MotorCycle World

Scalp injuries that are a result of sports are nothing new. They’ve been known to result in severe long term issues if not treated fast and given the correct medical attention. In order to avoid the inconveniences brought about by head injuries, helmets are important. They are worn on the head and have a hard external material in which protects the head against external injury, and an interior material that is gentle yet works as a tough protection for the head. There are different sports played worldwide plus some of them require you to put on a helmet according to the dynamics of the game. Helmets are not only worn during sports, but there’s also those jobs that need the workers to wear a helmet as a safety precaution. Some of the different types of headgears are listed below.

Military headgears that are worn throughout military expeditions include a leather helmet, which is a tank and aviator headgear for operators; a fighter pilot helmet, which is worn simply by military pilots; plus a PH helmet, that looks like a gas mask and was used by the British government.

Then, there are the helmets worn by those riding motorcycles and bicycles. Bicycle helmets are worn by those using bicycles, and of course, motorbike helmets are used by riders of a motorcycle.

There are also those helmets worn in various types of sports including cricket, wherein a helmet is worn by batsmen, fielders, and also wicket keepers. A horseback riding helmet is put on by jockeys. A batting helmet is worn during softball or baseball games simply by batters. Catchers have a full face headgear. There is also a specific kind of helmet worn through those who take part in rodeos or bull riding is a sports activity. Other sporting activities that need a helmet are usually Canadian and American football, hockey, snow skiing, and car derby or perhaps auto racing.

There are those people who usually wear helmets as part of their gear at work. Coal miners are required to wear helmets for protection in case of a cave in. These people who are working in construction or even building sites use hard hats for protection. The astronauts wear space helmets. Firefighters utilize helmets to protect their scalp against fire or falling debris.

There are also other types of helmets used for various purposes, whether for protection, with regard to fashion, or for some other function. For instance, many people who are mentally volatile and are institutionalized may be given a protective gear. In some areas like Hawaii, the people wear a specific kind of feathered hat they frequently call Mahiole. There’s also a kind of helmet that shields a person from the sunshine, which is known as Pith.

It is always better to wear a helmet whenever you know there is a potential for your head to come in contact with anything that might hurt or cause you damage.

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It’s just as easy to get lost while driving a motorcycle as it is while driving a car…but most GPS systems are not made for motorcycle riding. If you’re tired of driving in circles, check out these tips on finding the best motorcycle GPS system.

Ruggedness

First and foremost, if you ride hard, your motorcycle GPS system has to ride hard too. You need a unit that is tougher than one for automobiles. While some companies are now making GPS systems specifically for motorcycle riding, it’s important to read consumer reviews and ensure your GPS can survive a drop off of your bike as well as handle the vibration of your bike.

Mountability

Generally you will mount your GPS either to your bike’s brake or clutch bracket, so you need a GPS system that can be mounted with longer bolts or with a U-bolt clamp. If you really like one particular GPS system, but it doesn’t come with these mounting options, there are also third-party mounts that work with a wide variety of systems.

Lighting/Contrast

Because you’re riding out in the open, with no protection from the sun, look for a GPS system with some kind of shield that will surround and shade the screen for optimum viewing. On the other end of the spectrum, the screen should be bright enough that you can see it on cloudy days.

Sound

If you can’t see the screen you should at least be able to hear your GPS system, right? Some motorcycle GPS systems will actually come with a Bluetooth headset that can work with a Bluetooth-enabled helmet, so you can always hear what the next direction is.

Usability

All of the above factors are moot if you can’t use your system. Look for systems that have touch screens operable by the left or right hand with gloves on, as well as systems that are just plain easy to use and operate! If you’ve heard that a system uses outdated software or is difficult to use for what you need, move on to the next.

Kick the Tires

Just like you’d want to “kick” the motorcycle tires on a bike before you bought it, consider trying out a few models before you buy one that you like. Maybe ask a friend with one if you can borrow it, or purchase one with a 30-day return policy. Follow these tips and you’ll find the best motorcycle GPS system for riding.

Wintertime is primetime for snowmobiling, but unless you have a brand new snowmobile, you can’t just go out immediately after the first snow. Maintaining your snowmobile during the off-season and preparing it for the winter season is essential to ensure you stay safe while zipping around in the snow. Read on for important tips on maintaining and preparing your snowmobile for the winter.

Maintaining Your Snowmobile

Once the last snow of the year has melted and you can no longer take your snowmobile out for some fun, it’s time to immediately start your maintenance to make sure it doesn’t suffer any long lasting effects after sitting for several months. Clean your snowmobile of any mud, dirt, salt, dirt or leaves using a sponge and soapy water. The seat can be cleaned with upholstery cleaner. Perform an inspection of the outside, checking for any cracks, deteriorated windshield fasteners, rusty hood latches, peeling decals or nicks and tears in the seat cover.

Decals can usually be re-glued using emblem adhesive, but cracks in the hood will need more extensive repair. If there are extensive tears on the seat cover, repairs may not take; in this situation, completely replacing the seat cover is generally the most efficient way to protect the seat foam before it deteriorates.

