Cool Cycle Stuff Motorcycle Journal

Cool Cycle Stuff Features It's Line Of "SOS" Brand Motorcycle Sunglasses

2009-10-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

At SOS Eyewear they know how important it is for your sunglasses to look and fit great, that's why they are constantly updating their styles and colors. More importantly they know that it is critical that they are designed to maximize eye protection! SOS Eyewear strives to offer you the best of both worlds: Attractive fashion styling, ergonomically designed for all day comfort, combined with the latest in functional frame and lens technology, to provide maximum protection from the sun's harmful rays. And, they do it all for far less than "designer name" competition. By spreading their name by word of mouth, instead of inflating their prices to cover bloated advertising budgets they've made the choice to put their money where their eyes are!

In today's overpriced performance eye wear and sunglass market, Survival Optics takes pride in their sensible pricing.

Hi-Def Optics® offers SOS Eyewear, a comprehensive collection of attractive sunglasses and high performance eye wear, created by combining the finest materials with the latest in frame and lens technologies. They are confident that they can offer all of the significant features of their competition to a broader base of consumers who have a need for effective, functional eye protection at a more affordable price.

SOS Eyewear is a no-frills company that invests capitol into their products, as opposed to costly advertising that would inflate product costs. They choose to let satisfied SOS Sunglass customers worldwide spread their good name. Over the past 10 years They’ve grown at a strong and steady pace, keeping an eye on the constantly changing needs of their customers and meeting those needs with the best in high performance eye wear.

They offer the Hi-Def Optics Lifetime Replacement Guarantee on all SOS Sunglasses they sell, to show you their commitment to quality.

Whether it is their decentered quality lenses that provide distortion free vision or US Ranger and Military styles that employ the use of thicker, stronger shatter proof Polycarbonate lenses, specifically engineered to meet or exceed government specifications, they believe in offering you the best eye coverage available.

Many of their styles use frames crafted from durable lightweight Grilamid TR-90 polymers that maintain their shape and provide unparalleled comfort and flexibility. Some styles incorporate foam pieces, typically found only in Ski Goggles, that help prevent fogging, block peripheral sunlight and keep your eyes safe from airborne debris... perfect for high endurance sport activities.

Each SOS pair of sunglasses has unique features you’ll want to explore.

All SOS Eyewear provides 100% full spectrum ultraviolet protection. Present on even overcast and hazy days, invisible UV radiation is responsible for sunburns, skin cancers and for the gradual breakdown of the delicate tissues of the eye.

They offer a complete range of lens colors, from their CrystalVision™ Clear Polycarbonate Shields to the darkest of TCO Smoke™ Polarized Lenses, and, as a dermatologist recommends everyone wear sunscreen every day, They suggest you wear some sort of eye protection whenever you are outdoors.

In addition to UV protection the SOS styles that are fitted with Polycarbonate lenses also bock out invisible Infrared radiation. This is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that brings the sun’s heat. Infrared radiation is the leading cause of dry, scratchy eyes and SOS Polycarbonate lenses are designed to keep the eyes cool and moist. They are the perfect choice for those who wear contact lenses or who may have just undergone eye surgery.

But protection from the Invisible portion of the sun’s electromagnetic spectrum, is only part of the job of a great pair of sunglasses. The color of the lens or darkness of their tint does not have a significant effect on harmful UV radiation, but does effect how well you can see in varying light conditions.

Visible Light, also called white light, is also a major comfort concern, and it is what we experience as brightness and glare on a sunny day.

Survival Optics Sunglasses provide varying levels of protection from visible light. Whether you choose TCO Smoke™ lenses for their true color reproduction, Enhance Brown™ lenses for heightened contrast and depth perception, Yellow lenses that brighten hazy days or CrystalVision Clear lenses for protection from flying debris while Motorcycling or Biking, you can be assured you are receiving optical quality eye wear to protect your eyes. A well equipped sports enthusiast always has a range of sunglasses in their gear.

You can find cheaper sunglasses but when you compare the features and benefits we are confident you’ll choose SOS Eyewear for your sunglass needs.

CSF (Composite Shock Frames)... Exclusively from Hi-Def Optics and SOS
SOS Composite Shock Frames are used to create a low mass, low inertia frame, which will not bounce or shift during even the most extreme athletic activity.
SOS Eyewear is built to meet the toughest challenges of competition and active life-styles. Lightweight and comfortable CSF Frames, crafted from Grilamid TR-90, are extremely durable and flexible so as to withstand the rigorous demands and absorb the punishment of active sports.

SOS XLT (Xtreme Lens Technology)
XLT Lenses block glare without altering color perception. ChromaCoat Multi-Color Prismatic flash coatings reflect the sun's brightness providing enhanced anti-glare vision. SOS XLT lenses have a colorful iridescent mirrored look from the outside that are not perceptible to the wearer.

SOS Polarized MLF (Multi-Layer Filtration)
SOS High Definition PolarMax Polarized MLF lenses are created using hand poured one piece, distortion free, high tech Polycarbonate. There are no laminates to separate and nothing to degrade the polarization as with typical laminated polarizing films. SOS MLF is distributed evenly throughout the lens and not laminated to the lens as found on inferior polarized lenses.Laminated polarized lenses can delaminate due to faulty bonding, aging and exposure to heat. SOS Polarized Multi-Layer Filtration lenses block vertically-reflected light by horizontally aligning the crystalline structure of the lens. This makes them ideally suited for use around water, snow, and for driving. Avoid cheap polarized glasses, because poorly made lenses may result in eye strain or damage.

SOS XCLS (X Changeable Lens System)
Survival Optics introduces XCLS: Our exclusive X-Changeable Lens System. Multi Lens Systems, standard with XCLS styles, provide options for all lighting conditions. Eight, nine and ten base lens' curvatures, matched with sport wrap designs offer maximum coverage and protection from both direct and peripheral brightness. Some styles include a clear lens for biking, Yellow Lenses for heightened perception on hazy days and Flash Mirror Coated options for extra bright days. An excellent all purpose choice when changing light conditions are prevalent or anticipated.

DuraLite Polycarbonate Lenses
SOS's shatterproof DuraLite Polycarbonate lenses are optically correct and distortion free to provide outstanding optical performance and enhanced vision in any lighting condition.

Polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet resistant glass in autos and was initially used for safety glasses in the workplace. It is such a hard material that a special diamond blade and grinding wheel must be used to cut and polish the lenses. To form the glasses the material is melted and then force injected into stainless steel molds. The Polycarbonate material is naturally UV absorbing, so even SOS CrystalVision clear lenses afford Full Spectrum UV protection.

Polycarbonate Lenses are lightweight, durable, impact-resistant and with their patented DuraCoat process, the most scratch-resistant of the plastics. Polycarbonate eye wear is the only approved eye protection for most major police & fire departments. All Survival Optics Sunglasses are warranted by the manufacturer to exceed Shatter-Resistant Safety Standards.

All DuraLite Polycarbonate Lenses offer Full Spectrum UV Protection along with the added benefit of reducing the eye drying heat of the sun's infrared radiation. Great for those who wear contact lenses or have sensitive, dry scratchy eyes.

Venting Systems
SOS Venting Systems incorporate exhaust vents into some of their lens and frame designs to enhance air-flow and virtually eliminate fog and condensation. This design feature allows maximum ventilation while blocking extraneous peripheral light from entering your eyes.

SOS SoftTouch Nose Grips
SOS's SofTouch rubberized nose bridges provide a non-slip grip that keeps SOS Sunglasses securely in place during even extreme athletic activity. This self-adjusting material ensures a soft feel and a custom fit regardless of head shape or size.

Temples (Earstems)
The temples on SOS Sunglasses are curved to shadow the contours of your head without putting pressure on your cheeks, temples or behind your ears. Many are then clad in a non-slip material, or have SofTouch inserts to ensure they stay securely and comfortably on your head. This advanced anatomical design ensures a secure fit with exceptional all-day comfort.

Lens Tints and Coatings
Smoke or Grey Tints
The most common and popular of all of the lens colors. Distortion free TCO Smoke lenses are designed to block Full Spectrum UV Radiation while effectively blocking the sun's brightness and reducing glare. All this plus improved visual acuity without changing color perception... that's True Color Optics.

Brown and Amber/Brown Lens Tints
Especially good at blocking the scattered blue light commonly found in diffused light such as one might experience on a cloudy day. SOS Enhance Brown lenses are designed to improve contrast and heighten depth perception. A good lens for golfing and driving and an excellent all-around choice if you live in an area with changeable weather patterns.

Yellow and Yellow/Amber Tints
These lenses, long favored by Hunters, Target Shooters and "night riders", greatly enhance contrast and give a sensation of heightened visual acuity. So-called "Driving" lenses are usually amber or yellow-brown.

Sunglass Protection Hints
If you're profession has you in and out of the sun constantly, like a delivery driver or real estate agent, a sunglass cord is a must. Not only will your sunglasses always be within reach, but you will significantly reduce the chance that you may lose them or sit on them accidentally.

Don't leave sunglasses with plastic frames inside vehicles on warm days. You don't want your sunglasses to "melt" and lose their form. While they don't lose their shape, Metal sunglasses will absorb the heat when left on your car's dashboard and could burn you unexpectedly. Keep your sunglasses with you or in the glove box!

Storage
It's always best to place your sunglasses in a case when you aren't wearing them. Not only will it help in preventing them from becoming scratched, but it will also protect them from accidentally breaking.

