Taking A Motorcycle Abroad

If you are contemplating taking your motorcycle abroad, whether it is for business or fore pleasure, there are several points that need to be considered before even turning on the engine. Insurance and planning are the primary points, which if carried out properly, should ensure a relaxing and fantastic trip in any country abroad.

The first step to taking a motorcycle abroad is to contact your motorcycle insurance company and ask whether they currently cover you for riding your motorcycle in a foreign country. Surprisingly, most insurance companies do offer a basic level of cover for riding a motorcycle abroad; assuming the country in which it is being used in is in the European Union. However, this level of cover is almost always basic and the payout amounts stated are often minimal. Due to this, ask what costs would be incurred if a higher level of cover was added to the insurance, but do not accept this price. Take it away and contact some other motorcycle insurance companies to compare. Only once you have received a handful of quotes should you decide which insurance company to use for your journey abroad.

After the appropriate motorcycle insurance has been arranged, the second point on your list should be to find a good quality breakdown cover. As with European riding cover, most insurance companies, if you have a Fully Comprehensive policy, will offer a certain level of European breakdown cover. However, a fully policy document should be requested to see what the breakdown cover includes and if it is not suitable, other cover should be arranged to meet your journeys needs.

An interesting point to note about European breakdown cover is that if you have a bank account with a major national bank, check to see if you receive any additional bonuses. Many bank accounts provide a range of insurances and cover options completely free with several of their bank accounts.

Although it may seem like a relatively straightforward process in theory, crossing a border between two countries can often be a time consuming process. Many first time travelers are unaware of this and are often disheartened after passing through their first border. To ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible each time, have your documents, most notably your passport, to hand, as removing it from your luggage is one of the reasons why the process can be time consuming. To combat this, a lot of seasoned travelers have taken to keeping their passport in a waterproof, sealed pouch around their neck, providing almost immediate access when required.

To ensure the utmost safety on a motorcycle journey abroad, always ensure that you contact someone as often as possible. Whether it is calling home every day or checking into a pre-booked hotel, this will make sure that your journey runs as smooth as possible and that should you not call or check in, people will be made aware that something has happened and will be able to provide help much quicker than if no contact had been made.

by: ChrisReinhold
About the Author
Kwik Fit Bike Insurance have a team dedicated solely to finding the best possible deals in motorcycle cover - and have an 18-strong panel of leading insurers specialising in quality Motorbike Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance Services

Are Motorbikes Safer Than Cars?

For years we were led to believe that cars are safer than motorbikes. However, this statement was created by people involved in the car industry to protect their own interests. It is high time that we open our eyes and see the true: motorbikes are better than cars.

First of all, we should know that riding a motorbike is not dangerous in itself. What makes it dangerous is the fact that cities tend to be packed with cars. Plus, cities are designed for cars, not motorbikes. However, it is not the vehicle itself that is dangerous; it is cars that pose a risk to motorbikes.

Secondly, it should be highlighted the fact that a car is only equipped with one brake, located on the driveshaft. This brake is completely useless under rain conditions; in fact some drivers need over a mile to brake their cars. Motorbikes, on the other hand, count with three brakes, and can come to a total stop in only 100 feet.

The body of a car is made out of aluminum foil, a fact that makes the car completely unstable, and it can easily lose control under certain circumstances. Motorbikes do not have a body, so it is easy to keep them under control, and avoid accidents.

Motorbikes are more economical. There is no parking fee for motorbikes, and road tax is much cheaper for them. Also, in places like London motorbikes do not have to pay for a congestion charge. And talking about congestions, traffic jams are not a problem for motorbikes, since they can easily escape them.

If everybody rode a motorbike, the world would be much safer. Whenever there is a collision between two motorbikes, at the most, people involved in the accident get a broken bone. However, a crash between two cars often results in fatalities.

A car is a deadly weapon, everything about this vehicle was designed to hurt or kill. For example, the glass in a car will explode inwards, in the event of an accident. If something like this happened, the passengers of the vehicles would end up badly hurt and with many cuts on their bodies. Motorbikes do not have any glass, thus there is no danger in this respect.

If you drive a motorbike and get involved in an accident, you will not run the risk of being stuck or trapped in the vehicle like a car driver. There are all sorts of protective gear available for motorbike riders. Also, since motorbike riders are in a higher position than car drivers, they tend to have a better view.

