Why Now Is The Time to Buy Your Motorcycle and Cover

by Steve Rivenbark

As spring is upon us and summer is fast approaching, it is apparent that now is a great time for some tremendous motorcycling. As I predicted a couple of months ago, gas has continued to go up in price and is expected to go even higher. We now have a huge oil spill out in the Gulf of Mexico and the well is continuing to leak thousands of barrels per day with more leaks popping up all the time. Even as we feel for the families of the oil drillers that lost their lives, we realize that this is another example of how something that happens that far away still affects us all. Even if the amount of oil produced by that one well was actually insignificant in the full scheme of things, this disaster will just serve as another excuse for the oil companies to hike up the price of gasoline at the pump. It has already gone up over a dime per gallon this week. Unfortunately, this time there may be a "real" reason as they try to recoup some of the money that the well disaster and the resultant clean-up will eventually cost them. However, with a motorcycle, and the wonderful gas mileage, the high price of gas is just one of many positive reasons to own a bike. I used to own a large Cadillac that got about 20 miles to the gallon, which wasn't bad for such a large car. But of course it pales in comparison to the mileage of even a very large motorcycle. Most motorcycles today get well over 50 miles to the gallon.
Of course, with motorcycles, the real thrill is the ride. I've just read that the most famous motorcycle ride, "The Dragon's Tail" just opened back up on April 12, 2010. And, I-40 which gives much easier access to it is scheduled to reopen today, April 27, 2010. Both roads have been closed for months due to rockslides. The Dragon's Tail has 318 turns in just eleven miles and it is actually only 6 miles as the crow flies. Also, very close to that ride is the Cherohala Skyway which takes you by a waterfall and over a dam and up to over 5,000 feet above sea level. So be sure to wear some warm clothes to enjoy that ride. There are a number of great places to stay and visit right along the Tennessee and North Carolina borders. In my opinion, these are some of the prettiest places in the world. I am from North Carolina and now live in Tennessee, so I just can't imagine anything better than these two states.
So, if you don't already own a motorbike to ride on these or other wonderful excursions, now is the time to get out there and take the leap. And, remember that if you want to keep your bike looking new, invest in a quality waterproof motorcycle cover at the same time. It is quite amazing how great some motorbikes look in the showroom and if you want yours to look that way in four or five years, buying a premium motorcycle cover is the way to do it. Of course, it is best to buy both at the same time and not tell yourself that you will get a cover later and then "later" never comes.

About the AuthorSteve Rivenbark Owner of Anytime Motorcycle Covers We are a new business that was founded in 2009 to distribute waterproof motorcycle covers to everyone who needs them. Visit Us at

History of Motorcycle Jackets

..The leather jacket also became a status symbol for the rough crowds who defied societal conventions as depicted in many of the early movies featuring motorcycle gangs. Soon kids' motorcycle jackets started showing up in schools. ..


by: David Jensen

Nearly as long as there have been motorcycles, there have been leather motorcycle jackets. The first motorcycle jackets evolved from the aviator jackets worn by the World War I and World War II fighter pilots. The jackets had narrow collars and were fastened down the front by buttons. At that time, all of the jackets were made of horsehide leather because there was an abundance of this material due to the number of farmers who tended horses. Eventually, the buttons on the motorcycle jacket were replaced by a zipper. Following World War II, aviators commonly took to motorcycles as a way to recapture the exhilaration they experienced as pilots. They continued to wear their same aviator jackets while riding motorcycles.

Marlon Brando epitomized the leather motorcycle jacket when he appeared in the 1953 movie "The Wild One" about two rival motorcycle gangs. Since then, leather jackets became synonymous with motorcycles. The leather jacket also became a status symbol for the rough crowds who defied societal conventions as depicted in many of the early movies featuring motorcycle gangs. Soon kids' motorcycle jackets started showing up in schools. In fact, because of what the jacket represented, most public schools prohibited students from wearing motorcycle apparel on school campuses.

As time went on, the same look and feel of the leather jackets remained. You didn't put on the jacket to be warm; you put it on to be in style with the biking crowd. If you were into biking, you wore a motorcycle jacket. All motorcyclists who rode with clubs sported the jacket to create a sense of camaraderie and belonging. This same attitude toward motorcycle apparel still exists.

Leather jackets eventually shed their outlaw image which created an opportunity for clothing manufacturers to begin creating designs that catered to a more diverse biking population. Kids' motorcycle jackets became common. Women, who once only rode on the back, began piloting their own machines. Leather was still the apparel of choice, but women started donning leather outfits that aligned more with their style and personalities.

The historical black leather jacket is still the most popular form of motorcycle apparel and is unlikely to go out of style. Still, leather jacket designs and fashions are becoming more eclectic and individualistic. Therefore, clothing and apparel designers are creating more varieties in order to keep up with current fashion trends. But the historical sentiment derived from the original aviator-jacket-turned-motorcycle jacket will linger in the hearts of bikers for generations.

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How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready For Spring

by: David Jensen

As the winter starts winding down and the days get longer, you're probably getting eager to don that leather vest and your motorcycle chaps and get out on that first spring road trip. If you live in a place where the winter months are spent under a blanket of snow, then your motorcycle and motorbike gear has likely been sitting dormant for a few months. Just as it is hard for you to put your bike away for winter, the inactivity can be equally taxing on your bike. Rather than revving it up and hitting the road at the first sign of warm weather, you will enjoy safer and more rewarding rides as well as prolong the life of your motorcycle if you properly prepare your bike for the riding season.

A lot of what you do to get your bike and motorbike gear ready for spring depends on what you did to prepare it for winter storage. Your owner's manual has a check list of tasks to complete before you store it. Performing these tasks will make your spring preparation easier and less expensive. You can do much of the maintenance yourself or have a qualified mechanic prepare the engine for use.

During the winter, condensation can build up in your fuel tank and carburetor. This can cause rust and corrosion in your fuel system. Before you put your bike in storage, you probably filled the tank and turned off the petcock (if it has one). Before you turn on the petcock, disconnect the fuel line and drain all the fuel from the tank. Clean the fuel filter and inspect the tank and the carburetor float bowl for rust or corrosion. Replace the fuel line and then fill it with fresh fuel.

If you changed your oil and filter before storing your bike, the oil should be fine. Check the oil to make sure it's clean and free of moisture. Water gives oil a milky appearance which can eventually cause corrosion. If moisture did get into your oil, change it again and replace the filter—even if you changed it right before storing it.

This is a good time to put fresh fluid into the brake master cylinder and check the condition of your brake pads. If they worn or thin, replace them before you go riding very far. Also check the lubrication and the condition of the drive-line, chain, and sprockets. Check and change your fork oil if needed then look for any leaks wherever there is fluid—even minor leaks should be fixed.

Whether you do your own maintenance or use a mechanic, make sure you check the plugs, air filter, carb synch, wheel bearing, spoke tension, tire pressure, and make sure all plugs and fasteners are tight.

Finally, washing and applying a fresh coat of wax to your bike not only keeps it looking good, it can also prevent rust and corrosion from occurring. Thoroughly clean and dry everywhere moisture accumulates.

In addition to your bike, you might want to give your motorbike gear, leather vests, and motorcycle chaps some attention. Properly caring for your leather maintains that classic motorcycle leather look and feel as well as extends the life of your apparel.

If you take the time to properly prepare your motorcycle for riding after storing it, you will enjoy safe and worry-free season of riding. Regular maintenance will also prolong the life of your motorcycle.

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Riding Your Motorcycle in The Rain or Snow

...A rain shower or light snowfall doesn't need to preempt your ride, but there are some precautions you should take to make the ride safer and more enjoyable than the ride would be if you weren't prepared...


by: David Jensen

If you live in a climate where rain and snow are the norm during the winter months, your motorcycle probably spends most of the time in storage while you wait for more favorable riding conditions. Then at the first sign of warm weather, you pull on your leather pants and motorcycle chaps and hit the road ready to inaugurate a new riding season. However, along the way you might discover that the glimmer of sunshine was just a teaser and you find yourself riding in inclement weather. A rain shower or light snowfall doesn't need to preempt your ride, but there are some precautions you should take to make the ride safer and more enjoyable than the ride would be if you weren't prepared. Your motorcycle apparel will offer some protection, but there are some other precautions that you should take before your ride.

If you have never experienced being caught off guard by a sudden downpour without the benefit of a face shield, many riders will attest that those innocent little water droplets sting when they make contact with your face. In this situation, some motorcyclists will tie a bandana across their face to ward off those steely raindrops. If there is a chance that you might encounter some precipitation on your ride, plan ahead by packing a face guard for your helmet. In addition to your leather pants and motorbike gear, pack a rain slicker, gloves or gauntlets, and perhaps a sweatshirt. In a heavy rain storm you might be better off pulling over and waiting out the storm. If this is the case, you will still want to keep warm if you're not near a place where you can go indoors. Your motorcycle apparel can provide some warmth and protection, but you don't know how long you'll be out so it's better to plan ahead with some warmer clothes.

Riding in the rain is more of a discomfort than a safety issue. Still, safety is always a priority when you're riding a motorcycle and the best safety mechanism you have when riding in any kind of weather is your common sense. Begin to apply this common sense even before you begin a ride by checking your tire pressure and the condition of your tire tread. It doesn't need to be raining or snowing for bald tires to become a safety hazard.

When operating any vehicle in the rain or snow, always slow down and allow plenty of space between you and other commuters. This is always recommended, but even more when the roads are wet. Damp roads usually make riding conditions unpredictable. For example, gas and oil are often spilled on the road. Until these spots have been washed away by frequent rain storms, they can be as slick as dry ice. One advantage that you have over dry ice is a light foam forms over an oil spot that is visible at some distance. If you are alert you can easily avoid these spots.

When riding in snow you run the same risks of sliding as you would if you were in a car. Here again, common sense and proper riding techniques (in addition to your motorbike gear and leather pants) can keep you safe and unharmed on a slick road. If you need to stop fast, don't apply your brakes so hard that your front or back wheel locks up. Skidding out of control is inevitable at this point. Instead, apply light, even pressure on your brakes and keep the wheels turning. This will enable you to slow down without losing control of your bike. Also, try not to brake when you round corners. Instead, keep your speed the same and shift your weight to take the corner.

Naturally, you prefer not to ride when there are hazardous road conditions. However when you are on a ride and the weather conditions change, you can still get through the ride safely by staying alert and using safe riding techniques as well as properly outfitting yourself with your motorcycle apparel.

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Helmet Mohawks - Not Your Typical Helmet Decoration

...The helmet mohawk isn't typically worn by the average motorcyclist, and in most cases it takes someone who isn't afraid to step outside of the box to wear one....


by: Matt LeClair

One of the most clever inventions for accessorizing your motorcycle helmet has been the helmet mohawk for a number of reasons including the fact that they help give the rider a sense of uniqueness if he or she is the only one wearing one, they are completely removable unlike stickers or custom paint, and they are a great tool that can be used to make you more visible.

The helmet mohawk isn't typically worn by the average motorcyclist, and in most cases it takes someone who isn't afraid to step outside of the box to wear one. This is where the sense of uniqueness comes into play because chances are you are one among only a few in a large crowd that will be wearing one, so you'll be more recognizable and easily separated from the rest of the group. The helmet mohawk is a great solution for you if you want to show off your personality a little and are not afraid to get a little crazy in order to do so.

Another reason that this product is such a cleaver invention is because it is not a permanent accessory for your helmet, but rather a removable accessory that you can put on and take off whenever you want to. The mohawk is never permanently attached, which means if you're not in the mood to wear it that day, you can simply remove it. This is not possible with helmet stickers or patches since they use adhesive backing to stay attached to the helmet, not suction. You can remove stickers and patches, but not without having to spend a good amount of time doing so.

Finally, helmet mohawks are a great attention grabber, which means that more drivers are likely to notice you on the road, which means that their awareness of you is also going to rise. This will make your riding experience safer because it will be easier to spot you when your wearing this item on your head. There are a number of different colors to choose from when making a purchase including red, green, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and more. Most of these colors are bright so it will be easier for other drivers to notice you. In the end, this is just another way to keep you safe on the open road.

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Preserving Safe Riding With Pre-Ride Motorcycle Checks

by: Matt LeClair
When it comes to getting ready for the motorcycle riding season, you want to make sure that you are as prepared as you possibly can be for each and every trip that you take. The process getting ready for a motorcycle trip involves a number of important steps including making sure your motorcycle is in perfect riding condition, and making sure that you are also prepared for the ride by having the right gear.

After a long winter season with long periods of no riding occurring, you'll want to make sure that your bike is restored to the riding condition it was in when you last rode a few months back. Check the tires, do they have enough pressure? Change to oil to help keep the engine running smoothly. Clean out the fuel system to make sure that your motorcycle is running more efficiently. Also, you'll want to make sure that all electronics, including lights, are working properly so that you don't have to worry about malfunction during your trip.

Once you've determined that your bike is in good riding shape, then you'll want to bring the focus on your own personal riding gear and whether or not you have all of the necessary pieces to stay protected as well as comfortable on your trips.

Some of the more important pieces of gear that you should always keep tabs on are your motorcycle jacket, motorcycle helmet, and motorcycle boots. These are by far the most important pieces of equipment that you can have, so you'll want to make sure that they are in good riding condition. The helmet shield is especially important if you have a full face model. Make sure that you can see clearly through it and that there are no obstructions to your view. Check your jacket to make sure all of the zippers, snaps, and buttons are functioning properly and that there are no tears or cracking in the jacket. If you're helmet has gotten a little dull or boring, you may choose to spice it up a little. Helmet Mohawks are a great way to add a little extra character to a helmet that's lost it's touch over the years.

Following these few simple pre-ride checks will help assure that each and every ride goes smoothly and you can enjoy every moment of them without have to worry about too many of the little details that may arise.

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Tips For Making Yourself More Visible On Your Motorcycle

...Another step you can take to make sure you are visible to others while on your motorcycle is to always wear reflective clothing, not only reflective, but perhaps maybe even some articles of clothing which are brightly colored and easy to see....


by: Matt LeClair

Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for anyone who loves the outdoors and the freedom that is experienced while on a ride, but the typical rider isn't always concerned about how their appearance affects the likelihood of being noticed by others that are sharing the same roadways. This can be a potential hazard if the others sharing the same roadways cannot see you very well.

There are a number of ways that you can avoid not being noticed by other motorcyclists while out on the open road. One way that you can avoid any issues is by making sure that your bike has the proper lighting. The minimal lighting, which most stock motorcycles are equipped with, may not necessarily be enough so you may want to consider adding more headlights if you haven't already. This is particularly true in the daylight when your visibility to others is at its lowest level. More lighting will help to make you more noticeable to others.

Another step you can take to make sure you are visible to others while on your motorcycle is to always wear reflective clothing, not only reflective, but perhaps maybe even some articles of clothing which are brightly colored and easy to see. Colors such as bright orange, red, and green are all very easy to see so if you can incorporate them into your biker wardrobe, then you would become more visible to others that may be sharing the same roadways as you.

Since your helmet is typically the piece of apparel that other drivers are able to see easily, then it would make sense to have some sort of bright coloring incorporated into the design of that helmet. You could also add accessories to your helmet that are brightly colored if the actual color of the helmet is not changeable. Helmet Mohawks are a great accessory that you can add to helmet because they are colorful and can help you stand out.

Before heading out on your next trip, make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your own safety. Take a step back and ask yourself if you could be easily noticed by others on the road. If you answer no to that question, then you may want to consider using some of the tips mentioned above.

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