The motorcycle jacket is one of the most iconic artifacts of biker culture, especially in public consciousness. When people picture a motorcyclist, they tend to envision someone clad in a well-made, well-fitted leather jacket.
With the continuous advancement of material sciences, the constant diversification of motorcycles themselves, and the rather varied climates of a global society, there are a plethora of jackets to choose from.
You’re bound to find the jacket that’s ideal for you, but there are a few variables to consider, such as what you find comfortable, the climates you’ll be riding in, and the type of motorcycle you’re going to use.
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The Four Motorcycle Jacket Styles
There are basically for style groups, when it comes to these jackets – Cruiser, Racing, Sport/Street and Adventure Touring/Dual Sport. Each of these has its own strengths, making them ideal for a specific riding style. Surprisingly, no single type of material/textile is standard for any given style of jacket either.
- Cruiser – This is the classic motorcycle jacket that most picture – the icon, the stereotype. While most commonly seen in leather, they’re also available in many other styles, with a focus on comfort and aesthetic. These are ideal for casual riders and those that use their motorcycle as transportation going about their daily lives.
- Racing – Racing jackets are distinctive for their tight fit and somewhat “space age” appearance. The tight fit is to prevent wind resistance, and the distinct appearance is due to flex panels designed to allow mobility while providing padding against abrasions from dangerous high-speed offs. They tend to have a narrower collar, and a zipper to fasten to racing pants (preventing ride up).
- Sport/Street – These jackets are a casual modification of racing jackets, taking the slower speeds into account. They’re distinguished by the less prominent flex panels and the looser fit focusing on comfort. Seasonal jackets of this sort also include insulation and ventilation to help keep the rider cool or warm in harsh conditions.
- Adventure/Dual Sport – This is a less common style of jacket, used primarily by those whom go on long rides across varied, often rough climates and terrains. They look like nothing more than a survival jacket imitating a racing jacket, with pockets for gear, layers of insulation and impact padding, and a form-hugging design with an additional fastening around the neck. These are ideal for winter riding, or those long trans-continental adventures.
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Important Motorcycle Jacket Factors To Consider
There are important factors to consider, which will determine the material you choose, and the style of jacket most suited to your needs.
- Leather or Textile – The first decision you’ll want to make is if you want leather or textile. Leather has a classic look, and many regard it as quite comfortable. However, its real strength is in its resistance to abrasion. However, for comfort and versatility in multiple climates and weather conditions, textiles tend to outperform it. This all comes down to whether you want comfort in various climates, or wish to focus on the durability of leather.
- Visibility/Reflectivity – While many would argue that subtlety is a sign of good everyday design, a jacket that catches the eye can actually be a major boon to safety. You want people to see you, and be aware of your presence and location on the road!
- Liners and Armor/Padding – If you ride in a temperate area with both hot and cold weather, you may want to look for a jacket with removable or all-weather lining that can help keep you warm in the winter, without the jacket cooking you in the summer. Similarly, even if you’re not a dare devil (and you shouldn’t be!), focusing on padding/armor around the chest, back and shoulders is also important, as these are areas where damage can be the worst if you have a nasty off.
- Fitment – Finally, you want a jacket that fits you well, and comfortably. It can be hard to find one that’s a perfect fit, but many styles of jacket have fitment adjustments on the waist and slides on the sleeves, which provide just the right amount of hug or slack for your personal comfort standards. You don’t want to wear a jacket that’s too tight or constrictive, cutting off circulation. The fatigue from this can lead to serious dangers.
To learn more about the different styles of jackets, which ones suit which styles of riding, and much more about the adventurous world of motorbiking, subscribe to my YouTube channel today!
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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.
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My First Motovlog
Hi Everyone! This is my first motovlog! I’m riding a 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6. Don’t forget to subscribe and comment!!
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What to Expect at a Beginner Rider Course
If you want to gain valuable experience, then you go to school. The same applies to motorcycle riding. When you sign up for the Beginner or Basic Rider courses that are available from multiple organizations throughout the U.S., you are taking a giant step forward. Here is what to expect:
Pre-Course Assignment
The assignment that you receive is dependent on the organization that you sign up with. Make sure you do this work, because you will be better prepared for what is to come in the class. You are welcome to take notes, write down questions to ask the instructor, and familiarize yourself with the terminology.
Necessary Items
When you have class, you should bring your student handbook, a notepad, pen, and some food items for snacks and lunch. These classes will last for most of the day, so be prepared for a full day of learning and moving.
You should wear jeans with ankle boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, and a DOT-legal helmet. Some schools will have helmets to borrow if you don’t have one. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to attend the class if you don’t have the appropriate gear.
Also, regardless of the weather, the class will go on. Be prepared for cold mornings. Lightweight layers are best, because you can peel them off as you get hot. You should also wear a waterproof jacket, boots, and gloves, just in case it rains.What Happens In The Class
The class structure depends on statewide regulations and the course provider. However, most programs cover the same points. The courses are completed within two days, although you can sign up for more advanced courses later on.
First Day
On the first day of the Basic Rider Course, you don’t want to be late. Anyone who arrives late has a direct impact on how much information you receive—and you don’t want to miss anything. Before you turn on the engine, you need to sign some liability papers and other paperwork. You might be asked to introduce yourself and talk about what experience you have on a motorcycle. It’s fine if you have zero experience, because the class is designed for beginners. Relax and enjoy the chance to make new riding buddies.
The first half of the day talks about basic riding mechanics. This should be considered review if you did the pre-course assignment. If you jotted down any questions in your notes, this is the time you ask.
The first riding exercise doesn’t send you off down the road with no assistance. You review the handlebar controls once again. You mount, dismount, and turn the vehicle on and off. You then get a feel of the manually-operated clutch. Gradually, you get familiarized with the motion of the bike
The exercises thereafter include riding in a straight line, shifting gears, turning and cornering. The class is paced to allow for you to absorb this information is quickly or slowly as you need.
Second Day
The second day builds off the operations you picked up on the first day. Now, you can get more technical and polish those skills. The session begins with practice of slow speed maneuvering, emergency braking, swerving, and more cornering.
Once these drills are complete, you are assessed on your competency. The riding test will be the most stressful part of the day, because you need to successfully complete the exercises. If you don’t pass, you can retest for free; but if you fail twice, consider that riding a motorcycle might not be for you.
Other Things To Expect
There’s a reason you sign a liability form. You could tip over or crash during the hands-on section of the course. Don’t worry, though. This, too, is practice. Once you have fallen a few times, you get the hang of controlling the bike. You will receive advice for staying upright from a professional instead of having to figure it out yourself.
All in all, a Basic Rider Course is an excellent choice for all new riders who want to gain valuable experience before hitting the road. Though the course only lasts for two whole days, you learn much more than you probably expect. Go in with an open mind and leave riding your motorcycle. After that, the road is yours to master.
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