Price: $29.99 USD

Comments: Easy to navigate, MANY MANY auction sources and Motorcycles with few or no bids.

Click here to visit their website.

We all want a good deal on a used bike and these guys promise to deliver access to these great deals for the somewhat expensive price of $29.99. We decided to try it out on the premise that $29 spent now could mean savings of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on this writer’s next motorcycle! It’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen this priced at $39.95 in the past so there must be a promo on at the moment for $29.99

What We Like About Sheriff Auctions

It’s easy to get access to their members area, just put your credit card details in and access is instant. Once we’d paid, we were directed to the command centre which is basically your starting point for navigating the members area. The transaction process is simple with no glitches when being re-directed to the members area. This is the way all online shopping should be!

Looking around in the site, you’ll notice several things immediately:

• There are TONS of links to government auction sources - Who knew there were this many federal and municipal auction sites? Even the IRS auctions are listed here!

• There is an excellent organizational structure to the link madness- Sheriff Auctions has painstakingly categorized and linked all these resources into a structure that is easy to navigate. For example, we clicked on “California” and were taken to a page with about 60 sources for local auctions!

• These are auction sources for EVERYTHING - It looks like the hundreds of sources for seized and surplus auctions are not specific to motorcycles. Through the links that Sheriff Auctions provided we came across the entire contents of a dentist’s office with a starting bid at $7,001!!. Also worthy of mention was an “old person scooter” , you know the ones that wal mart provides for the elderly? The bid was only $10. Well, we got a kick out of it!

We really didn’t expect so many quality links; I mean for $29.99, somebody spent a lot of time and effort searching each state for auction sources and compiling all the data in one place. There are literally hundreds of auction sites to choose from!

What We DON’T Like About Sheriff Auctions

Once we got in past the control center and started clicking around, we realized that it was going to be hard to find an actual motorcycle for sale for two reasons:

• There are so many damn links that you could be looking through auction listings all day (which for some may not be a bad thing!)

• We didn’t see any auctions specifically for motorcycles. Not to say that there aren’t any, just that we didn’t see them. After some looking around we found one site with 42 bikes currently up for auction, all of which were under $500 and many didn’t even have bids so they are there, it will just take some time to find them due to the sheer number of auction sites to go through.

Overall

You could always just check out eBay itself however a lot of the bike’s you’ll find there have been through the circuit of local classified ads and did not sell for a reason. Despite the fact that it’s not limited to motorcycle auctions and that their content will take you all day and night to go through, we would fully recommend Sheriff Auctions to somebody who has the know how to bid at an online auction (hopefully not too hard for the eBay generation) and is in need of a motorcycle.

Click here to visit Sheriff Auctions

Related posts:

1. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide
2. Review: Get Ready To Pass Instructional Videos
3. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide

Face it: the only reason anyone in North America rides a motorcycle is because we love the feeling of being on two wheels.  Sure, the fuel economy and is nice, but nothing can trump the feeling of hitting a corner at a 30 degree angle, leaned over, screaming like a banshee the whole way.

You’ve done that, and it’s okay to admit it.  If you haven’t yet I highly suggest you take some time to find out what you’ve been missing.

Riding in the Rain: What New Riders Should Be Aware Of

What does screaming like a banshee have to do with riding in the rain?  A lot more than you’d think, actually.  Riding in the rain is an incredible sensory experience: the sound of rain droplets hitting your helmet at 80mph is unlike anything you’ve ever heard; the smell of fresh rain is truly intoxicating when there’s nothing around you to hide it; the feeling of the cool air rushing through your riding gear is downright refreshing. It almost feels like your playing a real-life video game.

However, despite how much fun it is, you still need to be aware of the situation you’re in.

• Always be aware of how much traction you do or don’t have - Water on the road lessens traction.  That is obvious, but something that we tend to forget when we are sitting in the relative safety of our car/truck/SUV/minivan/whatever.  Having four wheels with reduced traction is very different than having two wheels with reduced traction.  Go a little easier on the throttle, especially when cornering.

• Check your visibility - You spit up water from your rear wheel when you are riding, not unlike the way a sea-doo does when it’s going full-tilt.  Cars and trucks also spray water behind them, and it can really impede your ability to see clearly.  Be sure to give a little extra following distance.

• Be aware of additional road hazards - During light/moderate rain, the only real additional hazard you’ll likely need to be aware of is small puddles.  During heavier rain you may need to watch for fallen branches, loose items getting blown in the wind, and serious puddles.  Ride slower, and don’t take any risk you don’t need to.

• DO NOT RIDE DURING HEAVY/TORRENTIAL RAIN - If the rain is really coming down don’t hop on your bike.

The beauty of riding is that we get to truly enjoy everything the road has to offer.  This includes different weather systems, road ways, and riding experiences that simply don’t exist when you’re driving a car.  Get out there and have some fun, just remember to be safe about it.

Related posts:

1. Riding ATGATT – It May Save Your Life!
2. Universal Designs – Movie Replica Riding Suits

The best thing about these riding suits is that they aren’t just riding suits that are designed to look good- they’re designed to perform as well.  All of the gear offered by Universal Designs have the same set of features:

• Actual CE approved body armor - Unlike most replica suits, or even the movie suits themselves, these editions feature actual body armor.  You know, the kind that will actually offer a certain level of protection should you fall.

• Form-molded leather detailing - Always nice to look good, and with all the detailing made of high-quality leather, you’ll be looking better than Sam Flynn himself.

• Movie-specific accents and detailing - Depending on which replica you bought (Bat Man, Iron Man, Tron, etc.) the suit will be customized so that it looks as close to the “real deal” as possible.

The best part of those whole situation is the price.  A full suit for an average sized man is right around $1,000 USD, which considering the market it is competing in, is actually very price competitive.  If you’re a movie buff who’s always wanted to have Batman’s suit of armor now’s your chance.

To quote the great Adam Savage (of MythBusters fame): “As a fan of the movies, like Batman, one often fantasizes about actually wearing super hero armour, knowing full well that the actor in the film is clothed in latex and urethane meant to look protective, but not actually practical. UD Replicas has changed all that with their gorgeous Dark Knight Motorcycle armour. Their suit is the real thing. It moves with you, gives real protection, and satisfies the movie buff to boot. It’s a rare and amazing thing: a replica that exceeds its inspiration in every way. I’d much rather own a set of UD Replica armour than the real suit from the film.”

Visit Universal Designs

Related posts:

1. Riding in the Rain – The Best Sensory Experience of your Life
2. Riding ATGATT – It May Save Your Life!

(Click for larger image)

Engine Size: 399cc
Price (new): $7,499 CAD
Comparable bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Suzuki GS500F

Currently announced for the Canadian and Japanese markets, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R steps in to fill the lofty shoes of the departed (and sorely missed) Ninja 500R.  It maintains all of the technology and features of its bigger brother, the Ninja 650R, but with a smaller engine and price point (the 400R is approximately $1,200 cheaper than the 650R).  It promises to offer new riders plenty of thrills and good times while remaining approachable and easily-controlled- key elements of an effective entry-level motorcycle.

More Information About the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R:

This all-new Kawasaki weighs in at 447.5 lbs, just 2 lbs shy of of the Ninja 650R.  With an estimated 42 horsepower on tap there is no reason to believe that the 400R will be a slouch, though that is 17 horsepower less than the 500R carries.  With less horsepower and more junk in the trunk the 400R isn’t going to be as peppy as the as the 500R, but we suspect that it will perform just as admirably in the twisties thanks to the updated suspension and braking hardware.

The Ninja 400R is fully faired, though the Japanese market will have the option of the ER-4N (the ER-4N won’t be available in Canada unfortunately).  Currently, it is available in two colors: Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black and Lime Green / Flat Super Black.  Both color options are two-tone schemes.

The chassis is based on the same technology employed by the 650R: high-tensile steel frame paired with an upright riding position and an under-engine muffler to keep the center of gravity right where it needs to be in order for a rider to get the maximum amount of fun out of this machine.

We won’t be able to get on one until spring of next year, so watch for our review!

Related posts:

1. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Review
2. Kawasaki Ninja 650R
3. Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Scroll down to take our two-question survey!

Here in Calgary, AB, Canada the weather for riding is pretty much toast.  The high today is 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit), and to be honest, we’ll be lucky to see that.  We might get another few days of decent riding weather, but obviously I’m not holding my breath.

A lot of really fantastic things happened to Beginner Motorcycle Reviews this year.  If you didn’t know, we launched in January 2009 with the intention of providing a valid resource that people looking to get into the sport of motorcycle riding could use to find a motorcycle that is suitable for novice riders.  Many motorcycle websites and forums talk down to beginner motorcycles, saying various things that aren’t necessarily true.  We hope to help steer people in the right direction.

If you’ve found BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com to be helpful or informative please take our survey (scroll down).

Some Notable Article Statistics

• Total number of articles published (excluding this one): 24

• Total number of comments/ratings: 115

Honestly, I was very surprised at how quickly people started sharing their views on the motorcycles that I (and some of my friends in place of myself) had reviewed.  Not only that, but comments from all over the globe started pouring in (including a comment about the TW200 from Signapore).

Cool Website Statistics

• Total unique visitors since launch: 43,103

• Average unique visits per day: 403

• Top referrer: www.fz6-forum.com

• Second top referrer: www.dcsportbikes.net

[wp_surveys]

Related posts:

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2. Review: Get Ready To Pass Instructional Videos
3. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide

Yes, this is number one. Getting cheap motorcycle insurance is much easier when you have a quality credit score. A good credit score is considered as any score above 710. This does not mean that motorcycle insurance is unavailable for someone with a lower score, it just means that with a score at 710 or above you will most likely be able to take advantage of the greatest insurance rates.

If you have a credit score that is near 710, but not yet there, we recommend that you take the time to apply some methods for credit score improvement. Two of the most simple ways to quickly improve a credit score is to pay down credit card balances and to dispute any negative credit history that you have a solid argument against.

Your Deductible

The higher your deductible is the lower your monthly payment for motorcycle will be. There is a simple reason for this, because the higher your deductible is the more money you will be paying out in the event of an insurance claim. This not only reduces the risk of the insurance provider, but also most likely this knowledge will influence your quality of driving.

Your Driving history

Your history has a large influence in the price that you will pay for motorcycle insurance. The cheapest motorcycle insurance will go to individuals who have an extensive motorcycle history as well as a history that has very few, if any, claims against the driver.

Age can have a certain amount of influence in this regard. Older individuals tend to get lower rates on motorcycle insurance. So, the older you are, the greater likelihood you are going to find a quality, competitive rate on insurance.

Purchasing batch insurance

Buying insurance in batches is when you buy multiple types of insurance from the same company. Some companies offer discounts on insurance when it is purchased in addition to other insurance types such as life insurance, medical insurance, mortgage insurance and most commonly, car insurance. Call your insurance provider and see if they offer any discounts when you buy multiple types of insurance with them.

Type of motorcycle

Without going into too much detail on various makes and models, let us simply say that typically the two most expensive types of bikes to insure are sport bikes, also called crotch rockets, and touring motorcycles. Crotch rockets are expensive due to their power and speed, touring bikes are expensive due to the amount of driving that is normally done on them.

Conclusion

Now that you know 5 of the most influential factors on getting cheap motorcycle insurance we recommend that you get multiple quotes to ensure that the company you decide on is offering you a competitive offer.

***

Related posts:

1. Bad News for your Motorcycle: Fall is Coming!

The road is littered with them, all varying colors and shades, blowing carelessly in the wind.  If you are a motorcycle enthusiast who lives in an area that experiences fall and winter, you know that familiar feeling that sets in the pit of your stomach.  It’s the feeling that reminds you that soon your precious motorcycle will have to be parked and stored for a few months.

Prepping for Winter

Most of North America, as well as Europe, experiences winter.  You know this, and I know this.  Unless you’re part of that lucky group that gets reasonable riding weather year-round (damn you, Florida!), winterizing your motorcycle is a heartbreaking endeavor that requires due care and attention.

In a few days I’ll post an article about how to properly winterize your motorcycle, and in it I will get into detail.  In a nutshell, winterizing your motorcycle involves:

• Finding suitable storage - If you don’t have a garage or a covered place to store your motorcycle, the first thing to do is to find somewhere to put it.  While covered storage isn’t necessary, it is highly recommended.

• Replace fluids as appropriate – Change the oil, change your coolant, and check all other fluids.

• Find a stand for the motorcycle - Tires, when in a stationary period for a long time, can develop a flat area where the tire makes contact with the ground.  This is not very noticeable in a car, but can be a real problem on a motorcycle.  A motorcycle stand will set you back a few hundred dollars, but believe me when I say that it is a worthwhile investment.

• Remove insurance - While not necessary, most insurance companies will offer you a rebate/refund if you put parking insurance on your motorcycle before your term is complete.

• Remove the battery - Batteries can lose their charge if left to deplete in the cold.  Store the battery inside, and put it on a trickle charger before you put it back in the motorcycle in the spring.

Winter Isn’t Here… Yet!

With all that being said, winter isn’t quite here yet!  Now is still a great time to get out and enjoy your motorcycle.  However, remember that cooler temperatures (especially in the evening) can make traction an issue when cornering.  Do yourself a favor and be easy on the gas!

Now’s also a great time of year to learn how to ride a motorcycle!  As well, I should mention that while it is possible to ride your motorcycle in light snow it is not a good idea.  Don’t do it.

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1. BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com Website Redesign Coming This Week

Price: $9.99
Comments: No visual appeal and crude pictures are only acceptable given its bargain-basement pricetag.  The videos, however, are a nice addition and cover the basics very well.
Click here to visit their website.

After one of our visitors asked us to review VRides we decided to pony up the $10 and check it out for ourselves.  Right from the get-go we knew that this particular motorcycle training guide was created on a budget- the website screams “amateur”.  However, in the world of motorcycling apperances can be deceiving, so we decided to reserve judgement.

Once you’ve paid your $10 you’ll be taken to the download area, where you can download your .PDF eBook (make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader) as well as view the included videos.  Make sure you bookmark the page so that you can come back to the videos as they are not included in the .PDF file that you download.

What We Like About VRides

As we mentioned before, VRides has a very budget feel to the entire package.  However, the language that is used throughout the eBook as well as videos is simple and easy to understand.  It’s obvious that this motorcycle training guide was written by your average Joe, not a hotshot writer or someone with a production team (or the budget to get one developed).  This gives it a very “authentic” feel that many people respond quite well to.

The videos take you step-by-step through:

• Your “first” ride.
• Counter-steering and turning.
• Braking.
• Off-set cone weave.
• U-turns.
• Obstacle swerve.
• Quick stops.

Each video is narrated well, and important information is emphasized via slow-motion and on-screen visual cues/text.  They aren’t the HD-quality found in Get Ready to Pass, but they are easily viewable and understandable.

What We DON’T Like About VRides

Getting back to that budget feel of the website and package, there’s just something to be said for the finesse and polish that Get Ready to Pass or MotoLearn offer.  Sure, the information presented may be the same, but the package that the information is presented in is much more visually appealing.  In the case of Get Ready to Pass, the videos are so well presented that it’s very obvious that a professional put a lot of time and effort into making them.

As well, if you download the .PDF eBook (that’s 43 pages long) and close the download page without bookmarking it you will have one heck of a time finding those videos again.  It’s possible to check your receipt and revisit the download page, but what a pain in the butt.  Some links would have been nice.  Not a major deal since you’re going to bookmark that page if you decide to buy a copy, right?

Overall

Get Ready to Pass is a much better package in regards to video instruction and narration.  However, despite MotoLearn’s more polished presentation we feel that VRides, due to the included videos and simple narration style, is a better product in regards to actually learning the information that is presented.

Sure, the sales page doesn’t look like much.  And sure, the eBook looks like someone who just learned how to use Microsoft Word created it.  None of that removes the fact that VRides is a decently put together package that, let’s face it, can’t really be topped for $10. But, if you’re willing to pony up the extra $18, Get Ready to Pass is a wise decision.

Click Here to Visit VRides

As always, post your comments/reviews/experiences with VRides below.

Related posts:

1. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide
2. Review: Get Ready To Pass Instructional Videos
3. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 1

Price: $27
Comments: Excellent instructional video, images, and reading materials.  A comprehensive, well put together package.
Click here to visit their website.

A couple of weeks ago we reviewed MotoLearn.com, an excellent online training guide for new motorcycle riders or prospective motorcycle riders.  MotoLearn.com is a well written guide that any new rider, especially considering its skimpy $16 price tag, should read.

“Get Ready To Pass”  is, by all accounts, a much better product.  Along with pictures and reading material, it presents incredibly high quality videos on every aspect of riding.  Not only that, but the material presented is applicable for both cars and motorcycles.  While most people will already have their car licence before getting their motorcycle license, having that information present is a bonus if you don’t have either license.

What We Like About “Get Ready To Pass”

The main page for “Get Ready To Pass” features a video that outlines all of the features of this exceptional product.  The first half is all about cars, but what really shines is the second half of the video that features some examples of what you’ll find inside for prospective motorcycle riders.  Needless to say, it is a comprehensive package.

To be completely honest, we are so impressed with “Get Ready to Pass” that we don’t quite know where to begin.  It is truly a polished motorcycle leaning guide, and anyone (and we mean anyone) could learn to ride a motorcycle with little more than the desire to do so and this guide as their mentor.

We especially liked:

• The crystal-clear videos - Each video is clear and well presented.  The actions being demonstrated are easy to see, and all important information is presented on screen in a way that is easy to comprehend.  Everything from lane changing to collision avoidance is demonstrated on video.

• Easy to follow instructions - The video narrative is articulate and easy to understand.  Every element of the action they are demonstrating in the video is explained and emphasized.  There is absolutely little doubt regarding each session.  After watching the video you will have seen exactly what to do in that specific situation.