Motorbikes are much cheaper, and run longer than cars. Riders do no assume anything and are extra careful while on the bikes. In addition, motorbikes pollute less than a car. The list of reasons why riding a motorbike is better than driving a car could go on endlessly. It is up to you, to make a wise choice, and decide what you want for your life.

by: julianlenox
About the Author
CEO of Advertizia, Julian J. Lenox writes reviews and articles for Finance Top 100, a dedicated Finance websites reviews reserve. Read more about Online Motorbike Insurance Quotes.

Motorcycle Insurance - Coverage Basics for Motorcyclists

Buying the right kind (and the right amount) of motorcycle insurance can appear complicated - but it doesn't have to be! When shopping for insurance, there are three main types of policies to be considered:

Liability:
Liability insurance is the least expensive policy you can buy, and for good reason. It's basically designed to protect the other guy and his bike - not you or yours.

Collision:
Collision insurance, on the other hand, will help pay for your bike's repairs in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive:
Comprehensive is well, shall we say, the most comprehensive policy you can buy covering everything from, fire, theft and vandalism, as well as accidents.

When shopping around for motorcycle insurance, it's important to understand every limitation of the policy you choose. For instance, a higher deductible will help lower your monthly premiums, but in the event of a claim, you will pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Another thing to consider is whether or not your policy will pay to replace your bike in the event it is totaled, or if the insurance company will pay your claim based on your bike's depreciated value. This can make a huge difference between having enough money to buy the new bike and getting stuck taking whatever you can afford.

Of course, there are ways to get your premium down. Some of thing's an insurance carrier will consider when setting your rate includes:

-The size of your motorcycle.
-What kind and brand it is.
-How old you are.
-Your driving record (have you had any previous accidents, claims or speeding tickets?).
-What you will use the bike for ex: to ride to work or for enjoyment.
-How many miles you'll be wracking up on your bike every year.
-Where you live.
-What type od extras your bike has (face it, all the customized stuff that makes your bike great will also cost the insurance company more to replace should it be involved in an accident or stolen).

While every insurance carrier will consider these things when setting your individual insurance rate, there are ways to lower your premium - now and in the future. The first is to pay off any loans you have on your bike as soon as possible. When you finance your motorcycle, the bank requires a certain amount of insurance to cover the loan, but once it is paid in full, how much and what types of coverage you carry is totally up to you, leaving you to decide how much risk you want to take.

The second is to keep your driving record clean. Every claim you submit and every traffic violation you receive will add cost to your insurance premiums. Keep that in mind the next time you speed down the highway.

Make sure you tell your insurance agent if your bike is stored during the winter months (or any time of the year). The less it's on the road, the less you will pay for insurance.

Also, keep up your credit score. It's a little known fact among the general population, but more and more insurance companies are looking at a client's credit score to determine how responsible they are. And how much they should charge them for their insurance. Statistics have shown that those with higher credit scores submit fewer claims - which is good business for insurers.

Buying motorcycle insurance is much like buying any other type of insurance. The key to getting a good deal is shopping around and making sure that you clearly understand the policy that you've chosen. Just because one company's premiums are lower, doesn't necessarily make it a better deal.

By.Matthew Hick
Article Source:
Include this link when reprinting this article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/cars-and-trucks/motorcycles/motorcycle-insurance-coverage-basics-motorcyclists.html

The Longest Motorcycle Jump on Record

.. 102.53, 66, and 346 have in common? Here's a hint - motorcycle jump record. March 29th, 2008 --- Calder Park in Melbourne, ... when Robbie Madison hopped on his modified Honda CR500 motorcycle and set the world's mark for the longest motorcycle jump on record. ...


What do the numbers 102.53, 66, and 346 have in common? Here's a hint - motorcycle jump record. March 29th, 2008 --- Calder Park in Melbourne, Australia was the setting, complete with a rainy atmosphere, when Robbie Madison hopped on his modified Honda CR500 motorcycle and set the world's mark for the longest motorcycle jump on record. It took him a distance of 500 meters before he hit the ramp at 102.53 mph and then went airborne to the tune of 66 feet in elevation.

When he touched down on the dirt landing ramp, he had traveled 346 feet, eclipsing the his own world's record of 322 feet that he set at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's just as the clock struck midnight. A crowd of 28,000+ braved the drizzle and early fall temperatures (they were in the Southern Hemisphere so the seasons are the opposite) and watched their hometown hero write another chapter in the motorcycle jump record books.

Robbie's first attempt nearly ended in disaster when he just barely missed slamming into the face of the dirt landing ramp. But undaunted by the near mishap, he tried once again to set the world's mark and succeeded, much to the delight of the rain soaked fans. Fortunately, they found the experience well worth the inconvenience of the inclement weather that they had encountered in the process.

