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Posts Tagged ‘Riding’

When spring fever hits, it’s hard to restrain the excitement and urge to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, especially for bikers who have been able to enjoy their favorite pastime during winter. Although you may be anxious to hug the open road on your motorcycle right away, if you take the proper precautions when removing your bike from winter storage, it can save you time and money, as well as increase your safety. Use these helpful hints when preparing your motorcycle for your summer adventures:

Inspect your fuel tank – Basem Wasef, an expert author on motorcycle topics for About.com, provides some great insight into preparing your motorcycle for summer riding. Wasef recommends that you inspect your fuel tank by opening the cap and determining whether the fuel is clean or not. If you notice any decay or buildup of residue, drain the tank, and then clean the carburetor and fuel lines before running the engine.

Kevin Crockett, an expert author for Ezine.com and motorcycle enthusiast confirms the inherent risk that old fuel can cause by claiming, “old fuel can cause your fuel lines and carburetor to clog from gum.” He also recommends checking the tank for rust. “If the tank has rusted, you will need to clean and seal it to prevent flakes of rust from clogging the carburetor jets.”

Finish this step by adding a fresh tank of fuel before you ride your motorcycle.

Change your fluids – Drain old engine oil, replace the filter, and then replenish the engine with new oil before you ride your motorcycle this summer. Other fluids you need to check include transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant.

Lubricate cylinders – Wasef claims that by removing the spark plugs and pouring two tablespoons of oil into the spark plug ports, you can lubricate the top portion of the cylinder walls. This can be useful if you failed to spray fogging oil on the top of the cylinder when you prepared your motorcycle for winter storage. Examine the chain and lubricate it, if necessary.

Charge your battery – Inspect the battery leads for corrosion. Wasef advises topping off each battery cell with distilled water before charging. Make certain the battery is fully charged before going on your first motorcycle ride. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming stranded because of a depleted battery.

Inflate your tires and shocks – Inspect the tires for hairline cracks, bubbles, weak spots or stress marks and address each issue separately. Inflate each tire to the specified quantity of air pressure. Continue by inspecting the shocks. Give the kickstand a few trial kicks, and lubricate it if uncooperative.

Wash and wax your motorcycle – Thoroughly clean the exterior of your motorcycle using a gentle cloth, and then protect it with a thin coat of wax.

Use a safety checklist – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a free safety checklist that you should use every time you ride. The T-CLOCS checklist, which stands for tires and wheels, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands, covers every critical safety aspect on your motorcycle.

Finally, don’t get caught in the rain without your rain gear! Protect yourself and your motorcycle against theft, damage from collision, vandalism and more with affordable motorcycle insurance. Nationwide can tailor a motorcycle insurance policy to fit your unique needs, even if you have a custom bike. Contact an expert Nationwide agent today for your free quote, and ask how you can qualify for an auto insurance discount when you choose to insure your motorcycle with Nationwide, too.

There is a group of people that is growing larger everyday. This is the group of people that have, enjoy and promote all terrain vehicles. They can go by several names but each is hardly more than a different label. Some call these unique vehicles that have slowly gained popularity a quad, some a ATV, some a 4 wheeler still others a All Terrain Vehicle. Farming, hunting, cursing the beach or the woods they can do it all.

As with many types of new activities the younger age groups first accumulate to it. Because of the nature of this activity as a sport it also is possible better suited to the young because of the rough nature of sport riding.

The legal system has stepped in to a degree to try to limit the ages of young people by requesting that the manufacturers create guidelines for riders based on a matrix of age and engine size. Some manufacturers say a 70cc engine should only be ridden by a person 12 or older likewise they say that a 90cc engine ATV should be only ridden by a 16 year old. The issue with these guides is that they are suggestions and anyone can ignore them.

Until the legislature decides to step in and mandate age requirements it will be the rider who holds all the responsibility for the right fit of the ATV. Does if feel right, is it the right weight to control? How about the fit for the riders height? All these things are important to determine if a ATV and a rider go together.