Next, check the snowmobile’s track for tears or missing clips and lugs; check the rear suspension and sliders for any extensive wear and tear or damage. Worn sliders and bent or broken suspension parts should all be replaced. Tears in the track are not fixable. If you don’t replace a torn track it will break down and leave you stuck out in the snow.

Check your snowmobile’s skis and runners for wear and tear, worn out areas with holes, scratches, gouges or areas that are bent out of shape. If a runner is still in good shape, but is bent, you can try to straighten it out with a hammer. Otherwise, bent or worn out skis and runners should be replaced with aftermarket or OEM parts.

After your exterior inspection, open the hood and check the drive belt, fan, water belt and fluid levels. Replace worn or damaged drive belts, and ensure that you still have a spare belt. Water pump belts should not be shiny or glazed as this indicates slipping and incorrect tension. If any fluid levels are low, you should determine the reason in order to avoid any problems while riding. Your coolant should be filled to the cold mark, and your snowmobile’s owner’s manual will provide the correct oil level.

Check your throttle and oil cables for damage or fraying. If any cables or lines are not held securely in place you should have missing fasteners replaced. Last but not least, replace any of the mounts or springs that are worn or missing.

Preparing Your Snowmobile for Riding

You performed all of the above maintenance tips before you stored your snowmobile away for the off-season, and now it’s almost time to ride again! Nine months of storage can really dry a snowmobile out, however. So before you trade in your motorcycle accessories for your snowmobile accessories, you need to do some preparation.

Check your owner’s manual for the lubrication points on your snowmobile and lubricate as indicated using a grease gun. If there is any gas left in the tank from last season it will be very poor quality at this point, so drain any remaining gas before adding new gasoline. If necessary, add more coolant, brake fluid, or oil, and check your carburetor to ensure it’s clean. One of the main causes of engine failure in snowmobiles is a dirty carburetor, so if your carb is dirty, clean it.

If you blocked off the exhaust and/or air intake to prevent rodents from nesting in your machine in storage, be sure to remove any cloths or plugs. Recheck all belts, cables and lines, and ensure the sparkplugs are oiled and cleaned.

Your snowmobile can give you a winter full of fun and enjoyment as long as you keep it in prime working order. By following these snowmobile maintenance steps you can ensure your beloved machine is always ready to ride.

While it often may seem tempting to embark on a spur-of-the-moment vacation, it’s important to keep in mind your safety and the safety of those who you take along with you, especially when a road trip takes place on a motorcycle. Things can go wrong quickly so by staying alert and adequetly preparing for the trip, you can stay safe and have fun. By keeping just a few things in mind, you can make sure your trip turns out perfect.

A big part of planning ahead has to do with getting familiarized with the area. So if you’re planning a road-trip through British Columbia’s Skyline Highway it will be necessary for you to investigate the availability of rest stops, nearby cities, proximity to gas stations and food shops or restaurants. In addition, it would be a great idea to look up the weather patterns of the area you’re driving through.

If it happens that you’re taking a motorcycle trip through British Columbia’s Highway 99, be aware that Vancouver and the surrounding area is prone to rainstorms, even in the summer months. In addition, summer heat can also be a huge factor and can really test the limits of your motorcycle gear.

Here’s a checklist to keep in mind when organizing a motorcycle road-trip:

1.) Make sure that your gear—ranging from motorcycle helmets to visors—are in top shape.

2.) Double check the weather conditions in the area. Will it be really hot? Humid? Will there be thunderstorms in the area?

3.) Come to know the rest stops and proximity to gas stations and restaurants along the road.

4.) Look up the laws in the area. For example, if you’re planning on camping in a National Park there are specific regulations for setting up fires and containing your food and trash. Familiarize yourself with the rules to eliminate any chance of getting an unwelcome fine.

5.) Plan for the unexpected. Even the best laid plans can experience a hiccup every now and then.

Once you take the following precautions, you will be happy you did. By removing the pressure of finding a last minute place to sleep or desperately searching for a gas station, your only focus will be on the relaxing ride. It will ensure that, for the most part, your trip goes smoothly and that you and those who come along with you enjoy the trip that much better.

Motorcycles are popular modes of transportation among men and women of all ages and the current economy has many that have not ridden before, turning to this gas saving, traffic fighting mode of transportation. Many that are not used to riding may not realize the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets. Having something to protect your head is one of the most important motorcycle accessories a rider can have for several reasons.

The obvious reason for visiting a motorcycle parts shop in search of a helmet, is for protection against head injury. Riding a motorcycle is great, but the truth of the matter is not very many other vehicle drivers look out for motorcycles while on the road, making motorcycle riders vulnerable to accidents. Wearing head protection can greatly reduce the chance of serious injuries and/or death when involved in an accident. They also protect your face from UV rays when wearing a face shield and they protect your ears from engine noise.

There is a large range in style and price with the average price between $30 and $600, depending on the brand, style and accessories. Finding great head-coverings can be easily found at a motorcycle shop that sells accessories. It is recommended that you try on the different styles to find the one that best suits your style and that fits you comfortably. Styles include a beanie or half shell, modular and full face.

