All posts by Clint Lawrence

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Use Sena’s Newest Action Camera to Bring Your Next Ride Home!

When GoPro first arrived on the market 18 years ago, it transformed how we thought about recording video on the go. But despite its Herculean presence in the action camera game, the GoPro and other similar cameras have some downsides, especially for riders. (One quick search for “mounting a GoPro to your motorcycle helmet” and you’ll see that this issue—and its potential illegality—has sparked considerable debate among riders online.) And then there’s the now-ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT). In today’s connected world, riders are no longer satisfied with a camera that simply films; we want, and expect, Bluetooth to be a feature of all our motorcycle devices.

Thankfully, the action camera game has come a long way since 2002, propelled by new technology and our insatiable appetite for documenting everything on social media for the world to see. The latest action camera model to hit the market, Sena’s 10C Pro Camera and Communications System, is designed specifically to help riders not only capture jaw-dropping footage, but have a lot of fun doing it.

The model is available from your favorite online dealer, and your the easy buying solution at Amazon. There’s a lot to love about Sena’s latest and greatest motorcycle camera-communication hybrid—making it worth the splurge any time of year.

Here are six Sena 10C Pro features that will make your next ride a whole lot more fun. (For its full list of specs, check out its official product page.)

It captures incredibly crisp video

You wouldn’t expect anything less than HD from a professional video camera, and the Sena 10C Pro is no different—hence the “Pro” in its name. The 10C Pro shoots video in QHD (1440p/30fps) or full HD (1080p/30 or 60fps), and photos at 16:9, a quality level our content-savvy world has come to demand. The action cam’s 135-degree field of view lets you capture every detail, no matter how hard you’re hitting the pavement. It also doubles as a reliable dash-cam.

For a fun twist on basic road videos, try the Sena 10C Pro’s time-lapse mode, which turns even the most leisurely ride into a sped-up, bite-sized viewing experience full of twists and turns. (Don’t have a helmet cam but still want to shoot an awesome time-lapse? Check out this guide for shooting time-lapses with your iPhone.)

It does the audio mixing for you

Thanks to the Sena 10C Pro’s Smart Audio Mix feature, your helmet cam will mix audio from your smartphone, or even your Bluetooth intercom, straight into the video you’re filming. The result? Real-time voiceovers even an amateur filmmaker can stand behind.

It comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and the user-friendly Sena Camera app

Wi-Fi connectivity lets you preview your camera angle and adjust your lens to fit the curve of your helmet—taking the guesswork out of capturing that unforgettable stretch of your ride. The lens rotates up to 30 degrees, which can make a big difference in the quality of your final footage.

Over on the Sena Camera App, you can configure your camera’s settings in just a few swipes and download everything you capture directly to your smartphone. The result is high-quality content, downloaded and shared more easily than ever. There’s also the Sena Headset App, which is less exciting but lets you view a helpful quick-start guide.

It lets you communicate with up to three of your rider buddies

The Sena 10C Pro’s Bluetooth system is seriously powerful, putting a host of capabilities at your fingertips. You can communicate with as many as three other riders using its intercom, staying in touch even if they’re up to 1 mile behind or ahead of you. Use the helmet cam’s Bluetooth to listen to music, follow your GPS, make calls and connect with on-bike entertainment systems.

Want to connect with riders around the globe, not a 1-mile radius? Check out the RideConnected App, which lets you chat with other motorcycle riders through your Sena Bluetooth headset, without geographic limitations. Just keep in mind that, unlike Sena’s action cameras, the app only has mediocre reviews on Google Play and the App Store. We haven’t tested it out yet.

It gives you the power of multitasking

There’s nothing worse than getting to the favorite part of a song (or a crucial direction from your GPS), only to have a call put it on hold. The Sena 10C Pro’s Audio Multitasking feature lets you speak over its Bluetooth intercom while still hearing a second audio source, like your GPS or music. If you own the Sena 10C, consider this a substantial upgrade to the quality communication experience you already know—and likely already love.

Its installation is easy and secure

Sena has had a few generations of its action cam to perfect the installation system, and with the Sena 10C Pro they’ve come pretty close. We found this product for sale on Amazon.

What amazing shots have you filmed using your action camera? Share your stories and most memorable footage with our rider community on social media!

Tips

Motorcycle / ATV Jetting Calculator

December 22, 2018 Clint Lawrence 1 Comment

Motorcycle Shippers Jetting Calculator

Recommended settings (Average)
	High Altitude Setting	Low Altitude Setting
Recommended main jet
Clip position
Pilot jet

*Manufacturers Stock Jetting can be found in the owners manual and is typically based on 70 at 0 Altitude

*Manufacturers Stock Jetting can be found in the owner’s manual and is typically based on 70 degrees at 0 feet of altitude. Stock clip position should be counted from the top of the needle down (Example: 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 7)
Posted By

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Lifetime motorcycle enthusiast dedicated to helping our riders. We currently don’t offer any custom jetting services or support as we are very busy shipping motorcycles. We developed this tool to assist our riders with jetting adjustments because we love riding as much as you do.

Rejetting Carbs

When you move your bike from one altitude to another adjusting the jetting of your carburetor may be necessary. Use our FREE carb jetting calculator to get your bike running at its peak. We’ve created an instant online tool to calculate the perfect jetting for your bike. Take the guesswork out of selecting the right-sized jets for your motorcycle or ATV. Support us! Motorcycle Shippers may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article

We’ve all heard those painful sputtering noises coming from another bike sitting near us in traffic. But now, those sounds are coming from your own motorcycle. And come to think of it, you have been noticing a loss in performance on your last few rides.

If you find yourself in this situation, your motorcycle’s carburetor could be the culprit. Those spitting, sputtering noises are often its way of telling you that it needs a little TLC—aka, a rejet. Re-jetting the carburetor can be a bit complicated to do yourself, but it’s necessary to keep your motorcycle performing as it should.

You may need to adjust the main jet, pilot jet and/or clip position on the needle for your motorcycle to run at peak efficiency. You can use our calculator to find the correct settings for your carburetor by simply entering your stock jetting configuration and desired elevation with temperature.

To simplify the process for you, we’ve written this quick step-by-step guide, complete with a free rejet calculator to take the guesswork out of selecting the right sized jets for your motorcycle. Once you have determined what Jets you need for your motorcycle you can buy them here (10% Off Your First Order at JPcycles.com w/ code: TAKE10) and get a discount.

How to tell if you need to re-jet

When you jet your motorcycle’s carburetor, you’re setting the optimal ratio of air to fuel that goes into your engine. (This mix is called the stoichiometric ratio, which is 14.7 parts air to one part fuel. In reality, your motorcycle probably performs better at a slightly richer ratio.)

Carburetors contain tiny nozzles—these are the “jets”—that have holes. The fuel passes through these holes to mix with air. This creates a mist, which then travels to the combustion chamber, where it’s used as energy to run your engine. The smaller the holes in the jets, the less fuel in the air and, as a result, less explosion and less power to run your engine. By replacing your current jets with ones that have different-sized holes you can add either more fuel or air to perfect your motorcycle’s fuel-air ratio.

A number of factors can impact whether your motorcycle needs a re-jet: humidity, altitude, upgrades to your engine or exhaust system, and even the weather. Basic routine maintenance or lack of proper winterizing also comes into play here.

If your motorcycle is having carburetor issues, you’ll notice that your engine feels like it isn’t getting the fuel it needs. If you’re also hearing popping or sputtering sounds, check your spark plugs to determine if your motorcycle needs a re-jet. A clean spark plug means you can skip the re-jet. A black, sooty-looking spark plug means you’re running rich with too much fuel in your mix. If you see white residue, that means you’re running lean with too much air. In both cases, you need a re-jet.

The main jet, pilot jet, and jet needle

Before you start with your re-jetting, it’s helpful to understand the parts in your carburetor and how they control your fuel level.

The main jet controls the amount of fuel when you’re at about 80% to a wide-open throttle
The pilot jet controls the fuel level when you’re at idle to roughly 20% throttle
The jet needle controls the fuel level when you’re between 20% and 80% throttle

Want to dive deeper? Watch this video on the parts of the carburetor.

Step 1: Drain your carburetor

Once you’ve checked your spark plugs and have determined you need a re-jet, it’s time to drain your carburetor. Start by shutting off the petcock, which stops gas flow from the tank to the carb. Unscrew the drain plug and let the gas run out into a pan. If you prefer, you can also accomplish this by running your engine in neutral for a few minutes—but if you go this route, make sure your motorcycle is on its stand.

With either method, the engine will eventually use up all the gas in the carb before starting to sputter and stall. This signals that your carb is as dry as possible.

Step 2: Remove your carburetor

Now, it’s time to remove the carb. Keep in mind that this process is going to be different for every motorcycle. If you’re uncertain how to remove your bike’s carburetor, refer to the service manual. (Can’t find it? You can purchase service manuals for most motorcycles on eBay.)

Step 3: Remove your hoses

Remove any hoses that are still hanging onto your bike. Take a photo of where each of them goes to avoid nightmares when it comes to reinstalling them. After this step, your carb should be fully free from your engine.

