Used Cars, New Cars, Auto Parts, and more! » Motorcycle
As this motorcycle helmets guide discusses in greater depth, buying your first helmet can be a challenging task. For new riders especially, the prospect of buying their first motorcycle helmet is one that raises a seemingly endless stream of questions. What’s the difference between DOT and SNELL? And does it really matter? What does a good fit feel like? How much should I spend? Can I buy something cheaper, or do I need to shell out cash for a high-end Shoei helmet? And setting price aside, how do I even decide what *style* of helmet I need? Full face? Three quarters? Half helmet? Modular? How do I make sense of it all?
Not to worry. Take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and take comfort in the fact that motorcycle helmets are perfectly understandable if you do a bit of reading before you go out to buy. It’s really not as overwhelming as it can seem at first. The basic considerations are pretty easy to pick up (here’s one: novelty helmets = bad. See that was easy 
, and once you get the basics under your belt, you’ll start feeling a lot more confident in tracking down the best motorcycle helmet for you.
Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it. Three sentences from now you’ll know some basics: a DOT motorcycle helmet is one that’s officially safety certified, and a SNELL helmet is basically the same. You don’t need to blow hundreds of dollars on a Shoei or Arai helmet if the one you buy is safety certified. And by starting with head shape and matching that to your helmet first, you’ll find a far better fit than if you just start pulling them on.
Was that really so painful? In three sentences you’ve got some solid guidelines for finding your motorcycle helmet. Stop stressing then! Part of why we ride is to have fun, and there’s no reason buying a motorcycle helmet can’t be enjoyable too. Because motorcycle helmets are part of a safe and enjoyable riding experience. And ultimately, when people are more confident in their choice of motorcycle helmets, they’re more comfortable cruising down the road.
If you’re a first time rider, you might hear talk of so-called DOT Motorcycle Helmets. But if you’re like I was when I first started riding, you’ll have no idea what a DOT Motorcycle Helmet actually is. You’ll hear people bounce the word around and maybe you realize it’s related to safety, but the question will remain: what does “DOT” mean? And what we care about even more, what does DOT have to do with Motorcycle Helmets?
Well hey, relax. My job here today is to get you up to speed on the basic features of a DOT Motorcycle Helmet, and their implications.
I suppose we should start with what it means: DOT means “Department of Transportation”. Simple, right?. Simply put, a motorcycle helmet with a DOT sticker has been safety-certified by the Department of Transportation. The importance of this lies (apart from safety) in the fact that states with helmet laws usually require you to wear DOT-certified motorcycle helmets. Fortunately, it’s really tough to find a motorcycle helmet that’s not DOT certified. The reason is simple enough: any motorcycle helmet sold in the US today has to meet or exceed the DOT criteria.
But what do those requirements mean, and before we answer that, just what the heck even ARE they?
Understandable question, and thus, I’ll explain. The design details of a DOT Motorcycle Helmet (i.e. what DOT is really looking for in a safe helmet) can be explained across several general categories (Oh and if for some reason you’re bored enough, feel free to check out the NHTSA website for a more in-depth explanation of all this). And by knowing these few basic criteria, you can learn how to verify whether a DOT motorcycle helmet is a genuine or a fake if you’re buying from an unfamiliar dealer.
Let’s get to it then. Here’s the basic features you can examine to help figure out if you’re looking at a real DOT motorcycle helmet:
Number 1: Inner Liner. This is the polystyrene foam that does the real work of protecting your skull in a crash. A genuine DOT motorcycle helmet is gonna have a liner that’s about an inch thick, so if you pick up a helmet with a DOT sticker and the shell is extremely thin, or just plain plastic, then you know it’s not the genuine article.
Second: we’ll look at rivets, chin straps, as well as helmet weight and surface design. These are a few design features that give you a “quick glance” idea of whether a helmet is legit. Rivets and chin strap are easy to recognize: does the DOT motorcycle helmet look like it’s gonna hold together? Is there a chin strap?How bout weight? Genuine DOT motorcycle helmets will weight somewhere around three pounds. Again, this isn’t an exact science. The point is it’s not featherweight when you pick it up. Last but not least in this group: design. It’s against regulations for a DOT motorcycle helmet to have surface features protruding beyond 2/10ths of an inch. So, sad though it may be, a german motorcycle helmet with a huge spike ain’t no DOT-certified helmet.
