles. The device is compact, and does not obstruct the viewing of the vehicles essential gauges. The information viewed on the display is large enough to be seen and deciphered. Using this handy piece of technology is easy and user friendly. Like any electronic device, the danger of damage, due to its exposure to the elements, has always been a cause for concern, but not with this device. The motorcycle global positioning system was designed to withstand the rain, the wind, and the harmful rays of the sun. It was meant to be used outdoors.

Not knowing where you are, and not finding your way back home has always been the concern of any motorist. With the help of the motorcycle GPS, there is no more need to worry about this possibility. Say goodbye to getting lost, and finding your way back home has never been this easy.

The motorcycle-friendly navigator was built to lead you on all of your two-wheeled adventures. YOu need GPS for Motorcycle if you like to travel with your bike.

Biker Gear For the Wise Beginner Motorcycle Rider

We've all seen them out on the freeway at one time or another: bikers cruising along at 90 mph with no helmet, wearing open-toed sandals, with bare arms and a single-ply t-shirt flapping behind them in the breeze. Some people sarcastically call such riders "organ donors," but a better term might simply be "unwise." If you are new to riding, here is some of the basic must-have biker gear for the wise motorcycle rider.

-- Helmet

The purpose of a good helmet is two-fold: to protect the head from the hard asphalt and to absorb the shock of the impact in order to minimize damage. Choose a design that incorporates a good layer of polysterene foam that will help to prevent the transfer of energy from the impact to the skull and brain. Whether you choose an open-face or full-face is really a matter of choice and comfort, but the full-face model offers more protection.

-- Boots

Boots for biking should have a low, broad heel and a good stiff sole for extra stability. Getting boots with rubber-based or rubber-composite soles to help keep feet securely on the pegs and to get a better grip on the pavement when not in motion. Wearing regular shoes or open-toed sandals will absolutely not prevent injury nor will it help you stay safer in general: boots will.

-- Gloves

Motorcycling gloves are usually made of leather for better grip and weather resistance. They may or may not have reinforced palms for longer wear. Although some rider choose to wear the kinds that have gauntlets attached in order to protect the wrists better, gauntlets are purely optional. Gloves should be worn in all kinds of weather since they offer the only protection for riders in the unfortunate event that their hands meet the pavement.

-- Jacket

A leather jacket not only boasts an iconic biker look, it is also an important part of staying safe. Quality jackets, such as those manufactured by Harley Davidson, are impact resistant and are also resistant to tears, shredding, and cutting. Jackets come in all different weights and there are many styles to choose from that are appropriate for all seasons.

Wise motorcyclists know that being properly equipped for the road ahead is the way to go.

Wear a biker jacket

Biker jackets are perfect if you're seeking to gain a dash of flair to your appearance, with a hint of toughness. Still popular for more than 50 years, they have become more adult and less "rock star".

Motorcycle jackets also defend you from harsh weather, whether light rain, snow or excessive summer heat. You would be surprised at how much these environmental elements will affect a rider. They are not just accessories to make you look "with it", although they do that. Your protection and safety is the ultimate reason to use a biker jacket. They are usually made from a combination of materials, the most basic of which is leather. Cordura or other high stress synthetic materials are used on particularly susceptible areas like the shoulders, elbows and forearms.

Ladies can now choose from traditional leather jackets and newer styles that incorporate color and design in bold new ways. Good news for the ladies is that black jackets are closet staples that go with just about everything. In fact, women can find biker jackets this season in flowing styles with soft leather and gently shaped sleeves to accent the figure. Still, it should be remembered that these jackets are for protection and not just as a fashion statement.

The most popular of choices is leather, but growing notice has been shown for the mesh/textile jackets. Which material type to go with is just one of the options a rider has when purchasing a jacket. Leather motorcycle jackets are noted for protection against damage. They can give great protection while riding a motorcycle. Leather clothing does not only look great, but can also serve as protection when in an accident. Be careful because not all leather gear is optimum. Known for being long lasting, and ability to resist wear and tear, leather is the choice for its ruggedness, toughness and durability.

Leather's molding capability is probably one of its most unique attributes. This permits the clothing to form itself to your exact shape over a period of time unlike other materials. Leather motorcycle accessories usually include protective gear, clothes and luggage items that you use when you ride. It depends on the type of bike you own as to what type of leather biker accessories you'll need.

Additional features to consider

If the temperature is a hazard during your summer rides, then consider looking into jackets that feature vents for air flow. The flow-through air vents in the front work with exhaust vents on the back for maximum comfort when it's hot out.

It's not hard to find a jacket that has protective padding at the elbows, back and shoulders. This padding can be of foam or reinforced Kevlar. While softer pads can be more comfortable, have in mind that the harder the pads the more they can handle in abuse. Always check to see if the foam pads are certified to meet a certain standard level (at this time the industry standard is CE approved foam armor).

Just remember that a biker jacket should be built to last and durable. They should provide maximum protection for your body against any hazards when riding.

Tip for riding

Tips for Driving "Biker Friendly"

LOOK for riders. So often you will hear that a driver "never saw" the motorcyclist that they hit. As surprising as it may seem that you wouldn't see a vehicle, even if you looked right at it, a surprising study by Dr. Arien Mack shows that it is a real phenomenon. The fancy name for this is Inattentional Blindness, and the result is that people see what they are looking for and screen out everything else. When driving, people are looking for cars, and consequently do not see motorcyclist, bicyclists or even pedestrians. We all know that this can lead to deadly consequences. So when you are driving, PLEASE look for any on coming traffic or bystanders...they may very well be there!!!

For more information on in-attentional blindness and the video in which participants didn't notice a guy in a gorilla suit in the middle of the screen,

Don't tailgate! Rear ending a rider can KILL

Don't cut off that motorcycle! Even if you are frustrated, even if you are in a hurry, no matter what, give riders space. Remember that you are only a few feet from that person's body.

WAIT! You are misjudging their speed! You assess vehicle speed all the time on cars and judge when we have enough time to go or when we should wait for the traffic to pass. This judgment of speed is actually based on the visual mass of the vehicle. Cars are bigger than motorcycles, and as such, motorcycles appear to be going slower than they actually are. If you see a rider, you have less time than a car at the same perceived rate of speed. So, just wait and let the motorcycle pass if you have any doubts.

Give riders extra room.

Watch for riders in groups and try not to separate riders.

Motorcycles are entitled to a right of way. A person operating a motorcycle is entitled to the same rights and right of way as a car. So often drivers will disregard motorcyclists right of way. For example, if a motorcycle is turning left and they got to the stop sign first, the motorcycle goes first...just like a car.

Motorcycles are entitled to their own lane. Motorcycles are entitled to their own lane on the road...a whole lane. You wouldn't drive in a lane with another car, you wouldn't push a car off to the shoulder, and it is against the law to do it to a motorcycle.

Lane sharing is legal in California! Lane sharing allows motorcycles to go between two lanes of traffic to the stop light or along side stopped traffic on the freeway. This is LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA. Many drivers dislike this, but it is totally legal and is actually a good thing. With traffic in California being such a problem, lane sharing allows more vehicles to pass and keep from further congesting the roads. Also, for riders being in front of traffic is always the safest place to ride. People who are not looking for riders or who drive distracted don't see riders and often change lanes into them. Being in front minimizes the potential dangers from traffic, so move over and allow that rider to pass at the light.

Road Rage can KILL a rider. Rider's sometimes do rude things, just like drivers do from time to time. In a car, driving recklessly has a steel-framed cushion, a rider, however, is totally exposed. A stupid move to try to prove a point can take a life. It just isn't worth the consequences. Please drive sane.

Biker Friendly

Five easy steps to show you're "Biker Friendly"

1. Slap a sticker on your cage.
   


2. Keep an eye out for motorcyclists who are out enjoying the great roads. Even though you're probably wishing you could join them instead of sitting behind the wheel of that four wheeled monstrosity.
   


3. When in stop and go traffic or when stopped at a light, leave a little extra room. Riders who see the "Biker Friendly" sticker will be able to quickly identify that there is a fellow biker ahead.
   


4. If possible, lend a hand. If you see a fellow biker in trouble, pull over and offer your assistance. I understand that with our busy schedules, we don't always have the time to stop and help. But if you have a few minutes, sometimes that is all the time a stranded rider needs.
   


5. Most importantly, you must agree to extend this option to all those that ride. You must not show prejudice against those who may not meet your idea of the way a biker should be. You must promise to follow these steps even though some bikers will ride fast, slow, or while wearing inadequate gear. After all, most of us are not angels, and I'm sure we all have done something at least once in our lifetime that someone else may consider to be irresponsible or even stupid.

Tyre for faster

Now at the forefront of tyre development, the big ‘B' rolls out a fresh set of fast road and trackday scorchers" Fast Bikes, July 2009.

Bridgestone's latest Hypersports tyre, the Battlax BT-003RS, gets the thumbs up from Fast Bikes as they join MotoGP legend Jeremy McWilliams at the Almeria circuit in sunny Spain to test it out.

The exciting launch of the BT-003RS got the coverage it deserved with five pages of insight from Fast Bike tester, Steve Chorley.

After getting to grips with the track temperatures, Steve was able to push the tyres to their full potential, describing them as ‘all in all a very good tyre. Warm-up is fast, stability is as good as it gets for the class, there's plenty of grip available and when they do slide it's in that typically progressive Bridgestone manner.

‘If you're a fast road rider who enjoys the occasional trackday, it's well worth the £230 a pair to try them for yourself this summer' - with that kind of endorsement, what are you waiting for!

Pick up the latest issue of Fast Bikes to read the feature in full, as well as getting all the latest advice on tyre