A leather motorcycle jacket is the perfect choice for riding your motorcycle. It's also a long term investment so you should know about caring for your leather motorcycle jackets.

Leather is durable and designed to last a long time with very little effort. Here are some tips to keep that jacket looking great.

How much actual care your jacket will need will depend on how much abuse your jacket takes. How much time it is in the hot sun or how much rain you expose it to will play a role in how much conditioning you'll need to give your leather.

If your leather starts to look and feel dry it's time to condition it. Rain is really hard on leather because it pulls the moisture out of the skin. It's actually a good idea to condition your jacket every time you wear it in the rain.

There are two schools of thought for conditioning your jacket. Many prefer mink oil is a good choice. It waterproofs it by clogging the pores similar to the way Vaseline would. Eventually it will dry out the leather and it may even leave a whitish haze when it solidifies in the colder weather. You can also use a Lexol type leather conditioner for your jacket.

If you don't treat your jacket and protect it from UV rays it will fade over time. Black leather is really susceptible to fading. Use a product like Aerospace Protectant to prevent fading. These products also condition the leather. It's rather like a sunscreen for your leather jacket.

To keep your leather dry use a spray water repellent which will protect you in mild to moderate rain falls. However don't expect it to save you in a major down pour which will soak through the leather. When spraying make sure to spray evenly and let it completely dry, otherwise you will get horrible lines in the leather.

Besides treating your leather jacket you should wipe it down with a damp cloth regularly. This will remove any surface dirt. When you are storing it you need to make sure that there is room all around it so it can breathe otherwise it may dry out.

Whenever you are using any of these cleaners or protectants you need to make sure the room is properly vented.

Never use hair gels or sprays or colognes or perfumes near your jacket. In fact avoid the use of any sprays near it.

If your coat gets wet while you are out then hang to dry where it can breathe but not directly near any heat. If your jacket develops a wrinkle just use a towel and your iron to remove it.

If you haven't yet purchased your jacket look for the best grade of leather you can afford. Always choose a full grain leather and settle for nothing less. It doesn't have to break the bank if you shop online.

Leather motorcycle jackets are as easy as any other leather product to care for and with a little TLC they'll last forever. What a great investment!

Whenever a motorcycle part needs to be replaced, there are two options the bike owner has. He can avail himself of original equipment manufacturers (OEM), or of aftermarket parts.

OEM

OEM parts are the components of the motorcycle that come with the vehicle when purchased directly from the vendor; they are brand new and unchanged. This means that replacing a component of your motorcycle with an OEM part is like replacing it with an original part used to setup your motorcycle. OEM parts are outsourced to a third party company that supplies the component needed for the motorcycle. These parts are workable, but tend to be more expensive, since they are considered to be original parts.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are basically non-OEM parts that are manufactured to work in place of original parts. They could be lower, equal, or higher in terms of performance and the same in terms of pricing, although generally if they are meant to match the original part, they are cheaper.

Aside from pricing, an aftermarket motorcycle part may have a substantial advantage over an OEM part because of the high demand for customization of parts. It could simply be a change in the colors of the chassis and the appearance of the rims of the tires or the cables and sheaves inside the motors. The use of aftermarket parts can be for aesthetic values, performance reasons, and safety enhancements.

Warning

A word of warning when it comes to acquiring aftermarket parts: not all the manufacturers of aftermarket parts are accredited by the manufacturer of the motorcycle, which could mean that although the components may seem to fit the vehicle visually, there may be incompatibilities that are not evident and detectable at first. When using aftermarket parts, it is advisable to check these components before and after every ride.

Extended motorcycle warranties, also known as motorcycle service contracts, can save you money and ensure that your motorcycle is taken care of in the event of any problems. There are many different types of extended motorcycle warranties, as well as different places you can purchase them.

Often, you can purchase an extended motorcycle warranty from the dealership where you bought your motorcycle. However, if this is not an option, there are many other places where you can purchase these types of warranties, including brick and mortar companies and online.

When it comes to these types of warranties, you do not want to automatically go with the cheapest plan available. If you do, you could find yourself with a broken down car that you can't get fixed under the warranty. It's crucial to thoroughly research any extended motorcycle warranty that you are considering to make sure you understand exactly what is covered. It's also a good idea to shop around -- different companies offer different plans and rates.

Extended motorcycle warranties are not insurance plans, and should not be thought of as such. An extended motorcycle warranty extends the protection you receive with the initial warranty that comes with your motorcycle. The reason for an extended motorcycle warranty is simple -- repairs can be quite costly, especially on new motorcycles. This type of warranty protects you in the event of mechanical problems with your car.