So there you have some quick, fast ways to get a “gut check” on whether a helmet is genuine DOT certified. Usually there’s not a thing to fret about, but in a sketchy situation, it never hurts to be prepared. Just because there’s a sticker on a helmet doesn’t always mean it’s the real deal. So next time you end up buying from a private party, just make sure you’re armed with these basic criteria regarding DOT motorcycle helmet’s aesthetics and design!
There’s a pretty strong opinion among many riders that Shoei helmets are as good as it gets, and that’s the subject today. First off: a lot of the success of these helmets has to do with their history. The workers at Shoei have designed and built motorcycle helmets since 1958. They’re a small, quality Japanese manufacturer, and they do their job well. The long-standing, impressive track-record of the company is therefore one of Shoei helmets strongest features. There’s more to it than this though, because Shoei helmets aren’t just “history”, they also repeatedly demonstrate innovation in motorcycle helmet design.
Shoei helmets are driven by racing. That’s what drives their history of innovation. Nearly without exception, when someone (not just Shoei helmets, but anyone) is designing racing technology, they’ll eventually market that technology directly to consumers. Simply put, most Shoei helmets were engineered with motorcycle racing in mind, which means that they often have design features which substantially exceed those needed by most casual riders.
Naturally, many people want just that.
Fundamentally, the folks at Shoei helmets make great helmets. Pure and simple. The motorcycle helmets made by this unassuming company can be things of true beauty, both on the head and off the head. But, as with life, Shoei helmets have a drawback. Bottom line: to buy a Shoei helmet you gotta be ready to pay. It’s not unusual to spend three, four, even five times more on a Shoei helmet than you might spend on an alternative.
So for all us folks who don’t have millions stashed in the closet, there’s an important thing to understand. The fact that Shoei helmets are more expensive doesn’t mean you’re any safer if you buy one. There are so many good companies manufacturing motorcycle helmets in today’s market, you don’t need to splurge for a Shoei helmet unless you genuinely want to spend the money. It’s more than competition too. Basically it’s because we’re not just talking price here, nor are we simply talking brand. The real starting point is size and shape of your head, moving toward the “correct” motorcycle helmet based on your unique makeup, not based on brand. The so-called best helmet is found that way. And for many people, Shoei helmets may not be the best fit for their head; it just depends.
What it boils down to is this. Shoei helmets = awesome. I like to look as much as anyone else. But you’ve got to understand that if you’ve taken the basic step of only looking at DOT or SNELL approved motorcycle helmets, then you’re not really getting any further safety by paying more for your helmet. And paying an arm and a leg for motorcycle helmets that just aren’t right for your head (Shoei helmets or any other helmets) will always result in decreased safety, despite you spending more. Correctly fitted helmets, even if they’re cheaper, will without a doubt protect you better than badly-fitted ones, even if they’re Shoei helmets.
So for all us not-rich folk, I’ll end it with a challenge. Don’t start with those Shoei helmets, start with what’s already on top of your shoulders.
motocycle painting Fort Collins
Ride your dream with custom motorcycle painting from Linen and Styles, Fort Collins, Colorado. We can turn your motorcycle into a one of a kind work of art to your specifications. Or, we can start with your idea, add our own creativity, and paint your fantasy in brilliant biker style.
View samples of our custom air brush work on our portfolio page on our site at custom bike painting Colorado. With the winter months ahead it's a great time to get that custom motorcycle pain job done, you will love our fast turn around and even more so the artwork we can do. We demand only the highest quality from our paint to make your air brush design vibrantly beautiful and long lasting. PPG and House of Color are the only paint we use, because we know from experience they are the best.
We can do more than custom motorcycle painting at our Fort Collins, Colorado design shop. Bikes, helmets, gas tanks, and even spare parts can be customized with stylish air brush painting. Need restoration? That is another of our specialties. Put our love of art and motorcycling to work for you, with custom designing specifically for your dream. We love what we do, and put our hearts into it to bring you only the best quality finished work.
Our specialty is transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Any bike can be turned into a piece of custom artwork with vivid imagery. Stop by and see our work in person if you prefer, we are more than happy to talk custom motorcycle painting any time.
Once you have your motorcycle painted by Linen and Styles, chances are your friends will want theirs done also. You can coordinate the motorcycles for your entire club with your group’s logo or air brush styling. In fact, we’ll hand paint anything, cars, trucks, trailers or equipment for any sport. Custom air brush painting works on anything you can ride in or on. Want to spice up your snowmobile? Bring it in for a custom paint job from Linens and Styles. Why be boring when you can be lively?
If you would like a custom logo air brushed, we are your Fort Collins, Colorado source! Don't be afrraid if your bike is old and scratched, that just means it's the perfect time to get that custom paint job. Adding simple things like flames along with a custom pice of artwork can go a long way, we can recommend any custom artwork and give you design ideas. You will love the final product, and enjoy showing it off wherever you ride.
Don’t wait another day! Make a quick run up here and see for yourself what the possibilities are. We love what we do and are always willing to talk about your dream paint job! If you want a quote, more information, or to see samples, please send us an email from our contact page, or phone 970-556-1112.
People frequently toss around the question of the best motorcycle helmet (you hear this asked quite often among first time riders). It’s an understandable question, because by declaring that we wish for the best motorcycle helmet, we’re essentially announcing we need the best possible protection for the head. However, what this question doesn’t acknowledge is that motorcycle helmets are too variable, just like us, for a “one size fits all” solution. The best motorcycle helmet for me may not be the best for you.
Right right, you say, great, so where do I begin? Well, there are a variety of spots to begin, but in this post I’ll look at how head shape should guide your path to the best motorcycle helmet.
The best motorcycle helmet producers have made varying choices about the internal shape of their helmets. Remember those square shapes you amusingly sought to shove in the round holes as a toddler? Well then, would you think it wise to cram a square cranium into a circular motorcycle helmet? (side note: if you have a square head, you probably have bigger problems that I can’t help you with here.)
So, where to start? Well the initial step is to determine what the shape of YOUR ol’ cranium is before you start thinking about the helmet. Five head shapes exist (we’re simplifying here, but it’s basically true): earth, oval, round, egg, and reverse egg.
In a word: the shapes are what they sound like (all observing a head straight-on): round appears circular (this is more common among Asians), oval is longer up-and-down than horizontally (most common by far among caucasians), earth is wider than it is tall, egg is wider at the top, and reverse egg is wider toward the jaw. I’m unsure of the demographics of all these shapes, but the gist of it remains straightforward: the best motorcycle helmet for a rider will keep in mind the wide variety of head shapes people have as humans.
The next step in finding your best motorcycle helmet is to find a helmet with an inner shape that matches your head shape. It can be difficult, since a lot of helmet manufacturers don’t just give this data away.
You can take a couple approaches here: research and reading, or start trying on helmets.
If you’re someone comfortable with studying up on and buying things online, you might raise an eyebrow at how much information you can get on all the various motorcycle helmet brands and which manufacturers tend to be best for which types of head-shape. I researched and bought my motorcycle helmet entirely on the internet, and it worked out amazingly well. You have to be okay with returning it though if the helmet doesn’t fit, so check the website where you’re considering buying a motorcycle helmet to make sure they have an easy, consumer-friendly return policy in case there’s an issue.
The other option is the good ‘ol brick-and-mortar genuine store option. Track down a big ‘ol motorcycle helmet retailer and start poppin those things on. However, even in this case, you’ll be helped by having done research ahead. Then you’ll be ready to tell a sales person what shape motorcycle helmet you’ve got in mind, and if the employee is knowledgeable they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Later I’ll be discussing, what else: size. This is another major factor you’ll figure out to find your very own, personal, best motorcycle helmet to get riding knowing your head is protected!
Motorcycles are very popular, with thousands of them on the road. You will find them in a variety of makes and models for your enjoyment. Finding exactly the style you want that fits your body can prove to be difficult, especially if you are extremely short or very tall. Having a customized motorcycle made to your specifications is a great alternative, but it is also more expensive.
One of the most well known custom blue book value motorcycle makers is Jesse James, owner of West Coast Choppers. Since the tender age of seven is when Jesse James began his passion for bikes. He has customized motorcycles for many celebrities including Shaquille O’Neal, Kid Rock, and Kyle Petty. The bikes range in price from $50,000 to $150,000.
While this is going to be much to expensive for the average individual, you can still get a great customized motorcycle from some other sources. There are many things you need to consider to get started. First, what is it that you need from a motorcycle that you can’t get from a standard one at any retailer? If it is simply the color, you will save a great deal of money by purchasing it from the retailer and having it repainted. In some cases, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and have the bike painted your ideal color at the factory.
