Research Your Options Before You Purchase Used Cars

When it comes to providing your family with the best things in life, that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to purchase new things. With so much uncertainty in the economy, more and more people are putting off making purchases until they are sure they have a reliable way to afford them. So many people are concerned about whether or not their job will be around tomorrow that it can be a bit challenging trying to make ends meet and still have reliable transportation in the process. If you don't have a lot of money and you need another vehicle, consider shopping for used cars.

Believe it or not, it is becoming more socially acceptable to purchase items that are previously owned. In today's society, if you can't afford to buy something new, there is nothing wrong with buying it secondhand, as long as you thoroughly inspect things to make sure you are getting something that is in good condition. While you may think that you can judge the condition of a vehicle by its physical appearance, you can't.

You don't want to purchase a vehicle whose shell is in immaculate physical condition and the engine is bad. Don't assume that you can simply replace the engine and be good to go. Engines usually cost more or close to the price of the vehicle and it would be a poor invest decision for you to make.

There are thousands of used cars available in the United States, and you have a ton of choices to choose from. You don't have to feel as if you don't get a fair choice in what kind of vehicle you end up purchasing. You have complete control over what you get, so take charge of the situation and do your best to make sure you are getting a good deal. Research your options and compare what you find between several lots and dealerships. Things like color, body style, and mileage are all things you need to pay close attention to as you are shopping. It doesn't matter how much money you plan on spending, you are entitled to get a vehicle that looks the way you want. Depending on what your specifications are, you may need to spend a little more time shopping.

No matter where you decide to shop for used cars, make sure you are getting the better end of the deal. That means that you need to be prepared to negotiate. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of by some of the shady professionals in the industry. Make sure you learn what you need to know about the fair market value of any vehicle you want to purchase. In this industry, knowledge is power and if you don't do your research, you could end up being a frustrated and unsatisfied customer.

4 Important Tips for Safe Driving

What is the most dangerous hazard on the road these days? Is it faulty brakes or equipment? Is it driving under the influence? Can it be debris on the road? No matter what these hazards on the road are, there are many steps that you can take to avoid them.

Safe driving not only saves your life, it also saves the lives of those on board your vehicle, other drivers on the road, and the pedestrians. The tips below could save your life and the lives of others:

1. Ensure that your car is in the best shape. Check if the fluids are at the precise levels, gas tanks have been filled up, and tires have been inflated properly. For longer travels, have your car checked by a mechanic.

2. Always pay attention. Your very first line of defense in any emergency situation that occurs on the road is your ability to perceive threats. Don't let your cell phone, MP3 player, or other things distract you. If you are distracted by these things, it will put you at a great risk of having an accident.

Studies done by the University of Utah show that distractions, like talking or texting, can increase your chances of meeting a vehicular accident by 400%! Obviously, the very first step is to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

3. Drive with a preventative approach. Do not assume that the car in front of you is going to do what you expect it do to. Drivers do unexpected things on the road and you will never know what's going to happen next.

4. Ensure your car is where it needs to be always. Even when paying attention to the cars all around you, it is still possible to forget checking your own car. Ensure that you're staying in your lane and that you have enough time to move into a different lane whenever you need to turn or leave the interstate. The best way to do this is to ensure that your speed is reasonable and that your distance from other cars will give you enough time to stop whenever possible.

You can prepare yourself for any emergency situation by following helpful tips for safe driving. These tips will not only directly help you but you can also share them with others, making them safe on the road as well. Becoming a safer driver will not only protect you but also other lives on the road.

Reckless driving charges are not to be considered lightly if you live in the State of Virginia. If you need a reckless driving lawyer in Virginia Beach or surrounding areas, then you need to give Swango Law a call today.

The Volvo S60 Polestar With 350 HP and Forged Wheels

Since Volvo was bought by Geely Motors a few years ago, the Swedish automaker has undergone numerous changes that have helped to separate itself from its previous owner, Ford Motor Company. The company has launched dramatic redesigns of their models, and introduced new and unique cars that have become quite popular. The other aspect that the automaker has focused on is bringing back performance. They partnered with the Swedish motorsports and tuning company, Polestar, and collaborated on a few performance concept cars such as the C30 Polestar and S60 Polestar. Now, Volvo has officially unveiled the S60 Polestar production model for the Australian market and it's packed with all sorts of fun, performance-oriented goodies. The engine has been tuned and modified, the suspension is now more agile with new bits and forged wheels, and the aerodynamics have been tweaked for stability.

The standard 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine was tuned by Polestar to create more power in a wide rev range. The team installed a larger turbocharger, new air intake system, bigger water-to-air intercooler, and a new stainless steel exhaust with polished tips at the rear. The software for the ECU was then modified to result in a total of 350 bhp at 5700 RPM and over 369 lb-ft. of torque at 2800-4750 RPM being sent to all four of the forged wheels. The Volvo S60 Polestar also benefits from a new software tune for the all-wheel drive system that sends more torque to the rear axle in driving situations. This enables the new sports sedan to reach 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Other areas of the Volvo S60 Polestar were given the motorsports touch from the Swedish company. The chassis was one of the main areas that was upgraded, and focused more on sport rather than comfort. The suspension was outfitted with new Ohlins shock absorbers, upgraded springs that are over 60 Nm stiffer, new front and rear stabilizers, carbon fiber strut braces, tie and end rods, and more to sharpen up handling for better performance. The factory rims were replaced with new in-house forged wheels that measure 8.0 x 19 at the front and rear and wear 235/40R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Behind the new wheels are larger front and rear brake rotors with Brembo and Jurid 958 performance brake pads that provide greater stopping power with less fade.

The aerodynamics of the Volvo S60 Polestar was also a point of emphasis. The front bumper was outfitted with a new spoiler to generate downforce while new side skirts help to redirect air more efficiently away from the rear forged wheels. The trunk wears a new spoiler for extra downforce and a new diffuser sits below the bumper to improve overall stability at high speeds.

17 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is a nerve-wracking experience for many people. There's an ever-present fear that a used car will be a lemon, costing hundreds or thousands in unexpected maintenance. Much of this stress can be dealt with by following a simple checklist when shopping for a new used car.

1. Tires: Look for worn tread and flat spots. All tires should be the same size and brand.

2. Body: Check that all body panels are the same color, and free of rust and other serious imperfections. Also, check that the seams between panels are aligned properly. Body work usually means there's a significant accident in the vehicle's past. You can run a magnet over the exterior to test that there are no plastic replacement pieces.

