So, Captain Andy What have you been doing?

"Training Sir!"

What kind of training?
"Motorcycle training Sir!"

Yes, this stuff takes time when you're waiting on helmets to compare, but I will report on the 3/4 and full face this week.

New helmets are being introduced weekly as everyone tries to get on the modular train. It seems that the popularity has grown, and once the word gets out, I believe that this design will be in a majority of new helmet sales.

Until later this week,

Two Fists In The Wind .... Too Little Time .... To be continued ....

Over the past month, I have been reviewing helmets, testing, DOT, Snell, and materials.

While there are certainly budget differences between buyer selection and why one helmet is picked over another seems to drop down to either price, design (color, graphics, shape, weight), or I'm in a hurry to ride "give me that one!".


While manufacturers test their own helmets and determine themselves if they are D.O.T. rated, the helmets may be tested and rated by D.O.T. during the current year and unless there is a problem, you may not see any helmet that passed this test published by someone other than D.O.T..


Then, there is the Snell test.

Who is Pete Snell?
Pete Snell
Check out this video:
Snell Video

The Snell test has an administrative fee and testing fees which could be $2000 for 10 sample helmets.

Manufacturers who pay for this test pass this fee on to the consumer, but they must have satisfaction of knowing the results.


Excerpts from the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program are in the following PDF FYI.
Missouri State Info&nbsp &nbsp


Just remember, each manufacturer may have a different sizing chart depending on where the helmet is manufactured.

In the near future, I will publish reviews on helmets. I hope to discuss fit, comfort, ventilation, quality of strap, visor, materials, features, and personal preferences.

Two Fists In the Wind .... Too Little Time .... To Be Continued!

During my trip to Ohio and back, I picked up a few things that should be filed away in your motorcycle do's and don'ts.

• Early in the morning, when the roads are dark and traffic is light, keep watching the rider(s) with you and don't become a 'deer in the headlights' and let your mind wander off so your attention to direction, brakes, and throttle are lost in the moment.
• Stop every hour as you may find that your legs may fall 'asleep' and you will notice that moving from highway bar pegs to regular pegs becomes difficult. Making the switch every 15 minutes or so should keep you active and remember that moving at 65 (speed!) will make your legs colder especially early in the morning.
• Berm: If you need to stop in traffic, you have to watch where you are in the lane. Most riders put their left foot down to balance the bike at a stop. This may be fine on a 2 lane highway, but riding the left lane on a dual lane, you may find that the drop off on the left side may be a problem because you won't be able to get your left leg to the ground without loosing balance. So, I suggest you ride right of center in the left lane and left of center in the right lane. However, in ridin with a group, you have to stagger bikes so if this is a problem keep extra distance between riders.
• Trailer loading. This was the first time I loaded my bike on a trailer. The 1st step is to have the trailer ramp at the lowest angle possible. You may have to back the trailer to a spot where the ramp is extended to the top of a small slope. 2nd be sure to center the bike to the center of the trailer. 3rd start about 15 feet away if possible so you have control of the speed and brakes. Usually your target is the front wheel chock in the front. Finally, once you have the front wheel up, let off the throttle and coast so you can stop with both feet down before you maneuver the front wheel, with the engine OFF, into the chock. Tie downs are not tricky but you don’t want to use the handlebars as a tie down spot, this could result in some expensive repairs if they bend.

Jackets:

After researching jackets for the past few months, I am of the opinion that you need to consider at minimum a good quality leather jacket and if possible get a jacket that has the padding in the back, shoulders, and elbows. Jackets are made with zip off panels so you have the ventilation in warmer weather and wind and rain resistance when you need it. To go with your purchase, get a good quality wide leather belt that will hold your cell phone case and you may also consider getting a wallet with the chain clip. It's a real problem if something flies off at speed.

When it comes to your purchase get something that is in your budget. Joe Rocket and Harley Davidson® FXRG® have top quality products. Harley has great style and most products have a great classic design for men and women. Joe Rocket has good products and their design is more of a sport style.

You can find some really expensive gear on the net, but get started and used to a jacket all the time. I prefer the fabric FXRG® removable panel type and it is really comfortable. For cooler temps I will go with my midweight leather jacket.

For sites an places to look, just shoot off an email and I will return the links I checked.

I spent the day reflecting and remembering the loss of life on 09/11.

