MotorCycle World

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 If you’ve heard that a system uses outdated software or is difficult to use for what you need, move on to the next.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.

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 Matt L

One of the most important tasks that you must complete before taking any motorcycle trip is to perform a pre trip scan of your bike to make sure it is ready for the road. Doing so will help ensure your safety and help to prevent any major malfunctions while you are out on the road. There are a number of different items that you can check on your motorcycle before going on your next motorcycle trip.

Free Shipping at Motorcycle Superstore

One of the first things you should check on your motorcycle before any ride is your tires. A tire pressure check should always be done before any ride and is a good way to ensure that your tires are safe for travel. Check your owner manual for recommend tire pressure settings, or if that is not available, you can check on the tires themselves as most manufacturers will print the recommended tire pressure settings right on the tires. Make sure that your tires have enough tread and are not worn down to the point where they are no longer safe. Sufficient tread is very important when it comes to being able to properly grip the road. Without enough tread, your motorcycle may loose traction while turning which would be very dangerous.

Another important check that you should make before going on your next motorcycle trip is whether or not all of your lights are working properly. Your lights are what make you visible to other drivers on the road so it is important that all indicator and headlights are completely functional. If any lights are not working, be sure to fix them before you hit the road.

You should also check all fluid levels to make sure that your motorcycle is properly fueled, oiled, greased, and has enough coolant if this is relevant. Improper fluid levels could lead to engine troubles while out on the road so be sure to check your oil levels, coolant levels, brake fluid levels, and of course, always make sure you have enough gas.

These are just a few safety checkpoints that you should be sure and review every time you go to take a ride on your motorcycle. Doing so will help ensure that your bike is safe and that you will not have any major malfunctions while out on the road.

About the Author:

Search for motorcycle information in the motorcycle forum, and shop for leather motorcycle jackets and other great products at MotorMedley.com

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

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