3. Windshields: Check for cracks and impacts. Make sure that the windows roll up and down without leaving gaps.

4. Lights: Test all the headlights, brake lights, hazard lights and turn signals.

5. Fluids: Look underneath the car for leaks. Check the oil and coolant levels. Ask to see the oil change history for the life of the vehicle.

6. Engine: Listen to the sound of the motor. Chugging and knocking may mean the engine is out of tune. A smoothly running engine should produce no odors.

7. Battery: Check for corrosion on the terminals. Check the age of the battery.

8. Exhaust: Blue or black exhaust indicates trouble with the engine.

9. Suspension: Push down on each corner of the car. There should be no squeaking. The resistance should be the same at each corner, and the car should rest level.

10. Seats: Look for stains and cracks.

11. Interior: Check for odors, stains, rips and tears -- everywhere in the vehicle.

12. Trunk: Make sure the trunk opens and closes freely. If there's a trunk light, make sure that it turns off and on as it should.

13. Doors: Test every door for easy opening and closing.

14. Safety Features: Test every seat belt. If the car has airbags, be sure than none have been previously deployed (making them useless).

15. Transmission: Gears shift smoothly. In an automatic, gears shift at the appropriate RPM.

16. Steering: Check that the vehicle goes straight when the steering wheel is straight. If the car has power steering, there should be only minor resistance in the wheel.

17. Brakes: Car stops smoothly without pulling to one side or the other. Brakes do not squeak or chatter. Stop on a slope and check that the parking brake works as expected.

The All-New 2013 Honda Civic: Bringing Something New to the Table

While the 2012 Honda Civic didn't exactly have what it takes to surpass the competition, its features are enough to earn it a good second place in Cars.com's list of top compact cars for 2011. However, things definitely started to get a lot better when Honda decided to rework the Civic shortly after giving it a complete redesign! So, what makes the 2013 Honda Civic a good candidate for the number one spot in its class? Here are some exciting new features that will give the competition a run for their money.

What Makes the 2013 Honda Civic a Clear Winner?

While the 2012 Civic managed to land one of the top spots in its class, thanks to its terrific gas mileage, luxurious cabin, outstanding reliability and top safety scores, the 2013 Civic decided to push the bar even further by enhancing the Civic's exterior to give it a little more character. The manufacturers also upgraded its interior to provide an even more luxurious feel, added exciting new technological features to keep it up to date and did the necessary tweaks to enhance the overall driving experience. Is there anything more you can possibly ask for?

A New Improved Exterior

While it is still far from being at par with a Ferrari when it comes to looks, the 2013 Civic is definitely a lot better as compared to the earlier model. The Civic now has a more bulbous hood and a more expensive looking rear. It also features the right amount of chrome accents to make it look sportier and more distinctive.

A More Luxurious Interior

Thankfully, all the cheap plastic materials that used to define the interior space were replaced with far better materials. As a result, the 2013 Civic now boasts of new soft-touch materials on the upper door treatment and instrument panel, tricot headliner, a soft-touch dash pad and nice chrome trimming surrounding the buttons.

Expanded Standard Features List

With its expanded standard features list, the new Civic is now more in line with its competitors. The base model now features a rear view camera, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, text message functionality and Pandora radio connectivity.

Mechanical Revisions for a More Enhanced Driving Experience

As if these updates were not enough, Honda decided to recalibrate the Civic's suspension and steering for a more predictable handling, installed larger anti-roll bars and stiffer front springs to suppress the car's tendency to lean into corners, and used thicker windshields, stiffer front sub-frame and additional sound-proofing to provide a quieter ride.

With these updates on top of the existing superb features of the Honda Civic, the 2013 Civic is clearly out to take the lead. Are you ready to take it for a ride?

Take the 2013 Honda Civic for a drive and experience the difference! Please visit Hudson Honda, the top Honda dealer in New Jersey, to get the best deals in town.

Facts You Should Know About Revs Check

As someone who's living in Australia, I'm pretty sure you're quite familiar or perhaps have heard about what a Revs Check is. It is one of the first and most important inspections you need to perform prior to buying a used car or truck. However, do you really understand what it is all about? Do you know what benefits you can get from it? If you're planning on investing in a second hand car and you're not quite sure about whether it is a good investment, then it is important that you perform a revs inspection. However, before anything else, you will need to educate yourself on what a revs inspection is and what benefits it can offer you.

People who are buying second hand cars for the first time often ask "What is a Revs Check?" Listed below are a few facts that one should know about this:

• IT HELPS REVEAL DEBTS OWED TO A VEHICLE - A Revs Check is basically a type of inspection that reveals whether a second hand car carries a debt or not. A revs inspection is aimed at revealing debts that the previous owner owes on the car.

• IT IS NOT ONLY LIMITED TO CARS AND TRUCKS - A lot of people generally associate a revs inspection with cars. While this does help uncover encumbrances in cars and trucks, it is not only limited to that. It also helps uncover encumbrances in boats, motorcycles, private jets and farm equipment.

• IT IS EASY TO PERFORM - A revs inspection is easy to do; all you need is to get the car's vehicle identification number (VIN), registration number and engine number. Find a website that offers revs check services and key in the information stated earlier. The result will be provided to you by mail.

Although a Revs Check is an effective way to protect yourself from buying cars with debts, it will not be able to provide information concerning the car's history. If you want to know the complete history of the car in question, then you need to perform a vehicle history check.

One should not risk buying a second hand car without knowing its history first. A history check can tell you if:

• The vehicle is registered as stolen or missing

• The vehicle is a reconditioned write-off

• There are any discrepancies on the odometer readings

• The dealer is selling the car at price higher than what it is valued in the current market

Getting a comprehensive history check on the car in question is equally important as that of a Revs Check. Understanding the vehicle's history will help bring to light information that the seller might have hidden from you. This will help you avoid any complications in the future.

The Creation of Auto Glass

Auto glass starts out just like all other glass products. It is made from an amorphous solid material that is typically very brittle and optically transparent. Many items are made from this material including windows in homes and offices, drinking vessels, and pretty items used to decorate the home. Almost all items that are created from this substance have the common factor of sand.

