Packing Right for Great Motorcycle Trips

There truly is an art to properly packing and preparing for a great motorcycle trip, especially when the trip is a long distance one and you need to prepare right for the best success. Most people who do not put enough forethought into packing find that what they pack does not line up with what they end up needing for the trip, which is why planning ahead and knowing exactly what to pack is the best way to make sure you are prepared for anything and everything that comes up during your motorcycle trip. When you begin packing for your long distance motorcycle trip, begin by crafting a list that reminds you of what needs to be packed and where you intend to store it, since obviously motorcycles only offer a limited amount of space. Consider breaking your packing into different groups or categories to make the whole process easier.

- Things for the Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security)

- Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks)

- Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies)

Things for your Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security) -

If you are taking a long trip, the odds are against you in that you will probably end up having to fix something, as this is just the nature of motorcycles and long trips. Always make sure that you have tire patch and spare CO2 cartridges at the very least so that road side tire problems can be handled. You should also make sure that you have a complete portable set of wrenches, Allen wrenches and Torx wrenches. Having a small multi-tool that you can keep with you is another good idea, especially if it has an LED flashlight attached because breaking down in the middle of the night is not enjoyable if you can't find a light.

It would also be wise to carry extra fuses, sparkplugs and light bulbs in your tool pouch just in case, along with electrical tape and zip ties for quick fixes. These repairs may not get you all the way through your trip, but they certainly will get you off the side of the road quickly.

Additionally, if you are planning long trips, you need to consider security for your motorcycle and all of your gear. It is always a good idea to consider locking up your bike, and locking up the wheels so that most motorcycle thieves will be deterred and will stay away from your bike. Carry locks that you can keep with you, so that you can pop them on quickly whenever you need to leave your motorcycle for any period of time. Portable locks are always preferable to hefty or bulky chain locks, at least in my opinion.

Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) -

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping your bike going when it comes to long motorcycle trips. For example, if you plan on riding during the day you need to think about options for skin protection from the sun, because getting sunburned can really destroy an otherwise excellent day of riding. Always make sure to carry sunscreen and lip balm at the very least. You should also make sure to bring a small, portable style first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment and pain relievers at the very least.

In addition to having all of the right gear, there are two things that I tend to walk out of the house without that need to be remembered: Something to eat, and a cell phone with a charged battery. Bring something portable like snack bars or 100-calorie snack packs so that if you stop someplace and cannot find food, you are not left to go hungry. Also make sure that you always have a cell phone with a full battery, just in case you ever need to make a quick call. Make sure that your "In Case of Emergency" or ICE number is programmed into your phone, just in case.

Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies) -

You will undoubtedly get hit by road grime during your trip, so pack some basic hygiene essentials before you go. Carry things that you can wash up with, like a washcloth and towel, and travel soap, shampoo, conditioner and other essentials. Also make sure to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and any other dental essentials before you leave. Even if you only have a limited amount of time to worry about hygiene on your long distance motorcycle trip, a little can really go a long way so make sure you have everything that you need before you head out.

Camping equipment is not easy to carry on a motorcycle by any means, because most is bulky and cumbersome and causes more trouble than it is worth. Still, if you plan on making a long distance motorcycle trip, it may be extremely advantageous to bring as much additional gear as you can. Try to find a two man dome tent, as these tend to fold up easily, and when they spread out, they offer a lot of nice room and comfort. Self inflating mattresses are also worthwhile, even though they do take up a little bit of room on your motorcycle. They are not as cumbersome as a sleeping bag when they are deflated, but they provide much more comfort than even the softest sleeping back. Roll these things up into a sturdy protective bag and secure them to your motorcycle and you are ready to go.

Armed with the right essentials and gear, you can lead some truly interesting motorcycle journeys both on a long distance basis, and on a local level as well.

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Churn the bike a hell of a bumpy ride!

