MotorcycleInsurance.com » Research

Kawasaki Competes By Pushing the Social Media Agenda

Todd Halterman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:41:44 +0000

It seems that if you’re doing any kind of business these days (or just bullshooting with your pals), you already know about the phenomenon of social media. Everyone has to have a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Tumblr page. Motorcycles have a built in appeal, but they don’t sell themselves in a marketplace packed with old-line competitors like Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Honda.

So how did Kawasaki, a little fish in the shark tank of motorcycle builders, carve out a respectable niche among those titans of industry?

Back in 1960, Kawasaki signed an agreement to take over Meguro motorcycles, at the time a major player in the burgeoning Japanese motorcycle manufacturing business. Meguro was one of the only Japanese companies making a 500cc motorcycle at that point, and in England and the UK, Meguro’s 500 (a direct knockoff of the BSA A7) was universally hammered for being a cheap copy of that classic British machine. It was, in fact, not a bad motorcycle and it was the genesis of the Kawasaki brand. A year later, Kawasaki had produced its first motorcycle, the B8 125cc two-stroke, and in the following year, the company rolled out a series of the two-stroke models ranging from 50-250cc. It was the 250cc disc-valve ‘Samurai’ model that first caught the eye of US buyers, and by 1966, Kawasaki had developed the 650W1 which took its inspiration from the much-loved BSA A10.

Building solid bikes made Kawasaki a player, they stay in the game with savvy social media skills…

So much for the history, but how did Kawasaki manage to remain competitive against larger rivals in the motorcycle game. The KZ 900 superbike kept them on the map, but according to one theory, though I’m more inclined to think it’s simply because they managed to build a better mousetrap, they did it with their social media prowess.

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Kawasaki’s chief marketing stud, Chris Brull, gives you some insight on how Kawasaki take on the challenge of getting the word out to customers.

According to Brull, his team uses social media to monitor their brand, the industry in general and to take the pulse of digital media and how it affects the business world overall.

Brull says Kawasaki uses social media to revitalize traditional marketing techniques like in-person product demos and they use mobile technology to be accessible to customers twenty-four-seven.

Prison Guards Who Joined Los Hermanos Motorcycle Gang Threatened By Bandidos

Todd Halterman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:09:23 +0000

An internal affairs investigation is under way and taking a look at the New Mexico corrections department after word surfaced that a number of corrections officers are involved in a motorcycle club.

The investigation is looking into whether or not a group of corrections officers are members of Los Hermanos motorcycle club, based out of Las Vegas, NM. Authorities say Maj. Adino Castillo, former head of security at a prison facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been transferred to a different state facility after his attempts to start a Santa Fe chapter of Los Hermanos came to light.

Those same sources say Castillo’s plan to form a rival chapter pissed off members of the notoriously tur-conscious Bandidos motorcycle gang and led the gang to threaten prison guards Castillo recruited to ride with Los Hermanos. The New Mexico Corrections department put out a statement which confirmed that an investigation is underway and that the probe involved more than one officer.

When the story came to light, Castillo voluntarily transferred to a facility in Grants, N.M.

Outside sources say at least a dozen guards are full-patch members of Los Hermanos and received preferential treatment from Castillo based on their club affiliation. The department plans to update its employee code of ethics regarding the conduct of its officers while on – and off – duty as a result of the investigation.

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

Is Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Really Cheap?

Todd Halterman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:46:47 +0000

A fast expensive motorcycle with features like lots of classy add-ons and chrome or electronic equipment will guarantee you’ll pay more for your insurance coverage. That’s just the facts, Jack.

Why do they want to do this to me, you ask?

Get real, it’s because insurers would have more – and more expensive stuff – to replace in the event you have an accident. If you want to save a few bucks, take a hard look at what you need in the way of motorcycle accessories on your bike. Maybe you’ll decide to risk losing or damaging those accessories yourself.

Expensive parts and bangles look cool, but cool just doesn’t enter into the calculation for your insurance company. Insurers are a pragmatic lot and they simply add up the cost of all your cool and increase your premium to cover their possible financial exposure in the event your cool is disrupted by theft or accidents.

So what can you do control the cost of your motorcycle insurance premium?

