Metric Motorcycle Holidays Tours

Confused on what to buy as an important accessory to your motor bike? Then, let us help you in choosing the right stuff that you should have!

A motorcycle is an engine- powered vehicle that is designed for off-road adventures, long distance travels or even for traffic- congested places. All over the world, this is the most broadly used means of transportation. Aside from this, it is also regarded as the cheapest. Using this type of transportation entails you to use the necessary gears and equipments in order to guarantee you and your rider's safety.

Here are the ten most important things you should have when you own a motorcycle:
1. The classic helmet is the top most important gear in the motor biking business. This is due to the fact that it can shield your head from the risk of fatal accidents in motorcycling. It is said that out of 100,000 motor bikers around 78 of these encounter critical life and death situations as compared to car accidents who experience 17 out of 100,000 car owners. This justifiably surmounts that motorcycle accidents account 4 times more, particularly in the number of deadly disasters occurring on the streets. Having a helmet will definitely lower than your risk of getting head contusions and haemorrhage whilst unavoidable circumstances should happen. It is advisable to buy a brand of helmet that is reliable and proven. Helmets of low quality are like wearing no head protection at all. Most motorcycle owners buy these, thinking only of the amount it would cost them, and not thinking about the major price they will pay once they are wearing this kind of helmet and an accident occurs.

2. Eyewear that comes in many forms like that of bugeye goggles, sunglasses and even interchangeable sunglasses. Hence bugeye glasses can be your primary choice. These glasses come in forms that can fit into your face properly. Of course, you don't want your eye protection to be sloppy because in that way you won't be able to see the road properly. This will also help avoid any dust or very small rocks, along some roads, from hitting your eyes. This is especially in roads and streets that are under construction or repair. It is said that cataracts are usually from the dust and dirt that your eyes have accumulated through the years.

3. Jackets vary from the regular ones to the types that possess support. Riders call this type of jacket as an "armour jacket". This jacket is imperative for riders in order to attain additional warmth in riding, particularly at night and during cold weathers. This is also worn to protect their inner clothes. When you use armoured jackets it can provide you the support you will need because it contains a shoulder, elbow and arms protector. Furthermore, it may also contain spine and chest supporters. Some jackets also have their own kidney belts for obvious reasons.

4. Gloves are extra paraphernalia you will need for the purpose of hand protection. This is true since it provides extra warmth and mobility, especially in cold temperatures. Furthermore, it helps reduce fatigue. Some gloves also have air ventilation for your fingers, leather protection for some high impact areas, and some even have carbon fibre heating elements that electronically give off controlled infrared heat. These carbon heating elements are safe even in wet conditions.

5. Boots are a big step in motor riding. A pair of highly durable, wide fitting foot shape for maximum comfort is a must-have motorcycle gear. Modern boots have a quick drying polyamide lining that is covered with foam and high density contoured padding. This is placed in order to absorb shocks for your foot area. Some boots also have sole tractions with distinct heels, as well as special tread patterns for better performance in any type of weather.

6. Riding suits are the best part of being a motor rider. They come in textile, leather and can be either as one-piece or a two-piece set. This is best for night time safety because of its reflective sport badges. Some even possess chrome accents. Leather suits are best for rough riding due to its excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility. Some are also waterproof and breathable textile suits that are made from nylon fabrics. This can really be an advantage during the rainy seasons. Thus, these waterproof suits can be your rainy day outfit and can prevent you from acquiring colds and coughs because of the rain.

7. Fairing or a wind shield is used in order to protect engine components during an accident. This actually helps the driver ride against the forces of the wind and for aerodynamic purposes. This is mainly crafted from acrylic plastic or fibreglass. In the absence of such, the rider can easily get a so-called "tire off". Plus, it can be the major source of a drag which can be pushed back from the handles because of the windsock effect that usually occurs at 100 km/ hour or 62 mph. Modernized fairings can even help prevent hypothermia for riders who are up for a long travel, preventing the rider from chilling and losing his balance.

8. Heated handgrips/ seats can offer comfort to the driver whenever it is winter season or windy days. This can improve the attention of the driver on the roads particularly in cold weather.

9. Saddlebags or pannier, trunk, luggage rack is mainly used for people who have many things to carry but cannot do it by themselves once they ride their bikes. The difference of each is just the location but one function would be the one previously mentioned. Hence, saddlebags or the so-called "pannier" are mainly placed at both sides of the motorcycle. The motorcycle trunk is mostly found at the back of the vehicle. The luggage rack is usually added to bikes so as to have the baggage fastened in this part of the vehicle. Thus, it can also minimize the rider's use of backpacks, making it more secure because it can add to the weight and the capacity of the motorcycle.

10. A motor cover is a thoughtful way to care for your vehicle. Imagine the change of weather and rainy seasons, especially if its winter and you will just leave your bike in the garage for a few weeks, you will definitely need this. Aside from maintaining the warmth of the engine of your vehicle, it can also prevent dirt from accumulating. Thus, a little investment on such a cheap tool can help you prevent further loss of big amounts of your income.

There are other important gears being invented for motorcycles these days. Some would be for your motorcycles appearance and some for your own safety while driving it. It is up to you if you would like to add in gears to your adored motorcycle. Just make sure that you have the important things first. Although it is quite expensive, it is definitely worth it because it will guarantee you a longer time to drive roads and even high ways, Even if you see yourself as a safe driver, you can never tell what type of driver is on the other end of the road or high way with you. It is always best to be prepared with these safety gears. So invest on the things you will surely use and be of help to your safety. You will surely get your money's worth after sometime.

10 Most Important Motorcycle Gear and Equipment by Dave Text

Perfecto is a brand of double style leather motorcycle jackets manufactured by American clothing company Schott NYC. The first jacket was introduced in 1928, making it the first ever double style leather motorcycle jacket. Marlon Brando wore a Perfecto in the 1953 movie The Wild One. The jackets were also worn by punk rock pioneers The Ramones.

Light Tops In 1928 Irving Schott of Schott Bros designed a leather motorcycle jacket he named the Perfecto. It was a double style design and the first of its kind. Schott Bros later manufactured a very similar jacket for the Beck label called the Beck 333 Northeaster. Both of these styles are very rare today and highly valued by collectors.