It's prudent to purchase your extended warranty as soon as you can. The longer you wait to purchase one, the more you'll end up paying. If you can, purchase the extended warranty at the same time as your motorcycle. If you wait too long, you'll end up dealing with more expensive warranty providers and plans.

Make sure when purchasing an extended warranty that it covers your motorcycle in the events of both wear and tear and mechanical breakdown. It's important to understand exactly what you will receive with your warranty before purchasing. There can be a lot of confusing fine print when it comes to these plans, so choose a provider that you feel comfortable with. A good warranty provider will make sure you're aware of all the details of your plan, no matter how large or small.

When it comes to how much you'll pay for an extended motorcycle warranty, it will depend not only on the plan you choose and the company that offers it, but the type of motorcycle you have. For example, the extended warranty on a motorcycle that is known for safety and reliability will be less than the warranty on a high-powered sports car.

There are not only warranty plans for brand new cars, but used ones as well. However, it's likely that you'll need to deal with a third party provider with a used car rather than the dealership where you purchased it.

Before purchasing any kind of motorcycle warranty, check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the company you're dealing with has a satisfactory rating.

It is best and most advisable to look in the local papers, motorcycle weekly papers and bike magazines for used motorcycles. Used motorcycles are cheaper than new ones, and are the answer for anyone who wants a motorcycle but cannot afford a new one. Sometimes people buy used motorcycles just to get a feel of riding before buying the right motorcycle.

When buying a used motorcycle, it is better to check the body of the bike carefully for signs of rust or poor maintenance. Peeling paintwork with tape on the seat signifies repairs done on the bike, and you should think twice before buying the bike, unless it is got at a real bargain. Make sure that the tires have thread on them, as motorcycle tires cost more than car tires. Check to see if the chain is well oiled, and also check the exhaust for signs of rust on the underside of the muffler. Always take a used motorcycle for a test ride before buying it. If the owner doesn't agree to this, then don't buy the bike because some problems are only apparent when ridden.

If you are new to motorcycles, you should buy a four-stroke engine. It will give you fewer problems. Whenever you purchase a used motorcycle, it is important to check on the registration. Check to see if the engine number, the owner's name and the place the motorcycle were purchased matches the information given for registration. This is to prevent the possibility of buying a stolen bike.

Ever stop to wonder where the heck Bell motorcycle helmets went? After all for years it seemed like the Bell logo was everywhere you looked and it seemed a Bell helmet could be found hanging on every motorcycle.

During it's time Bell was the equivalent of a Shoei or Suomy helmet. Just like today you own a Shoei if you are serious, then you owned a Bell.

Bell began to disappear when it was bought by the Italian helmet manufacturer Bieffe. The name seemed to disappear from the motorcycle world but it became a household world in off road helmets and bicycle helmets around the world.

But recently the Bell name has reentered the motorcycle helmet world with some great designs for this season. Now they have a full line of Snell M2000 and DOT approved off road helmets and motocross helmets as well a line of open face street helmets.

The Mag 8 is one of those street helmets with its European style flair making it get noticed. Actually it is one of those styles you either love or hate. Personally I think it's a great looking helmet with a really cool open face design and it's also got a really comfortable fit.

In today's helmet market it's rather agreed upon that a full face helmet provides the ultimate in safety and that an open face helmet just isn't all that smart. But wait! Perhaps an open face isn't that bad.

Can't you feel that air across your face? An open face would be great in those hot summer months. And it would be a great choice for touring.

The shape of the Mag 8 works perfect for the round shaped head and it is available from small to extra large. It's a nice thin helmet that does the job well and you won't find any pressure points. And the ear pockets are huge so anyone with larger ears are going to love it.

And it is surprisingly quiet even with the thinner padding. This might be because the air flow is different and so there is no turbulence. You should find this helmet ultra comfy and quiet on your rides.

The visor is a fixed painted visor which has minimal lift at speeds in excess of 60 mph so that's not too bad at all. And because it overhangs it keeps the sun out of your eyes and lets the air slip through.

The friction mechanism on the visor resists the air pressure with no problem and you have an unlimited number of positions to choose from. The visor is crystal clear with a large viewing area.

The paint job on the helmet is great with a bright blue metal flake color that's vibrant! It shimmers and shines. The wide black bumper covers the bottom of the helmet and it's attached with the standard D-ring system. Its DOT approved so wear with confidence.

The open face helmet is not as popular as it use to be because a full face has become known for the additional safety features. That said this is a helmet that's worth considering. It' will be cool in the hot summer weather and it's so stylish and different. No more boring helmets here.

Discount motorcycle tires are a great buy, but only if you know how to choose the right ones. As motorcycle tires cost a bundle, investing in a pair of discount motorcycle tires is actually not a bad idea to put a curb on your expenses.

When buying discount motorcycle tires, make sure to check the tire pressure. This is because it is the air, and not the carcass, which supports the tire. Nowadays, underinflation of tires is considered to be a tire’s number-one enemy. For better traction during wet conditions, increase the air pressure by 10 percent. If you are not sure of the pressure of the motorcycle tire, you could look at the sticker found on the VIN plate, for the required pressure of the tire. Proper alignment is important for discount motorcycle tires, as proper alignment ensures better handling and longer wears of the tire.

Since improper balance of the motorcycle shortens tire life, it must be checked when buying discount motorcycle tires. This is mainly because its balance changes after 500 or 1,000 miles of use. Make sure that the valve stem cap of the discount motorcycle tire is securely fastened on the stem, as it is an important part of your tire’s sealing system. When buying discount motorcycle tires, make sure to buy tires of the same construction. This is because tires of different construction should never be run together; the results can be disastrous.

The best means of maintaining motorcycle tires is with soap and water. New protectants only promote cracking and finish the deterioration of the tire. Always remember to visually inspect your motorcycle tires before using them on the road, as setting off on a road trip with a nail in the tire could prove disastrous. It is always better to avoid potholes, curbs and sharp objects on roads that can compromise your discount motorcycle tire’s integrity.

There are all kinds of motorcycle jackets on the market including leather but isn't it time you knew the pros and cons of motorcycle leather? Well let's help you sort it all out.

Leather jackets have been around forever. In fact they've been around as long as the motorcycle itself. Usually they are made out of cowhide and they are available in either a long or short grain and different overall thicknesses.

The thickness is noted in mm and is tied to the amount of protection the jacket can provide. The stitching is also important. Leather pieces are thick and so if the stitching isn't solid that the seams let go.

There are all kinds of levels of quality in leather jackets and all kinds of protection levels. There's the very cheapest leather jacket which might look great for a night out but will give you no protection on your bike to the highest quality jacket that meet pro racing standards.

Leather jackets will cost you more than a textile jacket and they will last longer and are so nice and soft that they are ever so comfy. Today you can even by 50-50 mixes that are half textile and half leather.

Leather has plenty of pros. It is readily available and available in a huge number of colors and styles. It is easier to repair than you might think and so even if you wear out a spot it can easily be fixed. Leather is soft, well fitting, affordable, comfortable, and it provides plenty of protection. And because it's thick it provides good protection in the cooler months too.

There are also a few cons. Leather isn't water-resistant and when it gets wet it can shrink and be uncomfortable or impossible to wear. The dye colors are known for bleeding and black is the worst. Unless you specifically seek out ventilated leather they can become extremely hot to wear in the warmer months.

A leather jacket should protect you from strong impact blows, abrasion, or even puncture. In a perfect world no-one would ever have an accident or dump their bike, but we don't live in a perfect world. Leather addresses these issues and so do some other materials.

When looking to buy your jacket check for double stitching, foam in the joints, Kevlar, and rivets. Make sure you have room to put a sweater underneath in colder weather. Be especially mindful of the elbow and shoulder construction. Check the stitching to ensure it is even and has none missing. The leather should be at least 1 mm thick. Remember the thicker it is the more durable and protective the jacket is. Check pockets to make sure zippers work well and everything seals up nicely.

These jackets are available in a terrific number of styles and colors and it's too easy to get caught up in the fashion element and forget about the safety element.

You can easily have both. You just need to do a little research, read what each jacket has to offer, and shop at reputable motorcycle apparel sites. Now that you know the pros of motorcycle leathers you're ready to start shopping.

You've bought the perfect motorcycle. Took a great deal of time doing your research before you made the purchase so you know you got the best bike for you. But now you need to consider your gear and it's time to know your motorcycle gloves and boots options.

Your boots and gloves are very important to your overall safety. Many riders omit buying gloves but you should give them a try. You'll quickly realize what you have been missing.

The technology is incredible. You can buy gloves that will keep your hands warm in the winter or cool in the summer. You can purchase gloves with gel inserts that reduce the amount of vibration your hands will be exposed to. Some are even made from materials like Kevlar which are abrasive resistant and a great glove for riding.

For the average rider cruising gloves are the better choice over racing gloves. These gloves are made from nice soft leathers that are designed to protect against abrasion. The carbon fiber knuckle and fingers will protect your hands properly.

Held makes a great glove called the "Steve" that feels different than your average glove and the stitching and quality automatically makes them recognizable as a Held product. And it's one of the most resilient leathers on the market.

