When it comes to motorcycle reviews, it’s fairly easy to find them online as they are as numerous as the number of people doing the reviewing. The problem with online (and offline) reviews is that none of them really follow a basic format based on critical issues of purchasing a motorcycle. The other problem that seems to be a common omission with these critiques is that none of them talk about who the particular type of bike is suited for. Everybody’s needs and wants are different, especially when it comes to performance, comfort, power needed, primary use of the bike, and so on.

What you always will find is content about size of the engine, type of engine, horsepower, fuel efficiency, etc. The reviews always have neglected saying what type of user the bike is designed for — and I’m not referring to gender. I’m referring to age group of the individual and what they really need to be looking for. Here’s a list of what should be in motorcycle reviews and rarely is:

- What type of body style is the bike designed to fit?

- A listing of all the options that come standard or are available to add for a price

- How does the particular type of motorcycle relate to the driver’s abilities

- Cost and frequency of repairs (believe it or not, this isn’t always in a review)

- Difficulty factors involved in finding replacement parts

One thing that is always a critical issue is if the bike overwhelms the rider or if the rider is too tall for the bike. It’s a comfort factor first and foremost, but equally as important is the safety issue. If the bike overwhelms the rider, the consequences could be very hazardous to the rider’s health and well-being. An overwhelming bike cannot be handled properly nor controlled properly

Every bike on the market usually has a list of options available, but that list may or may not tell the buyer what is included as standard and what adds to the cost. This is often covered on the price tag, but sometimes there are other options that can be included as standard in place of those that are listed.

Is the rider experienced enough to handle the bike they are thinking about buying, or is the bike going to eventually become boring to the rider?

You got a great deal when you purchased the bike, but what are normal maintenance and repairs going to cost you? Furthermore, what is the frequency of those repairs — infrequent occurrences versus repairs being needed too frequently.

Finally, how difficult is it going to be for you to find replacement parts when you need to perform normal maintenance or make necessary repairs? If that bike is your only means of transportation, and you have to wait two or three weeks for parts in order to do the repairs, you’re in a world of hurt. So you want to make sure that there is never problem being able to repair your bike so you don’t miss any time on the road or at work or both.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle reviews at The MotorcyclePedia.

With the current market trend depicting a retraction in sales in the motorcycle industry, Harley-Davidson has planned a reduction in shipments for the third quarter of 2008. But when confronted with the question of “Will you be doing the same?” Mark Blackwell, VP of Victory Motorcycles and International Operations stated that they have a 10-15% growth goal for the year.

Therefore, in answer to the question above, it can be safely assumed that Victory Motorcycles has no intention of mimicking Harley-Davidson’s idea. Blackwell also stated that in addition to not backing off in their shipments of product, they will also build up their dealer network, rather than expand with a training focus of the existing staff.

Victory’s edge against a retracting market includes the latest addition to their “touring” products — the Victory Vision. This stylishly unique introduction into the touring category of inventory gives the advantage to Victory in the custom cruiser market. And Blackwell has adamantly stated that he feels Victory no has an excellent chance of nearly doubling their sales opportunities with the addition of this beauty to the already high quality line of bikes that exists. The vision is manufactured with a 106 cubic inch 50-degree V-Twin engine and comes well-equipped to attract considerable interest of Victory showroom visitors.

Besides tweaking the numbers a bit, Victory Motorcycles focused on some design revisions especially with their signature bike — the Freedom V100/6. The bike is built with an air/oil-cooled, single overhead cam (SOHC), 50-degree V-Twin motor. The lowering of the compression ratio from 9.8:1 down to 8.7:1 has created a reduction in “spark knock” and boosted horsepower and torque as a result. The new, closed-loop injection system with its fully-sequential operation feeds the larger 45mm throttle body.

The changes made to the oil-cooling operations round out the rest of the upgrades to the Freedom V100/6. Where oil-cooling is concerned, the oil flow path was altered in order to cool the exhaust valve bridge therefore preventing a reduction in the size of the 31mm exhaust valve. As a consequence, there will be no loss of power, and this also enabled the utilization of a smaller oil cooler as well.

Noise pollution and the reduction of it were also key focal points for Victory Motorcycle this past year in that they employed the use of a taller sixth gear in order to reduce the noise that results from the transmission meshing. It also reduced the bike’s cruising RPMs, but only by 3%. Other areas that noise reduction was the targeted goal included a “re-tuned” compensator and split-gear clutch, the addition of more sound-deadening ribbing inside the cover, a quieter alternator, and longer closing ramps combined with slower valve-closing speeds.

This last factor was responsible for eliminating most of the top-end tick that frequently occurred with these particular bikes. Finally, the handlebar grips were redesigned, but in addition to this, heated grips were added as an option in their parts and accessories line.

Click here to learn more about Victory motorcycle at The MotorcyclePedia.

Motorcycle tires are very important on your motorcycle. They are one of the few things that comes between you and the road in the event of an emergency stop. They also keep you from hydroplaning in wet conditions, and can keep you comfortable on that long trip. So how do you know if you need new tires?

1. Hole or Leak

This probably seems like a very obvious choice, but sometimes you have to state the obvious. It is possible to just plug a hole, but this should be done from the inside out, not the outside in. When you plug a tire from the outside in, motorcycle tires have a tendency to lose the plug. While this doesn’t always happen, it is safer to plug from the inside out.

2. Worn sidewall

This also seems like an obvious one, but to someone who is new to the motorcycle game, motorcycle tires can be confusing. They are not the same as the motorcycle tires on a car. The sidewall can get worn for several reason. One of the top reasons for a worn sidewall is that the driver is leaning awkwardly. If you are not leaning and you still notice unusual wear in your sidewall, it might be in your best interest to verify this with a mechanic.

3.Wearing tread

How can you tell if there is little tread grooves on the tires? If you can stick a penny in with Lincoln’s head down and the top of the head can still be seen after sticking it in the groove, then you probably need new tires. Tread is what makes it possible to stop in wet weather, the grooves move water away from the center of the motorcycle tires so that the motorcycle tires can get a better grip on the road.

4. Age of tires

Motorcycle tires can degrade and erode with age. Just because you have a motorcycle sitting in a storage room for ten years, does not bean that the motorcycle tires are still in good condition. If the rubber is soft, chances are the material used to make the motorcycle tires has become worn after ten years.

5. Mileage

The harder the rubber on the tire the longer the motorcycle tires will last. In contrast, the softer the rubber is on the tire, the better the traction on the road. If you want more mileage, get harder tires, if you want better traction, get softer tires. Both types of motorcycle tires has its advantages. Traction means quicker stops and better turns. More mileage means less money paid out for new tires.

6. PSI on tires

To increase the life of the motorcycle tires, remember to check your tires on a regular basis. If you consistently keep your PSI lower then directed by the manufacturer, chances are you will wear out your tire, your tread, or your sidewalls. The longer you can keep the tread and sidewalls in good condition the longer your tires will last.

Click here to learn more about new motorcycle tires at The MotorcyclePedia.

Everyone knows about all of the major international car shows that make headlines around the world every year. The car companies use these shows to promote their products and show the entire industry what they have been up to, and what they are going to be introducing for their lineups in the coming year. Many people do not realize that the motorcycle industry has a counterpart in its International Motorcycle Show.

The International Motorcycle Show is a way for motorcycle companies to show off what they have done, and what they are working on. Just like the car auto shows, the motorcycle show has many of the fanfare and interesting booths. But why go? The fanfare and excitement can translate into chaos and stress for others. There are three top reasons to go to the show and soak in all that the motorcycle world has to offer.

1. Concept Motorcycles at the International Motorcycle Show

The concept motorcycles that are shown at the International Motorcycle Show are enough alone to draw a huge crowd. Everyone is always trying to look into the future of the motorcycle industry, and the show gives companies the chance to give people the glimpse into that future. Many companies offer the concept motorcycles that they are working on and have finished. Some of these concept motorcycles are working. Other concept motorcycles at the show are not working, and are simply design projects. Either way, it is fun to see futuristic motorcycles and to catch a glimpse at where the industry may be heading in the near future.