The announcer stated that a pilot lost his way and accidently hit the World Trade Center. Duh!

My sister in law was working at the Pentagon and was lucky to have been about 500 feet from the impact area. My brother from Denver keep calling me at work and telling me that the towers were falling to the ground. I couldn't imagine that, but I wish I were on one of the planes because, believe me, I would have been giving the order to 'let's roll' to the cockpit.

God bless America, don't forget the service of our WWII, Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine, Navy veterans!

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued!

Well, what a trip! A little extended but back with tips on the ride that probably are not covered in a motorcycle riders course.

A shout out to those folks from the Sugar Shack in Friendsville, Maryland whom we met while taking a break off Route 68.

As for the trip, I packed light, took my Nelson-Rigg 'RiggPak' 450, one change of clothes, some tools, a camera, rain suit, flashlight, tire plug kit, extra bungee cords, water, vest, gloves, and basic essentials. As it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect!

The ride, although 489 miles long, was very scenic and comfortable. The extra seat padding that Sandy Payne added for me was like an easy chair going down the road. My brother rode half way with me (we split in Friendsville) and I missed riding with someone as I feel it makes the ride safer when you're with others.

Next time I will give you the safety details of the trip which will include loading and unloading your bike on a trailer. You may be surprised, I know I was when 'stuff happens'!

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued!

The 1st installment on boots is below.

Look for state recommendations, state laws on helmets and gear, and actual product reviews of gear discussed when possible.

Boots: I have been doing some research on boots and the concerns are below with the note that these boots are really made for walking if you're going to like them. As for women riders, there are many boots out there that are safe and have nice designs on the uppers. If the boot is heavy now, give it a few weeks, it will become a part of you if your feet are comfortable.

1. Is the sole sewn or bonded. (will the sole easily come off if in contact with the road or ground.
2. How comfortable are they, can you walk in comfort and are they too heavy?
3. Will the color stay fast and not stain your socks?
4. How will they hold or will they abraise up if caught between the road and the bike or some other object, moreover, boots help protect you from hot exhausts.
5. Does the sole extend beyond the edge of the boot and are they soles thick?
6. Are they waterproof, or can you use spray waterproofing?
7. Do they look good and protect you when needed?
8. Can you pull them off by hand or do you need to unzip or untie first?
9. Does the top of the boot extend above the ankle as required?
10. What is your budget?

Aside from these considerations, the most important ones are a sturdy sole on the boot and thick uppers for protection. And, don't forget to take an extra pair of socks along for the ride.

I have looked at Doc Marten, Bates, Harley Davidson®, Magnum, Fox Racing, and Teknic among others. As for me, I have selected a study boot from Harley Davidson® that has a zipper (Titanium parts) and I sprayed them with waterproofing. They still leak through the zipper in the rain, so maybe I will get some boot covers for those long trips. I have a pair of Magnums and they are easier on and off because the zipper curves forward toward the toe. They are light but have cloth uppers. They do have a sturdier boot with a composite toe which is nice to save the 'dent' when shifting.

Stay tuned, next we will discuss the jeans and other clothing that have a trend to include safety padding in the knees and hips!

Two fists in the wind .... To little time .... To be continued ....

Maryland has redefined what is classed as a motorcycle, a motor scooter, or a moped. With the price of gasoline rising, I am sure we will see these vehicles on in the right lane and limited in some cases to 30 or 35mph.

Drivers will now have to yield to these vehicles until such time as it is safe to pass. I have a personal experience with being in a line of traffic behind a moped. It was patience that ruled as we were on a 40mph road with plenty of curves and hills.

On Maryland's MVA website, the redefinitions can be found along with restrictions and right of way rules @MDMVA. If you do not have a drivers license, you must obtain a moped license @ MD Moped License A motor scooter in Maryland must be registered redefinition can be found @MD Moped License

Let's watch out for these vehicles and as you will find, the mopeds come under the bicycle rules for helmets and safety gear.

Until next time:

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued.

To me, the freedom of riding a motorcycle comes from when I rode bareback in Virginia. You just give your horse the reins and the faster he goes, the smoother the ride. Maybe Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves was demonstrating this freedom when he rode in front of the Confederate lines.

Two things that happened today have a background and will make this article on the verbose side.