From the very beginning there are some differences in All Terrain Vehicles that will ultimately determine their usefulness. Utility 4 wheelers portray a body style and structure that screams that it is made to work. Even the hefty feel of the ride feels powerful. The body is designed for specific tasks like hauling or pulling too. The frame, the tires, the torque and even the colors are chosen to create an identity associated with work.

After the utility 4 wheeler there is the sport market that appeals to a younger crowd and like any sport the sleek, swift appearance are paramount. The sport ATV is designed completely different and must withstand different forces like increased braking at higher speeds, faster acceleration and the pounding that riding for fun may entail. They generally are more minimal in design but have more exciting colors that exude fun.

Whatever 4 wheeler is right for you keep safety upper most in your mind at all times and remember to respect this powerful tool that is moving quickly and weighs a lot more than you do. Do your homework and find the one that fits you best and enjoy the advantages these great little vehicles have to offer.

The kids should not be let to wear adult helmets; even the extra small size is to be avoided because kids have to wear special helmets when riding an atv. The youth atv is likely to demand special helmets too and these helmets were especially designed in order to protect delicate and young heads. Therefore, the helmets should be made especially for kids and they should not be replaced with adult sizes because the adult helmets are not able to protect the kid’s head in the proper manner. The measurements should be taken carefully in order for the parent to be able to choose the suitable helmet. The age of the child should also be taken into account when purchasing an atv helmet. The purchase should be done together with the kid himself in order to avoid future discussions.

Actually, the child will be happier to wear a helmet that he has chosen by himself and the parent must get as close as he can when it comes to the exact size of the kid’s head. These helmets are very important because they ensure the child’s safety when riding an atv. The kids atv must require the constant wearing of this item because accidents are to be avoided especially in the case of children who tend to become distracted while on an atv. Even the parent should wear a helmet too because the speed has nothing to do with it. Actually, the parents can use their atvs at a slow speed in order to go to work; despite this aspect, the helmet is highly necessary regardless of the speed that is being used for a trip.

The main reason is that the atv is a rough and powerful machine that has to be handled properly by adults and their children. This machine is extremely heavy and even a slow cruise can harm you because it can end up by crushing your bones or crushing your head. Even if the entire human body has the tendency to heal and regenerate over time, the atv can actually harm you in an irreversible manner if you do not pay attentions to the cautions that are implied by its riding. Death or permanent damage are to be expected in case of an atv accident; therefore, the entire family should understand a single fact, namely that they need to wear the proper helmets when riding an atv. Appropriate helmets are to be used in order to protect the drivers from being hurt.

Proper fit is the key word when dealing with a kids atv; every parent should make sure that his kid is wearing the proper type of helmet that is likely to protect him in case that an accident occurs. The helmets are designed in order to help you if you find yourself in a youth atv accident. Therefore, heavy duty helmets are to be used and these helmets must be constructed for a primary purpose, namely to protect your life during an accident. Other types of protections or helmets are not to be used instead; you have to find the one that is appropriate for your personal use. The good fit is extremely important when it comes to helmets because this protection is able to help you operate when you are driving a youth atv.

In order for you to choose the proper helmet you have to consider the terrain vehicle that you are going to use. The first consideration is your safety because driving such vehicles is not an easy task. Therefore, you have to make sure that your body is fully protected from the possible bumps or spills that are likely to occur. Sturdy shoes, jackets, eye protection and the necessary helmets should be worn by every child who is keen on riding his own kids atv. Injuries and even death are not uncommon among the atv riders. Therefore, safety measures are to be considered. The driver should be skilled and even strong enough in order to avoid the direct consequences of a possible accident; the powerful machine must be controlled properly because it comes without having any suspension. The only suspension is the one that is provided by the machine’s tires. Its weight is quite difficult to control and an inexperienced driver can be bumped in any direction. He can be tossed too. Therefore, he needs the required strength in order to withstand this machine and he has to learn how to control its wheel because this aspect is absolutely necessary.

The driver should not endanger other people’s lives by driving this machine when on drugs or alcohol; teenagers should be prevented from driving while being in this state. Other passengers should not be allowed because the atv is designed only for one person: its driver who has to be experienced enough in order not to jeopardize other lives. Therefore, bravery should be left aside because precautions are to be taken in order to enjoy this sport; the driver must be wise enough in order to learn and gain the necessary skills that are needed in the case of an atv.

