Motorcycle Theft Coverage

Motorcycle theft has been a rapidly increasing problem, and will continue to be. Typically, if stolen, the motorcycle will not be recovered. Unfortunately, motorcycle thieves move quickly enough, and strip bike. The parts are eventually used to build a new one.

There are ways assist in the prevention of have the motorcycle stolen. One way is to keep it parked in the garage. This is not always possible, but should definitely be done when there is a garage available. There are several security systems to choose from that can be installed. These will detour the thief. Locking the motorcycle to a grounded object will also help.

These are great ways to protect the motorcycle, but additionally you may want to consider a comprehensive insurance policy. In most cases, the insurance policy will reimburse you (normally at the current blue book value) or replace the stolen motorcycle. I hope that there is never a need, but if there is, the motorcycle will be covered.

When buying the motorcycle insurance policy, be sure to review the company's procedures in processing claims. Insurance companies pay close attention to detail. They want to avoid any possible chance of mistakes. If you have ever had to file a claim with an insurance company, you may recall it was not a very pleasant experience. It takes time. The insurance company is usually asking for more information. It just seems to be never ending

They do this based on company procedure that was more than likely outlined in the policy. Knowing their requirements and processes will certainly help in speeding up the claim. Many times the process becomes lengthy because the information required was not filled out properly or additional documents are necessary. Having all of the proper documents and information will avoid unnecessary delays in processing the claim.

http://www.motorcyclequotes.com http://www.insurancemotorcyclequote.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sasha_Jade

What to Look For When Choosing Leather Motorcycle Jackets

When you're trying to pick out just one from among the huge number of leather motorcycle jackets out there, you'll need to look for a few different things. One is the quality of the leather used - obviously, you want a jacket which is going to last. While quality leather means a higher price, it's well worth the extra expense.

You need to remember that quality means more safety and more comfort, so don't be scared off by a higher price tag. It's important to go for the best quality that you can get with leather motorcycle jackets; this is an investment in your safety and comfort as you ride. Storage is also something you need to think about when looking for a jacket.

It's true; having plenty of zippered pockets for storage in your jacket is important. You'll need all the space you can, since there's really nowhere else to put things when you're on a motorcycle. Because of this, the full jacket is by far the most popular style of leather motorcycle jacket.

A full jacket is a must-have for every motorcyclist; it provides protection to the entire upper body as well as the arms. Your jacket will shelter you from the elements as well as keeping your skin protected from impact with the pavement if you get into an accident. A full jacket is an absolute necessity for any rider.

There are also vests, which are called half jackets by some. These are extremely comfortable, but offer nowhere near the level of protection offered by full leather motorcycle jackets. However, as long as you pick a high quality full jacket which is the right size for you, it can be very comfortable as well. Vests cannot protect your arms from wind, rain or "road rash" as the result of an accident.

Buying leather clothing for your motorcycle riding is about more than finding items which will look stylish - it is the comfort and protection the gear provides which is truly important. The reason why some brands and styles are more popular than others is usually because of quality, not looks.

Choose your motorcycle wear carefully, since this clothing is meant to protect you and keep you comfortable as you ride. Get measured to make sure that you are buying the right size and be sure to ask questions of the staff at the shop, since their expertise can be very helpful to you as you shop.

Listen to their suggestions and carefully consider each piece you look at. Your choice of leather clothing for motorcycle riding is an important one, so go with the best quality you can get and listen to the advice of the professionals.

To learn more about motorcycle leathers products, head to motorcycleleathersdirect.com to take advantage of our daily bargain deals on motorbike jacket Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Emmanuel

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?

Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?

How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_Simpson

Custom Motorcycle Insurance Tips to Save Money

Custom motorcycle insurance is going to save consumers lots of money by strategically making decisions before and after making the purchase of their motorcycle. Most people just make an impulse buy of the bike itself and just call up their automobile insurance company to insure the bike. Some people do not realize they have to insure a motorcycle just like a car. This article points out some helpful tips that can save you money when you purchase motorcycle insurance.

The type motorcycle you purchase is going to influence how much the insurer is going to charge you. The super fast built for speed motorcycles that many refer to as "bullet bikes" are looked at as high risk by the insurance companies so they will charge more. You will also pay more for highly customized bike with expensive add on features. These kind of bikes can cost from $25,000 - $75,000 dollars and more so most likely will be financed and you will be required to have liability and comprehensive coverage. You can save money by purchasing motorcycle outright and stay away from the "crotch rockets".

The insurance company looks at if you park the bike on the street or in a garage. If you have to park on street you can save money by using anti-theft equipment. Insurers also look at the area you live in for the risk factor. Los Angeles is higher risk than small town in Midwest.

The companies see you as higher risk if you are a new motorcyclist. A great idea here is many motorcycle dealers offer driving safety classes and let you use different motorcycles to take the class. You get to test drive different motorcycles to see which you want to buy and it will help save you money on your insurance.

Use these tips and find more helpful information on motorcycle insurance rates and motorcycle insurance companies below to help save money. You will enjoy that ride with the wind in your face even more with lower insurance cost. Ride on!