• Motorcycle riders test walk-through, tips, and pointers - May new prospective riders are worried about taking their lisence test.  As soon as most people learn to ride a motorcycle they become quite comfortable with the mechanics of the motorcycle, but come time for the test they would get nervous and doubt their experience and abilities.  This guide explains every aspect of the motorcycle riders test, leaving nothing for a prospective rider who’s just learned how to ride a motorcycle to question.

• Included bonuses - While the bonuses aren’t anything spectacular, they’re still nice to have.  Some self improved eBooks are included with the guide as well as some nifty audio files.

MotoLearn.com goes into great detail regarding the mechanics of riding a motorcycle, and when we reviewed it we really liked how the instruction was provided.  ”Get Ready To Pass” goes beyond that, clearly showing you the mechanics behind each action.  If you are a visual learner, you will greatly appreciate the clarity of the videos and how they are presented.

What We DON’T Like About “Get Ready To Pass”

Some people may find the price ($27) a little steep for a motorcycle training guide, but if your goal is to learn to ride a motorcyle then this guide may very well be the best and most comprehensive option available to you. As well, some people may find the included material for automobiles to be unecessary.

Overall

It is a rarity that you will find a resource that is so clear and concise when it comes to learning to ride a motorcycle.  ”Get Ready To Pass” will explain the mechanics behind riding a motorcycle, as well as demonstrating every manouvre that you will encounter.  Stressful situations, such as collission avoidance, are explained and demonstrated ensuring that you will know what to do when you encounter a similar situation.

This is a MUST BUY for a new or experienced rider.

Click here to visit “Get Ready to Pass”

As always, post your comments/reviews/experiences with “Get Ready To Pass” below!

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2. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide
3. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide

Price: $16.50 USD
Comments: Highly recommended, easy to read. A+
Click here to visit their website.

Many people will ask an experienced rider the same old question: “How do I ride a motorcycle?”  The answer, of course, is quite complex.  Most riders start off with the “oh, well you just do this yabba yabba yabba…”.  Good luck trying to explain it, because to be honest, it’s the feel of riding a motorcycle that a new rider needs to experience.

Naturally, because of this, we tend to find the “how to” guides to be a little off the mark.  Some do a good job of explaining the mechanics of riding a motorcycle, and others do an excellent job of describing the feeling that comes with riding a motorcycle.  None of them, it seemed, were able to do both.

Until MotoLearn.com.

What We Like About MotoLearn.com

We came across MotoLearn.com a few weeks ago when one of our visitors e-mailed us asking about it.  Curious (as always) we ponied up the $14 (it is normally $16.50 but appeared to be on sale) and purchased a copy of the eBook.  It comes as a downloadable PDF file, and you get immediate access- there is no waiting for shipping or processing.

MotoLearn.com follows a very similar mantra to us, and for that reason alone we like it.  However, we specifically liked a few sections:

• The section on riding gear and how to choose the right riding gear was very well written - Many new riders overlook their equipment, regardless of how crucial it is, and purchase equipment they don’t need.  MotoLearn.com addresses this section very well.

• The motorcycle riding mechanics were explained clearly and concisely - Step by step instructions will help you do everything, from starting the motorcycle to engaging first gear.  Very well explained and very easy to understand.

• Tips and tricks that advanced riders learn over time are explained right away - The mentality that keeps an experienced rider safe on the road is drilled into your mind over and over again.  Very, very important.

• It tells you riding test tips and tricks - For many, the license test is the real challenge.  MotoLearn does a great job explaining some tricks that will give you a bit of an edge when taking the test.

To be honest, we were surprised at how well the whole PDF is put together.  There is so much information to take in when learning to ride a motorcycle that it can be hard to comprehend, but MotoLearn.com does an excellent job at breaking it all down into manageable chunks.  You won’t find yourself frying to brain to take all of this in.

What We DON’T Like About MotoLearn.com

Despite all of the positives, MotoLearn isn’t perfect.  While it is an excellent guide for a novice rider, or someone who’s thinking about learning to ride, it doesn’t replace the feeling that comes with hands-on experience with a motorcycle.  As well, some of the information that it presents is pretty obvious and sometimes a little useless (why 5’7″ is the perfect height for new riders, for example).

Overall

Despite the fact that it’s an eBook, we recommend MotoLearn.com to anyone who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle and doesn’t mind spending $16.50 (or $14.00 if it’s on sale) for a good, valuable resource that will help them come to a better understanding of how to ride, how to shop for a motorcycle, and potentially save them a lot of headache when it comes time to take their test.

Click here to visit MotoLearn’s Website

As always, post your comments/reviews/experiences with MotoLearn.com below!

Related posts:

1. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide
2. Review: Get Ready To Pass Instructional Videos
3. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 1