The mud flying, cheering spectators, catching some air just a few of the benefits of heart-pounding a dirt bike. All children dream of owning your own bike and dirt can not find that adrenaline too early. There are very few men in the world who longed for the excitement of not traveling, waiting until the next exit. Some things to consider when choosing your new enthusiasm and finder why we are offering this book for you! To make the best decisions on his bike and relax and have fun! Therefore, relax and learn what you need to know about making a purchase that will leave you with a smile!

What do you look for in a Honda

When you buy a dirt bike is important to put that time to research your purchase. The Internet is a good place to start searching for tips on how to buy a dirt bike with the manufacturer assessment model. It is important factor in the experience of passengers is choosing between two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke engine has more power and a lightweight but the evidence was compromised. So if you're talking to a horseman who has no experience in words, the throttle control, the result is that they learn it the hard way - injuring themselves and their bikes, a double whammy in your checkbook.

In a four-stroke engine to see dirt bike is sturdy and durable, perfect for a rookie pilot who is likely to be familiar with the term crash and burn. The four-stroke engine will also have better fuel efficiency. Just remember, if your child wants to ride some wicked jumps and Wheelies, a bicycle into a four-stroke engines tend to be heavier and can make things more difficult. It's better to pay more attention to the appearance of height and ability to mount a higher cc.

The largest cc bike that gives it a strong dirt, but heavy and probably not the ideal bike for a novice rider. Dirt bikes, obviously, have lower CCS than a motorcycle, usually less than 500 CCS, and it is advisable to ensure that young runners do not travel more extremely conservative who 50ccs or 85ccs pick up some size and experience. And then your child grow and get better in Bicycle earth can move them. You will learn more about the mini dirt bikes and continue to read.

Sometimes buying a new dirt bike can be costly. A new brand of high-powered dirt bike that can run up to $ 8,000 - $ 11,000. The key advantage of buying a new dirt bike is aware that it is not used or abused. There is no need to worry about how many people the owner had a bicycle or the way it deals before buying. This is the new manufacturer. Traders and manufacturers to provide warranty repairs, engine, transmission and creation. However, for some people, especially if your budget is tight, or buy a bike for a rookie driver, which uses a dirt bike may be the best option.

Be sure to carefully inspect the dirt bike before the delivery of money. Time the seller is looking to unload the bike without putting a lot (if any) money in the restoration. You may think you are getting a huge agreement on a used dirt bike, but probably not if you factor in the costs of spare parts.

Carefully examine the framework for the hair cracks, rust, holes or something more unusual. There are also more than a dirt bike used beyond the inspection of the evaluation of the body and chassis. Do not be shy to ask questions about maintenance, and the previous owners or if dirt bike is not excessive or abused. Asked things like the frequency with which it is mounted on a bicycle, if stored inside or outside and how often you changed the air filter or delivery of oil. Also, ask specifically if the bike is always used for racing purposes of any length of time, which means that the machine was tired. If you stumble around their response or say something like this is the change of oil in the engine of 4-stroke engine for 1,000 miles, it may be best to continue their search elsewhere. Such as how questions are answered will tell you more about what kind of bike ownership question and that may happen in terms of internal transmission and clutch. It's better to learn these things before disposing of your money!

Maybe bring a friend or acquaintance who knows a thing or two on bicycles to collect all be absent. A bicycle can come up in his hand as well. The bike will to stand and bearings can be controlled. Company seize the wheel and try to wiggle them. If there is movement of the bearings are bad, and is likely to need replacement. Try to rotate the front and rear wheels as well. If there is wobbling is an indication that the blade is folded.

Do not buy a dirt bike that is not allowed to test ride! You must ensure that all the arts in the work for you to know that there are no problems with shipping. If you feel you can be excessive vibration through his arms and shoulders is a sign bearing the problem. When you're riding the bike to hear strange sounds like any slap or even as these may indicate problems or cylinder piston. Make sure that the suspension did not link the problem of bouncing up and down in the seat. Listen out loud squeaking or feel that the suspension is sticky when it's big.

The important thing to remember when buying a used dirt bike from a private party has no guarantees and no returns, then detailed in the questions and reviewing the bike before spending money!