Step 4: Select the correct jet size

Not sure what size jets you need to purchase? Consult your manual first to find the stock size. Also pay attention to the numbers on the side of your old jets, which you’ll be able to see in the steps to come. A larger jet number means a bigger hole and more fuel. A smaller jet number has smaller holes and should be used if your engine needs to run leaner. Whether your machine is running too lean or too rich is a good starting point for choosing your jets, but using a jet calculator minimizes trial and error later.

(Use our free jet calculator above to determine the correct settings for your carburetor. You’ll simply enter your stock jetting configuration, desired elevation, and temperature.)

Step 5: Replace your jets

Now, it’s time for the main event. Remove your float bowl and its gasket; you should be able to do this by taking out the screws that hold it onto your carburetor. With those two pieces removed, you’ll see the main jet, which is located in the center of the carburetor, and the pilot jet, which is located directly next to it.

Unscrew the main jet and pilot jet and replace them with your new ones. Once you’re done with this step, close up your carb.

Step 6: Adjust the jet clip

To access the jet needle, you need to remove your carburetor’s diaphragm, spring, and top cap. Doing this will allow you to access the jet needle. Push the jet needle out of the diaphragm and find the clip attached to the notches; it will be near the top of the needle.

Adjust the jet clip based on your motorcycle’s needs. If you’re running rich, move the clip up one rung toward the top of the needle. If your engine needs more fuel, move the clip down one rung, toward the bottom of the needle. Slide the needle back into the diaphragm, put the diaphragm back on the carburetor body and re-attach the cap.

Step 7: Reinstall your carburetor and hoses

Reattach the carburetor to the engine. Refer to the photos you took in Step 3 to put the hoses back in their correct place.

Step 8: Test

Now it’s on to the fun part: taking your motorcycle out for a test ride. As you’re riding, pay attention to how the engine sounds and how your throttle feels. If you used our jet calculator, the spitting, sputtering noises should be gone and you should notice an improvement in your bike’s performance.

If you’re still hearing those unhealthy noises and feel like not enough fuel is getting to your engine, you likely chose the wrong jet size. If this is the case, run your engine for a bit and then check the spark plug. A clean spark plug means you’ve installed the correct-sized jets. If the black or white color persists, you need to install different-sized jets until your engine is receiving the right fuel-vs.-air ratio. This involves going back through steps 1 through 7, testing, and repeating until you find the correct jet size.

If you happen to be buying a motorcycle, we have some more tips for you in our guide to buying a used motorcycle. Want to receive more helpful motorcycle tips? Sign Up for our Newsletter below.

Current Events

Women Riders Reach Record Numbers in 2018

December 20, 2018 Clint Lawrence Leave a comment

Photo Courtesy of Sena
Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Generation Y women motorcycle riders are leading the growth

In an industry long plagued by dwindling rider numbers and a lack of enthusiasm from Millennials, there’s one undeniable bright spot in the world of motorcycle adoption trends: women are embracing the ride in record numbers.

According to a new report from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), 19% of motorcycle owners across the U.S. are now women. That’s a major finding in and of itself, but the good news doesn’t stop there. The study, which polled roughly 2,500 adults nationwide, found that among Gen X, 22% of motorcycle owners were women, and for Gen Y, women made up 26%.

To illustrate the rapid rise of women riders, consider this: Just four short years ago, the overall share of women riders was just 14%. A decade ago, they made up just 1 in 10 motorcycle owners. With that number now sitting at 19% overall—and even higher among younger generations—the MIC’s latest report gives the motorcycle industry a lot to celebrate this holiday season.

It also reaffirms that, in many ways, 2018 was indeed the Year of the Woman. Let us know why you ride!

Dealers

Helping Dealers Deliver More Bikes to Riders Across the US

November 20, 2018 Clint Lawrence Leave a comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Case Study: How a trusted shipping partner helped one savvy motorcycle dealer serve more riders and expand its business online

More motorcycle dealers than ever are embracing ecommerce to buck declining sales trends and reach customers outside their own backyard. But that potential also comes with major challenges. In the age of Amazon, customers expect brands to connect them with the products they love faster than ever before. When those customers are riders, and the purchase is a motorcycle, the stakes are even higher. The right shipping strategy can mean the difference between satisfied customers and sputtering sales.

For an example of a dealer doing it right, take a look at award-winning Simply Street Bikes, whose smart shipping strategy is keeping customers coming back for more.

The Challenge

Eden Prairie-based Simply Street Bikes was born out of a desire to serve the Minnesota rider community. A key part of that mission is continually evolving to meet the needs of its customers.

When Simply Street Bikes began to notice an uptick in riders shopping for motorcycles on the web, it seized the opportunity to develop its online sales channel. Thanks to its expansive used motorcycle inventory and top-notch service, the dealer has done just that—expanding its customer base not only across Minnesota but across the nation.