The automobile industry runs on its fast track and time tested vehicles. The ATVs have long been the ultimate dream of the big players in the market. Thos who can afford the best opt for ATVs that defy speed on any terrain. It is the ultimate riding fantasy of passionate speed lovers. Even tycoons have preferred to own the best and some also design them to their specific tastes. That is a lot of money and premium ATVs are like distant dreams for the hoi polloi. The new range of ATVs have hit the market and many people are aspiring to buy and own at least one of these in their garage.

ATVs work excellently on low pressure tires. With the availability of a spare wheel they can depend on the slowness in difficult conditions on rough mountain surfaces. Most of the ATVs can be sued like the mobikes. They are four wheel drives but in some buyers can opt for six tires too. Those who travel around the world roughing it on many types of opt for them also for their safety features. Right from 49 cc engines to 1000 cc engines ATVs are available.

Are you are first timer or an experienced driver? An ATV will be comfortable for just about any driver. One look and you forget everything, that’s what passionate bikers have to say about these bulky motors. Most drivers love to drive it off the roads, on country dirt roads to get the feel of the pleasure of coasting through rough landscapes. True blue drivers love to bond with nature during monsoons and other rough weathers to know that they can battle and challenge conditions and emerge winners. For perfect bonding, look for ATVs that have friendly seats for accompanying friends. The fun element is in driving and also helpful in carrying things, tow-hooks to help tow other vehicles or trailers, and other equipment to make work easier.

atvs are produced by many automobile companies worldwide. If you are planning to buy an ATV then consider the branded manufacturers first. They are far more reliable in the machines and also giving after sales services. With so many new innovations and developments in the ATV’s market, the scenario of the industry has changed completely. Bulky terrain vehicles come loaded with advanced accessories to make aid bike enthusiasts better in terms of reliability, durability, stylish and comfort.

ATV riding lessons for kids – Part 2

After having gone through the lessons on ATV riding lessons for kids – Part 1, I am sure by now your kid is able to understand how his Kid ATV works, so it’s time to move on, so here’s Part 2 of the “lesson” :-

Starting slow

To help him develop confidence, get him to practice first with the engine OFF. Have him sit on his Kid ATV and tell him to keep his eyes straight ahead while you push his vehicle slowly from behind – this gives him the “feel” of riding a moving ATV. While you are pushing his Kid ATV, get your kid to steer straight ahead and learn to perform tasks like stopping the vehicle and turning OFF the engine switch while moving. Watch your kid as he performs these tasks to make sure that he’s doing it correctly without looking at the controls. Repeat these until he is able to get the “feel” of using the brakes, stop and turn off the engine without hesitation or looking at the controls.

After he’s able to do the above, you can now work with him with the engine running. Start the ATV’s engine and have him practice starting off and riding in a straight line and stopping the machine – all these done under minimum speed. Keep your kid’s ATV’s speed as low as possible as he practices to ride a straight line and stopping. It would be a good idea for you to walk alongside as he rides while you are holding the engine cutout switch cord. This exercise should continue until he is able to start off, accelerate, cruise and stop properly – all this to be done by your kid with confidence.

Making that turn

Now that your kid is able to ride his Kid ATV in a straight line and stop it at his will, the next step would be to teach him how to turn his machine. And again, practice first with the engine off as your push it from behind. When he’s turning, watch and make sure that he is shifting his weight slightly forward and supporting his weight on the outer footrest and that he leans his upper body into the direction of the turn and pressing down with the opposite leg. When he is able to do all that, let him practice with the ATV’s engine running – and yes, with the machine being under power again. Check and see if he’s using the proper techniques that you have taught him. Make him practice the turns over and over again until he can do it correctly and confidently.

Putting the “lessons” together

Once your kid has mastered the basic riding maneuver skills listed above, get him to practice them altogether. Get him to perform various tasks like turning right, turning left, stopping and so on – but vary the order of these tasks so that he will not be able to anticipate what you will ask him to do next. Once again, have him practice until you are confident that he has mastered all the basic skills. As he becomes more familiar with the controls of the machine as well as the basic of riding, you should slowly increase the speed that you feel he is able to handle.