First, I had Harley pickup my bike because it had an oil leak and it needed a 10,000 mile service. And second, I received permission to link to a great website for women that coincidentally led me that evening to Christina’s birthday party where most of the women had their Harley shirts on (now there is a Brad Paisley song!). Most of these women either had their own bike or rode with their husband or boyfriend.

In the first case, after a hard run which average 53mpg back from North Carolina, my brother and I came to the Wilson Bridge where it took 45 minutes of stop and go a few feet to finally break out after going over the bridge. Two things that you learn fast are that you keep one foot on the ground and stay off the front brake and the engine gets so hot that you’re waiting for Al Gore to give you a citation for global warming. I think this is what started my oil leak from the rocker cover. Your riding gear comes in handy in these cases, especially the boots. Well, it’s a good thing that I have roadside assistance on my motorcycle policy.

The second thing ties into the rest of my day. The topic of women motorcycle riders is a growing story of freedom in America. After my bike was picked up, I received a reply to my email to Genevieve Schmitt of (click here) Women Riders Now where I asked permission to reference her site. I highly recommend this link to any women reading this writer’s comments today. Genevieve has the background for publishing this site as well as an organized web page of relevant topics for women who are thinking about getting a motorcycle or women (and men) who want a good read on the pertinent topics listed down the left side of the site. So don’t miss anything, it’s all good!

The second event continues at Christina’s birthday party. It was a fun event, everyone was happy and friendly especially her beautiful family. Feliz Cumpleaños Christina, as we sang happy birthday and cheered as she blew out the candles on the cake. Christina and her husband had just returned from Niagara Falls which was a 1200 mile trip. Preparation was in making sure the bike was properly loaded while staying within the bikes load capacity. The trip was taken at a leisurely pace keeping safety on the road in the forefront. I thought about how this group of Christina, family, and friends could be the focus of an article on Genevieve's website.

This article is a story of my brother and I being able to share our motorcycle experience as brothers and Christina and her family being able to enjoy life with her family and friends because of motorcycles. It’s the freedom and glue that binds riders together across the country. I am sorry, but you don’t just meet the nicest people on a Honda anymore!

Two fists in the wind …. Too little Time …. To be continued ….

Well, a few '09 models of most motorcycles are on their websites, but all of the Harley Davidson® motorcycles are on their website. I have been looking for safety and mileage improvements this year and the rumors about water cooled engines, ABS standard, and a Touring V-Rod are not there. Instead, they introduced a new V-Rod Muscle™ and they have the new Slipper/Assist clutch for safety and performance!

The most significant changes were made to the Touring and Sportster® models, which will be welcome. Touring bikes have been given a larger Dunlop® Multi-Tread™ rear tire, improved suspension, and changes for larger load capacity which are a safety plus. The Sportsters® have improved suspension. For good tire tips you can use these links to Dunlop Tire Tips and Michelin Tyre Tips. In a later post, I will relate some tire maintenance stories!

As for my luggage bag I am putting together, my shipping notice has an ETA of 07/30, so my report on that will follow. I did make one change to a smaller bag 12"x 22" for a volume of approximately 1.44 cubic feet (π x r² x l = 2488 cu. in. / 1728 cu in = 1.44 cu. ft). This compares to most of the T-Bag and Nelson Rigg bags selling for over $129, and they are not water proof.
Knowing that 1 liter = 0.0353146667 cubic feet, the Nelson Rigg CTB-450, which is my sissy bar bag, converts to 1.29 cu. ft. The T-Bag Tahoe I looked at is 1.76 cu. ft.. So the question is, do you want a smaller bag for everyday riding to hold those items you have to pickup and then another bag for your trip, or do you lug around large bag?

My cost (which is on the compression bag high side) including shipping and the form tube is only $53. I still need a secure way to attach it to the motorcycle so that the bag is balanced, and looks like it belongs there (hence the smaller bag). Pictures to follow. Oh well, I can't see it behind me!

There are some exciting rides ahead for me and I am looking forward to going to New Holland, Ohio. I used to publish some rides on another site including one to Little Orleans, Maryland. And, don't forget the ride to the wall where there is a reflection and emotion that stirs inside everyone, regardless age or military experience.


So, until next time, keep your distance, drive defensively, and watch that tire pressure!

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued ....

In my travels and web browsing, I picked up a way to make a tour bag for under $75 and though I would give it a try.

