Let’s Take a Look at Children and Motorcycles
July 26, 2008 by rdokoye
Filed under Motorcycles
Many children grow up in families where motorcycles are a part of life. I can remember my husband taking our boys for rides as soon as they were old enough to walk. This was scary for me as I don’t have a great deal of motorcycle riding experience. However, my husband has been on them since he was a toddler so it was just a natural process for him.
Most children love riding on motorcycles, but the issue is very controversial. I am an overprotective mom, so it is hard for me too. However, all of my children love riding on them and I trust my husband to have their best interest in hand all the time. I really hate it when my children are on the highway because I know accidents can happen so quickly. We do make sure they were long sleeved shirts and pants. They also have helmets to wear that fit them properly.
They make motorcycles for children to ride on their own by the time they are four or five years of age. My children all learned how to operate one as soon as they were able to ride a regular bike without training wheels. Of course the motorcycle, called a 50, is very low to the ground and doesn’t go very fast. When I look back at it now, I think it was very good practice for them to learn about operating vehicles.
This is not to say that everything went smooth! My oldest son crashed his motorcycle into a fence when he was seven as he lost control. I think me tried to stop but panicked and pushed the gas more. My other son loved to go as fast as he could, so we were hesitant to move him up to a larger bike because with the size came more power. Children should never be left to ride a motorcycle without the proper safety equipment and without parental supervision.
Since children can’t legally ride their motorcycle on the street, they have to ride them on dirk trails or motorcycle trails. Make sure the type of motorcycle you purchase for them is designed for such rough terrain. You should also consider purchasing them a helmet that has a full face cover. It is common for children to crash their motorcycle, and hitting their chin or mouth on the handle bars is also common.
If your child is a rider on a motorcycle with another adult, make sure that adult has a license to operate a motorcycle. Smaller children can ride on the front of the motorcycle but they are encouraged to ride on the back. Make sure they always wear a helmet even for a short ride. Children are allowed to ride on a motorcycle on major highways, but this is a personal decision for the parent. I will tell you it is not one I am comfortable with for my own children.
Never allow your children to operate a motorcycle with another child on the bike. This can lead to the child trying to show off and for accidents to happen. It also shifts the weight of the bike when you add an extra person, and the child operating the motorcycle may not be able to handle the extra weight.
While operating or riding on a motorcycle can be dangerous for a child, it can also be a great deal of fun. They will have fond memories of it as well. Parents have a responsibility to keep their children safe while operating a motorcycle. Don’t share helmets among your children as they won’t fit each of them properly.
Many children enjoy operating a motorcycle, and parents will find that it can help them become more responsible. They also learn valuable skills about operating vehicles and safety at a very early age. Children who wear safety equipment as a child will continue to do so as an adult. They also develop skills to make them safer drivers so that when they are old enough to operate a motorcycle on the street, they have plenty of experience.
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs
Do you need insurance for your motorcycle? Find out more, visit: Cheap Motor Bike Insurance
Insuring Your Classic Motorcycle
July 25, 2008 by fresh24
Filed under Motorcycles
Do you own a classic motorbike? Well as you might already know classic bikes like the Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Honda require specialist insurance. Many insurance companies deal with the insurance of this type and can help you in the effort.
This article will help you to gain useful understanding of the conditions that are required to get classic motorcycle insurance.
It is extremely necessary on the part of the rider to insure the classic model he possesses. The motorcycle is prone to accidents and injuries occur often to the bike and the rider. In such a situation, the money from the insurance may help in the renovation and repairing of the model.
Buying of classic bikes require an individual to invest a lot of money. Many of the classic bike owners require to insure their bikes which helps the lending companies to protect itself in case of other types of damage other than collision.
You must know that the insurance companies also provide accessory coverage policy. Through this policy, accessories like the newly added chromes, upgrade parts and other added accessories are secured. However, you should keep in mind that you get the most cheapest and affordable insurance policy available in the market.
You should also see that the insurance company provides a 24 hours emergency road service. This service is sometimes the cheapest upgrades on a classic motorcycle insurance policy. The road service insurance includes services like, changing the tyres, change of batteries and providing gas in the emergencies.
There are insurance policies that ensure security policies for bodily injuries of the motorist and provide an option for the replacement of the bike if required.
In many of the cases, going for a motorcycle safety course is the easiest way to get discounts on the most affordable classic motorcycle insurance possible. If you have more than one bike that you need to insure then there is an option to get discounts from the insurance companies to make it more affordable for you.
If you have attached anti-theft systems on your classic bikes like the Honda, Suzuki or the Harley Davidson bikes, then the insurance companies will ensure cheaper rates on your insurance policies. Although not much popular, anti-lock breaking systems in your bike often brings you more discount on the insured amount.
Insurance covers most of the parts of the classic bikes that are vulnerable to damage due to various reasons like accidents, theft and sabotage. You should always insure your classic motorcycle because they are precious and you do not need them to get damaged due to various reasons.
Nevertheless, the insurance of your favourite piece of collection provides you with a peace of mind and assures that you are protected along with your bike and are ready to face any type of problems that might arise during the tenure of the insurance. However, you should be responsible about the proper payment of the monthly instalments.
Paul writes a motorcycle insurance blog where he helps people get Cheap Motorcycle Insurance.
All about Suzuki Motorcycles
July 25, 2008 by rdokoye
Filed under Motorcycles
Suzuki Motor Company was founded by Michio Suzuki. He had a very successful looming business when he decided to invest in the concept of motorcycle manufacturing in 1920. Suzuki didn’t take the motorcycle world by storm, in stead it was a slow and steady rise to success. There were a variety of motorcycle models that had moderate success. People began to take notice of the Suzuki line of motorcycles after their Diamond Free model won the Mount Fuji Hill Climb in 1953.
In June of 1954, Suzuki implemented their trademark ‘S’ logo that is still used today. They also put their years of observing the motorcycle industry to good use. 1962 saw them as the winner of the Grand Prix World Championship. Suzuki decided to begin selling its motorcycles in the United States in 1963. They have come a long way since that first introduction. Consumers quickly took to the models, finding them to be valuable and reliable.
Suzuki introduced the X-6 Hustler in 1966, becoming their first street legal performance bike. At the time, it was also the fastest 250CC on the market. They followed the success of it with a 500CC model called The Titan. In 1969 Suzuki took the world by surprise when it introduced the GT750. This was a two stroke motorcycle that could reach a speed of 110 miles per hour. It was able to accelerate from zero to sixty in only five seconds. Since this motorcycle was so well received, Suzuki decided to make a larger bike with the same type of power. The RG500 became the most successful racing bike of that era.
Suzuki continued to dominate the motocross racing circuit in the 1970’s, winning the World Motocross Championship in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1976. Due to tighter emission regulations, Suzuki had some stumbling blocks in 1976. However, they were successfully able to redesign their four stroke models to meet these regulations. They models also sold very well.
Suzuki again makes racing history with the introduction of the XN85 in 1982. This was a turbo charged motorcycle that won many high profile races. The first American to win the World Motocross Championship did so in 1982 on this bike. In 1986 they offered the GSX-R, also a turbo charged racer bike. What made it so original was the aluminium frame. This made it the lightest motorcycle in its class.
In addition to selling large quantities of racing bikes, Suzuki has done well in the cruiser market as well. The Boulevard model comes in many different sizes to meet the needs of the consumer. This is a very sporty looking model built to look great as well as to offer comfort. The five speed transmission allows the operator of the vehicle to remain comfortable regardless of the riding terrain.
The body of the Boulevard model allows for a smooth ride regardless of the speed at which you are travelling. This model is one of the top selling cruisers out there as well as the best price with the 2007 models priced around $13,000. Each one comes with a 12 month unlimited warranty that can be extended. Suzuki offers the best warranty of any motorcycle manufacturer with unlimited miles, no deductible, reimbursement costs if the motorcycle breaks down, rental vehicle reimbursement, and the remainder of the warranty is transferable should you decide to sell your motorcycle during the warranty time frame.
Today, Suzuki is in the top four motorcycle manufacturer’s world wide. They offer a wide variety of street, off road, and racing motorcycles to choose from. You can find Suzuki motorcycles at more than 1,600 dealerships around the world. They are well known for offering style, comfort, and speed with hundreds of different models to choose from. They are also among the top sellers because the models are very attractive, the price is very reasonable, and they stand behind their products by offering an excellent warranty.
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs
Do you need insurance for your motorcycle? Find out more, visit: Cheap Motor Bike Insurance
Finding the Type of Motorcycle that is Right for You
July 25, 2008 by rdokoye
Filed under Motorcycles
Purchasing a motorcycle generally involves a great deal of research before you decide on the one that is right for you. There are so many makes and models to choose from that it can also be confusing. You will want to think about your motorcycle riding experience when you are looking at the type of bike to purchase. You will also want to consider what you will be doing with your motorcycle.
There are many different types of motorcycle to consider based on your interests. Do you want a motorcycle that is known for speed? If you will be taking long road trips on your motorcycle then you definitely want one built for travel and comfort. You may also want one that offers compartments to hold your necessities while you travel. Other motorcycles are designed for riding on dirt or for competition. There are also scooters that are fun for in town.
If you are new to the feat of motorcycle riding, it is recommended that you start with a moderately priced motorcycle or even with a used one. This is because a new motorcycle can cost you $20,000. Do you want to risk scratching it up or having costly repairs from dropping the bike over? Trust me, if you are new to riding that is going to be a part of the experience! You can always purchase a newer motorcycle once you have become a seasoned rider.
Even if you have a particular style of motorcycle in mind, it has to fit your body perfectly. This may be disappointing at first, but keep in mind that if the bike doesn’t fit you there is a risk of an accident. It is also very likely that you won’t be comfortable while riding it, so what fun will that be? Of course you can always have a customized motorcycle made later on of the style you want that fits you perfectly.
The best way determine if a motorcycle is a good fit for you is to sit on the bike with the kickstand on the ground. Can you touch the ground with both feet? If not, then you need to look for a motorcycle that isn’t as tall. If you can reach the ground with both feet, can you reach the handle bars comfortably? How about the brakes and the turn signals?
Of course a very important aspect you need to consider when looking for the right motorcycle is the price. You need something that is going to fit into your budget. Do you want to purchase a used motorcycle for the amount of money you can afford? Are you willing to take out a loan to pay for a higher priced motorcycle on monthly payments? You should decide this before you even begin looking at potential motorcycles.
A motorcycle can provide you with a fun mode of transportation for fun or for commuting. Motorcycles are very inexpensive to operate and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. You will find your motorcycle to be more comfortable if you take your time and select one based on how it feels with your body shape than how the body of the bike looks. Choosing a bike that doesn’t fit well will leave you disappointed as well as raise the risk of accidents and injuries taking place.
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs
Do you need insurance for your motorcycle? Find out more, visit: Cheap Motor Bike Insurance
Make Your Hog Your Own with Custom Harley Parts
July 25, 2008 by artgib
Filed under Motorcycles
Every Harley Davidson owner has at some time or another thought about customizing his or her motorcycle in some way. You rarely see a stock Harley Davidson, because Harley’s are King! Harley’s are so much bigger than the function of mere transportation that so many people are becoming interested in motorcycles for right now. Harley’s capture the spirit of what it means to be a serious biker.
So the question remains, what is the best way to make your Harley Davidson look and feel like an extension of yourself? The simple answer is by adding custom Harley parts and accessories.
For most Harley Davidson owners the reason they add accessories is to stand out. It’s a style statement. You may think that some people go way overboard on customizing their bike, creating an over bulky mess of chrome and rubber, but remember, overboard for someone may be a constant work in progress masterpiece to someone else. Again, Harley Davidson Motorcycles are principally about style, not mere function.
You may have a different style for customizing your bike. You may be looking for custom Harley Parts and accessories that hide the extra bulk and make your bike as streamlined and minimalistic as possible.
And there are those for whom being practical is a consideration in personalizing their bike. If you install a nice chrome luggage rack on your back fender, or a detachable windshield, it not only adds a personal style touch, but it also serves an important purpose. How else would you carry your tent and keep bugs and rocks out of your teeth?
So how do you pick out a Harley Davidson accessory or choose what to customize? Well that’s personal. But I would suggest that you start by deciding what you want out of your bike and your relationship with it. Sit back and have a look at yourself. What kind of biker are you anyway?
Are you a speed demon that likes to lay rubber on the road every now and then, and show off racing up and down busy roads to the awe of males and females of all ages?
If this is you, you may want to consider getting your engine rebuilt for increased horsepower. You can’t go wrong with a lot of Harley chrome either as it always looks impressive. Just when you think you have all the custom Harley parts available there is something new in that catalog.
Or your style may be a much more subdued. Your main motorcycling purpose in life may be to enjoy riding the road and you aren’t bothered with rushing anywhere, just cruising and taking it all in. You still want to look good riding your Harley, but you don’t feel like you need to try so hard.
If this describes you, you may only want one or two custom Harley parts, more for convenience than style, because after all, Harley says style all by itself. A black leather studded luggage bag that slips over that backrest on your bike looks good when you are on a long trip and it serves a purpose.