Most of the time, individuals need to have a motorcycle customized to fit them properly. Take Shaquille O’Neal for example. He is such a large person, that the average 250cc motorcycle just doesn’t work well for him. Jesse James was able to use O’Neal’s measurements to create a motorcycle that was comfortable for him to ride. Customized motorcycles are a great choice for those with a disability that prevents them from being able to operate a standard motorcycle.
Be patient when taking the time to research manufacturers if you decide to customize a motorcycle. Keep in mind that you may have to wait several months or even years to get the motorcycle you want if the manufacturer is very busy. Always discuss the options you want in great detail as well as the price. If the manufacturer won’t agree to your specifications then look for someone who will.
Conducting research on the manufacturer is a good idea. Find out how long they have been customizing motorcycles. Ask for references and to see samples of their work. You will also want to inquire about warranty information and a guarantee if you aren’t pleased with the work. In most cases, you will have to pay a deposit before work begins on your customized motorcycle. Make sure they are familiar with working with the model of motorcycle you want to have customized.
Having your very own motorcycle is a great recreational item to spend your time with. However, investing in a customized motorcycle will allow you to have the very best motorcycle that fits your style as well as your body. Being comfortable on your motorcycle will allow you more enjoyment and you can also use it for long road trips. You are less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident if the motorcycle is a proper fit. While a customized motorcycle is more expensive than a traditional model, it is an investment that is well worth it.
Want to get rid of that gas hog of a car and purchase an economical scooter? You’re going to return home with a scooter that will do nothing more than collect dust in your driveway unless you follow a few quick guidelines.
Power
Motor scooters might come in a wide selection of body shapes and sizes, from small, toy-like scooters to large motorcycle-like scooters. Consider your needs and where you’ll be using the scooter. If it’s just for corner jaunts, there are any number of small, cheap scooters that would serve you just fine. Perhaps a 125 or 150 would be the largest to consider.
Fit
Many scooter owners choose a style, rather than purchasing a fit. This is the surest way to ensure that your scooter receives little to no use. Fit becomes increasingly important as mileage increases and is one of the primary determinants of safety, so don’t brush it aside!
Make sure that your hands are in a good, comfortable position when riding, and that the turn signals, clutch, and brakes are all within easy reach. And don’t forget to check the seat. While soft seats initially seem to be more comfortable, they usually result in soreness faster than firmer seats.
Style
Check out some models online before you head into a dealership where buying pressure can result in you leaving with something you would not have purchased without pressure. There are plenty of new, sleek models, but you’ll also find a wide variety of vintage models for sale.
Price
Like cars, motor scooters lose their value immediately upon leaving the lot. What makes this situation worse is that scooters generally don’t receive the same level of annual mileage as cars or even motorcycles, so the immediate depreciation is a harder hit. In a year, you could see a 30 percent or more decline in resale value for a scooter that has barely been ridden.
For this reason, be sure to look at more than just local dealerships. There are several good resellers online who will provide you with a good selection at good prices. And you can find these motors scooters without putting up with pushy salesmen!
So remember, before you got to your local showroom and buy that flashy new model, be sure that you’re clear on how you intend to use your new ride, and then consider the power, style, fit, and price.
If you are looking for the ultimate superbike a motorcycle with no comparables then there is only one choice the awesome 1300 hayabusa turbo. There are many superbikes on the market from top marques like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Ducati just to name a few. All have very powerful engines capable of phenomenal acceleration but one machine stands high and proud above the rest, the suzuki hayabusa. The suzuki hayabusa is one of the fastest production bikes of the modern era, with its new 1340cc engine developing over 180 bhp and a top speed of hayabusa of over 186mph. The suzuki hayabusa is reliable, robust and a very high performance motorcycle. Even despite the awesome hayabusa performance many owners strive to modify both the looks and the performance of their suzuki hayabusa to turn it into a fire breathing custom hayabusa. There are a great variety of customising parts for the suzuki hayabusa. By far the most popular tuning part for the suzuki hayabusa is the turbo charger. The 1300 turbo hayabusa is massively powerful and turns the already very quick suzuki hayabusa into a missile. From minimal revs to when the turbo boost kicks in everything becomes a blur, your knuckles whiten as you hold on for dear life and your eyes can’t register the speed of the rev counter needle. My advice for the 1300 hayabusa turbo is to opt for an air shifter to change gears instantaneously without the clutch. On the drag strip the 1300 hayabusa turbo holds the 1350cc world record for top speed recorded for a two way run of 261mph. In order to keep the front wheel from constantly pointing skyward on acceleration most 1300 hayabusa turbo owners fit an oversize elongated swinging arm that acts to increase the wheelbase. Not only do these hayabusa performance accessories do the trick they also look super cool. Recent leglisation has governed the suzuki hayabusa top speed to 185mph.
