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