Robbie Madison is a name that has become a household word when people discuss the longest motorcycle jump on record. And he is no stranger to setting and breaking his on world records either. As was mentioned earlier, this world record broke the prior record (that he had set). Oddly enough, one year earlier to the date (New Year's 2007), the record that he set this past New Year's broke that record --- by 45 feet. The former mark of 277 feet was also set at the Rio Hotel.

Of course, when you talk about the longest motorcycle jump on record, you cannot omit the name of the man who put the sport on the map, namely Evel Knieval. This man was the daredevil's daredevil; the epitome of a combination of courage and a lack of fear, Sadly, we lost him on November 30th, 2007 when he lost his fight with diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, both of which he had been suffering with for years.

Knieval's long-time friend, Billy Rundle, was quoted as saying that Knieval had been suffering for many years and that everyone knew that he would eventually succumb to the conditions. But as Rundle was quoted in an interview shortly after his friend's death, "It's been coming for years, but you just don't expect it. Superman just doesn't die, right?" For many admirers, they had lost their idol and their hero.

But the bottom line is that even though it is considered a sport and enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide, there are still those individuals who feel that is nothing more than a group of foolhardy individuals that have no respect for life or limb. Personally, they have the right to their own opinions, but I think they are off base in their mindset about the issue. And obviously, they don't realize that it takes courage and skill to compete in that particular arena.

By. Justin Stewart
Article Source:
Include this link when reprinting this article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/cars-and-trucks/motorcycles/longest-motorcycle-jump-record.html

Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle

.. these fine motorcycles. The Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle happens to be the proud member of the Harley Davidson Motorcycles ... is this characteristic of the Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle that has made the bike what it is today, a truly retro yet ..


Harley Davidson has been considered as the iconic American bile for ages and owning this bike is luxury for some and sheer passion for alot of others.
Harley Davidson Motor Company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in USA is the manufacturer of these fine motorcycles.

The Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle happens to be the proud member of the Harley Davidson Motorcycles family and came into existence in the year 1958.

The Sportsters bikes were inaccurately based on the then popular K-model racer. The first ever Harley Davidson Sportster was pretty lightweight, relatively narrow and stripped down and had earned a good amount fanfare among the sports bike enthusiasts.

Many bike lovers believe that the Harley Davidson Sportster gradually evolved to become the Harley's cruiser bike model.

There is a group of people who also like to call this beautiful bike as the semi-sports bike, now that is an interesting way to name a bike!

Today's evolved Sportster resembles the XLCH Sportster bike model that was created in the year 1958 but amusing enough every single part of the Sportster is different when compared to the XLCH Sportster of 1958.

The batteries and battery boxes, engines, carburetors and air cleaners, exhaust, mufflers, brakes and rotors, rotors, cables and charges, gas tank, oil tank, swing arm, rear shocks, wheels, forks, frames, everything is different but surprisingly the resemblance is austere.

One has to bear in mind that Harley Davidson bikes have always been considered as or rather was intended to be the chopper style bikes. In fact it was Harley Davidson bike that has given a rise to the new whole new cult of custom created bikes.

People often find this fact as contradictory but then if you have ever owned a Harley Davidson or have been an avid admirer of any model of Harleys you would know what it means to be believe in evolution but not revolution.
It is this characteristic of the Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle that has made the bike what it is today, a truly retro yet state-of-the-art bike till this date.

It is for this fact that the Harley Davidson motorcycle company, which is the oldest motorcycle manufacturing company, has retained its popularity and credibility as the one of the most renowned motorcycle companies in the world.

The Sportster Motorcycle too lives up to the standards set by the earlier models of Harley Davidson's motorcycle company. By this yardstick the Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle is a real-time example of the evolving work or let's say a work in progress. Have you ever seen two Sportsters that looked exactly the same?

Believe me one doesn't have to be a Harley Davidson motorcycle fanatic to be able to answer this. Any layman who knows a little bit about Harleys will answer the question. You will never find two Sportsters that look same, it is again for the reason that the like any other Harley Davidson bike, the Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle too is full of possibilities when it comes to the additions and modifications.

This is especially true for the basic XLH 883 and XLH 1200 models. The type and number of modifications that you can do to your Harleys Sportster can be limited only by your own creativity and imagination.

Whether it's engine performance, safety accessories, comfort and convenience accessories, appearance accessories, the possibilities are many.

It is the final touches that you give to your Sportster that lends the personality to your Sportster.
No wonder that even today a well-maintained and well-treated Sportster is capable of fetching you a 100% of the original cost price as the resale value.