These gloves are made of Kangaroo leather and so they are a light tan color on the palm. Kangaroo leather is extremely strong and it's very light weight which mean sit can protect your hands while at the same time giving you lots of flexibility.

There are plenty of styles you can choose from. Just do your research and you'll be able to decide what you prefer. There are hundreds of styles to choose from.

Protecting your feet is as important as protecting your hands. Your boot needs to have a flexible sole so that walking is comfortable and not awkward. A waterproof inner layer is really important to keeping your feet warm and dry.

There are several excellent waterproof boots on the market and you can also find gloves that are waterproof. The prices are middle of the road and affordable for any rider.

There are all kinds of boot manufacturers. Some specialize in just motorcycle boots while others have a full line of shoes with them. What's most important is that the boot has the features you are looking for and fits like a glove.

Usually waterproof boots are made from lorica with a leather upper and large flex zone on the instep. The ankle support is very important to watch for as it keeps your foot safe and an injected PU at the heel is really a good investment too.

Motorcycle gloves, boots, jackets, and helmets are all important gear to help keep you safe. And it can also make you look very trendy so be sure to do your homework and shop around a little before you make your purchase. You can save a great deal of money just by shopping online at one of the great sites that sell motorcycle gear.

Mobility has traditionally been the greatest obstacle for people with a physical disability. The days of being limited to an electric wheelchair have come to an end. A British company has been working to develop a motorcycle for people with physical disabilities, and the results are nothing short of outstanding.

The manufacturer, Martin Conquest Ltd., has developed a motorcycle that is designed to driven from the rider’s wheelchair. Alan Martin, the creator of the aptly named Conquest, spent a number of years in research and development of this amazing motorcycle. He came up with the idea after his young son became physically disabled following an accident.

The Conquest is based upon the BMW 850cc or 1150cc motorcycles, and has an integrated aluminum shell that is reminiscent of a racing car. It was developed with the kind assistance of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability, and the Manchester Business School. The manufacturers have recently begun negotiations with Motability, a company that provides lease vehicles for people with a disability.

The Conquest has been available in Britain since August of 2005, and the company hopes to sell at least 100 motorcycles this year. The motorcycle is priced at approximately 18000.00£, which is close to 31000.00 American dollars. It may seem like a rather steep price for some, but for many it will be a small price to pay for the freedom of the road.

For people that have become used to the limitations of electric wheelchairs and have grown tired of being a passenger, this motorcycle will be a welcomed change. The 1150cc model is designed to accelerate from 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 85mph. The excitement this machine has been garnering cannot be properly stated. It has been thankfully received to extraordinary acclaim. It was the talk of the crowds at the Mobility Roadshow in Derbyshire, an exhibition of products for people with physical disabilities.

Martin Conquest Ltd. is now accepting orders for Spring 2006 delivery. Buyers can customize their new motorcycles to include metallic paint, CD players, rear parking sensors, fog lights, and more. Naturally, this motorcycle is going to be a massive success. A high performance motorcycle for people that have grown accustomed to limited mobility is bound to be refreshing. Watch out Peter Fonda! There is a new generation of Easy Riders!

Thousands of people die in motorcycle accidents each year. Hundreds more are severely injured. Research shows that wearing protective gear such as jackets and helmets can considerably reduce injuries. Hence, jackets are necessary for all motorcyclists.

Hundreds of companies today provide different types, sizes, and styles of motorcycle jackets for both men and women. Jackets can also be categorized according to the type of motorcycle riding, such as cruiser, racing, and others. Leather, textile, and mesh motorcycle jackets are popular among motorcyclists. While leather remains a favorite from old times, mesh and textile are catching up.

Some brands are more popular than others, and provide excellent quality jackets. Brands like Alpinestars, Fieldsheer, Firstgear, Icon, Joe Rocket, Shift, Carroll and Vanson offer high-quality motorcycle jackets.

Jackets come in different sizes, styles, colors, and shapes. Apart from the ready-made designs and sizes, there are jackets which are tailor-made for a precise fit. Companies like Classic Motorcycle Jackets offer customization options. Custom logos and designs are also provided by Leather Monograms Custom Designs.

Mesh jackets normally have an ‘open weave’. This enables thee movement of air inside the jacket. Such jackets are a blessing in warm weather. Besides providing relief during summer, such jackets also offer maximum protection. Usually, jackets offer a combination of armor and foam padding, and patches in the shoulders, elbows, and other high-impact places.

Different types of motorcycle jackets are available at Ride Gear, Bike Week Leathers, Vanson Leathers, Jamin Leather, Fox Creek Leather, Legendary USA, Classic Motorcycle Jackets, and the Bikers’ Den.

