Road Safety - A Matter of Common Sense By Liam Fraser

One hotly discussed subject amongst bikers everywhere at just about any time is "It's not if you're gonna go down, it's when." A motorcycle is easily the most dangerous of all vehicles to operate on public roadway, with 35 fatalities for every 100 million miles of travel contrasted with 1.7 per 100 million for passenger cars. Big deal...I love 'em...I don't care about stinkin' statistics...MUCH!

It can be argued that some common-sense is most all you'll need to keep you, your passengers and those riding alongside you relatively safe as y'all tool on down the road. At least the exercising of a few common-sense platitudes will keep you safer than riding without them. Remember that these are just suggestions. No one is trying to get all up in your mud by telling you what to do. They're just things that make sense to me as they are ways I could have avoided getting hurt.

Now I'm not going to take a stance one way or another here regarding helmet laws. I think this is an issue of "to each their own." It simply stands to reason for me that if I have one on and I go down and smack my head at even 35 mph, I'm gonna come out of it better with one on than with one off...if I do get killed, at least I'll be presentable at my own funeral. My friends and family will at least be able to say, in the words of Bill Cosby concerning a guy at an open casket, "Didn't he look like himself?"

For me, even a 'half-dome' is better than nothing...the wind still kinda blows thru my hair. I had a Kawasaki Vulcan seize on me once down in Scotts Valley, CA and I went ass-over teakettle. I had on a mock German WWII courier's helmet on...plastic...right outta the bargain bin at some bike-accessories store in San Jose. The impact split the helmet. I got rushed by ambulance to Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

I had concussed. My long-term memory was about 1/2 there and my short-term memory was completely gonzo! I thought I was in LA. I didn't remember being/having been married, (to my first OR second wife...maybe a good thing???) I couldn't remember if I had any kids or not...(I have 2 gorgeous daughters) I couldn't even remember what day/date it was nor could I even remember my address or telephone number. I couldn't remember the wreck. Long-term damage? Sometimes it'll take me a minute or two to remember things that'd just snap into my mind. I have to be a bit more patient with myself now...but my memory works well given enough time.

I cringe a bit thinking what would have happened to me if I'd just gone bone to asphalt. OK...I've made my case for why I wear a helmet. I'm just gonna protect my mellon the best way I know how. I don't mind paying even a lot extra for the best brain-bucket I can put my head into

Your tires. I check mine a lot for bubbling, excessive cracking, ANY abnormality I can find. I try and keep the pressure right as much as possible. Know why? Here's some more first-hand information for ya. I don't care if you're going 20 mph...if you blow that front tire on a turn, you're going down. It's as simple as that. That tire will flatten out and pretty much split clear of the rim in an instant and bikes weren't designed to bite into the road with metal...rubber!! RUBBER!! So try and keep lots of it between the road and your rims.

This brings me to another point...PAY ATTENTION - TO EVERYTHING! In this case, pay attention to the road. I dropped my VFR-750 while making a 35 mph turn when the front tire picked up a sharp piece of metal and instantly deflated. Luckily, I was leathered, padded, armored and helmeted...all I got was a slightly bruised rib.

I've seen people in wet weather riding close to the center of the lane. Ever notice that darkening of the road where car exhausts have been shooting residue all over the place? When that's wet it can be like an oil slick. A good idea might be to ride to the right or left of it. It's just another easy way to drop things and something to look out for.

Extra padding and armor can be a pain in the butt too because of how they restrict us but my guess is if you go down, you'll be REALLY glad you have it on. You probably won't be digging gravel outta your skin afterwards. I was coming down from Susanville, CA to Reno NV one time on my Road-Glide. I got forced off the road and into the sand and gravel in the center-divider on HWY 395. I lost it and dumped the bike. What a moron! I was trying to look good with a tank-top and a set of chaps and 'conductor boots.' Everything from the waist-down was fine but I got air-evacuated to Washoe Hospital and they shot me fulla demerol, put me into a tub and told me to scrub the gravel outta my skin. Nope...I learned. I'm NOT goin' through that again! At the very least, I wear leather now.

Lastly, a good idea might be NOT to get into an ego-battle with someone about to t-bone you with their F-250 truck. I took the intersection because I had the right-of-way. The only problem was that the guy driving the Ford wasn't paying attention and I got my right leg crushed from it. This was one of those stupid situations where denial (I couldn't believe this guy was really gonna hit me) and not crankin' it when I shoulda. This got me seriously injured.

So wear a helmet if it's the law, don't drink and ride, check your tires and brakes often, make sure you know your bike, keep it tuned and reliable...pay attention to debris and the road conditions and maybe consider the fact that other drivers don't pay attention. You just might come out of this unscathed!

