fundraiser for our little league donation $20 RIDER, $10 PASSENGR/WALKI-IN RUN ENDS AT THE IKMC CLUB HOUSE 52 EUCLID ST NEWARK NJ HOT DOGS, HAMBURGERS, COLD BEVERAGES INCLUDED . PLEASE HELP OUR CHILDREN

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Is this a good helmet? HJC CL-15 Draco MC-2

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I've been riding since 2000...& LOVE it! Getting your own motorcycle means no more waiting around on someone else to take you for a ride! I encourage anyone who's thinking about it to take a weekend course to see if you feel comfortable on a bike. That's what I did...and never looked back... =D

Tags: Women Riders

Aymé

Indiantown Chamber of Commerce MC Rally March 30 @ 10am. Old cars too! Family affair all day. Everyone welcome.

Chap. Ed

For the fifth straight year, Montgomery Gentry will host the Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is part of the week's festivities leading up to the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, May 18. The Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride will kick-off from Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships in the nation. Riders will cruise through the Nevada desert and along the mountains and circle back until they reach Fremont Street, where the ride culminates in a live concert,free and open to the public, featuring past and present Academy of Country Music Award nominees and some of country's best new artists. Here's the link: http://www.acmcountry.com/ride2008/

For many, motorcycling is a solitary pursuit. For others, having a passenger along to share the experience is welcome. If you are a new rider and are looking forward to taking someone for a ride, here are five tips to make it a safe and positive experience for you and your passenger. Wait until you are ready - I recommend that you have at least 6 months time in the saddle, after earning your endorsement, before you carry a passenger. Carrying a passenger changes just about every aspect of how the bike feels and handles. Being intimately familiar with what is normal for your bike will help you to detect and compensate for these changes. Prepare your passenger - Obviously your passenger must wear full safety gear including a helmet, jacket, gloves, full-length pants and boots. Explain to your passenger how they should get on and off the bike. Explain where they should hold on to you and the bike. Explain that they need to lean with you in turns (a good tip for this is to have them look over your shoulder toward the inside of the turn). Make sure they understand not to shift their weight or position while you are cornering or maneuvering at low speed. These shifts can unsettle the bike and cause a crash. Review the route you are going to take and any planned stops. Work out signals so your passenger can communicate that they need to stop or would like you to slow down. Take it easy - Don't head right out to the most challenging twisty in the area. Pick a relatively easy route. This type of route will also give you opportunities to become familiar with the very different handling characteristics of your bike in a non-technically challenging environment. Also, if your passenger is new to riding, limit the distance of the ride and stop frequently to see how they are enjoying the experience. Give yourself extra room/time - With the added weight of a passenger your bike will accelerate more slowly and need more distance to stop. Give yourself extra room when coming to a stop and always remember to use both brakes. Take a break - There is additional mental strain when carrying a passenger. You become even more focused than normal out of concern for the other person's safety and comfort. It's important to stop more frequently than when riding solo to allow your brain to relax. The effort of steering and stopping the bike with the additional weight is also increased. So you may become fatigued more quickly and need a rest stop to recharge. Motorcycling with a companion can be very rewarding. Shared experiences strengthen the bonds between us. Preparation and a little extra care will go a long way toward making riding together a relaxing and positive experience.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

Springtime. The weather is beginning to improve. The ride calendar is filling up. The news is filled with stories about the motorcycle fatality rate and renewed calls for mandatory helmet laws. As they do every year, those who claim that helmets are the answer to motorcyclist fatalities are oversimplifying the problem. Make no mistake, helmets save lives and reduce injuries. No reasonable person can argue that they don't. But helmets are only part of the solution to the high death rate for motorcyclists. One need look no further than a handful of states to see the complexity of the problem. No helmet states like New Hampshire and Iowa have some of the lowest fatality rates in the country. Yet two mandatory helmet states, Mississippi and Maryland have two of the highest. Clearly, helmet use is not the complete answer. Out on the west coast, in another mandatory helmet state, there may be another piece of the puzzle. The fatality rate in Oregon has remained essentially flat at approximately half the national average since 2001. This in spite of a 43% increase in the number of registered motorcycles in the state. So what's different? One word: training. Approximately 70 percent of Oregon riders receive rider training through a program called Team Oregon. The program is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State University. Team Oregon has been recognized as one of the best in the country and is mandatory for riders under 21 years old. It is clear that Oregon is on to something. One can only hope that other states will take notice and adopt the Team Oregon program or create others of their own. Reducing motorcyclist fatalities is a complex problem. A well trained rider is less likely to find themselves in a dangerous situation and better equipped to react when they are.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

If your motorcycle has been recalled and you are not sure what to do, check out What To Do If Your Motorcycle Is Recalled. Big Dog is recalling 38 rear passenger foot rest assemblies, Part No. 163-000040-01, sold as an accessory for MY 2008 Ridgeback motorcycles that were built between July 16, 2007 and February 28, 2008. The subject passenger peg assemblies may resonate and cause disproportionate and/or inappropriate loading on the mounting bolts. Over time, this could cause the bolts that retain the passenger peg assembly to break and allow the passenger peg assembly to detach from the motorcycle. This condition could occur without warning and could result in injury and/or a crash. Big Dog will notify owners and replace the defective pegs with a revised design. The recall is expected to begin on or before April 15, 2008. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-219-6504. 08E-022 EBL Enterprises is recalling an undetermined quantity of 100 series motorcycle helmets for failing to conform to the impact attenuation, penetration, and labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.” In the event of a crash, the helmet wearer may become seriously injured without adequate protection. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or a notification schedule. This recall was the subject of an investigation, OA-218-070822, conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. 08E-024 Piaggio is recalling 128 aftermarket top cases sold as an accessory for MY 2007-2008 Moto Guzzi Norge motorcycles. The locating tab on the top case mounting bracket can break possibly allowing the top case to fall off the motorcycle. A vehicle crash could occur should the top case fall from the motorcycle, while the vehicle is in motion. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or a notification schedule. This recall only pertains to aftermarket accessory top cases and has no relation to any original equipment installed on Moto Guzzi motorcycles. 08E-025 BMW is recalling 1,391 MY 2007 G650X Challenge, Country, and Moto motorcycles. The fuel lines may have been damaged during production and could develop a leak. The leak could occur either through the fabric inlay at the end of the line, or through a crack in the actual line. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel lines. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. 08V-106 BMW is recalling 744 MY 2007 G650X Challenger and Country motorcycles. The motorcycles may have had the wrong circular clip installed on the left hand side of the rear wheel bearing guide. This circlip can rub against a spacer bushing, creating metal shavings which may enter the wheel bearing, causing it to fail and the antilock brake system (ABS) may malfunction. This would be indicated by illumination of the ABS warning lamp. If this happened, the brakes would remain fully available to slow and stop the motorcycle. Depending on traffic and road conditions as well as a rider's reactions, this could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will check and install a correct circlip, along with a new spacer bushing, wheel bearings, and shaft sealing rings. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. 08V-111 Kawasaki is recalling 31,789 Vulcan 900 Classic, Custom and Classic LT models, MY 2006 VN900B6F, VN900B6FL, VN900D6F, VN900D6FL, MY 2007 VN900B7F, VN900B7FL, VN900C7F, VN900C7FL, VN900D7F, VN900D7FL, MY 2008 VN900B8F, VN900B8FL, VN900C8F, VN900D8F and VN900D8FL motorcycles. The fuel hose may not be properly connected to the fuel injector delivery pipe. Continued use of the motorcycle can result in the fuel hose coming off, increasing the possibility of a fuel leak which could result in a fire or explosion. Dealers will inspect the fuel hose connection at the fuel injector and fuel pump and will replace the fuel hose if the joint lock is found to be damaged. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381. 08V-114 Kawasaki is recalling 1,526 MY 2008 EX250J8F and EX250J8FL motorcycles. The front brake hose may be damaged over a long period of use. The brake hose tends to deflect forward during suspension travel. This allows the brake hose to contact the edge of the front fork outer tube. Over time, this contact could damage the brake hose causing the brake fluid to leak and resulting in a lack of front brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front brake hose bracket. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381. 08V-115 Triumph is recalling 265 MY 2008 Street Triple motorcycles. The rear suspension unit (RSU) damping performance is controlled by a mixture of gas and oil contained within the unit. This mixture is kept inside the unit by control oil/gas seals. If the seals become damaged, the mixture will escape. Once the mixture has escaped the RSU, the rear suspension will lose it damping ability. The rear suspension will be controlled only by the action of the coil spring also attached to the RSU. Dealers will replace the RSU on affected motorcycles. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010. 08V-116 Big Bear Choppers is recalling 351 MY 2004-2005 Venom and Devil's Advocates Choppers and MY 2005 Sled Choppers motorcycles. Some motorcycles may have inadequate weld penetration between the neck, backbone, and down tubes of the frame. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces, structural modification made to the frame by owners, and/or failure to maintain the specified torque setting of the top motor mount may cause the affected welds to crack. The welded area could break without warning resulting in neck separation and front-end collapse. This could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect and maintain the proper torque of the top motor mount or modify the frame as necessary. The recall began on March 26, 2008. Owners may contact Big Bear Choppers at 1-909-878-4340. Big Bear Choppers Recall No. 1B9/631. 08V-129 Polaris is recalling 1,585 MY 2008 Victory Vision motorcycles. The electrical contact plate on the ignition switch base may not be properly secured to the ignition switch body, which can cause an unexpected loss of electrical power to the vehicle. A loss of electrical power could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a loss of control and a vehicle crash. Dealers will fully secure the ignition switch base to the switch body. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008. Owners may contact Polaris/Victory at 1-888-704-5290. Polaris/Victory Recall No. V-08-01. 08V-131 Honda is recalling 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 and MY 2007-2008 VT750 and VTX1300 motorcycles. The motorcycles may have an improperly manufactured fuel control valve diaphragm and the fuel valve may drip fuel. In the presence of an ignition source, dripping fuel poses the risk of fire. Dealers will replace the fuel control valve diaphragm assembly,. The recall is expected to begin on or about April 10, 2008. Owners may contact Honda at 1-866-784-1870. 08V-141 Triumph is recalling 356 MY 2008 rocket III touring motorcycles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars," and Part 567, "Certification." The certification label, located on the left front frame tube, includes incorrect information regarding tire sizes and pressures, as well as an incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). An owner may under-inflate the front tire if using the incorrect information. Under-inflation may cause a tire to slip or come off the rim causing a loss of control which could result in a crash. Dealers will install a new certification label. The recall is expected to begin on or about April 4, 2008. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-539-8782. 08V-145 Piaggio is recalling 10 MY 2008 Aprilia Tuono 1000 R motorcycles. A leak can occur in the front brake hydraulic line. This can cause a loss of brake pressure at the front brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. The front brake line will be replaced on all affected motorcycles. All motorcycles are still in transit to the United States. These motorcycles will be corrected at the warehouse before being sold to consumers. 08V-148