Overall, the most important thing to consider when shopping for custom Harley parts is to remember the kind of person you are when making Harley Davidson Accessory choices. A properly customized Harley is an extension of the owner who rides it. Make it say who you are.
Adding custom Harley parts from Demon Cycles (http://www.demonscycle.com/) is a great way to personalize your bike so it makes a statement about who you are. Art Gibb is a freelance writer.
What about Customized Motorcycles?
July 25, 2008 by rdokoye
Filed under Motorcycles
Motorcycles are very popular, with thousands of them on the road. You will find them in a variety of makes and models for your enjoyment. Finding exactly the style you want that fits your body can prove to be difficult, especially if you are extremely short or very tall. Having a customized motorcycle made to your specifications is a great alternative, but it is also more expensive.
One of the most well known custom motorcycle makers is Jesse James, owner of West Coast Choppers. Jesse James has been passionate about motorcycles since he was seven years old. He has customized motorcycles for many celebrities including Shaquille O’Neal, Kid Rock, and Kyle Petty. The bikes range in price from $50,000 to $150,000.
While this is going to be much too expensive for the average individual, you can still get a great customized motorcycle from some other sources. There are many things you need to consider to get started. First, what is it that you need from a motorcycle that you can’t get from a standard one at any retailer? If it is simply the colour, you will save a great deal of money by purchasing it from the retailer and having it repainted. In some cases, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and have the bike painted your ideal colour at the factory.
Most of the time, individuals need to have a motorcycle customized to fit them properly. Take Shaquille O’Neal for example. He is such a large person, that the average motorcycle just doesn’t work well for him. Jesse James was able to use O’Neal’s measurements to create a motorcycle that was comfortable for him to ride. Customized motorcycles are a great choice for those with a disability that prevents them from being able to operate a standard motorcycle.
If you are determined to have a customized motorcycle, take the time to research the various manufacturers you have to choose from. Keep in mind that you may have to wait several months or even years to get the motorcycle you want if the manufacturer is very busy. Always discuss the options you want in great detail as well as the price. If the manufacturer won’t agree to your specifications then look for someone who will.
It is a good idea to conduct research about the manufacturer. Find out how long they have been customizing motorcycles. Ask for references and to see samples of their work. You will also want to inquire about warranty information and a guarantee if you aren’t pleased with the work. In most cases, you will have to pay a deposit before work begins on your customized motorcycle. Make sure they are familiar with working with the model of motorcycle you want to have customized.
Having your very own motorcycle is a great recreational item to spend your time with. However, investing in a customized motorcycle will allow you to have the very best motorcycle that fits your style as well as your body. Being comfortable on your motorcycle will give you more enjoyment and you can also use it for long road trips. You are less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident if the motorcycle is a proper fit. While a customized motorcycle is more expensive than a traditional model, it is an investment that is well worth it.
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs
Do you need insurance for your motorcycle? Find out more, visit: Cheap Motor Bike Insurance
What You Should Know About Electric Scooters
July 25, 2008 by rdokoye
Filed under Motorcycles
Many people love the freedom of riding a motorcycle as well as the economical value it offers, especially now with fuel costs at an all time high. However, some people just aren’t comfortable operating a motorcycle. A great alternative is to choose an electric scooter. They are also very economically as well as easy to operate. This is a great option for riding around town. I know many parents who compromise purchasing their teenager a scooter rather than an actual motorcycle. Scooters also cost less than a motorcycle.
Safety is still a necessity while operating an electric scooter. It is important that you wear a helmet as well as long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent road rash. You also need to follow the rules of the road. Too many people have the misconception that a scooter can be operated like a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle on the road. In many states you have to obtain a motorcycle license to legally operate one on the street. Children must be the legal age to drive one as determined by their state regulations.
Electric scooters are frequently referred to as mopeds as well. They are very environmentally friendly so you don’t have to worry about pollution issues. Many of the features on these scooters are similar to those of a motorcycle including the seat, brakes, tires, and turn signals. While scooters are definitely easier to learn to ride, they won’t offer you the same speed as a motorcycle. Don’t expect to get on one and take off like the wind. You also won’t want to ride them on the highway or interstate as they just aren’t designed for that type of speed or travel.
Depending on the type of electric scooter you purchase, you can anticipate spending from $200 to $1,000. The prices are very reasonable, so that your time finding one that fits you perfectly. There are many styles and colours available from a variety of manufacturers. Many women love operating a scooter as opposed to a motorcycle because of the weight difference.