Learning to ride an ATV does not happen just overnight, so patience is a required virtue. Be patient with your kid if he forgets a step, but remember to praise him and encourage him when he does something right. If you are frustrated while you teach him, can you imagine how frustrated he is with himself? It may take time for him to learn, but it’s always better for him to learn all the necessary skills required now than later. If you want to learn more about ATV safety or riding tips, visit the forums of websites such as www.jackel.com or www.atvoutdoors.net Happy riding!

Motorcycling is cool. Motorcycling is fast. Motorcycling gives you a rush. There is no doubt about it. I don’t think anyone can dispute the fact that there is a certain breed of person out there that just loves the feeling of being out in the fresh air, cruising down the highway. I suspect there are a lot more people who would like to ride than we know about. The question is, how do they get going?

It’s like a lot of things; take it one step at a time. Later on, I will give my 5 top ways to get into riding, but first, I am going to tell you about my own experience learning to love motorcycles.

I would say I was about 14 years old when I purchased my friend’s tiny Honda Z50R. It was very small, but very fun. I used to ride it around the block and travel to friend’s houses on it. I grew out of that bike fast, but I did learn a few things; how to balance and corner a motorcycle.

My next few motorcycles were all dirt bikes. They were a Suzuki RM80, Honda CR125 and a Suzuki RM125. These were bigger machines and worthwhile investments. They taught me how to ride taller motorcycles and how to ride on a dirt track.

There were many other smaller learning experiences that went along with owning and riding dirt bikes. Those came with time. Some of them included learning where the best dealerships were located, how to repair and maintain a motorcycle, how to purchase the right parts and where the best places to ride were. It was a lot of fun and I wouldn’t give up those experiences for anything.

When I turned 17 years old, I purchased my first street bike. It was a Suzuki GR 650 Tempter. This was a big change for me, because I had never ridden a street motorcycle before. I have to say, it was a great learning bike. There was enough power, but not too much to do anything stupid or get in any trouble. The bike was smooth and just enough to get my feet wet on the streets.

There were a few years during college where I didn’t own a motorcycle, but knew I would soon. After college, I went ahead and bought the bike I own today, a Suzuki GSXR 1100. This is one serious motorcycle, and yes, one I could easily get in trouble on. Sometimes I get shaken by its unexpected power. I would only recommend this type of motorcycle to the most mature and experienced rider.

I love my current motorcycle, but will admit that it does get on my nerves at times. I sometimes wish I owned a laid back highway cruiser. Now that I am getting older, I don’t enjoy hunching over the gas tank as much as I used to. Style is not as important to me anymore and comfort is becoming more. Also, having a larger seat for a passenger is becoming a necessity. No passenger likes riding so high up and having to hold on for dear life.

With all the experience I have gained on a wide variety of motorcycles through the years, I feel that I am in a position to offer to some great tips on how to get into riding.

1. Visit a dealership. Yes, it seems so simple, but a huge hurdle to get past is deciding if you really can feel it in your blood. If you are like me, you will leave the dealership panting like a fool. If you leave still undecided, motorcycling might not be right for you.

2. Talk to people. If you have ever heard a group of riders talk about a trip they have taken or are about to take, chime in. Ask them questions and notice how easily they will include you in the ride. Some of them might even offer to take you as a passenger. The community is friendly and always welcoming to new riders.

3. Think about costs. Motorcycling can be an expensive hobby if you are just getting by already. You need to be ready for the financial side of things. You can expect the cost of the motorcycle, insurance, registration, maintenance, apparel and the cost of fuel. It’s easy to get sucked in to buying every after market part available for your motorcycle, so be sure you can afford the hobby first.

4. Go for a ride. Try to find someone who owns a motorcycle and ask them if you can hop on the back during their next ride. Try to find someone with a larger motorcycle for this, especially if you are larger yourself. You’ll know if motorcycling is the right thing to do once the wind hits your face.