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

I continue to be amazed at the excuses some people will use to not wear a helmet. Please understand, I am not a helmet law advocate. I would like to see as few legal intrusions into my life as possible. So while I am not a helmet law advocate, I do advocate the use of helmets. The simple truth is that not one person has presented a compelling argument against wearing a helmet that does not rely on anecdotal or erroneous information. Here are a couple that I came across recently: "Recently a truck with a flatbed trailer hauling those round rolls of hay lost his breaks [sic] and ran right through the stop signed intersection, smack dab in front of a motorcyclist WITH a helmut [sic]... the biker died anyway....so what's the point?" Indeed, what's the point. No piece of safety gear nor any amount of training will make you invulnerable. It's just not possible. Motorcycle safety is all about reduction of risk. Putting airbags in cars did not stop people from dying in collisions. But there are people walking this earth today who would not be if not for an airbag. There are motorcyclists alive and riding today who would not be if not for their helmet. Here's another (I did not correct the author's original language)... "How many crashes is there they have a straight on impact on the head? And how would survive them without breaking the neck? Helmet does save your face from getting scratch up when you dump a bike. They are also good for holding face shields tinted or clear. What is a pain is having the helmet strap choke you as you ride. The only wreck I seen the guy was wearing a helmet but still bleeding from mouth. He treid to beat a car making a left turn in front of it. Driving like a bat out of hell. Me and 1 or 2 buddies where riding our small bikes and he flew by like we where standing still. Less the na mile up the road he was laid out." Where to begin... Again, a helmet will not protect you in every circumstance. However it will protect you in many more circumstances than not wearing a helmet. If you are wearing a helmet with a chin strap that chokes you, you are wearing a helmet that does not fit or is not properly on your head. As for the tragic accident witnessed by the writer, a helmet definitely will not protect a rider from his or her own recklessness. Then there are the old warhorses: "A helmet reduces my ability to hear," or "Helmets limit my peripheral vision." I wear earplugs when I ride. So do many of the riders I know. At any speed above 45 mph the wind noise without a helmet will damage your hearing. Not to mention the fact that many who push this argument are members of the "Loud Pipes Save Lives" crowd. What do they expect to hear over the din of those drag pipes anyway? Have you ever noticed that a hearing test is not required to get a driver's license? Yep, deaf people can drive. As to the vision argument, a properly fitted helmet does not impede lateral peripheral vision. It can reduce your upward and downward vision, but not many bikers are struck by meteors or falling satellite debris. So, until someone can show me some credible evidence proving that wearing a helmet will cause more injury than it prevents in the majority of crash situations, I will remain a helmet advocate.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

Somebody gets it. Best Western, the world's larget hotel chain, recently announced that more than 1,000 locations are "biker friendly." Locations will offer riders wipe down towels at check in and access to a wash station at no additional charge. Some locations offer designated parking areas, tar remover, sunscreen and lip balm. The announcement is part of a multi-year agreement between Best Western and Harley-Davidson. "Best Western recognizes that Harley-Davidson and motorcycle enthusiasts have unique needs when on the road, and we're committed to providing them with amenities that make their rides more enjoyable," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "We're thrilled that more than 1,000 Best Western hotels are `rider-friendly,’ and we will add to this total throughout the year." It makes sense really. Motorcyclists as a group tend to have more disposable income and travel more. Adding a few amenities targeted at motorcyclists will help attract them to Best Western properties. A partnership with a big name like Harley-Davidson, including preferred status in H-D's Ride Planner application, should reap big benefits. More information on the program is available at www.bwrider.com

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

There is an obscure but important piece of legislation that impacts our sport under consideration in Washington. The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act is currently gaining support in both the Senate (S.616) and House of Representatives (H.R.1076). Fortunately this legislation is gaining support. This legislation closes a loophole in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) that would allow insurers to deny coverage for injuries solely because the injury resulted from participation in a legal mode of transportation or recreational activity; i.e. motorcycling. Motorcycle rights organizations like the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and ABATE have worked hard to gather support for the bills. Recently their efforts have begun to bear fruit with 15 Representatives and 3 Senators signing on to co-sponsor the bill this year. This brings to 111 the current number of co-sponsors of the House bill and 8 in the Senate. The 18 new co-sponsors are: Rep. Mike Rogers [MI] Rep. Mike Ross [AR] Rep. Robert Wexler [FL] Rep. Anna Eshoo [CA] Rep. Mike McIntyre [NC] Rep. Ralph Hall [TX] Rep. John McHugh [NY] Rep. Thelma Drake [VA] Rep. Sam Graves [MO] Rep. Charles Wilson [OH] Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. [GA] Rep. Steven LaTourette [OH] Rep. John Abney Culberson [TX] Rep. Henry C. Johnson Jr. [GA] Rep. Ray LaHood [IL] Senator Patty Murray [WA] Senator Norm Coleman [MN] Senator Amy Klobuchar [MN] Let's hope the momentum continues. Do your part by finding out if your elected representatives have signed on in support of the bill. If they have, thank them for their support. If they have not, encourage them to do so.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

Winter has been slow to give way to Spring in my neck of the woods. Just this morning I awoke to 4 inches of snow in the yard; on April 20th! The last time we had snow this late was 1972. We've had exactly one good riding day so far this year. So, what's a housebound motorcyclist to do? Turn to the internet of course. Specifically to a new program called Twist The Throttle courtesy of Turbo Discovery Online. The program is divided up into "webisodes" each featuring a different motorcycle marque. For each brand there are sections on the history and production of the brand capped with a segment featuring a real world ride and commentary. The hosts, Milt and Dylan Weiss, are experienced riders who bring practical perspective to each show. The series is delivered in high-definition video and includes material shot in factories, R&D departments and secret test facilities. Available episodes include BMW, Bimota, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki, and Yamaha. It all adds up to a great way to spend (another) non-riding day.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

As it does every year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has declared the month of May to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The NHTSA's campaign this year is promoting the theme of "Sharing the Road." According to the NHTSA, "one out of every nine U.S. road fatalities accounted for last year involved motorcycle riders. This steady increase in fatalities over the past decade represents one of our Nation’s greatest highway safety challenges." NHTSA figures indicate that motorcycle fatalities now account for 11 percent of total road fatalities and have increased each year from a low of 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. So while there has been success in reducing automobile deaths in recent years, this progress is being negated by the rise in motorcycle fatalities, which has more than doubled. In addition the NHTSA is offerring the following tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe: Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane; Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections; Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic; Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed; Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists; Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars. The NHTSA points out that motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, such as following the rules of the road, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

I read a lot of motorcycle crash reports. It's part of the job. So often I see statements like these: The rider said he wasn't wearing leather chaps at the time because he was close to home. Or this one, from the widow of a rider: Shane was one of those who just thought I am just going around the block for dinner. He was only going 20 mph when the accident happened. These are excuses. Excuses from either the rider or someone close to them, for why the rider was not wearing protective gear. The "close to home" excuse is classic. Everyone feels safe in their own home and neighborhood right? It's as if there is a "safety bubble" that extends for some distance around our home. Sorry folks; no such thing. You can be injured or killed on your own street just as easily as you can thousands of miles away. You can even be killed in the dealer parking lot while picking up your new bike. That's where ATGATT comes in. All the Gear, All the Time will assure that you are wearing the protective gear you need to maximize your chances for a positive outcome in a crash.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

Last month, I was on I-81 from TN to PA. It was a beautiful ride through the Appalachian Mountains. I was actually in an car (I know...YUCK!) but have been assured by fellow riders who have biked on I-81 that it IS a magnificent ride.

Aymé

If your motorcycle has been recalled and you are not sure what to do, check out What To Do If Your Motorcycle Is Recalled. Kawasaki is recalling 487 MY 2008 EX250J8F and EX250J8FL motorcycles. An engine crankcase vent hole in the air filter box may be blocked. If so, air pressure can build up inside the engine, causing the cylinder head cover gasket to fail and leak oil. If enough oil leaks from the engine, it could drip or spray onto the rear tire. This can create the risk of a crash, possibly resulting in injury or death. Dealers will inspect and repair the air filter box and replace the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2008. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381. 08V-158 Yamaha is recalling 9,600 MY 2006-2007 CP250 and MY 2005-2007 YP400 motorcycles. The engine could stall and be difficult to restart because the wire terminals in the fuel pump wire coupler have corroded. Water can enter from the main wire harness end and run through the harness to the fuel pump coupler. If the water remains in the coupler for an extended period of time, the terminals can become corroded, which can prevent the fuel pump from operating properly. If this corrosion affects fuel pump operation while the scooter is being ridden, there could be a crash resulting in injury or death. Dealers will install a sub-harness which is designed to allow any water between the wire harness and the fuel pump to drain out before it reaches the fuel pump. The dealer will also inspect the connectors. If either the main wire harness connector or the fuel pump connectors is already corroded, the corresponding assembly will also be replaced. The recall is expected to begin during May 2008. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE08-018, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 08V-180

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

We have enjoyed unseasonable warm temperatures here in my neck of the woods. That means lots of motorcyclists out enjoying the warm weather. Many of the riders I see have opted for shorts and short-sleeved shirts in an effort to stay cool. In doing so they have not only compromised their safety in the event of a crash, but are actually setting themselves up to overheat and possibly fall victim to heat stroke. Staying cool in warm weather is simple once you you understand the body's process for getting rid of excess heat. When the body wants to rid itself of heat it produces sweat. When sweat evaporates it cools the skin. The blood vessels near the skin are cooled and this helps to regulate body temperature. As long as you can keep the evaporation effect going, your body can stay cool. This is where the lightly-clothed riders go wrong. By exposing large portions of their skin surface to the wind, their sweat evaporates too quickly to cool effectively. Thus they are not able to get rid of excess body heat. In addition, the exposed skin is subject to damage by UV rays. The better way is to wear a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt under your regular riding jacket and open the vents to allow for some airflow. the t-shirt will hold your perspiration while the airflow evaporates it, cooling your skin. In very hot weather, soak your t-shirt in water periodically. The resulting evaporation will keep you cool for quite a while. It is also very important to keep your head cool. An overheated brain will lead to poor judgment and loss of coordination. Two things that are vital to a motorcyclist's survival on the street. Soak your hair in cool water before putting your helmet on and make sure your helmet's vents are open. Leave the visor down or open just a little bit to control the airflow. You will actually stay cooler than with the visor open. For extra cooling effect, soak a bandanna or towel in cool water and wrap it around your neck. The resulting evaporative cooling will cool the blood flow through your neck and into your head helping to keep your brain cool. To keep the evaporation going you have to keep sweating. To keep sweating you have to keep a steady supply of fluids going into your body. This is where hydration enters the picture. Drink lots of water. Not coffee, not soda. Plain old water is the best. Also, it is best to drink a little water more frequently than to guzzle a half gallon intermittently. A CamelBack or other hydration pack is just the ticket for regular sipping to replenish your body's fluid supply. While cotton t-shirts and towels are effective, there are specially-designed products to keep motorcyclists cool in warm weather. Companies like RideCool have incorporated phase-change materials that keep the body cool into vests and bandannas for specifically for motorcyclists. If you ride in warm weather regularly, these are worth a look. Remember to watch for the warning signs of dehydration and heat stroke. If you begin to experience muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches or nausea, you need to stop and get into a cool place and drink some fluids. If you stop sweating completely, STOP IMMEDIATELY and find an air-conditioned place to cool down; you are on your way to heat stroke which can be fatal. As in all riding situations, staying comfortable is key to your ability to focus on safe riding. When the weather gets warm, be smart and stay cool the right way without sacrificing the protection of your riding gear.

John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleNews.

I am 17 and have been driving for a while. and my mom said it's a good idea to at least have a motorcycle license. I'm going to call the Clearwater course provider soon, but i'm having doubts. Is it smart to only have a motorcycle as the only vehicle i own? I'll be riding it to college if i do. Anyone have any thoughts? thnx

A Great Friday Night Party in Hollywood, Saturday Morning Ride down Sunset Strip to the Malibu Inn for Brunch and a Super Party at the Playboy Mansion that Night! See ya there! www.MotorcycleCharity.org www.myspace.com/MotorcycleCharity

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I've never done the Mc endorcement thing,been riding sense '79,started with two stroke 400,then 750 Kaw triple H2. Question,borrowed a friends bike to get endorcement,the bike has only forward controls,has anybody ever used foward controls on a Dyna on the skills test? Seems to throw your balance off pretty bad. BTW,I don't own a bike now,been waiting on a good deal on a HD.

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Hello, I am new to motorcycing. I want to pick out my first buke. Does anyone have experience with UM motorcycles? Does anyone know where I can get reviews of their cruisers?

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