Before embarking on a long-distance motorcycle tour, there are a number of things you’ll need to consider. Whether you’re planning the trip yourself or using a specialist overseas motorcycle tour operator, you’ll still need to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Get your bike ready

First and foremost, if you’re using your own motorcycle, you’ll need to make sure it’s mechanically sound – check your tires,  controls, oil and fluids and make sure the lights are in full working order. Treating your bike to a full service before your journey is usually the easiest way to ensure it’s in tip top condition.

You should also check local legal requirements in all the countries you’re heading to in case there’s anything that may affect your bike. In particular, check the homologation of tyres and exhaust system with the manufacturers before travelling.

Modern-day headlights are designed to be used on left and right side of the road to cover UK (where we drive on the left!) and mainland European roads. They have a flat horizontal beam spread to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. If you’re traveling around Europe, older bikes, especially modern-classics with square or round headlights might require headlights to be masked or beam directors fitted. If you’re leaving for the continent from the UK, you can normally buy them on the ferry or at the terminal shop.

In some countries the law might require you to carry a selection of replacement bulbs that cover the headlight, taillight and indicators. it’s useful to carry a kit to enable basic maintenance while on the road, including chain lube and appropriate chain-tensioning tools. Also stash spare fuses in the same package for your own peace of mind, and remember to make sure that your motorcycle will run on the lower RON-rated types of fuel if you’re touring Europe.

Paperwork 

If your bike is registered in the UK, and you’re traveling outside of the country, check your passport is up-to-date and you have all the visas and other documentation, such as your Vehicle Registration Document, for each country you visit. Some countries won’t accept photocopies, so you should keep the original documents in a clear sealed, waterproof bag. If using an overseas tour operator, they’ll advise on the documents you need.

If using your own bike, you should check with your insurance provider that you’re adequately covered for travelling abroad, and keep a note of all emergency contact numbers in case you find yourself involved in an accident or need to make a claim. In addition, make sure you have plenty of time left on your MOT and tax, as it may invalidate your insurance if it runs out while you’re on holiday.

It’s always a good idea to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy too, and apply for a European Health Insurance Card if you’re travelling around the EU. When thinking about money, a mix of Travelers Cheques and cash are ideal, as some European countries won’t accept credit cards unless issued within that country.

Get yourself ready

A long journey can be both physically and mentally challenging, so make sure you’re in the best health possible. Perhaps join a gym or start doing gentle exercises to increase your stamina a couple of months before you set off. You should also find out as much about the countries you’re travelling to as possible, including local speed limits and road signs.

Make sure you invest in good quality, comfortable and protective riding clothing and a helmet. You should be particularly mindful of the types of terrain you’ll be riding on as well as the temperatures and weather conditions you may be exposed to in the countries you visit – prepare for everything and always prepare for the unexpected! Textile clothing is a good choice for all weather conditions. If you’re thinking of to traveling in winter, check out winter riding tips from World Superbike Champion James Toseland.

If you’ve planned your route down to the last detail, make sure you take a satellite navigation system with you – particularly if you’re travelling abroad – but be sure to update the mapping before you leave. If you find yourself lost or if your plans change en route, this could prove to be invaluable.

Where possible, make your hotel or camping reservations before you travel to keep you riding on schedule and keep a mobile phone pre-programmed with all your essential numbers in case you need to contact someone in an emergency. A mobile phone with a decent camera is recommended to record evidence if involved in an accident. Even the cheapest digital camera is a good tool in the unlikely event of an accident no matter how minor.

Country specific laws

French authorities are still intent on introducing a new law for motorcyclists to ride with clothing/over garments with a high percentage of reflective or high-visibility material. Despite condemnation and demonstrations it looks likely this new ruling will come into force in January 2013, so make sure you’ve checked the latest requirements.

Satellite navigation systems are an essential part of travel today but be sure it’s a modern system, or the maps are up to date. France in particular is trying to restore economic growth with major reconstruction of inner city and rural locations. Roundabouts and bypass routes are springing up everywhere. Spain reduced all its speed limits three years ago and the police regularly target foreign travelers.

If the satnav has the ability to show speed cameras and mobile camera sites then turn off this application – it is illegal in France and will be heavily enforced from January 2013. Radar detectors are an absolute no-no.

Everything but the kitchen sink?

Overnight stops with secure parking are highly recommended. If this isn’t possible then lock-up the bike as you would at home but doubly so – even in secure parking areas it is still best to employ the use of a lock. Don’t be a victim of bike theft!