2. New Models at the International Motorcycle Show

While it is great to see the future of the motorcycle industry, the International Motorcycle Show gives a greater glimpse into the immediate future of motorcycles. Many of the companies that make motorcycles show off their newest makes and models at the show. Everyone has a chance to jump on a motorcycle to see how it feels to be sitting on it, and what it looks like from the driver’s point of view. If you are in the market for a new motorcycle, the Motorcycle Show may be the best way to check out all of the newest motorcycles in one spot. Instead of going from dealer to dealer, you can find all of the motorcycles under one roof.

3. Companies and Accessories at the International Motorcycle Show

The International Motorcycle Show isn’t all about the actual motorcycles themselves. The show also features the companies that make the motorcycles, and the accessories that you can add to the motorcycles that you already have. The show is one big show for the entire industry, giving makes the opportunity to show off not only the motorcycles, but the accessories for the motorcycles as well. If you are looking for ways to add to your motorcycle to make it that much better, the show may be the best way to see what is on the cutting edge of the industry.

Click here to learn more about International Motorcycle Show at The MotorcyclePedia.

It is not uncommon for motorcycle owners to notice the weak electrical systems in their motorcycles. How do you fix that? Your motorcycle and relay can take the pressure off the electrical system by diverting the lights, or whatever you may hook your motorcycle and relay to, so that the electrical stress is taken of the original electrical system.

Motorcycle and relay is used for headlights and has even been reported to brighten the lights after installation. Keep in mind that motorcycle and relay is not for replacing bad wiring, just for taking the stress off the existing electrical system.

A motorcycle horn is usually weak, and unimpressive. Motorcycle and relay for horns can significantly increase the output of a horn. There are some motorcycle and relay kits for horns that make the motorcycle horn sound like a fog horn. When a car cuts you off on the freeway, a little honk, honk isn’t going to phase him, but a Boom Boom will make him take a second look.

Flashers on a motorcycle can drain on a motorcycle’s electrical system too. To take the pressure off the electrical system, you can use motorcycle and relay for the flashers to make the flash standard DOT or adjustable flashing where you choose how slow or fast you want your flasher to blink. There is also a customizable flasher system that lets you choose the pattern of the blink.

Brake lights can also be put on to motorcycle and relay units. There are motorcycle brake lights that allow you to tap the brake once and the brake bar will flash to alert those behind you that they are following too closely.

Heated jacket and gloves can be put on a motorcycle and relay so that the extra electrical pull won’t affect the motorcycle’s electrical system. Heated accessories can be great for you during the cold weather, but not so great for your motorcycle. Do your motorcycle a favor and help it out by adding motorcycle and relay units to help during the cold weather.

Do you have more electrical accessories then you have sockets to plug them into? There is a motorcycle and relay unit that lets you add extra sockets to your motorcycle. Whether it is that CB radio, or GPS system, having extra sockets can certainly add to the usefulness of your motorcycle.

Worry about your motorcycle getting stolen? Use a motorcycle and relay to install a security system. The electrical system that was original straight from the factory may not be able to handle the demands of a security system. While security systems may be a deterrent, it won’t stop them permanently, but if your electrical system can’t handle the output needed for the security system, it definitely can’t protect your motorcycle. Tracking systems can be hooked up to motorcycle and relay kits as well. If your motorcycle does get stolen, it can be tracked and found, hopefully before it is torn apart.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle and relay at The MotorcyclePedia.

No one likes to be unprepared, nor do we like our possessions anything less then fully protected. Motorcycle trailer rentals can give you the best of both worlds. Whether you are moving to a different state or going to Sturgis, motorcycle trailer rentals can make the trip far more enjoyable. Motorcycle trailer rentals can give you convenience, and peace of mind.

