Product reviews, motorcycle news and tips from experienced riders.
Cheap Tip : ATV Safe Riding Tips
Apr
27
- Written by CheapCycleParts
- No Comments »
- In: Cheap Cycle Blog, Cheap Tips |
The first misconception most people have about ATV’s is because they have four wheels, and not two, they must be safer than motorcycles. And that couldn’t be further from the truth. ATV’s can be dangerous if not handled properly. That doesn’t mean that riding an ATV can never be a safe and fun activity. You just need to pay attention to some basic rules and always ride within your and the ATV’s limits. Here are a few basic safety tips to remember.
Gear up - Just like motorcycles, ATV’s require the right riding gear. At the very least, you’ll want a DOT-approved helmet, long sleeves and long pants, over-the ankle boots, goggles and gloves. Additions like knee, chest, elbow and back armor are always a good idea, too. And remember: protective gear can’t do its job if it’s hanging in the closet at home. Get the gear, wear the gear.
Stay on the dirt - Riding an ATV at speed on pavement is a bad idea. Due to their tires and short wheelbases, ATV’s aren’t going to handle well at open road speeds, and the likelihood for a rollover increases dramatically due to the grip afforded by pavement. If you have to ride on pavement to get to a trail, take it nice and slow and you should be fine.
Stick to solo riding - If your ATV is only built for one person, never try carrying a passenger. Even if your ATV is built for carrying passengers, be extra careful when doing so. The added weight can exaggerate handling and make rollovers even more likely. Slow down and compensate for the extra weight.
Cheap Tip : Experience The Great Outdoors!
Apr
12
- Written by CheapCycleParts
- No Comments »
- In: Cheap Cycle Blog, Cheap Tips |
Camping by motorcycle is a great way to combine the great outdoors with the great open road. But before you pack up, it’s a good idea to have your gear and your bike ready for the trip:
Bike: Despite what all those adventure touring guys will tell you, any motorcycle can be used for motorcycle camping. Sure, you may not want to take your Fat Boy down that hiking trail at the local KOA, but so long as you pack smart and ride smart, any bike will do. Just be sure you have the storage room for all of those camping supplies and can still operate the motorcycle safely. Luggage racks and a good set of soft bags are a great place to start.
Apparel: Thermal or fleece lining layers are a must during spring rides, and be sure your outer layers can handle the wet stuff. This means gloves, jacket, pants and boots. Warm riding gear is also a boon when waking up at a cold campsite!
Gear: Selecting camping gear for a motorcycle trip is really not that far off what a backpacker would need. The rules are simple. Pack small, pack light. The good news is that there are tons of quality tents, sleeping bags and pads that will pack down to impossibly small sizes these days. A collapsible cooler, a flashlight and a camp chair are also must haves. More »
Cheap Tip : Spring Your Ride To Life!
Apr
04
- Written by CheapCycleParts
- No Comments »
- In: Cheap Cycle Blog, Cheap Tips |
After months of thinking about it, the time is finally here. The snow is gone, the sun is out and the weather is warm. Time to get on that bike or ATV and ride! Or is it? Chances are, your bike has been sitting in a garage for the past few months collecting dust. While today’s bikes can handle storage pretty well, it still doesn’t mean there aren’t a few post-winter maintenance items you should knock out before hitting the street or trail. Here’s a quick checklist that will make that first spring ride everything you’d hope it would be:
1. Charge the battery: No-brainer here, the battery is the first thing that goes unchecked for most riders during the winter months. Keep your bike on a trickle charger and this won’t be much of a problem. If your battery is dead, clean off the terminals and charge it fully, then check it with a voltage meter. Even if it is charged to capacity, it still may have drained enough to not hold up for more than a few rides.
2. Check the chain: A rusty, cruddy chain is no way to start the riding season. Use some good chain cleaner and scrub that thing clean, then apply a good coat of chain lube. Also check chain tension as you were probably too lazy to do this when you put the bike up in the fall.
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