Soda lime glass is the most familiar substance used in making the drinking vessels and windows, and even auto glass. The big problem with the sods lime substance is that it is brittle, and when it breaks it breaks into large pieces that can injure people severely. To be used as auto glass the substance needs to be harder to break than the average drinking vessel is. The soda lime substance must be tempered before it can be used as windshields in automobiles, or as doors on commercial properties.

The tempered variety of this soda lime substance is much harder to break than the original version is. With the material in its original state you can easily break it with very little force. Once the material is tempered you can barely break it unless you manage to strike it on the very edge of the piece. The tempering process makes the material stronger and it also makes the material break into small pieces when it does break instead of into large sections. Small pieces cause less damages to humans when they come into contact with them.

In order to temper the material it is gotten hot to the point of melting, and then it is cooled very slowly. This variety of the familiar material is called annealed glass. During this process the strength of the material is made to be ten times what it was originally. The heating and cooling of this material takes place in a leer, which is a type of kiln.

This special kiln is needed to bring the substance to the annealing temperature or annealing point. At this temperature the substance is still too hard to release from its formed shape, but it is soft enough that all of the stresses it contains can relax. Once this point has been reached the item will be allowed to soak up heat until it is an even temperature throughout. Once the heat soaking process is complete the substance is cooled to a temperature that is less than the strain point. Once this temperature has been achieved it is safe for the item to be quickly dropped to room temperature. At this time the piece can be drilled, cut to size, or polished.

Auto glass is put through the annealing processes for the added strength, but mainly for the safety features annealed glass has. When a window in a car is broken it breaks into those tiny little pieces that are less likely to cause deadly injuries. The officials that oversee the production of cars and automobiles require that the safety variety be installed.

2013 Hyundai Azera Review for Carlsbad California

2013 Hyundai Azera

This flagship sedan features Hyundai's new generation Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine paired with a six-speed transmission, technologically advanced safety equipment and amazing fuel economy for its class and level of performance. The 2013 Hyundai Azera is the perfect family sedan for the discerning Carlsbad or Oceanside professional who desires reflected in the best possible light.

The exterior of the Azera is long, light and low with a unique beltline that allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A uniquely inspired mono-form side profile includes beautiful flowing lines in the rear quarter panel. The face of the Azera is powerful looking with a winged chrome grille and HID headlamps that demand attention. The aggressive stance of this 2013 offering from Hyundai is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The elegance of the Azera continues inside with an upscale ambiance and a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel creating an extremely functional and comfortable dual-cockpit front passenger space. The design of the 2013 Azera focuses heavily on luxurious interior details, such as the expansive optional panoramic sunroof, which allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin and the 3D Carbon interior accents compliment the Azera's modern outward appearance.

The 2013 Azera delivers luxury first-class seating for all passengers, with quality leather seating as standard equipment along with ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger seat. The driver's seat of the Azera also has an optional cushion extension and memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors to save your optimal comfort settings.

The Azera is powered by the new Lambda II 3.3-liter Gasoline Direct injection (GDI) V6 engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission delivering 293 horsepower at 6400 RPM, the 2013 Azera improves Combined Fuel Economy to 24 MPG, and Highway Fuel Economy to 30 MPG. This impressive blend of performance and fuel economy makes the 2013 Azera the first V6 powered Hyundai to achieve 30 MPG Highway.

The GPS Navigation System in the 2013 Azera includes a seven-inch WVGA screen, three months of XM Satellite Radio, Real-time XM NavTraffic, XM NAV Weather, XM Sports Ticker and XM Stock Ticker. Hyundai also offers the amazing clarity of digital HD Radio Technology Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System as a standard feature in the Azera. The system also features 8GB of flash memory and comes paired with a high tech sound system that plays CDs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passengers to access their own personal playlists through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio also wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit while Bluetooth-enabled phones also allow Azera drivers to look up a local restaurant and call ahead for reservations before plotting the route.

The 2013 Azera represents a bold and advanced approach to traditional thought of a large sedan, simultaneously delivering power, efficiency, and luxury features wrapped in an incredibly bold design. Hyundai continues to deliver the highest levels of luxury, performance, and efficiency, all brought together in the acclaimed design of the 2013 Azera.

BMW 730d Offers a Twin Turbo V8 Engine and So Many Options

BMW 730d

Equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine, a long wheel base and plenty of interior legroom it's easy to see why the 730d is among the most popular cars produced by BMW. There are also plenty of options to make even the most technologically advanced driver happy. BMW offers a night vision system and a side view camera system just to name a few.

The 2,993cc common rail injection diesel powered engine is a glimpse at the genius that BMW designers have to offer. All of this power allows the 730d to go from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and tops out at a predetermined 155mph. The 730d comes equipped with a six speed automatic transmission and includes the Dynamic Driving Control System which allows the driver to change the set-up of the car by changing between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport + modes. While in one of these driving modes the car is still able to adapt the steering, throttle response and gear shift speed depending on the road conditions and the driver's style. The 730d features a double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link system in the rear.

While BMW has made some enhancements to the exterior design of the 730d, there none that are drastic enough to make the car unrecognizable to fans of the series. The grill is now in a more upright position than in previous models. The interior hasn't been changed drastically either, all of the controls are in their usual places and only some small changes have been made to incorporate the new additions.

One of the more exciting options available is the introduction of the night vision system which can detect if a person or animal moves into the path of the car and warn the driver. There is also the addition of a camera (front side view) that allows the driver a better view at intersections. The lane departure system is able to monitor road signs and marks and will notify the driver if the veer into the other lane accidentally. The Speed Limit Warning System is able to decipher road signs and can notify the driver if they are in danger of going over the posted speed limit.

BMW has not forgotten the systems that many drivers have become reliant on. They have included their Dynamic Stability Control + system along with Hill Start Assist, Brake drying and pretensioning is also included in the 730d.

Not only is the 730d a well-designed technologically advanced automobile, BMW has also made it quite efficient. By incorporating their Efficient Dynamics system, the 730d averages 39.2mpg and emits 192g/km of CO2. Along with all of the other advanced and well-designed systems included in the 730d, BMW has designed an automobile that will not only give the driver power when needed, but will also run efficiently while doing so.

Why to Go for Professional Driving Lessons

Getting geared up to learn driving is definitely an important phase in your life, similar to the time when you took your first step or you rode a bicycle for the first time.

People often find themselves on a crossroad at this point as they find it difficult to choose between learning from a relative/friend and going for some professional driving lessons.