Buying a popular model from a big name manufacturer will help. The more of them they sell, the cheaper it will be to insure yours. Insurance companies assess what it might cost to repair your bike in the event of an accident or a theft, and when your bike is common in the marketplace, it’s going to be much easier for suppliers and repair facilities to find replacement parts for the repairs or replacement at a decent price.

Another Way You Can Lessen the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance Premiums

Just like mortgages, the more you shop around, the better your chances are of getting the best possible insurance rate. There are a whole passel of insurance companies out there, so start by asking your current home and auto insurance agent about his company’s motorcycle insurance. If your current company doesn’t offer motorcycle insurance? Just ask your neighbor with the shiny new Harley where he insures his bike. A fast search of motorcycle websites (like say, this one, motorcycleinsurance.com) and forums can net you some recommendations from your fellow riders.

Finally, with your list of companies firmly in hand, dedicate a day to call as many insurance agents as you can.

But wait!! There are some answers you’ll want to have ready once you’re talking insurance plans and rates with an agent. Here, a little preparation goes a long way in making the best impression (which results in an ideal rate) on an insurance agent. Know what they’ll ask before you pick up the phone.

1. Do you actually know how to drive?

Motorcycle insurance is a little like auto insurance; your age and your driving record are the key factors. Auto accidents which appear on your driving record definitely count when you’re buying motorcycle insurance, so if you’re older but a first-time rider, you might find yourself facing a higher rate. That problem is likely to be offset if you’re willing to take DMV or motorcycle skills classes – and be sure to wave your certification under your insurer’s nose to prove your skills.

2. Man, you live in a bad neighborhood, and your insurer knows it…

Working or living in a high crime area will affect your motorcycle insurance rates. If you can store your bike in a garage, add on an alarm, or demonstrate that you have any other form of security for your parked bike, you’re a step ahead of the game. If your bike spends most of it’s time in an open, unsecured area, it’s clearly at risk and any insurance company is going to think so too.

3. The Bike

Just like in auto insurance, that glitzy, brand-spankin’ new model is going to cost more to insure that an older stock bike.

4. Does the snow fly?

If you live in the part of the country that has a definite riding ‘season’, make this apparent to your agent. By only using your bike for half the year, your mileage stays low and your rate usually will follow suit.

5. Would you file a claim for a broken fingernail?

Your rate isn’t based solely on your bike, but also your lifestyle, your riding habits, and your history. A history of filing small claims will most certainly make your rates very, very high.

3^rd Party Liability: Is insurance that covers other people and their property in the event of an accident that is your fault. Instead of you paying out of pocket for the damage to the other person’s property, your insurance pays that tab. It does not cover damage to you or your property.

Most states require you to have at least liability insurance on your bike.

Full Coverage Insurance: Also called “comprehensive,” this type of insurance is available in different amounts, and covers you and your property following an accident, whether the crash was your fault, someone else’s, or a “no-fault” situation in states that have those laws. Full coverage also covers to any passengers on your bike present in the accident if you stipulate that sort of coverage.

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

An Elemental and Sleek Motorcycle Design From Mac Motorcycles

Todd Halterman — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:53:01 +0000

http://carefullyconsidered.com/projects/mac-cycles/

This concept cosmetic design for Mac Motorcycles, a start-up motorcycle company in the UK with a nod to classic cafe bikes, really speaks to me. It’s elemental without looking too geeked-up and impractical. The design team somehow managed to make this bike look both wispy and tough at the same time, and that’s no mean feat.

The bikes are powered by a Buell single, air-cooled, 2-valve, push rod, 492cc, 5-speed taken out of the ‘Blast’models, and that makes them “thumpers” in the classic mode of the old Yamaha SR500, a favorite of cafe racer builders the world over. Valve adjustment is handled automatically via the use of hydraulic lifters, and the transmission placed low in the frame to aid with handling. The stock Buell motors produce 34 HP at 6500 RPM, and Mac adds a bolt-on big-bore kit (515 cc), Andrews Cams, a Mikuni HSR 42 carb’, Screamin’ Eagle ignition and a Supertrapp exhaust to crank that output up to near 50 HP at 7200 RPM.

The Mac Motorcycles team has this to say about their concept:

We explored a variety of visual approaches and production techniques. The intention was to create something new in a category that is overwhelmingly garish with logos and neon graphics that also complemented the amazing industrial design by Xenophya.

While keeping the integrity of the classic look, we created eight prototype designs that employ such production techniques as laser etching, anodized finishes, and screen-printed graphics applied to the gas tanks. This, along with simpler color systems, helps bring a more subtle, conceptual approach to the identity.

This project has received incredible recognition not just in the design community, but, more importantly, in the motorcycle-enthusiast community — nearly 100 mentions and spreading including articles and mentions in Fast
Company, Bike EXIF, Asphalt and Rubber, MBF Motorcycle forums, Cyril Huze Blog, Bikes in the Fast Lane and of course right here at Motorcycleinsurance.com.

Friday Motorcycle Chain Links – The Holiday Edition of the The Best Motorcycle Stories From the Internets

Todd Halterman — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:20:52 +0000

It’s Friday once again, and perhaps this one is more special than most.We’re preparing for an epic Happy Hour tonight when old friends unite.

I did find the time to put together a page of our favorite stuff from the Motorcycling Internet.

You’re in good hands with this bunch of motorcycle fanatics and here are some links to our favorite stuff from their sites.

Enjoy…and give them some link love.

Awesome Moto Guzzi Custom

Here’s another custom build that has been flying under the radar, Raven MotoCycles and yes, this one is on eBay, or rather, the opportunity to own the first production model from the company. The specific bike you see here is the very first prototype of a brand new special, powered, in this case, by a Moto Guzzi 750cc engine from a 1971 Ambassador…

A Pristine 1974 Norton Commando

By most accounts, owning a vintage Norton Commando can be a quixotic experience. For many, it’s the romantic ideal of a classic motorcycle—but you’re likely to need good spanner skills to keep the bike going. The alternative is to locate a Commando that has been subtly upgraded as well as restored, by someone such as Matt Rambow of Colorado Norton Works…

A Custom Harley For Less Than 10 Grand?

If you want to ride a brand new stock Harley under $10,000 the lower-priced Sportsters are an option. But if you want a used Custom Harley for almost the same budget, the one featured here is a good representation of what you could build for yourself. Michael Kamalian from Revolution Manufacturing wanted to show what could be done with some trading and ingenuity for a total of $9890.62 in purchase receipts…
Read more…

Cyril Huze Post

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

MOTORCYCLES will be given permanent access to London’s bus lanes from the 23rd January 2012 following the completion of two successful trials.

The decision to allow motorcycles to ride in bus lanes follows two 18 month trials over the last three years and the permanent access will be introduced to the majority of the capital’s red routes.
Read more…

Visor Down

It’s Time For Bachmann To Throw In the Towel, Buy the Bike, Ride It and Clear Her Head

Candidates to the US Presidential elections can’t escape it! They need to be seen on a motorcycle, even if it’s just posing on one. Has sitting on motorcycles become the 21st century kissing-a-baby

Buying Your First Bike? The Women’s Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

Runnin Hard Four Hours on an Old Moto Guzzi

Todd Halterman — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:41:49 +0000

Chris Page riding. July 2nd 2011.

#44

Team Guzzi Nerd…

What the Biker In Your Life Wants For Christmas – Awesome Motorcycle Gift Ideas

Todd Halterman — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:12:41 +0000

If you know and love someone who loves motorcycles, don’t get them a tie with a Ducati logo on it or a pair of black and orange Harley-Davidson-inspired wool socks.

Get them something they can use, and the stuff below is just the ticket.

If something like this ends up under the Christmas tree, they look at you through eyes burning with the hot gratitude of one thousand suns.

Trust me on this…

Let’s face it, your motorcycle addicted friends and family like to ride, and chances are, they like to wrench as well. With that in mind, sooner or later, that special someone is going to want to move their motorcycles.This item will give you a leg up on that chore, and it would also make an excellent addition to a shop lift table.

The pivoting bracket moves up to secure the motorcycle in an upright position.

Easy for one person to strap-down a motorcycle
Mounts securely to floor, truck or trailer
Fits most motorcycle wheels
Formed steel with carbon steel hardware, thermoplastic end caps
Motorcycles with super-wide front tires or custom low-profile front fenders may not fit this wheel chock.
Wheel chock dimensions: 24-1/2″ L x 9-3/4″ W x 12-7/8″ H
Base plate: 15-5/8″ L x 10-1/2″ W
Shipping Weight: 15.90 lbs.

Price: $39.99 at Harbor Freight

To buy bikes, it’s often necessary to move them from here to there for things like routine maintenance and storing them for the winter.

And you never know, you can hardly have too many motorcycles, and this handy-dandy folding trailer will let you bring back all the basket cases you can afford and have room to store.

This folding utility trailer only takes up 24″ x 63″ of floor space when folded, so it can be stored just about anywhere, but unfolded, it can handle heavy loads up to 1195 pounds!

Add plywood decking for a 48″ x 96″ bed. Hitch this heavy-duty folding utility trailer to a vehicle that has a 1-7/8″ ball hitch to transport securely.

Steel trailer frame has built-in slots for stake siding (stake sides not included)
DOT-certified tail lights and side running lights, safety wiring harness
3-leaf spring suspension
Trailer bed tilts all the way to the ground for easy loading
4.8″ wide, 12″ diameter tires
Axle thickness: 5mm
Overall dimensions: 110″ L x 61-1/2″ W x
19-1/4″ H
Shipping Weight: 159.00 lbs.

Price: $299.99 at Harbor Freight

If you haven’t had the pleasure, it’s a royal pain in the ass to work on a motorcycle while it’s leaned over on a kickstand and not very high off the ground.And try changing a tire like that and you’ll discover the meaning of agony.Now you can work on your bike safely and comfortably with this high position motorcycle lift.Supporting an 1100 lb. load capacity, the motorcycle lift provides a lifting height range from 2.6″ to 30″. The lift also features wheels for easy maneuvering and placement.

1100 lb. weight capacity
Lifting range from 2.6″ to 30″
Ram travel: 7-3/8″
Distance between base legs: 20-3/8″
Overall dimensions: 44″ L x 24-3/8″ W x 37-3/4″ H
Shipping Weight: 131.00 lbs.

Price: $199.99 at Harbor Freight

And speaking of basket cases, sooner or later you’re going to be the proud owner of a dusty, greasy barn-find bike.On that fine day, you’ll be glad you tucked this Cruz Tools motorcycle tool kit behind the seat of your truck.You never know, you might get lucky and ride it home while your buddy drives the truck looking forlorn and plotting a way to get you to let him ride it when you get back to the garage…Price: $79.95 at Sears

Don’t Want to Enourage Bad Habits? Then Consider These Less Awesome Sources of Motorcycling Christmas Gifts

Cycletrader: A Blog written specific to female motorcycle riders, with gifts that female riders would enjoy. Female riders have different needs than male riders and this article discusses differences.
Motorbiker: Jewelry for motorcycle lovers, both male and female designs and gifts. Many of the designs have the Harley or Ducati insignia.
Scooter Diva: Fashionable clothes and accessories for both scooter and motorcycle lovers. Gifts for the fashion-forward motorcycle rider in your life.
Steel Thunder: A motorcycle company website newsletter discussing great gifts to buy riders of motorcycles. Also, there are gifts for dirt bike riders and enthusiasts.
Women Riders Now: This is a newsletter discussing what women riders would like for gifts for birthdays, Christmas or Mothers Day. Not all moms want a bouquet of flowers and a greeting card.
Places2ride: A website listing six gifts that every motorcycle rider should have, and most of the gifts are both fun and practical.
Ride My Own: This website has shirts with “I Will Ride My Own” statement, very popular for female motorcyclists. Also, tips on how to purchase gifts for your wife, sister or daughter that is getting into motorcycle riding.
Bikers Den: A popular clothing, gear, and boot page for motorcycle riders; has great gift ideas for both men and women riders.
Leather Up: Leather is a popular choice for motorcycle riders, and this site has hundreds of leather items to choose from. Leather is the best protective gear for riders, and the most fun to wear as well.
Biker-Gifts: A British focusing on gifts for motorcycle riders of all ages. Even though site is British it offers great tips about purchasing items that cyclists will love.
Motorcycle Boots for Mom: Discusses buying a mom motorcycle boots for mother day. Also, discusses how to size boots and how they should fit.
Women’s Automotive Solutions: A website geared towards female riders that discusses the fun of motorcycle riding and the gear that you will want when you start riding. Females may need different seats, helmets and handlebars then there male counterparts.
Roadcarvin – Christmas Gift Ideas for Bikers: A blog with a fun Christmas list of items to buy bikers.
Rippin Kitten: A blog written by a female about motorcycle riding, fun gear that you need to ride, and how female motorcyclists can enjoy shopping for bikes. Shopping for motorcycles does not have to be a scary experience.
Leather Lollipop: Leather, the popular biker choice, is represented on this website, with gifts and accessories for motorcycle enthusiasts. Mostly female apparel is represented, but there are few items for men as well.
Pit Posse: A website specializing in tires discusses gifts for motorcyclists. Tires may seem boring as a gift, but your rider will appreciate the joy of riding their bike on a new set of tires.
Bikers Friend: This website sells homemade leather goods for bikes and motorcyclists. Can be monogrammed with initials, quotes, and group names.
Kyle Designs: A design company makes monogrammed flasks, card cases, money clips etc, with motorcycle designs on them.
Thrifty Fun: All Harley brand gear for the Harley lovers
Harley Coins: Actual minted coins with Harley Davidson logo and insignia. A great gift for the Harley lover in your life.
Give a Share:Interesting idea for a gift, Harley Davidson stock. Enthusiasts can own a share of the company they love.
The Bikers Emporium: A blog on Harley Gift website, offers tips for buying gifts for motorcycle lovers.
Laidlaw: A website discussing cool tools that can be given to Harley lovers. Harley riders love gadgets, and this site has plenty.

Buying Your First Bike? The Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.
We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

Towing / Pickup
Don’t skimp on buying medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist is critical to protect you when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

Online Classes in Chopper Building? Will the Wonders of the Internet Never Cease

Todd Halterman — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:38:50 +0000

You see the ads all the time.

Learn to work on motorcycle and be certified as a motorcycle mechanic!

One problem. You don’t live in Florida or California and it’s a mighty long commute from Idaho, or North Dakota or Michigan to attend classes every day.

Well, have no fear, citizen, you’ll soon be able – with a simple click of your mouse – to learn how to build and convert eco-friendly motorcycles with your own two hands.

Chopper College, a Minneapolis-based technical has joined forces with Chicago digital agency Oncall Interactive to upgrade the CC website to include a new video curriculum. The videos will teach aspirants to make their own custom-built biodiesel and electric bikes to show off at rallies from Sturgis to Shanghai.

“At Chopper College, we are one of the elite few to be at the forefront of motorcycle and vehicle technology. Our model is to innovate, educate and commercialize,” said Thomas Creal, CEO of Chopper College. “Oncall Interactive has the drive to bring the unique value of our training to the web, delivering a top-quality user experience. This will not only put us in an untapped space for the motorcycle world, it will show motorcyclists — even the skeptics — that eco-friendly bikes can be profitable and positively impact our economy.”

The Oncall Interactive crew are old hands at helping clients reinvent their digital marketing and online transactions and the company began work on www.ChopperCollege2020.com this November.

The new site launch is planned for March 31, 2012.

“The closest most people get to designing and building custom bikes is watching American Chopper — which is fun, but not hands-on. By making Chopper College’s training available on the web, we will open up new horizons for chopper fans,” said Matthew Maday, CEO of Oncall Interactive. “Tom and his team are really pushing the envelope of motorcycle design and fabrication. Our goal is to equip their site with innovative and flawless online design — just like their custom motorcycle work.”

Check them out here…

Custom Motorcycle Insurance

Custom motorcycles require the correct insurance coverage package to protect what is, after all, a significant investment on your part .

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom bike…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.
Additional coverage to replace or repair accessories specific to your bike.

