Nitrogen is already abundant in the air we breathe (about 78%) with Oxygen making up most of the rest (about 21%). However, there are several other components including Argon (1%) and Carbon Dioxide (.03%) and trace amounts (measured in parts per million) of others including Neon, Methane, Helium, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone, and Xenon.

Nitrogen reduces permeation

Oxygen permeates through the rubber walls of tires 3-4 times faster than Nitrogen. The water vapor contained in air migrates through the tire wall at a rate of up to 250 times faster than Nitrogen resulting in pressure losses that can be up to 1 pound or more per month. Over time these losses add up and can cause handling and steering difficulty and can lead to premature wear and catastrophic tire failure – which can result in injury or death. In fact, it’s reported that the number one reason for tire blowouts is underinflated tires.

As a side note: Regular visual checks of tires for cracks and other damage is a terrific practice. However, using visual checks to evaluate pressure is a dangerous and worthless practice. Motorcycle tires can be up to 50% underinflated and still appear to be normal. The only proper way to check for proper pressure is to use a quality gauge.

Nitrogen provides a safer alternative and improves fuel economy.

The average vehicle will see a 4% mile per gallon improvement when inflated with Nitrogen and Nitrogen extends tire life by helping to maintain proper tire pressure thus insuring optimum tire wear. While Nitrogen will help maintain proper tire pressure, you still need to check your tires on a regular basis.

78% Nitrogen (which is already in the air in your tires) – is not enough.

Actually, the important part is getting the moisture and Oxygen out. The air in your tires is full of moisture, which along with oxygen can accelerate the damaging effects of corrosion and oxidation. Because Nitrogen is inert and dry, it helps prevent oxidation of rubber, rims, TPMS sensors and valve stems.

Switching to Nitrogen is easier and cheaper than you might think.

Many dealers will fill your tires with Nitrogen for free (including free refills) if you buy the tires from them. Otherwise the cost can range from $3 to $20 depending on location.

Related Link  GetNitrogen.org

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be saying goodbye to some long-time events this year and the future of some other big events is still hanging in the balance.

The end of an era

Last month American Honda announced that the 2008 Honda Hoot was the last one. This brings to a close 15 years of what has been arguably one of the most successful motorcycle rallies in history. Honda attributed the move to current economic conditions and said “based on the current economic crunch which may have significant impact on our customers during 2009, American Honda will take this time to seek out new and innovative ways to engage with our customers so that we can continue to ride together”.

Other events having difficulty or announcing cancellations include:

- Tampa Bay Motorcycle Rally. Earlier this year CC Productions issued a release stating that the event was “cancelled due to lack of community support”.

- Lone Star Rally. As of this writing, the organizers of Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas are still negotiating with Galveston officials. They have not been able to release even a tentative date for their rally and are threatening to leave if progress is not made.

- Concours d’Elegance. While taking a softer approach in breaking the bad news, the Legend of the Motorcycle has nevertheless cancelled the 2009 “Concours d’Elegance.” The Concours d’Elegance, which takes place the first weekend each May, will be not be held in 2009 but is scheduled to resume in 2010. The decision is attributed to “the effect the world economy has had on many sponsors”. Said co-founder Jared Zaugg: “We’d rather suspend the event than see it done halfway”. The good news is that plans are already underway for May 2010.

- Hollister Independence Day Rally. The event, which was tentatively scheduled for July 10-12, 2009, remains “officially” cancelled. This is the second time in three years city council members cancelled the Rally. The Horse Power Promotions website announcement states; “The city council has decided not to sanction the 2009 Hollister Motorcycle Rally. There will be no motorcycle activity in 2009.”

Lawmakers set their sights on bikers

Other potentially significant news for motorcyclists is pending legislation intended, in part, to limit motorcycle rallies. Back in September of 2008, the Myrtle Beach City Council passed 15 ordinances aimed at motorcycles and motorcycle events (See article). These ordinances include a curfew for underage individuals, administrative processes to address parking issues, new rules for checking into a hotel or motel, and a mandatory citywide helmet law. While these ordinances will not become law unless they are passed in a second reading, the potential is significant and Motorcycle Rally supporters have fired back with lawsuits (see article).