If you’re planning on being on the road for a while, you may be tempted to pack anything and everything into your panniers, but over packing simply adds unnecessary weight to your bike. You should also make sure your panniers are secure. Throw over bags should be removed if away from the bike for more than few minutes or take turns to guard your property at a food or toilet stop.

However long you’re riding for, keep a list of what you think you’ll need and where it will be stored on your motorcycle, you may find you simply don’t have room! Practice rolling your clothing into the smallest possible shapes and consider using sealed plastic bags to keep things protected from the rain. The general rule is to pack lots of thin clothing you can layer under your riding suit, rather than fewer bulky items.

You should also keep a stock of energy bars and water – particularly if you’re venturing to areas where shops and fuel stations are few and far between. Always be mindful of wild animals and dogs. Bears, boar and deer are prevalent across Europe, while dogs are often left to fend for themselves and often think it’s good sport to attack motorcycles.

For more biking tips on how to stay safe on your bike (and on tour) visit Bennetts Insurance.

No related posts.

 Summary:

The Yamaha TW200 with its low center of gravity, wide back tire and weighing in at just 279 pounds has the right amount of spirit and safety for the new rider while still being an extremely fun bike to ride. It is a great little off-road and city bike for most people but for some, it may not be the ideal road bike because it lacks some needed power for highway speeds.

Engine Size: 196cc

Pricing:$4999 USD

Our Review: 2012 Yamaha TW200

If you are just starting out and want to learn to ride a motorcycle on something that looks and sounds much more aggressive than it really is, the Yamaha TW200 is the bike for you and is likely a better choice than a new Honda CBR 600RR. It has a low center of gravity making it very stable and the wide back tire makes it grab turns in a way that affords you confidence (its not going to “tip in” aggressively during a turn). Being a Yamaha, you already know it is going to be reliable and sip gas while being able to withstand some rough terrain and/or high city miles. It weighs in at just 279 well balanced pounds, making it light enough to handle easily by both men and women. It is the perfect dual sport bike for the beginner.

A True Unisex Motorcycle!

For men, the extra growl and wide back tire means you can take this little bike off-road for exploring and trail riding and know you can rely on it to get through some muddy or rough areas without any real difficulty, despite its small size. Unfortunately, its small size can make it a bit slower on the highways, if you weigh in at 200 pounds or higher. It will still get you where you want to go, but it may strain a bit if you are asking it to punch out at highway speeds.

For women, the low center of gravity means a great off road bike that is easy to ride while still impressing both the guys and gals who see you on it. That wide back tire means extra stability for turns and is great when you are on your own but still new to the sport. If you weigh 150 pounds or less, this little guy will also impress you on the streets and highways as well. Your lighter weight means less strain on the engine at highway speeds while still being maneuverable and responsive. This can be the perfect bike for a woman who is still new to motorcycles but serious about learning to ride and have some fun while conserving gas and feeling comfortable on the roads or trails.

Motocross? Uhh probably not.

The TW200 is not built for motocross, but it is built to provide a lot of fun while you learn to ride and once you have a feel for what you need to ride well, both on and off the road. This is a great bike for beginners and for someone who weighs less than around 150 pounds, it can be a great, reliable motorcycle for many years.

The Bottom Line:

This is the ideal motorcycle for beginner riders, both men and women, without looking, sounding or acting wimpy on trails or exploring. It will also serve well to get you around in the city with its light weight and relatively small frame (will use barely any gas). If you’re a big dude, clocking in over 200 pounds, I would suggest looking at something else.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha TW200
2. This Year’s Yamaha V-Star Classic Reviewed (2012)
3. Our Review: 2012 Hyosung GV250

Summary:

Most people yearn to begin the sport of motorcycling so they can cruise open roads in comfort, style and complete freedom  There are many bikes that offer new riders safety, comfort and performance for cruising, but the Yamaha V Star 650 Classic is one of the most popular machines for new motorcyclists. Its combination of comfort, power and operational ease is ideal for those beginners who see themselves exploring the country with the wind in their face.

Engine Size: 649cc

Pricing:$6590 USD

Our 2012 Yamaha V-Star Classic Review

The V Star 650 from Yamaha features classic styling along with a 649cc V-Twin engine that offers a deceiving amount of power. This is because the motorcycle tends to appear physically much larger than its actual size. Although an engine of its displacement would not provide ample power for a larger bike, The V Star 650′s engine gives the machine plenty of muscle as the bike is essentially a scaled down version of the V-Star 950. The 649cc mill does turn out enough power to get a beginner into trouble however it’s not “scary fast” like a CBR600RR.

Style Points and a Nice Clutch

The V Star 650 is a mid-sized motorcycle that looks like a larger machine. This aspect actually makes it very appealing for riders who want the characteristics of a larger motorcycle in a more compact and less expensive unit. It also features a classic look that calls to mind some of the vintage bikes of the 1940s and 50s. With its light weight and excellent styling, this bike is ideal for cruising the highways in comfort and style. It is also perfect for most beginners because it is easy to handle, and it features light and forgiving clutch operation. Additionally, this motorcycle tends to require very little maintenance, which is fantastic for beginning riders who are not yet familiar with aspects of motorcycle repair.

Its Not a Harley.. and That’s OK

Many motorcycling experts compare this V Star to the Harley Davidson Sportster. In fact, this Yamaha is part of a segment of the industry that has mimicked the style and design of popular Harley machines. While the Sportster offers the allure of the Harley Davidson name, most beginners will have a better experience with the V Star from Yamaha. This is because the Yamaha machine is a bit lighter and easier to handle. It is also less expensive, though it will not hold its value like the comparable Harley Davidson machine.

The Bottom Line:

Newcomers to motorcycling do not often consider the importance of selecting the ideal bike and instead just go out and buy the biggest baddest and cheapest unit available. For those who want to cruise comfortably on the highway, there are numerous choices available, but many of them are simply inappropriate for cruising or for beginning riders (Read: 4 cyl super bikes like the 600 and 1000RR’s from Honda). Those who want a light and powerful bike that will turn heads while offering them room for growth as a rider should consider Yamaha’s V Star Classic 650. It has the features that cruisers love along with design elements like a decent seat and relatively low price that make it perfect for those who are new to motorcycling.

Related posts:

1. The Yamaha XT250 Reviewed: Not for Posers.
2. Our Review: 2012 Hyosung GV250
3. Yamaha FZ6R

Summary:

The Yamaha XT250 offers affordable prices, environmental benefits, and user-friendly features for beginning riders. Controls prove easy to master, and many people feel smaller bikes offer safer learning experiences. However, this motorcycle will not impress your friends, take command of the open road, or provide the type of equipment needed for touring or sporting events.

Engine Size: 249cc

Pricing:$5090 USD

Our 2012 Yamaha XT250 review:

You cannot take the Yamaha XT250 on a cross-country tour like the odyssey of Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda in the movie “Easy Rider,” but you could use the affordable motorcycle to gain essential riding skills. The air-cooled, fuel-injected engine supplies enough power for daily commutes and managing simple errands. The four-stroke engine offers predictable torque levels across the RPM range, so beginners get no surprises when learning how to deal with changing road terrain and mastering basic riding skills.

Electric push-button start makes it easy for new motorcycle travelers to start their machines without losing balance or using kick start ignitions. The transistor-controlled ignitions produce enough spark for reliable starting power, and an internal balancer helps cut down on engine vibrations to make rides more comfortable. The XT250 will not win races, command the road, or intimidate your daughter’s punk-rocker boyfriends, but the bike holds its own in a crowded field of competitors.

Novice-Friendly Features

The Yamaha XT250 gets great gas mileage, and the Air Induction System introduces fresh oxygen into exhaust gases to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Heat shields and mufflers protect riders from excessive noise and contacts with header pipes which can cause nasty burns!

Additional features that benefit new motorcycle enthusiasts include locking fuel caps, convenient handrails, flexible turn signals (for when you fall), folding steel foot pegs, and dependable, low-maintenance batteries. The clutch has a light pull making it easier for beginners to handle. Folding gear shifts and rear-brake levers could also prove beneficial for inexperienced XT250 motorcycle riders (again, its not if you fall but when and when you do, you’re going to be loving those folding levers).

Now the Bad News

Size matters, especially with most bikers. Women and riders with smaller statures might prefer the intimacy and compact “charm” of the XT250, but larger riders look like Santa Claus on a tricycle. Compact and eco-friendly, the Yamaha XT250 offers little comfort for people who are heavier or riders who worry about gaining reputations as posers. The seats rest only 31.9 inches from the ground, so tall riders find many practical difficulties maneuvering, parking, and negotiating stop-and-go traffic.

Bike riders have two schools of thought about learning how to ride motorcycles. Some people feel smaller bikes prove less intimidating, but others feel that the better balance and stability of larger machines make learning easier and safer. I subscribe to the latter viewpoint, but people who want inexpensive transportation could benefit from the XT250 motorcycle’s beautiful simplicity and great engineering.