Simply Street Bikes has had undeniable success in selling online. But as its number of online orders grew, so did its doubts about shipping. The dealer’s shipping vendor took too long to respond to new orders. Pickups and deliveries were often delayed. And an iffy process for settling claims made Simply Street Bikes think twice about whether it had found the right shipping solution.

The Simply Street Bikes team knew it needed a better shipping resource to support its next phase of growth. As avid riders themselves, they also understood that a motorcycle was the most important purchase their customers would make that year, if not in their lifetime. Transporting that motorcycle safely was a responsibility they couldn’t entrust to just any “fly by night” vendor.

The Solution

Simply Street Bikes came to Motorcycle Shippers seeking a shipping solution they could trust. From the moment we spoke with their team, we knew we could help them shorten their delivery times, decrease damages and exceed their customers’ expectations.

When purchasing a motorcycle online, delivery speed is a key measure of rider satisfaction. To get motorcycles to Simply Street Bikes’ customers faster, we leveraged our enhanced distribution system of 44 terminals across the U.S . This “spoke and wheel” approach is unique in the industry, allowing us to deliver a motorcycle to most locations in 14 to 17 days. The result? Confidence that each motorcycle will arrive when, where and in the condition it’s supposed to.

To streamline the process even more, we designated a dedicated account manager who works directly with Simply Street Bikes on all its shipping needs. That means no lag time, no sloppy hand-off and no having to get a new team member up to speed when each order is placed.

No matter how well-oiled your shipping strategy, a claim here and there is inevitable; don’t let any shipping company tell you otherwise. Our Perimeter of Protection® system uses special skids that greatly reduce the risk of damage. But in the event that damage does occur, Simply Street Bikes can file a claim online and track its progress through our built-in automated system. The result is less back-and-forth, and more time for what Simply Street Bikes does best: selling the best used motorcycles around.

With a more reliable, efficient shipping service in place, Simply Street Bikes was able to take its ecommerce strategy to the next level. It implemented a $499 flat-rate shipping fee for customers across the U.S., a policy key to driving new sales. And with a guaranteed 14-to-17 days from dealer to the customer’s door, they can be confident that their riders’ expectations are met every time.

The Bottom Line

Having a dependable shipping partner can help savvy dealers transform online sales into quantifiable growth. By supplementing their top-notch service and inventory with Motorcycle Shippers’ proven services, Simply Street Bikes achieved a solid shipping strategy that supports the business as it continues to expand. That’s a clear win-win for dealer and customer alike.

Travel/Tour

5 Tips to Elevate Your Next Motocamping Adventure

November 9, 2018 Clint Lawrence 4 Comments

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Planning your next (or first) Motocamping adventure

The air is getting that distinct autumn chill. The leaves are changing, lining the roads with awe-worthy fall foliage. Autumn is officially here, and that means one thing: it’s time for your next motocamping adventure.

Although you can technically motocamp any time of year, spring and autumn are some of the best times to camp with your motorcycle. (And let’s be honest: we could all use a little getaway before the holiday rush begins). But although motocamping can be a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with nature and the open road, it can also pose some issues if you come across unexpected bumps.

Read these tips to make sure your next motocamping trip goes off without a hitch. Then, channel your inner Easy Rider and hit the road.

Go with a group

For many riders, the thrill of motocamping is in the “lone wolf,” DIY aspect of getting out into the quiet of nature solo. But at the end of the day, motocamping is a lot more safe—and a lot less work—if you do it with a group. With friends in tow, you’ll be able to divide up heavy gear and have extra support if that inevitable unexpected event occurs.

Still convinced you’d rather go it alone? Make sure you share your plans and route with friends and family. And as with any other camping trip—motorcycle or not—it’s crucial to keep your ICE contact handy.

Pick the best routes and campsites

There are two kinds of motocampers: ones who plan and the ones who don’t. But although hitting the road and finding campsites on the fly seems like a romantic idea, it won’t always work out that way—and issues have a funny way of popping up when you’re in the most remote areas. To minimize mishaps, research routes and campsites before heading off for your adventure.

Want to avoid the overcrowded routes and explore somewhere new? Check out this quick article on using Google Maps to find the perfect ride. And when it comes to camping sites, have a handful on hand just in case one is closed or booked for the night. The best campsites for motorcycles will have high, flat ground where you can park your bike and pitch your tent. Amenities like running water and grills can help you keep down the weight of your gear—something you’ll be thankful for after your first day of riding. A shower isn’t a bad thing to look for, either.

