Scooter Buying Advice - What to Look Out For

There are many compelling reasons to scooters nowadays as more and more people are looking to adopt this form of transport. Scooters aren't as affected by traffic conditions in city centres, normally parking is free and is much easier to find compared to trying to park a car. Then there is not having to rely on public transport, the cheaper running costs compared to a car and if you are based in London, no congestion charge to pay.

The cheaper running costs is a big plus especially recently as petrol knocked past an astounding 110p in the UK. Scooters and other motorbikes give much better mileage with a scooter providing two to three times the mpg of a car.

Although scooters aren't as big as in mainland Europe, we still have a huge range of manufacturers to choose from, with plenty of brand names to choose from and riskier scooter manufacturers. There are many Chinese-made scooters doing the rounds at very tempting prices. However like a car a scooter needs servicing and can require replacement parts. If you look to get help from the manufacturer then there is no guarantee it will be there from a Chinese manufacturer unlike what you can come to expect from major brands such as Peugeot, Honda and Suzuki. Chinese scooters and bikes are also known to be of poorer quality and therefore will start to have problems meaning there is a danger to riding a scooter that isn't safe. Therefore the advice is to stay clear; the money you save on buying the scooter is likely to be lost in huge level of depreciation.

Look at scooters for sale from a reputable company that has an established dealer network so should you needs parts it isn't going to be much trouble to repair the scooter or if it is second hand, buy a brand of scooter that you have heard of before.

by Bill T James
About the Author
Bill James has been working in the advertising industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about property renting, particularly in the London area. He recently wrote a guide on the best approach for looking for flats to rent .

Exploring The Different Motorcycle Half Helmet Styles

Have you been thinking about buying a motorcycle half helmet for the upcoming riding season, but are not sure exactly which one you should buy, or what is available when it comes to these types of helmets? You'll be happy to know that there are a number of different of styles available on the market, and chances are there is a style that will fit your personality perfectly, it just takes a little time to find the right one.

If you're looking for the basics, then there is a type of half helmet that perfectly fits that category which is the basic half helmets category. These types are really the basic model when it comes to this style and you'll find that they are the most simple with regard to design, graphics, added features, and so on. Basic half helmets are typically made with an inner liner and cushioning, a padded or non padded chin strap, and come in paint finishes such as gloss and flat. You'll also find that the basic styles are available with different graphics and any type of design that you can imagine.

Another type of half helmet is the vented version, which is basically the same as the standard non-vented version but with the obvious difference of having the vents. The benefit of the vents is that they allow air to flow throughout the helmet when open, which in turn helps to keep the rider cool in warmer riding temperatures. These types of helmets are very popular in areas where warm riding temperatures are typically the norm. One of the most uncomfortable feelings is riding a motorcycle with a hot and sweaty helmet, so this is one great way of eliminating that problem.

Other types of half helmets include the polo style, which is a lower profile, sleeker looking helmet that many like because they would rather maintain a lower profile look while on their motorcycle. There is also the German style half helmet which is a replica of the German war helmets. This style has become increasingly popular of the past few years and continues to be a strong contender in the motorcycle helmet market.

Finally, for those that want to have the smallest, lowest profile necessary, there is the novelty style helmet which generally has the same look and feel as other half helmets, but with a much thinner inner liner which allows for the thinly constructed helmet shell. This allows the rider to maintain the sleek look instead of a bulkier look which is created by the other half helmet styles.

by Matt L
About the Author
For more information on motorcycle helmets and other motorcycle gear, visit MotorMedley.com

Discount Motorcycle Helmets - What To Look For To Ensure Your Safety

One of the most important items of clothing when riding a motorcycle is a helmet. They're a legal requirement and can save your life if you come off your bike. If you're on a budget or you just need a cheap spare helmet you can get discount motorcycle helmets. These will come with the same high safety standards but with a lower price tag.

It's important to know what to look for when buying a discounted motorbike helmet. The most important feature is that its safety is approved with the marking BS 6658 1985 or UN/ECE 22.05. This will ensure you safety and your passengers' safety in case of collision or coming off the bike.

In this article we'll cover what you need to look for to ensure you safety is not compromised by a discount motorcycle helmet. By following these simple guidelines you can assure that style, comfort and, above all, safety isn't affected by a low price tag of a motorbike helmet.

