HONDA INTRODUCES NEW 2015 MODELS

In recent new-model releases, Honda has covered an extensive span across all categories with more than 20 exciting new powersports products. This remarkably wide variety has impacted virtually all segments of the market, from lightweight, fun bikes such as the Grom™ and 500 series, to big-displacement trendsetters such as the Valkyrie®, F6B and CTX1300, from the innovative Pioneer™ side-by-sides to great new ATVs.
What more can Honda possibly do for 2015? Plenty.
“Honda has a deeply rooted drive toward innovation,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “That’s something Honda has repeatedly demonstrated throughout its history in its role as market leader. For 2015, we’re pressing forward with more innovative new products, as well as updates to some of our most popular models.”
2015 Honda NM4 Product shot
NM4:
If you’ve ever wanted to transport yourself into the future, this is your machine. By design, the NM4 shakes up the status quo and explodes conventional barriers in order to attract a whole new segment of forward-thinking riders to motorcycling. Beneath its futuristic bodywork there’s a 670cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with four valves per cylinder, automatic dual-clutch transmission and ABS. Storage pockets in the fairing plus saddlebags add real-world utility, and the rear turn signals are neatly integrated into the rear bags.
HONDA


2015 Honda NM4 Product shot
The rider settles easily onto a comfy seat that’s perched a low, 25.6 inches off the ground, and there’s also a cool and practical rider backrest feature—the passenger seat flips up and can be set at three different angles and slides fore and aft to one of four positions. Full LED lighting lets the NM4 stand out whether it’s coming or going, the fat, 200mm rear tire imparts a cool look, and the meter display can be illuminated in any of 25 different color choices—nearly one for every day of the month. All this and more add up to one of the coolest new bikes in the Honda line.
Color: Black Metallic
Price: $10,999
Availability: June
2015 Honda PCX150 Product shot
PCX150:
The PCX150 stands out as a best-seller worldwide thanks to its modern design and remarkable value for money in terms of initial purchase price, low operating costs and thrifty fuel efficiency. Now the next generation arrives. Its low-friction Enhanced Smart Power [eSP™] 153cc, liquid-cooled engine is even more efficient than before, and a larger, 2.1-gallon fuel tank helps give it greater range between fill-ups too.
HONDA models 2015The PCX150 also gets a new look and increased comfort and convenience features, including new seating for rider and passenger comfort. Stylish LED headlights, taillight and turn signals add a trendsetting touch, and a handy 12-volt accessory socket serves as a convenient charging station for personal electronics.
2013-honda-pcx150-13_600x0w
With a light curb weight of 295 pounds, a nimble, 51.8-inch wheelbase and a low, 29.9-inch seat height, the PCX150 serves as an easygoing ride that adds a big element of fun to the day’s travels.
Colors: Metallic Black, Pearl White
Price: $3449
Availability: July

http://www.motorcyclesintroduce.ml/2015/02/honda-introduces-new-2015-models.html

The Motorbike Clothing Items That Everybody Needs

If you are seeking to get into motorbike riding, then there are a wide variety of different things that you will need to consider to ensure that you get the most out of what can be a thrilling experience. Aside from the obvious factors (good luck getting into it without a bike!) there are other things that you will need to think about, one of the main ones of which is the importance of obtaining the right motorbike clothing. So, here are the main things that you will need to get hold of:

Motorbike helmets. There is no way of getting around this one - and trust us, you do not want to. Wearing a helmet whilst riding a motorbike is not only a legal requirement, it's also a requirement for anyone with an air of common sense. Whilst spending that money does not sound like fun, you are far better off with a hole in your bank balance than one in your skull. An investment of £200 or so can literally be the difference between life and death in the event of a fall - and it does not take that big a knock to cause serious damage to the head as you might think.

Motorbike leathers. Whilst the helmet's main focus is protecting the skull area, what about protecting the rest of your body? It's a fairly common mistake for non-riders to make to assume that wearing leathers whilst on a bike is a fashion thing: needless to say, it is not. Leather is an incredibly durable material that is far more effective at enduring scrapes and scuffs than conventional clothing material such as cotton or denim, meaning that in the event of you coming off your bike you is far less likely to suffer burns and other forms of skin damage from the tarmac.

Motorbike boots. Another biggie this. Whilst it is theoretically possible to ride using your standard footwear, there are many reasons why we really would not recommend it. You might not consider it necessary to protect your ankles and feet, but actually they are more susceptible to injury than you might think. Not only will they potentially develop joint pain over a period of time due to the constant pressure required to keep the bike going, there is also the possibility that in the event of coming off, the bike may actually fall onto your foot: definitely something that you want to avoid! A good pair of motorbike boots is the ideal way to avoid incidents such as these.

Motorbike armor. Whilst this is not always necessary - if you are someone who simply likes to cruise around the local villages you are less likely to require a set of breastplates than someone who regularly participates in races! If you are someone who loves to really tear around a track, however, then we would definitely recommend some more external motorbike clothing designed to protect the rider, such as elbow guards, hip protection and shoulder pads, all of which will decrease the risk of serious injury should you come off the bike.

- James Adrian is writing articles for bikestop. It is a motorbike cloths and accessories store, stocking motorbike helmets, motorbike boots, motorcycle clothing Dainese leathers and motorcycle boots, gloves and brands like AGV and Arai.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Adrian

Low Cost Motorbike Insurance - Drive Safe

Motorbike insurance has become a sheer necessity due to considerable increase in the number of casualties. Are you worried about hefty cost of motorbike insurance? Saving money on auto insurance is no secret, but most of us don't understand that it is equally applicable to motorbike insurance, as well. An inexpensive motorbike would mean low cost motorbike insurance, just like economy cars insurance costs lesser than luxury cars. Therefore, first thing to consider is to choose for a mid range bike, if you are a casual rider. Here, we are going to discuss some of the simplest things that you should always consider to find low cost motorbike insurance and enjoy safe ride.