By.Martin Davies
Article Source:
Include this link when reprinting this article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/cars-and-trucks/motorcycles/harley-davidson-sportster-motorcycle.html

Motorcycle Camping Gear - Carry More To Distant Places

A motorcycle camping trip is one of the most exciting ways to explore the country. Make no mistake in differentiating between motorcycle camping trips and a road trip. In a motorcycle camping trip you actually pitch a tent and spend the night in the lap of nature as compared to a road trip where you pull over and check into an inn or motel to spend the night. If you are an adventurer and would rather spend the night under the open sky, then get yourself a motorcycle, if you do not already have one, and plan a camping trip you will never forget.

However, before you set out in haste on a motorcycle camping trip, you will do yourself good to do a bit of research on the activity you are about to undertake. That is of course, if you are a newbie to the sport of motorcycle camping. Check your camping gear and then double check it. Ensure you have the right gear and no unwanted stuff you do not actually need for the trip. If you feel you need to make a camping kit from scratch or just add a few things to your already existing kit you will find no dearth of motorcycle camping items in your local sports shop or general market. You must choose the items wisely and buy only the ones that will fit comfortably on your motorcycle. You have a large selection of hard bags to choose from. The beauty of these hard bags is that they can fit snugly on your bike without the fear of falling off or having to stop frequently to adjust them, and they can be painted to suit your bike. However, unlike the soft bags that are easy to fold and store away, hard bags are required to be stored on a frame and are more expensive than their soft counterparts, and so are by-passed most of the time for the softer variety.

Some of the other essential items that must make it to your camping kit include; a tent, some waterproofing material such as plastic or canvas, a sleeping bag, compact cooking gear such as a collapsible stove, eating and cooking utensils, adequate clothing, motorcycle tools and a puncture repair kit. Choose the items for your motorcycle camping kit wisely, it will help you when you are packing and unpacking during the trip.

Get yourself a strong waterproof tent for your camping kit. Include a waterproof matting such as a plastic or canvas sheet to place under the tent to prevent water seepage if it happened to rain during the trip. However, if you are more of the open-air types and would rather sleep under the open sky, you will not need a tent, just the canvas will do for a base to place the sleeping bag on. However, it is highly recommended that you keep a tent with you as it may come handy should Mother Nature decide to pour down on you any time during your trip. Get a sturdy and comfortable sleeping bag as well. A lightweight bag made of down and polyester is strong, warm and can be folded up into a very small package that takes up very little space.

Once you have put your motorcycle kit together after a lot of thought, you can assure yourself many enjoyable hours in the lap of nature.

BY.Abhishek Agarwal
Article Source:
Include this link when reprinting this article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/recreation-and-leisure/outdoors/camping/motorcycle-camping-gear-carry-more-distant-places.html.3

Wear Motorcycle Helmets? That Is A Good Question!

..Motorcyclists are always evaluating the use of motorcycle helmets. Is this simply a matter of preference or are there ... Chief ,Dan Pearson, is likewise teaching people that motorcycle helmets save lives, after losing three friends to motorcycle accidents in two years. All three suffered from head injuries and ...

Motorcyclists are always evaluating the use of motorcycle helmets. Is this simply a matter of preference or are there significant issues to be considered?

A friend of mine (Bill) has chosen to ride with a helmet, or at times without a helmet. He says it depends upon riding conditions for him.

One day he was on a two lane road, traveling about 50mph when a tractor trailer truck pulled out from the right side of the street to go the same direction. His thought was to maintain his speed and simply pass the truck. Which, most likely could be done. Unfortunately the truck driver did not have enough room for the turn, and stopped dead still, crossing both lanes.

Bill was now approaching the truck too fast and too close to stop safely. He tried breaking hard but immediately knew he was facing the side of the trailer head-on. With quick thinking he laid his Harley on the side and slid under the trailer and on down the road a couple hundred feet.

Relaying his story to me, he was flat on his back, feet first, with his arms spread out and his head bopping on the highway. When all was finished he gave credit to God for helping him and praised his destroyed helmet for saving his life. Plus, the leather jacket and gloves that had taken the tears in place of him.

My friend only suffered from some sore muscles and hurt pride. But, it brings up the subject of helmet safety.

In the KSL-TV News of South Jordan, the Police Chief ,Dan Pearson, is likewise teaching people that motorcycle helmets save lives, after losing three friends to motorcycle accidents in two years. All three suffered from head injuries and none were wearing motorcycle helmets.

Then, the police chief himself was involved in an accident on highway 89 North of Afton, Wyoming.