Thanks for reading!

Click here to see a wide variety of quality helmets, tires, leathers boots and armor---->BikerParts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liam_Fraser

Street Legal Scooters By David V. Williams

The unstable price of gasoline has caused many consumers to look for more cost effective modes of transportation. No longer beguiled by large mini vans or SUVs, they have turned to an unlikely alternative. The motor scooter has long been seen as a device utilized by penurious college students or restaurant delivery boys. But as gas prices continue to fluctuate, many people are seriously considering buying gas and electric powered scooters.

Gas Powered Scooters

Gas powered scooters have garnered a lot of attention lately due to the unstable price of gasoline and the superior gas mileage these scooters provide. In fact, gas powered scooters offer better gas mileage than any other street legal motorized vehicle. Some of the most fuel efficient scooters give users up to 100 miles per gallon. In an economically trying time, this fact has turned a lot of peoples' heads.

Many gas powered scooters have fuel tanks that hold only a gallon or two of gas. Which means (at $2 dollars per gallon), you can fill your tank for less than the cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant. When you compare this with the 40 to 60 dollars that people are paying to fill their mini vans and SUV, it's no wonder why the gas powered scooter is becoming a popular mode of travel. For city dwellers, the gas powered scooter is not only cost effective, but it is also easy to park and adept at wending its way through traffic jams.

Gas Powered Scooter Brands

The most popular brands of gas powered scooters are produced by Honda, Yamaha, and Vespa. These scooters have more powerful engines, are often allowed on highways.

Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are primarily used as recreational vehicles. They can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Because they are electric, they are earth-friendly and save the user money on costly gasoline. These scooters have maximum speeds of up to 50 MPH and can be ridden for up to an hour without needing to be recharged.

Electric Powered Brands

The most popular brands of electric or battery powered scooters are made by BMX, Boreem Jia, and Freedom scooters.

Legal considerations

Until recently, electric scooters did not possess the power or endurance of gas scooters, and were illegal to use on the street in many states. With improvements in top speed and range, this however has changed and they now they are commonly seen on highways and public streets.

It should be noted that your scooter must meet certain engine and performance requirements to travel on highways and it is important to check with you county or state to see if your scooter meets these driving standards.

David V. Williams
Street Legal Scooters

How to Plastic Repair a Motorcycle Rear Fender By Karal Cass

Using a mini-weld model 6 airless plastic welder.

Cost to replace fender-$75.14 + S/H $8.94= $84.09
Cost of repair fiber-flex= $4.00 Steel mesh .50 cents
TOTAL COST OF REPAIR $4.50

So with using a plastic welder, I was able to save $79.59
1) Work Area
• Have a clean and organized work area.
• Well ventilated area.
• Remember the plastic welder is HOT. Can burn you and start a fire. Just use common sense and you'll be fine.
• Set up plastic welder. (Set welder to preheat, how your doing the next step)

2) Parts that need welded
• Check the parts to be welded. Identify what kind of plastic your working with. In this case it is fiber-flex plastic welding rod. I used fiber flex because it is easier to use. I had to cover a large area. Get out the welding rods you'll be using. Plus if you're going to use wire mesh for added strength get that out also. We will be using wire mesh for this project.
• Make sure that the part is clean. ( soap and water should work)
• Set up part to be welded on work bench. Know how your going to weld it.
• Now set the plastic welder to heat setting your going to use to weld the plastic fender.

3) Plastic weld part
• Lay out part to be welded.
• I made a V-groove in the crack and filled it with Fiber-Flex rod.
• Then for added support. I welded the wire mesh in.
• Now for the big hole. I welded the wire mesh in. I put aluminum tape on the back to help hold the mesh in place.
• Using the Fiber-Flex rod begin to fill in the large void. This is time consuming. So take your time.
• If plastic gets too hot to work with cool it off with water, not too much because your still welding.
• Do the same thing to the other large hole. And for added support do the same thing to the other side of fender.
• Now we are done with the welding.

4) To finish the part
• let plastic cool down. You can help it cool down with water. Use a spray bottle and lightly spray the welded plastic down to cool.
• Begin to sand the weld down. I use 60 grit sand paper then go to 180 grit sand paper.
• If painting part use paint made for plastic.
• If you would like to see pictures of this operation. Please go to our site and check out our how to pages.

THANK YOU
http://www.Kandjwarehouse.com

7 Tips For Night Riding By Rick Slark

Three days had passed since the RT had rolled out of her stall, and three days was simply too long! It was time to ride. The afternoon's weather had been filled with severe thunder storms rolling in, like waves of the sea hitting the shoreline, but it didn't matter to me, we were hitting the road. It was early evening when I departed Springfield, heading north, to destinations unknown.