I am going to order a waterproof compression bag from this link: Cabelas and then it's off to The Home Depot or Lowes tomorrow for a 16" diameter concrete form tube which I will cut to length (30") for support. The left over piece will be used to support a smaller length bag. The straps should give good support in securing the bag to my sissy bar and the bag will be on the rear passenger seat.

I plan to use this on my next long tour to Ohio in August. I found that saddlebags are just not my favorite way of packing my gear. Will keep you advised with pictures.

So check it out!

Two fists in the wind .... To little time .... To be continued.

Now that you've completed the riders safety course, passed your motorcycle license exam, purchased your bike, and have your motorcycle insurance let's get ready to ride!

Your safety riding gear is ready and you've decided to take a scenic trip for a day.

Let's check the bike out. Check the oil level (some transmissions have a separate gauge), gas level or mileage since last fill, check brake, tail, and headlight(s), and most important the tires. Tires should be checked for proper pressure based upon load and passenger. Then check the tread for safe depth, wear, and tread and sidewalls for any signs of damage from running over something in the road. I recently installed the tire pressure caps that show green if pressure is correct, however, I am concerned that they may leak and you have to remove them to put use gauge or add air. More on this later.

To figure how much you can carry, you need to know the GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating of the bike, the weight of the bike with gasoline and oil, and the weight of rider, passenger, and any luggage your taking along (saddlebags, sissy bar bag, tank bag, etc.. Your owners manual should have this number and some motorcycle manufacturers give the running order weight which includes gasoline and oil. Or add, 6 lbs for each gallon of gasoline/oil capacity to the weight of the bike.

Compute the weight of rider, passenger, safety gear, and luggage.
1. Let's say the weight of the rider and passenger is 295 lbs.
2. The weight of the helmet, boots, jacket, and clothing is 24 lbs.
3. The weight of the sissy bar bag you are packing is 35 lbs.
4. The weight of the luggage rack, saddle bags, windshield, and other equipment added is 25 lbs.
5. The weight of the fuel and oil is 8 gallons x 6 lbs or 48 lbs.

Subtract this number from the GVWR from your manual or manufacturer or from your VIN sticker on the motorcycle.
If the front GVWR is 335 lbs.
If the rear GVWR is 665 lbs.
Total GVWR is 1000 lbs 1000 lbs,
Less bike weight 557 lbs.

Load carrying capacity: 443 lbs.
Less weight on bike: 427 lbs.

Margin: 16 lbs.

Now make sure your luggage is secure on the bike with either bungee cords or straps. This is where a luggage rack and/or sissy bar come in handy. There are also bungee cord posts available that you can place on the end of a bolt on the bike.

Check your route, weather, and have a great ride!

Next we’ll cover luggage and some inexpensive alternatives.

Two fists in the wind …. Too little time …. To be continued ….

If your not riding at present and you're getting ready to make that motorcycle purchase to save on gas or just for the fun of it, these are some things to consider knowing that you must have been tested by the state before you can get your class M motorcycle license in Maryland.

1. If I purchase a bike, what kind of warranty does it have?
2. Where will I get the bike serviced and do they have qualified technicians?
3. Can I afford to make a purchase that I may not like 4 months from now, or should I look for a good used motorcycle?
4. How much is the insurance on a motorcycle and what coverage options are there?
5. Where will I take my safe riding course and at what cost?
6. If I purchase brand 'X', what kind of value does it hold in the market place?
7. How often do I have to service the bike and at what cost?
8. I know there are a lot of optional accessories, which ones do I need it any?
9. Do I have friends who ride now? If so, what do they say?
10. Did you know that the friendliest people on the road are other riders who will literally give you the shirt off their back to help you if in distress?

There is no one answer to any of these questions, so if you have concerns, email me and I will return some references such as business locations or web sites to check.


Next I will cover maintenance and safety concerns of motorcycle owners and the various differences of opinions about maintenance intervals and costs involved.

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued ....

In doing my research for rain suits on my ride through the Blue Ridge mountains, I found there are many types of suits, colors, prices, and construction.
I looked for these features:

1. The pants:
a. Both legs had to have heat shields on the inside of the lower leg.
b. Full outside zipper so that you didn't have to fight pushing your boots through.
c. A 'seat pad' that will keep you from slipping when wet.
d. A highly visible color with reflective tape (you can add this)
e. Suspenders if a two piece suit (my preference).