Bundling more than one policy can save your ample money for example, you can go for home and auto insurance with the same company and enjoy amazing discounts. The best thing is it is applicable to motorbike insurance, as well. If you have ample sources then you should opt for higher deductibles, which is inversely proportion to lower premiums, irrespective to what you are insuring. This would significantly reduce the annual premium and you will feel less burdened.

You can store your bike in the garage, when idle and earn discounts on the motorbike insurance. Some other effective modes are joining a safe rider class or taking up a motorbike club for defensive driving. These are general behaviour and may not save much of your penny, but would definitely avoid any accident. This will reduce the chance of filing the claim. Never drive drunk, as maximum motorbike deaths comprise of a drunken rider. Make sure to update the bike, as well as the policy. For any sort of addition, make it a point to update your insurance agent. Always wear a helmet for safety and drive safe. For the most low cost motorbike insurance, search World Wide Web.

David Charle is a senior financial analyst at Cheap Motor Bike Insurance with an acumen for finance and Insurance. In recent years he has taken up to provide independent financial advice through his informative articles. To find motorbike insurance, low cost motorbike insurance [http://www.cheapmotorbikeinsurance.info/low_cost_motorbike_insurance.html] visit [http://www.cheapmotorbikeinsurance.info/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Charle

How To Choose Motorbike Tyres

Choosing the right tyres for your motorbike is of paramount importance but even for long term motorbike owners, it can still be a challenge, particularly with the overwhelmingly large choice of tyres available. So what do you need to consider when buying new motorbike tyres?

Riding Style
If you are looking to replace your motorbike tyres, the first question you need to ask yourself is; what do I use my motorbike for? How and where you ride should be key considerations when choosing tyres to ensure that you get the most suitable tyres for the intended purpose and that you make use of all their key features. If for example, you do a lot of long distance touring, you will need a tyre with high endurance. A specifically designed sport or track tyre would not be able to deliver the extras it promises if your riding style is long distance, and it would therefore be wasted on your bike.

Motorbike Model
While some riders might consider it obvious that the type of tyres you choose should be chosen with your particular bike in mind, others might not realise just how important this is. Different tyres come in many different sizes so the likelihood is, there will be many tyres that will fit your bike. However, a tyre must be a good fit for a motorbike in more respects than just size. Tyres undergo rigorous testing by their manufacturers but they will only test them on suitable motorbikes. It may well be that a certain tyre had not been considered for and therefore tested on your particular bike model so it is advised to check the manufacturer's recommendations. Even if a tyre tops all the reviews, if it isn't suited to your bike, it won't work for you.

Motorbike Tyre Maintenance
As with all tyres, pressure checks are essential for motorbike tyres and ideally, motorcyclists should check their tyre pressure once a week. This might seem like a bit of a chore but it does not take long and it is really in the rider's best interests to get into a good routine. Maintaining the correct level of tyre inflation is both safer and also more cost effective. Under inflated tyres are less fuel efficient, have a reduced stability performance, have a slowed down steering response and have reduced grip in wet conditions as the tread grooves become closed up.

Aside from tyre pressure, motorcyclists also need to keep a close eye on the general condition of their tyres. Cuts, cracking, bulges or embedded objects all need specialist attention so if you do notice any such signs of damage on your tyres, you should immediately take them to be repaired or replaced. Driving at high speed with damaged tyres could result in a fatal accident so no matter how minor the damage might seem, it is always worth having it checked out by a professional.

There are tyre companies who specialize in all types of motorbike tyres and will always make sure you get the right tyres for your bike and your needs. They stock many sizes and brands of tyre and cover all bases by catering for different riding styles and motorbike models.

Tim Machin runs Tyre Medics which is not only a mail order website where you can buy tyres online but can further save you time and money by fitting your tyres at home or work using mobile tyre fitting services. Tyre Medics also run a 24/7 emergency call out service for roadside tyre repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_S_Machin

Compare Motorbike Insurance - Ways to Get the Best Plan

If you have just recently purchased a motorbike, the next most important step is to make sure that you have a good insurance plan to cover you. There are many insurance packages available with different options, but it is equally important to find a plan that offers you the best value for its price. There are numerous insurance companies to choose from which will maximize your chances of getting a good deal, but you'll also need to know what fine points to look for. The following are items you should review when you trying to compare motorbike insurance plans.

One thing you would should review, as you compare motorbike insurance companies, is the company itself. You want to find an insurance company that has been in business for many years and has a good reputation. As these companies have stayed in business for so long for a reason, chances are if you do have an insurance claim, they'll be able to handle your file promptly and professionally. By looking at online motorcycle forums, you will be able to get all the reviews and feedback that you need. You could also check out the Better Business Bureau to check out the status of companies if you're not too familiar with them.

The best way to compare motorbike insurance plans is to do a side-by-side comparison with all the insurers you find to make sure you're getting your money's worth. Start with the most basic of plans first. For example, you can look at a number of companies that have the same deductible and coverage amount. Once you find the cheaper plan of the two, you can add on other options, such as roadside assistance, medical care in case of injuries and other criteria, to see how high the price for each company jumps. You should also ask what freebies or extras an insurance company can include with your basic coverage.

