Back to Back Issues Page
Here's The Motorcycle Touring Made Easy eZine
July 07, 2009

Motorcycle Touring Made Easy

....the eZine
....inside this issue

We encourage you to email our eZine to your friends.
Welcome to the Motorcycle Touring Made Easy eZine
Our goal with our website is to provide motorcycle touring information to others that would like to get involved or know more about motorcycle touring. We've spent the last year gathering information and getting it together on the site and now with our eZine we're looking to bring you more and up to date information directly to you.

We hope that you find this information helpful and forward this eZine on to all your friends and if someone has sent this to you, please go to our home page and subscribe to get your own monthly copy. Just fill out the form and your there!

Back to the top
Knowing the Basics - General Motorcycling
This month is all about the co-rider. That's right, the one on the back seat. That's right, you are not there for decoration so let's go over a few things that you affect. One is the balance of the bike. Mostly at low speeds but your weight and the position of it on the bike can cause the bike to shift suddenly. The affect on its center of gravity can cause a driver to drop the bike fairly easily so it's key that you communicate what you're doing before you do it.

Another thing that you can be doing during the ride is helping to look out for traffic. When a bike leans to navigate a corner the mirrors shift and the driver is no longer looking behind him but rather to the ground and to the sky. So carefully look back and double check traffic.

Talk this all over with your partner before going out on a ride. Find out where you can be helpful and not sound like a back seat driver. Oh and one last thing, back rubs for the driver are always appreciated.

Back to the top
Out on the Road - Riding and Safety
Okay so I'm going to talk about helmets. I know I know, not everyone wears helmets and that's your choice. I'm not going to into that aspect of the helmet discussion. If you do wear a helmet then, read on.

Any helmet you wear while riding a motorcycle should be DOT or SNELL approved. This way if you are wearing a helmet, you know it's one that has been tested and certified. If they do not have a DOT or SNELL label on it, don't buy it.

Now that you know what to look for in safety, check the weight of it. Does it feel light or heavy in your hands? Is it balanced? Remember, it's going to be on your head and any extra weight there can make it easier to injure your neck in a crash. So get something that feels good to hold. Then check the size. It should fit comfortably without any tight spots. Added pressure in areas on your head will create "hot spots" and make long riding uncomfortable.

Now for eye protection, face shield or glasses? That's a personal preference. Just remember one thing, if you have tunnels that you ride through in your area, get something that will allow you to go from tinted to clear on the fly. This way you can put get rid of the tint so you can see in the tunnels.

Back to the top
Keeping Garage Time Short - Maintenance Tips
Okay so it's halfway through the riding season and we've all just been loving some of the rides that we've been on. Let's keep enjoying that with a quick mid season check of the bike.

Depending on your miles, check you oil. Does it need a top off? How about a change? If you do change it, take care of the filter at the same time. They're only a few bucks and well worth the time and expense.

Check your differential oil to make sure the level is good, chain lube if you have a chain drive. Belt drives should also be looked at for proper tension and wear. And while you are down there, check the tires over real good. Look for signs of cord showing, cupping or bulges. All signs that you may need a replacement.

Last but not least, look over the entire bike and make sure everything is tight, yes that includes you Gold wingers too. You'd be surprised how easily some parts can work their way loose. Snug them down and use Loc Tite if needed.

So with those simple midyear checks, you'll have fun right through your fall foliage rides.

Back to the top
Our View On Parts - Product Review
Been hitting some rain lately? Cover your bike with a DOWCO Motorcycle Cover. I've had mine for years and it's still going strong. I have not seen any build up of mold or mildew and the zippers and elastic are still in great shape.

The cover is made of heavy material and is vented to reduce condensation from forming inside. The Guardian EZ has a zipper in the back to access trunks and bags easily. And the cover is reinforced where needed and lined to protect wind screens.

Check out all their products, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Dowco Website

Back to the top

If you have any information you'ld like to discuss, we have our new forum up and need YOUR input to get some great and current discussions going. Plus a new area to post "For Sale" items. See our Forum Here



Judy and I hope that you've enjoyed our eZine and if so, please send it on to your friends. If you have any tips that you would like to see posted on our site go to our tips page. We'll get them on our site and maybe use it in our eZine as well.

Also feel free to Contact Us with any questions or suggestions.

Back to the top
Back to Back Issues Page