Considering the quality and reputation of Suzuki Motors, I often wonder why their scooters receive much less publicity than some of the more favored names like Lambrettas and Yamahas. Vespas, of course, have their vintage chic appeal, but for anyone looking to purchase a modern scooter, it’s hard to beat Suzuki scooters. Here are a few reasons:
1) Suzuki scooters are inexpensive to both own and maintain
My original Suzuki was a off-road bike back in 1986. It ran like a champ, was gorgeous, and was one of the most economical bikes on the market, considering the craftsmanship of the bike. Suzuki’s motor scooters are the same: you get a lot of value for what you pay.
2) They are fuel efficient
Depending on the size of the engine you purchase, you can expect anywhere from 45 to 100 miles per gallon of gas. While the larger models (the ones that rival motorcycles) hit the lower end of the scale, smaller, more traditional Suzuki scooters are incredibly economical.
3) They are expertly crafted
Suzuki scooters are built to the highest standards of reliability, and are well known for their flawless operation, simple clutch system, and liquid cooled engines. Don’t underestimate the importance of a smooth clutch system, especially for younger riders who might be easier to distract!
4) They are safe
Along with their exceptional engineering, Suzuki scooters are built to protect you in ways you might take for granted. As an example, most Suzuki scooters have finely-tuned suspension system. Think that’s there for comfort? If so, you’d be partially correct. It’s there for both comfort and safety. By keeping vertical travel to the minimum, the overall safety of the scooter is dramatically improved.
5) There is a wide selection
Whether you’re looking for small knock about model, or a large motorcycle replacement, Suzuki has a model to fit your needs. For local riding a 125, 150, or 250 will probably be all the horsepower you need. But you can step up to a 450cc model for around $6,000, and step even further up to a 650cc for around $9,000.
Like their motorcycle counterparts, Suzuki scooters are well-known for their characteristics of engineering and reliability. If you’re looking for a premium scooter at a great price, make sure to check out a Suzuki. When you start looking at prices, you’ll find that there is also a good second hand scooter market, so do your due diligence before purchasing!
Note: I am NOT a representative of Suzuki Motors — just a customer who likes Suzuki’s exceptional scooters.
So you heard that motorcycle scooters get great mileage and now you’d like to get better mileage? Well stay tuned for the best tips for improving your scooter’s gas mileage. No more bleeding money at the pump!
1) Watch your acceleration, Lightning McQueen!
Similar to a car, how you operate your motor scooter will have a major effect on how many miles you can squeeze out of your scooter per gallon. Out of all of the fuel-saving ideas, the use of your acceleration will have the most significant effect on your overall fuel consumption. The key is to increase your speed slowly, instead of trying to chirp the tires from a standstill.
2) Inflate your tires to the correct PSI
If you are riding on improperly inflated tires, you are not only wasting fuel, but you’re putting yourself at risk. Check your tires’ PSI (pounds per square inch), and inflate or deflate them accordingly. Keep in mind that your tire pressure will rise in the hotter months and decline in cooler months.
3) Keep your scooter in tune
Most riders think of a motors scooter as a set it and forget it thing. They buy it, ride it, and rarely think of maintaining it. But similar to a car, your scooter needs some TLC to run properly and continue to get high mileage. Keep your scooter in good operating condition, and you’ll be rewarded with scooter longevity and exceptional gas mileage.
4) Keep your oil clean
You change your oil in your car every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, I’d bet. But it can take many months for your scooter to reach that kind of mileage, especially if you use yours primarily for local riding. Regardless of mileage, you should try to change your oil at the start of every riding season.
To illustrate, if your riding season is in the summer months, from May through September, but you usually only put 400 miles on your motors scooter over those months, you should still change your oil every May.
So what kind of mileage can you expect to squeeze out of your scooter with these tips? The answer varies quite a bit depending on the type and size of your petrol scooter, but you are looking at significant savings.
Keep in mind that some smaller scooters only have a useful life of 25,000 or so miles, and these tips will also make a difference in the longevity of your scooter.