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Showing Tag: " motorcycles" (Show all posts)

Buying A Used Motorcycle

Posted by Dave Harris on Monday, November 15, 2021, In : Buying A Second Hand Motorcycle 
Where to start ?



Local dealers - check out their second-hand stock. A lot of dealers are acquiring more and more used motorcycles to sell, some are offering big incentives such as lifetime warranty or free delivery.

Search online - Ebay, Bike Trader, Gumtree, Facebook and Scooter Trader are just a few online market places where you'll find motorcycles and scooters for sale.

Compare prices, decide your budget and choose what make/model/age motorbike you want to purchase.

Don't Rush Into Buying 

Whe...

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Buying A Vintage Motorcycle

Posted by Kate Harris on Friday, March 19, 2021, In : Vintage Motorcycles 
I often get asked about ‘what to look for when buying an old Japanese motorcycle’, so I thought I would post a few tips and pointers to help people make informed decisions as to what to look for and what to avoid.



This will be changed as time goes on

Firstly, decide what you want out of a motorcycle

This is probably the most overlooked thing as people have a habit of buying with their hearts rather than their heads. If you are under 5’6″ and are just going to ride it about town and not d...

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Women and Motorcycles

Posted by Kathryn Windmill on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles 
When you think about people who ride motorcycles what do you think about? Long hair, long beards, and leather? Do you think about macho men hanging out in dive bars playing pool and drinking beer? These are typically the images that are portrayed to us as your typical biker. However, people from all walks of life, race, and even sex encompass motorcycle riders. That is right guys; women can also be avid motorcycle riders. For those women that chose to be part of the motorcycle culture it is e...

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Vintage Motorcycles

Posted by Mark Lucas on Saturday, October 27, 2018, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles 
Motorcycles were first introduced in the later half of 19th century. Since the invention, motorcycles have become one of the most popular and common means of transportation. Vintage motorcycles are the earlier models of motorcycles which were manufactured after the First World War.



Vintage motorcycles are all time passion of bike riders and speed lovers. Apart from being a passion, some ardent rider also collects and preserves vintage motorcycles as treasures. The Japanese, British, Europeans,...

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Electric Motorcycles

Posted by Martin Ford on Saturday, October 27, 2018, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles 
The motorcycle was introduced in the latter half of the 19th century. Since then this has been the most common and popular means of transport. An electric motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by battery and is the latest innovation in the motorcycle industry.



Basically, electric motorcycles can be classified into two; power-on-demand motorcycles and power-assist motorcycles. Earlier, electric motorcycles were used only for races. With the introduction of electric motorcycles for general...

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Norton Motorcycles

Posted by Alan Liptrot on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, In : British Motorcycles 
James Lansdowne Norton, the father of the company, began the story in 1898 with a factory that made cycle chains in Birmingham, UK, but by 1902 he was importing engines from Switzerland and France.



To create his own motorcycles, and success followed quickly with a Norton ridden by Rem Fowler winning the twin-cylinder class at the first Isle of Man TT race. This was the start of Norton's long lasting love affair with racing, which didn't end until the 1960's. The prize that everyone coveted was...

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Royal Enfield Motorcycles

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, May 5, 2018, In : British Motorcycles 
Through necessity, and in common with most other engineering companies of the day, Enfield didn’t restrict themselves to one line. They also made lawnmowers, bicycles and rifle parts for a Small Arms factory in Enfield. A clue lies in their logo which depicts a cannon, which I have to say, is infinitely better than a lawn mower. Their motto of ‘Made like a gun, Goes like a bullet’ is also evidence of their military involvement. In 1907, the company joined forces with a business with the...

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Buying a second hand motorcycle

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, In : Buying A Second Hand Motorcycle 
Are you chomping at the bit to get your hands on a two-wheeled dream machine, but don’t fancy parting with a ton of cash for a brand-new model?



If the answer is “yes”, then a second hand motorbike might be a more budget-friendly option.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to used bikes, so here’s how you go about getting your hands on one.

Benefits of a used bike

The main benefit of buying a used bike over a new one is - unsurprisingly - the price.

Thanks to depreciation, new motorbik...

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Motorcycles of WW1

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 15, 2017, In : Motorcycles Of WW1 
The importance of motorbikes during the Great War is all too often overlooked, however, bikes were used for mounted infantry, scouts, patrol, dispatch and courier duties, ammunition carriers, medical supply carriers and casualty evacuation, sometimes being converted into ambulance type vehicles.