Avoid placing your glasses without a case in your purse or pocket. Keys, coins or combs can easily scratch them and significantly reduce their effectiveness as protective eye wear.

Cleaning
Clean dust, lint, makeup and body oils from your lenses daily with a soft cloth. An excellent suggestion is the Micro Fiber cloth, which is include with many of the
SOS sunglasses available at www.CoolCycleStuff.com.

Using a Micro Fiber Cloth will also ensure that the lenses do not become scratched. Most lens scratching is a result of using tissue and other wood based products to clean the lenses. Scratched lenses are significantly less effective at proper sun protection and it is a good idea to protect your investment and your eyes by following simple care and maintenance guidelines.

Winterizing Your Motorcycle

2009-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Taking the appropriate steps now will insure your motorcycle runs smoothly when spring comes after you've stored it for the winter. Proper winterizing of your bike before you store it is just as crucial as taking care of it the rest of the year. With just a few simple steps, you can winterize your motorcycle so that your first ride in the spring goes smoothly.

1) Wash and wax your motorcycle before putting it away for the winter. Don't leave any bugs, grease or grim on the paint or chromed surfaces. Apply a paint and metal protector to the finish.

2) Inflate the tires to the manufactures recommended levels to decrease the risk of flat spots forming on them. Move the bike several times a month and park it on different section of the tires each time will prevent flat spots. Don't park in direct sunlight to prevent your tires from dry rot.

3) Lubricate your clutch cables and throttle to help them stay in good working condition.

4) Fill your gas tank up and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from breaking down and causing damage to the fuel lines and other part of your engine.

5) Change the oil, transmission fluid and your chain case fluid to prevent corrosion on the metal surfaces of your engine.This will help keep everything lubricated properly with clean fluid.

6) It's very important to pay attention to your battery when you store it for the winter, it will gradually loses charge over time. If you leave your battery in the motorcycle you should attach a battery tender to it. The battery tender is a smart charger that will turn itself on and off as needed, to prevent overcharging. If you store your battery away from the motorcycle in a warm place such as a basement it's a good idea to occasionally check the charge on it throughout the winter and put a trickle charger on it as needed. Clean the posts on your battery if they are corroded. Then add grease to the threads of the bolts to keep them clean.

7) Store your motorcycle inside if at all possible. If it isn't possible to store it inside, buy a good fitting cover that allows for proper air flow.

Biketoberfest is almost here!!

2009-09-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

If your looking for an cool trip to take on your motorcycle then put on your motorcycle gear, grab your biker luggage and head to Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL. October 15 - 18 2009.

Biketobefest is an international award-winning motorcycle festival that offers participants an extended weekend get-away brimming with plenty of sun, beaches, bikes and fun!

Thousands of bikes will roar into and all around town - no two alike! Popular annual activities include motorcycle shows and rallies that showcase new, vintage and custom bikes; demonstration rides on the newest machines from top manufacturers; and on-track motorcycle action at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway.

You'll also enjoy endless-delicious food choices, live music and plenty of people-watching. With a variety of events and activities planned at venues all across the county, you're sure to find the best places to play and stay during your visit. Bookmark this site for all the official event information, calendar listings and direct links to the perfect place to stay while in the Daytona Beach area.

Fall Motorcycle Rides In The Midwest

2009-09-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin and Minnesota are the top Midwest states for those looking for scenic fall motorcycle rides.

The border of the two states features the Mississippi River, St. Croix River valleys and the many tributary rivers and streams, explaining the predominance of winding roads in this area.

Along Lake Superior on both the north and south shores it's heavily forested with rolling hills. Elevations range from about 700 ft to slightly under 2,000 ft. Also within this region in Wisconsin is a section called the Driftless Area. This beautiful and unique area of the Midwest is characterized by jagged and rugged terrain with many cliffs and other rock outcroppings.

Riding in this part of the country the temperature can get rather cool sometimes in the fall so be sure to bring along your gloves, chaps and leathers jacket.

In late September and through the middle of October around Hayward and Spooner Wisconsin, the landscape is filled with plenty more winding roads with trees in full fall color along them.

Northern Minnesota has plenty of tourist destinations that are great to take in anytime of the year, but visiting in the fall when there aren't as many people is always nice. Tettegouche, Itasca and Soudan underground mine state parks are just a few of my favorites.

If you decide to take the tour of the Soudan underground mine be sure to take a windbreaker into the mine as the temperature is rather cool 1/2 mile under the earth's surface.

Most state parks in Minnesota are open through the end of October and some are open all year round, but you probably want to make sure when they're open before leaving on your trip.

Where ever you decide to go just remember to have fun and enjoy the scenery.

