Latest Motorcycles Articles

How to Prepare an Onboard ATV Safety Kit

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:33:19 -0700

The more riding experience you gain, the more you learn that the unexpected can happen, and at the worse possible moment! Whether a perfectly good riding trip will turn into a nightmare, can simply be the difference between having an onboard safety kit or not. It is definitely best to be prepared in case of an emergency or vehicle breakdown.

When considering an onboard ATV safety kit for your vehicle, consider that it is better to be prepared and not have an emergency occur, then to be unprepared and have one take place. If you are stuck out on the trail and have to wait for help to arrive, an onboard safety kit can be a real lifesaver. Here are a few suggested items to include with your onboard ATV safety kit.

One of the first items to consider is emergency food. The items can be as simple as a few whole grain bars, maybe some chocolate or trail mix. These contain enough nutrition and sugar to keep your strength up, if need be. They will also store well if kept in sealed-waterproof bags.

Another important item to contain in your safety kit is water. You will want to include at least 8oz of water. You cannot be certain that where you are riding there will be drinkable water available. You won't be able to rely on brooks and streams, as they can make someone very sick because of the bacteria they may contain in them.

If you have to spend some time in the woods during the night, a blanket can come in real handy. There are packaged, lightweight blankets available that can keep a person warm, well below freezing temperatures. They are compact and take up little room in the kit also.

A flashlight is a good item to have on hand so you can make your way through the dark, or signal for help when rescuers arrive to the area. There are flashlights now made available for kits that need no batteries and take up very little storage space.

In the event of a vehicle breakdown, it is a good idea to have a multi-purpose tool kit on board. These kits come with all the basic tools that you could use to get your vehicle up and running. They are compact, contain multi-purpose tools and could be just what you need, if you are stranded out in the middle of nowhere.

It can become a real problem signaling your location to emergency workers, and this is where a whistle would be really helpful. The human voice can easily get filtered through the trees and underbrush in the wild, but a whistle can carry for a much greater distance.

Trying to signal to those attempting to assist you from the air during the day can be a real challenge, but a mirror is a simple yet effective device for doing this effectively. They take up almost no space in the kit as well.

Many times an emergency can involve some kind of injury, and this is where a basic first aid kit comes into play. There are pre-packaged first-aid kits available, which are compact, inexpensive and contain all you need to treat most basic injuries.

Including an onboard ATV safety kit as part of standard gear can help you and your riders respond to many types of emergencies that can occur, while riding in the wilderness. Once you have a kit onboard, you can install it and forget about it, until you need it.

5 Tips for the Proper Storage of your ATV

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:32:14 -0700

The riding season is over and it is time to store away your ATV till next season. If this is the situation in which you find yourself, then proper storage of your all terrain vehicle is important for preserving the longevity of the vehicle.

Performing the proper steps necessary to prepare your ATV for storage can save a lot of time and money when it comes time to bring it out next season. Damage caused by improper storage can range from a few hundred to even a thousand dollars, but is totally avoidable with a little effort.

Many riders just tuck their all terrain vehicles in the back of the garage or storage shed, without any concern till the following season starts. By simply employing a few precautions when preparing an ATV for seasonal storage, you can save yourself a lot of headaches come next season.

The first storage tip is to be certain you are up to date on your vehicle maintenance schedule. If you are not up-to-date, this is a good time to get caught up before storing away the vehicle. Bringing the vehicle current on regular maintenance items will also save you time at the beginning of next season.

Take some time and check the fuel line to make sure you did not damage it in any way last riding season. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced with a new fuel line. A leaky fuel line could also create a fire hazard, especially during operation, a situation you want to avoid.

The fuel tank and the fuel lines of your ATV should then be drained and cleaned, before putting the vehicle into storage. Fuel in the lines or tank can have an acidic effect and eat away at the metal. It can also begin to break down, leaving water and sediments throughout the fuel delivery system. Drain all the fuel from the tank and lines - this will save your tank, gaskets and engine parts.

Next on the list of storage tasks should be checking all the nuts and bolts on your vehicle. Make sure they are all accounted for and tightened to the ATV manufacturer's specification. If any nuts and bolts are loose, then tighten them. Check your owner's vehicle for the proper torque amounts. If they are damaged or missing, then replace them.

This is a great time to change the oil also. If the ATV is going to be sitting idle for a period of time, and there is sediment in the oil, it may solidify in the pan or on engine parts. Make certain to change the oil filter as well. After changing the oil and filter, let the vehicle run for 5 minutes or longer - this allows the oil an opportunity to circulate throughout the engine.

Before storing away your ATV, a good and thorough cleaning is appropriate. Dirt on the engine can crystallize if not cleaned in a timely manner. If you leave dirt and mud on the vehicle for extended periods of time, it can become impossible to get off without sand blasting. Search out every nook and cranny to be sure they are all free of debris.

Also important for properly storing your ATV is cleaning and lubricating all the moving parts of the vehicle, such as the drive chain. Metal parts can oxidize during storage and rust out, forcing you to replace them before riding season. By lubricating them now, you can save money later, especially when you bring the vehicle out of storage for the next riding season.

Taking the proper time and effort to prepare your ATV for seasonal storage will not only help to extend its life, but it will save you a lot of money in the end as well.

3 Important Basic Care Tips for your ATV

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:31:19 -0700

Taking care of your ATV is the best way to guarantee that it will provide many years of safe riding time. One of the most important aspects of vehicle care is regular maintenance. These tasks are basic, but can be troublesome if neglected.

One benefit of performing basic ATV maintenance is it can reduce the expense of costly repair bills over the long run. Basic care is preventative measures to help your vehicle run at its best, and reduce the amount of time it spends with the mechanic.

Failure to perform the necessary basic care on your ATV can lead to breakdown, and at a time when it is most inconvenient, probably when you are out on the trail. But many of these untimely breakdowns and expensive repairs can be avoided by performing a few basic, inexpensive maintenance steps.

Perform a visual spark plug inspection: The engine is not going to run properly if the spark plug is damaged or not operating smoothly. By performing a simple inspection of the spark plug periodically, you can inexpensively improve performance and avoid breakdowns.

Remove the spark plug and check it for extensive wear or burning. If you compare it to a new spark plug, any problems with it should become immediately visible. If you doubt it is in proper working order, just replace it. New plugs are not that expensive and you just may experience better engine performance from doing so.

Perform a visual inspection of oil quality: If it has been a short time since you last changed your oil, then do a visual inspection and change it if necessary. Note the color and viscosity of the oil. If it is dark and runny, then change the oil immediately. One of the worse culprits of engine wear is oil that is unable to lubricate engine parts properly.

The more viscosity the oil can maintain, the better it can lubricate engine parts, and this means longer engine life. Oil is not that expensive, so changing it is a small price to pay compared to replacing the engine, or the complete vehicle for that matter. If you push your vehicle hard, it is even more important to change the oil on a scheduled basis, or when it may be warranted.

Perform a visual inspection of the oil filter: It is not only bad oil that can cause engine damage, but dirt and metal chips that have by-passed the filter can as well. The oil filter is designed to remove these particles from the oil and protect the engine, but if the filter is not changed it cannot function properly.

A clogged or damaged oil filter can allow particles to move throughout the engine, and cause excessive wear and tear on the engine. By inspecting and changing the oil filter on a regular basis, or as warranted, you can help to avoid excessive wear and tear. When replacing the oil filter, be sure to also replace the o-ring on the filter housing to prevent oil leakage.

These are three of the most basic care steps an ATV owner can take to safeguard engine life and avoid costly repairs bills. But they are only effective if you take the time to perform them as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program.

The Importance of Always Using ATV Safety Equipment

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:30:31 -0700

Today, many ATV riders fail to use proper safety equipment while riding an ATV. This has caused states to pass mandatory safety equipment requirements to ride in certain areas. The first mandatory requirement is the wearing of a helmet. There is simply no other way to cut down on the severity of riding injuries then to wear a proper helmet.

In 2008 the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that as a result of ATV related injuries, almost 10% of accidents produced some kind of head injury. Moreover, the injuries required injured riders to be hospitalized. Of those riders suffering from brain injuries that resulted from ATV related accidents, over 15% produced unconsciousness and 5% caused the rider to suffer a coma.

Not to be outdone by the helmet, body armor and proper foot gear is also important for safeguarding riders on the track or on the trail. Accidents can happen at any time, and the more one rides, the more likely they will be involved in an accident. If the rider is wearing updated, properly fitting gear to protect the body, injuries can be minimized.

NIH reports that the most injuries suffered by riders will be to the upper body, such as chest, back, spine and arms, etc. Over half of these injuries will produce fractures of various degrees, and 8% of them will produce severe spinal injury. These injuries were totaled using data from riding accidents on the trail and the track.

One simple rule that track owners and parents are using to reduce injuries is "no safety equipment-no riding-no exception". There is no compromise to this rule and it must be obeyed by all riders. A rider with properly fitting gear has a much better chance of walking away from a riding accident with nearly no lasting injury.

If an ATV rider uses safety gear, here are 3 things they can do to make sure it is protecting them to the fullest degree:

Take some time periodically to inspect the condition of the gear. Gear that is damaged, worn or doesn't fit properly cannot protect the rider as it was designed. Performing make-shift repairs is not a good way to protect the body. The impact levels of accidents are too high for a duct-tape job to do much good.

You can buy the best gear the market has to offer but if you refused to wear it faithfully it cannot help to protect you during a riding accident. No one knows how or when an accident is going to happen, that's what makes it an accident. For your gear to protect you it must be worn all the time, with no exceptions.

When you invest in the very best gear that is available you are investing in your future. Just think what a catastrophic accident could do to you future plans? This is not the time to settle for some hand-me-down equipment that cannot protect your body properly.

With the advancements in design and materials used in safety gear it is a good idea to upgrade your gear at the beginning of the riding season. This will allow you to maintain the highest possible level of safety while having fun on the trail or on the track.

4 Qualities for Winning the Mind Game of Motocross Racing

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:29:40 -0700

If you are contemplating motocross racing, then you need to know that it is tough. There are going to be many bumps and bruises along the way. You also need to know that you will have to be brave, because it will require that you face many of your fears, head-on.

Right now if your fears are causing intimidation and you are freezing up, then it is time to re-examine why you want to race. To get geared up and motivated toward become a winning racer, you need to know exactly why you are doing it. This will open a wealth of motivation and courage necessary to achieve consistent racing results.

Keep in mind that your fears are going to be more exaggerated than the actual experience will be. Once you learn this, you can let the fears go, and move out in powerful courageous action toward becoming a successful racer.

To be a successful racer, you will have to learn how to get into the zone and direct all of your energy into what you do. This means totally committing your actions toward what needs to be accomplished-right now. Remember, fear is not about the present, it is usually about the future, one possible future.

The skill of concentration will give you the ability to focus with laser precision on the task at hand, and not allow anything to interfere. Concentration is crucial toward achieving success in any field, including motocross racing.

When you are out on the track practicing, this is the time to develop your concentration abilities and apply them. Proper bike control, track awareness and awareness of other racers must be within the scope of your concentration practice. It may be difficult at first, but with practice it becomes easier.

Even if you know racers whom seem to take to new skills very easily, and might be considered a natural, remember natural ability can only take them so far. They, just like anyone else, must eventually commit to the development process. This means training, practicing and taking responsibility, both on and off the track.

Through practice, you learn to control your bike over jumps and around obstacles by applying the right technique. Learning to control you mind is not different. The race game is 80% a mind game and must be won first, before you will win on the track.

Those racers who have not won the mind game first, will walk away from a loss destined to quit the race before the challenge has begun. Your level of commitment to become a champion must be strong enough to withstand the losses in the beginning. Your motivation must have depth, and you must constantly invigorate your desire to win.

The more you practice and the more you race, the more you will begin to develop a strong sense of confidence in your abilities. This includes the ability to adjust to circumstances and it also includes dealing with a few lost races. Those racers that can bring to bear the highest level of concentration in challenging times go on to be champions.