Motorcycle jackets offer protection from wind, cold, abrasion, heat, water, and accidents. Stylish and functional, they form an essential part of protective rising gear.

You've got a good chunk of money invested in your motorcycle and keeping your machine secure and safe is very important to you. There are several things you can do and adding a bike alarm is one of those things.

Motorcycle lovers have proven to love their bikes more than the average car owner investing quite a bit more money on them, especially in customizing them.

Each year more than 50,000 motorcycles are stolen. That's astounding and each year the numbers continue to grow which is of great concern. And what's really sad is that probably 75% of these thefts could have been prevented.

1. Think Smart

Common sense can go along way towards keeping your bike safe. Never leave the keys in the ignition if you aren't on the bike. Don't ever leave your bike in a way that would encourage someone to try to steel it.

2. Light It Up

Always park your bike in a place that is well lit and exposed to activity by people passing by. Never park it in a dark area such as an alley as it makes a great target then. Try to park in parking spots designated for motorcycles as they are commonly towards the front of the parking lot.

3. Bike Lock

A bike lock is a great way to ensure your bike stays right where you put it. By securely locking your bike chances are it will be bypassed for a simpler target.

There are several different styles of bike locks available each with a purpose so you will want to do some research to ensure you get the best style locks for your bike.

4. Bike Alarm

Your bike should have an immobilizer so that a theft can be stopped before it occurs. With an immobilizer it isn't worth your thieves' time to try and steal it. It's great for you.

Your bike alarm should also make plenty of noise. This will attract attention and scare off the thief before more damage can be done.

5. Two Way Paging

Many of the newest alarms offer two way paging which lets you not only become notified if there is a threat or problem, but also lets you control the alarm.

6. GPS

Tracking systems are a great way to keep tabs on your bike and they offer global coverage. They do however have a monthly fee attached to them.

7. Accessory Locks

Don't forget to also lock your accessories. This means your saddle bags, helmets, and chain, or any other potential target.

8. Alarm Warnings

Place alarm stickers on your bike letting others know that you have your alarm on your bike. Make sure they can easily be seen so that they can serve as a deterrent.

Layering your motorcycle security will increase your ability to keep your bike safe. Start with the bike alarm and incorporate these great ideas to make sure your bike stays right where it is suppose to be.

There are some great helmets on the market and that includes Arai motorcycle helmets with its world wide reputation. In fact once again Arai has scored #1 in the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet satisfaction studies. That's 6 years running - pretty impressive!

And of course for that quality and the number one helmet on the market you have to be prepared to spend a little more. All those Arai fans wouldn't have it any other way. But for the price a little bit of scrutiny is certainly in order.

There are other helmets that would be comparative to the Arai including the Shark RSR, Scorpion EX-700, or the Shoei RF-1000 all of which are plush and comfortable, and they are priced well. In fact they cost about one-third of the price of the Arai Quantum II.

Arai has three different shells - the round oval, long oval, and earth. They've also recently added the intermediate oval. Arai is the only manufacturer that offers more than one helmet shape and they should be recognized for it! A premium price is worth it for a premium fit. After all your helmet should fit like a glove shouldn't it?

The Quantum II does just that with its earth shape and sizing up to XL. The earth shape has been extremely popular with those that have an earth shaped head. Arai staff are trained to fit your Arai helmet to your head so stop by one of their dealers.

The Arai has great air flow through the chin vent which spills out onto your face. On some helmets it is directed to the back of the head. The front flow is great during the summer months but be warned if you spend much time on your motorcycle during the colder seasons this air can be real cold!

The biggest complaint it that the top vents have tiny rocker switches that open and close and during the colder months when wearing gloves you simply can't feel these little paddles. Gloves make the horizontal strips hard to maneuver too. Winter issues only.

The other draw back is the way the visor is removed. It's a poor system and not nearly as effective as the Shoei release. It's clumsy and has the extra pod to mess with. And it sounds awful when you remove it. But once you get use to it, it's okay.

As you can see the cons are really minimal. The Arai helmets are nice looking, reliable, well built, and they fit terrific. This makes them a great choice. But be prepared to dish out at least $600 and you might want to shop around a bit because there are other brands like Shoei which are available online at a much better price and yet they offer a comparable helmet.

Arai helmets are available only through their dealers and they are not allowed to move their products via the internet. This means they can better keep their prices on the high end.

Arai has a record for consistently providing the best in helmet comfort, quality, and safety and they have been doing that for more than 20 years. And safety is what it's all about right?

So if you are in the market for a new helmet consider an Arai motorcycle helmet but have a look at what else is available online. Then choose what's best for you.