The Garmin Zumo 660 portable GPS is the most advanced navigator for motorbikes that lets you explore different routes – it’s designed specifically for bike riders. This is a GPS device that will become your constant companion on the road and will help to ensure you never get lost. It comes with a wide screen touch display of 4.3 inches with a screen resolution of 480 x 272 pixels.

Easy to Use Display

The display is sun light-readable and you can even view 3-D images of the roads that you are on. For easier navigation the display fully touch screen capable and you can access different features easily – the buttons are large enough to be pressed easily when wearing gloves making it ideal for motorcyclists. The information displayed is easy to read even at night since it has a white backlight.

Download New Garmin Maps

The Garmin Zumo 660 portable GPS offers you more than 6 million interest points of interest where you can easily locate items such as restaurants, hospitals, police stations, gas stations, and ATMs among other things. The latest version has been upgraded to include some of the latest and the most technologically advanced features including the ability to download new Garmin maps up to four times a year.  (If you do need to update the maps on your Zumo then make sure you use a Garmin Map Update Discount Code when purchasing to save you money).  One awesome feature is the ability to be able to to check your gas level and how many miles you have left in the tank.

Waterproof and Rugged Design

This Garmin GPS device is waterproof and comes in a rugged and a tough design that can handle the most extreme of conditions while riding. The Garmin maps included offer you detailed information of your surroundings and with the 3-D feature it’s hard to choose the wrong lane. The Garmin Zumo 660 motorcycle GPS comes with the latest Bluetooth wireless technology that lets you share and stay in touch without having to stop. You can conveniently connect your cellphone with the Zumo 660 device and pick and make calls when you are on the move.  This device also lets you transmit voice commands wirelessly for accurate and precise navigation.

Listen to MP3s Whilst Riding

The Zumo 660 portable GPS also has an an MP3 player that will keep you entertained as you move and with the advanced Bluetooth A2DP technology then you will get crispy clear sound. It also comes with a picture viewer that and audio book that keeps you occupied when on rest on a long ride. The device has a powerful battery capable of 5 hours battery life. The Zumo 660 will automatically adjust time when you enter a different time zone and you do not have to keep adjusting the in-built world clock.

You will never put yourself at risk of getting arrested for over speeding because the Zumo 660 will even display the speed limit for whatever state or country you are in.  Overall this is a superb GPS for motorcyclists.

Sadly, at the end of each summer there comes a time when you need to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage. It’s an emotional time and I know it can be tough, but it has to be done. What really matters is that you do it right! Putting your bike away properly in the fall is going to make taking it out in the spring a much more enjoyable experience.

Here’s my “BIG 3” list of things you need to pay attention to prior to storing your bike.

1. Fuel
2. Battery
3. Cleanliness

 There are a number of theories about whether or not you should leave the fuel in your gas tank. Many people think it’s best to drain the fuel out and run the bike till it stalls. This used to be good practice when gasoline contained MTBE instead of Ethanol, but now, not so much. The problem is that it’s impossible to get all the fuel out of your system and even a little bit of ethanol mixed gas can cause problems for you. What I prefer to do is treat my fuel with an ethanol treatment. I run it 100304122f the time, that way I’m always covered. The advantage is that your bike will run better and when it comes time to store it even for a short period of time, you can rest assured you won’t have any ethanol related problems.

 Next thing to do is pull the battery out of your bike. Some people will leave it in and claim to never have a problem, but I’m here to tell you that for the few minutes it takes to pull it, it will save you headaches and cash. I would suggest pulling the battery from your bike and storing it somewhere warm. Do NOT store it on concrete or metal as this will drain the battery. Best practice is to hitch up a trickle charger to the battery that will keep it alive while it awaits re-installation into your bike.

 The last of my “BIG 3” is to clean your bike. This is often overlooked and can cause you some heartbreak in the spring if you decide to skip it. Any road grime left on your bike will slowly eat away at the finishes, especially all of your shiny chrome. After 3 months of storage your shiny parts will look dull and pitted, only able to be brought back to life after many dollars spent on cleaning and polishing products. Save yourself the time and money and give your bike a good thorough washing before you put it up for storage. I made the mistake of not doing this with my dirt bike one year and I never did get all the grime off from some parts of my plastic.

