Kendon Offers Advice on How Motorcycle Trailers Enhance the Riding Experience

Is it possible to ride less in order to ride more? How many great riding areas are out of reach to bikers today? Is there a solution? Kendon Industries president offers expert opinion for motorcyclists on how to reach new riding areas and ride more.

Anaheim, CA (PRWEB) November 03, 2011

The age-old debate between riding a motorcycle to an event or hauling a bike to a riding destination continues to rage. On one hand there is the hardcore motorcyclist who does not want to hear the word "trailer" and who is willing to ride anywhere and everywhere, no matter what the distance may be. On the other hand, is the avid rider looking for the best riding available. Ultimately, both types of riders end up at the same places whether they use motorcycle trailers or not. So what really is the difference between riding and hauling bikes to a destination? Can motorcycle trailers truly enhance the rider's experience? Kendon Industries, Inc. president and professional rider, Frank Esposito, offers expert tips on how to enhance the riding experience and presents an alternate solution to this age-old debate.

"It used to be that most people only bought a trailer to take their bike in for repairs," says Kendon President Frank Esposito. "Now the perception is growing that a trailer can add a new dimension to their motorcycling experience as it increases the opportunity for adventure." Consider the fact that the average rider rarely gets beyond a 150-200 mile radius of their home. In addition, physical limitations can play a big role in a motorcyclist's ability to travel longer distances. "It comes down to a simple matter of quality vs. quantity," suggests Esposito. "Using a trailer for motorcycles is a sensible way to get out of the comfort circle and change riding habits from a typical ride to a weekend adventure while opening up new riding opportunities."

Changing a biker's habits is not easy. However, when thinking in terms of multi-day weekend adventures instead of routine rides to and from the garage, it becomes much easier and practical to adjust these habits. Planned weekend getaways with family and friends can become more frequent, easier and enjoyable for everyone.

"Why wear out the body and the bike riding the freeways to get to the destination to get to the good riding," asks Esposito. Using a car and trailer to get there fresh, relaxed and ready to jump on the bike enhances the motorcycling experience. In addition to the increased comfort level of towing motorcycles, the economy factor plays a huge role with wear and tear on motorcycles. Tires, engine components and fluids all get worn out on the super-slab highways. With a motorcycle trailer, that worry is practically eliminated as the bike gets to the destination prepped and ready to ride.

Having a freshly prepped bike and a rested body adds to the overall enjoyment of motorcycle riding. "Having rested and happy companions does not hurt either," adds Esposito. Motorcycle trailers definitely help enthusiasts enjoy more of their passion by allowing for comfortable, convenient and fun times in distant riding destinations. "A trailer really allows you to look at what is beyond that 150-200 mile comfort circle," insists Esposito.

So is this change to acceptance of trailering real or just hypothetical? Check out the growing numbers of trailers at events such as Bike Week in Daytona or the Sturgis Rally. Motorcycling has always been about independence, freedom and individual choice. "A Kendon trailer is an optional piece of riding equipment designed to give riders even greater independence, freedom and choices."

About Kendon Industries, Inc.

Kendon Industries, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is proud to celebrate its 20th Anniversary this year. Kendon provides an elegant engineered solution for the handling and transportation of motorsports vehicles that fit lifestyles and homes of the average enthusiast. Kendon trailers expand your adventure as an enthusiast and our lifts ease your working position by allowing you to stand and not kneel for anything from basic care and maintenance of your motorcycle to heavy duty work on your bike. Enjoy more of your passion with Kendon.

Kendon is proud to hold more than two dozen United States Patents on their products. Kendon is recognized as the industry leader in the USA for high quality fold-up Stand-Up™ Motorcycle and Utility Trailers and folding Bike Lifts. Kendon's complete line of trailers is designed and Made in America. For more information visit KendonUSA.com. Like Kendon on Facebook at facebook.com/KendonIndustries

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebmotorcycle-trailers/enhance-riding/prweb8925810.htm

 

Why Won't the Traffic Lights Turn Green for Motorcycles?

By: Mike Canchola, AMA,  KBA/KMA member and KY Transportation employee

Have you ever sat at a red light, that will not turn green, with no other traffic around? Maybe the light is broke, but maybe it's not the lights fault. More than likely it can't tell you are there. Red lights, or traffic signals, work two different ways. One, they work on a timer. Most city traffic signals work this way. I want to talk about the other method in which traffic signals work.

Copper wires, called loops, are embedded in the pavement create a magnetic field.  The loop patterns will vary some, but usually follow the widths of automobiles.  When a vehicle pulls on top of the wires, a signal is sent to the controller. You may have seen the controller on the corner. It is the aluminum box that contains the computers which change the lights according to a preset sequence when traffic volumes are high.  When you are sitting there on the bike late at night, the controller can sense you are there and change the red light to green.

Now back to the problem. . If you don’t pull on top of the loop wires, the controller doesn’t know you are there, and will not change the light.

Notice the rider circled in Figure 1.  He has the tires on top of the loop wires. This is the place where you need to be when you are riding alone. The other  bike in Figure 1 is also on the loop wires and helps send the signal to the controller to change the light. Not all intersections have loops, and sometimes you can't see the saw marks where the loop wires are, but if you stop in the circled area of Figure 1, you  increase your odds at turning the red light to green.

If you are still having problems with a certain lane or intersection, you will need to find out who owns/maintains the system and contact them to correct the problem. Usually the local district office of the Transportation Dept. can help.

reprinted with permission from the KMA/KBA website

There are a bunch of different engine sounds out there... cars, airplanes, boats, lawnmowers, motorcycles and more.  Motorcycle though are probably the most unique because virtually no two sound alike.  Not only does each style of motor have a distinct sound, but even identical motors are given an even more distinct by their owners.  But one motorcycle, no matter how you change the volume or pitch, can always be identified by its unique rhythm... the famous potato-potato-potato sound of the Harley-Davidson V-Twin motor.  This sound is so tied to the brand that Harley-Davidson even applied for a trademark on it at on time.

So why does the Harley-Davidson V-Twin have such a unique rhythm?

Engine noise is produced by the compressed gases exiting the cylinders though the exhaust valves and then through the exhaust system where they are either muffled or amplified depending on your exhaust system and muffler setup.  In a typical two cylinder motor the crankshaft has two separate pins for the pistons' connecting rods and the spark plugs are positioned 180° from each other.  Each piston fires on every other rotation of the crankshaft and with the sparks plugs at 180° from each other; this provides a smooth, even rhythm sound.

However Harley-Davidson two cylinder v-twin engine is designed differently.  The H-D v-twin has a single pin connecting the pistons, which was originally done to reduce manufacturing cost.  To make this unique configuration work the spark plugs were positioned in a 45° arc.  So after the first cylinder fires there is 315° of rotation before the second cylinder fires and then 405° until the first fires again, and so on, and so on, giving the non-symmetrical distinct potato-potato-potato sound.

Ever Wonder What The Temperature Is At Riding Speeds...

IN CASE OF ACCIDENT …

A CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Call 911 For Police & Paramedics: Those who call the police to investigate an accident or crash typically obtain more information, including a crash report on record. Likewise, be sure to give all of your complaints of injury to the first responders so they may examine, treat; and if necessary, transport you to the best emergency room possible.

Other Than Talking With The Investigating Officer, Do Not Speak With Others At The Scene About How The Accident Happened. Statements made to others at a crash scene are admissible. For example, others may use your own statements to deny fault for the accident or may have a defense lawyer telling a jury about the four letter words you may have used. Such statements may cast you in a bad light, damage your credibility or hurt the value of your case.

Go To The Emergency Room & See A Doctor Immediately: Don’t let an insurance adjuster choose a doctor for you. You have the right to see any doctor of your choice. Delay in seeking medical car could hurt your case. Keep copy of all medical records, prescriptions, treatments, and receipts.

Notify Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible: Avoid delays. They may hurt your case later. Have a paper trail showing you were timely and responsible in taking the necessary steps to protective yourself after a crash. If you have insurance, report the accident to your own insurance company. The carrier assigns a claim number for the date of loss and a claims adjuster who may be a contact person for submitting medical, lost wage or other claims. If they ask for a recorded statement, we recommend you decline until having legal representation present, if even required by the written terms of your insurance agreement.

Do Not Sign Or Give A Statement Without Legal Representation: After an accident and emergency treatment, the first thing you should do is contact an attorney and speak with them about your rights. If you speak with anyone else, you may be signing your rights away to future compensation. If an insurance adjuster requests a statement, politely decline and advise of your attorney’s name and contact information.

Contact A Biker Attorney: Consider hiring a true biker attorney, someone who actually rides and provides personal service. Factors to consider when hiring an attorney is whether the attorney is available, experienced, reputable and trustworthy. Time may be of the essence. The attorney may need to hire a private investigator to supplement the crash investigation, you need to quickly be informed of your rights and other important steps may need to be taken quickly. Do not hire an attorney based upon advertisements alone.

Obtain Pictures: Injuries, Property Damage & Scene: Taking pictures of your injuries, bike and the accident scene are important. Pictures are sometimes worth a thousand words. Save extra copies and forward a set of pictures to your attorney’s file for safekeeping and use.

Crash Witnesses: Record the names of all eyewitnesses, making sure to write down their correct contact information, including address, telephone numbers and email address, as they may be called as a witness. Provide such information to your attorney for drawing the witness list and for safekeeping this valuable information.

Damaged Personal Property: Keep or maintain items of personal property damaged by the crash such as helmets, goggles, jackets, shirts, gloves, jewelry, pants, boots or any other items of personal property. These items may be needed or used as trial exhibits later during your claim.

Provide Copy Of All Insurance Policies: Provide copy of all existing insurance policies in the household at the time of the crash to your attorney for review. People are sometimes surprised automobile insurance policies may provide uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits that may apply to damages suffered as a result of a motorcycle crash. This also holds true for providing copy of the insurance policies of relatives you reside with, as their policies may also provide additional benefits.

Obtain Appropriate Medical Care: Your health is most important. After the hospital, discuss with the attorney the importance of obtaining appropriate medical care for the best examination and treatment of the injuries; and, for documentation of the injuries. The better the injuries are documented, the more such injuries are appreciated by all interested parties, including the insurance companies, for obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Be Complete & Truthful With Your Doctor: At the initial consultation with any new doctor, if asked, make sure you provide them the complete prior medical history, noting any prior motor vehicle or other accidents resulting in injuries. You always want to give the appearance of being honest and forthright, not trying to hide anything or not trying to blame the crash for causing any prior problems. Also, knowing your prior history, if any, the doctor will be in the best position to give opinion as to whether you suffered any aggravation to any prior or pre-existing condition. By Florida law, an aggravation to a pre-existing injury is also compensable.

Tell Your Doctor Of All Complaints Of Injury: When seeing doctors, make sure to tell them all of your complaints or injuries caused by the accident or crash. For example, should you forget to mention a knee complaint until another six months after the accident, the other side may argue the injury was not caused by the crash.

Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: Follow your doctor’s treatment and prescription plan and make sure not to miss scheduled appointments. The better you follow his or her plan, the better recovery you may have from both a medical and legal point of view.

Start & Maintain Your Own Accident File: Anytime you receive any papers, receipts or other records related to the crash, be sure to place them into your designated accident or crash file for safekeeping. Keep receipts for all household services you needed because of your injuries, like having the lawn mowed, laundry done, or food prepared. Once you have obtained most of your care from your doctors, you will want to provide the folder and all records to your attorney.

Medical Bills: Upon receipt of any medical bills, make a copy for your own file and forward the original bill to your attorney for safekeeping in the file at the law office. Making sure your attorney has copy of all bills equips your attorney with more information, for better representation and possibly a better recovery.

Lost Wages: Keep an accurate record with respect to any lost wages suffered as a result of the crash. Keep a separate journal or diary page noting the dates missed, the amount of time and the amount of monies lost due to the crash. Likewise, if the accident or injuries affected any bonuses or pay raises, document this too for having a record of such losses as well.

Keep Records In A Journal Of How You Feel After an Accident: A Pain & Suffering Diary: It may be difficult to remember in front of a jury or insurance adjuster several months later how painful it was to just to walk up the stairs or get dressed. Consider starting and maintaining a diary for a pain journal. Keeping a record of daily complaints of pain, changes or difficulties in activities of daily living or other restrictions may further document your injuries. By documenting such damages, such an exhibit may further document your damages and may increase the value of your injury claim.

Videotaping Injuries: In cases of severe injuries, it may be a good idea to also document the activities of daily living with such injuries by videotape. These are sometimes called “Day-In-The-Life” video(s) and may be used later as an exhibit for a demand made to an insurance company or may be used as an exhibit for a jury trial.

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (“MMI”): When your primary treating physician(s) have told you they have done all testing, examination and treatment possible; and, you have reached a maximum medical improvement, that is a good time to contact your attorney to advise your doctor(s) are ready to write final report(s) about your final medical condition. Afterwards, the attorney will order copy of all medical charts, bills and final narrative reports to compiling all records, summarizing those records for making your demand.

Avoid Gaps In Treatment: Even after your doctor(s) have finished, the doctor(s) may have told you to return to their office on an “as needed basis”. It is best to follow this advice and to see your doctor(s) for aggravations, exacerbations or flare-ups until the attorney has resolved your claim, especially if you have a condition needing future medical treatment. The last thing you want to hear from an insurance company is that you would not need future treatment because you have not treated or been to see any doctor(s) in a significant period of time.

Other Damages: Should you suffer any other damages such as towing or storage bills, out-of-pocket prescriptions, mileage, or other out-of-pocket expenses, keep all receipts and records of such damages in your accident file. After you have reached your maximum medical improvement, forward your file containing such items to your attorney so your claim may also include such added damages. Likewise, if necessary, these items may also be used as jury trial exhibits.

Before & After Witnesses: Consider those persons knowing you, who would make good possible witnesses, to testify at a jury trial regarding your condition before and after the crash, so the other side and jury will appreciate the extent of how the injuries have affected your life and to maximize the pain and suffering claims. After giving good consideration to picking your best two or three witnesses in this regard, make sure to provide their accurate contact information (address, telephone and email address) to your attorney. Such witnesses should be on your witness list and may be called to testify at trial.

Understand The Duty To Mitigate Damages: If there is something you can do to prevent excessive expenses, take reasonable steps to do so. You will not be able to hold the other driver accountable for unreasonable or excessive damages. For example, if a rental car is necessary, if you rent a luxury car instead of something more standard, you may not be reimbursed for the difference in rental charges. If you have options, you should rent a vehicle more comparable to the transportation you enjoyed before the accident.

Surveillance: During or after your treatment, before the settlement of your claim, the insurance company considering your claim may hire a private investigator to obtain secret or hidden surveillance of your outside daily activities at home, at recreational areas, at work or anywhere in between, at any hour of the day. Should you encounter such an investigator, it is best not to approach the person and to reasonably return to a safe place to avoid any confrontation or further photography or gathering of additional evidence for the other side.

“Reasonable Person Standard”: Always conduct yourself as a reasonable person, doing what a reasonable person would do. This is the standard you are judged by and may answer many of your initial questions on what to do. Otherwise, call your attorney to ask any unanswered questions.

Changes In Contact Information: During your case, your address, telephone number or email address may change. If this occurs, be sure to advise the attorney’s office of any new contact information so there will not be any difficulty reaching you.

Do Not Share Information About The Accident: Do not not talk about your crash or damages in public or on any social media networking site.

 

This information was provided by CycleFish Member Brad Souders, a Florida Motorcycle Attorney

Visit Brad's profile here on CycleFish at Attorney4Bikers, or at his website www.HOG-LAW.com.

DISCLAIMER: This checklist of things to do after a motorcycle crash is merely intended as a basic guide of suggestions after any accident. The suggestions by themselves are not intended and do not create any attorney-client relationship. We strongly recommend anyone who has been injured in an accident to immediately consult with an attorney to obtain proper legal representation, to maximize your recovery.

Sometimes called by different names Ride Bells, Guardian Bells, Gremlin Bells, and others, the legend of the Bell attached to your motorcycle remains the same.  Though there are slight variations out there, this one seems to be the most common...

THE LEGEND OF THE RIDE BELL

Many years ago, on a cold December night, an old greybeard biker was returning from a trip to Mexico with his saddlebags filled with toys and other assorted trinkets for the kids at a group home near where he worked.