The Bottom Line:

The Yamaha XT250 makes an affordable option for beginners on tight budgets or environmentally aware consumers looking for cheap city transportation. Riders looking for excitement, serious off-road adventures, club affiliations, and touring transportation should consider other options.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha XT250
2. Yamaha TW200
3. Yamaha WR250X

 Summary:

The Hyosung GV250 is considered to be a small cruiser motorcycle, but its 249 cc engine combined with its overall light weight make it smaller and easier to operate than many other machines in its class. This bike is terrific for beginning riders because it handles exceptionally well in a number of environments, plus it is easy to operate. Moreover, the GV250 is incredibly fuel-efficient. This means that those who have come to the sport of motorcycling to save on fuel costs will be quite pleased with the machine’s performance. Although this bike may not satisfy some more experienced riders, it is the perfect first motorcycle for those who want to cruise the open roads to work, school, etc and do it affordably.

Engine Size: 249cc

Pricing:$3999 USD is the MSRP for black, red, “camel” or black

Our 2012 Hyosung GV250 review:

Hyosung is a Korean manufacturer that has been producing bikes since the latter stages of the 1970s. The company has developed a tremendous reputation within the industry, and an increasing number of riders are viewing the company’s machines as viable alternatives to more familiar brands due to their price point and growing track record in North America. The GV250 is one of Hyosung’s most popular models because of its light weight, ease of handling, classic styling and reasonable price.

Ergonomics 101

People who sit on the GV250′s seat for the first time are usually impressed by the machine’s deceiving roominess and comfort. A comfortable ride is a good one because a rider who feel confident atop a motorcycle is far less likely to find him/her self distracted by constant fidgeting or adjustment. This level of comfort is evident in the ergonomic layout of the bike’s seat, pegs and steering apparatus.

You’re Not in Power Town and Thats OK!

Beginning motorcycle riders do not require a great deal of power, but they need to be able to maintain appropriate speeds to be able to keep up with traffic. The GV250 from Hyosung supplies the perfect amount of power (28.5 HP to be exact) for most novice riders because it allows them to accelerate effectively and maintain steady speeds in the upper ranges of the speedometer. For those who want a bit more muscle from a 250 cc machine, this bike is ideal because it offers smoother and quicker acceleration than machines like the Yamaha V Star 250 and the Suzuki GZ250. However, it will not surprise a beginner with acceleration that is too quick to handle. This level of power allows riders to continue operating the GV250 with confidence, even after they have graduated to the expert level.

The Bottom Line:

Many beginners love machines in the 250 cc category, but choosing the ideal bike can be difficult. The Hyosung GV250 may not be the most well-known bike in its category, but it could be the best machine for motorcycling novices. With its blend of power, comfort and fuel-efficiency, it is an ideal bike for those who want to join the sport of motorcycling so they can cruise freely and confidently on the country’s many open roads.

Related posts:

1. Review of the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300, now with ABS!
2. 2004 Suzuki Katana 600 – Review, Pics, and More!
3. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide

Summary:

After decades of success with its entry-level Ninja 250, Kawasaki is offering the more powerful Ninja 300 as its older brother. The new sport-bike joins the Honda CBR250R in providing entry level riders with an antilock braking system (ABS).

Engine Size: 296cc

Pricing: The 300 is available in four versions:
• Ebony with an MSRP of $4,799
• Pearl Stardust White with an MSRP of $4,799
• Lime Green / Ebony with Special Edition Graphics with an MSRP of $4,999
• Lime Green / Ebony with Special Edition Graphics ABS with an MSRP of $5,499

Our Kawasaki Ninja 300 review:

Launched on the company’s 30th anniversary of the Ninja 250, the new motorcycle features a larger parallel twin 296cc, two-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. Equipped with a six-speed transmission, the bike also sports a “slipper” clutch that the company says is easier to shift and is less prone to rear wheel lockup during downshifts, which take it from me, can be scary.

The Ninja 300 rides smoother while still offering greater power than the 250 did. Like the Ninja 250, the new sport-bike offers plenty of fun, but with added safety features that are, in 2012, considered revolutionary.

Engine delivers improved performance

The all-new engine is rubber mounted to reduce vibration and has a larger displacement than the 250 with digital fuel injection (DFI) that provides more reliable cold starting along with improved fuel economy. The company says the 300’s long stroke engine contains nearly 50 percent ungraded parts that not only improve performance, but also help lower maintenance costs.