Greg Taylor writes about insurance for automobiles and motorcycles. Find more helpful tips and information on motorcycles and motorcycle insurance.

http://www.custommotorcycleinsurance.us

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_D_Taylor

Ride Your Motorcycle Smart and Save on Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is a must and there are many options available online to help you find the best rates with the best coverage. There are many sites offering cheap motorcycle insurance coverage but keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best option. This is why it is so important to shop around and get multiple motor cycle insurance rates. You will want to research and investigate the coverage offered and at what price. By comparing the offers from multiple carriers you will be able to find the best value not simply the cheapest provider.

There are multiple factors that go in to determining the cost of your motorcycle insurance and different companies' rates will vary depending on these differences. One of the major factors is the displacement size of the engine. Other factors include: the brand of the motorcycle, the age and location of the rider, the experience level of the rider, what the purpose of the motorcycle is (commuting or pleasure) and how many miles you ride.

Now that you have found low cost motorcycle insurance with the best coverage you want to make sure that your rates continue to remain low. Here are some tips to make sure that you continue to get the best rates.

* Remain accident free and ticket free.

* Maintain a strong credit rating. Your credit history is a factor in determining your risk and ultimately determining your rates.

* Store your motorcycle in a garage whenever possible, this will help avoid theft and will also help maintain your motorcycles "health" so it is less likely to break down and need repairs. Both of these factors are tied into your insurance rates.

There are many advantages for getting multiple motorcycle insurance quotes. Luckily, there are great sites out there that can help you save a lot of time and a lot of money.

Get An Online Motorcycle Insurance Quote

Motorcycle Insurance Quotes Online Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susie_Kleiner

Facts About Motorcycle Helmet Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages states to have and enforce laws requiring the use of motorcycle helmets by the operators and the passengers. The passage of such laws has been the most effective method of increasing the number of riders wearing motorcycle helmets. It has been shown that motorcycle helmets provide the best protection from head injury. As strange as it sounds, surprisingly there are only 20 states that have universal motorcycle helmet laws today. In 1975 nearly all states required the use of motorcycle helmets according to the April '08 issue of Science Daily. I guess it's no surprise the motorcycle fatality rate has increased in the states not enforcing the universal motorcycle helmet laws. The following are some alarming facts:

• According to NHTSA, in 2006, 4810 motorcyclists died and approximately 88,000 were injured in highway crashes in the U.S.
• Per mile traveled in 2006, a motorcyclist is approximately 37 times more likely to die in a crash that someone riding in a passenger car.
• Head injury is a leading cause of death in a motorcycle accident.
• Riders not wearing motorcycle helmets are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15 times more likely to suffer non-fatal injuries than those riders wearing motorcycle helmets.
• From 1984 through 2006 motorcycle helmets saved the lives of 19,230.
• A 1994 study by the National Public Services Research Institute concluded that wearing a motorcycle helmet does not impair peripheral vision or the riders' ability to hear auditory signals.
• Since 1997, six states Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Florida and Pennsylvania) have weakened universal helmet laws to limit coverage to those under a specific age. These six states were the first since 1983 to repeal or weaken a universal motorcycle helmet law. In August 2004, Louisiana reenacted a universal motorcycle helmet use law.

It seems strange that laws such as this are necessary. You would think common sense would apply here. We only get one head in this life, doesn't it make sense to protect it? Come on people, wear your motorcycle helmets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rex_Holman

Mustang Motorcycle Seats For Different Types of Motorcycles

The standard motorcycle seats that come with the bike are not always very long lasting or very comfortable, especially for long distance rides. Some people need a little more width or a little more padding or just a seat that is better made. One company that makes just these for bikes of various types (including Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Victory) is Mustang. These are known for holding their shape and remaining comfortable for a long time.

For about $413 you can get the Mustang One-Piece Regal Touring Seat - Vintage for FLHR, FLHX, FLTR, & FLHT '08-up. These models for Harley Davidson bikes have soft pillow stuffing inside vinyl and are meant to give riders the fullest and most comfortable ride possible. These are lower sitting than stock seats, and measure 17 inches across for the front and 14 inches across for the rear.

The Mustang One-Piece with Backrest for 1100 Sabre, Spirit, Shadow & ACE/ACE Tourer Models-Wide Vintage for Honda motorcycles costs about $584. Consisting of a driver's seat, a removable driver's backrest, and a passenger seat, these models have added support in the form of steel support wings under the molded foam of the passenger seat. The front bucket for the driver is 15 inches across and the rear is 12 inches across.

Consisting of three parts, including a deep pocketed driver's seat, a driver's backrest, and a passenger seat, the Mustang Two-Piece with Backrest for V-Star 1100CLSC '00-Up and Silverado '02-Up -Wide Studded is a good choice for Yamaha motorcycle owners. It costs about $629, and the 17 inch wide driver's model is made at just the right angle for cruising. The 12 ½ inch wide passenger model is includes internal support wings of steel.

Kawasaki motorcycle Mustang motorcycle seats include the Mustang One-Piece for Vulcan 800 '95-up & VN800 Classic '96-up -Regal, which has a price of approximately $410. One of the special features is the fact that the driver has extra back support due to the passenger seat extending forward for this purpose. The width for the driver is 15 inches and the the rear is 12 inches wide.

Simon Harris writes about Mustang Motorcycle Seats by visiting http://www.amotorcycleseat.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris