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Choosing the Best Types of Motorcycle Covers

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No matter what sort of a motorcycle you ride, you definitely want to keep it as safe and secure as possible. This is where motorcycle covers come into play. They are often fully-protective of some of the greatest elements of your bike. Whether that means protecting it from the sun, rust, or even water, they mostly do quite well at this. In this guide, we will tell you how to choose the best types of motorcycle covers and what to bear in mind as you make your decision.

The Ultimate Purpose

People do not generally take the time to care about how their motorcycle covers look, they just want something that will protect their favorite bike from the elements: wind, rain, dust, etc. This is the ultimate purpose of motorcycle covers. Whether you are looking for Harley Davidson motorcycle covers, or perhaps something more simple, there are numerous things to keep in mind.

Top Things to Look For

Here is a list of some of the best things to look for when choosing a motorcycle cover:

  • UV-Protection—Many of the newer models of motorcycle covers offer built-in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This way, if your bike has to sit out in the sun for a long period of time, it will not be extremely hot, and the paint on it will not get damaged, nor will the metal rust from too much exposure.
  • Non-Scratching Liners—Throw one of these over your bike, and you will be sure you are getting quality. If the cover you are purchasing does not have a non-scratching liner, then don’t get it. Something cheap may not always be the best item to purchase, because the cheaper it gets, the more quality you tend to lose. You don’t want your pretty bike to be all scratched up, now do you?
  • Rust Inhibitors—A rust inhibitor will prevent your motorcycle from getting rusty. If you store it outside instead of in a garage, one of the best ways to prevent rust is to simply throw the cover with rust inhibitors over the top of the bike for the whole storage period, and it lessens the chances of your motorcycle rusting.

Waterproof Covers

Many companies do not automatically make their motorcycle covers waterproof. However, there are some things you can do to make quality waterproof motorcycle covers. Simply spray the cover with some 3M scotch guard, to protect it from the rain. Keep the cover on tight, and you shouldn’t have much of a problem. Dowco motorcycle covers tend to be some of the best-performing covers when it comes to staying fairly dry, especially those belonging to the Elite Series, which are also known as Guardian Secure.

Consider Storage

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a motorcycle cover is the ease at which you can store it. Does it take a long time to roll up the cover and then stow it in a carrying case, or can you just fold it up, stow it and go? Typically, a lightweight motorcycle cover can be cheap and easily stows in a backpack or something similar if you plan to go on a long journey.

All in all, motorcycle covers are quite useful on almost every occasion, and you can use them all year round. Choosing the best cover now doesn’t need to present a challenge because you know exactly what you are looking for and how to find it. Don’t purchase something cheap, especially if it doesn’t meet all of your requirements. You want to make sure that you invest in the optimum protection for your bike so that every risk is avoided as much as possible.

Finding Mini Motorcycles For 100 Dollars

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Mini motorcycles are fun for people of all ages. Smaller, cheaper and less dangerous than dirt bikes, they can be used to stage races in an empty parking lot or as part of a guest-pleasing activity at your next backyard barbecue. They are great for training youngsters in basic motorcycle or dirt bike skills and can give you the opportunity to ingrain proper safety in your child before he or she is too old to listen to you. Although it is not impossible to find mini motorcycles for 100 dollars, most models cost two or three times that amount. If you have your heart set on one of these bikes, but you cannot afford the price, you need not fear. With the right strategy, it is possible to find a bike that will not empty your bank account.

Before you start shopping, you should make a list of features you are looking for. Some features may have a huge effect on the cost of the bike. One thing that many riders debate on is whether to get an electric or a gas-powered mini motorcycle. If price is your main concern, battery-powered is the way to go. Most batteries can be recharged and you will not need to buy a new one more than a few times in the motorcycle’s lifetime. In addition, electric models tend to be much less expensive to buy. Gas-powered bikes, however, offer more power and a more realistic motorcycle experience. This can make the bike safer, as it gives you greater ability to speed out of a tight spot.

CLICK for details

Once you have made a list of desired features, you can start looking at the models available. The Razor Pocket Rocket is one of the few mini motorcycles for 100 dollars that you can find brand new. However, lately, they’re harder and harder to find and are out of stock most places. It is an electric-powered replica of a real racing bike, and is particularly popular among children. While it may not satisfy those who are used to the power of a real motorcycle or dirt bike, it is a great, inexpensive entryway into the world of mini motorcycles, and it is a good first bike for those who are still beginners at the sport. Other models, such as the BAJA Doodle Bug, offer more power and features geared towards adults and teenagers. Off road tires and disc breaking, make this a great bike for the serious rider. Although it costs close to 400 dollars new, it may be possible to find a discounted model on sale or to buy one used for a fraction of the cost.