Although learning from acquaintances is a popular phenomenon, it comes with a series of drawbacks. Such people come without any professional training background, and thus their lessons lack in knowledge and a structured approach.

On any day, taking professional lessons in driving is a better option. Although there are plenty of reasons, the following are some of the main advantages:

Moulds you to become a responsible driver - Approved driving instructors are equipped with the right knowledge, experience and training to teach you well.

Certified & insured trainer - Professional driving instructors are legally certified and insured people. So, when you are learning under their guidance, you can rely on their instructions completely. Further, you can be free from any liability in case of any damage to the vehicle during the lessons.

Trims down the probability of fines - When trained by a professional instructor, you are sure to having clear and complete knowledge of rules regarding road and safety.

Unlike casual lessons where no training regarding road rules is given, a formal driving program equips you with a detailed know-how about traffic rules, signs & symbols and the dos & don'ts of driving. So, when you drive the road all by yourself, there are lesser possibilities of you getting fined for breaking traffic rules.

Conceptual clarity before getting onto the road - Would you prefer going for practical exams of a subject in which you have no theoretical knowledge? An obvious answer would be 'No!' Then imagine handling the road without any conceptual foundation.

How to drive on a muddy road, what to do if you are stuck in traffic on a hilly terrain, how to park in a congested area and many such concepts are built only in formal driving lessons.

Boosts up confidence - Professional driving classes offer a structured approach to learning. Theory classes, simulation training, on-road practice with dual control vehicle and objective instructions of your trainer ensure that you are fully confident of your driving skills before you take on the road.

BMW 760Li - Technology and Comfort

The BMW 760Li is a mix of technology and comfort. BMW has made the 7 Series one of the most technologically advanced vehicles available to consumers. Along with all of the gadgets, BMW has also provided the 760Li with an engine that was designed to provide the driver with enough power to cruise through the city and fly when out in the open. BMW has installed a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine full of advanced technology. This powerhouse of an engine ipropels the 760Li from 0-60 in an astonishing 4.6 seconds where it tops out at a predetermined 155mph.

BMW has not made any drastic changes to the appearance of the 7 Series, except adding an extra-wide chrome frame around the front grill and placing a V12 logo on the side. They have also added chrome rain channels to the roof of the 760Li. The 760Li has a longer wheelbase than others in the 7 Series which provides a roomier interior that will make everyone more comfortable. BMW has also enhanced the interior by using alcantara head lining and burr walnut inlays which help create a luxurious atmosphere. The interior also includes heated adjustable seats with option of adding an air conditioning system to the seats. The entertainment system includes a multimedia system with a navigation system. BMW also offers an electric sun blind to protect passengers sitting in the rear from the sun.

BMW has also installed some standard safety features that include the Lane Departure Warning system that will alert the driver if they are veering into the other lane of traffic by monitoring road markings. The 760Li warning system can read posted road signs and warn the driver if they are in danger of going over the posted speed limits. There is also the option of adding a night vision system that can detect any person or animal that may have entered the path of the 760Li and warn the driver accordingly. If that is not enough, BMW also offers a front side view camera system that uses cameras located on the nose of the car to enhance the view at intersections for the driver.

With everything that the 760Li has to offer you might think that it is not as efficient as other models, but the 760Li averages 22mpg and emits 303g/km of emissions which is actually quite impressive for a car of this magnitude.

Poquet Auto blends over 75 years of expertise in buying, selling, and servicing import and domestic vehicles. We have a reputation for being perfectionists and we're proud of it. We continue to serve you long after you drive away in your new car. We value our ongoing relationships and want you to keep coming back. It's that simple>

Crash Protection for Supermoto Bikes Make Riding Safe

Handguards

One of the most vulnerable parts of you body in a crash are your hands. An unfortunate situation during a crash is the tendency for a riders hand to get pinned under the end of the handlebar, which can destroy the fingers. By installing handguards, you'll provide some much needed protection. Just remember when going down to keep your grip.

Sliders

When you crash-and you will-the parts of your Supermoto that are the most likely to impact the ground are the front fork ends, rear swingarm and axel, the handlebar ends, and your pegs. Protective sliders are available to help protect all these vulnerable contact points.

Axel Sliders

When laying the bike down, Axle sliders protect you swingarm and the ends of your forks from getting scratched. In fact, sliders are required by many racing organizations and tracks to protect their pavement. Of course they protect your bike too. Add sliders to your bike for maximum protection.

Skateboard Wheel Sliders

Back when Supermoto was just catching on, someone figured out he could add some crash protection by affixing skateboard wheels to the ends of his axles. On hollow axles (most of them are) stick a threaded rod through each of your axles and mount the skateboard wheels (4 total) on both sides of each with washers and nuts. Not the best look in the world, or the most durable, but they offer some protection during a crash.

Supermoto Engineering Axle Sliders

Strong and lightweight, These sliders use gold anodized aluminum nuts a stainless steel threaded rods. When the bike hits the pavement they don't get scratched up because they're recessed. They cost more than the aforementioned skateboard sliders, but they look better, work well, and will last longer too.

Supermoto Engineering Peg Sliders

Constructed from the same durable materials as the axel sliders (above), these sliders protect your footpegs, and they assist when turning at extreme angles by providing a terrific sliding surface. Many crashes are caused by gouging pegs into pavement surfaces on bikes without them.

Supermoto Engineering Bar End Slider

Utilizing the same materials again, bar end sliders are available in black or white and are designed to protect your handguards and handlebars, both of which are highly susceptible during crashes.

Radiator Braces

If you own a Supermoto with an engine cooled by liquid, crashes can really damage your radiator. Worse, they are extremely expensive to replace. Stainless steel radiator braces can provide some much needed protection by reinforcing your radiator and preventing it from getting folded up during a crash.

Bobbie J. is a freelance writer for Christini, makers of superior all wheel drive Supermoto motorcycles. Visit the Christini website for more information about Supermoto.

Eye Shadow Shades That Will Look Alluring With Different Colored Motorcycle Jackets

Eyes are undoubtedly the most expressive parts of one's face; they serve to vividly portray one's changing emotions in the most authentic manner. Regardless of whether you're feeling sad, somber, ecstatic or peaceful, your eyes will unmistakably display your innermost thoughts, moods and psychological state. Due to this reason, behavioral analysts pay close attention to eye movements while attempting to decipher the emotional complexities that govern an individual's behavior.