In order to get the best plan for you, it is important to feel comfortable with your decision as you will probably have your motorbike for a long time. When you compare motorbike insurance companies online, you should also follow up with these companies over the phone to make sure the information they've advertised on their site is correct. You should also record the name of the person you've spoken to along with the rates they're offering as pricing tends to change all the time. Although a lot of research is involved, it is worth it to get the best coverage for your motorbike. In the meanwhile, join motorbike associations and networking groups. This is an effective way to hear about a good insurance plans and it could also qualify you for additional discounts.

Sal Trump is an online publisher providing great tips on compare motorbike insurance [http://www.cheap-motorbike-insurance-help.com/cheap-motorbike-insurance-%e2%80%93-how-to-save-money-on-your-insurance-plan/].

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sal_Trump

How to Make a Motorbike Accident Claim

Accidents happen, and unfortunately on motorbikes it's an all too common occurrence. As such an insurance claim would need to be made. To make a claim you will need to contact your insurance company and they will send you a scary amount of paperwork to complete. This should be done as soon as possible in regards to you claim to get things started as they can take months to process (the more complex and serious the case, the longer it takes to process).

This procedure largely varies dependent on the accident you had, what you want to claim, from who and your insurance type.

There are 2 types of insurance claims, one is against your own insurance company, this will be involving anything that is not caused by another road user (whether yourself, the environment, wild animal or otherwise). The second type is against another road user, in which case you will be claiming against their insurance policy (or against them directly if they do not have insurance). This is something that your insurance company will do all the leg work for, you just have to produce details of what you are claiming for and why you are claiming.

Claiming On Your Own Insurance

If you are at fault for an accident (or at least no-one else caused the accident) and need to claim on your insurance for medical bills or repair to your motorcycle then firstly you should check you are covered, this would mean you have fully comprehensive insurance.

If you have 'third party' insurance then you are not covered for anything, what you are paying for is covering other road users for accidents you cause, this could cost a huge amount if heavy injury or death has occurred so should always be a minimum anyway.

Policies under 'Third Party, Fire & Theft' cover other road users as third party insurance as above, but it also covers yourself in event of fire or theft. So if your vehicle is caught in a fire (accidental or malicious) then you should be able to cover the cost of damages, which in a lot of cases involving fire means the whole value of the motorbike. If your motorbike is stolen or you have valuables taken from it (which are locked such as clothing inside pannier boxes or a locked helmet.

Please be aware of small print when making such claims. If you have not taken the necessary precautions then your insurance will be void. Leaving the keys in the ignition is not taking due care and therefore you can not claim. Not locking pannier boxes, and of course deliberately setting fire to your own motorbike is not allowed!

The same rules apply for the final insurance cover 'Fully Comprehensive'. Due care and attention still apply. If you crashed your motorbike under the influence of alcohol (as reported by a police report) then your insurance policy will also be void.

Insurance companies are in business for not paying out every time someone makes a false claim, so trying to get away with it is not advised. If you have a genuine claim they will likely pay out for damages and bills as that is what they are there for.

Fully comprehensive motorbike insurance will cover most incidents, but again check your policy. A lot of insurance companies have removed what was previously in a fully comprehensive policy and charging extra for them. 'Acts of God' is a controversial issue with insurance and will cover things like floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Because of the nature of these events they cost insurance companies huge money in one go so are often not covered and will require extra payment to cover them, which dependent on your area will vary. A Florida or New Orleans resident will be paying much more for hurricane cover than the central states.

Other accidents such as slipping on oil in the road, incorrect (accidental - not pulling a wheelie to show off) control of your motorbike or a tree falling on top of you (hey these things happen) should be covered by your policy.

You should call your insurance company and they will send out claim forms requiring you to detail the events of the accident, be as detailed as possible. Give road names, names of any witnesses, weather conditions, descriptions of everyone involved, hospital bills, police reports, etc.

The procedure is then to post the details (sometimes this is done online with modern insurance companies) and they will investigate the case. If your motorbike has been written off they will take it off you as it is now their property in such a case as all bills related to it are their responsibility not yours.

Sometimes if your motorbike is not a complete write off you can buy it back at a discounted price as well as receiving a pay out to cover damage mark up to the value of the bike in the condition it was before the accident (note: not the condition new - this means the current market value of your motorbike 2nd hand - this is also something you may wish to argue over and can largely be based around your estimation of the bikes value when you submitted details for your insurance policy initially).

Claiming On Another Persons Insurance

Firstly you should contact your own insurance company, you should not go through this procedure yourself unless you do not have insurance, and in which case you may wish to seek official local legal advice as it can get very complicated and counter claims can be made against you amongst other things.

The procedure is largely the same as claiming against yourself, the only difference is the insurance company are not paying you out of their wallet, but another persons insurance will be paying for the claim.

These claims should be made against someone who caused the accident. This may be argued by them and place the blame on you, so you need to make your case clear and precise. Diagrams of all vehicles involved are also advised to help insurance processors visualize what happened in the accident.

Road rules are used often in cases like this too, for example: if someone pulled out of a junction and you crashed into the side of them, then they are at fault providing you was driving within speed limits as by law you have right of way and they should have stopped and given way to you.

You are covered by other peoples insurance when it is their fault and this is independent of what insurance type you have. If someone damages your handle bars overtaking you for example then you can claim on their insurance whether you have fully comprehensive or third party theft as you are covered by their insurance as they are at fault for this incident.

For more info on Motorbike accident claims or where to get a good Motorbike helmet visit my accompanying articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_L_Fitzsimmons

Motorbike Insurance Quotes - It Really Does Pay to Compare

You live in an age where "hustle and bustle" is the status quo. Getting around on a motorbike usually makes getting around in traffic somewhat easier than bulky cars. However, you have to own an insurance policy to be able to operate a motorbike. That's when you turn to the web and search for motorbike insurance quotes.

Insurance for motorbikes is quiet easy to come by; getting the lowest rate can be another thing, though. Harness the power of the internet and let an automatic comparison program do all the leg-work. You only need to plug-in your vital information and the information about you motorbike, and it scours through several different insurers. It then, typically, returns all of the available insurance options-along with the estimated quote.

Honesty really does pay

The key, though, to getting the most accurate quote possible is to make positively sure that you've entered all the information about yourself and your bike 100% truthfully. Not only will this get you the most accurate premium quote, it can also protect you in the event of an accident in this way: suppose you have an accident or someone steals your bike-take your pick. Suppose you have to file a claim; the insurance provider reviews the claim, and verifies all of your information. If you put a misleading or false statement about yourself or your bike on the initial application, they'll likely find out about it-and it won't be good.

What insurers look upon to give you a quote

Furthermore, motorbike insurance quotes will be based-off of several factors: your age; the bike's age and condition; your driving history; the overall market; the valuation of your bike and so forth. There are other stipulations that go into the decision, but the former are the primary items that concern how low of a premium you receive.

Helpful hints:

You should be aware that motorbikes, in general, will carry higher premiums than cars. This is because when you are operating a motorbike you're exposed to more risk than if you were in a closed car or truck.
For most motorbike owners, it's very recommend that you obtain full, comprehensive coverage. This shields you against any injuries or loss to your property, as well as any medical claims and damage to third parties' vehicle. In many places and in-addition to wearing a helmet, having insurance coverage is mandated by law even.
If you really want to save on a motorbike premium, consider taking a motorbike safety class. Many insurers recognize these programs and will give you good discounts for having done so.
If you have other vehicles-such as a car or an SUV-you may very well be able to extend your current coverage to your bike-which will probably save you even more money.
When you go online to search for motorbike insurance quotes, its wise, in addition to saving money, to make sure you are also getting the right amount of coverage. You do need, at the very minimum, liability coverage-which takes care of other peoples' property or medical injuries if the cause is you-and passenger insurance (if you frequently have a passenger behind you) which protects him or her in the case of an accident. Also, it's smart to opt for collision coverage (which replaces your bike if its destroyed or stolen); if your motorbike has a lien against it, then you have to apply collision.

For more great information and resources on a bike insurance quote [http://bikeinsurancequotesonline.com/] and motorbike insurance quotes [http://bikeinsurancequotesonline.com/23/motorbike-insurance-quotes/] visit our site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Patullo

Are Motorbikes Safer Than Cars?

For years we were led to believe that cars are safer than motorbikes. However, this statement was created by people involved in the car industry to protect their own interests. It is high time that we open our eyes and see the true: motorbikes are better than cars.

First of all, we should know that riding a motorbike is not dangerous in itself. What makes it dangerous is the fact that cities tend to be packed with cars. Plus, cities are designed for cars, not motorbikes. However, it is not the vehicle itself that is dangerous; it is cars that pose a risk to motorbikes.

Secondly, it should be highlighted the fact that a car is only equipped with one brake, located on the driveshaft. This brake is completely useless under rain conditions; in fact some drivers need over a mile to brake their cars. Motorbikes, on the other hand, count with three brakes, and can come to a total stop in only 100 feet.

The body of a car is made out of aluminum foil, a fact that makes the car completely unstable, and it can easily lose control under certain circumstances. Motorbikes do not have a body, so it is easy to keep them under control, and avoid accidents.

Motorbikes are more economical. There is no parking fee for motorbikes, and road tax is much cheaper for them. Also, in places like London motorbikes do not have to pay for a congestion charge. And talking about congestions, traffic jams are not a problem for motorbikes, since they can easily escape them.

If everybody rode a motorbike, the world would be much safer. Whenever there is a collision between two motorbikes, at the most, people involved in the accident get a broken bone. However, a crash between two cars often results in fatalities.

A car is a deadly weapon, everything about this vehicle was designed to hurt or kill. For example, the glass in a car will explode inwards, in the event of an accident. If something like this happened, the passengers of the vehicles would end up badly hurt and with many cuts on their bodies. Motorbikes do not have any glass, thus there is no danger in this respect.

If you drive a motorbike and get involved in an accident, you will not run the risk of being stuck or trapped in the vehicle like a car driver. There are all sorts of protective gear available for motorbike riders. Also, since motorbike riders are in a higher position than car drivers, they tend to have a better view.

Motorbikes are much cheaper, and run longer than cars. Riders do no assume anything and are extra careful while on the bikes. In addition, motorbikes pollute less than a car. The list of reasons why riding a motorbike is better than driving a car could go on endlessly. It is up to you, to make a wise choice, and decide what you want for your life.

Working for Advertizia, Julian J. Lenox writes reviews and articles for Finance Top 100 [http://www.finance-top100.com], a dedicated Finance websites judgments reservoir. Sources for this article: Online Motorbike Insurance Quotes [http://www.online-motorbike-insurance-quotes.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Lenox

New Or Used Motorcycle Buying Guide - Seven Great Tips

Buying a motorcycle? Find out what are the essential seven things you need to know about before you rush into purchasing that bike.

SELECT BEST MOTORCYCLE FOR YOU

The most common question I hear is "What's the best bike?"

It's easy when you only have one choice, like Ural in the former Soviet Union. But here, in the land of opportunities and freedom, you've definitely got much more to choose from. There are over 300 motorcycle models you can consider!

Whether you're new to motorcycles or you've been a rider for a long time, you have to do your research first. Look online, in the magazines, read reviews, look at the visual appeal, specifications. If you're a new rider, don't pick an expensive motorbike or a big motorcycle. If it's too big, it might be too hard for you to handle.

If you are a beginner rider, don't fall for the expensive and loud Harley-Davidson motorcycle. While these cruisers are extremely popular, this is definitely not the bike you want to start with. I wouldn't recommend you starting with a sport bike either, unless you are mature enough to handle the power of the sport bike. Consider starting with a used standard motorcycle or even a scooter.

Go to your local motorcycle dealer and work with him to help you in selecting that best bike for you. Sit down on the model you picked, and make sure you're legs are not dragging on the ground. A good dealer will have truly knowledgeable sales people. First, they should be riders themselves. Second, they should be able to answer any and all technical questions. You're not looking for a salesman; you're looking for an adviser.

Now you know what kind of bike you want, think about the price and whether you can spend the money for a new motorbike or you'll be happy with a used one.

NEW OR USED MOTORBIKE

Many people do not realize what a huge mistake it is to buy a brand new motorcycle. Sure, everyone wants a nice, sparkly, clean, shiny brand new motorcycle, but as soon as you drive it off the showroom floor, you have lost a LOT of money.

This is a mistake many people make when making the decision to purchase a new motorcycle. Buyers feel they are choosing something that is safe from breaking down, they feel they are getting a better deal that way. In reality, if you choose to buy a slightly used motorcycle, you are getting a much better deal.

Think about it this way, the original owner, paid full price, may have used the motorcycle very few times, but he/she (the original owner), took all the depreciation on it. You are now able to buy it for a LOT less than the original owner, yet it still has a warranty, looks new, and IS new to you! You get the best of both worlds that way.

BEST MOTORCYCLE PRICE

The best price for a used motorcycle is $0. Yea, it's when you get it for free. You'll be surprised, but I know this guy who's got a talent in getting used motorcycles for free. Well, yea, he's talking about motorbikes all the time, whoever he's with at the time, and where ever he is at. He got 1976 Honda CB750 from a friend of his good friend which only needed a minor fix (not the friend, of course). Another bike he got from his aunt's third husband or something, I think it was 1973 or 1975 CT 70. Smoke is coming out of it when you start, but my friend still rides it sometimes (the smoke goes away after a minute or two). Recently he told me he pulled next to a guy pulling an old motorbike behind him and started talking. He ended up with the bike, for free. I don't know how he does it or what he says.

Seriously, you need to take your time and investigate the current prices for the brand, year and model of the motorcycle you're about to buy. You can check the blue book value of the motorcycle at many web sites such as Kelly Blue Book or Nada. I personally like to use eBay to research the prices for the used motorbikes. You have to register with eBay (doesn't cost anything), then you'll be able to view completed sales for all motorcycles and other things. eBay often has good deals, but you have to look for them.

If you ended up buying a new motorcycle from a dealer, most of the time you should be able to buy your cycle for less than the advertised price. Take a look at sites like CycleBuy.com to learn the invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer. Most dealers will be happy if they can sell you a bike and make a 10% profit.

MOTORCYCLE INSPECTION

When I hear that one of my friends is ready to buy a motorbike, I always offer to go with him. And you should too, bring a friend who can inspect the motorcycle you're about to buy. Of course, it would even be better if you bring a mechanic with you, that way you can concentrate on the price negotiations while your friend mechanic is making sure the motorbike is in a good condition. If you don't know any mechanic (hard to believe, I know), you can probably find one that will come with you for a service fee. Or maybe you can take the bike to a certified motorcycle mechanic and have him do a thorough inspection. It will cost you a few bucks, but it could also save you hundreds of dollars.

When you inspect the motorcycle, take your time. You don't want to miss that scratch on the gas tank which you will find later just to get yourself upset that you rushed through the inspection. Ask to go for a test ride for a 20 to 30 minute, don't just go up and down the road and think the motorcycle is in good condition. Make sure you ride different speeds for at least 2-3 minutes each.

FINANCING YOUR MOTORCYCLE PURCHASE (CASH VS LOAN)

I always try to pay cash for my cars and bikes. I'm sure lots of people would argue with me on this, but many people would agree with me. Why would you want to pay $1000 in interest for over 3 years to the motorcycle loan company if you don't have to? Of course, if you don't have enough cash but still want to ride a motorcycle, consider a cheaper motorcycle or even a scooter to start with. Or, don't buy a new motorcycle, buy used and save yourself thousands.

If you're going to finance the purchase, check out your loan sources before you go to the dealership. The dealer may have a low-interest finance package to offer you. On the other hand, they may work through a bank and actually charge you a few percentage points more - their profit - than you'd get by going direct to the bank..

MOTORBIKE GEAR

You've bought your cycle and are raring to go. All set? Not quite.

A motorcycle purchase isn't complete without a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet. Most states require that motorcyclists wear them. Study after study shows that helmets are the most effective piece of safety gear available to a rider. After all, it's protecting your head!

When choosing a helmet, consider these attributes: helmet type (full face, open face, hybrid, etc), safety, comfort, helmet shell material, helmet weight, size, ventilation, helmet safety liner, visor.

Make sure your motorcycle gear is comfortable. Comfort and safety are always my priority.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

Rates for motorcycle insurance can vary a lot. Motorcycle insurance depends on your age, the motorcycle model, your driving record, your home location and other factors. If you're 19 years old and you bought a brand new Harley, your motorcycle insurance will be much higher than if you're bought a used 3 - 4 year old one or if you've been riding a bike for a couple of years or more (other things being equal).