5. Take a training course. I am one of those types of people who just want to get a bike and hop on, but friends of mine have told me how important a training course really is. They thought they knew all there was to know about motorcycling, but each day they came away with new knowledge. It’s important to learn how to ride properly.

After considering and completing the tips above, you should be in a position to purchase your first motorcycle. Look through the motorcycle classifieds or visit your local dealer. Find the right motorcycle for you and make the purchase. Since you made some riding contacts and are somewhat familiar with motorcycling in general, you should be in good shape. Just remember, safety comes first and when it comes to riding, patience is a virtue.

Teaching your kid about riding an ATV

Your kid’s first ATV ride experience may not be as easy as you may think it is – even with his great enthusiasm to learn to ride one. Most ATV parents are eager to pass on the ATV “legacy” to their kids without first finding out if their kids are interested. Besides just teaching them to ride, there are other issues that the parents have to tackle first – such as the physical, emotional and mental assessments of your child.

First of all, it is really important that your child is interested in ATVs, or at least is keen in learning to ride on one. If your child shows keen interest, you will need to discern if he is physically ready to ride an ATV. He should be able to at least stand on the footpegs or the floorboards while straddling the seat on the ATV. Your child should be able to reach the control levers comfortably and also have the strength to operate them. After your child passes the physical requirements to ride an ATV, you will need to evaluate his ability to comprehend risk – is he able to recognize and reduce risks? True, you may not be able to get rid of all the risks involved with riding an ATV, but with detailed preparation and careful prevention, you will be able to reduce the risks significantly.

Once you have determined that your child is ready to ride on the ATV, you have to start teaching him from scratch. Remember, patience and good communication are 2 great keys to get your child to understand how the machine works. Explain to your child what he needs to do to get the machine going and stopping. Try to minimize your use of technical jargons that only an adult ATV rider understands. Don’t tell him to shift to a lower gear or a higher gear when you can actually just tell him to tap the shifter down with his toe. Do not try to rush your kid in learning how to operate an ATV – take it one step at a time. It is more important that he is able to learn how to ride the ATV safely first and this alone is a big step in learning.

Whenever your child is making progress – do praise him, but never compare him with other kids if the others are making a better progress than he is. You need to remember that every skill advances in its own pace and that you simply can’t rush your child. Never allow your kid’s frustrations upset you while you are coaching him – if you see that your kid is struggling, more often than not, it is best to just take a break. If he does not get it right the first time, try and try again. Bear in mind that each child is different and it is best to work within their individual limits and not push them ahead of their own pace. By pushing them too hard, they may lose interest in learning and give up altogether.

Even if your child have mastered the skill of riding an ATV, it is best that you be his eyes and ears while he is riding. It is difficult for a young rider to recognize everything that goes on around them, so if you sense or see danger, you will have to take action immediately. You should never allow your child to ride an ATV all by himself. One of the best ways for you to access his skills is to ride alongside with him – that way you can also stop and offer advise whenever it is needed and you will have more fun riding together that way too!

For more tips and ideas about learning to ride an ATV, check out some of the ATV websites’ forums and discussions boards, or better yet, if you have some tips about teaching your kid how to ride an ATV, you can always share your great ideas at www.jackel.com or www.kazumausa.com too!

Does ATV riding have to be expensive?

Okay, you’ve seen people riding on them, you’ve heard exciting stories about the trails, parks and off road adventures and you want to be part of the fun but you “think” that taking up the ATV sport is just too expensive for you. If you have been holding back because you have been made to believe that ATVs are just for the rich, think again. Picking up ATV as a recreational sport does not have to burn a hole through your pockets. You just got to learn the tricks and tips of enjoying the fun of ATVing without having to leave a burning smell on your wallet.

Here are some great ideas that we, Jackel Motorsports, would like to share with you on some great tips to have fun ATVing – without having to pay too much for it.

1. Rent first, buy later

If you are just a beginner in ATV sports, we recommend that you first rent the ATV that you are considering to buy before you put in your hard earned cash into getting your own machine. With renting, you get to try out different types of models, until you find the perfect one for yourself. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you when it comes time to purchase your very own ATV – do some homework and scout around for the best deal.