A truck towing a horse trailer had passed him and pulled in front of him, hitting the front of his motorcycle with the spare tire mounted on the back. Dan was thrown off his bike, landing headfirst. He says, This injury would have been a fatal blow if I had not had the helmet on. Dan suffered from bruises and a few broken bones.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists survive a crash and receive less serious injuries when wearing a helmet. They report that at least 600 people are saved each year.

One question that is asked, motorcycle helmets might protect your brain but can it increase your chances of a broken neck?

Dr. Michael Yorgason, a surgeon at Montana Orthopedics and Sport Medicine, states that the findings from medical literature shows: autopsy studies done after fatal motorcycle accidents have shown that neck injuries and fractures are equally likely, whether you are wearing a helmet or not.

Yet, most medical reports support the use of motorcycle helmets. They believe that the helmet generally decreases the risk of head and brain injury significantly and surmise that wearing them does not increase your risk of neck injury.

An Italian study concluded that a helmet decreased injury by 66%.

A Thailand study found that after making motorcycle helmets mandatory, head injuries decreased by 41% in 2 years.

Now, in Kentucky, a study revealed that brain injury increased by 4.3 times when not wearing a helmet.

In an article written by Jonathan P. Goldstein, PhD. titled The Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Use on the Probability of Fatality and the Severity of Head and Neck Injuries. He concludes that there are a number of variables in a study that puts the study in question.

Major differences are held concerning helmet use or non-helmet use. Normal results compare death and injury rates are two and three times greater for non-helmet riders and increases in occurrence rates in repeal years that vary from 19% to 63%.

On one side: the helmet verses the non-helmet study fails to consider these two classes of riders. Stating that helmet riders are more cautious by nature.

One, they drive slower, thus have slower speeds in crash situations.
Two, they are less likely to have an accident.
Three, helmet wearers are less likely to drink and drive (alcohol or use of drugs). These behavior changes dramatically reduce a riders risk.

On-the-other-hand, factors to consider are:
1-average age of the biker
2-average miles driven each year, per biker
3-average experience of the biker 4-the size of the motorcycle driven.

So, between the size of the bike, potential speed, age, risk taking and alcohol ingestion; simply, cannot realistically prove the effectiveness of helmet use.

The Goldstein study did approach these variables in question. They reported a study that evaluates the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in accident situations. The conclusions are:
1-Motorcycle helmets have no statistically significant effect on the probability of fatality.
2-Helmets reduce the severity of head injuries.
3-Past a critical impact speed of 13 mph, helmets increased the severity of neck injuries.

The report then concluded that helmet users face a trade-off between reductions in the severity of head injuries and increases in the severity of neck injuries.

Under these circumstances a mandatory helmet use law cannot be reasoned to be an effective method to stop an individuals death or injury when involved in an accident.

Perhaps other choices need to be considered in providing safety in motorcycle use. Here are three suggestions.

One, educate the general driving public (car and truck drivers) in road use with motorcycles.
Two, educate inexperienced motorcyclists on accident avoidance (evasive action) and the proper use of these powerful machines.
Three, create a strict enforcement of drunk driving laws. [Some studies show that alcohol consumption is the major factor in deaths and injury.]

Harley-Davidson offers basic and advanced training to 200+ dealerships in 30 states. Honda has four training centers. BMW is considering advanced training but says they tend to attract seasoned riders.

It is believed that training cuts panic. You need to know how to negotiate a curve and resist the urge to brake, etc.

Here are some other factors that need to be considered. Tires should be inflated to the proper level.

A riders visibility to be seen. Tests have shown that the plain white motorcycle helmets are the easiest to be seen. Clothing makes a difference between day/night.

US DOT findings discovered that following the Helmet Law Repeal in Texas and Arkansas from Aug/Sept of 1997 to May 1998, helmet use dropped to 52% in Arkansas and to 66% in Texas.

In Arkansas motorcycle fatalities rose 21% following the repeal and head injuries increased 18.5%. Texas fatalities rose 31%.

One court case in California disputed what standards were set for qualifying a helmet as safe. For a list of the US Government Compliance Testing of Motorcycle Helmets you can check to see if your helmet passed or failed. Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

When I am on my motorcycle, I know what I am doing. I do not know what the other driver is doing. So, with the many facets of helmet use and considering the pro/cons, I choose to wear a helmet. You will have to decide for yourself!

By.Lonny Wolford
Article Source:
Include this link when reprinting this article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/cars-and-trucks/motorcycles/wear-motorcycle-helmets-good-question.html