In the late 1940's Schott Bros introduced a new jacket based on the original Perfecto and Northeaster design called the 613. It was soon nicknamed the One Star because it had a star on each shoulder passant. A few years later the company introduced the 618 which was identical to the 613 except for the stars. This was the style that Marlon Brando wore in the movie The Wild One. The stars on the passants and the snaps on the collar of his jacket were not original, but added to the jacket. These jackets have a very snug, almost tailored fit, which is perfectly suited for motorcycle riding. They are also very short by today's standards.

The 613 and 618 Perfectos have been produced for more than 50 years so finding out when a vintage jacket was made can be very difficult. There have however been slight variations in the design which can be of help. Some of the details in the timeline below overlap.

The 613 One Star is introduced. Jackets are made out of horsehide. Neck label is rectangular, black with Perfecto App U.S Pat ??? Genuine Horsehide Front Quarter - Style Quality printed in gold letters. TALON main and cuff zippers and 'Miter' belt buckle (rectangular with mitered corners). Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 50 angle, zippers close up. Jackets have snaps for attaching fur collar, no snaps on collar, plain snaps, sleeves are double stitched, passants are also double stitched and have a rounded end. Stitching on collar is placed further in than it is on lapels. Lining is black with grid stitching. Straight lower back panel and underside of sleeves are one piece. Inner lower facing and sleeve plackets are made out of faux leather/vinyl.

The 618 is introduced. It is identical to the 613 except for the lack of stars.

Jackets are made out of steerhide. Neck label is black with Style Quality Perfecto Genuine Steerhide All Hand Cut in creme and red letters on coat of arms/crest. Small long white size tag with black letters directly below neck label. Schott Bros. Inc. printed on leather neck hanger. Stitching on collar and lapels is placed at the same distance from edge. Passants have one seam and a pointy end. ESKO cuff zippers. Side pockets are at an approx. 55 angle and breast pocket at a 65 angle.

Neck label is black with bull and cactus, Perfecto genuine steerhide - handcut Schott Bros. Small white size tag with red letters directly below neck label.

Neck label is square, black with Schott in white curly letters above orange and yellow coat of arms .

Jackets are made out of steerhide (613/618) and naked cowhide (118, introduced in 1977). Neck label is rectangular, creme white with bull in upper left corner, Perfecto in yellow diagonal stripe and by Schott Bros. in lower right corner. Small white size tag with red letters directly to the right of neck label. TALON cuff zippers. Side pockets are at an approx. 55 angle and breast pocket at a 60.

Schott NYC appears on neck label, small white size tag with black letters directly to the right of neck label, tag with American flag and Made in U.S.A directly to the right of neck label (under small white size tag). Nothing printed on leather neck hanger. Schott (YKK) main zipper, EMAR cuff zippers and rectangular belt buckle with oval sides. Pocket zippers now close down. Lining goes all the way down inside of jackets, leather sleeve plackets. A slight dip in bottom part of lower back panel, otherwise straight.

Schott stops producing the 613 One Star. Underarm footballs, two piece underside sleeves, oval lower back panel, inside pocket and snaps on collar are introduced. Snaps for attaching fur collar are removed (no fur collar produced). Snaps have Schott stamped on them. Motorcycle rider instead of bull appears on neck label, size is printed on the American flag tag. Leather inner lower facing. Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 50 angle (reverse from what they were in the 1960s-70's and more like they were in the 1950s), side pockets are moved further away from the center of the jackets and down a bit. Square thin buckle is introduced.

Schott reintroduces the 613 One Star (in steerhide with mid 70's neck label) but without snaps for the fur collar and with inner pocket. Snaps on 613 are plain. Snaps for fur collar back on 618/118. Style 118 is updated to a fuller fit, 613/618 retain original slim fit. Schott NYC chrome main zipper, IDEAL sleeve zippers and bigger square belt buckle (by Century Canada) are introduced. Side pockets are at an approx. 60 angle and breast pocket at a 45 angle.

Style 118 is fitted with new chrome pocket zippers with different pulls (Schott recently switched back to the original chain zipper pulls) and a snap under the belt buckle to prevent it from damaging the gas tank. The side pockets on the 118 have supposedly been moved closer to the center of the jacket for easier access. The 613/618 have not been updated since the early 1990s.

Perfecto Motorcycle Jacket:dresscloth

The pleasure and thrill of riding on the open road in a motorcycle is unforgettable. It brings a different kind of freedom, fun and excitement for riders. There are no seatbelts to restrict your movement, no feeling of being contained inside. You ride with the wind.

However, nothing is worse than encountering an accident while you are riding a motorcycle. As much as the double pleasure and fun that you get from riding motorcycles instead of a car, injuries and damages tend to be doubly worse if you encounter an accident involving such.

According to statistics of last year, in the United States alone, there had been more than 3,000 fatal and catastrophic motorcycle accidents. In the United Kingdom, the statistics are as terrifying.



It is understandable why every single motorcycle accidents are catastrophic, especially if it is a vehicle versus motorcycle crash accident. With nothing else to absorb the force of impact, motorcycle riders are usually the ones who suffer much.

Now, if you are a motorcycle rider, you not only need to wear and use protective garments and gadgets on yourself and your motorbike. You also need to know the predictable causes of motorcycle accidents. By being aware of the usual incidences, you may be able to prevent an accident from happening, or at least be alert enough to know what to do when you become involved in one.

Usual causes of motorbike crashes and accidents:

1. Poor maintenance - the most distinctive feature of the motorcycle is its two wheels. It is also the main reason why it is essentially more unstable if compared to cars and trucks. For this reason, the motorcycle need constant and careful maintenance to ensure that it will be safe when ridden out on the open road.

Even a somewhat misaligned tire can potentially cause a catastrophic motorcycle crash. Engine and brake failure is also a potential cause.

As such, constant checking to see if the motorcycle is at its top shape is needed. Replace bald and worn out tires. Always check the engine, brakes and other vital parts of the motorcycle.

If you cannot do the maintenance on your own, make sure to have someone with knowledge about motorcycles, a mechanic even to conduct a regular maintenance check.

