Howcast

How to Fit In at a Motorcycle Rally

Howcast — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:23:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Ride a Harley Ride a Harley. A Harley-Davidson is the only kind of hog to ride to a rally — the more customized, the better.
Step 2: Wear the right clothes Wear a T-shirt under a leather jacket, and wear battered old bluejeans. Leather riding boots are a must. Ladies, less is more — super-short cut-offs and a bikini top will be fine.
TIP: You can also tie a bandanna over your head.
Step 3: Show your tattoos Get plenty of tattoos and show off your ink. Remember to go heavy on the biker imagery — and a few skulls wouldn’t hurt, either.
Step 4: Read Easyriders Read an Easyriders magazine. Easyriders has been the quintessential biker magazine for decades.
Step 5: Drink lots of beer Drink beer — and whiskey. This is no time for wine or fancy cocktails. The Sturgis Rally features beer bars that seat hundreds of bikers.
Step 6: Don’t be afraid to be loud Don’t be afraid to get loud. But don’t get mean — you’ll likely offend someone, and bikers are not known for shying away from a fight.
Step 7: Be friendly Be friendly, be polite. Everyone there wants to have a good time, and you may be surprised at how courteous the other rally attendees are. Cut loose and have some fun.
FACT: The first Sturgis Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic, was held on August 14, 1938.

You Will Need

Harley-Davidson
Appropriate clothing
Tattoos
“Easyriders” magazines
Booze
Volume
Courtesy
Bandanna (optional)

How to Get a Motorcycle License

Howcast — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:01:31 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get the handbook Study the Motorcycle Operator Manual and study guide, available online for most states, including Arizona, California, Texas, New York, Michigan, Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio.
Step 2: Obtain a permit Obtain a learner’s permit by taking a written exam, vision test, and paying a small fee at your local license office. A permit is a restricted license that does not allow you to carry a passenger and carries other limitations, such as time of day.
TIP: Check with your local agency for age and training requirements needed for a permit.
Step 3: Consider school Consider taking an approved motorcycle rider safety course to obtain your motorcycle endorsement, the next step in obtaining your license. Most require you have proper gear, including a helmet, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
TIP: Completion of a safety course may be required to obtain a license if you’re under 18.
Step 4: Schedule appointment Schedule an appointment at the DMV or driver’s license agency when you’re ready to take the motorcycle skills test. The on-cycle skill test is a road test that requires you to demonstrate basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills.
Step 5: Pass Pass the on-cycle test and you’ll have your motorcycle license. Go get ’em, easy rider!
FACT: The U.S. military used Harley Davidson motorcycles in both world wars.

You Will Need

Motorcycle Operator Manual and study guide
Motorcycle learner’s permit
Motorcycle safety course
Helmet
gloves
and over-the-ankle boots
On-cycle motorcycle skills test

How to Practice Motorcycle Safety

Howcast — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:07:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get trained Get a motorcycle license. Take a course to make sure you fully understand the rules of the road. Read your motorcycle manual and inspect your bike carefully so that you’re familiar with it before you start riding.
Step 2: Wear a helmet Always wear a helmet that’s securely fastened. And make sure it conforms to the standards set by the Department of Transportation. If it doesn’t have a visor built in, wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying dirt or debris.
Step 3: Wear protective clothing Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible, the heavier the better to prevent a nasty case of road rash. Gloves will shield your hands from flying rocks, and heavy, rubber-soled boots will protect your ankles and keep your feet from slipping.
TIP: Increase your visibility with reflective gear – like a harness, belt, or vest – and reflective stickers.
Step 4: Brake carefully Always apply the front and rear brakes at the same time, but not so hard that you lock up either wheel, which will cause you to skid.
Step 5: Approach intersections cautiously One quarter of motorcycle crashes are caused when a car turns left at an intersection, across a motorcyclists’ path. Approach intersections cautiously, slowing down as you get close, flashing your brake lights once or twice, and making sure you’re visible to the cars on either side of you.
Step 6: Pass carefully Before passing another vehicle, make sure your motorcycle is in the left portion of the lane and at a safe following distance. Don’t accelerate if you’re being passed.
Step 7: Keep your distance Try to keep several car lengths in front of and behind you. Keep a watchful eye ahead for potholes and debris, which can cause wipeouts. And continuously look ahead, to the sides, and in your mirrors to keep an eye out for other drivers.
TIP: Don’t ride behind open trucks and cars with items strapped to the hood; if any cargo flies off, it could prove fatal.
Step 8: Avoid riding in rain A rainy road offers about half the traction of a dry one, and traction is critical to two-wheelers. If you must ride in a rainstorm, slow down significantly.
Step 9: Never ride side-by-side Never ride side-by-side in the same lane with other bikers. It compromises both of your safety by limiting options should a car swerve in front of you.
Step 10: Approach curves cautiously Approach curves in the road cautiously. After intersections, they are the most hazardous spot for cyclists.
Step 11: Never drink and drive Never drink and drive. And don’t get on your bike when you’re tired, either: Fatigue can slow reaction times as dramatically as alcohol does.
FACT: Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car passengers to die in a crash per mile traveled, and eight times more likely to be injured.

You Will Need

A license
A helmet
Protective clothing
Extreme caution
Reflective tape and stickers