For your Bikes needs and Hub kits parts. We have an online store of electric bikes and electric bike hub kits and parts for you to check out. Please visit http://www.electricbicyclecenter.com/

If you are looking for a fine collection of offroad gear and Motorcycle Accessories that are meant to put in the punch into your ride then check out Scott's range! Scott has a fantastic collection of Motocross Boots, adult caps and a wide range of Offroad Apparel meant exclusively for the discerning offroad rider!

The Scott Company has been around since 1958 and originally started as a manufacturer of Snow Goggles and Ski Poles. The Scott Company quickly became the leader in the industry, providing cutting edge products that were far more technologically advanced than their competitors. In early 1970, Scott Company entered the motocross apparel market, creating the first ever motocross specific Goggle as well as Motocross Boots, Grips and accessories. The eventually opened a European Headquarters to capitalize on the world renowned ski resort in Verbier. In 1989 they made history by introducing the first aero dynamic handlebar, used by Greg Lemond in his win at the tour de France. AS the 90's approached, the focus was spread between skiing; motocross apparel BMX Bike products and outerwear. In 2006 Scott introduced their first line of running shoes and in 2008 they celebrated their golden anniversary, being in business for 50 years.

Motocross Boots for men

Scott has an extensive collection of fabulous Motocross Boots designed exclusively for male offroad bikers. The Genius range of Motocross Boots from Scott is designed to make heads turn in jealousy! These Motocross Boots are all available in white or black color and have all sizes. The patented Scott pivot system contains advanced polymers to provide the highest levels of protection. The impact sole pads in these Motocross Boots are designed with polyurethane that provides additional shock damping and the best motorcycle connection. In addition to these features all of Scott's Motocross Boots for men contain features such as grip strip, upper shell liner, shin guard, shifter pad, internal bootie, brake transfer pad, strap and buckles with an incremental ratcheting system. Thus these men's Motocross Boots from Scott are the best in quality, offer highest protection and a firm grip besides lasting for years!

Dirt bike parts and other offroad gear

For any offroad biking enthusiast suitable dirt bike parts are an absolute must. Scott manufactures a wide range of dirt bike parts like Hurricane ATV Grips which come in black, blue as well as red colors. Each of these grips has a durable waffled design in full for added grips for all ATVs. The range of Scott Grips is also high end amongst its dirt bike parts. These ranges of offroad gear comprise Comp2 as well as Fushion2, Hurricane, MX-2 as well as SX-2 grips. Each of these offroad gear grips comes in varied colors like black, blue, green, grey, yellow, red and many other colors. In terms of offroad gear Scott also manufactures a wide collection of chemicals. The Fog free cloth is a favorite with offroad bikers as comes with anti fog cloth for wiping goggle lenses easily.

Goggles and other Motocross Accessories

Scott has an amazing collection of Motocross Accessories like Goggles and Goggle accessories. The goggles are available in black, canary, clear, graphite, camouflage, green, grey, red varieties.

Scott Goggle line for 2008 includes the 80 series, the Voltage series, The Desert Series, Youth Seris and of course, the limited editions.

Car parts, just like cars keep going up and up in price. Just look at any recent bill for service for your car. $69 is not uncommon for an oil change if you have a Mercedes or BMW at your local dealer. $600 for headlights (not including installation), $700 water pump, $200 per tire - or more for certain cars.

It just gets ridiculous. It has been estimated that if one were to try and buy all the parts for a car through their local dealer it would cost 300-500,000 for all the parts on the average car. someone is getting rich here and it isn't us. There is a better way.

Start by looking online. There are junk yards that have the parts you need. And just because they are referred to as junkyards, doesn't mean they only sell junk. Lots of their inventory is from cars that are less than 1 year old. What do you think happens to the perfectly good tires on a new BMW that was junked do to rear accident. Some wiley person buys them at a great discount for their own car. Junk or salvage yards turnover millions of dollars in car parts every year.