Firstly, are you able to establish why the helmet is discounted? In most cases it will simply be because it's an end of line item or the last remaining stock. Most retailers will discount items that are the end of a stock range to improve their stock management. However, you can never assume this. Ask before making a purchase why the price has been lowered.

In 2009 new safety standard ratings were brought in by SHARP - the Department for Transport's Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme. 25 additional helmets were rated by the SHARP system in addition to the existing 150 helmets already rated by the system. If there's a discounted helmet for sale and it's one of the 175 approved SHARP helmets you'll be increasing the safety of your ride.

Paul Clark, the Road Safety Minister who published the new safety ratings claims that "50 lives could be saved each year" if all riders were to wear the SHARP rated helmets. These ratings offer riders a great increase in their safety.

It might seem obvious, but another point to mention is to look for a reputable seller of discount motorcycle helmets. Online auction websites will often have discounted motorcycle helmets available for sale. However, does the seller have good feedback? Is the item brand new? Is the helmet completely clear of defects or damages? Most online auction websites will allow you to contact the seller before making a purchase.

If you're buying from an online website that's not auction based you may be more protected due to trading laws. However, it's still your responsibility to check the reputation of the business that's selling the discounted helmets. If the seller's in a foreign country the trading laws and safety laws might be different to in the UK.

So, if you're looking to buy one of the discount motorcycle helmets, make sure you pay attention to the points raised in this article. Safety should be your highest priority, not the price. Providing the safety is to high standard, a low price should be nothing to worry about.

by Nicola Ellison
About the Author
Internet Marketing Strategist

Reasons For Purchasing A Half Helmet Instead Of A Full Face Helmet

The benefits of the full face motorcycle helmet are plenty, but in reality it is often the half helmets that are chosen for a number of reasons which include the fact that they are less constraining, they are more lightweight, and they are less expensive than the full face counterparts.

The big reason that half helmets are less constraining is because they do not completely enclose the rider's head, so there is less coverage provided by the helmet, which also means that more of the rider's head is exposed to the elements. This can be a bad thing if there is a lot of flying dirt and debris that could potentially strike the rider where coverage is not provided by the half helmet. Another benefit of this helmet when compared to the full face is that it's easier to keep cool when riding in warmer temperatures because the rider's head is not completely covered by helmet. This makes for a more comfortable ride especially in summer months.

Another reason that one may want to buy a motorcycle half helmet instead of a full face is because they are quite a bit lighter than the full face models because of the fact that there is less material used to make a half helmet. This can be important if you're going on a longer ride since you may be become tired as a result of wearing a heavy helmet the entire time. The lightweight half helmets reduce the amount of pressure that is placed on the rider's neck and back and can make for a less tiring ride.

Finally, one of the other reasons that many riders choose the half helmet over the full face helmet is because of the fact that they are less expensive, sometimes half as much as the full face helmets. The reason they are less expensive is because of the simple fact that there is less material needed to make a half helmet, which means manufacturers are able to charge less for them. They may not always be less expensive, especially if you're going to buy a name brand helmet, which would cost more overall.

There are a number of reasons for purchasing a half helmet over a full face helmet and if you're convinced that these reasons apply to you, then you would definitely want to consider it. If you weren't sure if the half helmet is right for you, then hopefully you have gained a little more knowledge to be able to make a sound decision on which one to purchase.

by Matt L
About the Author
Shop for half and full face motorcycle helmets.
Find motorcycle events in your area.

Top 5 Things to Look for in Stylish Motorcycle Apparel

Choosing the right motorcycle apparel can be a challenging task for the novice motorcycle rider. Finding motorcycle apparel that is both functional and stylish can be even more daunting. The top five things to look for in stylish motorcycle apparel combines both functionality and style in one easy reference. Whether a novice rider wanting to find the perfect pieces, or an experienced one looking to enhance his motorcycle wardrobe, the list below will make choosing the perfect apparel simple.

1. Helmets Smart motorcycle riders never go without head protection in the form of a highly padded and rigid helmet. For the stylish rider, the helmet speaks volumes and is one of the first things noticed. While old school motorcycle helmets are all black, the stylish helmets of today offer vivid graphics and symbols. Swirling flames, arrows and skulls are all popular graphic choices for some of the most stylish helmets available on the market. Each rider should choose the style that reflects his personality the best without compromising the safety afforded by a top quality helmet.

