Motorcycle Touring Tips and Suggestions
WHAT ARE YOUR MOTORCYCLE TOURING SUGGESTIONS?
A friend of mine just bought a new motorcycle (he’s been riding off and on for many years) and will be taking a trip with his wife and asked my advice regarding motorcycle security on the road; best gear for touring through mountains with variable temperatures and unpredictable rain; tips [...]
Tips on Selecting the Best Motorcycle Boots
THE BEST BOOTS FOR MOTORCYCLE FEET
No one needs to tell you that motorcycle boots protect your feet. And even if you don’t ever plan on crashing, your feet are in regular contact with the ground, including every time you stop. In the process, your feet can become acquainted with pavement grime, spilled oil, curbs, [...]
Motorcycle Riding on the Razor Edge of Life and Death
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS HAVE ALL HAD CLOSE CALLS
Every motorcycle rider has had close calls. Which of yours were so close that you were in disbelief that a tragedy simply failed to materialize when it should have? (Write your experience below).
The events that have really been on the edge of life and death for me, [...]
Motorcycle Battery Charger Choices
GOOD AND BAD NEWS ABOUT MAINTAINING YOUR MOTORCYCLE BATTERY
Maintaining your motorcycle’s battery is not likely as inspiring as getting out and riding. But you can squeeze a lot more life out of that battery if you give it some minimal attention.
The good news is that as long as you are regularly riding your motorcycle, you [...]
Zero Motorcycles and The Electric Revolution
THE RACE IS ON, THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE REVOLUTION IS HAPPENING
April 2009 has been an milestone month for electric motorcycles, and the two biggest news items are from the same company: Zero Motorcycles in Santa Cruz, California.
To begin wtih, Zero Motorcycles staged the first 24-hour endurance event for electric, off-road motorcycles. The “24 Hours of [...]
Motorcycle Battery Tips For the Non-Mechanic
THE THREE POINTS OF PROPER MOTORCYCLE BATTERY MAINTENANCE
I love riding motorcycles. I cannot say I “love” motorcycle maintenance. Although I have done quite a lot of bike maintenance in the past, including the basics, like changing tires, changing oil, replacing spark plugs, and air filters. I’ve also done electrical work and even [...]
Should You Use That Front Brake Lever?
SPEAKING WITH NEWBIES ABOUT STOPPING MOTORCYCLES
I was at one of the local motorcycle dealers this week. As I was walking around the large showroom, I happened to pass by a sales person while he was pointing out the motorcycle controls to a potential customer, “…and this is the front brake lever…”
But before he could [...]
We Don’t Need More Motorcycle Riders
“HOW COME YOU RIDE A MOTORCYCLE?”
How many times have you been asked that question?
Or, the more direct one that will be asked is, “Aren’t motorcycles dangerous?”
I will often reply, “Of course motorcycles are dangerous. And that’s why they are not for everyone.”
If the person is actually interested in taking the discussion further, I warn [...]
Harley Davidson Licenses Their “Harley Sound” to Honda
HAS HARLEY GONE TOO FAR?
I admire, respect, ride and enjoy all kinds of motorcycles. If it’s got two wheels and a motor, I’ll probably find something to like about it.
Additionally, I’m an advocate for greater brotherhood (and sisterhood) between riders of all kinds of bikes, the world over.
However, I can’t say I think Harley’s [...]
Overall Review of Motorcycle Tires
FOUR PURPOSES OF MOTORCYCLE TIRES
So, what the heck are the four things our tires do for us?
1) They support our bike. (Alternatively, a front and rear pogo stick would create a different kind of “riding” experience).
2) Our tires transmit traction and braking forces to the road, allowing us to get up and go, and slow [...]
New Look To Motorcycle-Intelligence.com
MOTORCYCLE INTELLIGENCE GETS A FACE-LIFT
For more than 2 years this website has had the same look with very little modification. One thing that hasn’t changed is the appreciation for all those who leave their comments and/or generally offer their experience and wisdom for the visitors that follow. Thanks a ton for all your [...]
Happy 35 Years Old, Mr. Goldwing
THE MOTORCYCLE CHOICES WE MAKE
As motorcycle riders, we have a lot of choices as to which bike(s) to call our own. As we use our checkbooks to vote for our favorite bikes over the passing years, we are either moving towards an idealized “best” bike, or simply trying something new.
Since every motorcycle is a [...]
Death Valley Motorcycle Camping
VERY BIG NATIONAL PARK
This weekend kicked off my 2009 touring season with an annual trek to Death Valley National Park, and back to the Pacific Ocean.
This trip was only an 800 mile adventure, and, as usual, included a lot of great roads (in and out of the park). It’s also the first motorbike camping [...]
“Rookie Mistakes” for Touring Riders
CONFESSIONS OF A VETERAN ROOKIE
Fred Rau is one of my favorite motorcycle writers and I enjoy reading whatever he has to say every month. Over the decades, his words have been all over the moto mags so you have likely read him, as well.
In the March 2009 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, Fred wrote [...]
Motorbike Maps, GPS and Columbus
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND OLD-FASHIONED MAPS
Maps for motorcycle adventurers have come a long way since I was a kid back in the days of that famous Italian, Christopher Columbus. There certainly wasn’t any GPS for motorbikes back then, heck, there wasn’t even widespread consent that the earth was round. (At least the maps were flat).
In [...]
Twisted Grip Personality Test