2. Bad roads - treacherous roads that are already dangerous enough for cars and trucks can become fatal for motorcycles. Beware of roads with big potholes, loose gravel and sand.

Motorcycle riders that have no other choice than ride through bad roads must slow down and be alert to avoid accidents.

3. Road debris - blowouts due to pointed objects littered on the road must be prevented by keeping alert while driving through debris-filled roads.

Beware of oil leaks or spilled oil on the road, too.

4. Weather - passing through ice or rain is very dangerous for motorcycle riders. Always check the weather conditions before going out for a ride. It is wise judgment to avoid riding when the fog and snow is too thick or when there are torrential rains or heavy downpour.

5. Under influence of drugs or alcohol - if it is dangerous to be out driving on a car when drunk or loaded with drugs, it is doubly treacherous to ride out in a motorcycle.

Remember, much of the fun and excitement that can be had by motorcycle riding and being responsible and serious enough to be aware of the dangers.

For more reliable information concerning motorcycle crash accidents and its legal implications, have your case evaluated by a qualified Los Angeles motorcycle crash lawyer

Predictable Causes of Motorcycle Accidents By Carla C. Ballatan

With recent news suggesting the number of people riding motorbikes without insurance is increasing, coupled with the fact that bikers are roughly 30% more likely to be involved in a crash than a car driver, it has never been more important to ensure you are covered properly when you start riding.

So what do you need to look out for to get the best insurance quotes around? Firstly, it's highly important to shop around. Make sure you check with lots of different motorcycle insurance providers - while many mainstream insurers will offer full cover on a 125cc bike for as much as 1500 pounds, a specialist motorcycle insurer could go as low as 300 pounds for a learner motorcyclist.

How do these insurers come to these insurance quotes? As with pretty much any type of insurance quotes, the insurer needs detailed information about the rider and the bike so they can get a better idea of your chances of needing to make a claim against them. The higher the chance of a claim, the higher your insurance quote will be.

Regarding personal details, a motorcycle insurer will typically require you to give the usual details such as your age, riding experience and where you live. This is so they can judge how likely you're going to have an accident, or if you're in an area susceptible to high levels of theft. It's also worth noting that an older rider, even if they are a learner, will probably get a lower quote than a learner motorcyclist still in their teens.

With the bike, you will need to declare the type of bike it is and any modifications made. If you were to be involved in a collision and you're insurer finds you're riding a different bike to that declared, or if it has modifications that haven't been noted, there is a good chance that the insurer won't pay up. Some providers may also require you declare what the motorbike will be mainly used for (i.e. for work or just leisure / commuting) and whether it will be stored in a garage or out in the street.

With all your details straightened out, your next step is to work out what level of motorcycle insurance best suits your needs. There are three levels of motorcycle cover - third party; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive.

The lowest level of cover, third party, is the minimum legal requirement of any vehicle on UK roads. It basically covers any damages to other vehicles if you are found to be responsible for an accident. It doesn't cover damages to your motorcycle.

Third part fire and theft, or TPFT for short, covers the same as above plus the risk of damage caused by fire and your bike being stolen.

Fully comprehensive cover, typically the most expensive level of insurance, as the name suggests covers everything above, plus any damages incurred to your own motorbike. It's recommended in most cases that fully comprehensive insurance is the best to go for, as it will cover you in all eventualities - sod's law says something will usually happen if you're not fully covered!

So, now you're equipped with all the information you need, it's time to get out there and search as many motorcycle insurance providers as you can to find the best deal for you!

Weber writes about 125cc motorbike insurance at 125cc motorbikes, an information and resource site all about the 125cc bikes.
A Beginner's Guide to UK Learner Motorbike Insurance By Rik Weber

What a collection of handbags do women have? Awesome range and beautiful finish. A range of Shoulder bags, laptop bags, handbag tote, vertical bag, clutches, canvas sling with leopard design or zebra pattern to pick from. Isn’t it maddening? If you are a fashion fanatic, you’ll be amazed by the collection that’s available online.

Women handbags in Australia are made out of skin to cart coins, into splendidly designed accessories made from select materials. The range of brands to choose from which women usually rave about are Zac Posen, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Alexis Hudson, Valentino, the reason being they offer fine designs and quality. Which is your choice? Don’t forget to choose different handbags for different occasions and based on your personality and body type. What does your handbag say about your personality?

Heavy sized tote or cute clutch, Very funky, very retro canvas sling what is your choice. You can now buy handbags that you have seen on famous celebrities and on the pages of fashion magazines. Just compare prices online and choose the best and reasonable one. Online route, offers you the latest and popular styles such as the ever-popular motorcycle handbag, paddington handbag, stam handbag, gaucho handbag, guaffre handbag, silverado handbag, betty handbag, oversized weekender bag, messenger handbag. Don’t just go by the style and design look at your requirement too. Women with children will clearly need some additional space, whereas the women who want to go to a party or special function will look for something which matches their outfit and isn't too large. Leather is pricey but will last you longer and will show to be a unbelievable investment if you take good care of it.

Edgy fashion and accessories label, specialising in women's bags, belts, jewellery and shoes, providing a range of highly sought-after collection. Different types of handbags include; clutch, tote, satchels, shoulder bags etc and with different designs the choice is substantial. The design is very vital and will clearly fit the individuals fashion sense, but the material the bag is made of will also play a role.

If you choose the online route to select your bags, you get to see the latest and popular styles There are many more other styles to choose from and are all available at only a fraction of the cost of designer australia handbags. There are online discount women handbags and purses featured which is similar in style to that of famous celebrity bags & fashion purses. Then, what are you waiting for?women handbag Australia helps you.

Women Handbags, What Does it Say About Your Personality!:Kirthy Shetty

Having had my Driver's License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs, to Corvettes, to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo's to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them, you can drive on the side of them, but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi's (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk's (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.
Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first, second, third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one, two, or perhaps three seconds ago.

Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles, all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice, polite, quiet people that they are Thai's when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.

In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful, either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur whenever and wherever.

Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY, vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself, Is this guy trying to scare me, is he trying to be funny, does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:

I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction, they may not have any decent insurance coverage, and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them, I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky, cheerful, hard working people and I love them.