Reason 1 — You are moving, motorcycle trailer rentals for transport

A trip across the country on your dream motorcycle may sound like a dream vacation, but for the sake of your motorcycle, you may want to stash your ride. Riding across country can really wear on a motorcycle. Dust in the engine and other parts can cause damage, using motorcycle trailer rentals to transport your motorcycle can keep your motorcycle in prime condition. Motorcycle trailer rentals can keep the mileage off the motorcycle, and while this is not a factor in blue book values of motorcycles, the wear on the motorcycle would however affect the motorcycle blue book value. With motorcycle trailer rentals, you can keep your motorcycle safely enclosed on that long move.

Enclosed motorcycle trailer rentals not only keep you from putting the mileage on your motorcycle, but it keeps your motorcycle looking just as great as when you put it in motorcycle trailer rentals. Motorcycle trailer rentals can also make the move more comforting to you, the owner, knowing that you can get your motorcycle safely to your destination, without even a scratch, or a rock hitting your front fender. Knowing that your motorcycle is safe away from vandals in large towns stored in motorcycle trailer rentals can also be comforting. Motorcycle trailer rentals hide the motorcycle away from all harmful substances, objects, and flying insects as well.

Reason 2 — The long trip or the weekend getaway, motorcycle trailer rentals for cargo.

Everyone likes to take a vacation. Everyone likes that weekend fishing trip or camping trip. No one likes to be unprepared. Imagine going five hundred miles from home to find out you left your toothbrush on the kitchen sink. It wouldn’t matter anyway, because that saddlebag was completely filled anyway. Motorcycle trailer rentals can solve all that. Motorcycle trailer rentals allow you to take everything you need for your vacation. Also, motorcycle trailer rentals can give you piece of mind by having a spare tire.

If you plan on camping out, some motorcycle trailer rentals even have a tent attached. Motorcycle trailer rentals that have the tent can sleep one in the top, so you would be off the ground and underneath the tent, there is storage area. Sleeping in your motorcycle trailer rentals, not only offers a built in tent, but also saves on renting a tent or a travel trailer, thus getting two for the price of one. It also offers added storage space. This is so that you don’t have to say, “I’ll just pick it up when I get there.” This saves money as well.

The right motorcycle trailer rentals can save money in gas by being aerodynamic. They also make taking children on the trip much easier. Motorcycle trailer rentals give space, simple as that.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle trailer rentals at The MotorcyclePedia.

Motorcycle Lifts can be a life saver in the event of a move. If you have to put your motorcycle on a transport trailer, or on the back of a truck, it is much easier to use a lift then it is to find a ramp and try to manually drive it up the ramp, or push it up the ramp. So what type of motorcycle lifts are better?

1. Ease of use

When choosing motorcycle lifts, one of the first things to think of is how easy it is to use. No one wants something that is going to more trouble then it is worth. Air motorcycle lifts use air pressure to lift it off the ground. Some lifts make it easier on the consumer by making foot pedals, but either way, the user is using muscle and manual power. Hydraulic lifts are much more convenient. They run on their own power and use little to no manual power to work. Hydraulic motorcycle lifts are much less physically demanding on the user. If ease of use is more important to you then hydraulic lifts may be what you are looking for.

2. Cost of device

The more convenient motorcycle lifts are, the more they cost. Air lifts are much more cost effective then hydraulic motorcycle lifts. While you pay more for ease of use, you also pay for convenience. Both air and hydraulic lifts are convenient for a motorcycle enthusiast. If you are repairing your motorcycle and have it taken apart where it cannot move on its own power, then motorcycle lifts allow you to move it around the shop with as much ease as if you were pushing a shopping cart. Either way, the convenience far outweighs the cost for someone who is constantly moving a motorcycle.

3. Construction

The better constructed motorcycle lifts are, the more it will cost. The lifts with the best reputations are constructed much better than the lifts from other manufacturers. While the lighter lifts and the motorcycle lifts that are more compact may be better on space, and more convenient for storage, the heavier more sturdy models do cost more. Heavier, more structurally sound lifts can cost more, but be safer then the lighter lifts.