This Video Represents Man At His Triumphant Apex of Applied Creativity and Determination

Todd Halterman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:07:41 +0000

Motores Patelo, The Maestro At Work

It’s not often that I take the time to watch a YouTube video all the way through. Most of the time, I either get bored or annoyed with what’s going on, but this one was an exception to the rule. I was, in a word, transfixed as I watched it unfold.

While it’s not specifically about motorcycles, it is about a subject that interests most bike-loving types – how things work and what it takes to make them work.

The builder’s name is Yesus Wilder and he only used three materials to build this, the smallest 12 cylinder engine in the world. Stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze. The unparalleled skill and dedication it took Wilder to engineer and execute this tiny bit of perfection is stunning. It’s a one off creation and to my way of thinking, a work of genius and art as a result.

Wilder’s clip of him making his engine has already reached more than 2.2 million views and climbing, and once you’ve seen it (at least if you’re a dyed in the wool gearhead), you’re unlikely to forget the experience.

The video of the world’s smallest V12 engine being constructed from scratch is nearly 10 minutes long, but it represents a record of the thought process and the actual craft which went into creating this miniature V12 piece of awesome.

Number of parts -261
Number of screws – 222
Number of hours in labor – 1220

While it appears , since there’s no carb or ignition system, that it runs on compressed air, that hardly diminishes the magnificence of this achievement for me.

My admiration for this man and his craftsmanship is boundless.

Enhorabuena, Maestro.

Custom motorcycles require the correct insurance coverage package to protect what is, after all, a significant investment on your part .

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom bike…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.
Additional coverage to replace or repair accessories specific to your bike.

I Only Do This When My Bike Craps Out By the Side of the Road

Todd Halterman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:44:35 +0000

Nothing worse than having your bike take a dump by the side of the road. You’re left hanging in a way you just aren’t if you’re driving a car. No sitting in heated – or at least weatherproof – comfort while you wait to be rescued.

And there have been a few times when I’ve done just what this guy is doing, but for completely different reasons.

This demonstration of an interesting conceptual motorcycle technology involves kicking the bike…but with a slightly different outcome:

Clyde Igarashi, CEO of Thrustcycle Enterprises LLC, says his bike’s gyro technology is the future of the motorcycle building game. Taking electric motor technology and a unique system to prevent the bike from being unstable, Igarishi might be on to something here.

“The gyro system improves handling and creates a specific field of gravity within the vehicle,” Igarishi said.”We used the ZEV7100 internal hub motor. Our system is being tested on this rear-steered prototype to demonstrate that even such a challenging configuration can be made viable with gyro-technology. Future prototypes will focus on more conventional steering.”

Igarishi’s vision for the technology has some enviable goals.

“Technological improvements in Gyro stabilization will enable safer, more efficient transportation,” he said. “Enclosed narrow track vehicles can be stable and have the ability to recycle braking energy through the use of a gyro/flywheel kinetic energy recovery system.”

As the top speed of this baby is somewhere around 70mph, it meets one of my major requirements of a motorcycle – it’s reasonably fast. The Thrustcycle Enterprises LLC gyro creation is powered by a motor from Z Electric, a Pennsylvania based company which claims to make the world’s fastest electric production scooter. Z Electric says their scooters are capable of speeds as high as 80 mph, and their ZEV7100 scooter uses Thundersky Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries to power a 7100W brushless hub motor.

Designed as a practical commuter vehicle that can complete a 50 mile trip, the ZEV7100 is a real performance machine according to all the reviews.

Not sure how it will work out for the guys at Z Electric and Thrustcycle Enterprises, but I’m always heartened to see that people have the stones to try something different in pursuit of The Perfect Motorcycle…

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Are Heading Your Way And Bringing the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show

Todd Halterman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:14:20 +0000

This series of traveling shows features a gear and accessory marketplace, hands-on tutorials, demo rides, and custom bike displays.

And the best part of the whole deal? The Progressive’s 2011 International Motorcycle Shows feature new bikes and personalities from the world of motorcycling sure to pique your interest.

The show travels to:

Novi, MI (January 6-8, 2012)
Washington, DC (January 13-15, 2012)
New York, NY (January 20-22, 2012)
Cleveland, OH (January 27-29, 2012)
Minneapolis, MN (February 3-5, 2012)
Chicago, IL (February 10-12, 2012)
Charlotte, NC (February 24-26, 2012)
Daytona Beach, FL (March 14-17, 2012)

Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show

If a great bike show isn’t enough to get you out in the snow, then how about a traveling buildoff which features the world’s leading builders of customized bikes – and offers the largest prize purse of any builder competition on earth - the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.