Motorbike insurance payments can differ a lot between different motorcycle models. From one bike to another, they can be five to ten times different. For example, $200 for insuring a small commuter-type motorcycle can easily inflate to more than $1,000 for a high-horsepower, canyon-racer sport bike.

Think about what coverage you need. Maybe you can save on collision and comprehensive if your bike is old. Also, check with your regular medical insurance at your workplace, it may already cover your major medical expenses. Compare costs between different insurance companies and on different motorcycle models. Most insurance companies will give you a free quote online, for some you'd have to call.

If you need more information, please stop by and read our comprehensive Motorcycle Buying Guide at our site.

Also, please stop by if you are looking for a used Honda Motorcycle. Our listings often include many vintage Honda motorcycles such as 1960s CL77 305 and 1970s CB 350 models as well as other older and newer Honda models.

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Choosing The Right Motorcycle Tire Involves The Right Tread Style, Tire Bias And Tire Materials

Which is more critical - getting the right engine or getting the best motorcycle tire - that question may be a difficult to answer or an impossible decision to make for some.

Both items are required to have to peak operation and safety. You want the superior acceleration and the best handling. Both of these items are necessary to achieving the quality of ride you desire from your motorcycle. Choosing the right motorcycle tire is no exception since it is just as important for the reasons mentioned above and many other reasons.

The motorcycle tire tires you pick must be matched to your bike, simply getting the right size is not the only concern. Items such as tread style, tire bias, tire materials and other common characteristics should all be designed with the riding type - and therefore the bike category - in mind in order to get the optimum tire.

Unlike most car tires, your motorcycle tires need to be different for the front and the rear of the bike. Each motorcycle tire is has been designed with the specific location in mind on the bike and each tire has differing engineered goals to accomplish. Power - acceleration is provided predominantly by the rear tire, and the front tire supplies more of the braking power than is required by the rear tire - this could be up to an 80% difference in requirements for motorcycle tire braking.

Obviously the front motorcycle tire turns left and right to accommodate direction desired, while the back motorcycle tire is subject only to the lean of the bike, and that too must be taken into consideration in design and choices of motorcycle tires. Since the back tire carries the bulk of the weight, this will alter the design requirements and specification requirements.

Motorcycle Racing Tires

We now venture into a unique class of motorcycle tires - Racing tires. Having their favorite tires, professionals want exceptional contact with the surface at extreme leaning angles, this is invariably an essential quality desired. Cornering at tight angles, extreme acceleration from a standing position or coming out of a turn, and prolonged stress at maximum speeds all induce the need for special engineering for motorcycle racing tires.

Many hours of extreme and constant abuse on the motorcycle race track as well as the requirement to be nearly puncture proof under off-road conditions make these special motorcycle tires indispensable. Having to be able to meet expectations immediately upon installation these motorcycle tires seldom get the standard recommended 100-mile run-in period before they land on the track.

Sport Motorcycle Tires

Referred to as sport bias motorcycle tires, these usually have a radial-style tread patterns that give it a larger tire "footprint", (contact with the road surface). Sport bikes are usually made to be run hard on the road, and maybe even do some off-road duty. Proper adherence to the surface contact with the ground and excellent cornering are required for this style of road bike. Having to perform in various weather environments is an issue of concern too.

To give these tires better grip in both wet and dry environments there must be an overall Increase in the tread-to-void ratio . Maximum tread life is desired for sport bike riders as well. Over the last twenty years unique tread compounds have been discovered and this has increased both features, those being increased grip and improved wear resistance.

Cruiser Motorcycle Tires

Manufacturers of the most popular motor cycles such as Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and others all compete to be the best motorcycle in this particular category. Part of the standard equipment that helps put particular bikes on top is the tire they choose as original equipment for their cruiser bikes.

Regardless of weather conditions superior grip on every road surface such as asphalt, concrete, chip seal and others, is essential. Design is always consists of a delicate balance between maximum tread life and superior grip. Grip is usually at the expense of tread life. Tires must be soft to stick to the road but harder tires get superior tread life. This is a problem for the engineers.

Dunlop, and other tire manufacturers have accomplished that, and Dunlop offers the defacto standard for most of the best bike manufacturers. Tread designs now offer superior water evacuation for the front and rear motorcycle tire.

The motorcycle tire bias-ply design, including overlapping ply's of synthetic rubber and composite mesh. This will provide the motorcycle with a good tradeoff between weight-carrying limits and ride comfort.

Tire design with center grooves that are offset on the motorcycle tire give it improved straight-line stability as opposed to designs from the past. This helps keep the bike upright with minimal input from the rider.

Touring Motorcycle Tires

Racing motorcycle tires have fewer tread grooves giving ultimate grip, and these tires have a tall arch and tall crown in order to steer fast. There is a trade off here; this makes the tire offer less stability. By comparison, the touring motorcycle tires need the precise opposite handling characteristics.

Touring bikes are usually constructed to allow a very comfortable, stable ride over prolonged distances in various kinds of weather conditions. Having less grooves could make the motorcycle tire perform rather poorly in wet weather conditions. Motorcycle touring tires need to give absolute premium stability so that the motorcycle rider will remain upright with less personal effort. All focusing on being upright by giving constant small body and steering tweaks to the center of balance - will quickly tire out the motorcycle rider.

Racing motorcycle tires also have an extra ply and tighter internal winding, and this makes the motorcycle tire stiffer. Here is a time when less ply layers are going to be safer and achieve a more comfortable ride. The less ply layer count in touring motorcycle tires supply a smoother ride over roads that are not smooth. These motorcycle tires achieve a less bumpy ride and these tires are more inclined to stay in contact with the road better, and especially around hard turns.