As he rode along that night, he thought about how lucky he had been in life, having a loving riding partner that understood his need to roam the highways and about his trusty old bike that hadn't let him down once in the many years they had shared the road together.

About 50 miles north of the border, in the high desert, lurked a small group of notorious little critters known as Road Gremlins. You know, the ones who always leave little obstacles like one shoe, boards and pieces of old tires on the road and also dig those dreaded potholes for bikers to run over and crash, thus giving the Road Gremlins a chance to rejoice over their acts of evil.

As the old greybeard rounded a curve that moonlit night, the gremlins ambushed him, causing him to crash to the asphalt and skid before coming to a stop next to one of his saddlebags that had broken free. As he lay there, unable to move, the Road Gremlins made their way towards him. The greybeard, not being one to give up, started throwing things at the gremlins as they approached him. Finally, with nothing else to throw but a bell, he started ringing it in the hopes of scaring off the dirty little gremlins.

About a half mile away, camped in the desert, were two bikers sitting around the campfire talking about their day's ride and the freedom of the wind blowing in their faces as they rode across this vast country. In the stillness of the night air, they heard what sounded to them like church bells ringing and upon investigating, found the old biker lying along the roadside with the gremlins about to get him. Needless to say, being a part of the biker Brotherhood, they proceeded to ward off the gremlins until the last of them ran off into the night.

Being grateful to the two bikers, the old greybeard offered to pay them for their help, but as all true bikers do, they refused to accept any type of payment from him. Not being one to let a good deed go unnoticed, the greybeard cut two pieces of leather from his saddlebag tassels and tied a bell to each one. He then placed them on each of the bikers' motorcycles, as near to the ground as possible. The tired, old road warrior then told the two travelers that with those bells placed on their bikes, they would be protected from the Road Gremlins and that if ever in trouble, just ring the bell and a fellow biker will come to their aid.

So, whenever you see a biker with a bell, you know that he has been blessed with the most important thing in life...friendship from a fellow biker.

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The Biker

When you see us moving past you quickly:

Don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us. Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.

When you hear our horn:

Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.

When you hear our loud pipes:

Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.

When you see us in our clothes:

Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.

When you see us in a restaurant:

You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.

When you see us in a parking lot:

Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle. It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.

When you see aggressive riding bikers:

Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.

When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:

Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you. Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety. Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.

When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:

Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.

When you are behind us:

Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.

When, and if, you experience road rage:

Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones. Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.

When you have an opportunity to talk to us:

You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different... and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.

Thank You for attempting to understand!

(copied from a post put on my FB Wall)

Motorcycle Rain Riding

For most motorcycle riders the first time riding in the rain is normally not intentional.  They takeoff on an all day ride when the sun is shining and by afternoon they realize they're going to get their first taste of wet asphalt, like it or not.

Riding a motorcycle in the rain has a natural progression for some riders.  Many never ride in the rain the first year they're up on two wheels.  They're timid about it the second year, feeling more confident by the third, and by the fourth year they're asking the question - "What Rain?"

Whether you get caught in an unexpected rain, of you are an experienced motorcycle rain rider going out in spite of the rain, there are a few things you should remember, and watch out for. Of course you need to follow the common sense rules whenever you are on a wet road; slow down, leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you, allow yourself more time to stop, and take turns much slower trying to keep the bike as upright as possible.

Here's a list of critical rain hazards to watch for whether its your first time riding in the rain, or you ride your motorcycle in the rain often.

Painted Lines - Crosswalks can be slippery and unsafe for motorcyclists, particularly if you're turning right or left and crossing the lines at an angle.  Slow down more than usual and make the turn straight up, rather than in a lean.  

The same is true for those diamonds in the HOV lanes.  They can be very nasty when you lean into one, especially on the freeway.  The diamond is shaped so you just slide across it and continue to slide along it.

Any painted line or surface is a hazard, and until the DOT addresses the issue and comes up with a less slippery texture, you're the one in control of your destiny.

Surface Textures - Many commercial and residential parking areas are paved with very slick concrete surfaces.  Your wet entry into the local mall or condo complex can put you on the ground in a second.  Again, ride slow and straight up and don't let the concrete bite you. 