Take the time to develop your courage, concentration, commitment and confidence to the highest levels possible, as these qualities will help you to win not only the mind game, but the racing game as well.

How to Prepare your Child for Motorcycle Riding

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:28:50 -0700

There are many considerations to make when preparing your youngster for motorcycle riding on the track or off. They include rider safety equipment, bike size and rider training. This article will discuss rider safety equipment.

The first consideration when preparing your youngster for motorcycle riding is the purchase of safety equipment. Whether they will be practicing, trail riding or racing, safety equipment is incredibly important. Many events can take place during all types of riding, so safety equipment should always be worn.

Keep in mind that riders do fall down and they do collide during racing, and they do it while traveling rather fast. Wearing proper safety equipment can minimize the effects of contact with other riders, obstacles and the ground.

Rider Safety Equipment

Starting at the top is head protection, and this is by far the most important to a motorcycle rider, whether they are on a dirt track or an asphalt roadway. All motorcyclists need to protect their head, and helmets are able to do this effectively.

Next comes eye protection; it is hard to navigate a motorcycle safely if you cannot see where you are going. Obstacles that can interfere while riding are sun, dirt, flying debris, bugs and low lying branches. This makes eye protection important to the safety of the rider. Don't substitute other types of glasses, like sunglasses, for eye protection gear designed for motorcycle riders.

Now most street motorcycle riders don't wear neck protection, but it can be very important for track racers. With the hills and jumps engaged during racing, there is a chance of rider whiplash and so neck protection should be worn. Some helmet designs will provide some neck protection, but a neck collar that provides specific neck protection is best under all conditions.

The back and chest are very vulnerable areas and prone to injury, especially if the rider is not equipped with proper upper body protection. Whether it is the handle bars of their own motorcycle or a tree branch on the trail, chest and back protection can minimize accidental injuries to those areas.

Two areas that always seem to get banged up on the rider are the knees and elbows. On the trail it can be from bushes and trees, extending into trails and onto the track or it can be the result of contact with other riders. High impact plastics used in today's protectors will help preserve the rider's knees and elbows from injury.

Outfitting your rider with hand protection can help them to grip the controls of their bike better and reduce injury to the fingers and knuckles also.

A good pair of riding boots will be important for comfortable operation of the motorcycle, but will also help to protect the shins, ankles, and feet from injury. Make sure that the boots always fit properly and are in good condition as well.

As much of a temptation that it might be to go the cheap route when it comes to safety equipment, it is advised not skimp on safety equipment. This doesn't mean you can't get a good deal on some used gear, just make sure it is in excellent shape and fits your rider properly. Damaged gear or equipment that doesn't fit properly should be avoided.

Why ATV Rider Courses are Good for Everyone

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:59 -0700

The conditions for riding an ATV or motorcycle on public land may be changing over the next few years. Many states are now requiring riders to obtain permits in order to ride on publicly owned land. The criteria for obtaining a permit is, to pay a fee and if age limits apply, show proof of a rider safety or education course.

There are many benefits for states to implement such programs and these include safer trails, better maintained trails and safer riders on the trails. By improving the overall riding experience for everyone, riding on public land will improve dramatically. Rider training courses will result in fewer problems and less injuries to riders on the trail.

The revenue generated by the permits obtained by riders will produce a much safer environment for families that enjoy taking excursions onto public lands. There will be more educated, experienced riders and park personnel to patrol the trails. This is good for all riders who enjoy trail riding in the wilderness with their ATV or dirt bike.

ATV riders love the great outdoors and public parks have many great trails for their riding. Keeping the trails safe and populated with competent riders is important, that way everyone can have a great experience riding the trails. Now permits are not a cure-all, but at least the norm of riding experience needed will be raised for all riders. This reduces the risk of inexperienced riders injuring themselves or others.

Part of the requirements for obtaining a permit is proper vehicle condition. The ATV or dirt bike that is to be used on public land will have to undergo, and pass an inspection. Many less riders will become stranded due to breakdowns, which will also reduce park expenditures for emergency services, as a result.

