**This is a guest article written by Brady Daniels over at MIQ . For more information on writing a guest post for National Transport, LLC, visit our Guest Blogging Guidelines page, or send an email to: janelle [at] unlimitedwebsolutions [dot] com.

Surprising Information about Motorcycles and the Environment

You may be surprised to learn that motorcycles may produce more pollution than cars and even SUVs. According to the Answer Guy of the Sierra Club’s Sierra Magazine, some older motorcycles emit 90 times as many hydrocarbons as mid-sized cars. Even when abiding by the EPAs latest emissions standards, a motorcycle can produce almost 20 times as many hydrocarbons.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are other pollutants emitted in large quantities by motorycles. Some models can give off 10-20 times the amount of nitrogen oxides as automobiles. This is primarily due to the fact that most motorcycles do not have catalytic converters. However, catalytic converters are becoming more commonplace in motorcycles these days, which is certainly a good thing.

When a motorcycle comes from the factory, the exhaust system is inspected by the EPA. However, a general manager at a Boston Harley-Davidson dealership says that they “usually see 60 to 70 percent of riders change the pipes out.” EPA’s standards don’t work if motorcycle owners can find ways to get around them!

Two-stroke motorcycle engines create a lot of pollution. They use a gas/oil mix, so every combustion cycle burns gasoline and motor oil. Also, due to the engine’s design, unburnt fuel escapes through the exhaust and goes into the air. If you consider yourself an environmentalist, stay away from these models.

Susan Carpenter mentioned in a June 2008 Los Angeles Times article that the average motorcycle is approximately 10 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, SUV, or light truck. This is according to a California Air Resources Board comparison of emissions-compliant vehicles.

Environmental Reasons in Favor of Motorcycles

The good news is that motorcycles generally emit less carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) than automobiles since they use less fuel per mile. Additionally, Motorcycles require fewer raw materials to produce and use less oil than cars. So it’s not all negative for motorcycles!

Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles don’t go as fast as standard motorcycles, but they’re powered by batteries and therefore don’t pollute and are very quiet. However, pollution may be created by the production of the grid power used to charge the batteries. Several prototypes have been created using fuel cell technology.

Motorcycle riders concerned about the environment should consider riding an electric motorcycle or at least a motorcycle with fuel injection and a 3-way catalytic converter.

Brady Daniels is a member of the Motorcycle Insurance Quote writing staff. He writes feature articles about a variety of topics related to motorcycles.

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When you think of motorcycle clubs you might think about a bunch of burley guys wearing black leather with long beards making lots of noise as they barrel down the highway. Dem Gyrlz Motorcycle Club might just change that perception with their recent breast cancer charity event.

The Passionately Pink for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Event asked for a donation of $5 in return to hear speakers while dining on a light meal.

All proceeds went to the Provena Regional Cancer Center, which is currently undergoing renovations. The event was held at a low price to help reach as many people as possible to spread the word about breast cancer and early detection and treatment.

It’s always nice to hear stories that can change your perception on life as well as your health. Motorcycle clubs like Dem Gyrlz have shown that motorcycle clubs across the country can do wonderfully positive things in their community. So the next time you see a group of motorcycle riders on your local highway, remember that they might just be headed to a charity event!

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Motorcycles might offer riders the “thrill of the open road” but unfortunately what they do not offer is much protection in the event of an accident. In Victoria, Australia, a recent rash of motorcycle fatalities, 8 in 11 days to be exact, has caused members of the government to start looking at safety requirements on Victorian roads.

At least one Victorian emergency room doctor has voiced an opinion to require protective gear for motorcyclists but this view has been rejected by Deputy Commissioner Ken Lay. Mr. Lay also ruled out the possibility of increased penalties for unsafe riders. Both sides have interesting points to consider. For example, is it the local government’s job to keep motorcycle riders safe or should riders understand the inherent risks of riding and therefore should be free to “ride at their own risk” so to speak?

In a recent accident, a 53 year-old rider slammed into a tree, which would indicate that he may have been driving in an unsafe manner as no mention was made of any other vehicles involved in the accident.

Where do you stand on this issue? Should the government legislate more safety equipment requirements for riders, or should riders be free to ride as they please?

In the following video, Motorcycle News (MCN) takes a look at whether or not the Honda CBR600F is still the ultimate do-it-all sportsbike.

In order to find out, fellow MCN news reporter, Andy Downes, purchased a 1998 Honda CBR600F as a do-everything daily commuter as well as weekend warrior. To find out whether or not this 12 year-old motorcycle really could do it all, check out the following video.

In recent news, Florida motorcyclists  started their engines in preparation for a 7,000 mile journey to Alaska. This trek is being made in order to race at the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

The motorcycle race, which goes from Key West to Homer, Alaska, began on June 20th, with motorcyclists expected to arrive in Alaska on July 4th. So, what do you get for braving the elements on two wheels for that long of a journey? The prize for the winner is $500,000 worth of Alaska gold. However, the race also serves to benefit Disabled and Paralyzed American Veterans, among other charities. Make sure you check out the video below for more information about the race.

It seems as if the world cannot get enough of those who risk their lives just for a thrill. And the latest thrill-seeker is Ryan Capes.  According to a recent article published in Auto Racing Daily, the Grand Sierra Resort was packed with curious onlookers who were hoping to see something spectacular come out of Ryan Capes in the way of a motorcycle jump, and they were not disappointed.

Capes was attempting to set a world record for a ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jump. In his first attempt at the jump, he cleared 287 feet.  However, he had promised the crowd a 300-foot jump, which he more than delivered on his next attempt.  He wound up jumping 316 feet, setting a new world record for a ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jump.

According to some reports, there were at least 5,000 onlookers in attendance; but some are arguing that it was closer to 9,000 curious people who came out to watch this spectacle.  To see just how awesome of a jump Capes made, someone was gracious enough to take the following video of the actual event: