When it comes to motorcycle jackets, you want something that balances the need to look like you own the road and enough protection to keep you from becoming part of the road. Viking Cycle, a brand based out of California, has been turning heads with their attention to detail and security in their full range of motorcycle clothing for men and women. The best part is the price tag.
Overview of the Bloodaxe Motorcycle Jacket
Out of the box, the Bloodaxe looks awesome and feels awesome. When the jacket first goes on, you’ll notice it’s a bit stiff—but it does loosen up with some wear, as good leather should. The zippers have solid construction, open and close smoothly, and lay well when you’re riding.
The biggest advantage of the Viking Cycle Bloodaxe isn’t the awesome name but the amount of storage. You won’t believe the amount of storage space you have with this jacket. There’s so much, it’s almost ridiculous.
There is a headphone wire system that you can feed into the collar of the jacket, earphone pockets, a media player pocket, cellphone pocket with 3 second access, 2 knife and pen pockets, an eyeglass pocket, a pocket designed to find a 10-inch tablet, extendable keyholder, and another pocket that can fit travel documents and your wallet. The pockets have a unique “no bulge” design, so even if you somehow managed to stuff every single compartment this jacket has, it will still look flat and sleek and not like a bubble jacket. Overall, it sits nice on the body and doesn’t feel stifling.
The sizing does run a little small. Someone around 5 foot, 10 inches, 180 pounds will fall into the M-L range, depending on how much you want to bundle up. If you take out the thermal lining or don’t want to wear a lot of clothing underneath, you might want to size down to prevent the jacket from floating on you.
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Specifications
(listed adapted from vikingcycle.com)
- Construction – Drum-dyed soft genuine cowhide leather (milled buffalo), padded shoulders, and Viking cycle level 1 removable “armor” on elbows and spine; two intake vents on the top of the shoulders and exhaust vents in the back
- External Storage – 2 zippered chest pockets, 2 zippered side pockets, and a single sleeve pocket
- Internal Storage – 2 secured zippered pockets and a secret compartment
- Adjustability – waist snaps and sleeve zippers
- Visibility – High viz stripes located on the back and shoulders
Pros
- Sag and wrinkle resistant
- Wind and water resistant
- Abrasion resistant
- A ton of hidden pockets on the internal side of the jacket
- CE marked armor in the back and shoulders – comfortable and stays in place while riding around
- Budget-friendly cost without a lack of quality and safety
- Stylish design
Cons
- Can be hot – the jacket has a thermal lining and is heavy, so it can be oppressive in the summertime even with the vents open. For that reason, it might not be ideal for moving in slower paced traffic;
- CE armor level could be higher.
Warranty Info
Viking Cycle offers a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty on all of their products. This means that any defects or imperfections that you find are covered. The warranty does not cover wear and tear or damages caused from improper care.
This might raise some questions about durability, since some production errors or faults can take a few days or weeks to appear.
If you start to notice something odd going on with the jacket that you didn’t cause, you can contact Viking Cycle at info@vikingcycle.com with the order number and a photo of the defect to get an exchange or refund.
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Conclusion
Honestly, for the quality of the jacket, you would expect to pay more for it than you do. The name might be a bit for metal than what this motorcycle jacket offers, but the sleekness of the design, paired with the sound construction and unheard of amount of storage makes it a clear winner. If you’re looking for a balance of style and safety without breaking your bank, I recommend the Viking Bloodaxe motorcycle jacket for your wardrobe.
Looking for more details about choosing motorcycle jackets and other riding gear? Then check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel today!
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How To Push Start A Motorcycle
Any serious motorcyclist will know the essentials, like wearing appropriate safety gear, proper riding position, turning mechanisms, and how to do a push start. Wait, you don’t know how to clutch start a motorcycle? What happens if you can’t start the motor with the switch? Good thing you’re here. In just a few steps, you can learn how to effectively push start a motorcycle and get riding in no time.
Before You Push Start
There are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on push starting (also called bump starting and clutch starting) your bike. First, push starting isn’t the ideal method, and it sometimes doesn’t work.
Next, if your motorcycle isn’t starting, check some things that sometimes prevent a motorcycle from starting:
- Ignition kill switch – make sure the kill switch is set to the STOP position.
- Fuel level – your fuel gauge could be faulty, so pop the cap and check to make sure you’re not running on E.
- Fuel petcock – if you have a non-EFI bike, make sure the fuel tap petcock is OFF.
- Kickstand – some bikes have an added safety feature that prevents it from starting if the kickstand is down.
- Gear set in neutral – if the gear is engaged, the bike will refuse to start. Do a double-check.
If none of these apply to your situation, then it’s time to push start your bike.
How To Push Start
Follow these steps in the order listed.
Find A Hill
While you could get a few friends to push your motorcycle, you’re not always going to be traveling in a group. When that happens, you need to find yourself a hill. Steep slopes help you get to the proper speed to bypass the start system.
On a flat road? Don’t despair. If you can push the bike at a reasonable speed then jump on and release the clutch, you can still do a push start.
Engage 2nd or 3rd Gear
A lesser known trick to a successful push start is to avoid 1st gear and go straight to 2nd or 3rd gear. Avoid 1st gear entirely if your bike as a high compression engine.
The reason why skipping 1st gear is important is because you could potentially lock the rear tire, which would result in a crash.
Clutch, Release, and Start
Start moving down the hill to get speed while holding the clutch. As you start to gain momentum, release the clutch and press the start button in a seamless motion. Quickly apply some throttle, and the motorcycle should start. As soon as the bike is roaring, engage the clutch.
It’s important to stay in full control of the motorcycle. Please do this as far from traffic as possible, just in case you end up swerving.
If this doesn’t work on the first try, don’t give up. Stop. Reset yourself, and repeat the first three steps again.
Rev That Engine
This is the final step—the most integral. If you don’t immediately rev the engine, the motorcycle will die again. Stay focused.
Depress the clutch slightly and moderately rev the engine. Don’t let it scream. Keep the revving slightly high so the motor doesn’t choke down. The worse case scenario if you don’t rev the motor is that the bike will die, and you don’t want that—especially since you’ll still be rolling down a hill.
Optionally, once you have the engine running, you can switch to neutral and apply the brakes while revving the engine. This will help you stay focused on keeping the engine from choking. This works best if the motorcycle is cold.
Get Riding
Once the engine has warmed up, do a quick ride to make sure everything is working as it should. Remember that your safety is the most important thing when push starting a motorcycle. Be sure to practice the push starting methods a few times before attempting it for real out on the road. You should be wearing protective gear and be away from traffic. If not, you could seriously hurt yourself and others.
That wraps up how to push start a motorcycle. Just follow the steps that have been outlined, commit to safety, and you will soon be push starting like the pros!
Enjoy reading this article? Get more motorcycle tips and tricks by subscribing to my YouTube channel.
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The Ultimate List Of Motovloggers On YouTube
What Is A Motovlog?
Simply put, motovlogging is when you attach a camera to yourself or your motorcycle and record your ride. Wikipedia defines it as:
A motovlog is a type of video log recorded by a person while riding a motorcycle. The word is a neologism and portmanteau derived from “motorcycle”, “video” and “log”. A rider who creates video blogs known as a moto blogger, and the action of making motovlogs is called motovlogging. Most motovloggers upload their videos on YouTube, and the network of motovloggers here is known as the motovloggers community.
Who Was The First MotoVlogger?
While it’s specifically documented when the first motovlog was created, the earliest motovlogging channels on Youtube is M13 which started in 2006.
Mordeth13
Are you looking for motovloggers to follow?
Since then the motovolgging community has exploded. Each rider has a different style of riding, a different sense of humor, and a different style of teaching.
While I’m positive this isn’t a complete list, I’m sure you’ll find a channel here that will peak your interest. Make sure you check back frequently because I’ll be adding to this list.
If you’re a motovlogger that would like to added to this list simply follow me on YouTube and fill out my contact form and I’ll get you added!
Check Out These Articles:
Shout Out To PhatboyR6 and No.Bumpers for helping me come up with this collection of motovloggers. So here they are in no particular order!
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Where Can I Sell My Motorcycle?
If you have made the decision to sell your motorcycle, whether because you want to upgrade or because you have different priorities, knowing where to sell your bike is as important as knowing what to ask for it.