The best site to use is car-parts. They will research thousands of salvage dealers and display the prices in order from cheapest and newest and colors, etc... You enter your part needs and then they will find your parts for you. It is not uncommon to get basically brand new or similar items for less than 20% of the price a dealer charges or less.

Another great place is Ebay and Ebay Motors. There are lots of car parts on there for just about every make year and model of car. Everything from a hood to a door, interior carpet, radios, speakers, wheels - even spinners so you can pimp your ride like on tv and in the movies. I've even seen celebrity cars for sale on their and parts autographed by Nascar drivers like Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jr., etc.

Even if you don't end up buying on Ebay, it is generally a wholesale marketplace and will give you a feel for the value and true pricing of certain parts. It will also show you the huge difference between the actual value and what a dealer charges. Just remember this - "Dealer bad, Ebay good." You can even buy your car on Ebay and save a mint - no bogus processing fees, lies by salesmen and their managers whose only job is to squeeze every penny they can out of you - especially the finance manager (they get you just hen you think you are done - and many times they get you for thousands of dollars in profit).

Bogus dealer processing fees totalled more than $50 billion in 2005 - no wonder dealers are getting richer, playing more golf, etc... But due to lawyers and tax strategies the average dealer pays less in taxes than most americans (average dealer tax rate is less than 1%) - go figure.

So there you have it get online and use salvage yards and Ebay to get a great deal on all your car part needs. For instructions on installing any part just look it up on Google. There are thousands of great forums and blogs that for free will give great pictures and step by step explanations on everything from changing a tire to a camshaft, bleeding brakes, fan belt replacement, etc... Do not use your dealer unless you like getting fleeced on a daily basis - as that is what they will do.

Great Outdoor ATV Fun Should Come with Great Respect For It Too

An ATV enthusiast never runs out of places to ride – unless the trails that you’ve been to are in a bad shape because off the “abuse” it’s been put through by other ATV riders, hikers, campers and other users who do not have any sort of respect for the trails that they are in.

Being aware and respecting the environment of the use of the ATV trails or any other outdoor parks that are made available for ATV riding are very important issues. If each ATV rider makes an effort to have some respect for the nature, you can be sure that the “hotspots” for ATV riding will remain in great condition for a long time to come.

In order to keep the riding areas open, it requires a whole lot of great rapport and communication between the public land managers, privately owned land owners as well as riders, campers, hikers and just about anyone who would have access to such areas. In short, common courtesy and consideration of the interests of the other parties are necessary to ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy the area.

Check the areas first

Before you pack your things to the area that you will be riding in, it is recommended that you first learn about the area. Find out from the respective public land manager or the privately owned property owner to see if there are any special rules or regulations and most importantly, get their permission to ride there. It will be of great help to you if you could get maps of the area from them as well. Do remember to stay on the trails if they are provided – do not try to be over adventurous.

Keep the noise down

Try not to create noise pollution while you are riding – ATVs are designed to be relatively quiet and yet is able to deliver maximum performance, smooth engine torque as well as spark suppression. When you create too much noise, not only will it stress out the wildlife (if there are any), it will annoy property owners and other users to the parks or trails too.

Remember your manners

If you happen to meet other users to the same area that you are riding in, be courteous. Do not try to intimidate them with your machine. No one likes a rude and obnoxious rider, so do be polite and give way to others such as hikers on the same trail.

Follow the signs if it’s provided

If you see a sign that says “Stay Out!” while you are riding in certain areas, do what it says – stay out. There are many reasons why such signs are being put up, even though the reasons may not be obvious. Obeying trail markers and closure signs is very important – they are there to ensure that you have fun while you are riding and at the same time, you should not endanger your own life or the lives of the other users at the same area.

Don’t leave your trash behind

When you are through riding in any area, always remember to leave the place the way it was when you first arrived, or better yet, leave the place cleaner than it originally was. Bring your own plastic trash bag to keep all your garbage and do not leave the bag behind. If you are responsible for your own “trash”, you can be sure that you will be more than welcome to ride in the same area again.