Rugged trails are a treat for the experienced rider, but there is a limit to how deteriorated a trail can become before it is impassable. With the money generated from rider permits the park service can maintain trails better. Many parks are building trails with these funds for the expressed use of ATV or dirt bike riders.

There are parks that have already built a series of trails which can span hundreds of miles for those taking short, medium or long riding excursions. Many families like to take riding vacations, and with park trails improving, they are fast becoming popular destinations.

The average age of riders is getting younger and younger, so the more training they can receive early on the better. An ATV or dirt bike is a powerful machine, and competent training early on can help young riders develop good riding habits. Properly trained, young riders can grow up to become mature riders, who enjoy riding safely.

One of the requirements for riding on public land will be the supervision of those riders under 17 years old by an adult rider. This requirement will not only allow the young riders to remain safe out on the trail, but will also create a safer environment for all riders.

How to Build Essential Motorcycle Riding Skills

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:24:50 -0700

To be competent in any endeavor requires the development of specific skills, and motorcycle riding is no different. Of course, a lot of the skills needed for competent motorcycle riding can simply be obtained through conscientious practice. However, the skills needed to become proficient in motorcycle racing may require professional help. There are a number of areas that a motorcycle rider should develop skill whether they are doing it on their own or with a trainer.

Crucial motorcycle skills include: riding skill, racing skill, physical conditioning and bike maintenance.

Riding Skills

The riding skills necessary for a motorcyclist will vary depending on what they plan on doing with them. If they intend on racing, then they will need a completely different set of skills than the dirt bike trail rider. Both riders will have to be exposed to various situations, and through practice, develop the skill to safely navigate the bike.

Depending on what discipline the motorcyclist plans to ride, both will require learning and developing the ability to handle the bike. This means being able to handle the bike under many different conditions, because the bike will be operated in the rain, fog and other kinds of weather changes. The rider will have to be able to adapt to the changing weather conditions and still handle the bike skillfully.

A dirt bike rider will have to learn how to handle the bike on hills, going both up and down them. They will have to also learn how to control the bike on loose gravel and through mud. There are many different kinds of terrain the dirt bike rider might find themselves, and they must be able to handle the bike safely on all of them.

Motorcycle Maintenance

Whether a rider owns a basic motorcycle model, or a sophisticated and expensive motocross model, it is necessary they take personal responsibility for the care of the bike. Sure some care is going to be beyond their reach, but not all.

The best way for them to develop the skill to take care and maintain their bike is to learn from someone that already knows how. This is the method a lot of riders used to learn how to care for their motorcycles, but if this is not possible then there are books which can effectively help.

Racing Skills

The only way to get race experience is to watch, participate and examine motorcycle races. The rider's performance will increase proportionately with their race exposure and experience. These can be mock races used for training purposes or video taped races. When the rider is then experienced enough to know what is going on, they can enter some real motorcycle races.

Motorcycle racing is a complex process and a rider that intends on becoming a motocross or super-motocross racer, should work directly with a trainer. This is the course of least resistance and the most cost effective as well.

Physical Conditioning

For both the dirt bike and motocross racer, the regime of riding can be hard on the body. The rider must be in great physical condition to endure and win. Whether it is the length of races, the heat or jumps and bumps, the rider must train to endure the process.

Dirt bike riding and motocross racing is a rugged sport and requires riders to have a decent physical fitness level. This means riders need to engage in a routine that includes strength training, endurance training and flexibility training. All of these disciplines are necessary for good riding and racing skills.

How to Minimize Injury When Riding a Dirt Bike

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:17:05 -0700

Riding a dirt bike can be a lot of fun and bring many hours of enjoyment. Makes no difference if you are on a dirt track or out on the trails, injury is always a risk. But taking a few steps before taking to the trails or track can minimize the chance of injury when riding a dirt bike.

Learn to ride properly: If you have little or no dirt bike riding experience, you may want to consider taking a safety course. Good safety courses can teach you how to ride and will help minimize the chances of being hurt, while riding your dirt bike. These courses are taught by experienced riders, so you can gain a lot of knowledge, very quickly. They will give you pointers that can keep you safe in situations in which you are not experienced.