Rubber - How about that rubber they use around railroad tracks to decrease the sound as cars drive over them?  Forget those little circles on the surface, these provide zero traction to you as you cross.  Slow and straight up.

Steel - Manhole covers are enemy number one and railroad tracks rank a close second.  Making a turn over the surface of them sets you up for trouble.   Avoid them whenever possible, or keep the bike straight up and cross over them slowly.  

Railroad tracks have a way of popping up on you just after a turn and you may still be into a lean when you reach them.  Look for the crossing signs ahead of time, slow down and stay straight up when crossing. 

Grated bridge crossings and metal plates are a nasty encounter in the rain.  Look at where you want to ride, take it slow and don't try anything fancy, particularly a lane change.

Standing Water - Puddles/Pot Holes - It only takes one time to know how this one feels.  You cruise through a puddle and after it's too late you realize you just went into a pot hole that wants to flip your bike.  Or the puddle is deeper then you thought, and hitting it at a fast speed can put enough resistance on your front tire to lift your back tire off the ground.  Avoid puddles if you can, if you must ride through them...slow down and keep you bike straight up. 

Oil - It's everywhere and very very hard to spot in advance.  Try to ride in the car tire tracks on the left or right side of your lane.  The center of the lane naturally has more oil and dirt.  Those little red and blue rainbows on the ground mean danger.  Ride slow and straight up.  Remember the first rain after a dry spell is always the most dangerous.  If you're caught in the first rain following a dry spell remember the roads are covered with lots of oil and dirt that will be lifted from the surface in the first 30-60 minutes of a new rain.

Lane Position - Avoid riding in the center of the lane, this is where most of the oil will be.  Also avoid riding on the right side of the right-most lane, this is where you are most likely to encounter puddles and/or pot holes.

Tires - If you thought you might save some money by buying long lasting tires, think again.  Such tires are typically not as tacky and have less traction when the rain comes out.  If you find yourself riding in the rain often, look for more tacky tires with a tread pattern designed for wet roads.

Rain Gear - If there is even the slightest possibility of rain, bring your rain gear.  Rain gear not only keeps you and your clothes dry, it can actually make you a better rider in the rain.  If you are riding cold and wet, you will naturally tense up lessening the control you have over your motorcycle.

Remember when riding in the rain, or in the best of conditions, a near disaster (such as sliding in a turn, or hitting a major pot-hole) will throw you off your game.  Even after you recover safely, your nerves are shaken, and you are out of sync with your bike.  A good idea is to find a safe place to pull over, take a deep breath, and calm yourself before going on.

When riding with a group communications between riders can be difficult. The following is a list of hand signals for communicating between motorcyclists. Use them as you see fit. Note that they all require that you take a hand of foot off of the controls and this may not always be a good idea, so only do so when it is safe. All hand signals use the left hand.  Remeber that not all motorcycle riders know all of these motorcycle hand signals, so many may not heed the warning or information you are attempting to pass along.  If you are riding with a group of motorcyclists it is a good idea to go through these hand signals so everyone in your riding group gets the message.

Right Turn - Left arm out and turned up 90° at elbow

Left Turn - Left arm straight out to left

Stop - Left arm straight at a 45° angle with palm of hand facing backwards

Slow Down - Waving arm in quick downward motion, with palm down and parallel to ground - Often used to warn riders in the opposite direction to slow down

Speed Up - Waving arm in quick upward motion, with palm up and parallel to ground

Hazard in Road (left side) - Point toward the ground with left hand

Harzard in Road (right side) - Point toward ground with right foot

Pedestrians on Road - With arm curved point over your head toward the right side of road

Police Ahead or Nearby - Tap top of helmet

Need Gas - Point toward gas tank

Need Restroom Break - Point toward hip or groin

Need Food Break - Pat stomach

Pull Over Now - Point at other rider and then point to the side of the road

Your Turn Signal is On - Arm out, open and close hand in a "flashing" motion

Single File - Arm and index finger extended straight up

Double File - Arm with index and pinky finger extended straight up

Go Past Me - Arm out, forward waving

Come Along Side Me - Arm back, pointing rear - sweep arm forward till pointing to your left then point down

Stay Behind Me - Arm out, palm back

Your Too Close - Arm out, fingers down, palm back with a fore and aft motion

This area is to help you with all of your motorcycle camping needs, including Planning Your Trip, Finding Motorcycle Friendly Campgrounds, and Finding Motorcycle Camping Equipment. 