Written by Doug Voss
CoolCycleStuff.com

Cool Cycle Stuff, A Big Hit At Biker Rally

2009-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Cool Cycle Stuff was a big hit at the 2009 Minnesota State ABATE Rally where we featured our men's line of sleeveless shirts along with several styles of ladies shirts in sleeveless and long sleeve styles .

Our low pricing on wrap-hat s was also a big hit. We were half the price of our competition at the rally.

We also featured our leather halter tops, DOT approved line of helmets, SOS sunglasses and had a very positive response to our line of inexpensive mens and ladies leather vests.

Following the Missouri River on Motorcycle

2009-08-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Bismarck Friday evening with my friends Bruce and Mark. We had ridden 475 miles that day, and arrived in town in time to check into the hotel, walk down to Buffalo Wild Wings a couple of blocks away for a good meal, have some beers and to take in a pre-season NFL football game.

After breakfast on day two of our trip, we headed south on North Dakota State Highway 1804 which runs along the east side of the Missouri River. Our destination was Mobridge South Dakota.

There's also another highway which runs along the west side of the river, State Highway 1806. Both highways are called the Lewis and Clark Trail in honor of the explorers 1804-1806 expedition, which followed the Missouri River. To re-live their adventure through their journal click here .

Saturday was a great day for riding. Blue sky and temperatures in the 70s. As we headed south along the river it looked like a painting you might see in an art gallery. Rolling hills of prairie grass and buffalo, along with fields of sunflowers and wheat lined the river banks.You could see for miles.

About 125 miles south of Bismarck we made it to Mobridge with very little gasoline to spare. After refueling we went across the street to the local Dairy Queen for some ice cream. After finishing our ice cream we put our helmets and sunglasses , got on the motorcycles and headed west across the river. About 5 miles south is the site overlooking the Missouri River and Lake Oahe. This is where Sitting Bull is buried and a monument stands which is a tribute to Sakakawea for her part as a guide and translator in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

After spending some time there, it was now about 5:30pm on day two and daylight was burning. I put my leather jacket on and we took off again. We had 100 miles to go to be in Aberdeen S.D. by night fall, and still needed to find a hotel when we got there and have supper.

As we headed west on U.S. Highway 12, there was nothing in front of us but farm fields, prairie grass and a 20 mph wind from the south. The ground so flat you could see the next town to the east from 10 miles away. We arrived in Aberdeen about 7:15pm. Put more fuel in and search the town for a hotel and a good place to get a steak.

After supper we parked the motorcycles and walked to a tavern near by to have a couple of beers and chat with some of the locals. All the people we meet were friendly and enjoyable to talk with. It was getting late so we decided we better head back to the hotel. We wanted to be on the road early the next day.

Day three started by cleaning some of the bugs off my windshield that I had acquired during the trip. I knew it was useless to clean them all off my bike, since I had another 230 miles to ride. I wanted at least get my windshield clean.

After leaving Aberdeen on U.S. Highway 12 east bound again, I couldn't wait to get home so I could clean my bike, write my blog and get ready for my next adventure. I logged 980 miles on this trip. I wonder will my next trip will take me.

Motorcycle Safety Check

2009-08-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I find one of the most important things you can do when going for a motorcycle ride is a pre-ride safety check of your motorcycle and personal protective equipment. Below is a copy of the checklist that I use.

The following are general recommendations and guidelines. For specific information, refer to your owner's manual or ask your dealer or a qualified mechanic.

__Make sure your headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn and brake lights are working properly.

__Check all fluid levels (fuel, oil, hydraulic, coolant) and make sure they are at the proper levels or adequate for the ride.

__Inspect for loose spokes, if applicable, wheel alignment and play, and your tires for wear and proper inflation.

__If your bike is chain driven, check it for proper tension. Rule of thumb is about 3/4 inch of free play.

__Make sure your side stand and center stand will remain in the up position while riding.

__Periodically inspect your engine area and frame for loose bolts and fasteners. Remember to tighten to manufacture specifications.

__Check your throttle for smooth travel and no sticking. Refer to your owner's manual if lubrication is required.

__Check your clutch and brake levers for smooth operation. Lubricate and adjust according to owner's manual specifications.

__Check your clutch, throttle, and brake cables (if applicable). Lubricate or replace as recommended.

__Check your front and rear brakes for proper operation, brake pads and shoes for proper thickness, and rotors and drums for smooth surfaces.

__Don't forget to check your battery for proper fluid levels and terminals for corrosion.

__Inspect eyewear lenses for cleanliness, scratches, cracks and chips. Replace immediately if in poor condition.

__Check helmet strap to make sure it stays securely fastened and clean visor if needed. If your visor has scratches, is cracked or chipped replace it immediately. If your helmet does not fasten securely replace it also.