It sure helps a great deal when you play your role in caring for the environment of the area that you are riding in. To share your riding experience with other ATV riders, you can do so at the forums at www.jackel.com or www.atvoutdoors.net

I grew up in the wilds of Alaska. Heck I was born in a small A-frame house in a little area called the 'Butte'. It's just outside of the city of Palmer, about 7 miles away. It's an amazing place. Farms all around me, lightly travelled roads. Then of course the 'Butte' across the street. If you climb it even just a few hundred yards, you can look out and see the Knik Glacier. This is our first area of discussion about Alaskan gold, and where to prospect for it in the great outdoors of Alaska. Quick Poll; Will Gold Ever Hit $2,000?
Yes/No http://goldpoll.tk 
Coming from Anchorage on the Old Glenn Highway, you must cross the Knik bridge, and turn right on to Sullivan. Be sure you are carrying with you all the necessary equipment. I'll give over this in a minute. After taking a right on Sullivan, continue for about one mile. Last time I checked there was no sign out to Jim Creek (which leads you to Knik Glacier). The road/trail is again on the right, adjacent to a large empty gravel spread. This is how you get to Knik Glacier.
Before packing for your adventure in the great outdoors be sure you have the essentials to get out to Knik Glacier in the first place. You'll need a highly capable small-fleet of ATVs. Four-wheelers are the most common way to go. Or you can even fly, either by renting a plane if you have the necessary licence, or hire a pilot/plane. The Jim Creek area is tricky for 4X4 vehicles. Many have been lost or destroyed due to the infamous clay that sucks everything into it - Especially large vehicles. This is why ATVs are preferable for what will be quite an adventure to the Knik Glacier, 11 miles to the very beginning of the Knik river. It is here where you will find your bedrock to discover gold. There are little gold nuggets out here. But be careful and obtain a BLM mining claims map of the area to be sure you don't trespass. Typically claim owners don't mind if you cross their claim, and actually if you locate them via the BLM records (Dept. Natural Resources) you can often obtain written permission to work the claim. The claimant will usually ask for a percentage - Anywhere from 20% - 50%. In the great outdoors of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, you will need ample amounts of mosquito repellent. Additionally wherever you find gold, there will usually be large bears in the neighborhood. Use your own common sense, I won't suggest anything. People have their own unique ways on dealing with a potential bear threat.
Gold panning, sluice boxes, and rocker boxes, are all good to use out here. And you can also bring a hammer and railroad spike. These are great for checking bedrock crevices. Metal detectors are useful if you are well-trained. Mostly because there is a lot of lead from the use of guns around Knik Glacier. The signal from lead and gold can be very confusing. You can spend thirty minutes digging in -near freezing- water. Only to discover the lead from a.308 round. But it's the adventure of the great outdoors that attracts us, right? The biggest threat to your safety out here is getting wet. Even in July the water is frigid cold, so take the proper equipment with you on your adventure. Good luck, and don't get stuck in the clay!
Quick Poll; Will Gold Ever Hit $2,000?
Yes/No http://goldpoll.tk

Wholesale pocket bikes are simply small motorcycles designed like a mini motorcycle. They are sleek and well built with an aluminum or steel frame. They may not be very fast but are fast enough to get you over hills. The actual speed they will give depends on the weight of the rider. However, all said and done, these pocket bikes are great fun to ride.

Riding pocket bikes is both great fun and learning experience, not to be missed by anyone, young or old. They may be small but give the same feeling of riding a regular motor bike, despite being slower. No wonder that in today’s biking world a huge shift is taking place towards pocket bikes.

These pocket bikes run on gas as well as electricity. The ones running on gas are cheaper since they consume very little gas. You will also find these gasoline run pocket bikes speedier and easier to handle and get around, compared to ones driven by electricity.

There are some points to be kept in mind though. Pocket bikes are made essentially for racing and not for street driving. They should therefore be used with utmost care and caution, if they are racing bikes. More importantly, they are not meant for underage children. Also, racing pocket bikes are expensive. Finally, there should always be someone to attend the riders in case of any accident.

