You can often tell a lot about a person based on what kind of vehicle they own and operate. Nowhere else is this especially true than when it comes to owning a motorcycle.

From sport bikes such as Yamaha and Honda to more classic bikes such as Harley Davidsons, customizing motorcycles isn’t just a popular trend. Rather, it seems to e something that is almost expected of each motorcycle owner as a means of making their motorcycle their own. For instance, there are numerous motorcycle companies who will purposely produce parts for the motorcycle enthusiast who wants to improve the overall performance of his/her bike.

Simple modifications to motorcycles include smaller scale things such as altering the paint color or changing out panels for something different. In some cases, motorcycle owners will personalize their bikes by having their name painted on or inscribed somewhere on their bike. Most often, small changes like these can add to the overall custom look that most riders want to achieve. However, as you can tell from the image at the end of this post, there are some motorcycle riders who prefer to customize their bikes in a way that really stands out.

To see more examples of extreme motorcycle makeovers, click on the source link at the end of the post.

[via: Mega Odd]

**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?

Before purchasing a motorcycle, there are several questions you should keep in mind:

Questions to consider before buying a motorcycle

1. Am I an experienced enough rider? While riding a motorcycle can be fun and exhilarating, there is no denying how incredibly dangerous it can be when something goes wrong. Before you decide to go all out and purchase a motorcycle, know your ability to handle riding one in the first place. It is strongly suggested that you avoid riding a motorcycle illegally but, rather, obtain your motorcycle license and take lessons first.
2. How do I intend to ride? If you’re younger and into racing and performing stunts/tricks, then you may opt to purchase a sports bike versus a Harley Davidson. The choice is up to you. Also consider where you work and live to be factors as well. How far is your commute to work? Do you work close enough to home that you could comfortably take your motorcycle to work? Does your job restrict you from driving a motorcycle to work, or would it be considered in poor taste to do so? Also check with your neighborhood or community to see if motorcycles are allowed as increasing numbers of communities do not allow motorcycles due the noise they produce.
3. How much should I spend? Depending on what kind of a motorcycle you select, you can pay anywhere from $5,000 up to $25,000. Figure out your budget ahead of time.
4. Do I really need a new motorcycle? For many people, the idea of owning a motorcycle sometimes pans out better than actually owning one. Keep in mind that owning a motorcycle (though smaller) is still an added expense as you have to have a valid license to own and operate one as well as the fact that motorcycles are considered vehicles and thus, must be registered in your state as well as taxed.
5. Is this bike for me? Never purchase a motorcycle without first test driving it. You may find that you like the look and feel of a particular model that you would not have otherwise chose.

by Abhishek_Kumar on Flickr

(Via: Popular Mechanics)

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.