The biggest advantage a brick and mortar shop has over an Internet retailer is that you get to try it on! By far, the biggest problem with shopping for leather online is getting the size right. Most leather motorcycle apparel today is manufactured in Pakistan, India, and China, and sizing standards will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

It is standard practice that the consumer pays for all shipping costs in a size exchange transaction, the logic being that if you had taken the time to measure you’d have gotten it right the first time! So take the time to read the size chart, and measure! Just because you normally wear a large is not going to cut it. Some very reputable leather apparel manufacturers recommend that you size up one, two, even three sizes larger.

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The Harley Davidson motorcycle was and always will be an American icon. Although other American motorcycle companies have flourished, none has had the staying power of Harley. Over a hundred years after its inception, the Harley Davidson motorcycle company is stronger and better received by the American public than ever before. Its line of motorcycles is diverse enough that it appeals to both men and women and priced for those on a wide range of budgets. The bikes themselves are only the start. The clothing, accessories, and memorabilia are an extension of the motorcycle and the entire concept of the Harley lifestyle reaches outward to interest just about anyone with a fascination of two-wheeled transportation.

Harley Davidson began its illustrious history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 1903. The pioneers were Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson and the entire operation was located inside of a wooden barn built by Mr Davidson’s father. They woudl remain in the barn manufacturing their motorcycles until 1912 when they would relocate into a multi-level building, reportedly six stories high. The Harley Davidson motorcycle company was started with the design of a one cylinder engine which developed specifically for racing and grew from there. In 1905 they had produced eleven motorcycles and by 1908 the number had grown to one hundred fifty four. (more…)

Of course you already know that it’s even more important than usual to drive safely when the weather is cold. In bad weather conditions, it’s necessary to pay attention to wet and icy roads, to make the riding experience as safe as possible.

Don’t forget to keep warm. Liners under helmets can help keep heat in, and of course don’t forget to dress properly—hopefully you have some cold weather riding gear. It’s much easier to drive, and keep your concentration sharp when your body is warm. Getting too cold can cause our body reactions to slow down, and if you start thinking about how cold you are, you might not notice the patch of ice that’s coming up. Especially keep your hands warm—a good pair of gloves are vital to ensuring an enjoyable ride in cold weather.

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Usually motorcycle riders always make it a point to participate in as many motorcycle rallies as they can. Even if they don’t take part in all of them as racers, attending them is big enough a deal for them. This is where bikers from various parts of the world come and share their experiences with each other. The excitement, the adrenaline, the competition and the idea of being present in such an event is too precious for most riders to miss out on. The following is a list of the top 10 motorcycle rallies.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Almost half a million people attend this motorcycle rally held in the town of Sturgis in South Dakota every year. It first started in 1938 and till date has been attended by riding enthusiasts looking to participate in the events, or simply having a nice time with family and friends in the middle of all the burning tires.

Daytona Beach Bike Week

This motorcycle rally is held in the month of March every year and stretches over 10 days of motorcycle racing, events such as parties, rallies and street festivals. It attracts over 5,00,000 people every year and has its own seafood spread along with both custom and classic bike shows.

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(NAPS)—To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle—and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road.

While you should always check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tips for getting ready:

1. Change the oil and filter. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motor-cycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter.

2. Check the belt or chain. Make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. And if you have a chain, lubricate it.

3. Check nuts and bolts. Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. “A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to keep your insurance rates down,” says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

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The night seems to be friendly, as you rip through it in a fast speeding bike to a place you do not know; the road ahead is lit up in an eerie lonely orange glow, and you keep on riding, as if somehow floating in an orange space where the air seems so much lighter, smoother; the wind lashes out, but somehow its whips are softened by the numbing thrill of the excitement to be free, to be unrestrained.

Or a road trip in the day, across paddy fields and under the rocky mountain high gives you the same sensation which seems to be from out of this world. You can roar on, and you feel the sun’s warmth kissing your back softly, the touch of its scorching lips somehow soothed by the cool blowing winds. Your shirt flaps in the air; you can feel the pulse of engine as it almost throttles you in its vivacity. You feel like you are the master of the road, of the fields and the mountains, of the world and its people. You truly feel like God.

All bike lovers are willing to live on the edge and more often, off it! They are willing to play on the borderline, and they get a great kick out of toying with their machine. They want to push on beyond boundaries, and they really live life to the lees, unlike what people think of them however.

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