US Based Motorcycle Magazines Go Bankrupt- Interesting

I found this post on another blog. I thought I would share it with those of you who are following this. I thought it was interesting.

28 April 2009	File under News Author: Mike Werner Location: Normandy, France Comments: bt_wc_0_printCount( “Several US Based Motorcycle Magazines Go Bankrupt” );Your say [0/2]	Via: Hell For Leather
It was bound to happen. With a world scale economic and financial crisis and internet news getting more and more readers, newspapers and magazines are suffering. Even in the world of motorcycle aficionados, motorcycle mags are on the way out. Last month Cycle World was up for sale. Now, Source Interlink, a corporation with 75 magazines in its product portfolio, have announced that they are filing for Chapter 11. This means that the following magazines are now in danger of being closed down: ATV Rider Baggers Dirt Rider Hot Bike Motorcycle Cruiser Motorcyclist Sport Rider Street Chopper Super Street Bike That’s bad news for the motorcycle world. Even the motorcycle industry is being hit hard by the economic downturn. Maybe Obama can do a stimulus package for the motorcycle publications….

Motorcycle Helmet Testing- Don’t trust the cheap ones!

One of the most important things when choosing a helmet is to make sure it is safe. You do not want to purchase a cheap helmet just for price and find out that the helmet would not protect you at all. Take a look at this video to see what we mean!

Looking for a helmet that is not going to wimp out on you? Visit our site: Skullskidder.com

Helmet Safety- What we are all about!

All about Helmet Safety. Anything you need to know!

Helmet Camera cont.

I noticed that a lot of the readers kept going back to the post on Helmet Camera Set Up. I thought I would give you guys a little more to go off. I know with the summer coming we are all looking to get some sweet rides in, it would be great to be able to catch those on camera. We are all looking to get famous and with youtube.com we are able to!

I found a great site with a lot of good helmet cameras. I thought I would share it with those who are looking to get some videos of their summer riding adventures.

http://www.helmetcamlive.com/

Also, if you need a helmet to attach that camera to you can always visit my site:

http://www.skullskidder.com

Thanks for reading everyone! Happy riding!

Motorcycle Helmet Mohawks- the new trend!

There is a new trend out there. They are called Motorcycle Helmet Mohawks. These multicolored fiberglass mohawks that you can suction cup to your helmet. They come in blue, red, green, yellow, black and even multicolor. What are they for? Do they help protect you at all?

These accessories are meant for looks and nothing else. Just because they are fiberglass like a lot of the helmets out there does not mean they help keep you any safer than you would be without them. The mohawks suction cup on, so if you were in a crash they would probably just come off. The suction cups hold tight in wind, but not with pressure from the pavement. The mohawks are meant to look cool and keep you seen. It is good to be seen on the roads, this can help keep you more safe, but the mohawks are mostly meant to make you look different.

There are a lot of motorcyclists out there now-a-days and you are seeing more and more of the same helmets. People are starting to get desperate for new ways to stand out and be original. These motorcycle helmet mohawks have become a way that riders can feel they are standing out and being unique. A way for them to feel like they are the only one on the roads with a helmet accessory like theirs.

It is good to go out and get a custom paint job, that will help you look different, but it is a lot cheaper to buy a suction cup mohawk for your helmet.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to make your helmet look different from all the others out there. I would suggest trying out a motorcycle helmet mohawk.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com/mohawks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown

Learn To Ride a Motorcycle

by Jim Carpenter
Riding a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating joys you could ever experience in life. If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, then you are truly missing out.
Click Here!

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, male or female… riding a motorcycle is open to all, whether you’re a teenager, a young woman, or even a retired grandfather.

Every year, more and more people are deciding to take up motorcycling. Don’t be left out of the fun! Open yourself up to experience a freedom and whole new aspect to life that you’ve never imagined.

“Learn to Ride a Motorcycle” is the ultimate beginner’s guide. It will quickly get you moving in the right direction and teach you everything you need to know to start riding. Whether you want to learn to ride a motorcycle right now or are just curious to know more, this book is a must-read.

If you have no idea where to begin your motor-cycling journey, “Learn to Ride a Motorcycle” will show you the way!
Click Here!

Unlike other motorcycle books that are outdated, or assume you know how to ride already, or–worse– think you’re some kind of adrenaline junkie, “Learn to Ride a Motorcycle” takes you gently by the hand and starts from the very beginning–you’ll learn everything from scratch, so it’s perfect even if you don’t know anything about motorcycles at all.

From the very first page, this concise and easy-to-read guide gets right to the point. Clear instructions and a comprehensive question and answer format will take you from utter newbie to knowledgeable rider in no time at all.