The communities and the many businesses that have relied on these events over the years will no doubt find they must reinvent themselves and will certainly face significant challenges ahead. Far away from these communities, some see the cancellation of these major events as a chance for other competing events to maintain their base or even provide a window of opportunity for smaller regional events to grow as a result. Others, still, view this as a sign of things to come and predict more events to pull back or cancel.

Manufacturers respond to the issues

The painful truth is that in addition to the current economic uncertainty, we are also seeing a convergence of issues, which have bubbled up to the surface at exactly the wrong time.

Issues and concerns such as “loud pipes”, “wheelies and stoppies” being performed on city streets, and resort communities being overwhelmed by non-stop summer-time motorcycling events have caused a backlash.

These seemingly unrelated concerns have created quite a complicated if not volatile situation for the motorcycling industry. Manufacturers, who absolutely recognize that motorcycling has always been based on freedom and the philosophy of “live and let live”, are being forced to divert resources. They find themselves in a position of having to take sides on the issues and to stave off criticism, they run campaigns on issues like “loud pipes” when they would rather be focusing on R&D, sales and marketing.

Motorcycling has been dealt somewhat of a cruel blow

Where high gas prices were recently driving up sales and expectations were high, we now see events being canceled and motorcycle sales plummeting due to economic conditions as well as communities actively pursuing new laws aimed squarely at motorcyclists.

Ultimately, just like riding the bikes they make, the motorcycling industry must keep going forward in order to keep its balance. This industry has seen its share of hard times and with the economy showing no signs of easing up any time soon certainly, more big changes are on the way. However, when the dust finally settles, though focused efforts and diligent planning, motorcycling and motorcycling events can no doubt emerge stronger and better.

Related Links:

Visit the Motorcycle Cruiser Links – 2009 Events Directory

Zumbro River

Reader submitted article

I wanna ride b…. – on the back!

My buddy was confused as I shouted my blasphemous confession over the bass duet of our v-twins. My quirky follow-up was the result of my nearly running off the pavement several times.

I stand 6’3” and weigh in at 250 pounds (without riding gear), so the vision my startling declaration conjured in his befuddled head must have defied all “man laws” not to mention the laws of physics. No matter, my mind is set.

We had just come off a spectacular newly discovered road feeling like the Europeans who “discovered” America, when in fact it was already someone else’s backyard. Nevertheless, we bikers gush when we unexpectedly stumble upon a road that’s new to us. Never mind that it’s already on a map.

Although this particular “secret” road was clearly labeled Minnesota Highway 60, I almost missed it. After crossing a major highway to make a u-turn back into the small Mississippi River town of Wabasha, Minnesota, I saw a road winding up through the bluffs. I made a mental note to check it out on a later run and turned into a gas station to refuel. My buddy, a more sociable type, learned from another motorcyclist that the road was in fact a phenomenal run.

Initial climb to scenic overlook

So we did another about face and joined up with Highway 60. It does a quick and twisted climb of 1,100 ft in just over a mile; quite a peppy start. Most bikers can’t help themselves and pull off the road at the top of the river bluffs.

The “Scenic Overlook” treats the stupefied biker to a 30 mile panorama of the grand Mississippi River, its yellow chalky bluffs, and the hilly shires of Wisconsin. The view is staggering for most Midwestern flatlanders, who are conditioned to a horizon so straight that it would make a master stone mason proud. I was surprised that my reaction was reminiscent of some I had while stumbling upon vistas in the Rocky Mountains.

Highway 60 then does a curlicue descent from the bluffs west and shoots along the backside of the river bluffs. This ancient lake bed is surrounded by what can only be described as stubby mountains; again, an astonishing view for flatlanders. There aren’t many straight sections of Highway 60 as it winds its way through the lime green fields of a series of scenic farming hamlets. It’s a good place to wear some rubber off the sides of your tires.