Buying a pocket bike

Pocket bikes are easily available. If you are looking to buy a pocket bike for recreational purposes then there are plenty of cheap bikes available at around $200. But if you are interested in a racing bike, it will cost you more and you will have to look a little harder. Since they are expensive, costing up to $4000, you must look for a wholesale bike to get a better deal.

You will find specialty stores selling racing pocket bikes but you may not strike a great deal at these places. You can visit dealers asking for any defective pocket bikes available for sale at a discount. Look up their bulletin boards for any sale offer or ask them if they know anyone wanting to sell their bikes. You can get good contacts at these places.

However, the place where you can a get a good deal is most likely to be on the Internet. On the Internet, you can negotiate with and purchase from dealers who sell at discounted or wholesale rates. You can also go to the manufacturer’s website and buy a new bike.

Try to join one of the forums where bike owners chat. Forums are a good place to spread the word that you are looking for a bike. You should meet the local pocket bike racers who may have a bike to sell. Also look for classified ads in the papers. These efforts and a little patience will pay ultimately.

California is an interesting state, both unfriendly to the car and dependant on it, constantly pushing for higher MPG, lower emissions, and to remove classic cars from the roads, many automotive enthusiasts from California have sought refuge in states like Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. But today I was reminded why California is such a great place for automotive enthusiasts on a short business trip to the San Diego area to visit clients. After visiting my last shop in El Cajone I started to make my way home on Historic Highway 80, the main freeways clogged with traffic in the late afternoon, I decided to take an alternate route home. Historic Route 80 eventually works it way around to the Highway 79 north. Highway 79 is mostly a winding two lane highway, that takes you through the Cleavland National Forest, the reservations of many Native California tribes, and about million miles from the congestion and crowds that are most peoples vision of Southern California.

(Photo Mission Santa Yasbel Asistencia)

Heading North 79 merges for a short time with Highway 78 at the cross roads in Santa Ysabel 78 will take you to Julian a small mountain community known for their apple pies, and tourist attracting antique stores. Santa Ysabel Asistencia the mission for which the town is named is along on the right hand side of the highway, it was established as a outpost of the San Diego Mission in 1818 and the current chapel was built in 1924. Santa Yasbel is also a nice place to stop and grab a bit to eat and one of the cafes along the highway. Along the way you will also discover a NHRA drag strip and a Motorcross track tucked in among the Oak Trees and Farms.

(Photo Highway 79)

Leaving Santa Yasbel and the road is fairly straight, passing Highway 76 that takes you past Lake Henshaw and on to Pala Casino and Resort. A little further up the road you come to San Felipe Rd, if you have time and you like history you can visit Warner's Ranch that was once a stop on the Butterfield Stage Route, there is little there, so I recommend pushing on north on the 79. About 20 miles or so will take you to the Oak Grove Butterfield Stage Station, about 20 miles to the northwest, is the only surviving building from the stage line, and is also a National Historic Landmark. (

(Photo of Butterfield Stage Stop) In Warner Springs there is a small resort community with golf, a few restaurants and one of the only gas stations along the whole route. There is also a airport that specializes in glider rides and you can many times see a number of gliders floating lazily above the valley as you descend into Warner Springs. Oak Grove is about 18 miles along the route after leaving Warner Springs so if you have a need to visit the Stage Station now is your chance... I stopped to stretch and take some photos. From there the road follows the hills and is headed more west then north, towards the city of Temecula. The first signs of urban sprawl are the mini storage and track homes. It is a good place to stop and get fuel, food, and if you chicken out you can jump back on the 15 freeway and save over an two hours on the trip. Downtown Temecula is like going back in time to the old west, only with trendy shops, yuppies, and bikers everywhere. Now the I-15 is overlapped a major portion of the 79, but if you follow Old Town Front Rd north, that will turn into Jefferson Ave, from there turn Left on to Kalmia St, and then Right onto Washington Ave. Washington then turns into Palomar St and takes you through the city of Wildomar and on to Historic Lake Elsinore by sticking to the Right and on to Mission Trail.