And even after you’ve learned the basics, this book will teach you how to ride a motorcycle safely and in full control. “Learn to Ride a Motorcycle” offers invaluable riding tips and strategies that you’ll use for years to come. Don’t miss out on this chance to start your motorcycling career on the right foot!
Click Here!

Helmet Decals

Motorcycle Helmets are not all about protection and safety. We are all concerned about saving our lives and keeping protected but that is not it. We are also concerned with looking good while we are out there. Not only is helmet testing approval important but the look and style of the helmet is also important. We want to look good while keeping safe.

What is the statement you make when you are out there riding on your motorcycle? Our helmet decals can say a lot about who we are and what we are all about. Some people have the plain helmets, others have bright decals. It depends on who you are and where you are going. If you are looking to make a statement while protecting your life, you are probably going to look for a decal that represents you. Picking a decal is not all about something that looks good.

You will want to make sure you are choosing one that has a top clear coat, and UV protection. The clear coat helps prevent wear on the color. The UV protection helps prevent from fading of colors by the sun. If you want a decal that is going to last as long as your helmet, you will want to look for those things. Keep the color looking the way it was the day you bought it.

This decal represents you! Make sure you are looking and feeling good about what the helmet shows others. Look around at different styles and decals before you decide on a helmet. make sure it is a helmet that fits you and your personality.

Get great helmets with awesome decals at www.skullskidder.com

Top Five Street Helmet Designs

1. The Boneyard half helmet design: The Boneyard has been one of our best selling helmets at the rallies and shows. This is a Black Boneyard Series Shorty DOT Motorcycle Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are similar looking helmets available which are heavier and bulkier. This one weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back.

2. German Style Chrome Helmet: This Helmet is the latest release is a NEW take on the “CLASSIC GERMAN CHROME HELMET”. This not only a beautiful rendition of the classic German Helmet—BUT IT IS D.O.T. Approved. That’s right this is not a Novelty Helmet. This is the safest German Style helmet on the market TODAY. These Helmets Retail in the $150.00+ range and the reason for that is that they’re worth it. When you consider fit, comfort, style, freedom, AND ALL THE SAFETY you get in this unit–its a bargain.

3. Easy Rider style helmet: Classic design from the movie Easy Rider. The shell is constructed of Fiberglass and has premium padding for comfort and safety. The Bubble visor is removable to fully duplicate the retro look from “Easy Rider.” The graphics and paint is clear-coated for durability and longevity.

4. Vented half helmet design: This is a DOT Vented Silver Shorty Series DOT Motorcycle Beanie Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are no other helmets on the market that vent like this one. The Silver Vented Motorcycle Helmets are tested and keep you 20 Degrees cooler when opened. This Motorcycle Helmet weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back. This has a new EPS liner which is only 1 inch thick compared to 1.5 to 2 inches you will find in other similar helmets

5. Flat Black, Chrome Flame design: This is a Matt Black Flame Series Shorty DOT Motorcycle Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are similar looking helmets available which are heavier and bulkier. This one weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back. This motorcycle helmet has a gloss black covered with awesome inlaid Matt Black Flames. This has a new EPS liner which is only 1 inch thick compared to 1.5 to 2 inches you will find in other similar helmets

Novelty Helmets, Whats the Point?

There are different helmet designs out there. When out on your ride you want a helmet that fits you and your personal style. There are different shapes, sizes and designs to fit you just the way you want. When out on your ride you can make a statement, tell everyone who you are and what you are about. There are full face helmets, street helmets and off road helmets. The trend I find odd is the trend of Novelty Helmets.

Novelty helmets, what do they do? What is their purpose?

The use of a novelty is for decoration. They are not strong enough to protect you in any sort of collision and they have not been approved by the DOT. The DOT has testing to make sure helmets are safe for your ride, especially in the case of getting in an accident. If a helmet does not meet the qualifications of the DOT test it is not considered safe to wear on the roads.

All helmets that are considered “novelty” do not meet the specifications that the DOT has set forth for motorcycle helmets. This means that the only reason someone would buy a novelty helmet is for decoration. There are some good novelty helmet designs, so as long as you can find something that fits your style, you can use these helmets anyplace you want to decorate. Add your own flair with your motorcycle helmet.

Some people put these helmets around their homes for decoration. Some wear them as costume type helmets. Anyway you slice it, these helmets should not be used when you are out on your ride. They are not safe and cannot protect you in the way you deserve.

So go out, get your novelty helmet. Use it when filming a movie, or just playing around. Just make sure the helmet you use on your motorcycle is something that has been tested and approved according to the DOT testing standards.