View from scenic overlook

County Road 81, a tributary of Highway 60, roughly parallels the shaded Zumbro River. This is my favorite kind of road; back-country, single-lane, multiple curvy-road signs, no-shoulder (nature severely encroaching over the edges of the pavement and barely held at bay by the periodic motorist). Stretches of the surrounding forest are so dense that a rider could imagine that they are motoring through the Black Forest. The Zumbro affected me like an old-timer who is in no hurry to get to his destination but wants to sit a spell to tell a story or two. It persuades the biker to slow the pace and abandon the temptation for a mach-speed blast through these potentially challenging twisties.

But … even my newly-adopted geriatric pace didn’t help me much. My eyes were constantly drawn to this unexpected garden of visual temptations like a sailor to the sirens’ song. Unfortunately, so was my %#$^@* bike! My riding buddy must have thought I’d developed a sudden case of ADD or a terminal set of cataracts the way I was almost sticking to the road.

Surely you sense my dilemma! I wanted to drink in the full scope of the scenery without wrapping myself or my motorcycle around a fence post, becoming a piece of mangled sculpture to serve as a warning to other hypnotized bikers. Potential solutions and their corollary embarrassments whizzed through my mind like miles on the road to Sturgis. Then it struck me like a bug between the eyes while riding at full throttle. I want to ride bitch!

Like my childhood days when I logged countless miles on the back of my dad’s bike, gawking at the scenery, I want to ride on the back again. Clearly, a special woman would be needed for this job! But who could handle this task?

After making this loony pitch to my buddy, and discussing potential candidates like Xena, the Princess Warrior, or a reincarnated Viking Valkyrie, we began to notice women on motorcycles who looked like they could handle my gravity and biker-norm defying experiment.

So my mind is set and I’ve decided to find applicants in the biker personal ads!

XLMB (Extra Large Male Biker) seeks XSFB (Extra Strong Female Biker) who will let him ride bitch. Enjoys watching scenery on long rides … and staying alive.

If you take my advice and ride Highway 60, you might see a big guy on the back of a bike in a happy trance with a mindless grin on his face. If you do, you know that my ad was answered!

——————————————————————————-

Author name withheld by request.

It was a sunny, warm, & beautiful spring day – a great day for a motorcycle ride. It was also a day that left me slightly puzzled and wondering if a pickup truck driver was being reckless or just polite.

Here’s what happened: On the way home, I had just finished coming up to speed off an entrance ramp to the highway and I had no sooner settled in with the other traffic when suddenly I found myself dodging debris which was bouncing off of the road in front of me. I quickly figured out the stuff was blowing out of the bed of a pickup truck just ahead.

Traffic was light and I was able remove myself from the situation by changing lanes quickly and safely. As I approached the driver’s side of the offending pickup truck, I noticed his window was down. Good, I thought, now I’ll be able to inform this driver of the hazards he is creating. I jockeyed up along side of him and as loud and clear as I could I slowly said: DO–YOU–KNOW-THAT-STUFF-IS–BLOWING–OUT-OF-THE-TRUCK?

He looked me square in the eyes and with an ear-to-ear smile on his face he said YES!

That was it. He made no attempt to pull over to investigate; he expressed no concern, just a big ole’ smile and a simple YES!

I was stunned and had no idea what to make of this. I spent the remainder of my ride pondering the possibilities. Did he not hear me correctly and was he just being polite? Did he hear me correctly and if so, was driving down the highway at speed, and letting the air currents blow stuff out of the bed of his truck, his way of disposing of refuse?

While I may never know what the real story was, there is a message here: Hazards are everywhere and in addition to always finding a way to sneak up on you when you least expect it, they usually present themselves in creative and unusual ways.

Have fun and be safe.

Updated: 8/22/08

While high gas prices have seriously hurt automakers, the scooter segment of the motorcycling industry, has benefited significantly.

Nationwide, scooter sales were up about 66 percent in the first half of 2008 and these machines are appealing to older riders as well with the median age of a scooter buyer rising from 26 in 1990 to 46 in 2003, according to The Motorcycle Industry Council.

Averaging between 70 and 90 miles per gallon and at today’s average price of $4.02 a gallon, gas scooters can save the average driver upwards of $65.00* a week in fuel costs.

The U.S. scooter sales surge has caught the eye of manufacturers worldwide and there are now dozens of scooter manufacturers vying for the U.S market. Among the most popular are scooters manufactured by companies such as Vectrix, Piaggio (Vespa), Italijet, Kymco, and Honda. See Motorcycle Cruiser Links for a complete Motorcycle and Scooter Manufacturers List.

Going Green

Improvements in manufacturing processes and battery technology are making today’s Electric Scooters a viable alternative. Modern electric scooters can go highway speeds, accelerate quickly, charge from any electrical outlet, go 30 to 60 miles on a charge, and sport good looks.

Electric scooters also require very little maintenance. Aside from minor adjustments and pre-ride safety checks, little else needs to be done on these machines. Troubleshooting has gone high tech and most machines only need to be hooked up to a laptop computer to conduct diagnostic checks and install software upgrades.

Electric scooter manufacturers such as eGo, Electric Moto, ZAP, and Vectrix, are reporting that these machines cost only pennies a day in electricity to operate. Some scooters are getting the equivalent of 200-400 miles per gallon and the carbon footprint of these machines is roughly 90% less than that of some automobiles.

Incentives To Buy Electric Scooters

If high gas prices weren’t enough, some consumers are receiving even more incentives to buy electric scooters in the form of tax credits and rebates.

States such as California, Georgia and West Virginia are offering significant consumer incentives toward the purchase of who purchase alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

photo courtesy of Vectrix

*Savings based on driver traveling 15,000 miles per year at 15mpg (city) in automobile vs. 90mpg (city) on scooter.

I am not getting divorced. I wasn’t 100 percent sure until yesterday. Prior to that, the closest I dared get to the house was a block.

All I said to my wife was, “I am going to buy a motorcycle.” We were in bed with the lights out when I said it. This actually worked to my advantage because her long-standing argument against me having a motorcycle is that I have the natural reflexes of paint.

But I sensed something there in the dark. I rolled to the right just as it struck the pillow where my head had been. It was her way of reminding me that we have a contract.

It’s actually more of a post-nuptial agreement. Shortly after we got married, some friends and I did something that landed me in the emergency room. My wife had to leave work to bring over some insurance papers.

Thirty stitches, five hours and a spectacular fight later we entered into an agreement whereby we each conceded certain behaviors in order for our marriage to continue. I have a copy right here.

My wife’s requirements take up most of the page. I won’t bore you with the details except to say that she missed her calling as a loan shark.

Among her demands are no more blowing up stuff, testing reloads in the house, jumping out of airplanes, pet snakes, drinking chip dip with a straw, road trips longer than four days, crossbows, spear guns, and – absolutely no motorcycles.

My entire list of demands reads, “Hunka-Hunka Burning Love.”

It seemed a fair bargain at the time. But then I was young and believed testosterone was an inexhaustible resource. And there’s my signature at the bottom of the page.

I love my wife and want her to be happy. I’m also smart enough to know that a big reason I have a marriage, a home, grandkids and all my arms and legs today is because of our post-nup agreement.

But last week I was with some friends who stopped at Timpanogos Harley Davidson in Lindon. While they were doing whatever, I threw my leg over a 2008 Nightster 1200N. I haven’t had a motorcycle since a 1971 accident on Wasatch Boulevard so spectacular that I still have leftover Sky Miles. Everything came back in a rush – the open road, freedom and the feeling of power under me.

Back home, I explained to my wife that I was still too young to be old. My head needed to go 90 mph again before I was ready for a walker. Ever the practical one, she said she could make my head do that with a baseball bat and save us $12,000.

“You’re expensive enough alive,” she said. “We can’t afford you dead. And I still like waking up next to you.”

Cool. If that isn’t hunka-hunka burning love, I don’t know what is.

Article Source: The Salt Lake Tribune – Salt Lake City, Utah
Email the author: Robert Kirby

For decades, I’ve felt that local, state, and federal agencies have not only been wasting your time, but also have been causing you to waste gas in the process and I think a recent example proves it!

The east and west parts of the city I live in are divided by a river and there are two bridges crossing this river. The west side of town is mostly residential and nearly all of the commercial businesses including grocery stores and shopping centers are located on the east side.

Crossing over to the east side has always been a dreaded task because it takes so long to go only a mile or two. Often, I choose to shop in the next town 10 miles away so I don’t have to cross the river and because it takes less time to get there.

Recently, it was decided that the main bridge needed to be replaced and all traffic was routed to the only other bridge.

Anticipating extreme traffic backups the local and state agencies did something unheard of: they changed the traffic light sequencing and let the traffic actually flow!

Currently the upper bridge is seeing over three times the traffic it normally does however, I don’t mind a bit crossing it now. In fact, I can now go across town in a fraction of the time it used to take, all because they let the traffic flow – amazing!

Actually, I somewhat dread the day when the new bridge is opened because that will also mean the traffic lights will be put back to their normal sequencing and the roads will once again become a big slug of vehicles crawling from traffic light to traffic light.

So as I enjoy our short-lived ability to actually ride down the streets unimpaired by red lights every block, I find myself wondering just how much gas we, as a nation, could save if only they would let the traffic flow – I’d bet the numbers would be staggering.

By: Pete Crusoe

Think those rubber tires on your bike are going to protect you from a lightning strike? Better think again!

The common belief that motorcycle tires will keep you safe from lightning is just not true. This misconception isn’t confined to bikers. Automobile drivers often believe it’s their rubber tires protecting them from lightning strikes. In fact, automobile drivers are kept safe by the steel cage that encompasses them. The vehicle’s metal frame allows the lightning to find a path to ground around the car. Here’s the facts:

While rubber is a good insulator, there’s just not enough of it there to provide resistance to the voltage and current produced by lightning, which can exceed 300 million volts and 30,000 amps.

This is an incredible amount of current! To put this into perspective, the average household circuit breaker is 15 amps and less than 100 milliamps (1/10 amp) can push a human heart into fibrillation.

The incredible energy contained in lightning is equivalent to a 1-kiloton explosion. The damage created by the heat and energy contained is often substantial. In 2006, a Colorado motorcyclist was killed by lightning and the resulting strike left a crater in the asphalt about 18 inches long, eight inches wide, and four inches deep.

Still, the notion of being struck by lightning seems so remote that most motorcyclists don’t give it much thought unless the storm they are in produces lightning strikes that are close by. In fact, it’s not uncommon for lightning to strike 10 miles away, and sometimes up to 30 miles away from the electrical storm.

The odds of you being hit by lightning in your lifetime are better than you might think. According to new data, if you live to be 80 years old, your lifetime odds of being hit by lightning are 1 in 3000.

Above: Data from space-based optical sensors reveal the uneven distribution of worldwide lightning strikes. Units: flashes/km²/yr. Image credit: NSSTC Lightning Team.

Obviously, your individual odds will vary significantly depending on the area you live and level of risk you take. However, during any electrical storm, precautions must be taken or you will certainly increase your odds of being hit.

So, when storms pop up and the decision has to be made whether to trudge on or seek shelter keep the 30-30 rule in mind:

* If the time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter.
* Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before leaving the shelter.

Of course, your best shelter is a hard covered and grounded structure and you should know by now that trees are a poor choice and, in fact, account for one in four lightning causalities. In addition, open fields are the number one risk an account for about ½ of the deaths caused by lightning.

No matter what – if you get caught outdoors during an electrical storm, and there is no shelter close by, you should follow these tips National Weather Service – Lightning Safety

Oh, and by the way – lightning can, and often does, strike the same place twice!