Selling your bike is already a difficult enough decision in many cases, so there is no need for the added stress of knowing the best place to sell your motorcycle. These tips can help you find the perfect place to sell your bike and will provide you with some tips that could make the process go more smoothly. You can find a few more tips on how to sell your motorcycle here.
Where Can I Sell My Motorcycle Offline?
Selling a motorcycle offline may not be as difficult as you think. You can place a “For Sale” sign on the bike when it is parked in your yard and it is possible someone riding by may decide it is the perfect bike for them. You can also take out an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper, although you will need to pay for the ad whether the bike sells or not. If there is a bulletin board in your neighborhood where people post about lost pets or yard sales, ask if you can post a sign about your motorcycle.
Tell your friends, family and co-workers that your bike is for sale. They may know someone who is in the market.
If you are selling your bike because you want to upgrade, talk to the dealer about trading in your old bike on a new one. Keep in mind that a dealer may offer you less for the bike than you could get if you sold it yourself, but it would eliminate the hassle of selling it yourself.
Offline Selling Options:
Dealership: Selling your motorcycle to a dealership can be a convenient option if you’re looking to trade it in for a new model. While you may receive a lower offer compared to selling it privately, it eliminates the hassle of handling the sale yourself.
Local Newspaper: Placing an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper can reach potential buyers in your community. However, you’ll need to pay for the ad, regardless of whether your bike sells or not.
Front Lawn: Putting up a “For Sale” sign on your bike while it’s parked in your yard might catch the eye of passersby, leading to potential buyers.
Flea Market or Motorcycle Show: Participating in flea markets or motorcycle shows can expose your bike to a targeted audience of enthusiasts who might be interested in purchasing it.
Bulletin Boards: Check if there are bulletin boards in your neighborhood where you can post a sign about your motorcycle for sale.
Advantages of Offline Selling:
When you sell your motorcycle offline, one cool thing is that you can reach folks right in your own community. You might get lucky with someone riding by, checking out your “For Sale” sign, and thinking, “Hey, that’s the perfect bike for me!” Plus, you get to have those face-to-face interactions with potential buyers. It’s a chance to show off your bike in person, talk about its features, and make a more personal connection.
Disadvantages of Offline Selling:
Now, the downside of selling offline is that your audience is more limited compared to the vast world of the internet. You’re sticking to your local turf, and not everyone in your community might be interested in buying a motorcycle at that moment. It can take some time and effort to find the right buyer, and you might need to keep at it for a while.
Also, if your motorcycle is kind of niche or unique, you might not find the right audience nearby. It’s like trying to sell an old-school chopper in a town that’s all about sportbikes. You might not find the perfect match for your bike’s awesomeness.
Where Can I Sell My Motorcycle Online?
There are many different online options you can use to sell your bike. Craigslist is a free online advertising service, but keep in mind that some of the people who use the service are not above-board. If a buyer wants to purchase the bike from a Craigslist ad, insist on cash or certified funds at the time of the sale.
Ebay is another option for selling your bike, especially if it is unique or hard-to-find. You do not pay for listing your bike on Ebay until it sells and the buyer will pay for any shipping costs. It could be difficult, however, to find a company that will ship your bike so you want to research shipping prior to listing the bike for sale.
Online Selling Options:
Craigslist: Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform where you can post your motorcycle ad for free. However, exercise caution as there might be some scammers and fraudsters on the platform. Insist on cash or certified funds for a safe transaction.
eBay: eBay offers a broad audience, making it suitable for unique or hard-to-find motorcycles. You only pay a fee when your bike sells, and the buyer covers shipping costs. Research shipping options before listing your bike.
Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace has gained popularity for buying and selling motorcycles and parts. With a large user base, it’s an accessible platform to reach potential buyers.
Facebook Groups: Joining motorcycle-specific Facebook groups can connect you with enthusiasts interested in your type of bike.
Motorcycle-Specific Websites: Platforms like Motorcycle.com, CycleTrader, and RumbleOn focus on motorcycles, ensuring your ad reaches a targeted audience.