The versatility of these machines clearly helped them play a hugely significant role in the logistics of the war - more so than cars. The use that they were most commonly used for, however, was that o...

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Motorcycle Safety Tips (Part Four)

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, March 23, 2017, In : Motorcycle Safety 
Avoid Distraction



We all know distracted driving is a bad idea, but it's worse when you're riding a motorbike. One of the keys to staying safe on a motorcycle is staying hyper-aware of everything that's going on around you. Remember, motorcycles are tough for drivers to see –especially drivers in large cars or vans. You need to see and avoid them, rather than bet on them seeing you. If you're fiddling with your phone or iPod, you're reaction time is cut by several precious seconds, putting y...
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Motorcycle Safety Tips (Part Three)

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, March 23, 2017, In : Motorcycle Safety 
Educate Your Passengers

Part of the fun of having a motorbike is having someone on the back. Having a passenger with their arms around you as you cruise the open road can be quite romantic. But your passenger has a part to play in keeping both of you safe.



Make sure anyone you carry on your motorbike has the right gear. Like you, they should wear sturdy shoes and protective clothes. You should also practice having a passenger, especially if they're bigger than you, in a safe place, like a car p...
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Boss Hoss Motorcycles - 1990 -

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, In : American Motorcycles 
Americans so they say like everything Big with a capital 'B'. Buildings, cars, open spaces and motorcycles. So it's hardly surprising that the largest production motorcycle in the world should be built in the Unites States.



For many years Harley-Davidson produced the largest-engined motorbike until pipped to the post by successively bigger Japanese machines such as the Kawasaki Z1300, Honda Gold Wing 1500 and Yamaha 1600cc WildStar. None of them however come anywhere near the Boss Hoss.

In 1990...
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Mars (MA) Motorcycles (Germany 1903-1957)

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, In : German Motorcycles 
Mars built Fafnir and Zedel-engined motorcycles before World War One, but was most famous for the 986cc (6cu in) white Mars of 1920.

'Mars' motorcycle by Claus Franzenberg, design of 1920 , year of construction 1926, manufacturer: Mars-Werke, Nuremberg.



The big flat-twin engine was supplied by Maybach and there was a two-speed gearbox and leg guards. German inflation killed it, but Mars was revived as MA with a variety of bought-in engines, concentrating in the 1930's on Sachs-powered mopeds an...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part six )

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, October 22, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills 
To rejoin the motorway

Don't pull straight out onto the carriageway. Use the hard shoulder as an acceleration lane to build up speed before joining the left-hand lane when there's a gap.



Roadworks

Accidents can often happen at roadworks when drivers fail to observe simple rules of safety. So - reduce speed in good time when warned by the advance warning signs or flashing signals - Get into the lane indicated for use by your motorcycle in good time - Obey all speed limits - Keep the correct separ...
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Defensive motorcycle riding ( part one )

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, April 28, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills 
Defensive motorcycle riding is based on effective observation, good anticipation and control. It's about always questioning the actions of other road users and being prepared for the unexpected, so as not to be taken by surprise. Defensive motorcycle riding involves - awareness - planning - anticipating - staying in control and riding with - responsibility - care - consideration and courtesy. It means putting safety above all else. It's about having real concern, not only for your own safety,...
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Learning to ride a motorcycle in the UK

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills 
The CBT Course (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT is arranged so that you progress through a series of elements. You will only move onto the next element when your trainer is satisfied you have learn't the necessary theory, and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.



What are the elements ?

Element A - Introduction to CBT
Element B - Practical on-site training
Element C - Practical on-site riding
Element D - Practical on-road training
Element E - Practical on-road riding.

Within each el...
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Yamaha Motorcycles (1953 - 2000)

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, December 24, 2015, In : Japanese Motorcycles 
YAMAHA  Japan 1953 -

Torakusu Yamaha, whose name graces the sides of millions of motorcycles did not as far as I know ride one himself. In fact as he died in 1916, he may never have even seen a motorcycle, for which an explanation is required.