__Check your leathers to make sure they are in good riding condition.

Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws

2009-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

A patchwork of motorcycle helmet laws and scant enforcement exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Twenty-seven states have laws that cover certain riders, usually those under the age of 18 and three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) have no motorcycle helmet laws. In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets.

The USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages each State to have and enforce a law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Motorcycle helmets provide the best protection from head injury for motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes. Research has shown that the passage of helmet use laws governing all motorcycle operators and passengers (universal helmet laws) is the most effective method of increasing helmet use. These laws are also easy to enforce because of riders’ high visibility.

Data on crashes in States where only minors are required to wear helmets show that fewer than 40 percent of the fatally-injured minors wear helmets even though the law requires them to do so. Helmet laws that govern only minors are difficult to enforce. In 2006, 65 percent of all fatally injured motorcycle riders were not wearing a helmet in states without all-rider helmet laws, compared with only 13 percent in states with all-rider helmet laws.

A NHTSA study covering 10 states found that when universal helmet laws, which pertain to all riders, were repealed, helmet-use rates dropped from 99 percent to 50 percent. In states where the universal law was reinstated, helmet-use rates rose to above 95 percent.

Won’t people wear helmets on their own? Unfortunately, the answer is usually no. Surveys have shown that in states without helmet laws, only 34 to 54 percent of motorcyclists wear helmets voluntarily. In states that do have these laws, more than 98 percent of motorcyclists wear them-an enormous difference.

According to NHTSA’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey, a nationally representative observational survey, motorcycle helmet use rose to 58 percent in June 2007, from 51 percent in June 2006. Helmet use had been falling from a high of 71 percent in October 2000. Use rates remain lower in states that do not require all riders to use helmets. In June 2007, 74 percent of motorcyclists in states requiring helmet use wore them, compared with 42 percent of motorcyclists in states that do not. The survey counts only helmets that comply with Department of Transportation standards.

Motorcycle helmet use was highest in the West, at 77 percent and in the South and Northeast, at 58 percent. Helmet use was lowest in the Midwest, at 49 percent.

Whether states are attempting to expand their helmet laws to cover all riders or to limit their helmet laws to a certain age group, motorcycle helmet laws are often being addressed by state legislators.

State Motorcycle Helmet Use Requirements

20 States, DC, and P.R.
Require Use for All Riders

27 States Require Use for a Specific Segment of Riders (Usually Under Age 18)

Alabama
California
District of Columbia
Georgia
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska

Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Puerto Rico
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Minnesota
Montana

New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Not Required in 3 States

Illinois
Iowa
New Hampshire

Source:

DMV.ORG offers step-by-step guides on how to obtain a license in each state.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a motorcycle equipment requirement list by state at: www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Equipment Chart%202007- MSFlogo.pdf.

American Motorcyclist Association keeps a database of motorcycle laws by state at: www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp.

National Conference of State Legislatures has real time information about traffic safety bills that have been introduced in the fifty states and the District of Columbia at: www.ncsl.org/programs/transportation/trafsafdb. cfm?action=billresults.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has current motorcycle helmet laws at: www.iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx and a history of US motorcycle laws and changes in coverage at: www.iihs.org/laws/helmet_history.html.

Information provided by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety

RIDER IMPAIRMENT

2009-08-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

RIDER IMPAIRMENT

Like operators of other vehicles, motorcycle operator impairment, mainly from the use of alcohol, is a serious problem. In 2001, motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had higher intoxication rates than any other type of driver. Twenty-nine percent of fatally injured

motorcycle operators were intoxicated at 0.08 g/dl or greater blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and another 7 percent were reported to be at BAC 0.01 to 0.07 g/dl. In single vehicle motorcycle crashes, 41 percent of the fatally injured motorcyclists were intoxicated with a BAC .08 g/dl.

The agency has set a goal of reducing the alcohol-related highway fatality rate to no more than 0.53 per 100 million VMT by the end of 2003. In 2001, the alcohol-related fatality rate from all motor vehicle crashes was 0.63 per 100 million VMT. In 2001, the alcohol-related fatality rate from motorcycle crashes was 14.3 fatalities per 100 million VMT, or 22.7 times higher than the rate for all motor vehicles.

The risk entailed in drinking and then riding is exacerbated by other risk-taking behaviors, such as riding without the proper protective gear, including protective clothing and a motorcycle helmet. Data indicate that in 2001, only 40 percent of intoxicated motorcycle operators killed wore helmets, compared with 60 percent for those who were sober. The intoxication rate was highest for fatally injured operators between 40 to 44 years old (42 percent), followed by ages 35 to 39 (40 percent) and ages 30 to 34 (35 percent). More than 5 percent of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes in 2001 had at least one prior conviction for driving while intoxicated on their driver records, compared to fewer than 4 percent of passenger vehicle drivers.

