Beiträge

Checklist: What do I need to start riding a motorcycle?

Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for those who enjoy the freedom and thrill of the open road. However, before you can hit the road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare yourself and your motorcycle. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to start motorcycle riding.

  1. Get a Motorcycle License

The first step to becoming a motorcycle rider is to get your motorcycle license. Depending on where you live, this may involve taking a written test and a riding test, or completing a motorcycle safety course. In some states, you may be required to hold a learner’s permit for a certain amount of time before you can take the riding test. Check with your local DMV for specific requirements in your area.

  1. Choose the Right Motorcycle

Choosing the right motorcycle is an important decision, especially for new riders. You want to choose a motorcycle that fits your skill level, size, and riding style. It’s important to sit on and test ride different motorcycles to see what feels comfortable and suits your needs. Factors to consider include the weight, seat height, and riding position of the motorcycle.

  1. Invest in Safety Gear

Investing in safety gear is essential for motorcycle riders. This includes a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing. A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear, and it’s important to choose one that fits properly and meets safety standards. Look for gear that is designed specifically for motorcycle riding, as it will provide the most protection in the event of an accident.

  1. Learn Basic Maintenance

Learning basic motorcycle maintenance is important for keeping your motorcycle in good working order and ensuring your safety on the road. This includes things like checking the oil, tire pressure, and brakes regularly, as well as knowing how to change a tire or replace a chain if necessary. You may also want to take a basic motorcycle maintenance course to learn more.

  1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Taking a motorcycle safety course is highly recommended for new riders. These courses cover everything from basic riding skills to more advanced techniques, as well as safety tips and strategies for riding in traffic. Many courses also provide motorcycles for students to use during the course, which is a great way to try out different types of motorcycles before making a purchase.

  1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for motorcycle riding. The more you ride, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become on your motorcycle. Start by practicing in a safe, empty parking lot or on quiet roads before venturing out into heavier traffic. Be sure to practice in a variety of conditions, including different weather conditions and different types of roads.

In conclusion, starting motorcycle riding requires preparation and careful consideration. By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re properly licensed, equipped, and trained to enjoy this exciting hobby safely and responsibly. Remember, motorcycle riding can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to always prioritize safety on the road.

/0 Kommentare/von

Helmet review: Scorpion Exo ADX-1

The Scorpion EXO-ADX1 is a versatile adventure-touring helmet that is designed to perform well in a variety of conditions. It features a polycarbonate shell that is both lightweight and durable, making it a great option for riders who are looking for a helmet that can withstand the rigors of off-road riding.

One of the standout features of the EXO-ADX1 is its ventilation system. The helmet features a large chin vent, as well as multiple vents on the top of the helmet that can be adjusted to allow for optimal airflow. This makes the helmet a great option for hot weather riding, as it helps to keep the rider cool and comfortable.

Another great feature of the EXO-ADX1 is its visor. The helmet comes with both a clear visor and a sun visor, which can be easily switched out depending on the rider’s needs. The sun visor is especially helpful for riders who frequently ride in bright sunlight, as it helps to reduce glare and improve visibility.

The helmet also features a removable and washable lining, which makes it easy to keep the helmet clean and fresh. The lining is made from moisture-wicking material, which helps to keep sweat and moisture away from the rider’s skin.

In terms of safety, the EXO-ADX1 is DOT certified and meets the safety standards set forth by the Snell Memorial Foundation. It also features an emergency release system, which allows the rider to quickly and easily remove the helmet in the event of an accident.

Overall, the Scorpion EXO-ADX1 is a great option for riders who are looking for a versatile adventure-touring helmet that performs well in a variety of conditions. Its lightweight and durable shell, advanced ventilation system, and interchangeable visors make it a great option for riders who demand comfort, performance, and safety from their gear.