4. Aesthetics

Everyone knows the prettier something is, the more it will cost. Whether it is air lifts or hydraulic ifts, the better it looks, the more colorful, the more pleasing to the eye it is the more it will cost. While pretty motorcycle lifts do not mean they work better, many people want the prettier design to liven up a shop or work space. Motorcycle lifts that look better naturally sell better. What are you willing to pay for? Do you want to pay for the pretty colored paint? Do you want to pay for the shinier chrome lifts? Are aesthetics an important part of your buying decision? What feature on motorcycle lifts makes it a more desirable purchase?

Click here to learn more about motorcycle lifts at The MotorcyclePedia.

Motorcycle gloves, gear and apparel seem like just accessories, not much of a necessity, especially something as minute as motorcycle gloves. Truth be told, motorcycle gloves can be very useful, here’s why.

Reason #1 — No Motorcycle Gloves Equals Wet Palms

Motorcycle gloves seem like a useless accessory, maybe just to look cool, but motorcycle gloves really do serve a purpose. Motorcycle gloves prevent your palms from sweating all over the grips of your handlebars. While they may not prevent them from sweating inside the motorcycle gloves, at least they give you a better grip.

Consider this, you are driving down the highway at 60 or 70 miles per hour and your palms are sweaty and you are not wearing motorcycle gloves, you decide to change lanes. You tighten the hold on the grips and move to adjust your handlebars in the direction of the move. Suddenly, you find your hands slipping off the grips causing you to go careening either into the median and heading into oncoming traffic, or into a ditch. Either way, the simple decision not to wear motorcycle gloves that day, could cost you your life along with the possibility of taking others with you.

Reason #2 — No Motorcycle Gloves means Hand Injuries

From the time a person is very small, the first instinct when falling is to put the hands out in front to brace the fall. It doesn’t change as we get older. When you watch someone falling, even if they are falling backward their hands flail in front of them. When you ride a motorcycle, this doesn’t change. When you see a fall coming, your hands go out in front of you, trying to brace yourself for the fall. Without motorcycle gloves, your hands could get broken, bruised bloodied and even severed from the wrists, depending on how bad the accident it.

For your hands, protect them with motorcycle gloves. Without motorcycle gloves, you could bruise your hands badly or worse making it difficult to ride again. motorcycle gloves seems like a simple solution right from the start.

Reason #3 — No Motorcycle Gloves means Numb Fingers

Anyone who has had cold fingers and tries typing on a computer or doing something with the hands that needs great dexterity knows how hard it is to type or grip something when the hands are cold. This same concept applies to motorcycles. Motorcycle gloves can keep the hands and fingers warm. This seems so obvious, but many people don’t understand the importance of warm hands when your at the controls of such a heavy piece of machinery.

Loss of control of a heavy piece of equipment can mean loss of life. Motorcycle gloves can mean the difference between thinking you hit the cruise control and then quickly slowing in front of a car coming at 70 miles per hour. It can mean not putting on the brakes fast enough because without the motorcycle gloves you can’t feel the amount of pressure on the hand controls. Cold hands mean numb fingers, and numb fingers means an accident waiting to happen. Motorcycle gloves aren’t just to look cool.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle gloves at The MotorcyclePedia.

Motorcycle windshields are common on touring motorcycles. They can be added to just about any other type of motorcycle. Just like everything else, though, motorcycle windshields have advantages and disadvantages.

One advantage to having motorcycle windshields is that it blocks the wind and makes for a better and more comfortable ride. Having windshields there to block bugs flying at the face and rocks being thrown from the vehicles in front is definitely an advantage. No one wants to drive down the highway and suddenly taste a bug or see one spat on your cheek just below your eye. Windshields definitely offer the advantage of better obstacle blockage.

A disadvantage would be visibility. While it is great to have something to block things flying at your face, it isn’t so great when all that builds up on motorcycle windshields and blocks visibility. You can’t drive safely if you can’t see where you are going.