A new compression ratio along with anodized coating on lighter pistons reduces operating temperature and friction while still delivering superior performance. The engine is more durable and the new F.C.C. clutch features slipper and assist functions.

Clutch lever effort is 25 percent less than that of the 250 giving the 300 better ability to manage the engine’s higher torque and just as importantly, its not going to fatigue your hand.

Sturdy, stable frame

High-tensile steel main tubes provide a 150 percent improvement in frame rigidity compared to the previous year’s 250R bike. The rigid frame delivers superior handling and smoothness complemented by new rubber engine mounts. The 2012 Ninja 250 also has an annoying vibration that is absent in the 300.

The Ninja 300 also features improved suspension with a 37mm telescoping front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension. The rear shock absorber provides a five-way preload to adjust for rider height based on load.

Ten-spoke, 17-inch wheels utilize petal-type discs powered by hydraulic calipers which are fairly common place on bikes today.

Optional ABS

One of the most important new features of this new sport-bike is the Nissin ABS system. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycles sporting antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to experience fatal crashes than bikes without ABS. When you’re learning, take any edge you can get!

Billed as the “smallest ABS unit” of any production motorcycle, the system is available only with the Special Edition Graphics and the Lime Green/Ebony versions but in our opinion, totally worth it.

Safety features

In addition to the optional ABS, the 300 uses new IRC RX-01R tires that offer improved wet weather performance as compared to the Ninja 250R’s tires. The rear tire is 10mm wider for better stability and handling. Frame and chassis redesign also improves stability at all speeds.

A low 30.9-inch tapered seat helps improve rider confidence, which is important since the bike’s target demographic is beginning or smaller riders. A floating windscreen cuts down on air turbulence and in the process reduces rider fatigue.

Instrumentation and other features

The 300 features a large analog tachometer and an easy-to-read digital display with odometer, speedometer, dual trip meters, digital clock, fuel gauge and warning lights. The system is a marked improvement over the 250’s display.

An economical riding indicator (ECO) informs riders when they are cruising at maximum fuel efficiency. Additionally, the 300 meets the strict Euro 3 emission standards using an exhaust catalyzer.

Helmet holders are under the rear seat and an under seat compartment is attached to the tool kit. Two hooks under the tail and two behind the rear passenger pegs allow the rider to secure additional items under the bike’s rear.

The Bottom Line:

 The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a significant upgrade over the smaller 250, but it also features a much higher price tag.

With a more powerful engine and improved handling and stability, this sport-bike may be worth the extra price especially for novice riders interested in increased safety.

For beginners interested in a bike with excellent safety features, the 300 is definitely worth a look and gets our two thumbs up for the available ABS.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Impressions
2. Kawasaki Ninja 250R
3. Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Honda CBR250R Review:

Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the 2012 Honda CBR 250R.

Summary:

Engine Size: 249.5cc
Price (new): $4,499 CDN/$4,199 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki GS500, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R

While it may not be possible for everyone to be the Jack Nicholson character from the movie Easy Rider, anyone can experience the thrill of the wind in his face while he cruises the open road. This review of the Honda CBR250R will provide a glimpse into the many features that make this bike a good option for beginners as well as the limits concerning what it can do.

 Our Honda CBR 250R Review:

The CBR250R is considered a good beginner bike for several reasons. First, and possibly most important, it provides riders with both a comfortable and affordable place to embark on a lifelong love of the motorcycle experience. Second, this bike’s appearance is comparable to its larger siblings the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR. Additionally, the Honda 250 is lightweight with a low rider seat height and exceptional gas mileage.

Comfort and Affordability

Once you accept that this motorcycle is designed with the smaller, less experienced rider in mind, it becomes clear that it is priced accordingly. The MSRP for the 2012 model is priced at approximately one-third the cost of the larger bikes in its family. This makes this motorcycle more financially accessible than its counterparts.

It is also designed with a 25 degree rake and 53.9 inch wheelbase providing the rider with a stable platform for his or her journey. The CBR600RR option maintains this same wheelbase dimension while slightly reducing the rake to 23.5 degrees. The final upgrade to the CBR1000RR keeps the 600s rake dimension while also expanding the wheelbase by nearly 2 inches. As the CBR family grows in price, the dimensions, seat height, and weight progressively grow as well.

Some Say Beauty is Only Skin Deep but what do They Know?

The Honda CBR250R is beautiful both inside and out. Maintaining the tradition of excellence that has lifted the Honda Corporation to one of the leaders in the motorsports industry this 250R model shares many features with its larger and faster brethren. The overall look is so similar to the faster bikes that the untrained observer may not notice any difference at all. This option is available in three color combinations that includes a sleek all metallic black, a red/silver, and a white/pearl blue/red option. While you may not get off the line as fast as the 600RR or 1000RR, you can still look good doing it.

The most noticeable differences in appearance are recognizable in the smaller fuel tank accompanied by the lower seat height. These two features of the CBR250R give it the illusion of being much smaller than the faster models in a side-by-side comparison when in reality the differences are not that great. This would be like viewing an official NBA basketball alongside of an official WNBA basketball. One may look and feel slightly smaller, but only when both are present to be examined. Alone, both are basketballs and most people would not recognize the difference.

Along with the seat height being closer to the ground, the overall weight of this model is less than the others. The CBR250R has a curb weight of 357 pounds that includes the allowance for the full fluid levels necessary to ride. This is over 50 pounds lighter than the 600RR and 90 pounds lighter than the 1000RR. It is because of this weight difference that the 250R is a good motorcycle option for novice riders (ever tied to pick up your motorcycle if it has fallen over? Lighter the better!). The overall lighter package will also be substantially easier to handle and maneuver for those who are still a bit uncomfortable on two wheels.

Amazing Fuel Economy

Concerning fuel economy, this is by far the best option in the Honda CBR family. This motorcycle is powered by a 249.5cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that boasts a whopping 77 mpg average. This is a benefit one might expect considering this engine provides less than half the power of the middleweight option and only a quarter of the power achieved by the heavyweight. The larger bikes both weigh more and require more fuel reducing their fuel economy to nearly half what is realized with the CBR250R.

City Streets Have Speed Limits Anyway!

The CBR250R is a good bike for the novice rider for the same reason that experienced riders are left wanting more. This motorcycle is quite simply not as fast as the others mentioned in this review. The limited speed generated by the 250R improves rider balance, increases reaction time, and generally reduces the risk of accident. Until a novice rider becomes fully comfortable operating at the speed and power limits of this option, he or she should not attempt to tackle the more powerful options.

One could say that he or she will not attempt the high speeds of the more powerful bikes just because it is available, but that seems unlikely. The inexperienced rider on a CBR1000RR is like the guy who tries to eat only one potato chip while watching a football game. It is just not going to happen. If the chips are there, he is going to eat them. On the motorcycle, if the power is there, rider’s confidence may tend to increase faster than their skill level and they will push the limits. This does not mean that future upgrades should not be something that novice riders look forward too, because they are. This is the natural evolution of the motorcycle experience. The Honda CBR250R then is a great motorcycle for the beginning rider because it provides an introduction into a passion filled experience while guaranteeing the limits on speed and power that should be accepted.

Let us know what you think about the CBR 250R by leaving a comment below!

Related posts:

1. The Suzuki SV650 as a First Bike: Our Thoughts
2. Honda CMX250C Rebel
3. Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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. Top 10 Motorcycles for New Riders: 2010

Several months ago we wrote an article talking about how Kawasaki was doing something amazing – unfortunately, no they are not reviving the much loved Ninja 500R – and releasing a brand new motorcycle to the Canadian and Japanese markets (Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R). We were excited for the Ninja 400R because it replaces a part of the lineup that the Ninja 500R filled so beautifully: that middle ground, where the 250cc is too small and 600cc or 650cc is too big.

Finally, after a fair bit of persistence and a random encounter with a rider on a 400R, we were able to hop on one and take it for a proper test ride.

Initial Impression of the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

At 6’2″ and 227lbs, I am not a light person. In fact I always feel a little ridiculous when I review smaller motorcycles like the 400R. Aside from looking like someone who just stepped out of a clown car when riding one, I find that many smaller motorcycles struggle to actually keep a larger rider like myself moving. Accelerating a big person when you have a small motor is a challenge, so of course I’m somewhat apprehensive when I hop on a motorcycle with less than 500cc’s.

I am happy to say that the Ninja 400R, with all 399cc’s of parallel-twin goodness, moves me pretty well. It makes roughly 44 horsepower, which is very close to what the departed Ninja 500R made, and 27 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers, while certainly not encroaching on superbike territory, are more than enough to move the common person around. It did do a pretty good job of moving my “husky” rump, that’s for certain.

Related posts:

1. Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R
2. Kawasaki Ninja 250R
3. The 2011 Motorcycle Show – Highlights, Part 1

We ride because we love it.

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.

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