Always wear safety gear: With design and technology advancements, the riding gear of today is better then it has ever been. It is lightweight, durable and made of bulletproof materials to withstand many kinds of impact. No piece of safety equipment is more important then your helmet. The head and brain are very vulnerable in a crash and having the proper protection can mean the difference between walking away, and being taken away in an ambulance.

Maintain your dirt bike: While you are riding your dirt bike, it is an important to remember it is a piece of machinery. It is essential that all of its parts are in good working order. This is only possible if you take care of it on a regular basis. Checking fluids, tires, and shocks for general wear and tear can save you a lot of problems while riding. Cleaning your bike completely after each riding session will help to extend the longevity of the bike also.

Know your limitations: It is very easy to get carried away by adrenaline and power when riding your dirt bike. This is a good time to be reminded of your riding experience and limitations. If you have not trained for a particular maneuver, you probably shouldn't be attempting it. Attempting new stunts without proper training is a primary cause of many riding injuries. Practicing a stunt under controlled conditions, before going live, is always the best course of action.

Ride with a buddy: Sometimes riding with a buddy that has more experience than you do is a great way to avoid injury. A more experienced rider may be able to give you some good advice about riding situations. If you are going to attempt a particular maneuver, you can pass it by your buddy and see what they think. Their advice could be very valuable in keeping you safe and injury free.

Stick to marked trails: When riding in the woods it is best to stick to known trails, unless new trails are clearly mapped. If a rider in your group has experience on the new trails, you should let them brief you before setting out. A good course of action is to let them lead the group through the trails as the point rider. A lot of injuries are caused by rider error, because they were unaware of a trail condition change, and were not able to adjust or react to the change. It is best to let the experienced rider lead the way for everyone.

Discovering the Versatility of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:15:08 -0700

One of the most popular reasons why people buy an ATV is the simple pleasure of recreational riding. With the number of state parks open to ATV riders, it is easy to have a great time over the weekend while enjoying the great outdoors.

Of course, many riders stick to trails close to home, but they get just as much satisfaction with this type of riding. Because of the popularity of ATV riding, many parks have been set up to cater to families looking for fun and safe environments to ride. They pay a fee at the door and get unlimited use of groomed trails and campgrounds, for the whole family.

An ATV is a real workhorse for those who purchase them to assist with the many different kinds of jobs they can perform. From snow plowing, leveling of roads, to hauling lumber, etc, these vehicles are a real favorite for farmers, builders and ranchers.

With the large number of attachments available, they are able to do just about any kind job imaginable, and are ideal for farms or large acreage spreads. They are incredibly useful when it comes to hauling heavy loads, and models are available with this purpose in mind.

One of the hardest tasks to complete when off in the woods deer hunting is hauling your quarry back to the truck. This is where an ATV can be mighty handy. Instead of dragging the game through the woods and back to the vehicle, it can just be loaded up and driven out.

Gaining access to very difficult hunting ground is a prime advantage when using an ATV also. Instead of having to walk many miles, you can simple ride, and this leaves you much more energetic for the hunt.

Of course you can't deny that there are ATV riders who are only concerned with the thrill that they can bring. Certain models are especially good for riding on the beach or in the woods. They don't have the heavy duty transmissions like the hauling type, but are built for speed.

An ATV built today can have a great deal of horsepower, producing invigorating and energizing thrills, whether in the woods or on the dunes. Professional riders have mastered many different types of skills and stunts while driving an ATV.

It was only a matter of time, since the introduction of the ATV to the public that people would begin to race them against each other. Oval tracks with many different kinds of jumps and obstacles, challenge the riding skills of those daring enough to race their vehicle.

Certainly it takes a lot of practice and each rider is required to don a host of safety gear while racing. But, just watching these races can be exhilarating and exciting too. ATV racers also come in many various sizes and ages, and begin riding as young as 4 years old today.

If you have no experience operating an ATV, it is always a good idea that you read and understand the owner's guide that comes with the vehicle. These are very powerful machines, and they can be a real time saver for those who operate them properly and safely.