Every year, cosmetic industries invest millions of dollars in manufacturing gorgeous eye shadow shades! Similar to other forms of eye makeup, eye shadow is meant to enhance the beauty of one's eyes thereby making them appear irresistibly attractive. Thus, business women, models, actresses, aspiring female executives, successful female Olympic athletes, homemakers, kindergarten teachers and hip female bikers spend a considerable amount of time in selecting and skillfully applying the eye shadow shade that magnificently complements their personality.

For female bikers who can't quite decide which particular eye shadow colors would accentuate the magnetic appeal of their varied-colored motorcycle jackets, the following elaborate tips would be of immense use to them!

a) Due to its timeless appeal, most female bikers prefer the traditional black colored biker jacket. This type of jacket can be worn both with jeans and leather pants and looks exquisitely feminine and rugged. Dark eyeliner coupled with smoky eye makeup would make the wearer appear Gothic and sensual at the same time thereby contributing to the alluring aura of the black leather jacket.

For those of you who deem it appropriate to wear a black motorcycle jacket at night, gold or bronze-colored eye shadow would add an exotic aura to your eyes thereby highlighting your easygoing and yet adventurous temperament. Moreover, the shimmering golden shade would serve as a brilliant contrast to the soft, glossy black surface of your biker jacket.

b) Pink colored leather jackets are widely popular amongst funky, chic women! Hot pink eye shadow preferably with a shimmering finish will look incredibly girlish with a pink colored jacket.

Moreover, depending on one's skin tone and hair color, pale pink or peachy pink eye shadow beautifully blended on the eyelids will also serve to bring out the floral-like femininity of both the wearer and the pink colored biker jacket.

c) Innovative fashion trends have contributed to the massive popularity of purple motorcycle jackets for women amongst females of all age groups. Royal purple eye shadow or a soft fuchsia shade - named after the reddish or pinkish, purplish colored flowers of the fuchsia plant - will add a wow-factor to the purplish motorcycle jacket thereby making it appear breathtakingly unique and sultry!

If you want additional information regarding fashionable Motorcycle Jackets, or are interested in Motorcycle Jackets for Women then thoroughly read and reflect on this article.

High Performance Exhaust Systems By Termignoni

A common choice in improving the performance of a motorcycle is to change the exhaust system. It is relatively simple to do this as replacing an existing exhaust system is normally a straight swap. The only difficult part is deciding what type of exhaust would be best for you. There are a couple of things that you need to look at when you are thinking about changing your exhaust system. What sort of power increase can you expect? How much weight will you save? Is it going to be worth the money? These are the sort of questions you need to ask yourself before you make the purchase. You could sit for hours trying to find the perfect exhaust but a good place to start would be with Termignoni Exhausts.

If you haven't heard of Termignoni before, they are an Italian producer of high performance race & road legal exhausts. Their exhausts have been used for years in Moto GP & Moto 2 and they have a reputation for producing some of the world's best performance exhaust systems. Using the experience the company has gained from being at the top levels in motorcycle racing they have produced an enormous range of aftermarket exhausts that are available to the general public. What makes these exhausts more impressive is that the entire aftermarket line of Termignoni Exhausts are all designed by the same team of people!

It is true that Termignoni Exhausts are often thought of as being made for Ducati's alone but this is absolutely not the case! The range of aftermarket exhausts is huge and these systems are available for the majority of modern motorcycles. Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Buell and many more all have their own selection. Made from a variety of different materials such as Stainless Steel, Alloy, Carbon & Titanium you should be able to find a high performance exhaust that suits your budget. The price is very fair for what you get out of these exhausts. Other than the performance exhausts they also offer great looks.

The only thing to watch out for with Termignoni Exhausts is that they aren't always available straight off the shelf. Specific exhaust systems will need to be made at Termignoni in Predosa so the lead times may be a few weeks rather than a couple of days. If you are in a rush for the exhaust then make sure you check with the supplier before you order.

Take a look at Termignoni Exhausts Here.

What to Look for When Buying a Men's Motorcycle Jacket

A good men's motorcycle jacket can sometimes be a difficult thing to choose. Things people are looking for may vary. There is style, durability, warmth, weight, comfort and protection to name a few.

Most motorcycle jackets are black. The reason for that is that the sun has more of a warming effect when it hits something black. People mostly think that black motorcycle jackets for men are an important part of the biker look. Motorcycle jackets are also available in other colors, or some now have two toned effect.

Trying to incorporate all of these things into one jacket can be a challenge.

Being sure a leather motorcycle jacket is the right size is important, the sleeves should be long enough to cover your arms when you are reaching for the handlebars. The back of the leather jacket should be long enough to cover your back when you are in the riding position. You may want your biker jacket to have a bit of extra room to fit a sweater under it for those chilly days and evenings.

Also having a removable liner and a jacket with vents will help to keep you cooler in the warmer climates. Pockets are another necessary idea for wallets, identification, cash etc. One thing you should always look for is that the pockets have zippers or snaps to keep them closed when riding. Otherwise your belongings will fly out of your pockets when riding.

Padding is a protective men's motorcycle jacket feature you may want to look for. Some jackets for sport bikes have protection on the elbows. Not unlike your motorcycle helmet your leather jacket should offer you protection if you happen to fall.

One more thing is whether your men's motorcycle jacket is leather, nylon or kevlar, your choice can be based on personal choice as well as what time of year you are wearing it. Nylon is popular for cooler summer nights, or spring or fall days when you need something for a little warmth. The only problem with nylon is that it has very little protective value. Leather has much more protective value and is warmer on those cooler days. Most seasoned riders will have two or more jackets in their closets to reflect the changes in seasons and temperatures. Choosing one with a little reflective material sewn in is a good idea if you are going to be doing much night riding.

Enjoy your shopping at MotorcycleLeatherDown.com

Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Review: Bike To Bike Range Test Report

Goal

To test actual usable range for Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms in both an in-town environment and a rural environment and access their ability to reconnect after being out of range. Test is not designed to determine bike to bike range in all conditions but it should represent the two most common conditions when riding with a Bluetooth motorcycle headset.

Conditions

In-town - Test was performed along Hwy 70 East in New Bern North Carolina. This is a small town commercial environment with stop lights, gas stations and car dealers etc. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge. Weather was clear and 75 degrees.