Soon the miles were unfolding before me, and I settled in for few hours of sheer riding pleasure. At some point along the journey, darkness had imperceptibly settled in, so as I approached the next town, I stopped to change my glasses, and grab a hot cup of joe. Sitting next to the RT in the dimly lit parking lot, a slight breeze gentle brushed up against me, and the fresh smell of rain was thick in the air, Man, I love riding at night!

Riding at night is one of my favorite times, but it is also one of the most dangerous times to be on your motorcycle. If you find yourself on the road after dark here's a few things to keep in mind...

1. Be Visible.

* This is not a time for all black. Make certain you can be seen.

* Make certain your bike has proper lighting as well.

2. Wear a helmet.

* enough said.

3. Slow Down.

* Deer and other critters are out in force during the hours of darkness. Slowing down gives you more time to react should the need arise.

4. Leave more space between you and other vehicles.

5. Keep your visor clean.

* I keep mine waxed for easy splat removal.

6. Don't look directly into on coming headlights.

7. Don't ride an unfamiliar bike.

Night riding has many benefits, but it certainly requires a little more diligence, and adhering to these tips will go a long way in ensuring your safety. Have a great ride and...Keep the rubber side down!

A Review of Ducati 1098 Carbon Fiber Termignoni Exhaust Silencers - Money Well Spent? By Simon Cliffe

One of the first changes that a lot of Ducati owners make to their bikes after being run is to change the stock exhaust silencers for less restrictive aftermarket ones. This has the twofold effect of making the bike louder and also releasing a few extra straining ponies (as if a 1098 really needed it!) - Oh, and they look great as well! Bonus!

There are a dazzling array of manufacturers who are producing both full systems and slip on silencers for the Ducati range, however due to the success of their products in racing, and the fact that they are the weapon of choice for the factory Corse Racing team, Termignoni has arguably edged it's way into pole position as the number one Ducati exhaust manufacturer.

Termignoni have a wide selection of systems to fit the 1098 family, from slip on silencers to full titanium and carbon fiber race systems at a full 70mm diameter. It is the carbon fiber 1098 silencer kit that we are having a look at today and is the focus of this review.

Contained in the kit is the complete inventory required to fit the less restrictive carbon silencers including an updated race ECU to adjust the fuelling to match the increased airflow, and also a high throughput performance air filter to balance out the additional fuelling. In addition there are the mountings and bands to support the pipes under the seat, so in summary this is an entire turn key solution.

Fitting isn't beyond the realms of a competent home mechanic, the pipes are precision made and as such fit without the need for any tweaking, the only tricky bit being the installation of the air filter which requires tank removal. Other than that the ECU replacement is exactly that - remove old, insert new (with battery disconnected PLEASE!!), pipes bolt into place and job done.

So how do they work and sound? Well, starting with the easy answer first - they sound awesome, deeper, more boomy but without the muffled sound of the stock pipes. The kit does include a pair of decibel killers in case your neighbors are members of the sound police but it sounds good even with these inserted.

Now to the harder question, do they work? Well, without putting every bike on the dyno it is impossible to comment fully, suffice to say that typically you will see up to an 8% increase in horsepower, impressive given the already high state of tune on the stock engine.

As a conclusion, these are an absolute no brainer, lighter than stock which is always good, sound absolutely fantastic, release a few more horsepower, are easy to install and look like they should be on the grid of a world superbike race. Final bonus is that they are some $700 cheaper than the titanium variant.

My only reservation, and it is a small one, I am not a fan of race ECU's as there is a massive variance in output of stock bikes so a one size fits all approach isn't ideal - I prefer the infinite tuneability of a Power Commander, however these pipes do work well with the race ECU so wouldn't worry too much about the later as it is all within tolerance. So yes, money well spent indeed!

For reference they are Ducati Part No: 9115707B and fit the following bikes -1098 2007/ 2008, 1098 S 2007/ 2008

To read reviews on more Ducati Tuning parts, FREE tips and information on all aspects of Ducati performance tuning and ownership visit our website at http://www.ducatiperformanceparts.net.

Simon Cliffe is a Ducati fan having owned a dozen different models over the past 20 years. Currently the proud owner of a 2000 Ducati 996SPS and mid way through a project to assemble a 999 based track bike, he also runs http://www.ducatiperformanceparts.net a website dedicated to the tuning and maintenance of all Ducati motorcycles and accessories, from the aircooled bikes of the 70's through to the latest superbikes.

Visit the website for more tips, information, reviews and inane banter on all things Ducati.