Websites like Reserve America and Go Camping America make it easy to find, and reserve, campsites before you hit the road.

Get savvy about maintenance

You love your bike, but how well do you really know your bike? Could you repair it without cellphone reception or a nearby gas station? Knowing what repairs or services your bike needs—and getting them taken care of—before heading out can mean the difference between a good or miserable motocamping trip.

If you don’t already know how to plug a flat, get savvy before hitting the road. I have recommended this kit from slime to thousands of riders over the years. And if your bike doesn’t have a toolkit, create one yourself so that you’re prepared when the inevitable strikes.

Pack right (and light)

Your bike’s smaller frame has advantages and disadvantages over a car. But when you start to pack for your trip, keep in mind that packing smarter is synonymous with packing lighter. The more you can compact your supplies into one piece of luggage or bag, the smoother your trip will be. Calculate the max weight that you should carry, including food, to avoid the overloading your motorcycle. Keep the heavy items closest to your center of gravity to avoid road-handling issues.

The packing list for a camping trip with a motorcycle doesn’t look too different than a normal trip; but it’s much more condensed. Small, packable tents and multi-purpose items are even more important to find when you have to pack light. A few additional must-have supplies? Straps that keep your luggage, tent and other supplies attached to your bike and not barreling down the road behind you; waterproof bags that protect your stuff from Mother Nature; and a tarp, which will undoubtedly come in handy whether you expect it to or not.

Decide whether or not to bring food

There’s a lot of debate online about whether to prepare your own food or eat out on your motocamping trip. Some riders say half the fun is meeting locals at diners and dives—and spending more time riding than preparing meals. Others swear by cooking meals at the campsite to get the full motocamping experience.

If you fall into the latter category, avoid bringing unnecessary cooking items. Foods like pasta only require a pot and water to cook, while other meals can quickly dirty multiple pots and utensils—the last thing you want on your motocamping trip.

When done right, motocamping can connect you with amazing rides and unforgettable experiences. Check the Reddit Motocamping thread for more tips and inspiration, and call on Motorcycle Shippers to get your bike to your next motocamping destination quickly and efficiently.

Have you ever gone motocamping? What items are must-haves when you head out for your trip? What unexpected issues have you encountered on your adventure?

Current Events

Should You Trust Consumer Reports Motorcycle Reliability Study?

October 25, 2018 Clint Lawrence 1 Comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Should the Consumer Reports Motorcycle Study Impact Your Decision to Buy or Sell?

For what seems like eternities, Consumer Reports has been viewed as the gold standard for rating the top products across various industries. But when it comes to gauging motorcycle reliability, does that same notion apply?

In 2015, Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed more than 11,000 riders who purchased 12,300+ new motorcycles between 2008 and 2014. The study asked them to answer two key questions: Did they experience any problems and repairs, and if so, which ones? And at the end of the day, were they satisfied with their purchase?

Here’s what you need to know about the Consumer Reports Motorcycle Reliability Study that’s been popping up in countless news articles over the last few years—including whether these findings should impact your decision to buy, sell or reassess the value of your bike.

The study’s reliability findings

Overall, Japanese brands were the most reliable—at least as far as the study’s motorcycle owners were concerned. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki had the lowest failure ratings, all under 16%. On the other side of the spectrum were Triumph, Ducati, BMW and Can-Am. Can-Am owners reported a whopping 42% failure rate by the fourth year of ownership.

The Consumer Reports Top 5 Most Reliable

Yamaha/Star (11% failed)
Suzuki (12% failed)
Honda (12% failed)
Kawasaki (15% failed)
Victory (17% failed)

In the survey, nearly half of German BMW owners said their bikes had a serious problem or needed repair after four years. Ducati’s failure rate came in at 33%, only slightly ahead of BMW. Most study participants reported problems and repairs (24%) in the motorcycles’ electrical systems. (Side note: it will be interesting to see how the increasing popularity of electric motorcycles will have any impact on these electrical problems.)

The study’s satisfaction findings

We’ve seen the Consumer Reports study pop up in multiple places—often reporting on just the failure rates and not the satisfaction part of the survey. But as any motorcycle owner will tell you, there’s a lot more to the ride than just mechanics alone, which makes the owner satisfaction findings worth including here.

About 80% of Victory owners in the survey said they’d buy the same bike again. Overall, 72% of Harley owners responded in kind, placing the brand near the head of the pack in satisfaction despite its “middle of the road” reliability rate in the study. Honda trailed closely behind in satisfaction, with 7 in 10 owners saying that they’d make the same decision if they had to do it all over again. The other brands in the study had below 70% in satisfaction.