It is hard to believe that Lake Elsinore was once the play place of Hollywood's elite stars. If you follow the lake around the street will change name several times, but just keep as close to the lake as you can until you come to Highway 74. At this point I had to get back on the I-15, however, if you are in the mood for an adventure, you can always turn Left and take the 74 (Ortega Highway) and end up at the Pacific Ocean in Dania Point. Ortega is a epic road and takes you through some amazing mountains and hills. The best part about Ortega is it drops you off on Highway 1 the Pacific Coast Highway. Turn Left San Diego and Mexico, Right Monterey and San Francisco. If only I had some vacation time, I would love to keep on driving around California's best roads.

There are many little-known resources for finding pre-owned motorcycles for sale. If you have decided to start your search for the perfect bike, there will be many factors to consider. If you want something very specific, you may be better off hiring a broker to help you track down and acquire that special motorcycle. If you are not as picky or find yourself on a budget, you may find the following list of resources very helpful in finding a suitable bike at a great price.

Police Auctions

Motorcycles, dirt bikes and scooters that have been seized at crime scenes or confiscated for other official reasons usually become government property that is then sold to the public at auction. Most of the time you don't hear about these auctions because they generally have very little publicity. Many municipalities have information about police auctions on their Web sites. They may post auction dates or even list individual property for sale. If your local government's Web site doesn't have this information posted, you can call the Sherriff's office or highway patrol to inquire about auctions. Make sure to ask about special requirements and other information you may need to purchase a motorcycle at auction.

Ebay

When using Ebay Motors or other popular auction Web sites to search for a used motorcycle, keep in mind that the bikes you come across can be located anywhere in the world. Of course, there are search parameters you can determine to ensure that the results delivered are all within a certain number of miles from your home. You can decide how far you are willing to drive to pick up your motorcycle and search Ebay for bikes within that distance.

If you are into restoring vintage bikes or customizing Harley Davidson motorcycles, you may be willing to pay for shipping costs provided you find a great deal. If this is the case, Ebay and other auction sites are great places to find what you are looking for.

Online Classifieds

Because posting ads on online classifieds sites is free or very cheap, the best deals can generally be found here. One of the benefits of using online classifieds to find your motorcycle is that you can search locally or regionally. Depending on which site you use, you can search the top two or three larger cities that are closest to you. Again, this will depend somewhat on how far you are willing to travel to check, test drive and ultimately pick up your used motorcycle.

Another benefit of online classifieds is that you can post a listing yourself. For little to no money, you can actually place an online classified ad stating exactly what you are looking for in terms of a used motorcycle. Responses will typically come in the way of emails or telephone calls from prospective sellers who may have a used motorcycle that you may be interested in. Consider this "putting out your feelers," and do it regardless of what other (more aggressive) search methods you employ.

Yard/Garage Sales

Looking for a used motorcycle by visiting yard sales or garage sales in your local area can be fun, but very time consuming. Unless you live in an area where there are very many motorcycles, you may spend a long time looking at yard sales. On the other hand, if you have already placed an online classified ad, are searching Ebay daily, and also happen to visit yard sales in your neighborhood on the weekends, then you're only helping to increase your chances of finding a truly great deal on the motorcycle of your dreams.

Also keep in mind that by visiting yard sales, you may come across an opportunity to buy a bike that the seller hadn't yet considered selling. Many people invest in motorcycles on a whim, without truly weighing out all the pros and cons. Having a motorcycle takes a lot of time and money, and many people end up dropping the hobby. If you visit a yard sale and notice a motorcycle parked in the garage, looking like it's just gathering dust, it doesn't hurt to ask about it. You may stumble across a great deal!

Used Bike Lots

Used bike lots are a great place to see many used motorcycles in one place. As with cars, you must realize that buying from a dealership will generally be more expensive than buying your motorcycle from a private seller. On the other hand, buying your motorcycle from a bike dealership will give you the opportunity to purchase a warranty.