You will also find scooters that feature a stand up or a sit down design. The younger kids definitely seem to favour the stand up type but it certainly isn’t going to be comfortable when you are on it for a length of time. You also won’t have the storage space if you need to carry anything with you.
Most electric scooters require very little maintenance, further adding to your transportation savings. In most cases you will be able to do the basic maintenance and even repairs on your own. You may be wondering how fuel efficient an electric scooter is. While the specific savings will vary by model, many of them can get 60 miles per gallon of fuel.
Since electric scooters don’t take up much space and they are light weight, may college kids prefer to use one instead of a car. They can even ride it around campus and secure it on the bike rack. Most of them can get up to 30 MPH so a quick trip to town or the grocery store is even possible with one.
Electric scooters have continued to grow in popularity in areas where the fuel is high and the weather is nice most of the year. Consumers are looking for an economical means of transportation and they have found in with electric scooters. You can find a great deal of information about them on the internet as well as motorcycle and electric stores.
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs
Do you need insurance for your motorcycle? Find out more, visit: Cheap Motor Bike Insurance
Top 3 Ways to Find Motorcycles For Sale
July 23, 2008 by nodoubtmarketing
Filed under Motorcycles
Buying a motorcycle can be quite exciting, and yet, quite frustrating as well. Deciding upon what type of bike you want is often time-consuming in itself, especially for first-time riders. But even for experienced cyclers who have already owned a bike or two, it can be difficult to figure out what type of motorcycle to purchase.
But choosing a motorcycle model that you prefer is simple compared to perusing all of the motorcycles for sale and trying to find one that is right for you. There are so many places a person can look, it can be confusing trying to figure out what is the best way to buy a motorcycle.
So, here is a roundup of the three top ways you can find motorcycles for sale, along with the benefits of each. These should help you to decide which the best is for you.
1. Dealerships
Everyone knows you can find motorcycles for sale at dealerships, just as everyone is likely aware that this is generally the most expensive place to purchase any bikes. But, many people prefer to choose this option because motorcycles for sale at dealerships are safe bets. In other words, they are usually sold with some type of warranties or guarantees and may include some routine maintenance on the bikes.
Depending upon the dealership you go to, you may find both new and used motorcycles for sale. You might also be able to purchase a completely customized bike out of the dealer catalog and have it built to your specifications (for a handsome cost, of course). Dealerships offer the widest variety of motorcycles for sale.
2. Classified Advertisements/For Sale By Owner
You can often find the motorcycle you want in the weekly newspaper classified advertisements or posted in another local sales bulletin. These types of advertisements are all considered to be ‘for sale by owner.’ Other ‘for sale by owner’ motorcycles can be found as signs posted in people’s yards.
This is generally a very inexpensive way to purchase preowned motorcycles. Of course, with these types of motorcycles for sale there are no guarantees or warrantees. But if you are careful and have a mechanic inspect any bike before you make a purchase, this can be a good way to get the bike you want at a great price.
3. Online Advertisements
Motorcycles for sale online are generally the same that could be seen in any given classified ad section in any newspaper, but with a big difference: the online advertisements offer a much wider scope. Whereas your classified ad section in your newspaper consists only of motorcycles being sold locally; online advertisements has motorcycles for sale over a much larger region. Some websites cover the entire country; others are based in a specific state or part of the country.
Online advertisements are an inexpensive way to purchase motorcycles. Legitimate websites act as a go-between for sellers and purchasers, so sellers are held liable if they aren’t honest about their motorcycles for sale. This means you can purchase a motorcycle online without fear of being swindled.
Click here to learn more about motorcycles for sale at The MotorcyclePedia.
Top Accessories for Riders of BMW Motorcycles
July 23, 2008 by nodoubtmarketing
Filed under Motorcycles
BMW motorcycle owners are very particular about their bikes, like other motorcycle owners. But in some cases, the riders of BMW motorcycles take their fastidiousness to a larger degree, often pampering their bikes with the best materials and accessories that can be found anywhere.
This meticulousness in their care for their motorcycles has led some companies and individuals to develop accessories that are only for BMW motorcycles. Here are some of the top items that owners of these bikes can get to enhance their rides.
First of all, and maybe most exciting, are custom windshields. The owners of BMW motorcycles are lucky in that they can get custom windshields made by someone who used to make aircraft windshields. Because of this, these windshields are particularly well-designed. Called Cee Bailey windshields, these can be ordered in custom lengths and in a variety of tints. All are free of distortions that are common in all other windshields, and all are thicker than traditional windshields. Cee Bailey windshields can be made for all types of BMW motorcycles. To find them, do an online search for “Cee Bailey BMW motorcycles windshields”.