From 1990-1999, half of all riders killed on motorcycles with 1001-1500 cc engine sizes had alcohol in their blood (11% BAC 0.01-0.09, 39% BAC 0.10+). Two-thirds of 30-39 age group riders killed on undivided roadways were speeding and using alcohol, with 55 percent having at least BAC 0.10 g/dl.

A recent report Drinking, Riding and Prevention � A Focus Group Study (November 2002) examined the attitudes and beliefs of motorcyclists� regarding drinking and riding and found that: (1) riders often discourage peers from riding after drinking, but a culturally reinforced respect for rider freedom and individual responsibility sets intervention boundaries; (2) rider concern for the safety and security of the motorcycle nearly always overshadows concern for individual safety and contributes to drinking and riding (i.e., leaving the motorcycle and getting home an alternative way); and (3) motorcycle impoundment and court-ordered payment for vehicle storage, alcohol treatment programs, and other costs are considered persuasive countermeasures that seem to deter drinking and riding. The results suggested that the integration of social norm models into drinking-and-riding prevention programming may be a promising approach.

In order to combat the impaired rider problem, NHTSA has ongoing programs and is currently developing new strategies based on knowledge learned from recent studies.� The agency will continue to work with law enforcement organizations at the National, State, and local levels to develop strategies to more aggressively enforce impaired riding laws. Moreover, NHTSA will work to ensure that impaired riding laws will be fully prosecuted and adjudicated. NHTSA will also work with National prosecutorial and judicial organizations to educate their members on impaired riding related issues.

Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What you need to know before buying online

2009-07-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

There are many things a consumer needs to look for when buying online.

Does the site your dealing with have an SSL certification? The SSL certification lets the consumer know that the site is secure and you can be assured hackers will not get your credit card information.

Shipping and pricing is one topic that can be very confusing.

If a company is offering a low price guarantee be sure you are comparing items that are exactly the same. Although low price guarantee sounds good to the consumer, if you're not comparing items that are exactly the same it means nothing.

A company can have the lowest price on a product but charges you more than a competitor for shipping. Once shipping is added, the actual price you pay can increase substantially. Their "low price guarantee" may look good at first, but they are making up the price difference somewhere, usually in shipping fees.

Just make sure you feel your paying a fair price for the product your purchasing when your total price comes up in the shopping cart.

Example - Company A offers a wrap hats for $4.95 but has a flat shipping rate of $8.95 this equals $13.90. Company B sells the same wrap hat for $8.95 but only charges you $3.00 shipping this equals $11.95. Company B is $1.95 cheaper.

Another example would be that company A charges $119.99 for motorcycle saddlebags then charges you $15.00 to ship it for a total of $134.99. Company B charges you $129.95 for that same item but gives you free shipping on all orders over $99.99. You just save $5.04 going with company B.

The last item is warranties and exchanges.

Most wholesale companies charge online stores return shipping and a restocking fee when items are sent back to them. Most stores pass on this fee to the consumer when items are returned, otherwise with the tremendous expensive involved and would drive a company bankrupt.

Be careful when dealing with companies that offer such things as a "No Risk 30 day exchange and return policy". In most cases they do not have a warranty after the first 30 days. They know that most consumers use a product very little in the first 30 day's and the chances of something going wrong with them is pretty slim until after the 30 days are up.

Quality products such as SOS sunglasses, Kuryakyn or Bagtec luggage or finely made helmets carry a warranty of 1 year to as much as lifetime. By the way, lifetime warranty in the manufacturing industry for all products is 7 years and not in your lifetime.

Make sure what ever company that you choose to work with has good, fast and friendly customer service that's willing to work with you.

Wabasha Minnesota an enjoyable trip in more ways then one

2009-07-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went on a motorcycle trip with three of my friends.

It all started Friday evening when two, driving from long distances, were to show up at my house and stay over night so we could get a early start the next morning.

The first one showed up about 7 p.m., not long after my buddy from town showed up for a campfire and some smart talk.

We only had one person left to arrive, he was coming from the longest distance so it was obvious he would be the last on to show up.

He called about 8 p.m. and said he was about 15 minutes away, so when he called a half hour later I knew it couldn't be good.

He missed a curve only 1/2 mile from my house, he and his bike were in the ditch.

Miraculously, he survived with just a a few bruises to his body and his ego, even though he flew off his bike at over 50 miles per hour.

I truly think his helmet possibly saved his life, or at least kept him from taking a ambulance ride to the hospital. When he flew off his motorcycle he landed on the back of his head.

I can't stress enough how important it is to wear your helmet and a good leather jacket.

After we pulled his motorcycle out of the ditch he was able to drive it to my place. After we surveyed the damage I pulled off the broken passing lamps, we bent back his engine guard and his windshield bracket and finished our campfire we had started earlier.