How does the survey stack up with motorcycle trends? In 2017, roughly 472,000 motorcycles were purchased in the U.S., a number that reflects the long-term impact of the recession. Wisconsin-based Harley generated more than $5.5 billion in revenue in 2017. Honda, the third safest and most reliable in the study, has sold about 313,000 motorcycles to customers in North America already in 2018. And the highest safety-ranked brand in the study, Yamaha, sold 5.4 million motorcycles worldwide last year—a 4.6% jump from sales in 2016.

Taking the study with a grain of salt

At first glance, these survey results seem pretty helpful, whether you’re buying a new bike or calculating the value of your current ride. And it seems that news outlets agree, as they’ve touted the Consumer Reports motorcycle study in countless articles over the last few years. But this “study” is actually more of a survey. Although the results can be helpful when deciding to buy or sell a motorcycle, it shouldn’t be seen as absolute.

Simply put, judging whether a bike is the right one for you is a lot more complex—and personal—than a bunch of failure or satisfaction ratings.

A few other things to keep in mind when reviewing the Consumer Reports study:

As Motorcyle.com rightfully notes, the study doesn’t clearly define what qualifies as a “failure.” (And I don’t have to tell you that there’s a big difference between a “quick fix” and an issue that keeps you off the road for days or even weeks.)
Forces like brand loyalty and the “passion over practicality” mindset are often much bigger indicators of whether you’ll be happy with your decision to buy or sell
Reliability testing takes time, and there’s no guarantee that issues will arise in the magic time frame given in this study
A few years have passed since the survey was conducted, so the results may not reflect current motorcycle landscape

Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when buying a motorcycle. But for passionate riders like us, choosing a bike is a complex decision that will, hopefully, be one we’re satisfied with for many years and rides to come. And that boils down to a wide range of factors—from comfort and expected maintenance costs to brand, resale value and a host of personal preferences that no survey or study can sum up.

What matters most to you when deciding to buy or sell your motorcycle? How did your brand of choice fare in the Consumer Reports study?

Current Events

Will High Gas Prices Fuel the Adoption of Electric Motorcycles?

September 30, 2018 Clint Lawrence 1 Comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Why would anyone want to ride an electric motorcycle?

Gas prices have been on the rise, and they don’t look like they’re coming down anytime soon. If the reports hold true, this year will take the top spot for the highest gas prices in four years. That’s all thanks to The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which decreased oil production back in 2016. And the effects, which continue to pour into 2018, will hit the average American with an extra $133 a year in fuel costs. It might not seem like a lot, but it totals out to $25 billion more than what we spent in 2017.

As gas prices loom above us, and motorcycle sales plummet below us, there’s one question on many minds: will the high gas prices fuel the adoption of electric motorcycles?

The two-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) trend

Electric Vehicles of every type are trending thanks to increased focus on sustainability. Electric mopeds and scooters currently dominate one of the largest global markets for motorcycles. And with gas prices draining our pocketbooks and our energy, the niche market may just be the gateway into a broader adoption of the EV market.

Should an electric motorcycle be on your radar? What’s so great about them, and why are more motorcycle manufacturers venturing into the EV world? Check out these benefits that could give gas-powered bikes a ride for their money.

Benefits of electric motorcycles

Before you shake your head and say, “no,” to an electric bike, consider this. Electric motorcycles have some powerful torque. Some bikeseven have the ability to accelerate faster than their gas-powered counterparts. And they come in every shape and size. Electric motorcycle even come in dirt bike form, making the shift to an EV quite simple for any type of rider—even the newbie. A majority of two-wheeled EVs can hit speeds up to 200 mph city and 100 mph highway, and are much quieter than gas motorcycles.

Two-wheeled EVs have several major draws. First, they are less mechanically complex than a traditional bike, eliminating the learning curve that comes with riding. They offer a smooth, sputter-free, rumble-free ride that makes hours in the saddle more appealing. They are also, naturally, more eco-friendly than their gas-powered counterparts (and cars too). Because of an increasing interest in the EV space, a number of manufacturers have gotten on board with the EV trend, including Harley and Yamaha.

Making the shift to electric motorcycles

While questions abound as to whether or not the two-wheeled EV

market will change (or ruin) motorcycling as we’ve known it, one AMA champion believes that electric bikes are an improvement on the past.

But all things considered, two-wheeled EVs haven’t been traditionally accessible by the majority of riders. The price tag on two-wheeled EVs has been steep (starting at $8,495 and going all the way to $46,888 in 2017) because of their pricey batteries. But some brands are hurriedly working to change that, and Alta Motors and Energica have already found a way to lower their prices for near cost-competitiveness with gas-powered bikes. Considering the history of gas prices and the fear of prices rising even more, an EV might just save money in the long run—and save the environment too.