Cold Weather Riding

Living in Utah I know about snow, and cold weather. I found this great article on dressing for cold weather riding and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Dress For Cold Weather Motorcycle Riding
By Donald Christie

Riding your motorcycle during cold wet weather requires planning, foresight and the right gear. Clothing that seems fine when you are driving your car or walking down the street in the rain probably wont cut it at 70 miles an hour on your motorcycle. It takes the right gear to keep you warm under these extreme conditions. Buy gear designed for motorcycling. There is a difference. Women riders have had a tough time finding gear made for them at an affordable price until fairly recently. Happily myself and other vendors are offering affordable quality gear tailored for women.

DRESS IN LAYERS
COVER ALL SKIN
BLOCK THE WIND
STAY DRY
KEEP YOUR HEAD WARM
THE LAYERS

Insulating Layer: The insulating layer creates dead air space between the layers of clothing, trapping warm body air and keeping it around the body. Look for outerwear that is warm, water-resistant and well insulated with a synthetic fiber such as Thinsulate Insulation.

Outer Shell: This layer protects against wind and rain. This is probably the most important layer.

Outerwear Machine-washable jackets retain their waterproofing better than those that require dry-cleaning. Jackets with sealed seams also prevent water from getting in. If you wear a non-leather jacket get one designed for motorcycling. That stylish $300 jacket you bought at the department store probably won’t work as well as a $100 jacket you buy from me because it’s not designed for motorcycling. Leather is a great wind stopper. A well made leather jacket designed for motorcycling will last for years, keep you comfortable and protect you in a skid.

Look for outerwear containing Thinsulate and similar Insulation, it provides about 1 ½ times the warmth of down and nearly twice the warmth of other high-loft insulators when equal thicknesses are compared. Look for features such as cuffs that close tightly to keep out cold air and snow, zippers with large nylon teeth, and storm flaps over the zippers and double breasted chest openings to block wind and water. Cuffs, pockets and chest closures with multiple closure systems such as zippers and snaps or zippers ,velcro and snaps tend to stop more wind.

Zip out liners are very handy. You can remove your liner when it is warm in the afternoon, store it in your saddlebag and put it back in when the temperature dips.

Add leather or string ties to zippers etc so you can open and close them with your gloves on.

Your neck Nehru or Euro style collars on jackets tend to cover the neck better. A turtle neck sweater will help some. In really cold weather a balaclava or a leather riding mask will make a big difference. Remember to cover your neck! By the time you have traveled a half a mile in cold weather you will know if you forgot to cover that adam’s apple!

Legs Protect your legs from the wind. There are a variety of choices for protecting your legs. Chaps, Leather pants and Textile pants. I sell a variety of these items in various price ranges. All of my items are designed for motorcycling. Once again wear layers; thermal underwear and lined pants or chaps to block the wind. When it gets cold a pair of Levis and long johns won’t do it!

Footwear Wet feet become cold and numb quickly, keep your feet dry by wearing appropriate boots. When your feet become wet (through sweating or immersion) you need to put on dry, fresh socks. Insulated boots help. Wear socks made of synthetic fibers like polyester and polypropylene. Make sure your boots are loose enough to comfortably wear thick socks. Avoid steel toe boots. A pair of cold feet will ruin an otherwise great ride!

Headgear You loose most of your heat through your head and neck! Wear a full face helmet with face shield for optimum comfort. Leather masks cover the neck and lower face. Balaclavas cover the neck, face and insulate your head.

Gloves Waterproof gloves lined with synthetic insulation such as Thinsulate insulation are effective insulators, keep your hands covered at all times. The savvy rider has several pairs of gloves designed for various riding conditions: Fingerless gloves for warm summer riding. This cuts down on vibration, reduces calluses and offers some protection in a skid. Zip Cuff Gauntlet gloves The next choice is usually flexible gloves with thin lining that offer wind protection and a gauntlet cuff to keep wind from blowing up the jacket sleeves. I carry a pair all the time in my saddlebag along with a pair of cotton liners to add when it gets cold. They are handy even on cool summer nights.For really cold weather I wear a pair of thick gauntlet motorcycling / ski gloves with thick insulate lining. Gauntlet cuff gloves are very important. They fit over the jacket sleeve and keep ice cold air from blowing up to your arm pits at 70 miles an hour!

Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves but offer less dexterity. They are a definite no-no for riders or passengers. You can’t feel the controls and the passenger can’t hold on!

Rain Gear

Keep a set of nylon rain gear in your saddlebag for each person on the bike. They don’t weigh much but they are a real life saver when the rain or sleet starts coming down.

Just my opinion on heated clothes. They work great when they work! I used to wear a heated vest and heated socks. I stayed warm and toasty even in really cold weather. One day in January one of my heated socks quit working, I didn’t realize it. I froze a couple of toes and darn near lost them. That was enough for me!