The next morning we headed out to breakfast and then to a local motorcycle dealership to have them inspect his motorcycle before we took off.

After an hour or so at the dealership we were off, first stop was Northfield Minnesota, the site of the legendary Jesse James bank robbery.

After about an hour of taking in Northfield we took off on Minnesota Highway 19 to Red Wing the home of Red Wing boots.

Red Wing is an old river town along the Mississippi river and has several cool shops and eating establishments in it's many turn of the century brick buildings downtown.

About an hour later. I threw on my leather vest and sunglasses andwe left Red Wing for the next destination, Lake City Minnesota the home of Lake Pepin.

Lake Pepin is a dammed up section of the Mississippi river and the birth place of water skiing.

In Lake City we stopped for supper at a bar and restaurant named the "Port of Call". We stuffed ourselves with a chicken, shrimp and pork rib buffet.

Then we were off for are final destination, Wabasha, the home of the National Eagle Center along the mighty Mississippi river to do some eagle watching and have a drink at Slippery's. Slippery's is famous for being in the Grumpy Old Men movies, which were filmed in Wabasha.

We took in the city's local summer festival, "River Boat Days" which is a weekend of craft sales, evening street dances, a beer garden and a 6 p.m. parade on Saturday.

It was getting late so we headed back to the hotel. Sunday morning we loaded up the biker luggage, found a place for breakfast then off for home to end another fun filled weekend and rest up for the work week.

How and Why a helmet works

2009-07-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Different helmets do different things. There are hard hats on
construction and heavy-industry heads; football helmets on athletes’
heads, and Kevlar® caps on military heads.None are interchangeable.
Motorcycle riding helmets are very sophisticated and specialized for
the activity. They've been developed carefully and scientifically over
the years.
Four basic components work together to provide protection in
the motorcycle helmet: an outer shell; an impact-absorbing liner;
the comfort padding; and a good retention system.
What we see first is the outer shell, usually made from some family
of fiber-reinforced composites or thermoplastics like polycarbonate.
This is tough stuff, yet it's designed and intended to compress when
it hits anything hard.That action disperses energy from the impact to
lessen the force before it reaches your head, but it doesn't act alone
to protect you.
Inside the shell is the equally important impact-absorbing liner,
usually made of expanded polystyrene (commonly thought of as
Styrofoam). This dense layer cushions and absorbs the shock as the
helmet stops and your head wants to keep on moving.
Both the shell and the liner compress if hit hard, spreading the forces
of impact throughout the helmet material. The more impact-energy
deflected or absorbed, the less there is of it to reach your head and
do damage. Some helmet shells delaminate on impact. Others may
crack and break if forced to take a severe hit; this is one way a helmet
acts to absorb shock. It is doing its intended job. Impact damage
from a crash to the non-resilient liner may be invisible to the eye; it
may look great, but it probably has little protective value left and
should be replaced.
The comfort padding is the soft foam-and-cloth layer that sits next
to your head. It helps keep you comfortable and the helmet
fitting snugly. In some helmets, this padding can even be taken out
for cleaning.
The retention system, or chin strap, is very important. It is the one
piece that keeps the helmet on your head in a crash. A strap is
connected to each side of the shell. Every time you put the helmet on,
fasten the strap securely. It only takes of couple of seconds. To ride
without your helmet secured would be as questionable as driving
without your seatbelt fastened.

This information was provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

A motorcycle trip worth taking

2009-07-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

If your looking for an exciting trip to take on your motorcycle look no further then northeastern Minnesota and scenic highway 61 which takes you along the North shore of Lake Superior.

The view of ships coming in to port along with 200 foot high cliffs that act as the lakes shoreline in the majestic woods of northern Minnesota is breath taking.

There are plenty of places to pull over along the road to enjoy the view, along with campgrounds, motels and restaurants abound.

One of the things you'll want to take with when taking a trip like this is Kuryakyn motorcycle luggage. Kuryakyn motorcycle luggage will make packing for your trip a snap because it's designed and tested on motorcycles by people that ride motorcycles.

Kuryakyn makes luggage in all sizes and shapes from the roomy Full Dresser bag to the smaller Custom Roll bag. All Kuryakyn motorcycle luggage come with rain covers to protect your luggage in inclement weather.

Oh, and don't forget the camera. There's lots of wildlife and scenery to take pictures of.

Motorcycling essential - the right sunglasses

2009-07-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

The right pair of sunglasses is essential when riding motorcycle.

Most riders spend several thousands of dollars on a nice motorcycle, but tend to go cheap on personal protective equipment.

Cheap sunglasses scratch very easy giving you a poor line of sight, and in most cases are not shatter proof. A good pair of sunglasses can literally be the difference between life and death.