Rural Environment - Test was performed down a straight dirt road about ½ mile from the closest house and several miles from stop lights or businesses. Test was line of sight as there were no corners for 0.8 miles. There was however a radio station tower about 1 mile away (which we learned after the test) and we were 8 miles from a Marine Corps Air Station (Cherry Point) which no doubt puts off some radar and other signals. Weather was clear and about 72 degrees. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge.

Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test Procedure

In-town Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with one non-moving headset in the open at 3-4 feet high beside the straight access road. A 2nd identical headset was installed in a full face helmet and used while slowly riding a motorcycle in communication with the static unit. Distance was called out every 0.1 miles on the odometer and audio was recorded to verify quality and repeatability. There is one stop light about 0.25 miles away from the start point in each direction. After the usable range of the intercom was reached and the connection was lost the motorcycle was ridden back slowly (30 mph) to see at what point the intercoms reconnected. The test was then repeated in the opposite direction and through a different intersection / stop light.

Rural Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with 2 non-moving headsets. Initially we tried to get audio recordings of all headsets back to back at a specific distance but having 4 Bluetooth headsets powered up in close proximity compromised the signal of SOME of the units so instead we tested one headset at a time at 0.1 mi, 0.2 mi, 0.4 mi etc. At each distance the communication was tested at stand still with no motor or other noise. We tried to isolate this test to just the range, not noise canceling and other abilities.

Test Samples (Product Models)

HBC200 by UClear (initial release firmware)

Interphone F5 - by Cellular Line

Scala Rider G9 by Cardo (initial release firmware V 1.2)

SMH10 by Sena Bluetooth (V 4.0 firmware)

UClear HBC200

Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 700m / 0.43 miles" with 2 headsets

Notes - Unlike the Sena SMH10 the UClear HBC200 seems to use VOX even when music is not playing. Rather than having a hot microphone it appears to completely silence the speakers except when someone is talking. This is nice in some regards but rather than waiting for 20 seconds of silence before muting it does so almost immediately after the person on the other headset stops talking. This can cause some irritation when the first syllable gets cut off. The annoyance factor definitely goes up as you get further away where it seems like the conversation gets started and stopped very quickly and many syllables get lost. UClear claims their use of Super Group Technology and Multi-Hop feature will allow "up to 10 or more" HBC200 headsets can be linked. Unfortunately we only had 2 headsets available for testing so we could not confirm if this would extend the range or not.

In-town Direction 1 - The communication was clear at 0.1 miles and functioning at 0.2 miles but then went completely silent when passing the intersection with a stop light before 0.3 miles.

In-town Direction 2 - The connection was clearer at 0.2 miles in this direction and even 0.4 miles seemed to be usable. At 0.5 miles the connection was lost. The HBC200 headset units did not automatically reconnect upon the return trip and the intercom conversation had to be re-initiated by pushing the headset button. While the UClear's audio features are top notch this failure to reconnect could be the HBC200's biggest flaw. Uclear confirmed that the conversation does not automatically restart and that this was not user related. We hope their first firmware update will address it.

Rural Environment - we were quite disappointed in the acceptable range found with seemingly no interference around. At 0.2 miles the speech was clear and there was no static but we had issues with the VOX cutting off syllables. At 0.4 miles the intercom was not usable. We are not exactly sure why some of the headsets worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment but the HBC200 did not appear to benefit from being out "in the sticks."

Interphone F5

Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 1300m or 0.8 miles" with 2 headsets extending up to "2400m or 1.49 miles" with 6 headsets spaced perfectly apart.

Notes - The Interphone F5 does a good job of muting the speakers when the other headset's microphones are not in use. However, during speech there is some slight static noise (scratchiness) in the background of the voice. This immediately disappears when the other person stops speaking.

In-town Direction 1 - The Interphone F5 was clear at 0.1 miles and usable at 0.2 miles. It transferred a lot of noise around the stop light and although it was trying to transmit and communicate at 0.4 miles the speech was completely unintelligible. At 0.5miles it notified via voice prompt that intercom was disconnected. Coming back it automatically re-connected the conversation and gave a voice prompt stating "intercom connected" when we were at 0.1 miles apart.

In-town Direction 2 - The F5 intercom conversation was distorted as we went through the intersection at 0.25 miles and a lot of interference which sounded like a synthesizer playing music was heard / recorded. This noise was not heard in the headset on the bike because nobody was talking to them at that time. However, the intercom stayed connected through the intersection and speech was intelligible at 0.4 miles. At 0.5 miles the intercom again disconnected and the connection was re-established when we came back to within 0.1 miles of the other headset.

In-town Direction 1 with a 3rd F5 headset - Interphone claims that having more headsets in the group will extend the range of the group. We set one headset at 0.15 miles and ran the same test as above. The stop light intersection still scrambled the signal and caused a lot of digitized music sound so that it was mostly unusable on the other side of the intersection however we were able to go to 0.6 miles and turn around without encountering the "intercom unavailable" message and the relay effect seemed to help clarity more than hurt it. The urban environment may be a better test for this feature of the Interphone F5 so we will repeat it again in our next test without stoplights and businesses around.

Rural Environment Range Test Interphone F5 - This is where the Interphone REALLY shined. After testing it out in the country there was no question it was the best Bluetooth intercom for long range conversations. Very little static was heard and the speech was completely intelligible at 0.8 miles. At 0.9 miles it notified via speech that the intercom connection was lost. Upon returning we were notified at 0.4 miles that the intercom was connected and speech was immediately clear.

Sena SMH10

Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 900 meters / 0.56 miles"

Notes - While the SMH10 has a VOX feature available when there is a music source we did not use music during this test and instead chose the "open mic" intercom call. Basically once started the mic is always hot. The SMH10 therefore transmits everything and while connected there is a slight hum even when nobody is talking. The slightest engine or wind noise would drown it out but it is an indication that you are connected. As you get further apart the hum tends to turn into digitized musical static.

In-town Direction 1 - The Sena SMH10 was clear at 0.1 miles and turned to a digitized static at 0.2 miles and onward.

In-town Direction 2 - The Sena was clear at 0.1 decent at 0.2 miles but became obscure as we went through the stoplight at 0.3 miles. It stayed connected and was usable at 0.4 miles but at 0.5 miles there was no audio signal transmitted. When returning the SMH10 units were still connected and usable at 0.4 miles apart.

Rural Environment Range Test Sena SMH10 - The conversation was clear at 0.1 miles and mostly usable at 0.2 miles however there was definitely static affecting the conversation. At 0.3 miles there was no signal transferred. Similar to UClear HBC200 the Sena SMH10 worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment.