A few general observations:

Avoid real tight clothing. You loose that insulating warm air layer when you wear a jacket, pants or boots that are too tight.

Dress for comfort and protection. Wearing your beany and a denim jacket when the chill factor dips below 30 only impresses dummies. Surprisingly this occurs at about 45 degrees F at 70 mph!

Bring gear for the worst weather you may run into. You probably will. Those nice 70 degree October days sometimes turn into a rainy 35 degree ride home.

WIND CHILL

The cooling effect of wind at 70 mph is astounding. Plan carefully before you leave. At about 10 degrees fahrenheit you are entering very dangerous territory. Wind chill is not something to fool with:

WIND CHILL @ 70 MPH

DEGREES F-> 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10

WIND CHILL 38 24 9 -6 -20 -35 -49

HYPOTHERMIA

1. Hypothermia is a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired.” Hypothermia can creep up on you and seriously reduce your thinking abilities and
coordination.

2. Conditions Leading to Hypothermia

Cold temperatures Improper clothing and equipment, Wetness, Fatigue, exhaustion, Dehydration, Poor food intake, Alcohol intake – causes vasodilation leading to increased heat loss

3. Temperature ranges at which hypothermia can occur on your motorcycle:

32 DEGREES Below freezing ALWAYS DANGEROUS WITHOUT PROPER GEAR

40 degrees – ENTERING DANGER ZONE: PROPER GEAR NEEDED IF RIDING MORE

THAN A FEW MINUTES

60 degrees – CAUTION! COVER EXPOSED SKIN ESPECIALLY IF IT IS RAINING.

4. WHAT TO LOOK FOR; SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

a. Watch for stumbles, mumbles and fumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Having troubles with controls, have to consciously think about where the brakes are etc. STOP AND GET WARM. DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL, THAT REDUCES BLOOD FLOW AND MAKES IT WORSE. A WARM DRINK WITH SUGAR HELPS.

b. Mild Hypothermia – core temperature 98.6 – 96 degrees F

AT THIS POINT YOU CAN MAKE DANGEROUS MISTAKES; FORGET TO PUT ON THE BRAKES, OVER OR UNDERSTEER A CURVE. ( ONE TIME I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT AND FORGOT TO TAKE MY FEET OFF THE PEGS!) Shivering – not under voluntary control Can’t do complex motor functions, can still walk & talk Vasoconstriction to periphery

c. Moderate Hypothermia – core temperature 95 – 93 degrees F

Dazed consciousness Loss of fine motor coordination – particularly in hands – can’t zip up your jacket, due to restricted blood flow to the hands.Slurred speech Violent shivering Irrational behavior – Paradoxical Undressing – person starts to take off clothing, unaware s/he is cold MANY SYMPTOMS LIKE BEING STONED. A person in this condition needs help. Immediately get them indoors. They may not be able to make good decisions for themselves. If you or someone riding with you reaches this point reassess your plans; Make frequent stops to warm up, get a room for the night or park the bike and get better gear. You are taking a serious risk!

d. Severe Hypothermia – core temperature 92 – 86 degrees and below

(immediately life threatening) You won’t have any trouble noticing this stage. The person falls down, curls into a fetal position appears to die! Shivering occurs in waves, violent then pause, pauses get longer until shivering finally ceases – because the heat output from burning glycogen in the muscles is not sufficient to counteract the continually dropping core temperature, the body stops shivering to conserve glucose. Person falls to the ground, can’t walk, curls up into a fetal position to conserve heat. Muscle rigidity develops – because peripheral blood flow is reduced and due to lactic acid and CO2 buildup in the muscles. Skin is pale Pupils dilate Pulse rate decreases at 90 degrees the body tries to move into hibernation, shutting down all peripheral blood flow and reducing breathing rate and heart rate. At 86 degrees the body is in a state of “metabolic icebox.” The person looks dead but is still alive.

Make sure your passenger is dressed right before you leave. They may not know how to dress. It’s up to you to help them make the right choice. And guess who is going to listen to them nag to wear your nice warm jacket on the way home if they don’t?

Keep these guidelines in mind the next time you venture out on that motorcycle in cold weather.

You don’t have to park that bike when fall rolls around. Just dress right and enjoy!

Breathable Layer: This is the layer that comes in contact with the skin. It should allow body moisture to escape and evaporate more quickly, which keeps the skin dry and comfortable. Use thermal underwear made of synthetic fibers like polyester and polypropylene to wick moisture away from the skin. Avoid natural fibers such as cotton, they tend to hold moisture close to the skin and dry very slowly.

Don

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Christie