Facebook Marketplace
Recently Facebook Marketplace has become really popular for buying and selling motorcycles and motorcycle parts. You can discover bikes for sale near you. Easy to use on your phone or your desktop, and most people already have a Facebook account.
Take a look at a few other places you can sell your sportbike online:
The Best Apps to Sell My Motorcycle
One option for selling your bike online, designed specifically for buying or selling motorcycles, is RumbleOn. The site is available as a mobile app that allows you to put in all the info about your bike, take photos and upload to the site. RumbleOn sends you a Cash Offer Voucher that is good for three days. If you agree, they come get the bike and handle all the paperwork.
CycleTrader is another app that allows you to sell motorcycles and also includes reviews available online.
These apps are available in the Apple or Google Play Store:
Google Play Store Apps
On Apple Itunes Apps
Advantages of Online Selling:
Selling your motorcycle online opens up a whole world of possibilities! You get a way bigger audience, reaching potential buyers from different corners of the globe. It’s like your bike is getting the red carpet treatment, and people from all over can admire its beauty.
And the best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your own home, sipping on a cup of coffee. No need to put on pants or leave the house. Just hop online, snap some pics of your awesome bike, and let the internet do its magic. It’s super convenient, accessible 24/7, and you can connect with buyers from anywhere with an internet connection.
The online world gives you cool options for targeted advertising too. If you’ve got a sporty beast, you can hit up those motorcycle-related websites and social media groups where fellow speed enthusiasts hang out. Talk about getting your bike in front of the right crowd!
Disadvantages of Online Selling:
But hey, the internet isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. There are a few things to watch out for when selling online. Scammers and fraudsters like to lurk in the shadows of certain platforms, so you’ve got to be vigilant. Don’t worry though, we’ll tell you how to deal with those bad apples in a bit.
Also, dealing with inquiries and negotiations online can sometimes feel like you’re running a 24/7 customer service hotline. It can take up some of your time, replying to messages and answering questions. But hey, it’s all part of the game, right?
Oh, and shipping logistics, that can be a bit of a headache. Especially if your motorcycle is a big boy. You’ve got to figure out how to get it from point A to point B without a scratch. But don’t worry, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Consider A1Autotransport to transport your vehicle.
Warning about Scams and How to Avoid Them:
Now, let’s talk about those pesky scammers. They’re like the gremlins of the internet, always trying to cause trouble. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to keep you safe from their tricks.
First things first, when someone wants to buy your bike, insist on cold, hard cash or certified funds. No personal checks or money orders. Those things can be faker than a unicorn.
If you’re meeting up with a potential buyer, be smart about it. Choose public places with cameras or bring a buddy along for backup. Safety first, always!
And before you hand over your precious motorcycle, make sure any certified funds are legit and safely cleared in your account. No funny business!
Remember, this is about selling your bike, not your life story. Be cautious about sharing personal info with potential buyers. Stick to talking about your motorcycle and its amazing features.
One last thing – do some online sleuthing. Research the buyer’s profile and reputation if you can. It’s like giving them a background check to make sure they’re the real deal.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a scam-fighting superhero, ready to conquer the online selling world! Stay safe and sell that motorcycle like the boss you are!
Avoid Scams When Purchasing a Mortocycle With This Checklist
Insist on Cash or Certified Funds: Avoid accepting personal checks or money orders, as they can be forged or canceled. Insist on cash or certified funds for a secure transaction.
Meet in Safe Locations: If meeting with a potential buyer, choose public places with surveillance cameras or bring a friend along for added safety.
Verify Payment: Before handing over the motorcycle, ensure that any certified funds are legitimate and have cleared in your account.
Don’t Share Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information with potential buyers. Stick to discussing the motorcycle details.
Research Buyer’s Information: If selling online, research the buyer’s profile and reputation if possible to gauge their credibility.
By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and ensure a safer selling experience.
In conclusion, selling your motorcycle can be a challenging decision, but with the right approach and platform, you can find the perfect buyer. Offline options offer localized reach and personal interactions, while online platforms provide access to a broader audience. To safeguard against scams, practice caution, and follow best practices when dealing with potential buyers. Good luck with your motorcycle sale!
If you want more information on selling your motorcycle or need tips on getting the best price for your bike, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