2. The jacket:
a. It should have a hood that you can place your helmet over.
b. Reflective tape and high visibility color.
c. Extra length in the rear of the jacket so that rain will not enter the bottom.
d. Water proof pockets for those items you need access to.
e. Pass through pockets so you can get to your inside pants pockets.
f. The new 'waterproof' zipper and a large cover flap.
g. Wrist velcro and elastic wrist band (I recommend waterproof gauntlet type gloves. (Many waterproof gloves have a shield wiper built into the right thumb).

While my preferences may cost you some extra bucks, safety should not be compromised. Your helmet should be a full face type with good ventilation. Boot 'gaiters' can be used if you don't have water proof boots. My boots leaked through the inside zipper because of poor design.

Which brings us to the ride.

Keep it slow and stay to the inside or outside of the lane to avoid the center which usually has oil residue that is really slippery when wet. Keep extra distance from the vehicle in front to allow more easy braking time. In this regard, your tires must be at proper pressure and have good tread. Take extra caution when turning and stopping. I personally try to coast to a stop when I can and I prefer minimal use of the front brake. Be especially careful on exit ramps, they come up fast and hitting a curb will put the bike down fast. Then there is driving rain, standing water, and wind. If the conditions are too bad, head for the nearest comfort zone and wait it out.

My ride through light rain for about 2 hours was dry, except for the boots, and a chance for me to get an experience and a few lessons.

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To Be Continued ....

There I was, yesterday and minding my own business when 3 motorcycles went by me like I was sitting still. They weren't Harleys or other touring bike brands, so you know the type. Perhaps young riders doing what they do because they can.

I thought that they just had enough room to zig around me between another car. I would have been upset to see anything happen to these riders because life is too short as it is. I usually observe more than one bike doing these speeds, maybe it is some kind of competition and once they're used to it, it continues.

When I go out on my bike, I always make sure I am geared up for safety and then I check the bike over just as any pilot would do a pre flight check. The speed limit is my goal and I always keep enough distance between myself and the vehicle ahead so a driver waiting to pull out can have a chance to see me following.

Well that is my Rooneyism of the day. (love those eyebrows!)

Two fists in the wind .... Too little time .... To be continued ....

If you're thinking about getting a motorcycle or have just started riding, or you ride a few weekends a year, you should consider taking a motorcycle safe riders course which is offered by many community colleges and state MVA's.

MVA Link: State and College Fees

I am fortunate to have this opportunity to contribute to this blog. If we can make the road safer for one rider, we have met our main goal Topics will include:
Safety
Maintenance
Insurance
Women riders new to the road
Fuel efficiency
Accessories and gear
Packing cheap for a trip
Tours in the Chesapeake Bay area and beyond.
Stuff, yeah you know, stuff.

Hopefully, as readers, you can provide some insight and advice based upon your experience and expertise.

My 1st safety lesson.

As a kid, I used to go through the Sears catalog and Popular Mechanics magazine after reading the latest book in a series sent to me by my Aunt. In those and other catalogs, I saw a Cushman 5HP motor scooter.
I was hooked early and finally, after starting college I needed transportation and ordered a 175cc motorcycle from Sears. I probably rode this without consequence being experienced on my bicycle .

After college, I lost interest and it wasn't until the late 90's that I wanted to start riding again. My brother, Jimmy, from Denver called on day and asked me to ride in the Memorial Day

Rolling Thunder parade.
Well, that started it and the next thing I knew we were in the Pentagon parking lot in a line of thousands of bikes where we talked to husbands and wives from all over the country.

During the ride it was touch and go at first but when instant pride and patriotism hit me I knew that riding was for me. Yeah, that is me on the left.

The lesson came on the way back home. My brother stopped me at a light and asked me to pull over where he told me that I didn't know how to ride. What an insult, I thought, as he told me that we had to go to a nearby lot to learn counter steering. Counter steering, what is that and how does it work?

After a half hour, I knew that it really worked and it was so easy to turn. I didn't know why pushing one was would turn you the opposite way but I was going to find out.

Practicing on exit ramps, which can never be taken too slow, I found it easy as I pressed my grip towards the ground on the turn. Look Ma, no leaning!



Finally: A shout out and a note to a friend Bruce and his family. Bruce the best to you tomorrow in the hospital and my prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you on your Harley soon.

To be continued.