What do you think about Electric Motorcycles, especially in light of today’s prices at the pump? Would you buy an EV? Why or why not?

Tips

Should Kids Ride Motorcycles?

September 20, 2018 Clint Lawrence 1 Comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

If you ask helicopter parents, they’ll definitely say “no way.” But gearhead parents and seasoned riders might have a different idea. So do the makers of the Moto Rocker, who believe it’s never too early to introduce a child to the joys and freedom of riding.

How young is too young to learn to ride? Here’s our take on the debate.

The Moto Rocker and Harley’s kid-friendly exhibition

Parents aren’t the only ones advocating motorcycling for kids. German industrial designer Felix Monza designed the Moto Rocker, a motorcycle-style rocker, for kids between the ages of 1.5 and 4 years old. The goal? To instill a passion for the ride by letting kids ride like mom or dad.

Each Moto Rocker is fully customizable. Choose your color, style and base. With the child’s name imprinted on the bike, a real leather

seat, one-cylinder 125ccm faux engine, taillight and headlight, kids can experience the thrill in a way that’s made exactly for them. If you’ve decided your family can’t live without this rocker, it will set you back around $1599.

Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is giving kids a hands-on opportunity to dip their toes into the world of bikes at its traveling display in the Manitoba Children’s Museum in Canada. After donning a leather jacket and learning about engine parts and how they work, kids have the opportunity to get a feel for the ride by sitting on a hog in front of a viewing screen.

These might seem like really cool ideas, but these products and experiences are fueling an ongoing debate about whether kids should be even riding motorcycles to begin with.

The kid motorcyclist debate

The practice of riding pillion with a child is often condemned by parents who just don’t understand the thrill of the ride. But the facts don’t like: a motorcycle accident is 27 times more likely to be fatal than accidents in other vehicles.

There’s no denying that motorcycling gives you a rush and thrill at any age. But there’s also no denying that putting kids on bikes is risky business—because really, it’s risky to put anyone on a bike who doesn’t know how to ride.

So what are some of the biggest reasons people cite about whether or not kids should pillion along for the ride?

The pros

Some parents are opposed to keeping kids in a bubble, and feel that it’s a parent’s choice whether their kids should ride or not. They feel that getting children excited (and educated) about motorcycles at a young age can instill a greater comprehension of dangers and a better understanding of the need for road safety.

One parent expressed the views of many, saying, “As long as the little ones are appropriately dressed with long-sleeved shirts and pants, I see absolutely nothing wrong with taking children along for a ride and for one of the most freeing experiences in the world.”

The cons

Your kids can’t make a decision about their own safety at a young age. By choosing to take them aboard your motorcycle, you are choosing to put them in an unsafe situation, because motorcycling has inherent risks. And for many parents, this is simply unacceptable—thrill of the ride or not.

Motorcycle safety for kids

If you do choose to let your kids ride as passengers with you, take necessary precautions to minimize the risk. Here’s some gear to keep young riders safe and sound.

Helmet: The risk of dying from a head injury after an accident increases by 40% without a helmet. Get a child-sized, full-face D.O.T. helmet with a chin bar and hard foam in the shell. It should fit snugly over their head and face.

Knee guards and motorcycle gloves: These can help prevent deep scratches and abrasions, should an accident occur.
A good jacket and heavy pants: Think leather or denim. This protective gear can help prevent abrasions and protection from the wind. It also looks pretty cool for the kids.
Shoes: Buy them shoes that won’t fly off, and be sure the laces are tight to avoid them getting caught in the chain.

If you choose to ride with kids, you should always check out the motorcycle laws in your state for young riders. You can find a chart here.

Where do you weigh in on kids riding motorcycles? How young is too young to have them start riding?

Tips

5 Reasons Why Motorcycles Are Better Than Cars

September 4, 2018 Clint Lawrence Leave a comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Cars vs Motorcycles – Are you in a cage?

As motorcyclists, we can all attest that bikes are better than cars. The unbeatable sense of freedom. The ability to go where no car has gone before. These are things we point to a lot. But when you boil down the facts, motorcycles outperform cars in a lot of ways that aren’t subjective at all.

Don’t believe us? You might just want to buy your first (or 15^th) bike once you’re done reading these 5 reasons why motorcycles are objectively—and undeniably—better than cars.

Motorcycles are cheaper to own and operate

In an age of rising gas prices, more people are looking for ways to save at the pump. And it turns out motorcycles are hands-down one of the best ways to do so.

Motorcycles get solid gas mileage (30 mpg is on the low end). But gas performance and prices aside, you can also save on maintenance costs. Motorcycles are typically easier to maintain on your own than cars. And of course, we’ve got to state the obvious: motorcycles are generally cheaper to buy brand new than cars as well.

Motorcycles can be safer than cars

One of the top reasons people don’t ride motorcycles is because they believe they’re unsafe. And while the statistics can be dire, the reality is that motorcycles can actually be safer than cars—if you know what you’re doing.

Motorcycles give you a wider, further field of view to see obstacles

and accidents in the making. You’re also smaller than a car, so you can get out of the way at a moment’s notice. And because you don’t have the false sense of security of metal surrounding you, motorcyclists

actually pay attention to the road. Motorcyclists rarely let their guard down, which can make biking a safer way to get around than driving a car.

Motorcyclists are passionate people who value freedom and Motorcycles build instant community

community of shared values. And they like to get together every chance they get. Motorcycle rallies and motorcycle riding clubs come with the terrain. And don’t forget about the biker bar hangout. It might be stereotypical, but it’s just another instance of a tight-knit community coming together behind a shared passion.

Motorcycles are easier to park

Urbanization has made parking a nightmare. But whether you live in a crowded metropolis or a small town out in the country, you’ll be able to find parking for your motorcycle easier than any car on the road. Thanks to your motorcycle’s ease of parking, you can also wave your parallel parking nightmares goodbye.

Motorcycles have unbeatable performance

Motorcycle performance is nothing to scoff at, because they win on nearly every count. Some car enthusiasts might feel a need to gloat about their ability to “go 0-60 mph in X seconds,” but motorcycles are lighter, faster and more agile than the typical car. And we don’t even need to tell you that they take curves better. Check out these 20 street legal motorcycles that rev up from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds. You won’t be disappointed.

Whether you’re getting your first motorcycle or like us have known for decades we believe that motorcycles really are better than cars. Can you give us another reason?

Current Events

Fuel Should be Cheaper

August 24, 2018 Clint Lawrence Leave a comment

Posted By

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

High gas prices got you down? We feel they shouldn’t be so high

As your gas level indicator heads toward zero, you’re probably just like the rest of us—muttering a not-so-silent expletive, wondering how many more miles you have left before you have to shell out more dollars at the pump.

And while parting with our hard-earned money has never been easy, the gas pump dread hasn’t always been like this. See, the gas prices over the last few years have seen some record highs in relation to the cost of oil. And while gas prices have hit some of their highest points multiple times over the last few decades—this year alone has seen national gas prices higher at the start of the year than they’ve been since 2014.

The state of gas prices today

Historically speaking, back when oil was priced at $140 per barrel, gas was surprisingly not that high. It never surpassed $4.11 per gallon. But today, with oil barrels costing nearly half of what they used to at $73.92 (at the time this article was written), gas is still priced at an average of $2.86. And, relatively speaking, the numbers just don’t add up.

Gas prices were 31% higher this Memorial Day than last year at the same time. And that has been some cause for concern. At $2.49 average price around the nation, and often much higher on the west coast (even approaching $4 or $5 in places!), bikers and drivers alike are already shaking their heads with dread of what’s to come.

Just a few of the reasons for higher gas prices, according to AAA, is that American’s are driving more than ever. And that means demand is healthy and strong, which naturally drives prices through the roof. Plus, unbeknownst to most Americans, winter and summer use different blends of oil—and summer blends happen to cost more to produce. Who knew summer could have a downside? Experts also foresee higher prices in our near future, thanks to things like overseas output costs and refinery operations. Suffice it to say, both motorcyclists and automobilists aren’t exactly thrilled about this.

Our solution to high prices

Motorcycle Shippers is an advocate of lower fuel prices, particularly because these prices affect the cost of the transportation services we provide to our riders. And while we may not be able to change the numbers at the pump, we are always looking for ways to keep costs down for riders—especially when those riders need to ship their bikes.

When fuel prices spike, Motorcycle Shippers absorbs many related costs in an effort to stabilize pricing for our riders. We don’t want to nickel-and-dime our riders. We’d rather ensure their shipping experience is simple and easy, with some good “seat time” as the ultimate goal.

Want to find out how you can ship your bike to your favorite event, and save on the year’s high gas prices? Contact our team today to see how we can help.

Have you seen gas prices jump for no particular reason? We want to hear your story.

All posts by Clint Lawrence

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Rejetting Carbs

How to tell if you need to re-jet

The main jet, pilot jet, and jet needle

Step 1: Drain your carburetor

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Step 3: Remove your hoses

Step 4: Select the correct jet size

Step 5: Replace your jets

Step 6: Adjust the jet clip

Step 7: Reinstall your carburetor and hoses

Step 8: Test

Generation Y women motorcycle riders are leading the growth