Want to see where lightning has struck during the last 2 hours? Visit Vaisala’s Lightning Map

Article Sources:

Lightning Facts From The National Weather Service (PDF)
National Lightning Safety Institute
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
ESD Journal

By: Pete Crusoe

For decades, industry experts have been telling us what we already know: motorists don’t see motorcycles and even when they do, they often can’t judge motorcycle speed and distance correctly. All too often, the result is fatal.

More bikes are on the road and drivers are getting older…

Every year the number of motorcycles on the road increases. At the same time, the driving population in general is getting older. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, U.S. motorcycle sales have increased steadily for the past 14 years. In 1992, sales were about 250,000 units. In 2006, motorcycle sales were over one million. At the same time, the average age of motorcycle drivers has increased from 24 years old in 1980 to an average of 41 years old today. Currently there are almost 19 million drivers licensed in the U.S. that are 70 or older. By, 2020 it is estimated there will be more than 30 million drivers over the age of 70.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that the primary traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over is “failure to observe the right of way”. For older drivers, it is well known that as we age our depth perception is reduced, peripheral vision deteriorates, and reaction time becomes slower. Also, let’s not forget the new drivers; Studies have shown that young drivers take a long time to develop and hone their “information gathering” and response skills.

So, what does any of this have to do with headlight modulators?

Well, for starters when a motorcycle is the victim in an accident with a motor vehicle – the number one reason given by the driver is that they didn’t see the motorcycle and as stated above, the leading cause of these accidents is failure to yield the right of way.

Motorcyclists have become invisible again:

One of the problems facing motorcyclists today is they no longer have the advantage of standing out in the crowd through the use of “always on” headlights. Now that most motor vehicles currently on the road are equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL’s), motorcyclists have been thrust back to invisibility.

Some motorists may be slightly annoyed – but, they’ll know you’re there!

From the motorist’s point of view, a headlight modulator on high beam pulsating in the rearview mirror may be annoying. However, in these situations the modulator can be run on low beam or shut off when stuck in traffic. In any case, the goal here is safety and headlight modulators will get you noticed.

In addition, the argument that “there are no definitive studies that prove headlight modulators reduce accidents” is certainly countered by the fact that both the U.S. and Canada have legalized their use. Obviously, these governments must have been convinced of their value.

Summary:

So, as our roads become more congested and motorist still can’t see us, and we can’t react as quickly as we once could, but we want to keep doing we what enjoy – then, there’s only one option: Change the variables!

It is our responsibility to do what we can to insure our safety on the road. Wearing high visibility clothing, proper riding gear, attending driver training courses, and compensating for our changing abilities are all requirements for safe riding. Modern headlight modulators offer motorcyclists the opportunity to once again be seen and should be seriously considered as a valuable component in the mix.

Sources, Technical Information and Facts:

Headlight Modultors are legal for use in all 50 states.

- The use of Headlight modulators is governed by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49CFR), specifically, 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4, entitled “Motorcycle Headlamp Modulation System”. Click Here to read the full text.

- Also Title 49, US Code, Chapter 301 (Motor Vehicle Safety) explains that states may not prescribe a safety regulation that differs from a motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this section…except they may impose a higher standard of performance. Click here to read the full text.

Headlight modulators work by varying the power at a specific rate of speed. (50-70% max power and not less than 17% of max for each cycle and rate is 240cpm +-40). Accordingly, since the light never shuts off, it does not flash but pulsates.

It is a common belief that headlight modulators will burn out the bulbs more frequently. Actually, since the average power applied to the bulb filament is lower, it would stand to reason that the modulator would effectively extend the lifetime of the bulb. Moreover, even if it were true – bulbs are not that expensive.

It is also a common belief that headlight modulators will keep animals from running into the path of your motorcycle. Sorry, but you’re still going to have to rely on your good judgment and skills in this area. While some studies show that some animals are effected by daytime running lamps, there is no evidence to suggest that headlight modulators are more are less effective than any other light or device at deterring animals from crossing your path.

Headlight modulator resources:

Comagination
Kisantech
Diamond Star
Amperite

Article Sources:

Motorcycles.org
California Dept of Motor Vehicles
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
SmartRider Motorcycle Safety Program Inc.