Cardo Scala Rider G9

Claimed Intercom Range - "Up to 1 mile"

Notes - The Scala Rider G9 does a good job of isolating and removing the unwanted noise / static and distortion from the signal. While the SMH10 tends to let too much through the Scala Rider G9 and UClear HBC200 may isolate too much, allowing only perfect speech through and muting everything else. No doubt some will appreciate this but some compromise of static for extra usable range would be nice. (In-town test was performed without raising the antennae while the rural test was performed with the antennae raised.

In-town Direction 1 - We had great hopes that the Scala G9 would be able to overcome the interference but it was not the case. The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.

In-town Direction 2 - The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.

Rural Environment Range Test Scala Rider G9 - Similar to the in -town condition the Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and then quiet (no voice signal transferred) at 0.2 miles. However, the headset did not notify us that "Rider A unavailable" until we reached 0.9 miles (and rounded the corner out of line of site). Upon return the headset never notified us that we were again connected but at 0.1 miles the mic was active and the conversation again could be heard. So Cardo's claim of breaking the 1 mile beerier is technically true because they were still "connected" but also completely false because they are not usable at 1.0 miles even with line of site and low interference.

Conclusions

In the city environment you are likely to be riding closer together and at slower speeds so the relatively short range shouldn't really hamper the use of these units for communicating bike to bike. In large groups where you could have several vehicles between and possibly get stuck at one light while the other bike continues the interference noise and shorter range will certainly cause some annoyance. The Sena SMH10 and Interphone F5 seemed to have the best usable range and ability to stay connected even when interference prevented them from communicating clearly. They did however, cause / allow the most distorted noise / static to come through while the UClear HBC 200 and Scala G9 prevented that from coming into the headset.

Winner Bluetooth Headset Range Test - Interphone F5 - If bike to bike range is high on your priorities for Bluetooth headset features you should seriously consider the Interphone F5. In the rural environment nothing else comes close and adding more headsets to the group only extends the range. Of course, you could choose one of the others and then connect it to a GMRS radio or buy a ChatterBox X1 Slim to get more range but we doubt you will have any complaints with the F5.

Jonathan Clark is owner of Spoiled Biker, a motorcycle intercom and accessories shop in New Bern North Carolina. Spoiled Biker strives to provide accurate real world test reports to help you decide which products best meet your needs. All of the Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms described in this report are available with free shipping and guaranteed lowest price from Spoiled Biker.

How to Get Money for Junk Cars?

It is easy to find a lot of people having one or more junk cars in their premises. They probably do not know how to get money for junk cars. If you are also one of those people, you can not only free some space by disposing of your junk car properly but if you do it wisely, you can also make some money out of it. There is nothing to worry even if the condition of your vehicle is bad. There are still some useful parts in it and they can definitely fetch you good amount money.

Of course, the beginning point is to make up your mind that you are doing away with your old vehicle and you are doing it fast because if you delay it, you are actually allowing the vehicle to deteriorate further. This will have an impact on the cash that you can earn out of it. Besides, a deteriorating vehicle also has really bad effects on the environment.

Once you have made up your mind, you must keep your ownership papers ready with you because when you sell your junk cars, the first thing that is asked is your ownership papers. This is done to avoid the possibility of any kind of fraud. If you have your papers in order, it will be easier for you to sell your vehicle and earn a handsome amount against it. Otherwise, it sometimes becomes problematic to sell your vehicle and you end up selling it in prices much lower than what you deserve.

After getting your papers in order, you will have to look for a disposal service that buys junk cars. You can find a lot of them online. You can look for ones that are close to your location. Go to the websites of these disposal services to get a quote for your car. You can get their contact details from the website and call them up to get somebody come to your home and discuss about the deal. You should negotiate with them and try to find the best prices for your car. Once you are happy with the prices, you must finalize the deal. After making the deal, the disposal services will themselves make arrangements to tow away your car to their salvage yard and pay you as per the contract.

As one of the other options, you can yourself arrange to remove your old cars. You can drain the oils and remove the useable parts, tyres etc. to sell them off in the market. Then you can sell the remaining parts of the car to some junkyard. In fact if you want you can also call them and they will make arrangements to take it to their place.

One more way of disposing of your vehicle is through online advertisement. There are various online auction sites where you can advertise your junk car. These sites also help you get the best out of your junk cars while doing away with them.

Divya Varma is a Freelance Writer. She enjoys writing on topics of various niches.

How To Get The Biker's Look

Being stylish is not about being conventional and it can be anything you like. Be it an expensive suit or a rugged leather jacket, you can end up looking great if you know what look you exactly want. Biker's look is one of the most popular and stylish looks that guys want to go for, and it never fails to create a style statement. However, to achieve the right look you need to pay attention on a lot small factors that are important. To achieve the biker's look, the first and the most important requirement is being a biker as otherwise you will end up looking made-up. There are a number of styles that bikers have and you can choose from the trends that you like to achieve your personalized, rugged look. Here are a few biking trends you can choose from, to get the look you are aiming for.

The most prominent and defining factor of a biker's outfit comprises of leather. Be it the jacket or the belt, leather is something that is associated with a biker on the first go. Make sure you invest in a good leather jacket and a belt, and it should stand out. Do not buy fake leather or similar looking cheap material as you will just end up ruining your look. This is because a true biker will always wear a pure leather jacket and will never buy something that is fake or substandard. Once you have a good jacket and belt in place, now is the time to concentrate on the rest of the outfit. As black is the colour that goes with biking, buy black shirts and grey denim that give you a rugged look. Also, invest in a good pair of leather boots. Again, do not buy boots of a cheap or fake material as they can be easily differentiated from the original ones.

Once your clothes have been taken care of, concentrate on the additional things that will add to your look. Jewellery has always been an important part of a biker's way of dressing and is available in a wide variety. You can go for the very popular and manly skull rings or the skull bracelets that give an edge to your look. Make sure you buy oxidized silver rings of a good quality which give you the air of a true biker. You can even go for customized pendants and add your personal touch to them by going for something you like and not following the conventional choices.