If you make the scene, you’ll get access to the foremost custom bike building competition on the planet where you can see some incredible designs, precise engineering and painstakingly wrought paint-jobs. You’ll have the chance to meet the artists, maybe get an autographs or a picture (if that’s how you roll), and then take part in the great American biker democracy by voting for your favorite machine.

MotorcycleUSA.com is the official sponsor of the “People’s Choice” voting center in this year’s Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and they’re giving away – yup, giving away - a customized 2011 Honda Fury to the lucky person at the end of the 2011-2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show season. If you check out the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and vote for the “People’s Choice” award, you’re automatically entered to win the MotorcycleUSA Honda Fury

The official rules for the MotorcycleUSA.com Honda Fury Giveaway are right HERE…

If you have the skills and the sack for it, you can compete with the best custom motorcycle builders in the world simply by entering your bike into one of four competition classes – Freestyle, Hot Bike Modified Harley, Super Streetbike Performance Custom or Retro Mod.

Do it here now by submitting your form:

Step 1) Click HERE to Enter

Step 2) Click HERE to Pay Your Entry Fee

Official Rules Page – Click Here

All Competition Details – Click Here

Made From Historical Perfection – A Brand New Brough Superior

Todd Halterman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:02:48 +0000

The Brough Superior may well be the most perfect expression of the motorcycle in history.

Without question, if you’re willing to ignore the impact of the Vincent Black Shadow, Brough is the most legendary name in the history of motorcycle manufacturing. These hand-wrought British machines were referred to as “The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” and their sublime craftsmanship and premium pricing helped them live up to the name. Aside from being beautifully crafted, Brough Superiors actually performed. Bikes from the legendary stable won races and set speed records which were the envy of their peers.

The really awesome thing about the marque is that, despite the many years since the first production models rolled off the line, they’re back in production. These entirely bespoke motorcycles harken back to their 1930′s antecedents, but modern improvements make them a hugely desirable – and ride-able – object of motorcycling desire .

If you want one, and you know you do, you must be a particularly well-heeled sort with no shortage of American Cash Money. How much? Well, you’ll need at least a tightly-packed suitcase full of hundreds as this model, available on a first serve basis confirmed by a 50% deposit, will set you back a cool quarter-million. That’s right, sport, one of these will cost you $250,000 and if you have the means and actually purchase one, please have the common decency to invite me by your garage and allow me the pleasure of taking it for a ride around the county. I’ll be happy to sign any release you deem necessary and insure myself properly.

Getting your hands on your bike, once the six month build period is over, requires a client consultation prior to the start of the build. And by the way, your bike will be made entirely in the United Kingdom and Austria by Brough Superior Motor Cycles Ltd.

Insuring your collectible or vintage motorcycle

As for insurance for your collectible motorcycle? You should be able to get Agreed Value coverage on a classic 1959 BSA Gold Star Catalina valued at $15,000 for somewhere around $25 a month, and that gives you the whole shooting match of coverage.

You can spend a lot less, but if you plan to ride the bikes in your collection, the above pricing is a reasonable approximation of what you can expect to pay.

What Motorcycle Should Santa Ride?

Todd Halterman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:09:13 +0000

A somewhat whimsical survey by Swinton, the leading motorcycle insurance brokerage in the UK, indicated that if Santa ran into problems with his eight tiny reindeer and mounted up on a motorcycle, he’d saddle up on a classic Harley Davidson.

Or to be more precise, a Holly Davidson.

Slightly more than 60 per cent of those surveyed said St Nick, old school guy he is, would opt for a Harley Davidson Fat Boy.

Santa’s second choice? Old school once again, but hailing from the far east: a Honda CB500.

The majority of respondents said The Man would be best served by a classic, vintage style motorcycle and just wouldn’t look right on the back of a superbike. I’m not so sure Santa wouldn’t dig a brand new Ducati Panigale. He’s got a lot of miles to cover and only one night to make his ride, but the survey disagrees with my assessment on that score.