If you are interested in learning more about living here, moving here, Thai foods, about Thailand and Chiang Mai visit our website.

Driving in Chiang Mai, Thailand. - Can I, should I?:George Dowhan

One of the biggest reasons that I love my job is that it gives me so much time to develop myself personally. Each and every day I set about learning new skills and challenging old limiting beliefs about what I can and can’t do! Many of my clients think that because of the job that I do, that I am 100% and that I have reached my potential. Well I must say that the success that I have created for myself so far in life is certainly fun and exciting and it allows me to do things that others only dream about, however I always feel that I can develop and improve more as while I continue to grow older and wiser my wants and needs in life are changing and ‘success’ now has a different meaning to me than it did… say ten years ago.

So what is success to you?

Is it earning enough money each and every month to pay your taxes and your bank for any credit cards you have? Is it raising a happy family and living happily ever after in your home sweet home? Maybe it is being the CEO of a major international companying. Whatever success is to you, one thing should be well understood – you can achieve and reach your success with a little planning.

As a child I remember taking my bike out of the back garden and deciding that I wanted to go on a bike ride. I peddled around for hours wondering which route to take out of town. Before I knew what was happening the sun was setting and it was time to get myself off home for my dinner. Later that year I decided on another bike ride, however this time I decided to do a little research and go to the local filling station and get a map of the local area and all the towns around my home town of Bicester. A few days before the week end I studied the map and decided to visit Banbury which was some 17 miles away. I decided the route and what I needed to take for lunch and that weekend I was off!

Success – I had achieved a bike ride that will stay in my memories as a true achievement for the rest of my life. Not bad for an 11 year old boy is it?

Just imagine what you could achieve if only you set your mind to it and did a little bit of planning!

On Your Bike – The Route To Success By Richard MacKenzie

The Blue Ridge Parkways is the longest rural parkway in the United States. It runs 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains in southern North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia and stretches across the southern Appalachian Mountains. That fact alone promises a very scenic ride. So why don't you give yourself a break and on a motorcycle road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway!

If you want to get the most out of the beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway, you will need to allot four days for this motorcycle road trip. Take the time to stop and explore nearby towns that have existed since the first settlements in America.

Starting from North Carolina, the beginning of your road trip is kicked off with a movie-like dramatic setting as the from the Smoky Mountains is so visible. Ride to Boone, the Firefly Capital of the World. If you are feeling like being a child again, stop by at Boone's major attraction, the Tweetsie Railroad. Moving along to Asheville, treat yourself with cultural and historic attractions. In Asheville, you will find the famous Biltmore Estate, the most technologically-advanced home during the time it was built. You might want to spend the night at Biltmore Estate for their wine and experience the life of the rich and famous.

If you are a fun of the Wild West, you might want to go on your motorcycle road trip with a stop at Maggie Valley. In Maggie, there's the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park. Relax and enjoy staged gunfights. Explore more of Blue Ridge as you head to Humpback Mountain. Deep inside, you will find Linville Caverns. Be sure to look around Linville Caverns and brace yourself to see oddities after oddities in each room.

Leaving North Carolina, you get a chance to see Native American culture manifested in such towns as Cherokee where the Cherokee Indians settles. From another group, however, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you can even learn words from their native tongue and participate in some of their activities like mask carving and canoe hauling. Reaching Virginia, stop by for a live entertainment with local actors giving life to the 1800's Appalachian skills, customs and traditions, all complete with costumes and other props. This performance is held at the Humpback Rocks. The same entertainment lies ahead at Mabry Mill as performers also demonstrate old Appalachian lifestyle. As you relax in Mabry Mill, a bite the town's specialty, the fresh apple butter, will make this motorcycle road trip all worth it.

As dramatic as the Smoky Mountains mist has provided for the beginning of your motorcycle road trip, so does the roaring sound of the Crabtree Falls for the ending. Take one more stop before finally concluding your trip at the Blue Ridge Music Center and listen to some old folk songs dating back from the time of the early settlers.

A four-day excursion via Blue Ridge Parkway will make you realize that there are really so many beautiful places in the United States. As you think of your journey, it encourages you to explore more of the country's four corners to see its beauty with a motorcycle road trip.

To plan your next motorcycle road trip, please use our ultimate road trip planner, which leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable. http://www.tripwiser.com

When you’re ready to sell your car, truck, motorcycle or boat, how will you get it before potential buyers? Most people will pay hundreds of dollars to list their car, truck, motorcycle or boat in their daily or local newspapers. There are even some magazines that specialize in selling used vehicles. For a fee, you can list your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or any vehicle in their pages. You may get the exposure you’re looking for, but you will have to answer countless phone calls. You’ll most likely spend hours giving out your address and directions to your home to total strangers. Hopefully, they’ll show up when they say they will but it’s pretty common for some of these ‘interested’ customers to fall by the wayside.

You could save your advertising dollars and spend your time going to countless dealers trying to trade-in your car, truck, motorcycle or boat. Most people simply go the route of a trade-in because it saves them time and effort. But they may not be getting as much as they could for their car, truck, motorcycle or boat.

If you’re looking to get the full value of your car, truck, motorcycle or boat, avoid losing money at trade-in by listing your car, truck, motorcycle or boat with CapitalAutoAuction . When you list your car, truck, motorcycle or boat with Capital Auto Auction hundreds of people will see it. The professional staff at Capital Auto Auction know how to show off your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat at its best.

You will be getting the full value of your car, truck, motorcycle or boat. And think of how much safer selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat through Capital Auto Auction is. You can avoid having strangers coming to your home.

To get started selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat through Capital Auto Auction, you can visit our website at www.capitalautoauction.com. In order to get started the title to your car, truck, motorcycle or boat must be free of liens and in your name. Capital Auto Auction takes consignments on a first come first serve basis. There are a limited number of consignments taken each week so you will need to fill out the short questionnaire at our website. You will be asked which auction location site you wish to sell your car at. You will also have to supply us with your car, truck, motorcycle or boat’s vehicle year, make and model as well as mileage. You can then list your asking price.