Yamaha was born in Nagasaki in 1851 and was first apprenticed to a clock maker, then to a manufacturer of medical equipment. He moved to Hamamatsu in 1883, then working as a self-employed engineer where he was asked to repair the organ at the local primar...
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Ducati

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, March 7, 2015, In : Italian Motorcycles 
Ducati Italy 1946 -

Ducati, one of the most evocative names in motorcycling, whose fast, exotic, temperamental V-twins respond to lavish care and attention. At least that is most riders conception of the bikes from Bologna. But until recently the name was hardly known outside two wheel circles. Success in World Superbike competition has brought this the Ferrari of motorcycles to mainstream attention. In the early 1990's when it had gained seven WSB Championships this decade and for the first t...
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Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, January 25, 2015, In : American Motorcycles 
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles U.S.A 1903 - 

It was by a series of happy coincidences that the Harley family moved from Manchester, England and the Davidsons from Scotland both emigrated to North America in the late 19th century, and settled in Milwaukee. And that two of their sons, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson, should end up working at the same engineering establishment, became firm friends, and began experimentation with the internal combustion engine. Arthur was the outgoing one, a patternm...
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Barigo 599cc

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, December 5, 2014, In : French Motorcycles 
Patrick Barigo builds limited numbers of motorcycles using single-cylinder, four-stroke engines supplied by the Austrian Rotax company. This 1992 road bike is based on Barigo's super motard competition machines. Premium quality suspension and brake components are used in its construction, and low weight, good handling, and a tractable engine offer impressive performance. Proven in the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally and other testing events, Barigo was the only motorcycle manufacturer operating i...
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Buell RR1000

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, November 3, 2014, In : American Motorcycles 
The first RR1000 prototype was built in 1984 by Eric Buell, a former Harley-Davidson employee, as a commission from the Vetter fairing company although Buell was still independent of Harley-Davidson at this point, the company would soon be incorporated into the Harley fold. The RR1000 used an engine from a Harley XR1000 fitted into Buell's patented Uniplanar chassis, which restricted engine vibration by using a system of rods, joints, and rubber mountings. Only 50 RR1000's were built before t...
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Britten V1000

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : New Zealand Motorcycles 
The Britten is an extraordinary bike built by an extraordinary man. John Britten ignored convention when he built this motorcycle and came up with an elegant and inspired machine. The 60 degree v-twin engine is an integral part of the chassis to which the front and rear suspension are bolted. In fact, almost every part of the Britten performs at least two functions. If also looks brilliant. The Britten performed well in International Battle of the Twins racing and in the early nineties was pr...
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Norton Commando Interstate MKIII 850 ES

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles 
Norton was on the verge of bankruptcy by 1975 when this motorcycle, the final version of the Commando was produced. Based on 1973's MKI 850, the MKIII was fitted with an electric starter in addition to the kick-starter. It had tuned silencers, lockheed disc brakes front and rear, left hand gearchange, halogen lightening, and a full compliment of accessories. Nothing could conceal the age of the design and compared to the increasingly sophisticated Japanese opposition it was very dated, though...
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BSA Rocket 3

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles 
The three cylinder Rocket 3 or A75 was launched in Britain in 1969. The BSA/Triumph group had to act quickly to catch up with Honda, which was known to be developing a four. The Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident were similar, though BSA's engine design had its cylinder block tilted forward where the Triumph's was vertical. This bike is from 1970, BSA ceased production the following year.



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Matchless G45

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 24, 2014, In : British Motorcycles 
Developed by the AJS race shop for the 1952 season, the G45 was based on the 500cc parallel-twin that came fourth in the 1951 Manx Grand Prix. Twin Amol Grand Prix carburettors, a Lucas racing magneto, and a rev-counter drive were standard along with the Burman racing gearbox. The engine included a one piece forged steel crank, alloy barrels, and triple valve springs. Seventeen G45's entered the 1955 Senior race and only 10 finished. Although the G45 was not successful compared to other model...
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Honda CBR 1100 Blackbird

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 24, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles 
Motorcycle makers have always wanted to make the fastest motorcycle on the market. Kawasaki claimed the title in 1990 with its ZZR 1100, and it wasn't until six years later that Honda was able to respond. Placing a 164 bhp engine in an aerodynamic motorcycle weighing 241 kg ( 531 lbs ) resulted in a top speed of 285 km/h ( 177 mph ). However, the Blackbird is also docile, easy to ride at low speed, comfortable, and has surprisingly agile handling. It combines the punch of a boxer with the man...
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Ducati 916 SPS