About one third of those responding to the survey thought Santa should consider an environmentally-friendly machine like the ENV (Emission Neutral Vehicle) bike. The hydrogen-powered ENV does have the advantage of doing little damage to the ozone layer.

About one in ten survey respondents went for the practical, and they said Santa’s needs would force him to strap on a side car for passengers and a trailer to carry Christmas gifts, and that’s not such a bad idea. The idea of Santa on a trike or a Ural with a sidecar does make me cringe a little, but The Man would probably work with it…

The top bikes Santa should ride, in order, are:

Harley ’Holly’ Davidson Fat Boy
Honda CB500
Yamaha TMax
BMW R1200R Roadster
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
Honda GL1800 Goldwing - luggage capacity
BMW R1200GS adventure - So he can get to the children that live down the beaten track

“It’s funny to think of Santa on a motorbike, but clearly it’s something that our customers have thought about,” said Anthony Aronin of Swinton. “We’d hope that Santa made sure his tires were fit for the snowy conditions associated with the festive period and that he had the correct motorcycle insurance, particularly if he plans on taking a side car with him on his travels.”

Custom motorcycles require the correct insurance coverage package to protect what is, after all, a significant investment on your part .

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom bike…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom:

Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.
Additional coverage to replace or repair accessories specific to your bike.

The Boy In the Bubble – A Wearable Motorcyclist Airbag

Todd Halterman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:37:47 +0000

As much as I dread the idea of having any part in a motorcycle accident, watching this video of a wearable motorcycle airbag just makes me want to be part of the test crew.

Rejean Neron’s Safety Sphere is a rider-wearable protective suit made to inflate to a gigantic sphere around the rider in the event of a crash.

According to Neron, the Saftety Sphere inflates in five hundredths of a second to cushion a rider from impact and the whole shebang is contained in a loose fitting coverall made from two layers of fabric.

“The outer layer is made up of a highly resistant parachute type material. The inner layer is made up of a thin, moderately elastic synthetic material. In a collision situation, the passengers are thrown from the motorcycle, the cord connecting them to the motorcycle seat disconnects, the electrical voltage plummets, and the electronic circuit processor inside the belt buckle housing of each occupant connects the 9 volt battery to an electric igniter in the back housing of their respective suits,” Neron says of his creation. “This triggers the firing of an explosive canister of propellant called nitrocellulose.”

Neron’s been working on the Safety Sphere for lots of years through what he says are “countless” versions, and he now says he’s on the cusp of bringing the suit into production.

All he’ll need to make it a big seller is to have a designer cover the outside with skulls and flames, and he should be off to the races with his marketing effort.

Buying Your First Bike? The Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.
We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
Towing / Pickup
Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

The Genial-Lucifer – Bike Find of the Day

Todd Halterman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:16:06 +0000

Light Bearer – A French Motorcycle Which Didn’t Make the Cut of History

The Genial-Lucifer. The greatest name for a bike in motorcycle building history…

The French builder of small to midsize motorcycles, Genial-Lucifer, managed to hang in there against tough competition for 28 years from 1928 to 1956.

You think that’s a crazy name for a motorcycle? Think again, pard.

Lucifer has always been the name, at least in modern English common usage, which refers to the Devil or Satan before he ran into problems and was cast from Heaven. But it’s not the original meaning of the name, and in Latin from which the English word is derived, Lucifer actually means “light-bearer” and given my weak grasp of that most elemental language is something like lucem ferre, it was used to refer to the dawn appearance of the planet Venus at daylight.

So when did the name “Lucifer” get it’s naughty and not-so-Christian connotation? Well, in a Biblical sense it came from the name of a king of Babylon known as Helel, a Hebrew word that refers to the Day Star or Morning Star, and the Latin name for that is, well, Lucifer.

While they never managed to challenge Indian or Harley-Davidson in terms of production numbers, they did stomp both of those iconic manufacturers into the Terra when it came to naming their bikes…

Insuring your collectible or vintage motorcycle

You can spend a lot less, but if you plan to ride the bikes in your collection, the above pricing is a reasonable approximation of what you can expect to pay.