Article updated 4/08

By: Pete Crusoe

Shopping for a motorcycle cover is as easy as selecting whether you want a rain or dust cover and then finding one that fits your bike, right? Well, actually, no – it’s not.

In addition to the standard group of full sized indoor / outdoor covers featuring different material weights, there are also plenty of specialized covers available.

Sunshades – also known as half-covers or bikini tops. Most are simple, easy to install, woven nylon/lycra covers that stretch over a portion of the bike. They provide partial coverage and help prevent damage caused by the sun.

Full Enclosures – These are often used for long-term storage and provide excellent protection from sun, rain, snow and dust.

Full enclosures feature sturdy frames and a rugged base, which can be anchored. These vented enclosures get your bike up off the ground and provide total protection from the elements. They collapse to only inches high and weigh in at about 60-70 pounds.

Dust Covers – These lightweight covers are strictly for use indoors. Made of soft materials they provide excellent dust protection and won’t scratch surfaces.

Depending on your individual needs, the specialized covers listed above are all great choices. All of these products are good quality and since these are for specialized markets, cheap knockoffs are not as much of a concern: if you stick with reputable sellers, you will most likely do well.

High-end full-sized covers, such as DowCo’s WeatherAll Plus incorporate features such as overlapped and double stitched waterproof seams, strong waterproofed fabrics such as heavy-duty urethane coated polyester. These fabrics will resist punctures and tears as well as provide outstanding water repellency.

Aluminized heat-resistant coatings prevent cover damage and allow the placement of the cover before the engine and pipes have fully cooled.

Other important features:

Elasticized hems along the bottom help keep the cover tight to the bike. In addition, many covers feature reinforced grommets to allow for the use of alarms or cable locks.

Many manufacturers try a “2 sizes fit all” approach that may not work for you. Higher quality covers come in several different sizes and many are custom fit to your bike.

Covers that are sized for your bike will provide more protection. In addition, any standard cover worth considering must have adequate moisture vents.

Lighter material weight covers fit into smaller spaces and are easier to pack. They tend to dry faster than their heavyweight cousins. However, the lighter the material the more prone the cover will be to punctures and many are only water resistant rather than waterproof.

Unless you are planning on buying more than one cover, you may want to consider a cover that is rated for both indoor and outdoor use.

It’s worth noting that only a few covers are designed for use while trailering your bike.

Motorcycle covers come in many different designs and materials. Because of this diversity, Motorcycle Cover comparison guides are almost impossible to create. In addition, many manufacturers have proprietary features that may not be directly comparable to that of another brand.

However, with a little bit of research, good comparisons can be made and you’ll quickly be able to drill down to the one that’s right for you .

See related posts:

Article – Motorcycle Covers – Cost vs. Quality.
Product Reviews – DowCo WeatherAll Plus

These days there are more choices than ever when shopping for a motorcycle cover. Selecting what type is only the first step to buying the right motorcycle cover for you.

Choosing the right one need not be difficult – but you’ll need to do a little research.

As the choices grow in number, the ability to see beyond the marketing hype becomes more difficult, add cheap knock-off’s that look like name brand covers into the mix and the decision becomes that much harder.

The internet forums are full of stories from people that have tried 2, 3 or even more covers until they found the “one” that worked. The stories vary slightly but usually the initial purchase decision was based largely on low price. Due to clever marketing and similar looking products – the “perceived value” was there. Unfortunately, many times this was just an illusion and the covers invariably failed to perform.

Some buyers learned from the first mistake, others needed another lesson or two. This situation need not happen to you.

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for and when it comes to motorcycle covers, it pays to do your homework. That’s not to say that your mission for the next week is to read mounds of documents, but – a little research is in order.

Everyone wants to save a buck, however …

There’s a big difference between “good value” and “low cost”. Good value refers to more “bang for the buck” when compared to items that are similar in quality. The problem for buyers is that some off-brand cover manufactures are experts at making their product appear to have similar quality.

What cheap covers DO can be worse than what they DON’T DO.