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles 
The Ducati 916 is one of the best looking and most successful motorcycles ever built. Hailed as a design classic, it has won six World Superbike championships and it remains an object of desire for ordinary motorcyclists. The technology for the 916 was developed from the mid eighties by Ducati engineer Massimo Bordi, who took Ducati's trademark 90 degree V-twin and added water cooling, four valve cylinder heads, and fuel injection. The chassis is also a Ducati trademark. The tubular steel tre...
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Triumph T595 Daytona

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : British Motorcycles 
Six years after Triumph's 1991 re-launch, the company entered the lucrative supersports market with the T595, built to compete with the market leading Honda Fireblade and charistmatic Ducati 916. The motorcycle used Triumph's trademark three-cylinder set up and the Daytona name from the earlier models, but almost everything else was new. Though lighter, more powerful, and better looking than its predecessor, the T595's reputation suffered when some early motorcycles were recalled because of a...
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Suzuki GT 750

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles 
Launched in 1971, Suzuki's GT 750 made an immediate impact thanks to its radical design and rapid acceleration. Building on its own success in the 1960's with racing two-strokes, Suzuki decided to create a large capacity, multi-cylinder sports motorcycle for road riders. Suzuki's first venture into the superbike market was largely successful, the GT stayed in production for five years. The three cylinders were arranged in-line across the frame, which could cause the middle cylinder to overhea...
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BMW R60

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : German Motorcycles 
Having begun Post-War production with pre-war models, BMW's road motorcycles were comprehensively redesigned in 1955. The front and rear suspension on the new frames were provided by pivoting forks. The steering geometry and the strength of the new front suspension was ideal for sidecar use, and the BMW became the definitive sidecar machine. The combination shown here consists of a 1965 R60 mated to the classic German built Stieb sidecar. Special sidecar gearing was offered bu most manufactur...
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History Of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Posted by Larry Clark on Thursday, January 9, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles 
Harley-Davidson got it's humble start when William Harley and Arthur Davidson produced the first production motorcycle in 1903. The motorcycle was to be a racing bike, and was built in a small shed wooden with the words Harley-Davidson Motor Company written on the front door. One year later Harley-Davidson had put out 3 production motorcycles for the public.

In 1905 Harley-Davidson wins it's first race and hires it's first employee. Three years later, in 1908, Harley-Davidson sold the first mo...
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Test Riding Motorcycles

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 16, 2013, In : Motorcycle Couriers 
To enjoy working as a motorcycle courier you must love riding motorcycles. If you look on it as just earning a living you'll end up loathing the job. I love everything motorcycle and have been riding motorcycles a long time, and still get a buzz every time I get on one. I'm luckier than most. I have a good friend that owns a motorcycle showroom. I test ride motorcycles for him when I have time and have ridden most makes and models.

I believe the more motorcycles you ride the better rider you ...
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Royal Enfield Desert Storm

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 16, 2013, In : British Motorcycles 
Thousands of Royal Enfield Bullets were painted olive drab green, and desert beige during the Second World War, and saw action on all fronts. The Indian Army used them from 1949, and that paved the way for them still being around today.
I still look on the Royal Enfield as being a British Motorcycle even though its now made in India. Hence I've put this blog in the British Motorcycle category. As for the Desert Storm, far from being cheesy retro lash-ups, this Desert Storm ( and its Battle Gre...
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1988 Honda VFR750 RC30

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 9, 2013, In : Japanese Motorcycles 
Honda's RC30 is quite possibly the greatest motorcycle ever built. Not only was every motorcycle hand assembled by Honda Racing Corporation ( HRC ) in very limited numbers, the technology inside the great V4 engine is breathtaking. Add to this the beautiful styling and the fact it dominated just about every race series it ever entered, and you have a motorcycle that transcends legend.



The V4 engine is a work of art, inside the 16-valve 360-degree 'big bang' V4 motor gear driven cams run on bal...
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Triumph Speed Triple R

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, September 1, 2013, In : British Motorcycles 

The Triumph Speed Triple is Hinckley's best selling model, with over 50,000 shifted since its launch in 1994, the naked bike is an icon, instantly recognisable and a machine that encapsulates the fresh spirit within Triumph. And now the spirit has gained even more sporting ability.

Specification
Price : £11,299 (£11,899 with ABS)
Engine : 1050cc 12v dohc inline triple
Power : 133bhp@9400rpm
Torque : 82lb.ft@7750rpm
Transmission : 6 speed, chain drive
Tyres : 120/70-17; 190/5-17
Kerb Weight : 212kg
F...
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