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Travel/Tour

Using Google Maps to Find the Perfect Ride | 2021 Tips

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Clint Lawrence

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

 

The U.S. is full of some amazing rides. But well-known roads have become overrun with joyriders, travelers and commuters, making the odds of having a great ride plummet—especially on the weekends. Every motorcyclist knows that even the best ride routes can be ruined by overcrowding.

But have no fear. Exciting options abound; you just have to know where to look. Thanks to Google Maps, motorcyclists can scan hundreds of miles of road to find their perfect ride for their preferred technical difficulty and scenic settings.

By tapping into the power of Google Maps, you can uncover some amazing rides on roads less traveled. Here’s how to get started.

Launch Google Maps

Navigate to the Google Maps website (or access it through the smartphone app). Is there a popular ride you’re interested in? Type in an address near the area you want to investigate. Then, prepare to head off the beaten path. Remember, the well-known roads might generate a buzz, but the buzz fades quickly along roads packed with riders and drivers.

Discover a new road

Google maps will give you a free 3-D satellite view of the entire planet, allowing you to virtually explore the area around your chosen region. You’ll see all the roads around the area—some of which could even rival known routes, and are rarely busy. But Google enables you to do more than just pick a random road. You can also do your research on the area to make sure your new discovery isn’t a dud before you head out.

Scout out your ride

Now that you’ve found a road, it’s time to plot directions and check the difficulty level. Input an address near the start of the road and another near the other end of the road (close to your endpoint). Generate the directions between those two points.

Because Google Maps will give you the shortest, most direct route first, you might need to drag the blue direction line to force a reroute through the area of interest. Select “bicycle” as your mode of transportation to see additional, relevant information such as elevation changes. The generated graph will show the base elevation and the highest point on the route.

To get a sense of a road’s difficulty level, add together the base and high point numbers, and divide it by the mileage of your chosen route. The higher the number (or the more twists and turns you see), the more challenging the path.

Not sure where to start scouting? As riders, we often rely on other riders who have documented their experiences, and some even share that knowledge through websites like Motorcycleroads.com. Many well-known roads have roads around them of similar quality. Known roads can offer a good place to begin your ride search.

See it in person (sort of) before you go

Google Maps can also show you a first-person view of the road before you head out. Select “street view” and drag the little mangoogle maps street view icon onto the road. This will give you a first-person perspective, and enable you to “drive” down the road from your phone or computer to make sure it’s what you want.

Hitting the dirt

You can apply the same techniques to dirt riding, It might not be quite as effective, but you can still plot routes on many fire trails and scout out some fun detours. When exploring side trails, be cautious and ride with a partner. These roads are often less maintained (if at all), and trail conditions can change quickly.

America is just waiting to be discovered. By hitting Google Maps, you can explore and find your own private slice of two-wheeled paradise. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful road to cruise down or one full of off-camber hairpin turns that come out of nowhere, Google can help you find what you are looking for. And if that road isn’t in your neck of the woods, Motorcycle Shippers is here to transport your bike safely to your new-found road.

Are you ready to hit the throttle and start out on a new adventure?

Buying/Selling, Tips

Curbstoning: How to Avoid This Common Scam | 2024 Guide

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Clint Lawrence

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

 

We all love a good deal. But when it comes to buying a used motorcycle—buyers beware. There’s a common scam in the biker and auto world, and the target is you.

“Curbstoning” can be hard to spot because it simply looks like a great deal—not so different from any other great deal you might come across online. But the old proverb rings true: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

What is Curbstoning?

You’ve probably come across a story like this in your time—or maybe even experienced it yourself. You see an incredible deal on a motorcycle in a classified ad, and it’s everything you are looking for. You call the seller, who convinces you that there are no issues with the motorcycle. He is letting it go for the usual reasons: the wife, lack of space, moving or age. You agree to meet the seller at a home address. After a quick test drive and a once-over, you’re convinced the bike is great and make an offer.motorcycle for sale

But then—he says he needs a “friend” to help with the final paperwork. When he gives you the title, there’s another name listed, not the individual you were just dealing with. You go to the registration office to transfer the title into your name only to find out that the “chain of title” is missing documentation and/or necessary signatures. You try to contact the individual you bought the bike from and find that they are not answering your calls.

Your impressive find was actually someone acting as dealer.  It could still be a good deal, and you may be able to solve any issues with a bit of additional work on your part. The other possibility is that the person could be trying to pull one over on you.

How Can Your Protect Yourself?