If there isn't a used motorcycle dealership near the town or city where you live, you may need to travel a bit to get to one. This might be well worth it if you'd like to choose from a large selection, be able to test drive your new bike, and deal with an established business.

Motorcycle Message Boards

Motorcycle message boards are a great forum for finding information on where to get certain bikes or bike parts. The motorcycle enthusiasts that frequent these message boards can be novices or very knowledgeable, but they share your passion. Posters may have great ideas about where you can find a great deal on a used bike, they may actually know of a motorcycle for sale that is a great deal, or, they may even have a motorcycle for sale that you might be interested in.

Newspaper

Your local newspaper is a great place to search for motorcycles for sale right in your area. The motorcycles advertised in the newspaper classifieds may be listed by dealerships or private sellers. The benefit is that every motorcycle listed here will be close to your geographical location.

Shopping for a Deal

No matter where you decide to start your search for a used motorcycle you will increase your chances of finding what you want if you employ two or three of the methods. Make sure to do your homework by having an idea of what you want and what to look for. Also, make sure that you test drive the motorcycle and feel comfortable with the price and deal.

When winter recedes and the trails and fields begin to thaw, the time comes to dust off your utility ATV and prepare it for a long, fun summer. Before you strap on your helmet, gather your friends and head to the trails, make sure that you properly inspect your ATV four wheeler to ensure that it is trail-ready. This way, you can remain safe and have nothing to worry about except pounding the trails.

According to the experts at All Wheels Auto Storage, an Atlanta, Ga., based company that provides utility ATV storage and maintenance services, there are several important steps you should follow to care for your ATV four wheeler. Follow these guidelines to keep your ATV in good condition, and you will be on the trails in no time:

Lubricate the joints - While you should lubricate all of the mechanical parts on your ATV, All Wheels recommends you pay extra attention to the pivot points, center and side stands and cables. If applicable, lubricate the drive chain, too.

Change the oil - Oil tends to degrade over time and can cause engine corrosion in your ATV. Drain the old oil, which could contain particles and debris, into a receptacle. Change the filter and add the appropriate amount of new oil. This way, you will have a clean supply of oil that can keep your engine running smoothly for the new riding season.

Replenish the vital fluids - Replenish any brake, clutch and hydraulic fluid that has evaporated over time or collected contaminants. Add a fresh tank of fuel, as well.

Recharge the battery - If you connected your ATV battery to a trickle charger to keep it alive during the winter, reconnect it to your ATV and check the charge. Be certain that the battery is fully charged before you take it to the trails. Add distilled water or battery acid as needed, or purchase a new battery.

Inspect the tires - Lydia McDonald, an ATV sales expert at Dynamic Motorcars, an ATV retailer located in Northeast Ohio, stresses the importance of properly inflated tires. "Tire inflation can be critical to a successful outing on your ATV four wheeler, since they are often ridden in rural areas and subject to un-groomed trails," she says. Properly inflate tires, and inspect them for any cracks, weak spots or leaks before venturing out on a riding trip.

Check for rodents - McDonald recommends checking the filter box, exhaust and expansion chamber for mice and other small rodents. "It's actually quite common," she says. "Many people store their ATV in a barn or shed, and mice make themselves a nice little home in there during winter. You don't want to be surprised when you start your ATV for the first time, so use a stick or coat hanger to probe the exhaust and other areas for vermin. Usually, they will just come out on their own."

Prepare a safety kit - McDonald suggests putting together an emergency repair tool kit that includes a spark plug wrench, a spare spark plug and a can of fix-a-flat to mend any punctures your tires may suffer while on the trail.

Finally, before you get your helmet and go, make sure that you have adequate ATV insurance to protect your investment. An ATV insurance policy can protect your ATV four wheeler, as well as yourself, in the event of damages or an accident. Enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of worrying about whether your ATV is covered. Contact a Nationwide agent today for your free ATV insurance quote.