UPDATE: Your best bet for finding some deals on the mini motorcycles, is to check out Pocket bikes on Amazon.

The internet may be the cheapest place to find a new mini motorcycle – sometimes called gas pocket rocket; although as discussed, many are not gas. The two models discussed here, and many more, can be bought new from online retailers such as Amazon.com or through individual sport and recreation retailers. Many stores that have brick-and-mortar businesses also sell through their websites, and you may have access to special online sales or discounts. If you are looking for mini motorcycles for 100 dollars, you can try searching eBay for used bikes or even a local classified site that lists used products and could save you the cost of shipping.

Mini Motorcycles: A Wide-Ranging Hobby

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Mini motorcycles, also known as pocket bikes or minibikes, are a popular hobby for children and adults alike. Available in most of the same popular styles as full size motorcycles, from racing bikes to classic street cycles to motocross machines, mini motorcycles can be found to suit almost anyone’s taste . With further options such as a choice of power plant types, pre-assembled units or kits,  and a broad range of prices to suit any budget, mini motorcycles can provide fun and training for people of many ages and interests.

Why Get a Mini Motorcycle?
There are several obvious advantages to mini motorcycles. Perhaps the most obvious is price: mini motorcycles can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of  full-sized machines. It’s not impossible to find used mini motorcycles for 100 dollars. The low expense makes them an attractive alternative for young riders and even adults learning to ride and race motorcycles. But mini motorcycles are not always seen as a preparational  tool for full sized cycles, they are also a very popular hobby in and of themselves. And while it’s possible to find cheap mini motorcycles new or used, more sophisticated and higher-priced machines are also available for serious hobbyists and racing enthusiasts.

Choosing a Mini Motorcycle
The basic questions to ask when looking over the great variety of mini motorcycles for sale are:

  • Who will be riding the mini motorcycle?
  • Where and how will it be ridden?

For example, a child of 12 might be better suited with a different bike than an adult.  In the same way, a person with easy access to a paved track might choose a different bike than someone with only unpaved fields or dirt to ride on. The latter individual would probably be happiest with a motocross-style mini motorcycle, while the former might choose a racer or classic chopper style. Novice mechanically-minded buyers might like a bike that comes as a kit, while experienced builders might be interested in a design that allows for customization, or even building their own mini motorcycle from the ground up (which, incidentally, was how the hobby got started).

Electric Motors and Gas Engines
Another major decision will be between a bike with an electric motor or one driven by a gas combustion engine. Electric bikes are the most popular and tend to be the safest mini motorcycles for kids. The top speed of most electric mini motorcycles is seldom much in excess of 15mph. Another advantage is that the electric motor is significantly quieter than a normal small combustion engine. However, electric motors require significant recharging times for their batteries, with a 12-hour charge required for 30 minutes of continuous use, and they do not typically produce the same power and speed that combustion engines tend to. Gas combustion engines tend to run from about 38cc-50cc and will produce speeds from 30mph to over 50mph.  There is also a slightly larger class, usually called super pocket bikes, that have larger engines in the 90cc-110cc range. These are typically recommended for riders with a bit more experience.

Buyers and users of mini motorcycles should remember that, while it is easy to view them as toys, they are vehicles and should be used with care. All manufacturer guidelines and applicable laws should be followed by all who enjoy this hobby. Users should check into all local requirements for registration and street use and should wear protective clothing and headgear. With the proper precautions and preparations in place, and having carefully chosen a machine that fits the riders size, skill, and desired use, mini motorcycles can be a hobby for the whole family!

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Keep Your Vehicle Running with the Right Yamaha Parts

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Thanks to the internet and lots of competition, owners of Yamaha motorcycles and ATVs have access to a wide variety of Yamaha parts to keep their machines running. Whether you own a 1970s XS cruiser or a brand new Grizzly ATV, knowing where to look for parts and knowing which type of parts you want is key to keeping your vehicle running smooth and strong.

The Yamaha Parts Catalog

The online Yamaha Parts Catalog, which can be viewed at www.yamaha-motors.com, can be a useful tool for finding parts numbers for your particular make and model of motorcycle or ATV.  This helpful database includes machines dating back to the 1960s and includes line drawings as well as the part names and numbers. The parts are not sold via the Yamaha website, but part numbers can be taken to a dealer for purchase or order. Keep in mind, however, that just because a part is shown on the catalog does not mean that that part will be available for new retail purchase. In many cases, especially with newer vehicles

OEM or Aftermarket Parts?