How those layers or ply's are constructed can also a large factor. Tires that have the overlapping ply's will give an excellent side grip, but those constructed with a joint less belt configuration tend to give a more stable and soft ride for the motorcycle rider.

Heat always has to be accounted for in the motorcycle tire design. Racing motorcycle tires are exposed to high heat environments, because of the relentless high friction they endure while making rapid twists and decelerations. Touring motorcycle tires might also see extreme temperatures from the continual long trips on hot asphalt. But since the heat environment profile is not the same, and the motorcycle tires are designed with this in mind.

A touring motorcycle tire intentionally designed for longer miles before encountering excessive wear, they are also more stable, and offer a greater degree of security while riding in various environments and conditions. It will keep those same engineered characteristics during more heat cycles and will offer a more comfortable and enjoyable ride over the upcoming road conditions.

Be sure to choose the motorcycle tire that will complement your kind of bike and your style of riding. Your budget should not be your only consideration when choosing your motorcycle tire, your comfort and performance, and even your safety are also items to consider.

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Protecting Yourself With Motorcycle GAP Insurance

Imagine you just purchased a brand new Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle two months ago, and it was stolen right before your eyes as you were eating in your favorite restaurant. Not to worry, you are fully protected by the full coverage motorcycle insurance policy your motorcycle lender required you to get. Right?

In most cases, not exactly, if you look into the details of the motorcycle insurance policy you purchased. The reason is that most full coverage motorcycle insurance policies will cover for total loss such as theft, accident or natural disaster, but these policies typically only cover the depreciated market value of the motorcycle not the outstanding value of your motorcycle loan.

Therefore, if you opted for a zero down payment motorcycle loan or perhaps a low payment credit card motorcycle loan, your Suzuki GSX-R1000 may have depreciated faster than you have paid down the value on your motorcycle loan. Since your motorcycle insurance policy will most likely only cover the depreciated market value of your Suzuki GSX-R1000, you are responsible for the difference in the value the insurance company pays you for your stolen or totaled motorcycle and what you actually owe on your motorcycle loan.

In the event a motorcycle is stolen or totaled, motorcycle buyers in the first two years of a motorcycle loan are the most susceptible to not being reimbursed enough from their motorcycle insurance policy to cover the value of their motorcycle loan. So what is a motorcycle buyer to do to protect against the outstanding value of their motorcycle loan?

The answer for some motorcycle buyers lies in a little known policy called gap insurance. Gap insurance is a total loss insurance policy that will pay the difference of the amount your motorcycle insurance company pay's you for a total loss on your motorcycle and the value of your motorcycle loan.

Here is a quick example. Let's say your Suzuki GSX-R1000 has a going depreciated market value of $7500, yet you owe $9,500 on your motorcycle loan for it. In the event of total loss such as theft or an accident, your motorcycle insurance policy will likely only pay you the used market value of $7500. However, you still owe your motorcycle lender $9500 so you have a gap of $2,000 ($9500-$7500=$2000). Gap insurance covers the $2000 gap that you still owe to the motorcycle lender since the motorcycle insurance company only paid you $7500 for your stolen or totaled Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Is gap insurance for everyone? Not exactly, it really depends on your financing arrangement. Here are some tips in deciding if gap insurance is right for you.

1. If you entered a zero down payment motorcycle loan especially for an extended term like 48-84 months gap insurance is probably a good idea for you. On the other hand, if you put a large down payment down with your motorcycle loan your probably better without
gap insurance.

2. If you are getting a motorcycle loan on a motorcycle model that has a history of depreciating very fast, gap insurance is likely a good alternative for you. To determine this, compare the depreciation rate of your motorcycle with the pay down of the principal on your motorcycle loan. This will give you an indication if you would be upside down if your motorcycle was stolen or totaled.

3. Check all of the details of your full coverage motorcycle insurance policy to make sure that it does not cover the gap between the market value of your motorcycle and the value of your motorcycle loan. A very small percentage of motorcycle insurance policies cover the value of your motorcycle for the first year without considering depreciation. If you are lucky and your full coverage insurance policy covers 100% of the motorcycle without considering depreciation there is little need for gap insurance.

4. Are you purchasing a used motorcycle? If so there is probably not an option for you to purchase gap insurance because most gap insurance policies are only good on brand new motorcycles. As a result, used motorcycle buyers are advised to place down a decent size down payment and opt to pay of the loans in the shortest possible time.

5. What is the cost of the gap insurance policy? Does this cost justify the benefit?

Overall, depending on the financing situation gap insurance can provide some excellent financial security to motorcycle buyers purchasing their motorcycle with a motorcycle loan. However, each motorcycle buyer's situation is different and the above five factors can be helpful in determining if gap insurance is the right decision.

Copyright (c) 2006, by Jay Fran. This article may be freely distributed as long as the copyright, author's information and the below active live links are published with the article.

Author’s Bio

Jay Fran is passionate about motorcycles and designed Motorcycle-Financing-Guide.com to assist motorcycle buyers in making the right decisions on motorcycle loans and bad credit motorcycle financing.

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Common Mistakes Motorcycle Buyers Make When Looking For a Motorcycle Loan

Whether interest rates are high or low or it's the end of a model year with lots of incentives, motorcycle buyers tend to make the same mistakes when shopping for a motorcycle loan. Here are four common mistakes motorcycle buyers make with motorcycle loans.

Shopping for a motorcycle before shopping for a motorcycle loan.

Many motorcycle buyers enter the showroom looking for a motorcycle before they determine how much money a motorcycle lender is willing to loan to them for the purchase of a motorcycle. There is no need to shop for a $20,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle, if a lender is only willing to provide a loan amount of $10,000.