A beanie or half shell are the type that only fit on the top of your head. They are great looking coverings, however, this style does not offer full coverage should you be involved in an accident.

Modulars are also known as a three-quarter style because they cover approximately three-quarters of the head. This style does not have coverage for the face, but is safe to wear as protection for your head. When wearing a three-quarter helmet, glasses should also be worn to protect your eyes.

Full face helmets are the safest motorcycle helmets available. This type of helmet is similar to a three-quarters helmet, except it also includes a full face shield that can be lowered and raised as needed. The full face helmet protects your skull as well as your face should you be involved in an accident. Although there are less expensive, used helmets available, it is recommended that a new helmet be used for full protection. If a helmet has been dropped or worn during an accident, the protective foam may be damaged and will not offer full protection.

Leather-based motorcycle saddlebags should be robust since they are exposed to all the dust, heat and pollution of the open street. Nevertheless, even the hardest of leather saddlebags needs to be repaired from time to time if you’d like it to keep durable and the area to look great. Repairing leather saddlebags is relatively easy if you simply follow these following steps:

Get your materials prepared

Firstly you should make sure you’ve got all the materials essential for fixing your leather-based motorcycle saddlebag. These items include leather strengthener, a cleanser produced especially for leather goods, a sponge, clean washcloths, chrome polish and two cotton towels.

Be sure that the saddlebag is entirely empty

Empty the saddlebag completely. Go through the pockets of the bag and ensure that nothing is left inside.

Clean away any free dirt

Use one of the clean and dry washcloths to wash away any free dirt, dust or any other remains on the saddlebag.

Clean the saddlebag by using a wet cloth

Acquire one of the clean washcloths and dampen it a little bit. Ensure you don’t dip the washcloth because you don’t wish it to be very moist. Wipe the saddlebag to eliminate dust and also dirt. Do remember to clean properly in sides and around the hardware on the saddlebag since this is where dirt can quickly build up.

Utilize the leather cleanser

Fill some leather-based solution on the washcloth and wipe the saddlebag by using it. Start at the upper area of the bag and work your way to the bottom part. Wipe the clean cloth on the leather in spherical movements as you could if you were waxing an automobile. You need to operate in parts so you get every area of the bag covered. Add more leather solution to the washcloth from time to time. Once you’re certain that the saddlebag has been completely wiped with the solution, let it dry for some minutes.

Utilize the leather conditioner

Dampen the cloth or sponge and pour a few of the leather strengthener on it. Similar to the leather solution, rub in the leather strengthener in a spherical motion. You must also work your way in portions so you are able to cover all areas of the saddlebag. If you are using a leather conditioner spray, spray a small quantity one part at a time. The leather strengthener moisturizes the leather and makes it supple.

Properly use chrome polish

Dampen the cotton towel with water and shake it out to remove extra water. Pinch a portion of the bath towel using your thumb as well as forefinger and soak that part into the chrome gloss. Apply the chrome polish by rubbing it into silver, metal, studs and other hardware found on the saddlebag. Make sure to keep the chrome polish away from the leather. If some enters the leather, wipe it away immediately by using a clean washcloth.

Glow the steel hardware by buffing it

Ripped the metallic using a clean cotton towel. Buffing cleans away the polish from the metallic hardware and helps make the metal shine. Do this kind of procedure by focusing on 5 metal elements or studs at the same time.

You have now successfully restored your leather motorcycle saddlebag.

Written by Patricia Strasser. You could shop for sturdy and top quality leather motorcycle saddlebags at http://www.motoleather.com

by Bruce Barry

Riding a motorcycle can be exciting as well as dangerous. Even with proper training and protective gear, bikers share the road with many hazards. Be sure to wear one of the most important safety devices available on the market today – a DOT approved motorcycle helmet.

Not all states dictate that motorcyclists wear helmets, but, since 1980, the United States Department of Transportation has required all motorcycle helmets on the road be DOT approved helmets. The DOT logo must be displayed on the back of the helmet.

Because head injuries make up for the majority of motorcycle fatalities, it is important to select a DOT approved helmet that is well constructed. The outer shell should be made of a strong material, such as a polycarbonate or other thermoplastic or fiber-reinforced composite.

The helmet liner should be constructed of an impact-absorbing material, such as polystyrene. This will absorb the shock of impact while protecting your head. Also inside the helmet is the comfort lining, which helps to offer the rider a comfortable fit.

A chin strap serves as a helmet retention system, keeping the DOT approved helmet in place. Always tighten your chin strap before riding.

The Snell Memorial Foundation is also an organization that tests and rates helmets, and has been doing so since 1957. The Snell certification is often maintains more rigid and stricter guidelines than DOT approved helmets. In addition to motorcycle helmets, Snell also tests the safety bicycle, snowboarding and other helmets.

Hopefully, a DOT approved motorcycle helmet will never be necessary, but, like a seatbelt, this device is there to protect the rider from serious injury or even death. If you ride in a state that does not require a motorcycle helmet, consider wearing one.

About the Author:

Bruce Barry is founder and owner of Helmet Highway, an online retailer of discount motorcycle helmets. Visit www.helmethighway.com.

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