The standard for parts is set by Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, or OEM parts. This means that any OEM Yamaha parts you buy will have been manufactured by Yamaha, or if Yamaha outsourced production of a part on their stock motorcycle or ATV, your OEM part was made by whoever built the part for Yamaha. The obvious advantage of OEM parts is that you can buy with the confidence that these parts are up to Yamaha’s standards and should fit your machine exactly as the part you are replacing. The alternative to OEM parts is to buy aftermarket parts made by other manufacturers. There can be advantages to aftermarket parts: they may cost less than OEM parts, and in some cases may even be superior to the original parts, especially in the case of some manufacturing or design defect in the original part. Sometimes an OEM part is simply not available. In these cases the only choices are aftermarket parts or used parts. Before purchasing an aftermarket part, carefully consider the reputation of the aftermarket manufacturer and the nature of the part on your motorcycle or ATV. Budget aftermarket parts may be fine for cosmetic features, but if your safety or the well-being of your vehicle relies on a part, OEM or an upgrade aftermarket part may be a wiser choice.

New or Used Parts?
Used parts often represent the best value in Yamaha parts. By nature, they are most often OEM parts. In some cases, especially when looking for vintage Yamaha parts or mini motorcycles for 100 dollars, used parts are your only option because new parts are no longer manufactured. In some cases, the most economical source of parts is to find a second motorcycle  or ATV in poor condition and take parts from it as needed. There are many sources for used parts. You may find your parts from a local salvage yard or motorcycle repair shop, or you may have more luck searching for Yamaha parts online. Online auction sites and classified ads often yield results. Keep in mind that used parts may be damaged or worn, so if possible, inspect them before purchase and if in doubt, consult a knowledgeable mechanic before installing a part in your vehicle.

By taking advantage of Yamaha’s information and the array of parts sources and types available, in most cases you can find a satisfactory solution to your parts needs that fits your budget. Remember that safety always comes first, and if in doubt about a part or procedure, always consult a reliable source of expertise.

Finding Suzuki Parts for your Motorcylcle

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Owners of Suzuki motorcycles can be thankful that there is a wide range of options for parts available. Used and new parts, aftermarket parts and OEM Suzuki parts all have their advantages, and the availability of Suzuki parts online means that all owners of motorcycles from classic GT and GS machines to the newest generation of Hayabusa can choose the right Suzuki parts for their needs.

OEM or Aftermarket Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that OEM Suzuki parts are made by Suzuki, or, if Suzuki outsourced production of a part in the initial production of the motorcycle, the OEM part will have been made by the same company that built the parts for Suzuki. The obvious advantage of OEM is that a consumer can be confident that the motorcycle will be restored to its original manufactured condition and that the part will meet Suzuki’s standards. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by other manufacturers to replace the original Suzuki parts. There can be advantages to aftermarket parts – often they are less expensive than OEM parts. One should be cautious, however, because the less expensive part might be inferior in quality to the original. The consumer should consider the nature of the part and the reputation of the manufacturer, especially in the case of parts that may affect safety and performance of the motorcycle. In some cases an aftermarket part may even represent a superior product to the OEM part, either because it is simply of better build quality or because it addresses some flaw in the original. Consulting online reviews will place the consumer at an advantage in choosing the proper new part.

New or Used Parts?
Often the best choice for Suzuki parts is to find used parts. Sometimes older and discontinued models of Suzuki motorcycles no longer have new parts available and used parts will be the only option. In some cases, especially in the case of older machines like the GS and GT series, the most economic source of parts is to find a Suzuki parts motorcycle: another bike of the same model that has come to the end of its riding days and can be scavenged as needed for parts. Even in the case of newer models, however, the best deal for Suzuki parts may be used. They should be less expensive than new parts, and are almost always OEM parts. One note of caution about used parts: by their nature used parts come from a motorcycle that isn’t being used anymore. Often that means that the source motorcycle has been damaged, perhaps in an accident, or that, through age or excessive wear, it is no longer a working machine. Used parts should carefully be inspected for signs of damage, abuse, or wear before being used in an operational Suzuki motorcycle. If a consumer is unsure, he or she should consult a knowledgeable mechanic regarding the suitability of a part.

Online vs. Local Sources
It’s important to remember that while consumers can find many sources of used Suzuki parts online, the best source might be as close as a local salvage yard or motorcycle repair shop. A good strategy might be to look online for used parts dealers and find prices for the necessary Suzuki parts, then call potential local sources of motorcycle Suzuki parts to compare prices. Alternately, a buyer could get price quotes locally and use them to determine how much to bid if a part is found at an online auction site.

By consulting the multiple types and sources of Suzuki parts:  new and used, OEM and aftermarket, local and nationwide, Suzuki owners can be sure to find the right pieces to keep their machines running strong. By reading reviews and consulting experts, consumers can determine whether a part will ensure safe and optimal performance from their Suzuki motorcycles.