When you sell through Capital Auto auction we do all the advertising and take all the phone calls. We know how to show off your car , truck, motorcycle or boat to get you the full value. We take the worry out of selling your car, truck, motorcycle or boat because if there is ever a problem we do everything possible to make sure both the seller and buyer are satisfied.

Get the Most for Your Used Vehicle by Selling it Through Capital Auto Auction:search rankpros

An overlook-area is a prohibited area for rock climbing but still this area is home to some great climbing, which is no longer permitted. Coopers rock climbing was done primarily in the 70's and early 80's until a ban on the park were imposed in '85. It is still an awesome place to take pictures while visiting the park.

Problems with boulders are more in Motorcycle Rocks. In fact actual climbs are lesser than the boulder problems. These blocks contain boulder problems which are exhilarating and interesting.

Haystack Block is the block which is home to some of the best slab climbing in the park. The left line consists of two sport routes rebolting and the right line of bolts consists of Needle on the Haystack. Trad routes are to the back of the block and there is a project to the left of the rebolting development.

Greenback wall is a very high quality climbing. It has several thrilling climbs on it that are just great which is very similar to climbing at the New River Gorge. This clean face of rock climbing is of the finest quality. It has 1 trad climb Greenback 5.6, and several thrilling stellar 5.11 faces climb.

Roadside Rocks, the most popular, congested and trampled area of the park. You can get a map at the stand. This map will be helpful in providing details about various routes on the cliff or the Sunset Wall.

This area is also a famous bouldering cooper's rock climbing destination. Another popular climb is the one known as the Tendon Repair Kit. Huge boulder problems such as the Greenblock Testpiece, Woody's Arete, The Mountaineer Route, and many others are present in Roadside.

Sunset Wall Extension is the area which is beyond the standard Sunset Wall. This extends all around the woods and upstream up to the Raven Rocks. Coopers rock climbing is one of the finest in the park.

You can park your vehicles either at the main parking lot or at the lot before the main parking lot located on the right and follow the maintenance road on the opposite side of the road. Some of the popular blocks there are High Intensity Block with the super popular Pump it out and Funday Bulge both are top roped routes.

The Good Block in coopers rock climbing has several bolted and mixed climbs on it. A Very Good Climb 5.9 and A Good Climb are very famous here. Around the left side of this block is one of the tougher and thrilling uncompleted projects in the park. Chains and bolts are used to mark the peak of the climbing expedition project as well as to indicate the fall from the peak.

Green Acres is a place of little bit of a hike into, but really worth the hike. There is nearly as much traffic as most of the other areas of the park. Out in the woods with the Rattlesnakes and other critters this cliff is home to quite a few good varieties of rare species.

Raven Rocks is the favorite destination for the tourists of the park and home to very little quality climbing. A good overlook with not as much traffic as the main overlook, this area is near to the Green Acres so can be climbed the same day.

The Various Coopers Rock Climbing Areas by Muna wa Wanjiru

The Lost Coast

The day had finally arrived to ride the Lost Coast. Immediately upon being stationed back in Northern California I traded in my BMW RT 1100 for a 2008 KLR 650. What better route for an inaugural ride? After many years of “hotel” touring I was transitioning back to my “pack it light, freeze at night” mode of travel. The Usal Road and Lost Coast road conditions were an unknown. The winter months of 2008 had seen a lot of rain on the North Coast near Eureka California and my research indicated that the roads could be impassable if wet. Would the KLR be able to conquer what the King’s Range and Sinkyone Wilderness threw our way in late March? To hedge my bets I packed two motorcycle tie down straps that could possible double as tow straps. My riding partner for this trip would be a college roommate from 19 years ago. Glenn had called the day prior with a cryptic, “I’ve bought something that will handle anything the road will throw at us.” Cryptic messages are usually never good. Maybe the extra space the straps would take was cheap insurance. Where we were going Triple A would fear to tread.

Sunday’s early morning start was delayed until 3:00 pm due to Easter commitments. The afternoon came and went. I received a call from Glenn that his new mystery machine would not start. Certainly a dark harbinger of things to come. The afternoon ticked by and 5:00 pm turned to 7:00 pm. Glenn limped into Rohnert Park, CA around 8:30 pm, cold, lost but armed with a hearty appetite and an equally hearty and upbeat attitude; definitely the kind of partner and attitude you need when venturing into the unknown. The said mystery machine came in the form of a 1985 KLR 600! The $800.00 museum piece was a steal until the hard starting bike continued to flood the aftermarket two stroke carburetor and killed the battery (steal was the right term but only time would tell who the victim was). Ever resilient, Glenn fixed the problem that Sunday and forged ahead from Sacramento to Sonoma County. My mom was all too happy to feed the tired road warrior with a home cooked meal. We modified the game plan that night and decided not to ride the Trinity Heritage National Scenic Highway (also known as Hwy 299/3) and the Bigfoot Scenic Byway (Hwy 96) loop out of Eureka. The bikes were prepped and ready despite a little incident with my newly purchased mount. I realized I shouldn’t have procrastinated in purchasing a center stand. While filling the tires earlier in the day the bike fell over as I pushed on the stems with a bit too much vigor. To the KLR’s credit, the new plastic radiator shrouds withstood the tip over and the “Bug” (as my daughter calls it) came away with only two minor scratches.

The next morning we headed north on Hwy 101 in the early Northern California chill, the two extremes of the KLR spectrum thumping along in harmony. At 8:30am we decided to pull into Cloverdale and have a quick bite at the local McDonalds. An old timer took an interest in our trip and told us how he used to race his Harley Davidson against the British invasion of BSA’s back in 1949 but lost to the lighter, faster bikes when it came to cross country racing. Over coffee talk turned to younger days. We shared our experience in the Cavalry (Glenn a pilot in the Air Cav, I a ground scout, and Don a sixteen year old Horse Cavalryman back in 1938). Soon after his horse cavalry days Don was prowling the South China Sea. His new ride was the USS Snapper, a 1928 era sub that made it out of Manila Harbor prior to the fall of the Philippines. He wished he could join us on our bike trip but his knee replacement was in a few days. Any adventure we would encounter paled to his depth charge experiences during the war. We thanked him for his sacrifices and service to country as we headed northwest.

The bikes made quick work of Hwy 128 to Mendocino as we fell into a smooth pace through the vineyards and redwood trees. At Fort Bragg we attempted to find a dirt route east towards Glenblair and back to 101 in order to shake down our load plans and bikes. We were thwarted by dead ends and gated access but rewarded by the single lane dirt roads. Doubling back we proceed up Hwy 1 picking up the pace, energized by the crashing waves and redwoods. Passing Rockport we scanned for Hwy 435/Usal Road but were so enamored with this part of Hwy 101 that we were nearly in Leggett before we discovered we had missed our turn. Backtracking we found 431. If it wasn’t for the fact that we knew it was at mile marker 90.88 we never would have found it. The start point looked like a private dirt drive. How this used to be a stagecoach route is beyond me. They must have gone through multiple teams given the steep hills and rough conditions. The views were stunning as we peered down on the Pacific. Accompanying the breathtaking scenery was a chance encounter with a bear cub ambling across the road. Startled by the “Bug’s” growl he ran back to mama and we continued our journey. The KLR weren’t challenged by the roads and we thought the estimated 3 hrs to reach Shelter Cove was an erroneous estimate. We would soon learn 6 hrs was barely enough. I also discovered that years of “hoteling” had taught me to over pack my Givi top case. The first and only flaw of my KLR became evident when Glenn yelled for me to stop. Rolling down the hill was my Givi and half my KLR luggage rack! The tie down straps were pressed into service sooner than I had expected.

Soon we encountered the first of many delays. Mud, and lots of it. The KLR’s could not make it through the think soup, rear ends spinning out of control and flopping on their sides. Glenn and I ported our gear when necessary and then manhandled our mounts, pushing and cursing the machines through the muck. At the worse point, after we found a bypass to a seemingly impassable portion of the road, Mark from San Jose (in a tricked out Jeep-the only other human encounter on the scenic roadway), destroyed the bypass (for bikes at least) as his Jeep chewed up the ground. Bouncing off a tree he succeeded but erased any notions of turning back. For better or worse we were committed. No further than 200 yards down the Usal Road we were forced to unload the KLR’s again and push our mounts as the rider “paddled” along a foot and half wide path. A fall to the right and the bikes would disappear below the murky surface like the USS Snapper did to evade the Japanese warships seeking revenge. A fall to the left and the KLR’s would tumble down the cliff face to the Pacific. Riding the bikes across the narrow path was too risky as the path itself was muddy and the tires could possibly slip. A few adrenaline filled heartbeats later, the bikes were safely across, loaded and moving at speed. Usal Road might support KTM Adventures and BMW GS’s in the dry seasons but in the winter months anything larger than a KLR would be difficult to navigate the numerous mud bogs. The bigger bikes would be exhausting to manhandle through calf high mud. When we finally reached Usal Beach we were rewarded by pristine beaches. The ocean front was all but abandoned and the KLR’s proved capable of crossing numerous streams as we explored the beaches. The “Bug” loved the fresh ocean air but the KLR 600 began to show her warts. On the last stretch prior to reaching Shelter Cove the KLR 600 quite running on one of the steepest parts of the route. Glenn rolled his chicken bones and sprinkled blood on the carburetor with no luck. Un-strapping one of the tie down straps from my Givi I hooked it to the 600 and the “Bug” transformed to “El Burro” as I towed the 600 up the hill. A day of many first. A quick dance to the motorcycle gods and the 600 fired up and we were Shelter Cove bound. The night at Shelter Cove was one of the most beautiful I have spent on the Northern California coast. The wind was totally absent and the stars shone brighter than the light in the decommissioned lighthouse. A couple of touches of Kentucky Bourbon made the night complete.

A late start on day two due to Glenn locking his clothes in the dryer room and a non-responsive “steal of a bike” delayed us until 10:30. I began to sense who was the victim on this purchase and it wasn’t the “master mechanic” in Sacramento who sold Glenn the bike. Another quart of chicken blood and his bike roared to life. We entered King’s Range Road and crossed into another world. The range had received more than its average share of rainfall that winter. The fog shrouding the greenery reminded us of the rainforest of Costa Rica and Ecuador. Taking a wrong turn we followed the rocky dead end road to the Lightening Trailhead. The rocks took a toll on our tires but the scenery was worth the cost in rubber. The tight, twisty, uphill, climb on the way to Honeydew was one of the best parts of the trip. It was only challenged by the route from Petrolia to Ferndale. This portion of road twisted along the shore and then paralleled the crashing waves. Glenn played the part of ranch hand as he herded an errant cow off the road and back into the field on his temperamental steed. Anything can be thrown your way on the Lost Coast.

Leaving the ocean behind us, we quickly climbed 2,400 ft. to Bunker Hill and then descended into a beautiful valley. As we crossed Bear River were it emptied into the ocean, Glenn pointed to the switchbacks climbing the hill. I pumped my arm in response and rolled on the throttle. In the ensuing climb we became one with our machines to the point where it felt as if the bikes disappeared and we were “skiing” through the picturesque Northern California scenery. The environment was a mix of Switzerland and Southern England, the narrow two lane roads lined with shrubs, trees, and cattle racing by. We were sad to see the Lost Coast disappear in our rear view mirrors but looked forward to exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants, and the Eel River.

Unable to find a camp ground in Eureka we headed to Fortuna were the KLR 600 died on Main Street. Coaxing the bike to life Glenn met me at the RV park were we secured a log cabin for a pittance. Money well spent considering the rainfall that night. After filling our belly’s with our fair share of ale at the Eel River Brewery, Glenn filled his ego flirting with the very attractive female body builder bartender. We needed sleep as the road began to take its toll. Tomorrow would be very trying for us both.

The next morning the KLR was DOA but Glenn was loathe to admit it. After coaxing him into getting a U-Haul we doubled up on the “Bug” and made our way through Ferndale. We were already pushing 11:30 am so time was a factor as work loomed the next day. In route Glenn spotted an ATV and Tire shop. Tom, the owner and mechanic, took pity on us and gave us the keys to his truck and the KLR 600 received a new lease on life. In two hours we were rolling south on Hwy 101 thanks to Tom and his prompt attention. Although this was my fourth time down the Avenue of the Giants, I was amazed by the 40 miles of beauty. The coup de grace was when we received a free “Drive thru Tree” experience by a fellow KLR rider.