2. Clothing Material As all motorcycle riders know, the best material for clothing worn during a ride is leather. Leather provides superior protection against road rash should a fall take place. It also offers excellent protection against flying debris, dirt and insects during the ride. For the most stylish clothing, look for leather that is sleek and well formed.

3. The Jacket Stylish motorcycle jackets go beyond the loose fitting leather jackets that are worn on the street. The serious motorcycle rider knows that there is no compromising safety with an inexpensive fabric jacket. Instead, a form fitting leather jacket with detailed piping or intricate patterning is both practical and stylish. Some of the most stylish leather jackets go beyond the basic black. Blue, red, silver, yellow and white are all popular choices for the modern motorcycle rider. Look for high-quality leather jackets by reputed manufacturers that offer the practical benefits of side air vents and pockets, while also fitting the body's lines and curves for a snug, protective fit.

4. The Pants Pants for the stylish motorcycle rider are made of thick, durable black leather. They feature expansion panels for flexibility, knee and hip armor for protection, and are waterproof and insulated for added comfort. As with stylish motorcycle jackets, stylish motorcycle pants hug the body for form fitting style. This allows them to protect the body while accenting natural curves. Stylish motorcycle pants come in solid black, as well as, piped with highlighting colors that coordinate with motorcycle jackets and helmets.

5. The Boots The stylish motorcycle rider does not wear sneakers or flip flops when out for a ride. The footwear of choice and style is the leather motorcycle boot. Unlike typical boots, the heel and body of a motorcycle boot are more rigid. Stylish motorcycle boots coordinate with the pants and jacket being worn, but also have a style of their own. Both high boots and their low-rise counterparts can look equally as good when they coordinate with the rest of the ensemble.

Choosing stylish motorcycle apparel is about more than how a piece of clothing simply looks. Style is also determined by the functionality and safety of a piece. A motorcycle rider should opt for apparel that is form fitting, crafted from high-grade leather and that features the color and style that matches his personality.

About the Author Paige Taylor is an avid motorcycle rider who prefers riding in her Bell helmet and her Fieldsheer jacketor Tourmaster jacket.

by Paige Taylor
About the Author
Paige Taylor is an avid motorcycle rider who prefers riding in her Bell helmet and her Fieldsheer jacketor Tourmaster jacket.

Necessary Accessories For Motorcycles

If you got a motorcycle plus some additional cash, you can customize your bike to look and feel however you wish. It is truly a lifestyle from the.... tuning of the engine to the sporting of biker gear. But before you began, you merely need to consider some must have accessories for motorcycles enthusiasts.

Safety accessories are likely the main items you will require when you first purchase a motorbike no matter what you or any one else believes. If you can not afford the safety kit then you shouldn't be riding a bike. You must get a helmet, superior riding jacket, plus some good boots if (stylish if you want).

There are a lot of other items that you should purchase that are related to safety but aren't as essential as the ones you have to have. If you are able to get an entire riding suit that's flameproof that's definitely a great item to have when moving at high speeds.

Say for example you ride a lot i.e. traveling to work, the gym or simply cruising. You could require something to hold all of your things in? There are lots of different options that you'll have to choose among. Such as strong backpack to fit your belongings in. Or a leather saddle bag which you can ride with and put a decent amount of objects in.

Quite often you'll discover you want to obtain a personal feel for the motorcycle. I'm quite sure you'll like riding your motorbike, but there may be something regarding it that you hate. You might not prefer the way the seat feels, if that's the case you'll be able to go and purchase a custom seat or simply a replacement for a fair price.

You might find many physical accessories that make your motorbike look better. Decals are extremely hot, inexpensive and simple way to have your bike customized. You are able to select from OEM decals to whatever you can consider. Decals are an incredible way to have your bike noticed. It also gives your bike a 'race' look.

Just glance at the brands and how much the various components are, and you'll be able to find good brand parts and other accessories for motorcycles at a lower costs. You may get some online for even cheaper prices. If you're thinking about where you can find great gear for your motorcycle make sure you visit the resource box below.

by Bret Nieves
About the Author
Bret Nieves is a true motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys spending time with his family and kids. When he gets the chance he loves to ride his suzuki 750gsx-r up and down cury roads. Catch up with Bret (if you can) to get all your motorcycle accessories upgrade info, news and tips at www.accessoriesformotorcycles.org

Dirt Bikes - 5 Vital Steps on How to Buy Dirt Bikes

Purchasing dirt bike motorcycles is not as uncomplicated as it might seem. Making a final purchasing evaluation can be very tricky due to the countless styles and sizes on hand. There are a few key issues that have to be mulled over if you want to end up with a dirt bike that is best-matched for your level of skill and experience.

