How to care for Motorcycle Tires

A person who owns, drives or uses a motorcycle or any wheeled vehicle for that matter should know the basic ways of taking care of all parts of the vehicles particularly the tires. Like human beings who can't walk without their legs, a motorcycle ccouldn't drive without tires.

Not all tires are made equally. In fact, there are different kinds of tires for every type of motorcycle depending on the purpose of the tire and the kind of driving the motorcycle driver does. Motorcycles used for racing will of course have different tires than a motorcycles used for just bumming around.

A driver must know how to take care of his motorcycle tire not only to make sure that the tires are used to their maximum capacity but also to protect the driver himself from any accidents. Driver or motorcycle users who don't know how to take care of their motorcycle tires will suffer the consequences when their tires blow out or when they get into an accident because they failed to check their tires before traveling.

Tires are one of the most vulnerable parts of a motorcycle and are subject to wear and tear. Motorcycle tires that are used on bumpy and unpaved roads will have a shorter lifespan than motorcycle tires used on paved and well-maintained roads.

Motorcycle tires come in all designs, measurements and thicknesses and the motorcycle owner should know which of these tires is appropriate or fitting for his motorcycle. A motorcycle driver may want big tires for his motorcycle but he should really check the size of his rim first before he even thinks of buying big-sized tires.

Some people, in their quest to remodel their motorcycles, change the width or the sizes of their tires. This shouldn't be done because while the tire would fit the motorcycle, it can result in different handling of the motorcycle. This can be dangerous especially when the inappropriateness of the size of the tires creates an imbalance.

Another important aspect that every rider should know is the proper pressure for the motorcycle tire. Air pressure changes depending on the weather so it is best to check your tires as often as possible, preferably before using the motorcycle. This should be done most especially if the motorcycle will be used for a long trip.

Any driver will have to face a blown tire at some point in his life. He must know a little about changing tires so that he won't be stuck on some lonely road when he gets a flat tire.

While cleaning the tires will help preserve their quality, cleaning the tires with a harsh liquid isn't recommended as it can further cause the deterioration of the tires.

Drivers should know that using a motorcycle is in itself a dangerous thing because it doesn't fully protect the driver and passengers from any accident. It is best to avoid accidents or minimize the damage by taking good care of the motorcycle tires.

Rider-Ready Tips to Choosing Motorcycle Helmets

Forget what you see in the movies. Wearing a helmet isn't only the law, it could also save your life. Here are some tips how to choose the right kind of motorcycle helmet to wear:

Make sure it passed quality control.
The DOT has a set of standards for motorcycle helmets. When buying one, look for the DOT logo on the helmet, usually at the back. The helmet should also have a label that includes the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model and materials.

Go for a helmet in the mid-price range.
Don’t scrimp or spend too much on a motorcycle helmet. A no-frills, reasonably priced helmet with good quality materials will offer enough protection to keep your head safe.

Protection for the whole head.
Choose helmets that are full-faced. These offer a lot of protection for head-on collisions. Open-faced helmets do give some level of protection, but in case of a collision, your cheeks, chin and neck won't stand much of a chance.

Cover your face.
Choose a helmet with a face shield, which is usually made of hard, clear, shatter-proof plastic. This will protect your face from dust, wind, debris and rain. Some shields have tints to give you some protection against glare and some have high resolution for sharper vision. Some models are even equipped with anti-mist devices to reduce fogging or condensation.

If you’re planning to use your helmet in very cold conditions, you might want to choose one with a breath box. Located in front of the helmet, it covers your nose and draws your breath away from your shield so it won't fog.

Look for an inner lining.
Helmets should have a firm inner liner that's at least an inch thick to protect your head and be worn comfortably. Before buying one, wear it for at least 10 minutes or so to get a good feel. Safety may be your first concern but comfort is a close second. In fact, comfort determines whether your helmet is safe or not.

Make sure it fits.
Never buy a helmet without trying it on first. It should fit your head comfortably – not too loose or too tight. If you tried to move it back and forth over your head, it should offer some resistance and the cheekpads but it shouldn't press on your face too much. Too much pressure will cause headaches later.

Be sure you have enough visuals.
The upper lining should just be above your eyebrows and your eyes must be centered. Avoid helmets that limit your peripheral vision in a big way. A good figure to watch would be about 200 degrees or more.

What Are Your Choices When It Comes to Motorcycle Accessories?

Simply buying a motorcycle may not be enough to satisfy your safety and aesthetic standards. Accessories, however, can help in making your motorcycle both safer and better looking. Everything depends, of course, on your budget.

Helmets – Although these aren't strictly considered as motorcycle accessories, they do serve ornamental purposes as well when you purchase stylishly designed and branded helmets.

Indicators – Motorcycle indicators can ruin the form and shape of your motorcycle. If you’re concerned about maintaining the ferocious appearance of your ride, make sure that you purchase indicators which fit and complement the lines of your motorcycle.

Speed Accessories – There are accessories and devices which you can purchase to increase the speed capabilities of your motorcycle engine. When purchasing speed accessories, make sure that the accessories match the specifications of your motorcycle. If possible, purchase devices that are branded as they come with longer and better warranties. Suspension is one of the lesser-known examples of accessories to increase a motorcycle’s speed.

Tires – Changing the tires of your motorcycle depending on the terrain your motorcycle will be treading upon will not only improve your vehicle’s performance and speed but also provide better safety and protection for your motorcycle and the driver. When you’re traveling in rough and rocky roads, for instance, a motorcycle that’s using normal tires might not be able to completely absorb the impact every time your motorcycle hits a rough patch.

Having all-weather tires, on the other hand, will ensure that you will have better control and grip of your motorcycle, reducing the chances of your motorcycle accidentally slipping on wet roads.

When shopping for tires, base your shopping decision on the brand, price, type, and size.

Audio Accessories – Those who have loftier goals for their motorcycles can certainly splurge on audio accessories in order to make their rides completely distinguishable from other models. Since motorcycles aren't essentially built to provide audio entertainment for the driver, expect to make numerous modifications if you wish to install an audio system in your motorcycle.

When shopping for audio accessories, consider the size first and where you wish to have them installed.

Windshields – Not all motorcycles have windshields but all motorcycle owners can certainly have one installed on their rides if they so wish.

Safety Accessories – Installing alarms, handlebar grips, and other safety devices can also be installed in your motorcycle to discourage potential thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Your motorcycle dealer can provide for additional information regarding other motorcycle accessories out in the market. Just make sure that you’re buying something you can afford!