If you’d like to learn more about storing your bike for the winter then head on over to JB Motorcycle for a more in depth look.

Motorcycles are fun, but it can also be deadly if you don’t know how to ride them. A motorcycle rider training course is the perfect way to learn the basics of how to drive safely and avoid accidents. Here is what you will need to get started.

Get a Provisional License

You will need to be at least 17 years old to apply. This license will allow you to ride motorbikes up to 125cc and drive on motorways. You can also have a passenger, but that is not recommended if you are new to riding a motorbike. To get this type of license, you will need to apply at a Driver Licensing Center in your area. Make sure to bring your legal information and a photo they can use for the license.

Compulsory Basic Training

All beginner bikers need to complete this training with a satisfactory score before they are allowed to ride on the road. Most districts have their own CBT course where you can take the test using a rented bike and helmet. Aside from a riding test, you will also be tested on the road rules in your area. If you don’t pass either the driving test or the written exam, you will need to take the course again.

Borrow/Rent a Bike

The reason we don’t recommend you bringing your own bike to training is that you’ll likely have several accidents in the beginning, so unless you want to scratch your bike, renting one is much better. Getting a rented bike will be fairly cheap and you can fall all you like on it without having to worry about expensive repairs. The motorcycle rider training course has accident insurance for the bikes, so you won’t have to cover any costs.

Pre-Test Training

Once you have finished the Compulsory Basic Training, the next step is to pass the practical motorcycle test.  If you plan to train for large motorcycles, you will need to be over the age of 21. You won’t have to take the CBT again, but there is a theory test that you have to pass.

Study the Road Code

Studying for the motorcycle driving exam is similar to studying for a university exam. You are given a booklet/sheet of all the rules of the road, and you will have to memorize them for the test. In order to get a good grade on the first test, it is important to have a good understanding of every rule. The questions in the test are pretty straightforward, so as long as you know the rules, you should be able to pass the test without a problem.

Ride Safely

Once you have passed your practical test and theory test, you are free to drive your motorbike! Just remember to always drive safely and don’t risk your life just to cut in front of another vehicle. Always drive defensively, don’t put your life in the hands of other motorists on the road. If you want extra training, consider advanced motorcycle classes on safety and special riding techniques.

Motorcycle classes can be helpful whether you are already an experienced rider or just buying your first bike. There are several types of motorcycle classes, so you can choose the one that best suits your experience and riding style.

Beginner Motorcycle Class (3-wheel)

This course is for students who have virtually no experience riding a motorcycle. It can last anywhere from 16 hours to a few days, depending on what is covered.

What you’ll need to bring:

-          Sun lotion

-          A snack

-          If you aren’t 18 yet, bring a parental permission form for the first session.

-          A helmet that meets DOT standards

-          Goggles, glasses, or some other form of eye protection

-          Strong shoes, long pants,  gloves

-          Waterproof gear in case of bad weather

Intermediate Motorcycle Class (2-Wheel)

This class is for riders who already have a bit of experience on a motorcycle. If you already have a motorcycle, you should bring it to the course since it will allow you to practice on your own ride. If you don’t have a bike, they will most likely have ones for rent. If you are not 100% comfortable driving a motorcycle yet, opt for a rent one or you may scratch up your bike.

Aside from the equipment required in the basic course, here is what you’ll need:

-          Driver license

-          Proof of motorcycle insurance if your bring your own motorcycle (most motorcycle schools have their own insurance for the bikes they rent out)

-          Registration papers for your motorcycle

Experienced Motorcycle Classes (2 Wheel)

As the name suggests, this class is meant for experienced riders. It focuses on handling techniques, mental processing while riding, and street strategies. Before you take the experienced course, it is recommended to take the basic and intermediate courses first.

The course will include:

-          Gap management and traffic mix

-          Swerving through multiple curves

-          Decreasing the radius while curving

-          Learning how to brake when cornering at high speed

-          Swerving techniques

-          Evading and braking

Advanced Motorcycle Classes (3-Wheel)

This class should only be taken by experienced riders who can provide their own trike or sidecar. It covers similar topics to the experienced course, except it teaches at a higher level.

The course will include:

-          Advanced gap management/traffic mix

-          Skidding control

-          Advanced swerving

-          Performing and emergency stop

-          Control while cornering

-          Drifting

What Motorcycle Classes Should I Take?

It all depends on your experience level. If you are not sure about your experience, it is best to start with basic motorcycle training schools and gradually work your way up. With time, your skills will improve and you will be able to use your experience on the road.

SYM is one of the largest scooter manufacturers in the world. Now the Taiwanese company is attempting to enter the motorcycle market with the T1, also known as the Wolf SB125Ni. Since I live in Taiwan, I frequently see these bikes on the road and was able to test one out for myself.

First Impressions

Don’t expect this bike to compete with a Suzuki or Kawasaki. Its $3000 price tag will save you a couple thousand compared to a Japanese bike, although it looks virtually the same. Seeing one of these driving down the road here is fairly impressive, especially considering moto-traffic in Taiwan consists of 99% scooters. With Japanese imports getting heavily taxed, the locals who want a “cool” bike opt to get local brands like the SYM T1 or Kymco Quannon.

Engine

The SYM T1 looks far more powerful than it really is. Its 150cc engine is a little slow, mainly because the bike is rather large and heavy. SYM was able to fix this problem with their SYM T2 that offered 250cc, but that will cost you a couple thousand bucks extra. In short, don’t expect to do any racing or exciting stunts in this bike.

Compared to lesser powerful engines like the Quannon 125 (also made in Taiwan) or Honda CBR125, the SYM T1 fails to impress. Acceleration is fairly slow and top speed performance leaves much to be desired. However, one good feature is its fuel injection system, which allows the bike to start with a simple push of a button.

Features

The T1 is all about features. It has a very neat dashboard and a sexy screen and lighting options. The controls on this bike will make people think that you’re riding a CB1000, especially with the alloy wheels. The bike is available in yellow, black, and white, with all colors suiting the rest of the bike quite nicely.

Handlin

Like many cheap racing bikes, the SYM T1 is able to get away with awkward handling. If you are driving on small roads like they have in Taipei, you’ll need to continue rebalancing your bike when going at low speeds. The brakes provide adequate stopping performance, but that is only because the bike does not travel very fast. Gear changing is imprecise and sloppy, which can be very irritating for city driving.

Quality

In most countries, you probably won’t find many parts for the SYM T1 or T2. In Taiwan this is not a problem since it is a local brand, but I wouldn’t recommend buying it unless SYM T1 has a big presence in your area. This definitely isn’t an everyday motorcycle, but it can still be used on the weekends.

Final Verdict

For the price, buying a SYM T1 is still a good choice. It is a good looking bike that will get you where you need to go. Just don’t expect spectacular performance or excellent quality. As a weekender bike, it will more than suit your needs.

If you’re planning on buying the SYM T1 as your first bike, read more about how to find the best motorcycle training schools.

Driving a motorcycle can be a dangerous and nerve racking experience. If you are new to motorcycles, you should definitely consider getting some training before hopping on a Harley Davidson or Kawasaki Ninja. Although friends and family can provide great training for riding a bike, motorcycle training schools are a far better place to get qualified help.

Can I go to Any School?

Choosing the right school is essential, because you will have to trust your instructor. The motorbikes provided by the school will also need to be in good condition and safe. Additionally the riding environment should be comprehensive and comfortable.

Talk with your friends to check if they have any recommendations on which motorbike school is best. Some establishments are larger, including both motorcycle repair training schools and riding schools in the same place. The school will also need to comply with the local state/country standards.

What Should I Look For?

You can tell the most about a motorbike school within the first ten minutes of contact. Are they informative and work professionally? Do they have a wealth of knowledge at to give you?

Think about the type of riding you plan to do and ask the school if they can help you achieve your goal. Are you looking for a “fun-bike” or a regular means of transport? If they are saying yes to everything and not asking any questions, it may be a sign that they are not concerned with providing a specialized course for you.

Look at the Bikes

Ask how old the bikes are and how many times they have been used. If you plan to ride a brand new bike, you probably won’t learn too many skills while training on a leaky old one. If the establishment has nothing to hide, they should happily tell you all the information on the bikes.

Understand What You Get for Your Money

Many motorcycle training schools require students to pay for their own fuel or charge extra fees for insurance. To keep this from happening, find out what the full price will cost you before enrolling. Additionally, you should ask how long the course is. Paying $200 is a big waste for a course that only lasts for a couple hours.

Safety clothing is another important aspect that many motorbike schools don’t provide. However, some do have them. Waterproofs may also be necessary in case it rains during your training.

Meet the Instructor

The instructor is the person who will be spending the most time with you during your training, so it is important that you two like each other. He/she may ask you to do difficult moves on the course, which can become stressful for both parties. Your relationship with your professor will be a major part in deciding whether your fail or succeed.

Conclusion

Remember, there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. If you want quality training, be prepared to pay a premium price. Motorcycle training is a big investment, so do your research before choosing a school. If you pick the right one, you will enjoy every minute of your training.

Off road motorcycles are awesome! To get maximum fun from your bike, there are a few techniques you should learn. Whether you are a serious cross-country racer or a weekend warrior, this off road motorcycle training guide can seriously improve your riding.

Suit Up!

This has nothing to do with tuxedos. We’re talking about wearing all the right safety equipment, including a helmet, gloves, goggles, shoulder/leg pads, protective clothing, and riding boots. Buying this gear can be rather expensive, so check with your local dirt bike shop about buying the equipment used.

BODY POSITION

Stand and Sit – It is essential to smoothly transition from sitting to standing so you can stay balanced while riding. Just straighten your legs until you are upright with slightly bent knees. This is called the attack position and will give you maximum control over the bike. Your shoulders and head should stay at the same angle regardless of whether you are standing or sitting.

Keep the Center of Gravity – Your body’s center of gravity is your stomach area. Similarly, your off road motorcycle has a center of gravity in the middle of the engine. Many beginners sit too far back on the bike during off road motorcycle training, which can cause muscle strains and uneven tire traction.

Stay Low – If you have a good center of gravity, your motorbike will be stale. Crouching over the bike will make your body less likely to get thrown about if you hit a sharp corner. Just don’t crouch too low or you won’t be able to see what you’re doing.

CORNERING

Anyone can go fast on a straight road. When it comes to off-road competition, the racer who is fastest at cornering will likely win. This is why cornering is a must-learn in motorcycle off road training.

The Technique – Enter the corner in the attack (standing) position. Brake hard and gear down, then smoothly sit as the bike goes around the corner. While you sit, hit the gas in the same motion. Once you have completed the corner, stand up again.

Practice – Turning is a difficult move for beginners. Practice forming circles on your dirt bike, along with weaving through cones, barrel racing, figure 8’s, and other maneuvers.

JUMPING

Jumping is the most difficult technique for most off-road racers. However, it is also the most spectacular. Soaring through the air is the main reason people like dirt bikes, so it is an essential part of your off road training motorcycle course.

The Technique – Basic jumps are performed in the standing position. Pick a smooth spot for your motorcycle to leave the air and make sure you grip the bike firmly with your legs during take-off. Avoid pulling or pushing on the bike as you jump, simply allow the motorcycle’s suspension to compress and spring back naturally. Don’t attempt a jump until you’ve built up enough confidence.

FITNESS TRAINING

I’d recommend mountain biking since it is the most similar sport to off road motorcycle riding. A mountain bike is great cardio and keeps your weight low, which is perfect for dirt bike driving. Try to exercise a few times a week to keep your body in proper shape.

CONCENTRATE

Keep calm and let your brain do all the work. Maintaining concentration is the most important part of dirt bike riding, so put all your thoughts into the challenge ahead. When you ride, think of nothing else except the track ahead of you.

Of course, you won’t be able to learn off-road motorcycling without already knowing the basics of riding a motorbike. For those who don’t know, here is an article on motorbike maniac where you can learn to ride a motorcycle.

Driving a motorbike can be the most amazing experience you’ll ever have. It’s a combination of romantic, rebellious, and liberating feelings. However, riding a motorcycle with no previous experience is risky, especially if you’re driving a powerful motorcycle. If you screw up in a car you might end up paying for a dented bumper, but with a motorcycle you may lose your life. If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, read the information below.

Get Certified

Most countries require some type of license to drive a motorcycle. An official government program will give you the basics on how to ride a motorcycle and train you in the rules of the road. Here you’ll learn techniques for the brake control, clutch, and throttle. Once your technique improves, you can move onto advanced courses.

Not all bikes require the same license. When I was living in Taiwan, I needed a different type of license to drive any motorcycle over 400cc. I guess they were concerned that their average citizen didn’t know how to drive a bike with any power, and that brings me to my next point.

Get a Starter Motorcycle

Your first motorcycle shouldn’t be a Kawasaki Ninja 650cc. In fact, I’d recommend getting a bike 250cc and under, which allows you to focus on the basics of riding. If your motorbike is too powerful, you’re likely to get into an accident very fast. My first starter bike was a Kymco Quannon 150cc. This bike had enough power to keep me ahead of traffic and the engine was small enough to keep me from trying something stupid.

Wear a Helmet and Gear

Most seasoned riders have crashed several times when they first started riding. To avoid a concussion and broken limbs, always wear your full motorcycle gear when riding. Buy a certified helmet, since a $10 helmet will only give you ten dollars’ worth of protection. Never wear shorts and remember to wear a thick jacket to protect your torso.

Practice Makes Perfect

The majority of beginners who have just obtained a license still have not learned to ride a motorcycle properly. Practice regularly so you can hone your skills and learn techniques that no classroom could ever teach you. A motorbike stops much faster than a car, so go to an open area and practice pulling your brakes quickly.

Hit the Road (with caution)

Now that you’re certified and have plenty of practice on your belt, you can take your experience onto the road. Remember that other motorists may not be as careful as you, so keep a good safety distance and always watch your corners.

Conclusion

So there you have it. You’ve learnt how to ride a motorcycle in a few simple steps. These are just the basics however, so if you keep practicing to hone your technique, you should be driving a 1000cc Hayabusa in no time.

I have had trouble walking for some time, and I recently decided to purchase a mobility scooter. There are 3 wheel mobility scooters and 4 wheel mobility scooters, so I did some research before I decided which type to buy. I ultimately chose the 3 wheel mobility scooter for several reasons.

Better Maneuverability

The 3 wheel mobility scooter turns much easier than the 4 wheel scooter. This was important to me because I live in a small apartment and have a lot of stuff. I don’t have a lot of room to move about, so a scooter that easily gets in and out of tight spaces is really important. It is also helpful when I take my scooter to the doctor’s office, since exam rooms aren’t very accommodating of large 4 wheel scooters. With my scooter I can easily navigate any space. 4 wheel scooters don’t have that ability because they are wider in front.

Lighter Weight

I also really like the 3 wheel mobility scooters because they weigh less than larger 4 wheel mobility scooters. The 4 wheel models I saw all seemed a bit too cumbersome for me. My 3 wheel scooter is lightweight and it folds up for easy travel. I like how it is portable and I can take it anywhere. I can even get it in and out of the trunk myself. This is something I never would have been able to do with a heavy 4 wheel scooter.

Less Expensive

Cost was a huge factor in my decision to purchase a 3 wheel scooter. Many of the best 3 wheel mobility scooters are still less expensive than 4 wheel models. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend, but I wanted to make sure I was getting something high quality. I was able to get the best value for my money with a 3 wheel scooter. I also had the option to purchase mobility scooter accessories to further customize my scooter. I liked this idea because I only spent money on extras that I wanted, rather than paying extra for a deluxe package with things I didn’t need. I decided on a large basket and a spare battery, both items which I find are useful and necessary.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase of a 3 wheel mobility scooter. Its maneuverability, light weight, and cost made it a much better option than a large 4 wheel mobility scooter. I am now comfortable knowing that whenever I have difficulty walking, my scooter is there to assist me.