Blog Section: Touring & Safety Tips

Touring Tip: Spring Training For Riders

May 10, 2013 View Comments by

Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to get back out on the road and enjoy the visual feast that is America. But, just like professional baseball players, you may need some spring training before venturing out. Here are a few things to consider before heading for distant destinations. Are You in the Right Physical [...]

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Touring Tip: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Apr 09, 2013 View Comments by

This month’s touring tip reminds even experienced riders that it’s always good practice to follow the Boy Scouts’ motto and “Be Prepared.” Because of the limited carrying capacity of most motorcycles, critical items are often left behind; I know, because I’ve done it myself. There, also, seems to be something hard coded into our DNA, [...]

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Touring Tip: Planned vs. Unplanned Routes and Destinations

Mar 08, 2013 View Comments by

How do you like your multi-day motorcycle travel adventures, planned in the greatest detail, or completely ad hoc, wake up and go wherever the spirit moves you? This is a topic on which virtually every touring rider has a preference. So let’s explore the benefits of each approach. Planned: In our hectic everyday lives, taking [...]

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Touring Tip: Know Your Cold Weather Riding Risks

Feb 08, 2013 View Comments by

We’ve recently been caught in the grip of a particularly cold blast of winter weather. So it bears repeating, from a previous Touring Tip, some of the additional risks of riding in cold weather. Here are seven worth keeping in mind: Wind Chill: As most everyone knows, wind velocity effectively lowers ambient temperature. The National [...]

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Track Attack

Jan 23, 2013 View Comments by

Like a squadron of F-18 jet fighters preparing to launch off the deck of an aircraft carrier, 40 students and instructors in my Cornerspeed track class at Virginia International Raceway are revving-up the engines of their high performance motorcycles in a snarling, deafening roar.  Finally, the pit boss receives the track all-clear message through his [...]

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Touring Tip: Be Comfortable

Jan 09, 2013 View Comments by

Motorcycle touring usually involves spending many hours on your bike out in the elements. This is what makes riding exhilarating, but it’s also more tiring than covering the same number of miles driving in a car. To fully enjoy your multi-day motorcycle adventure, you probably want to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Here [...]

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Custom Motorcycle Registration

Dec 28, 2012 View Comments by

Planning to build a custom motorcycle? From using safe parts to having a certified mechanic inspect your bike, there are many things to consider in order to protect your legal rights. One of the most common questions people have is: “How do I register a custom motorcycle?” Here are a few tips to ensure that [...]

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Common Motorcycle Insurance Questions Answered

Dec 14, 2012 View Comments by

One of the most common questions I hear regarding motorcycle insurance is, “What is the average cost of a motorcycle insurance policy?” Another common question: “What do I really need on my policy, and what can I do to drop my overall insurance cost?” Here are some answers to motorcyclists’ most common questions: What is [...]

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Touring Tip: Protecting the Space Between Your Ears, Part 2

Dec 07, 2012 View Comments by

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how vital the human brain is for doing even the simplest tasks in our everyday life. We also noted how easily the brain is irreparably damaged from head trauma and that wearing a motorcycle helmet is key to mitigating the risk of brain injury in a motorcycle [...]

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After an Accident: Protecting Your Rights

Nov 30, 2012 View Comments by

I’ve helped motorcycle accident victims for over 25 years, so when bikers ask me what I’ve learned during that time, I usually have a lot to say. I’d like to share a few bits of advice to help protect motorcycle riders’ legal rights—specifically related to the reputations of bikers and how an attorney is essential [...]

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After an Accident: What You Need to Know

Nov 16, 2012 View Comments by

As a motorcyclist, you know there are risks involved with riding. Distracted drivers, bad road conditions, and vehicle malfunctions can cause accidents. Whether you’re injured in a collision or suffer property damage only, there are several things you need to know. We hear the following questions all the time—know the answers. It will help you [...]

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Touring Tip: Protecting the Space Between Your Ears, Part 1

Nov 09, 2012 View Comments by

What organ in the human body weighs, on average, about three pounds, takes up approximately 80 to 90 cubic inches of space, is vital to virtually all bodily functions, is by far the most complex one in our body, and is highly susceptible to traumatic injury? If you answered the human brain, you’re correct. Really, [...]

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Buying a Used Motorcycle? What You Should Know

Oct 26, 2012 View Comments by

Motorcycles are a big investment, so luckily there are plenty of less expensive, used bikes on the market. However, there are many things you need to consider. From accident records to service history, it’s important to take the time to inspect and research the bike you’re buying. Follow these tips for buying a used motorcycle: If [...]

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A Few Thoughts on Helmet Laws

Oct 20, 2012 View Comments by

We’ve all heard the old Bell Helmet’s ad, “if you’ve got a ten-dollar head, wear a ten-dollar helmet.” Following that line of logic, what does it say about the value of your noggin if you don’t wear a helmet at all? Unfortunately, helmet use and helmet laws can be a controversial topic among motorcyclists with [...]

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A Motorcyclist’s Life: Riding With Young Passengers

Oct 12, 2012 View Comments by

A lot of motorcyclists like to share the thrill of riding with family members and friends. Some even enjoy introducing their kids to riding at a very young age. However, when it comes to young passengers and motorcycles, a lot of riders don’t know if there are age restrictions or special precautions they must take [...]

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