2. Give it a haul

Remember, if you get your own ATV, you must also think of a way to haul it. If you own a pickup truck or a van, you are good to go. Most pickup trucks or vans make good ways of transporting ATVs. Even if you don’t any of these vehicles, don’t panic – you can always rent a trailer with a built in ramp to transport your ATV.

3. The right tools

Sure, ATV tools can be quite costly, but if you plan to do routine maintenance on your machine, it is not necessary for you to go all out to buy the most expensive tools for your ATV. Most ATVs come with a small tool kit that is decent enough for the basic maintenance of your ATV. While you save some more money to get the “specialized” tools for your ATV, using the ATV tool kit provided by the dealer would be just fine.

4. ATV attire

When buying the ATV gears for your riding, you must consider first the type of riding that you will be doing. The very basic ATV attire includes a helmet, goggles, gloves and boots, and believe it or not, you could actually get all these items for under $250! Yes, it’s true, some ATV riders (especially racers or aggressive riders) would opt for top of the line ATV attire, but that is only because they are meant for racers or very aggressive riders! If you are taking up the ATV sport as a hobby or just for recreational fun, you don’t have to spend unnecessarily – just as long as you are properly dressed and you know you will be protected during unforeseen circumstances.

The above are just some suggestions on how you can save and yet be able to have fun ATVing. There are more ideas and tips on budget ATVing that you can read about at www.atvoutdoors.net or even the forums at www.jackel.com If you have questions about ATVs or how to save a couple of dollars on ATVing, feel free to post your questions on either websites. You can be sure that the other ATV riders are always more than happy to help you out!

ATV riding – a growing sports and entertainment for the family

There is certainly no doubt about it – ATV riding has become one of the fastest growing sports in town and it’s popularity is gaining great momentum each year. This is the kind of entertainment that suits just about anyone in the family – from the kids to the teenagers to the parents and in some cases, even to the grandparents! There is just so much enthusiasm and positive response toward ATV riding and a lot of people are becoming more receptive to the idea of riding an ATV. The number of people joining in ATV races and riding contests especially the kids shows that ATV riding is definitely here to stay.

However, with such increase of interest in ATV riding, it is important that the general public is made aware of the basic rules of ATV riding. Most first timers to the racetracks are eager to win and ride with speed that they forget the basic rules of ATV riding. If you are bringing your kid to his or her first racing experience, it is your duty to ensure that they understand and follow the rules and regulations of racing. It has always been a thumb rule that ATV riders are to be polite and nice to each other on the racetrack – even if you are all charged up to win the race. The race will not be fun anymore if we have racers who refuse to adhere to such a simple rule. Remember, if you do not teach your kids “good manners” on the racetrack, they could endanger their own lives as well as the lives of the other ATV riders.

At Jackel Motorsports, we have always stressed the importance of safety in ATV riding and being in a race does not mean that you can violate the safety issues involved. We strongly discourage riders from swearing at each other or showing unruly behavior or signs when they are in the racetracks. Such behaviors are intolerable and offensive to other fellow ATV riders. Be sure that you tell your kids that they are required to “stick by the rules” – at all times. For more rules and safety regulations while riding an ATV, you could visit our website at www.jackel.com or one of the popular ATV sites at www.atvoutdoors.net

There is also one trick that you should never pull while you are in a race – that is, the “dusting” trick. Dusting means riding on high speed past other ATV riders and leaving a cloud of dust on the faces of the other riders. This trick is only funny when you are riding with your own friends, but it is definitely not funny to those whom you do not know, so never try to pull a stunt like this one on the racetracks. If you are really keen to show off some of your ATV riding skills or tricks, try some of those that will not offend the other riders.

Also, if you happen to ride past another rider and you see that he or she is having problems with his or her machine, you should at least stop and ask if they need help. Don’t just ride by them as if you didn’t notice them at all. If you were in their shoes, wouldn’t you feel grateful if another fellow rider stopped by to help?

ATV riding is one great way for family entertainment but it can only be a lot more fun when everyone involved knows and follows the basic rules. Don’t try to be different by ignoring the rules of ATV riding. It is always better to go with the flow in this case than against it!