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Motorcycles are a luxury as far as the great majority of people are concerned, and even those who view them as a necessary part of their lifestyle still need to be concerned about budget for the most part. This means that it is vital that anyone who is looking for a used motorbike will be aware of what to look for, and what to avoid in order to ensure they end up paying for a good quality machine. There are a number of tips that buyers can follow to make certain of this.
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The most fragile yet complex organ in the whole of the human body is the brain, which means that motorcycle riders need to make sure they invest in the most appropriate, well-fitting and safest helmet they can find. But what should motorcycle riders look for when searching for a helmet?
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The one thing which every motorcyclist dreads is being involved in a crash. However, by understanding the most common situations in which motorcycle accidents occur, and the steps you can take to avoid them, you can ensure that you stay as safe as you can when out on the road. Read on to find out more.
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While you may pay plenty of attention to the brake pads and callipers on your motorbike, it is easy to forget about the master brake cylinder. The master brake cylinder contains the brake fluid which creates the energy needed to slow and stop your bike. The cylinder contains a rubber seal which needs to be periodically inspected and replaced. Below is a guide on how to perform this task.
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If you are new to the world of biking, it is essential that you learn how to use your brain (and the machine you are riding) to avoid hazards and potential crashes. Below is a guide to some dangerous situations you may encounter when out on your bike, followed by details of how you need to react to stay safe.
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If you are a new rider, you may not think that riding around corners is particularly difficult. However, it is very easy for even seasoned bikers to misjudge their speed, entering a corner too fast. When you throw in the fact that as a novice rider, you will still be learning how to practice good techniques, you can see that corners can pose a challenge. Don’t worry – thankfully, safe cornering is something you can learn with a little bit of studying and practice out on the road. Below is a guide which will help you to learn about safe cornering techniques.
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It’s that time of year again folks. The leaves are falling from the trees, the nights are drawing in, and the temperatures are starting to fall. However, this doesn’t mean you need to put your bike away for the coming winter. By taking a few simple precautions when riding your bike, you can continue to enjoy hitting the road throughout the autumn and the winter.
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When you buy a new bike, you may be tempted to jump right on it and start riding. However, in order to get the most out of your machine, it is important that you properly adjust and set it up. Below is a guide to 4 things you should do so that you can have a comfortable and safe ride.
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Your motorcycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of kit you’ll buy. If things go wrong and you are involved in an accident, your helmet is the thing that will probably save your life. However, motorcycle helmets will only do the job they are designed to do if they fit properly. Below is a guide which will help you to choose a motorcycle helmet which is the correct shape and size for your head.
Motorcycle helmets are manufactured to fit three head shapes. These head shapes are:
The long oval helmet is designed for a head in which the distance between the forehead and the back of the skull is longer than the width of the face, ear-to-ear. The intermediate oval helmet is the most commonly used type of helmet. This helmet is designed for the typical human skull in which the distance between the forehead and the back of the skull is only slightly longer than the distance ear-to-ear. The round, oval helmet is designed for heads on which the length between the forehead and the back of the skull is almost equal to the distance ear-to-ear.
The easiest way to establish your head shape is to try on a range of helmets! You will soon find which helmet shape offers the best fit.
Helmets come in a range of sizes. To make sure you get one that fits you correctly, you will need to measure your head. To do this, you should use a vinyl tailor’s tape which will be flexible enough to wrap around your skull.
Start by wrapping the tape around your head at a point which is just above your ears and eyebrows. This will give you your forehead measurement. You should compare the measurement you have taken to a helmet size chart for the helmet you are interested in buying. Be warned – each helmet manufacturer produces their own chart for their brand, so you need to make sure you are using the right chart for the right helmet. Once you have identified the right shape and size of helmet, then you need to test how the helmet fits on your head.
When you first try on a helmet, do not be surprised if it feels a little tight. New helmets require “breaking in”, and as time passes, the interior of the helmet will change shape slightly to fit your head perfectly. You should make sure that the helmet is not putting pressure on any specific areas of your head and that it does not restrict your movement. A helmet which fits well should sit evenly on your head and offer excellent peripheral vision. A good test is to try to slip your finger between your head and the interior of the helmet, if it is easy to slide your finger in, the helmet is too large.
Once you have found a helmet which is the correct size, shape and fit, you can purchase it and hit the road. Getting the wrong sized or shaped helmet could cause you discomfort when out riding, and could place your life at risk.
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If you have recently purchased a new motorcycle which has come straight from the manufacturer, you will probably be quite keen to hit the streets. However, it is important that you take steps to break in your new machine during the first 500 to 1000 miles on the road. Breaking in your bike can help to protect the engine, increase performance and improve your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. Below is a guide to the actions you should take to break in a new motorcycle.
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