Motorcycle camping is one of the greatest ways to get out and enjoy this beautiful country of ours. Riding in the wind on the open road, cooking over an open fire and then bedding down under the stars right next to your bike. What a way to travel! But it can also quickly become a nightmare if you didn't plan properly. We've put together a few tips and resources to help you make sure your dream trip doesn't become one of those nightmares.

Planning Your Motorcycle Camping Trip

There are a couple of key things that must be taken into consideration when planning a motorcycle camping trip vs a motorcycle road trip spending your nights in hotels.

1. On a motorcycle camping trip we strongly recommend to plan in advance the specific campground you will be stopping at each night and whenever possible make reservations in advance. Unlike when staying in a motel where you simply head for a town and pull in to the first motel, not all campgrounds are conducive to motorcycle camping and many will not even permit motorcycle camping (especially if your bike is any louder then a soft purr).
2. Plan on stopping much earlier each night, preferably before dinner time. Most campgrounds start to fill up right around dinner time during camping season, and you really don't want to be trying to set-up camp after dark especially if the only light you have is your bike headlight and the smallest lantern you could find to save room. Plus when camping, you normally need to start a fire or setup your small camp stove before you can sit down to dinner. Unlike the motel where you throw your bags in the room and head to the restaurant next door.

Selecting a Campground

Of course the ideal campground is a motorcycle only campground or a campground that prides itself in being motorcycle friendly. Kind of scarce right now but as the sport of motorcycle touring becomes more and more popular, so do specialty businesses like motorcycle only campgrounds.

Some of the best deals on the road are state run campgrounds. Normally they cost around $5 to $10 per night and most of then do allow motorcycles (as long as you follow the rules). Many state parks have camping facilities, bathrooms and showers.

Commercial places like Kampgrounds of America (KOA) are okay, too. They cost a bit more than a state campground, but they offer more amenities (like laundry facilities and pools) and they're clean. You're most likely to see them advertised on billboards when traveling on interstate highways. You can also contact KOA at http://www.koa.com and, for $4.00, get a copy of their directory of KOA "Kampgrounds" across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Much of motorcycle camping involves prior planning, or the purposeful lack of it. If you know where you're heading and when you'll be there, you can reserve something in advance at one of the bigger state parks or a KOA. Or you can just head for a campground that you know will suit your needs. Be sure to arrive before dinnertime when most places start to fill up. The other alternative is to find a suitable site of any kind before the sun goes down.

Motorcycle Campgrounds, Resorts & Lodging (MO = Motorcycle Only, MF = Motorcycle Friendly)

Bold Entries are CycleFish business members.  You may view their CycleFish Profile by clicking their username (in parentheses).