If this has ever happened to you, don’t feel bad. It’s happened to many people who have purchased a used motorcycle or car. A DMV report revealed that nearly 100 citations and 70 warnings have been given out this year alone to unlicensed dealers. Authorities impounded more than 100 vehicles and made four arrests. And that was just in California. If you’ve ever walked away from what looked like a sketchy deal to avoid buying a lemon, consider yourself among the lucky few.

So what can you do when dishonesty abounds? Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself against curbstoning. Knowing about it is the first step to protecting yourself against it.

  • Don’t buy from the street

Curbstoning usually involves the selling you the bike on the curb rather than in the shop—hence, the name. They will pretend to not be selling for business, but they are generally trying to avoid buying a dealer’s license—and skirting regulations like state-required background checks in the process. Buyers should be wary that anyone acting as someone they are not may also be presenting a motorcycle that is not in the condition as stated.

Curbstoning is not technically illegal in every state. However, the DMV has reported that it often goes hand-in-hand with tax fraud, as the seller will neglect to put their name down in the chain of ownership to avoid paying taxes on the sale.

  • Be very cautious with classified ads

Side-of-the-road sale techniques happen all over the U.S. on residential streets, in parking lots, and at business centers. The unauthorized dealers exploit the fact that people generally feel better buying a used motorcycle if they’ve spoken to the previous owner.  Most don’t have any insider knowledge of the previous history, maintenance or issues on the bike they’re selling. If you choose to buy used, make sure you buy from a fully-licensed used motorcycle dealer who knows his products or directly from the previous owner listed on the title.

Whatever the reason these unlicensed dealers do it, curbstoning is not the way you should buy your next bike. The underlying reasons can be dishonest, and could even be harmful if buyers don’t ensure some basic safety.  Avoid curbstoning deals to save yourself troubles and money. Find a licensed dealer who values transparency in their transactions and offers a warranty on the motorcycle should anything go wrong. When buying from individuals make sure to check the title and registration to make sure you’re dealing with the actual owner of the bike.

Once you purchase your used motorcycle and throttle up your dreams of adventure, Motorcycle Shippers can take care of the rest by delivering your bike to your door—or wherever adventure may take you.

Current Events

Will Self-Driving Motorcycles Actually Catch On in 2020? [Video]

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Photo Courtesy of Honda
Posted By

Clint Lawrence

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

 


What About Self-driving Motorcycles?

Self-driving cars has dominated the L.A. Auto Show, and all signs show that they’re already changing the face of transportation as we know it. But self-driving cars aren’t the only smart vehicle prepping to hit the road. The self-driving motorcycle, a lesser-known but growing segment, is quickly gaining steam among innovators and manufacturers eager to take driving automation to the next level.

In the two-wheel world where experiencing the ride is the whole point, a self-driving motorcycle may seem a bit ironic. But the concept has taken root and is driving product advancements forward. Here’s what you need to know about self-driving motorcycles and other automation tech that you could see in motorcycle showrooms soon.

What is a self-driving motorcycle?

Like other autonomous vehicles, a self-driving motorcycle would use advanced sensor technology, wireless connectivity and artificial intelligence to control a vehicle without input from a driself driving motorcyclever.

SRI International is already developing a robot motorcycle rider with the assistance of Yamaha and the Valentino Rossi. While this “MOTOBOT” may not compete with the Rossi just yet, its developers are confident that it’s only a matter of time before the legendary MotoGP Rossi would be competitive in a future RoboGP circuit.

SRI’s motorbike-driving robot is one of the most prominent examples in this young segment, and the technical challenges it’s overcoming are laying the foundation for the self-driving bikes of the future.

But unlike with self-driving cars, complete autonomy isn’t the goal for these motorcycles—at least not in these early stages. Intelligent motorcycles already exist, integrating advanced technology in traction and stability. Self-driving motorcycles will enter the scene largely as driving assistants. BMW has already debuted a concept bike that incorporates a gyroscopic balance system as well as an active heads-up visor to display information for riders. Meanwhile, Honda debuted its self-balancing Rider Assist Motorcycle at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, gaining significant buzz (and even a few of the massive tech tradeshow’s coveted innovation awards).

While motorcycles may not drive themselves just yet, they are on the verge of becoming simpler and more intuitive to drive for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Autonomous Cars Will Come First

Google and other companies are testing prototype self-driving cars that have lower accident rates than human-driven cars. Tesla has already introduced some semi-autonomous advances in its Model S, with highway assist that effectively drives the car while it is on a highway. These technological advances will likely be applied to motorcycles with time, but automating a motorcycle means contending with traction and balance issues from its two wheels and the shifting rider on top.

Most car companies have shown little interest thus far in developing an autonomous motorcycle, leaving thousands of miles and hours of testing untapped. While self-driving cars are leading the way, motorcycles, with their growing list of self-driving features, are likely the next phase for this technology.

Will a Self-Driving Motorcycle Actually Catch On?

Technology is all fine and well, but what good is it unless it solves a real problem?

Most motorcyclists crave the ride and the unparalleled sense of freedom it brings. As technology advances, bikes will likely come to do more of the “thinking” so that rider input isn’t directly controlling it. Advanced features will enable the motorcycle to “make decisions” about how to best achieve the rider’s goal. And while many fear that the “feel” of a motorcycle will change and reduce the joy of riding, every present feature in your bike was once an advancement, too. As safety and performance advantages of new technology become apparent, riders will likely come to accept the new features as they develop—or at least that’s what Honda, BMW and others are betting on.

The totally autonomous motorcycle may still be a distant spot on the horizon. But if the self-driving car segment is any indication, as time goes on, bikers will increasingly turn over control to allow their motorcycles to assist them on their rides. 2020 seems a bit too soon for all of this to happen, but the energy from the technology companies at the L.A. Auto show that we attended was intoxicating, and many wanted to share their prediction that 2020 holds much more in store for us.

Technology is already changing the ways we get around, and it’s not slowing down any time soon.

When you’re ready to buy that tech-enhanced bike, Motorcycle Shippers will be with you every step of the way. Let our team ensure that your motorcycle shipping experience is at the top of its game and that your bike arrives at its new home in pristine shape.

Tips

10 Biker Terms You May Not Know | 2024 Guide

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Posted By

Clint Lawrence

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

 

Even if you’ve been riding motorcycles a while, you may not be familiar with all the “biker lingo” and other popular expressions frequently used by those who ride.  Some of these terms may not come as a surprise to veteran riders. Test your skills and see how many you already know.

  • Airheads: It’s not what you’re thinking. This term is used to refer to older, air-cooled BMWs.

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    Airheads on display

  • Basket Case: A motorcycle in a state of dis-assembly; such as a bike with its parts in baskets.

  • Church: The name for a club meeting.

  • Cage: You guessed it! A biker’s car.

  • Farkle: Doo-dads, kitch, and add-ons that sometimes serve no useful purpose.

  • Giggle Gas: Nitrous oxide.

    farkle motorcycle
    Farkle done right

  • Lone Wolf: A biker with no club affiliation.

  • Catwalk: A British term for wheelie.

  • Organ Donor: A biker who doesn’t wear a helmet.

  • Pasta Rocket: An Italian sport bike.

What are some of your favorites?

 

Products

How I Made $7K at 70mph

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Posted By

Clint Lawrence

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

 

The modern work place

Sometimes you just gotta ride but what do you do when duty calls (not that kind of duty) … literally? It’s a non-work day and I need some “me” time, so I reach for my bike keys, zip my jacket and pull on my Sena Bluetooth helmet while firing up my motorcycle. What better way to spend a gorgeous sunny day than carving a couple hours out of my schedule while my wife and kids are out running errands.

I consider myself to be pretty good at multi-tasking, but I never gave thought to using those skills to negotiate an important contract for work while out riding my motorcycle. I’m leaning into a turn, and coming out of a twisty ribbon of California asphalt, really getting on the throttle, when a call comes through. For a moment, I consider not answering it, but that’s simply not an option when you run a service business for riders. I swiftly press the button on my Bluetooth device and find myself in time sensitive contract negotiation. I had been busting my tail for months to make this call happen and a few minutes later I’m closing the deal while navigating my bike at 70 mph along the Southern California back roads.

As a business owner who’s always on the go, sometimes I just never know who will be calling me. If this sounds like you or if you’re just one of those riders who like to be accessible, be prepared by outfitting yourself and your bike with the latest in technology like I did. And, remember safety first.

Tips

5 Excuses to Skip Work and Go Riding

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Clint Lawrence

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

 

If the warm weather and long summer days have you dreaming of motorcycle riding you’re not alone. Summertime is the most common time of year for travel. But sometimes all you need is a short trip to clear your head. When getting time off work proves difficult try one of these excuses to skip work and go riding.

1. My kid got suspended for using profanity.

2. My dog is having his teeth cleaned.

3. I misplaced my keys.

4. I have to appear in traffic court.

5. I’m having a vasectomy.

Obviously, these excuses may only be good for one time use so be sure to use them sparingly. What other excuses have you tried? Share your winners with us.

Current Events

New Product: Cycle Skid Motorcycle Shipping Platform

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cycle-skid-2Cycle Skid™ Motorcycle Shipping Platform

Motorcycle Shippers’ proprietary Cycle Skid™ is a compact, wooden shipping platform that comes with tie-down anchors, soft ties, ratchet straps and a bike cover that create a Perimeter of Protection® around motorcycles in transit.

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New Product: Cycle Skid™

SANTA ANA, CA (November 17, 2016) — Motorcycle Shippers is proud to introduce its proprietary Cycle Skid™, a compact, wooden motorcycle shipping platform that comes complete with tie-down anchors, soft ties, ratchet straps and a bike cover that create a secure Perimeter of Protection® around motorcycles being transported by truck, boat, plane or rail.

Developed utilizing Motorcycle Shippers’ experience transporting more than 70,000 bikes around the world in the past 22 years, Cycle Skid’s unique, three-piece, slide-together design facilitates quick, one-person setup, simple disassembly and convenient storage.

An economical alternative to bulky motorcycle shipping crates that incur huge shipping charges, the reusable Cycle Skid is constructed from durable lumber that complies with all export regulations. Contained within the unit when stored are the universal-fit, water-resistant, breathable bike cover and six of Motorcycle Shippers’ new Soft Cinch™ tie downs. These 66-inch straps have integrated soft-tie loops, carabiner-style locking hooks and 1-inch ratchets rated at 800 pounds.

Fully assembled, the platform is 104 inches long, 42 inches wide and has an 800-pound capacity to handle most any bike. Compacted for storage, the skid is half as long and just 11 inches tall. Forklift- and pallet-jack-friendly, the Cycle Skid can be shipped via FedEx and UPS due to its small size when collapsed and weight of less than 150 pounds.

Cycle Skid is perfect for globe-trotting adventurers who’ve reached the end of their overland route, domestic bikers sending machines to rallies, motorcyclists making long-distance moves and auction winners fetching new rides. On the commercial side, Cycle Skid is used by trade show vendors, motorcycle tour operators, moving companies, exporters and barge operators to transport bikes between cities or continents.

Motorcycle Shippers literally wrote the book on motorcycle transport, then developed industry-standard software, hardware, training procedures and videos to ensure the fastest, safest pickup and delivery.

This southern California-based company is the official provider for BMW’s MOA group, Kawasaki’s ROK program, the GWRRA and a longstanding member of the Motorcycle Industry Council.

For more information about Cycle Skid™ and bike transportation, visit them at MotorcycleShippers.com, call 800-706-9476 and keep up with the company on its Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter feed.

Product Benefits:
• Compact, reusable motorcycle shipping platform
• Creates a secure Perimeter of Protection®
• Unique, three-piece, slide-together design
• Quick and easy one-person setup and disassembly
• Economical alternative to bulky motorcycle shipping crates
• Can be shipped via FedEx and UPS due to its light weight and small size when collapsed
• Complies with all export regulations
• Accommodates most sizes and types of motorcycles

Defining Features:
• Constructed from durable lumber for safe motorcycle transport
• Dimensions:
• Assembled: 104″ L x 42″ W x 5.5″ H
• Collapsed: 52″ L x 42″ W x 11″ H
• Weight: 148 pounds
• Load capacity: 800 pounds
• Six tie-down anchors
• Six Soft Cinch™ tie downs
• Universal-fit bike cover
• Forklift-friendly 4-way entry
• Pallet jack-friendly 2-way entry
Shipping: Free in the contiguous United States

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Cycle Skid Setup, Disassembly and Moving

About Motorcycle Shippers
MotocycleShippersLogo_MoreSimplifiedEstablished in 1994, Motorcycle Shippers has transported more than 70,000 bikes around the world in 22 years with the largest fleet of motorcycle-ready trucks in the United States.

Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, the enthusiast-run motorcycle transport company developed the processes, software, hardware, training procedures, manuals and videos for its shipping partner, Specialized Transportation Incorporated. Together, they provide the fastest, safest and most affordable shipping method available for motorcycles, side-by-side vehicles, ATVs, watercraft and snowmobiles.

Motorcycle Shippers is the official transportation provider for BMW’s Motorcycle Owners of America group, Kawasaki’s ROK program, the 60,000-member-strong Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and a longstanding member of the Motorcycle Industry Council.

For more information about Cycle Skid™ and motorcycle transport, visit MotorcycleShippers.com, call 800-706-9476 and keep up with the company on its Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter feed.

This message produced and distributed by
Powersports Press Release on behalf of Motorcycle Shippers

Products

Have more fun on vacation

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Posted By

Clint Lawrence

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

 

Communicate the way you’ve always wanted

Connecting with other riders on motorcycle vacation makes riding fun, but communication systems have always been limited by range. If you get too spread out you lose your connection. According to the latest industry update from SENA, range is no longer a problem. The new Sena RideConnected App allows you to connect with 16 other riders anywhere in the world. Even your buddy that couldn’t make the trip can be in the conversation. We are no longer limited by range!

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Have more fun while you vacation
The perfect vacation is different for everyone. Riders enjoy different climates, exploring less-traveled terrain and unique culinary experiences. But we do have some common threads that most of us share. We like to spend time with friends, we enjoy good conversation, and we like to relax on vacation. There is one more characteristic that is unique to motorcycle riders. We all think about how fun it would be to have our bikes with us on vacation.

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The good news is that you can! Motorcycle Shippers customers take their bikes on vacation all over the place. Being on vacation and riding with a group of friends is what it’s all about. Getting a quote is free and easy so you can start planning your trip today.

Travel/Tour

Dream rides don’t plan themselves.

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Posted By

Clint Lawrence

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

 

Planning a motorcycle ride

Fall is that unique time of year when the Summer heat has cooled and the cold Winter temperatures have not yet set in. These are optimal adventure riding conditions and with some rain sprinkled in for good measure, it doesn’t get any better. Most of us will make our way out to the local trails that we know and love but a select few true adventurers will fully commit to the riding vacation of a life time. Will that be you? Let us help you with planning a motorcycle ride.

bike-on-crate-1 shaking-hands-1

Pre-ride planning:

This list could go on and on but you get the point. Planning one of these adventure rides can take some time.

If you just want to show up and ride without all the hassle of planning then Back Country Discovery Routes(BDR) is for you. Their routes are specifically designed to take you through the most scenic and entertaining terrain possible. If BDR is what you are looking for you can become a member or give the gift of membership here.

bdr-member

Putting together a true adventure riding trip is simple with Motorcycle Shippers. You fly while we take care of getting your bike to your riding destination. We’ve been around since 1994 and are leaders in the shipping industry. Our record of timeliness, safe delivery and friendly professional service means you can trust us.

Tips

Riding Motorcycles is Good Therapy for Veterans

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Clint Lawrence

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

 

In the last few years, researchers and psychologists have looked beyond motorcycle riding as purely an adrenaline kick. They’ve discovered that motorcyclists find riding to be a therapeutic process that allows them to de-stress. Riding motorcycles is good therapy.

This process is especially important for veterans of our armed services who have returned home to civilian lives while still dealing with some of the tragic events that they witnessed overseas. Many veterans are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a disorder that can be tough to overcome.

PTSD is one of the most common side effects veterans face after combat. Finding a solution or therapy to overcome the syndrome can be difficult. That is why individuals like J. Paul Rand, Phc, MBA researching motorcycle riders are so important. A study he conducted with riders of various ages suggests that while riding  “through a relaxation of mental stressors on various schemas, new possibilities for resolution seemed to effortlessly emerge for the riders.” This is the kind of research that can help vets as life ebbs and flows.

Riding motorcycles is good therapy.

Veteran and co-founder of the V-Twin Project Aaron Perry said in a statement for the Portland Tribune “Out there nothing takes hold — especially not pain, anxiety, exasperation or fear.” (Haugen, 2014).

Motorcycle riding is fun but it can also increase the quality of life for riders. Some veterans even say it is the antidote to stress. In an article similarly titled For military veterans, motorcycle ride provides an antidote to stress (Barrett) Brian Steuber a former U.S. Army staff sergeant says “My medical prescription is 800-plus pounds of American-made metal and chrome. No drug can compare; no feeling is better. That’s why I ride.” This is a common theme among vets who ride and many would like to see more vets on motorcycles.

PTSD and stress in general are not unique to veterans and can affect anyone. That means riding can be a prescription for everyone. A ride is often a form of relaxation – a way to remove yourself from everyday mundane life, crowded roads, and hectic situations.

If you are considering buying or selling a motorcycle Motorcycle Shippers can help make the transaction  it a bit easier.