Getting a brand new dirt bike requires you to take into consideration some issues before rushing in too hurriedly. Taking your time to find the bike that most accurately fits your skill level at a reasonable cost will almost guarantee that you obtain a dirt bike you'll get pleasure from for a long time. When looking for dirt bike motorcycles there are 4 basic questions that should be asked prior to making a final choice.

1 - What is your level of skill?

If you're looking to purchase your very first dirt bike and have little to no previous dirt bike skill, you will generally want to start with a bike that has very little power. Power is measured in cubic centimeters, called CCs, therefore a 250cc motor will have less power than a 500cc motor. Beginners should generally start the training process with an engine with a reduced amount of power.

Too much power can many times lead to disaster for a beginning biker since it's a heap easier to get into situations that are very hard to handle. One of the principal mistakes beginners make is shopping for a bike that is too powerful for his or her skill level. Usually, the more power a bike has the heavier it is, and heavier bikes are more difficult to handle. It's a good plan for beginners to shop for dirt bike motorcycles that are not as heavy and possess a smaller amount of power. This provides them an opportunity to acquire self-confidence and skill while riding a bike they can handle easier. Once they feel comfortable on a less powerful bike they can always buy a more powerful bike.

2 - What size of bike should you buy?

The quantity of power you can handle, and therefore the size of bike you ought to buy, depends on a number of things such as your age, body size, and skill level. Experienced bikers can usually handle any amount of power that is out there to them, but if you don't have much riding expertise, regardless of what your age or size, it's usually good to start with a smaller amount of power. To become a good rider you must develop self-confidence in your riding skills, and there's no finer way to achieve self-confidence than riding successfully on a bike that fits your skill level. Beginning with a smaller amount of power provides you the chance to enhance your skills and expand self-belief as well.

Dirt bikers seem to start their careers at extremely young ages nowadays. And in addition to being just a few years old they are more often than not incredibly little in size. Younger and littler riders should start on small bikes with modest power because safety should at all times come first. Do not increase the power and size of the bike until you have adequate ability riding a lesser-powered bike.

A smart rule is that a rider seated on a bike ought to be able to put both feet flat on the ground without standing up. They should additionally be able to handle the weight of the bike without problems. Talking with a few dealers can help you make a better decision because they will by and large have the expertise necessary to offer you some smart guidance.

3 - Will you use your dirt bike for racing or recreational purposes?

Depending on the type of riding you intend on doing, the type of bike will differ If you intend on racing you ought to attend a number of local races to see what the experts are riding. Talk to other bikers to learn why they like a particular bike or manufacturer over another. If you intend on riding as a leisurely hobby you ought to determine where you're going to ride. Will it be on established race tracks or nearby trails?

4 - What model or brand is your favorite?

After determining the size and type of dirt bike motorcycles that you like best, it's time to find a particular manufacturer or model. Once again, chatting with veteran riders or dealers is the best approach to decide on a manufacturer. Find one that has a good history of reliability and durability. Once you have selected the manufacturer it's simply a matter of picking the model that most closely fits your needs as far as power and size is concerned. Go to a few local sellers and sit on many bikes that look good to you. This will help you come to a conclusion as to the size you feel most comfortable with.

5 - What price do you expect to fork over?

Dirt bike motorcycles are a competitive market so looking around for the better value can often save you a lot of money. Once you have decided on what dirt bike most closely fits your requirements pay a visit to a few dealerships in your area to determine which offers the lowest prices. Once you have a reasonably good impression of what you'll have to pay for the bike you would like, it's a smart idea to go to a few on-line sellers too. If you find a better price on-line you have got 2 possibilities. You can either buy the bike on-line or pay a visit to a local seller and see if they will give you a better price.

You will usually be able to make a better choice when you have come up with answers to these five basic questions. And once you have bought a dirt bike that most closely fits your ability level, size, and age it's time for fun. But, bear in mind, safety should always come first.


by Joshua Harding
About the Author
Watching interesting dirt bike videos or looking at dirt bike images of jumping and racing is a considerable amount of fun. However, actually getting out onto the track on your own dirt bike motorcycles is the greatest thrill of all.