Additionally, once motorcycle buyers enter the showroom slick salespeople often pressure them into motorcycle loans with much higher internet rates than they could have gotten had they shopped for a motorcycle loan at a bank, credit union or online. Salespeople do not like motorcycle buyers to leave the dealership to get a motorcycle loan. In the salespersons mind this only increases the chance of losing a sale and commission. Therefore, salespeople frequently try for a quick sale which normally results in pushing motorcycle buyers to get motorcycle financing at the dealership.

The bottom-line is that it is always best to shop for a motorcycle loan before entering the showroom.

Diving into the unknown motorcycle loan.

Motorcycle buyers often jump into motorcycle loans that they do not completely understand or may not be the best alternative for them. For instance, in today's age manufacturers frequently run credit card motorcycle loan promotions on their private-label credit cards. But these promotions typically offer a low interest rate for a short term like 12 or 24 months and have a much higher interest rate after the short promotional term. On a credit card promotion if motorcycle buyers can not afford to pay off the loan during the short promotion period, then they are typically better finding a lender offering an installment motorcycle loan for a longer term.

Borrowing too much.

The most common mistake the first time motorcycle buyer makes in not having a clear sense of how much motorcycle they can afford. This is especially true for young motorcycle buyers who look to buy the top sport bikes that cost up to $10,000 - $15,000. What they fail to realize is that financing a $10,000 - $15,000 motorcycle can stretch them to thin, resulting in them having little cash to enjoy themselves and the motorcycling lifestyle. They may also have too little cash to pay for insurance, maintenance, registration or new accessories for their motorcycle.

Not asking the right questions.

The first warning sign that motorcycle buyers should see is that if they do not understand the type of motorcycle loan, then they should be sure to ask a lot of questions.

Here are some good questions to ask:

o Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If fixed how long will it be fixed for?

o Are there circumstances that can make the interest rate on the motorcycle loan change in the future?

o What happens if a payment is 30 days late? Does the interest rate increase?

o What happens if a payment is 60 days late? Does the interest rate increase?

o How long is the term on the motorcycle loan?

o If the loan is an installment loan, does it use rule of 78 or simple interest? (Simple interest is always better because it does not penalize the motorcycle buyer if the loan is paid off early.)

o What is the down payment requirement to get the motorcycle loan?

o Is full coverage insurance required?

o How much is registration and are these fees included in the motorcycle loan?

o Are there any administrative fees to get the motorcycle loan and if so how much are the fees?

Overall, motorcycle buyers can avoid these common mistakes by spending a little extra time focusing on shopping for a motorcycle loan and asking lots of questions.

Jay Fran is a successful author and publisher at www.motorcycle-financing-guide.com A comprehensive resource on how to have the best experience and get the best deal on motorcycle financing, bad credit motorcycle loans, high risk motorcycle loans and motorcycle buying.

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Motorcycle Tips for the Beginner Riding Enthusiast

There are many options available to the burgeoning motorcycle riding enthusiast. There is help though. The following tips will help to point a beginner in the right direction. Hopefully you will come to enjoy motorcycle riding like so many other people in this world.

The smell of lightweight oil, the rumble of the seat, the slight hint of octane perfume lingers in the air as you slip on your motorcycle helmet. You have your motorcycle boots on, and a rain suit packed on your motorcycle luggage rack. You ease the clutch out slowly and rev the throttle slightly, gliding forward, like a large self propelled ice skate.

The moment is yours. You have all of your motorcycle gear and apparel and have taken off into the wild blue yonder on a journey for your soul. The road and you become one, with your motorcycle as the medium, for your transitive state of mind. Your blood begins to race through your veins, your heart racing in tune with the engine. The vibration of the engine massages every muscle in your body at once. There is really no other feeling that comes close to riding a motorcycle.

If you are a beginner rider there are some attributes about motorcycle riding that you should consider. The first is motorcycle gear, and motorcycle apparel. You should always wear a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle boots are a nice addition as well. But why stop there? Buy a second set of motorcycle apparel as safe keeping in your motorcycle luggage rack. There may be times that you will need to change clothes on a long trek through the countryside.

You probably won't need to buy multiple motorcycle helmets, unless you have a partner with you for the trip. In which case, there is a definite reason to make sure that you have enough motorcycle luggage storage space. All of your motorcycle apparel can be stored neatly in a motorcycle luggage trailer. Other options available for motorcycle luggage are motorcycle sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags, leather tool bags, and leather windshield bags.

Motorcycle boots have evolved over the century or so of motorcycling's history. There are many different styles and colors to choose from today. A popular style of motorcycle boot used to be WWII combat boots. They were durable, had high sides to help protect from muffler burns, and were water resistant to help protect against the occasional puddle.

Many types of motorcycle gear have been made for today's motorcycle riding enthusiast. From mechanical additions to the motorcycle itself, to additional motorcycle gear for the rider. There are leather and textile jackets, rain suits, leather sissy bar bags, leather tool bags, eye goggles, leather and textile gloves, leather and textile pants, chaps and boots. In sizes ranging from young to old, short to tall, a multitude of choices await you when you purchase your next set of motorcycle apparel.

When purchasing your motorcycle gear, motorcycle apparel and motorcycle boots, remember to get some leather cleaning products for all of your new motorcycle gear. This will help to ensure that the gear you have now, you will have for years even decades to come. There may be many types of leather cleaning products available, but talk to the owner of the shop from where you purchased the motorcycle apparel, and they should be able to point you towards a proven product. After all, they have to keep all of that leather clean while it waits to be boughten from a consumer.

Jafrum.com sells motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear. You can find articles and products at our website Jafrum.com

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