Yamaha’s Electric Motorcycles
April 25, 2014
Finally, a big-name motorcycle producer has jumped in the electric moto game. While smaller companies such as Zero and Mission may dread the competition, they also may benefit from the attention such a well-known company can bring to the electric motorcycle market.
The PES1 (Passion, Electric, Street) and PED1 (Passion, Electric, Dirt) were first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, with promises that will raise a few eyebrows. Reportedly, the PES1 weighs less than 220 lbs, and the PED1 weighs in at just 188 lbs and can fit in the back of an SUV.
The combination of an electric motor and a lightweight design will be a lot of fun on twisting, winding roads, and convenient for commuters, though there has been no mention of the bikes’ top speed.
Race Tires Vs Street Tires
April 4, 2014
Some might be forgiven for thinking that racing tires would be a safer choice. After all, they keep motorcycles glued to the rack racing at incredible speeds and turning dangerously close to the asphalt. However, racing tires were made for just that purpose. They weren’t made for the other common conditions many street riders face, such as road damage, weather conditions. and various styles of winding, rising and dropping roads.
So, if you’re replacing your tires, be sure to choose the right tires for the job. Research online, consult your manufacturer’s handbook and talk to people at the shop.
Top Tech Tips
April 4, 2014
Get some great motorcycle maintenance tips from Joe Conry to ensure motorcycle safety and smooth riding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSM3MTINTs&feature=youtu.be
The Most Common Beginner Mishaps
April 3, 2014
1. Buying the Wrong Motorcycle. Many beginners buy too much weight and too much power, resulting in a bike they cannot control. See our bike buying guide for new riders.
2. Overestimating skills. Going from the training of an empty parking lot into downtown traffic during rush hour is not a good idea.
3. Underestimating other drivers’ stupidity. There are a ton of terrible drivers on the roads, and a new rider should never underestimate the stupidity of other drivers.
4. Assuming you’re not invisible. Cars and trucks have a hard time seeing motorcycles, especially when turning or changing lanes. Always assume that you are invisible to every other driver on the road.
5. Riding with a passenger. Before you let a passenger on the back of your bike, get a few thousand miles and a year of experience under your belt.
Miss Fires
April 3, 2014
This motorcycle group doesn’t require much knowledge, experience, or even a license. You can even join if you don’t have a bike yet. See the full story over at nytimes.com:
Protecting Motorcyclists
April 1, 2014
With the warmer weather, drivers will be seeing a lot more motorcycles on the road. It’s important to be aware of the dangers that motorcycle riders face, and to always drive safely and respectfully no matter who you are sharing the road with. Last year, there were 4,762 motorcyclists killed in accidents, and any number of fatal crashes is too many. So this year, let’s keep an eye out for our friends on bikes. Here are a few tips to follow to prevent more motorcycle deaths this year:
– DO NOT TAILGATE! Motorcycles can stop much more quickly than cars, so be sure to give them plenty of distance in case they need to turn or brake suddenly to avoid an accident.
– Look twice before turning or switching lanes. Motorcycles are often unseen by people in cars and trucks.
– Give motorcycles a full lane width. There’s not enough room for the both of you. Even if you think they are turning, don’t attempt to pass until they have completed the turn. Many bikes have turn signals that don’t turn off automatically, and riders often forget to turn them off.
– DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED!
A collision with a motorcycle is most often fatal for the rider, so drive safe this season and help keep our motorcylists alive.