/0 Kommentare/von
,

Trip to the Bavarian Alps

Summer time is vacation time and this trip should have been to Scotland, but as COVID-19 came to Europe, we did the right thing to cancel the ferry and postponed this trip for some other time.
In 2020 we had way less opportunities to ride our motorcycles and were really lucky and fortunate to have been able to book a trip to southern Germany, as the infection numbers were really low last summer in Germany. Precautions were taken and the rooms were booked and we were able to pack our bags together with five other riders and a pillion rider.

Ten days in the bavarian alps were just what we needed after the very sudden lock-down we had from March to June 2020. The trip from Aachen to our hotel in Pfronten was about 640km long, so we decided to spend a night in the middle of the route and have two relaxed trips down to our destination.

We started our trip on a Sunday and pretty much drove all the way to our first hostel on the highway. The hostel is called Hotel Garni Steinbacher Tal and located in Heidelberg. The owners were really nice and it was super tough to climb the narrow stairs to our room, the great breakfast made up for it. They even made a special vegan breakfast for us.

The next step was driving up to Pfronten and our hotel for the next 8 nights: Gasthof Aggenstein – Typical German food, a great room with lots of space for our motorcycle equipment, a shed to park all our motorcycles in and last but not least a huge terace with a beautiful view on the alps.

The next days were a mix of good riding through the alps, fun with our fellow riders and searching for a place to eat that also has a vegan option.

One thing I always carry with me on trips where we stay at hotels is my Remington Hair Dryer:

The On The Go hairdryer is perfect for on the go, not only because of its foldable handle. With a power of 1400 watts, it generates a powerful airflow of 50 km/h. The On The Go Hairdryer D2400 is equipped with 2 combined heating and blower settings. A styling nozzle, manual voltage adjustment and hanging eyelet round out the hair dryer’s features.

/0 Kommentare/von

Suzuki SV650 AV – “Biene”

This motorcycle is my baby. She has this amazing honey yellow color and I just love the V2 motor. And the sound! This bike is the perfect fit for daytrips to the hilly Eifel, which is just an hour away from my home in Aachen. I’ve had this bike for over 4 years now and I don’t think I can ever give her away. Biene means bee in German and she has a little stuffed “Maya the Bee”, which I put on the back of the bike.

We’ve been to so many places together already. The highlights were in 2017 and 2018 when my husband and I went to Austria for the Club of Newchurch Motorcycle Festival. I was so stoked to see the Suzuki Club represented there, as Biene was one of the fewer Suzuki bikes at that festival.

/0 Kommentare/von

My first motorcycle

I got my first motorcycle right after I got my drivers license: A Suzuki GS500 — a typical bike for beginners.

I liked the fact that I didn’t need to worry about the bike getting damaged in a crash, because the old thing was not worth that much, so there was not much to lose or be sad about.

So after a year driving this bike I was ready for something new, something bigger with more horsepower. That’s when I sold this one and got the big sister Suzuki SV650AV from 2001.

/1 Kommentar/von

This is me

Hello fellow riders! I hope you will enjoy my posts.

My name is Hilâl and I am from Germany. My family originally comes from Turkey, so I grew up bilingual. In my free time I love to play volleyball and of course travel on my motorcycles. Yes, I used the plural, but we will get to that later.
I got interested in motorcycles when I was about to get my drivers license at 17. Unfortunately my parents were not too amused about the idea of me riding a motorcycle, as they could only see the danger coming towards me. So instead of getting the license for both cars and motorcycles, I only got one for cars. Big mistake as it turned out: the costs for the combined license was way lower than getting them separately.

Hili_Moto First Motorcycle Ride in 2012

The first time I sat on a motorcycle was as a pillion rider on my boyfriend’s bike. I loved the adrenalin rush! So I joined him on a lot of rides and met some really nice riders from Aachen, who shared the same love for motorcycles. It was only after I talked to one of the female riders in the group that I got the courage to say “Okay I want to ride my own motorcycle” and so I got the license. Thanks to Kerstin on this note ❤ You will always be my best riding friend!

/0 Kommentare/von