Full Throttle sunglasses give you the added protection because they are made of PCX ( Xtreme Polycarbonate Lenses).

They are shatter-proof and 35 times stronger then glass or plastic lenses. They also have DuraCoat scratch resistance built into every sunglass lens to keep vision clear and true.

The other thing I really like about these sunglasses is that they have something called "Light Sensitive Quickshift PhotoChromatic Lenses" built into them.

This makes them automatically lighten and darken to protect your eyes in response to varying degrees of sunshine, and return to near clear for night riding.

Motorcycles Designed for Women

2009-07-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Check out this gorgeous top picked out by Cool Cycle Guy's wife: http://www.coolcyclestuff.com/Black_Aztec_Halter_Top_p/lg4019pblk.htm

Most motorcycles are designed with men in mind, and it is true that they are the majority of the operators. However, there are many women who want to do more with a motorcycle than just ride on the back of it. Finding a motorcycle designed to fit a woman is more difficult and the choices are limited. However, it is very possible to find one if you know what to look for.

Approximately 10% of motorcycle owners are women, and many more are interested in purchasing one.
More than 80% of the motorcycles women purchase are cruiser models. Sports motorcycles are also very popular.

Today, many of the major motorcycle manufacturers are providing women with options for motorcycles that are light-weight yet fast. These manufacturers include Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.

Keep in mind that motorcycles for women are available in models that are recommended for a new rider and some that are for a more experienced operator. Make sure you take this into consideration while you are contemplating the motorcycle to purchase.

So ladies, if you’re considering purchasing a motorcycle designed specifically for you, make sure you take your time and find the one that fits your body correctly.

Tips for choosing the best motorcycle for you

Sit on the motorcycle and make sure your feet are able to touch the ground on both sides. Make sure it is light enough that you can handle it. If you are struggling with it, then pass it over as you will have difficult controlling it on the road.
Look for a motorcycle with a low, narrow seat.
You also want long handle bars so that you can ride the motorcycle comfortably. Adding pull-back risers to bring the handle bars back a few inches is also an option.
If you plan to ride your motorcycle a great deal, you may consider having one custom built to fit your style and body.

Online motorcycle clubs

There are many online motorcycle clubs for women, and most are operated by other female motorcycle owners, and is a place to meet other women motorcycle enthusiasts.

Many online motorcycles clubs are a great place ask questions, get valuable information as you look for a bike of your own, find reviews of various models and find used bikes for sale. Online club also provide information various events and motorcycle rallies. You can also find reviews on various models and used bikes for sale.

As the number of female motorcycle owners continues to grow, you can be sure there will be more models to select from. Manufacturers aren’t going to pass up this target population.

The American Motorcyclist Association now has 265,000 registered female motorcycle owners, proving this to be more than a passing fad.

How to Buy and Take Care of Your Motorcycle Apparel

2009-07-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Check out our motorcycle jackets, chaps and cool clothing at:
http://www.coolcyclestuff.com/Motorcycle_Clothing_s/96.htm

Everyone who has been riding motorcycles knows very well the utmost importance of protecting one’s body. With a motorcycle you are more vulnerable than when you are in a car and thus you have to take all necessary precautionary measures to maintain safety. The helmet is a given in terms of biking protection, however, you shouldn't overlook what you wear when riding. You should also take into consideration the motorcycle apparel you wear.

Motorcycle apparel should be designed for riding and one that keeps you insulated and dry during your rides. It should also be sturdy enough to protect your from scrapes and bruises in case of accidents. Motorcycle apparel serves as your second skin and keeping you warm in cold weather, or ventilated during warm weather. A good material for motorcycle apparel is leather.

When buying your motorcycle apparel you should ask the store or the manufacturer about the materials used for the gear. You should know whether it uses synthetic or natural fibers and materials. This also determines what kind of caring and cleaning steps are appropriate for its materials. This is especially important with leather gear, because with proper care motorcycle apparel can last to up to 10 years or even more.

Ask the store for maintenance or cleaning products that they recommend for the motorcycle apparel you are buying. If you are choosing leather gear, be sure to know the type of finish it has because that would greatly determine what kind of care would be appropriate. Stores sometimes have their own set of cleaning solutions for motorcycle apparel and it would be recommended to use them. If they are too expensive for your budget, look at their ingredients and find similar products in the supermarket.

Motorcycle apparel may cost a lot more than your regular clothes because they are made for riding. Despite the costs, they could be worth every penny because of the protection they could provide you. They can also help you build on your style as a rider. By wearing real motorcycle apparel you can definitely look and feel like a bike rider.

Buying motorcycle apparel should be considered as an investment by any rider. With good motorcycle apparel, you can ride with style and at the same time feel confident about your warmth and safety. So go ahead to your local motorcycle apparel store and find the gear that fits you and your taste.