Once the jewellery and clothes are put together, your biker's look is more or less complete. But, for the final touch, go for a hairstyle that goes with your look. Spikes and Mohawk are the most popular options for people who love riding bikes. Also, invest in a pair of good biker gloves that complete your look. Apart from the right look, another thing you need to concentrate on is the attitude as the carefree and rugged way that a biker follows is what makes a person a true biker. Learn to ride the bike well and develop a carefree attitude which makes you a true biker. Also, join biker clubs and hang out with them to learn their ways. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect biker's look.

Junk silver jewelry is a very important part of a biker's look. Check out great biker pendants and rings at bad ass jewelry.

How to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Trip

Packing for a long motorcycle trip can be very daunting. Keep in mind that you will have to make laundry stops, and pick hotels or motels that offer laundry facilities when you need to. Basically you will need the following:

Rain gear

Leather Coat

We like to have shields that attach to our helmets for bad weather

Gloves

Shoes and or sandals

Toiletries

Sweater

1 or 2 pairs of jeans

The rest we pack as follows: We always put one tee shirt, one pair of underwear and one pair of socks in a zip lock bag Sit on it to squeeze out all air, and seal it. Put it in our travel bags. When these clothes are dirty you put them back in the bag, tying the socks in a knot so you can tell quickly if you have grabbed clean or dirty clothes. The zip lock bag also puts another layer of protection between your clothing and the rain. I also always line the travel bags with a garbage bag. I know that PVC bags are water proof, but like to have that extra protection. Also packing clothing of similar colors means that you only have to do one load of laundry when you stop. Carrying a few dryer sheet will also help keep your motorcycle travel bags smelling good and save money when you do laundry.

Another important issue when packing for a trip is to keep all heavy items like leather coats if you aren't wearing them in the saddlebags so that the majority of the weight is low, creating a lower center of balance. We also like to make sure there is always room to put our leather jackets in to saddlebags if it gets too hot. I would always recommend wearing them as added protection in case of an accident, but sometimes it is just too hot to comfortably wear them. We also usually carry a bathing suit and a pair of shorts, but these are not a necessity but are nice to have, especially if the hotel you stop at happens to have a pool.

Another thing I consider to be a necessity is when you stop at night pick a spot where you are able to walk to dinner. After washing the road grit off in your hotel the last thing I want to do is get back on the bike to go somewhere for dinner.

Hope this was informative.

Check us out at Motorcycle Leather Down for your biker needs.

Motorcycle Braking Tips for Track Days

Braking should be a pretty simple affair, but you'd be surprised to know that out of all the riding techniques we use on track it is during braking that the greatest number of panic buttons are pushed if it's not done correctly.

In this guide I have outlined what we should work towards to improve our braking technique, as well as some of the results of getting it wrong; this I hope will leave you feeling confident on the brakes and have you pushing back your markers with ease.

The primary goal of braking

If pressed for an answer as to what we are trying to achieve with braking, I would expect most people to say we are simply trying to slow the bike down ready for the corner; but while this is true, it isn't our primary goal. What we are really trying to do is accurately set our speed for the corner ready for our turn-in. This will then give us a consistent base to work on everything from the turn point, out to the exit.

The structure of motorcycle braking

As you may know, we don't apply constant pressure to the lever when braking, the pressure will vary from the time you first apply the brake to the time you release the lever. There are a number of ways in which you can structure your braking, such as light pressure at first then hard at the end; hard first and then light; light then hard then light; as well as a whole host of other arrangements. Which one is best though?

The most effective way to set our speed for a turn is to get the bulk of the braking done before you arrive at your turn point. If you leave all your hard braking right up until it's time to turn the bike it will often have you feeling like you're going in too fast, causing you to over brake and ultimately go in too slow. There are also some other potential ways in which this late hard braking can be damaging:

    You try to carry too much brake into the corner.
    You're unable to quickly and accurately turn the bike, meaning a shallow entry that will spoil your exit.
    You overshoot your turn point which then puts you off line
    Your attention becomes very much fixed on your braking, rather than where you're going and what you're doing.

All of these things have the potential to push your panic buttons and/or have you making mistakes, mistakes that could see you in the gravel.

Instead what would be more ideal is to start off by braking hard at first then trailing the brake pressure off as you approach your turn point. This will not only have you feeling more relaxed at the turn point, but you will no doubt be going faster too. Another plus is that your brain will feel less rushed, meaning more concentration on what's to come after you have finished braking.

The application of the brake

When talking about the initial application of the brake there's only really one main point to raise and that is don't snap the brakes on. By snapping the brakes on you are risking the suspension bottoming out which will increase the chances of the front wheel locking up. Brake application should in fact be quick (between a quarter and half a second between initial application and full power), but it should not be instant.

Imagine a line graph showing your braking efforts between your braking point and turn point. You would see a steep but gradual curve from initial application to full brakes; the line would then stay at the top of the graph while you scrub your speed off, then as you get closer to your turn point you would see the line come back down the graph slowly as you taper off the brakes.

The only other point to mention about brake application is what to do in the instance of a wheel lock up. If this happens then ease the pressure off the brake lever to allow the front wheel to start turning and stabilise itself and the bike.

A word on the rear brake

Whether or not you use the rear brake will mainly be down to personal preference, but in my opinion until you have mastered the use of the front brake then the risk vs reward of using the rear brake means it's something you don't have to focus on.

A spinning rear wheel provides the stability for everything from the headstock back (due to the gyroscopic effect is creates) and when you are braking so hard to the point the rear wheel is skimming the floor, any application of the rear brake is going to lock it up and lose you that stability. It is then down to the front wheel alone to keep the bike upright which isn't ideal. On that note, I will leave the decision up to you regarding the rear brake.

Conclusion

As you can see from these motorcycle braking tips, the way we should be braking is fairly simple, but even the fanciest braking system in the world won't help you if you don't get it right. The main lesson to take away is get all your hard braking done early to eradicate your internal panic buttons being pushed, this will mean a more relaxed head at the turn point and fewer mistakes being made as a result. You'll probably be going faster too!

Secondary points are get the brakes on quickly, but don't snap it on as this will only translate into an unsettled bike.

It'll take time and practice, but with enough of it your braking will come along nicely and you'll be pushing your braking markers further back when you see all the time you've given yourself at the turn point.

Now go heat those discs!

Want more riding tips?

Get more Motorcycle Riding Tips over at Bike Track Days Hub. There I've covered some of the various aspects of riding on track that you can learn, which in time will help bring your riding on in terms of both speed and safety.

Visit Bike Track Days Hub for more info.