Another accessory that many owners of BMW motorcycles choose to purchase is Russell Day-Long Touring Saddles. Granted, these custom-made seats are not only made for BMW motorcycles; however, a large percentage of riders who purchase the Day-Long Touring Saddles are BMW owners.
The Russell Day-Long Touring Saddles can be customized in many ways. The manufacturers take the rider’s (or riders’) height and weight and looks at pictures of the customer(s) sitting in their previous motorcycle seats. The saddles are then designed to the customer specifications as to color, fabric, style, and other considerations. Customers may also choose to add lumbar support or to make theirs a heated saddle seat. Seats can also be embroidered with a customer name or initials.
Then, of course, most riders of BMW motorcycles want a GPS (global positioning system) unit. But BMW riders don’t just want to head to the nearest electronics store to purchase one. No, they want the special GPS unit that was developed by BMW. This is called the BMW Motorrad Navigator GPS.
This unit comes in a few different model types, but all include street maps for every state in the United States, an anti-glare high definition surface so that they can be read even in direct sunlight, and text-to-speech software that enables the rider to listen to directions rather than having to take his eyes off of the road to read them.
Most BMW owners also want to get customized helmets and other riding gear. Customization is really the name of the game when it comes to BMW motorcycles. Helmets can be sized to fit larger heads, which can be quite helpful for many people. Other riders prefer to have unique riding jackets or handlebar grips. Some riders of BMW motorcycles even like to customize their motorcycle parts; items such as tires, chain guards, spark plugs, gauges, and more. Having items made to order is something many BMW owners greatly enjoy.
Click here to learn more about BMW motorcycles at The MotorcyclePedia.
Tips for Purchasing Used Motorcycle Luggage
July 23, 2008 by nodoubtmarketing
Filed under Motorcycles
You just brought that brand new bike home and as you’re standing there admiring not only the appearance of it, but the sweet deal you got on it as well, you noticed that something was missing. You are planning on taking an extensive two-week road trip within the next month, but there isn’t enough storage on that bike to accommodate your needs, especially with clothing, food, and gear.
Now you’re confronted with a dilemma. You’ve already decided that you want the matching saddle bags and trunk that are available through the manufacturer (which you should have done when you ordered the bike). However, it’s too late to do that now since they won’t arrive in time for that road trip. So you’ve decided to purchase some used motorcycle luggage for the time being.
You wouldn’t normally worry about buying new equipment, but you are concerned about buying it used. Whether you have decided on hard or soft luggage, purchasing the equipment used is a great way to save a few bucks and still be able to take off on that long awaited trip that is right around the corner. So, just to throw you a little advice, here are 5 tips to help you make that purchase.
Tip #1 – Educate yourself on the different types of motorcycle luggage. First of all, motorcycle luggage is classified in two categories — hard and soft. Then there are the subcategories — saddlebags, tank bags, and trunks. These come in a variety of materials, but leather is always recommended most.
Tip #2 – Don’t over-purchase the luggage. A lot of new riders (and even some experienced ones) make the mistake of buying more motorcycle luggage than what is necessary. Even when you are purchasing used luggage, this still equates to wasting your money. Additionally, there is the issue of overwhelming the bike with more than what is necessary, and this could result in the bike becoming unstable.
Tip #3 – If you want to find used motorcycle luggage, the first place to shop is at a used motorcycle dealer. Makes sense to me. There are used motorcycle parts shops that you can visit as well. Despite these venues, probably the easiest way to shop for used luggage is online, but there are no guarantees that the items will fit properly.
Tip #4 – Ride your bike on that shopping excursion. Common sense would tell you that this is the best way to ensure that what you purchase fits properly and therefore eliminates any guesswork, which I feel is like making assumptions. And we all know the outcome when we assume things, don’t we?
Tip #5 – Once you have found the motorcycle luggage you want, give it a thorough inspection. Four things to make sure of:
- all the locks lock properly and all the zippers zip easily (and stay zipped)
- if there is a lock (or locks), make sure you get the right key (or keys)
- there are no rips, tears, or unstitched seams in the material
- there are no problems with any of the brackets or clips closing when it comes to mounting, and securing the luggage
Click here to learn more about used motorcycle luggage at The MotorcyclePedia.