The low point came 11 miles north of Laytonville. The KLR 600 gave up its ninth life and died on the west side of 101. Suspecting fuel starvation I made desperation run to Laytonville for gas. False hope as the bike had pulled itself off of life support. A CHP officer radioed a tow truck which arrived at 6:30 pm and Glenn was on his own. Facing 35F weather and a 2 hr plus ride from Laytonville I raced south. Two things helped me survive that trip; the Hotgrips on my KLR and singing every cadence at the top of my lungs. By 8:40 pm I was eating hot chow on the objective while Glenn was writing a new chapter on motorcycling on the edge. A day and a half later he made it back to Sacramento. A story best told over several cold beers.

For pure diversity of terrain, vegetation, animal and road conditions nothing can beat the Lost Coast of California. Dual purpose riding milks the most fun per mile than pretty much any bike I have ever ridden. Despite all the web noise about the fairing falling apart due to vibration and the new KLR consuming quarts of oil, it is simply has not happened with this bike. Despite an operator induced tip over, the KLR fairing survived an encounter with a concrete parking block and after 2,000 miles the “Bug” has not consumed any oil. The KLR will remain in the stable regardless of whatever type bike comes along in the future. For pure versatility and “bang for the buck” fun, this bike cannot be beat.

Dual Purpose Riding the Lost Coast by Edward Ospital

So you want to go on a motorcycle road trip to Sturgis this year. You've made all of the travel arrangements for the trip. You have your hotel room reserved. You have the local hot spots during the week all mapped out. Your job knows that you are taking your vacation. Everything is set. Or is it? Did you remember to pack everything?

When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is good to plan what and how you are going to pack your motorcycle. Make a list of supplies you are going to need . Lay out everything and check off the items on your list as you pack them into your motorcycle luggage. Remember to take an extra change of clothing, just in case. Pack your motorcycle rain suit in last, so that you can get to it easily. The last thing you want is to have to search for your gear in the rain.

Take the time to research different motorcycle repair shops along your route. Keep a list of these shops in your wallet, or even better in your motorcycle tool bag. You did remember to pack that right? Take as many tools that you might need for any minor repairs. A phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your motorcycle, and a repair manual might even be handy too.

Make sure to pack some easy to eat snacks for the road. Granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars are a good idea. You can also purchase MREs, (Meals Ready to Eat), from a local army surplus store, and use these on the road as a quick meal. Use a large gallon sized sealing bag to store your food to keep the mess to a minimum.

A road map is essential. You can buy folding maps for the trip, no matter your destination. Even better, consider buying a navigation system for your motorcycle. These are great, and can be easily adapted to work with your motorcycle. If you don't want to use a navigation system, consider using a cell phone with broadband internet access, to use free services like Google maps or Mapquest.

Think about the other essentials of the road. Personal toiletries like travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant can all be obtained and stored in a small travel bag, easily stored in your motorcycle luggage. Consider even packing a small roll of toilet paper, for when nature calls, and you are in the middle of nowhere. You are going to some remote locations at times right?

When packing your motorcycle luggage, try to keep the weight balanced on each side of the motorcycle. You don't want to have a bike that wants to lean to one side or the other. Taking a long trip with a lopsided motorcycle will wear you out quickly as you try to fight to keep the motorcycle upright. The best way to do this, is to have someone help you pack the luggage, while you balance the motorcycle. After packing, take your motorcycle out for a short test ride, and make adjustments.

Make your Next Motorcycle Road Trip a Success by Jafrum

When you do get your motorcycle, you may not know how important a chain is. This is really the most important motorcycle part that you may have on your bike. The trick is to know where to get a replacement if yours goes bad.

When you get your motorcycle for the first time you really should check the motorcycle chain and make sure that it doesn't need replacing. If you find that it does there are many places that you can go to find those motorcycle parts. You just really need to know where you need to look to find the right one.

The first place that you will probably look to find the right chain in all the motorcycle parts is a motorcycle parts store. They'll have everything that you need for your motorcycle and more. If you don't see the right chain for your model of motorcycle, you can have them order it for you. This can be a great idea for people that don't want to travel to get the right motorcycle parts.

Another good place that you can look to find this very vital motorcycle part is on the Internet. There are many stores as well as individuals that still keep motorcycle parts for you to purchase. A good way to find them is a search engine and if you can't find what you need that way, you can also Google the name of certain companies and can get routed right to them. You also should make sure that you compare the prices between motorcycle parts stores that are on the Internet so that you can get the best deal for your money.

When you have found the right chain for your motorcycle, you may want to consider the thought of hiring someone to put it in for you. This will keep the motorcycle running well and it will also make sure that the bike has the right motorcycle parts for it. If you are a good enough mechanic, you may be able to put it in yourself, but you don't want to mess this part up on the motorcycle. This is the one motorcycle part there that really makes the bike run and run well. So it's important to get it right the first time instead of messing it up, and having to do it over and over again just to get it right again.

Motorcycle Chain And Where To Get It by Victor Epand

Please stay alert and take notice! The following information could be life-saving. Long-distance motorcycle road tripsprovide an array of benefits. There is the open road, the panoramic views, and the feeling of truly "getting away from it all." However, before you strap on your gear, including a helmet, jacket, riding pants, and motorcycle bikes, be aware of one of the biggest enemies of long-distance motorcycling: exhaustion. Motorcycling exposes you to the elements and can be quite fatiguing. Here are some tips to keep the sandman at bay as you hit the roads:

1. Be aware of the danger of fatigue

For motorcycle trips lasting at least three days, fatigue becomes a major factor. The good news is that in general, fatigue is less of a factor in motorcycle accidents, as it is in automobile accidents. However, exhaustion still exists as a major factor in lengthy motorcycle trips. It is important to:

• know your body's requirements for sleep
• be aware of signs of exhaustion that your body gives
• take appropriate action when you are drowsy

2. Plan to get enough sleep

This seems like an obvious objective, but it can be quite challenging. Many people set a departure time for their road trips, and set it at the same wake-up time as roosters. It is advisable not to set a departure time. Instead, before departing on your trip, get to bed early enough and do not set a departure time. Waking up by unnatural means (i.e. alarm clock or a bucket of water in your face) means that you did not get an ample amount of sleep. Also, make sure to get a full-night's sleep every day on the road. If that is not possible, sleep well every two or three days.