So, what’s the risk of buying low cost motorcycle covers?

Well, for starters, most fail miserably as protective covers. Color fading, seams falling apart, and failure to repel water are some of the things you may experience with cheap covers.

However, performance failure and product degradation won’t be your only concerns. It’s also what cheap motorcycle covers do that makes them a poor choice.

Many low cost covers are poorly designed or made of inadequate materials. This can translate into your bike experiencing damage created by long-term moisture buildup. Inadequate windshield protection can result in abrasions and scratches. Improperly sized covers, as well as lack of or misplaced grommets can also produce abrasions and scratches as a result of the cover flapping in the wind.

Keep in mind that inadequate or no lower heat shields will mean that you will have to wait for your pipes to cool or risk damaging your cover.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to protect you bike from the harmful rays of the sun, driving rains, or swirling winds – you’re going to need a cover that not only protects your ride, but also doesn’t damage it in the process.

Remember – When a cover manufacturer offers a short warranty or the ad fails to mention important features such as fade resistance, moisture vents, waterproof seams, elasticized hems, windshield liners, and aluminized heat shields – this may be a sign that you need to look closer.

Related articles:

Article: Selecting a Motorcycle Cover.
Product Test: DowCo WeatherAll Plus

By: Pete Crusoe

In July of 2007, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) published the Traffic Safety Annual Assessment and there was no good news for motorcyclists. The report showed that motorcycle fatalities have increased for 9 straight years and stated that motorcycle deaths “now account for 11 percent of total fatalities, exceeding the number of pedestrian fatalities for the first time”.

Unfortunately, the U.S military has not been immune from this trend. The Marine Corps has seen motorcycle accident fatalities go up from 7 in (fiscal year) 2004 to 19 in 2007. This is the highest number recorded since the Corps began keeping these kinds of records 10 years ago. The U.S. Army has also seen their numbers increase from 22 in 2004 to 40 in 2006.

The Marine Corps Times recently reported that the Corps is “looking toward providing “more robust” motorcycle training in the mandatory riding course Marines must take before registering a motorcycle on base and possibly establishing “riding clubs” at every base and station to promote leadership and safety”.

The Defense Department already requires military installations to teach Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum. However, the Marine Corps wants to expand on this and hopes to start teaching advance courses.

Currently the Marine Corps has a pilot program that mandates membership in riding clubs. The goal is to promote dialog and information exchange between newer and more experienced riders. The Corps acknowledges that many of the older riders will out rank the less seasoned riders, but they don’t believe this will be an issue and feel the views and experiences of the seasoned riders will be welcomed. If successful, this program may be implemented Corps-wide.

The Army has also been working on motorcycle safety initiatives. In addition to requiring completion of the MSF course, personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment when riding on military installations. The Army Chief of Staff now requires all Army units use the “Six Point Program”. This program instills and reinforces safety and provides guidance for identifying and correcting unsafe actions. The Army also publishes a rider’s information and safety manual.

However, the story doesn’t end there; all across the country, military personnel are volunteering their time to help. Many have used their free time to organize events and teach classes to newer riders.

In recent weeks there have been countless articles published across the nation highlighting safety initiatives organized and led by members of the military. For example, in Fort Bliss, Texas, soldiers in the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade are offering motorcycle safety classes and in Richmond, Virginia, more than 400 military bikers staged a ride through downtown Richmond to promote motorcycle safety. These initiatives have benefited both military and civilian riders alike.

In stark contrast to proposed “civilian” laws, programs, and research aimed at protecting motorcyclists, that usually stall in legislative debate or are tabled due to lack of funding – the military leadership has taken a swift and proactive approach in training and protecting service members from this negative trend. In addition, many individual service members have also heeded the call and are volunteering their time to promote safety and help fellow riders stay safe. Bravo.

Related Link:
US Army Motorcycle Mentorship Program

Sources:
ELPaso Times Article
NHTSA PDF File
US Army Combat Readiness Safety Center
Navy Safety Center
Richmond.Com Article