Jun 5, 2019 | Motorcycle, Motorcycle Maintenance
It’s easy to talk about the fun aspects of motorcycles. It’s just as easy to talk about the dangerous ones. But no one ever really talks about the weird ones. For example, any world record held by people involving motorcycles. If you’ve ever wondered about some of the strangest motorcycle world records, we’ve compiled a list of the weirdest ones for you here.
Motorcycle World Records: Historical Moments
Balancing a Motorcycle
Every motorcycle rider knows you need balance. But for Gerard Jessie, balance takes on a new meaning. Jessie holds the record for the longest time balancing a motorcycle on his head. After balancing the motorcycle for 14.93 seconds, Jessie earned the title for one of the strangest motorcycle world records.
Longest Wheelie
With the popularity of wheelies in movies and television shows, you’d think they’d be a little easier to accomplish. As wheelies are pretty dangerous, most riders don’t attempt them. If they do attempt them, they certainly aren’t over 200 miles long. In 1991, Yasuyuki Kudo held a wheelie for 205.7 miles at the Japan Auto Research Institute. This is by far one of the most impressive motorcycle world records.
Most Expensive
Some people have luxury cars that had a small production run. Others, 13 of them actually, have limited production motorcycles. This is the most expensive of the listed world records. At $300,000, the Ecosse Titanium Series Fe Ti XX is the most expensive production bike in the world.
Most People on a Bike
The most people on a motorcycle is 56 people. In 2013, a group of people in India broke the record for the most amount of people on a bike. While this is one of the hardest motorcycle world records to beat, keep in mind that the group goes by the name “Daredevils”.
Longest Continuous Ride
2013 seems to be the year for breaking world records. For nine miles, Captain Abhayjit Mehlawat stood on his motorcycle. Remember, the motorcycle was moving for all nine of those miles.
Hands-Free Ride
Your mom probably dreaded hearing, “look mom, no hands!”. I’m sure Marcello Sarandrea’s mom dreaded it, too. Marcello rode his bike for 137.94 miles in Rome, Italy with using absolutely no hands. That’s one of the most impressive (and most dangerous) motorcycle world records we’ve heard.
Jun 2, 2019 | Motorcycle, Motorcycle Maintenance
Every rider hopes that their bike will run without issue. However, there will be some times where something might wear out or break and you’ll have to do some maintenance. However, buying parts can be a bit tricky. That’s why it’s important to know some general guidelines to follow when doing some parts shopping…
Buying Parts: What You Should Know
Manufacturer vs. aftermarket
The first thing to consider when buying parts is if you’d want a manufacturer part versus an aftermarket part. However, many people don’t fully know what the differences between these two types of parts are. Manufacturer parts are parts that come straight from the bike manufacturer. These parts will fit your bike exact, but can be a bit more pricey.
Aftermarket parts are parts sold by other companies. These parts can fit your bike, and others as well. These parts also tend to be cheaper, but this comes with some of them not being as well put together or tested as their manufacturer counterparts. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to do some digging to figure out which part type is best for your needs.
Replacements vs. upgrades
Another common mistake people make when buying parts is getting confused between replacement parts and upgrades. Replacement parts will ensure that your bike acts the same as it did before. After all, the designers intended for these parts to fully replace a broken part only. However, things get trickier with upgrades.
Upgrade parts will change how a certain part of your bike handles. This could include your bike’s speed, traction, exhaust, and many more. Many popular aftermarket parts tend to be upgrades. Remember to keep that in mind when looking for parts, so you get the right kind of part for your needs.
Shop smart
It’s important to be a smart shopper when you’re buying parts. You’ll want to make sure you buy your parts from reputable dealers or sellers. Buying from other riders can be cheaper, but those parts could be used, or have other issues which you may not know about. You also wouldn’t be able to return those parts should you run into a problem.
Also, don’t just buy the first part you see. Do some looking around, and ask others for their opinions. A good idea is to check the reviews for a part before you buy. That way, you’ll see if there are any serious problems that you should know about.
Feb 24, 2019 | Motorcycle, Motorcycle Accidents
With Spring right around the corner, bikes which have been put away for the Winter can finally have their chance to shine again. However, before getting back out on the road, it’s important to perform some quick Spring maintenance. That way, you avoid running into issues when you’re out on that first joy ride of the season…
Spring Maintenance: What to Double-Check
Oil and filters
Proper Spring maintenance includes checking and replacing your fuel and oil supplies. Make sure that your oil still looks good, and add more or replace it if the levels or quality are not up to par. The same goes for your gas tank. If you have any leftover fuel from the Winter, it’s a good idea to drain it and run some fresh fuel through the lines.
Furthermore, your bike filters need a check too. When checking your oil and gas, check the filters as well. Your oil, fuel, and air filters are all important and work together to provide you with the best ride possible.
Battery and plugs
Battery and spark plug checks are sometimes overlooked during Spring maintenance. Also, check your battery for residue buildup and if it has any charge. If your charge appears to be on the weaker side, try to give it a quick charge and work on getting a new one soon.
Spark plugs can be easy to check, but sometimes riders overthink them during their Spring maintenance. First, just pull out the plugs and check their condition. If they need replacement, just go for a plug that had a good reputation and fits your bike.
Chain, breaks and tires
Your chain, breaks, and tires all work together, so if one is in bad shape, they all can be impacted. For your chain, check for rust or breaks first. If it all looks good, give it a quick clean and apply some new lubricant. Then, most of your Spring maintenance is done.
Your last stop on Spring maintenance, is checking the breaks. As we all know, brake function is key to safety for any rider or driver. Check the break pads for wear, and replace the brake fluid with a new batch. For the tires, make sure they have the right amount of air in them. Give them a change as well if they’re a bit too worn out.
Spring is a great time to start riding again. Of course, you want to make sure your bike is still in working order after a Winter tucked away. Doing this Spring maintenance can help make sure your bike is ready for the many, many rides ahead.
Dec 14, 2018 | Motorcycle, Motorcycle Accidents
Braking with a motorcycle can be a difficult thing to do. The process is much different than braking in a car. In a car all we have to do is press the brake, and all four tires respond in harmony with one another. But on most motorcycles, the front and rear brake use separate controls. Each control operates a wheel. And a wheel can easily lock up during a hard brake. Being that a motorcyclist never knows when they will have to use the brakes abruptly, this can be a safety problem. A wheel that locks up instead of braking can cause a serious accident. In some cases the impact of a locked wheel will throw the rider from the bike. Therefore, an anti-lock braking system for your motorcycle is a good safety option.
Anti-Lock Braking System Pro’s
1. How They Work
In short, an anti-lock braking system works by measuring wheel speed. Typically, a wheel speed sensor send signals to the anti-lock system. From those signals, the system can judge whether the wheel is about to stop.
In that case, the system uses that information to rapidly adjust the pressure from the brake cylinder on the brake caliper. This reduces pressure if a lock up is about to happen, and increases the pressure again once the bike has gained traction once again.
2. Benefits of Anti-lock Braking
There are many safety benefits to having an anti-lock braking system on a motorcycle. Studies show that the rate of deadly crashes is thirty-one percent lower on a bikewith an anti-lock system. When tested on a track, riders stopped quicker with the anti-lock system. In addition, the required braking distance also improved to a shorter distance.
As far as feeling the brake system goes, the anti-lock braking system does not affect normal braking. It is only issued in a time of emergency. Furthermore, the system comes as light as one and a half pounds. So, as you can see, an anti-lock braking system can go a long way in giving you added protection behind the wheel of a motorcycle. We encourage you to explore your options, and ride safely.
Aug 24, 2018 | Motorcycle
When it comes to motorcycle manners and etiquette, there are some things that are sacred. Having proper etiquette on your motorcycle means that you’re following the law, driving considerately, and showing courtesy towards other riders and drivers. By being a responsible motorcyclist, you help to kill the biker stigma, keep yourself safe, and make drivers and riders aware of the moves you might be making. Therefore, using motorcycle manners and etiquette can do a lot for you, and other people on the roadway.
Motorcycle Manners and Etiquette: Breaking Biker Bias & Being Considerate
Be mindful of other bikers when coming up close
The first rule of motorcycle manners is to be respectful of other bikers’ space. When approaching another biker, don’t ride up too closely. If you want to pass, give them the signal that you’re going to do so. You don’t want to make the other driver angry, anxious, or nervous by riding too close. So, give them space just like you’d want. Furthermore, give them enough time to respond and react to your signals when you give them. By respecting their space, they’ll be more likely to respect you, and your space.
Wave
Yep, it’s that simple. When you’re riding around other motorcyclists— waving or giving a quick nod is customary, and a sign of respect. By doing this, you’re showing that you see them, and you’re aware of their space. Many motorcyclists will make more of a habit to wave at someone on the same brand of bike as theirs. But, waving at any and all is a sign of respect that can go a long way.
How these signs and symbols can help reduce biker bias
The images that come to mind (for most) of bikers are particularly destructive to the motorcycle community. While we are aware that motorcyclists are just your every day bankers, doctors, moms, dads, and so forth— the stigma of inconsiderate speed demons is quite a popular one. Therefore, by showing that the motorcycle community is, in fact, a community, and not a gang of lawless bandits— you help to strengthen the idea of normal people who love bikes. Help to show that, we too, have manners like the rest of the drivers on the road.
Aug 8, 2018 | Motorcycle
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows how great it can be. It’s a liberating way to enjoy beautiful weather, see beautiful places, and experience the thrill of the open air. Riders do so in a number of ways; some do their daily commute on a motorcycle, and some use it as a weekend getaway. No matter what you prefer, you always buy a motorcycle with more in mind than just functionality. However, the fun can quickly come to a halt when you begin to experience motorcycle-related back pain. Although there are many positives to riding, back pain is most definitely a down side.
Motorcycle-Related Back Pain: Cause and Prevention
The most important thing to know is that motorcycle-related back pain can stem from a number of different things. From posture, to support, and even weight— depending on the way you ride, and what you ride, there could be a number of causes.
What bikes are best?
So, if you’re looking to purchase a bike, and back support is a priority for you, look into your standard bike. Cruisers and Sport bikes offer much less support. Standard bikes force the rider to sit up straight, and provide that little bit of support that trains you to have good posture atop your bike. Your second best option is a cruiser. Cruisers also have that bit of support that allows for an upright posture, limiting the amount of stress. However, a sport bike forces the rider to lean forward. Thus, offering the most stress on your back and the least support.
Other factors in causing pain
There are plenty of other factors that can lead to motorcycle-related back pain. For instance, a rider’s weight may lead to discomfort in that they have to handle the bike accordingly. Furthermore, the positioning of your bike parts can cause issues. If your handlebars, seat, and foot pegs aren’t in the correct places— the way you have to sit to handle your bike can be damaging to your posture. Many people don’t think to customize their parts to their body. However, it’s worth the investment to make your riding experience a little more unique to you, and the needs of your own body.
Riding a motorcycle is a liberating feeling, and one that many people chase after. But when that bike leads to back trouble— the appeal can sink quickly. That’s where picking the right bike, positioning, and parts can make all the difference. A bike can mean back pain for many, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
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