3. Adapt your body to the long journey

You may need to adapt your body to long rides. Unless you take lengthy motorcycle rides during the week, or ride your motorcycle every day, your body is not accustomed to the rigors of long trips. In fact, your muscles will speak for themselves within the first full day or two of riding. It is advisable to take a break each 1-2 hours, to make the transition smooth.

4. Be ware of your "tired times."

The research of sleep experts has indicated that we experience "tired times" every cycle of 12 hours. Typically, this happens between 3:00 and 5:00 in the morning and evening. In the early morning, you are probably sleeping during that timeframe. Meanwhile, in the afternoon consider taking a break at that time. Catch a catnap, eat a snack, etc.

5. Wear comfortable gear

One way to keep exhaustion at bay is to wear comfortable gear. In particular, ensure that your helmet and motorcycle boots (such as Harley Davidson boots), fit snugly but not too snugly.

A long road trip on your motorcycle can be one of the greatest thrills of your life. However, make sure to take certain precautions, to minimize exhaustion and accidents due to exhaustion. Stay alert and alive!

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Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles. United States Department of Transportation data for 2005 from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System show that for passenger cars, 18.62 fatal crashes occur per 100,000 registered vehicles. For motorcycles this figure is higher at 75.19 per 100,000 registered vehicles – four times higher than for cars. The same data show that 1.56 fatalities occur per 100 million vehicle miles travelled for passenger cars, whereas for motorcycles the figure is 43.47 – 28 times higher than for cars. Furthermore for motorcycles the accident rates have increased significantly since the end of the 1990s, while the rates have dropped for passenger cars.

The two major causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States are: motorists pulling out or turning in front of motorcyclists and violating their rights-of-way and motorcyclists running wide through turns. The former is sometimes called a SMIDSY, an acronym formed from the motorists' common response of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you". The latter is more common when motorcyclists mix drinking with riding. Motorcyclists can anticipate and avoid some of these crashes with proper training, increasing their conspicuousness to other traffic, and separating alcohol and riding.

The United Kingdom has several organisations which are dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training over and above what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle test. These include the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications often benefit from reduced insurance costs.

Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

In the UK and some Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle license or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies by province. The Canada Safety Council, a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council. Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.

Best Motorcycle Routes canada bike
Wikipedia:Motorcycle safety and Motorcycle safety clothing

A motorcycle (bike, motorbicycle, cycle or motorbike) is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorised transport.

Legal definitions and restrictions

A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in some countries for the purposes of registration, taxation or licensing riders as a two-wheel motor vehicle "fit to drive." Other countries distinguish between mopeds and other small bikes and the larger, more powerful vehicles. In Canada and some U.S. jurisdictions, three-wheeled motor vehicles fall under the auspices of motorcycle regulations.

In the United Kingdom, the rules on which motorcycle may be ridden by whom are complex.[30] A "moped", which can be ridden at age 16, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (31 mph) and engine capacity no greater than 50 cc. A "learner motorcycle", which can be ridden from age 17, has an engine up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW (15 hp). Only a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) licence is needed to ride a learner motorcycle with an L plate. A "large restricted motorcycle" has a power output of not more than 25 kW (34 hp). Riders are restricted to riding large restricted motorcycles or smaller for two years after passing their initial motorcycle test. A "large motorcycle" has a power output of at least 25 kW.

For riders over age 21 there is a direct access route to gaining a licence to ride a large motorcycle, which allows somebody with no motorcycle experience to train and pass a test in around five days. All motorcycle riders in the UK must first take a one-day CBT course, regardless of which class of motorcycle they intend to ride. In addition a theory test must be taken prior to taking a practical test for any type of motorcycle licence.

In the United States, licencing requirements vary widely among the states and territories, but generally riders are required to pass written and practical (on-cycle) competency tests. In about half the states, successful completion of a rider education course (such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation) is accepted by state licencing agencies in lieu of examination.

In New Zealand, "learner" and "restricted" motorcycles may only have a 250 cc engine capacity. This distinction draws some criticism, as it allows 15-year-old learner riders to operate bikes capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250 km/h (160 mph).

The legal age to be eligible to apply for a New Zealand motorcycle licence is 15 years and over. New Zealand employs a three stage system for motor vehicle licensing. At age 15, an individual can gain their first licence known as their "learner licence". They must hold this for at least 6 months before they are able to move on to their "restricted licence". They must then hold this "restricted licence" for one and half years. After a period of 6 to 18 months, depending on age and additional training, a holder of a restricted licence may sit the third and final stage known as the "full licence". Until an individual has their "full licence" they are only able to ride a motorcycle which has an engine capacity of 250 cc or less.

A similar system is used in most states of Australia, with some variations. "Learners Permit" and "Provisional" license holders must not have bikes that exceed a power to weight ratio of 150kW/tonne or 660cc, whichever comes first. All 250cc bikes (with a few listed exceptions) are automatically included in this LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) list.

Before getting a "Learners Permit" a Pre-Learner course is required, which issues a certificate of completion, valid for 3 months. Upon passing a computer test, the rider is granted a Learners Permit, which is valid for 12 months. Whilst on a learners permit, the rider may not carry a pillion or side car and may not exceed 80km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower.

To progress to a Provisional License, the rider must successfully complete a Pre-Provisional riders course, followed by a riding skills test called MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skill Test). The rider is then able to obtain a "Provisional License". Provisional licenses can be renewed and must be held without suspension for 12 months, after which time it can be upgraded to a full license.

The laws of some countries allow anyone with a car licence to legally ride mopeds not exceeding 50 cc in capacity, meaning that they do not need to show any competency in handling such a vehicle.

The laws and regulations for legal moped usage in the U.S. vary by state. The specifics of the motorcycle and moped laws in the U.S. can be obtained from each individual state's Department of Motor Vehicles' websites.

Wikipedia:Best Motorcycle routes