Alaska

 - Thompson's Eagle Claw Motorcycle Park - (ThompsonsEaglesClaw) - (MO) Tok, AK 

Arkansas

 - The Hub Motorcycle Resort - (TheHubMotorcycleResort) - (MO) Marble Falls, AR

 - Kettle Campground - (MF) Eureka Springs, AR

 - Ozark Inn - (MF) - Ozark, AR

 - Riders Rest Motorcycle Only Motel - (MO) Eureka Springs, AR

 - Shadow Mountain RV Park & Campground  - (MF) Mena, AR  

 - Wolfpen ATV Campground & Cabins - (MF) Mena, AR 

Colorado

 - Aspen Trails Campground - (MF) Cedaredge, CO

Florida

 - Sopotnick's Cabbage Patch Campground - (MF) Samsula, FL

 - Suwannee Music Park Campground - (MF) Live Oak, FL

Georgia

 - Alpine Cabins - (MF) Blairsville, GA

 - Copperhead Lodge - (MO) Blairsville, GA

 - Jenny's Creek Campground  (JennysCreekCampground) - (MF) Cleveland, GA

 - Skeenah Creek Campground - (MF) Suches, GA

 - Two Wheels Only Campground - (MO) Suches, GA

Louisiana

 - Valhalla Motorcycle Campground - (MO) Homer, LA

Maine

 - Bentley's Saloon & Campground   (Gregg)  - (MF) Arundel, ME

- Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort - (MO) The Forks, ME

Michigan

 - Cycle-Moore Motorcycle Campground - (MO) Interlochen, MI

Minnesota

 - White Oaks Acres  (HondaHog)  - (MF) Brook Park, MN

Missouri

 - Cruise-Inn Motorcycle Motel - (MO) Kimberling, MO

North Carolina

 - Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - (MO) Cruso, NC

 - Crawford's Campground & Cabins - (MF) Murphy, NC

 - Deal's Gap Resort - (MO) NC/TN border

 - Golden Valley Getaways (GoldenValleyGetaways)- (MF) Golden Valley, NC

 - High Country Motorycle Camp - (MO) Ferguson, NC

 - Iron Horse Motorcycle Camp & Cabins - (MF) Stecoah, NC

 - Kickstand Lodge Motorcycle Resort - (MF) Stecoah, NC

 - Rider's Roost - (MO) Ferguson, NC

 - Stations Inn Motorcycle Resort - (MO) Laurel Springs, NC

 - Two Wheel Inn - (MO) Robbinsville, NC

Oklahoma

 - Kickstart Motorcycle Bed & Breakfast - (MF) Stigler, OK

 - Washita Hideaway  (WashitaHideaway)  - (MF) Davis, OK

Oregon

 - Log House Campground - (MF) Enterprise, OR

 - Sparkplugs Motorcycle Camp - (MO) O'Brian, OR

Pennsylvania

 - Steel Steeds Biker Campground  (SteelSteedsCamp) - (MF) Lewisburg, PA

 - Up Creek Inn  (Bikerbar)  - (MF) South Sterling, PA

South Dakota

 - Black Hills Motorcycle Campground - (MF) Belle Fourche, SD

 - Broken Boot Campground - (MF) Spearfish, SD

 - Buffalo Chip Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

 - Bulldog Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

 - Creekside Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

 - Glencoe Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

 - Hog Heaven Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

 - Katmandu Campground - (MF) Sturgis, SD

Tennessee

 - Bobarosa Saloon Campgound - (MF) Newport, TN

 - Cherohala Motorcycle Resort - (MF) Tellico Plains, TN

 - Hunt's Lodge   (HuntsLodgeCampground)  - (MF) Tellico Plains, TN

 - Motorcycle Ranch   (MotorcycleRanch)  - (MO) Pikeville, TN

 - Motorcycle Vacation Resort - (MO) Sequatchie, TN

 - Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort - (MO) Maryville, TN

 - Shiloh Motor Hotel & Tours - (MF) Seymour, TN

 - Switch Creek Campground - (MF) Shady Valley, TN

 - Witherspoons Hog Heaven Resort - (MF) Tellico Plains, TN

Texas

 - Armadillo Farm Campground - (MF) Luckenbach, TX

 - D'Rose Inn & Cabins   (DRoseInnandCabins)  - (MO) Leakey, TX

 - Ultra Hog Heaven Camp - (MF) Spring Hill, TX

Virgina

 - Rustling Leaves Resort - (MF) Buena Vista, VA

 - Willville Motorcycle Campground - (MF) Meadows of Dan, VA

 - Wolf Creek Farms Camp - (MF) Ararat, VA

Washington

 - Cycle Camp  - (MO) Two Locations: LaPush, WA & Clallam Bay, WA

Wisconson

 - Blue Highway Motorcycle Lodge - (MO) Hilsboro, WI

 - Iron Horse Hotel - (MF) Milwaukee, WI

Wyoming

 - Lava Mountain Lodge  (LavaMountainLodge1)  - (MF) Dubois, WY

If you know of any additional resources on Motorcycle Camping that should be listed here, please leve a comment at the bottom and we will include them.

Motorcycle Camping Equipment

Typically the best equipment for motorcycle camping is the type of camping equipment used for back-packing and climbing since this is normally very lightweight and packs very small and can be found at camping and outdoor adverenture stores.

For a great selection of compact camping gear perfect for motorcycle camping, visit our friends at Hog Haven

 Be sure to read the forum discussion on Towing a Trailer Behind Your Motorcycle