Another advantage is the aerodynamics of motorcycle windshields. They allow the air to flow evenly up and over the motorcycle. Having better aerodynamics with windshields can improve gas mileage and with the gas prices sky rocketing, any amount saved in gas is always an advantage.

A disadvantage would be the glare given off by motorcycle windshields. Not all windshields give off a glare, but when they do, they can be blinding. It is hard to drive when you are being blinded by the glare, likewise, it is hard for other drivers to drive with a glare.

Another disadvantage is the weather. In some weather, it is better to see without motorcycle windshields then it is to see with them. They can make it hard to see in foggy or wet weather. Just like with glasses, windshields can fog up, attract moisture and have ice. Any of these conditions can make it difficult for visibility.

If you get the wrong size it could definitely affect visibility. Trying to look over the windshield or under the top of the windshield can be annoying and dangerous. If you don’t look entirely through or entirely above your motorcycle windshields, you could have problems with blind spots due to the line in your line of vision.

One consideration that would give the best of both worlds would be removable motorcycle windshields. This would allow you to place it on the motorcycle when going on long trips, and remove it on bad weather days, or when visibility is poor to begin with. It can add to the aerodynamics when you ride in conditions that would affect the mileage and speed, such as uphill and curving roads. Also you may consider having the windshield tinted to reduce glare and increase visibility. Be careful how tinted you have the windshield though, because in dark conditions, it may make it hard to see if they are too dark. Glasses have anti fog coating and you can get the same coating for your motorcycle windshields.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle windshields at The MotorcyclePedia.

It takes more then just a fancy motorcycle to be motorcycle babes. Just having a motorcycle does not turn girls with motorcycles into motorcycle babes. So what does?

1. Love of Motorcycles

Motorcycle babes do not have motorcycles just to be noticed. They are not doing for the attention they get from it nor are they doing it because it is the “cool” thing to do. If you are a woman with a motorcycle and you are just doing it because it looks good and because you get noticed, you have not reached the status of motorcycle babes. True motorcycle babes would ride a motorcycle even if there was no one around to notice them. motorcycle babes are the ones that know the difference between a liquid cooled engine and an air cooled engine. Motorcycle babes could change a tire, customize their handlebars, and add a backrest without blinking an eye.

2. Confidence

Motorcycle babes exude confidence. They do not need someone standing there staring and gawking at them to feel beautiful and alive and full of energy and enthusiasm. Unlike so many photos and stereo types, motorcycle babes can be more then just the supermodel standing in front of the Kawasaki in daisy dukes and a tight tank top bending over pretending to inspect the tire. They can also be more then the other image of the butch woman who is more manly then the bikers she rides with. Motorcycle babes can be short, tall, thin, full figured, young or old. Motorcycle babes is the whole package, not just what you see. Motorcycle babes feel comfortable in both jeans and dresses. They can go out with their hair in a ponytail with no make up and not care who sees them.

3. Self Worth

Motorcycle babes know that they are worth more then a compromising position in front or on that Honda motorcycle. Real motorcycle babes have children and jobs that don’t involve skimpy clothes. That is not to say that those models who pose half naked in front of the motorcycles can’t be real motorcycle babes, if they know there is more to who they are then guys gawking at them drooling half at them and half at the motorcycles that accompany them. Motorcycle babes know that even without the motorcycle they are someone. Motorcycle babes know that even though they don’t need the bike to be noticed, they deserve the bike.

4. Thrill seekers

Real motorcycle babes are thrill seekers. They love the feel of the motorcycle under them riding down the highway. They aren’t afraid of spreading their wings. When motorcycle babes are going down the highway they can feel the wind flapping all around them, they feel like they are flying. There is nothing better then knowing that you have complete control over this machine that has more power then any one person should possess. The vibrations from the motor and the curves in the road go through your entire body. Motorcycle babes feel alive.

Click here to learn more about motorcycle babes at The MotorcyclePedia.