Motorcycle Reviews - Yamaha 1200ZZ Super Tenere By Craig T Hartley

Fuel economy is where you would expect for a big adventure bike, it seems to easily get 16 to 17 KPL in serious dirt situations and if ridden on highways for fuel economy I believe 19 to 23 KPL is very achievable, the km per litre read-out on the dashboard does often get into the 24 km plus per litre readings, but I have never followed through for long enough to get the best out of it. I'm sure in the hands of a really sensible and patient rider the bike would be capable of awesome KPL readings.
The bike was a bit of a surprise package because even though it is in the BMW 1200GS class, it still felt surprisingly light and nimble to throw around in reasonably tight off-road situations, this is obviously because Yamaha have put a lot of thought into having a low centre of gravity.
On our long-term demo XT1200, all we have done to improve the ergonomics is to remove the foot peg rubbers which unveals an absolutely top quality set of off-road foot pegs that are not only strong but wide and comfortable to stand on all day. As the writer is over 6 feet tall, we turned the handlebars forward just a little more and put the seat in the higher position.
If I was running adventure riding training schools, then I would be doing demonstrations by applying the rear brake to back it in and then powering it out, and I could not do that with the ABS brakes. I think Yamaha have nailed this bike fairly nicely, but they really should of fitted an ABS on/off switch.
I previously mentioned a set of heavier springs when talking about the bash plate, well the next modification we will be doing to this bike is definitely to fit heavier suspension springs front and rear, there is a slight lack of dampening adjustment on the suspension, but I feel with a reoil and the correct springs for the weight of the bike, it would make a large difference in more serious conditions with capable riders, and would help keep the belly of the bike off the rocks. Of course, you could always go to the next step and fit a high-quality shock absorber and do some serious re-valving mods to the front end, but if you want to keep costs down and still have a good ride, some simple really affordable suspension modifications will be fine, and that is what we will be doing for our next major adventure ride on the bike.
The pillion seat is well designed and if you want to carry additional luggage across the top of your saddlebags or pannier boxes, you can remove the seat and make it an integral part of your luggage carrying system, not that I recommend overloading any adventure bike too much. A back pack, saddlebags and tank bag with a swag on the carrier is as far as the loading should go, if you can't fit it in those items, don't take it. Leave room on the seat to be able to stand up, move around and control the bike.
My personal preference is with saddlebags as they are soft and fairly narrow and traditionally mount further forward, which gives better weight distribution. They are also easier on the body if you happen to end up lying underneath them. The genuine Yamaha panniers do work well, they are easy to remove, and if you like big box panniers, don't detract from the looks of the bike too much. I have used the genuine Yamaha panniers and they are a quality piece of gear, easy to get on off and a good size. For the record you can actually fit 30 stubbies in the right hand pannier!
We fitted the standard steel pipe engine guard, and this works exceptionally well, it definitely helps protect the engine cases plus everything above the cases behind the fairing side covers to a certain extent. As bike lift tests have shown if the bike is on its side, these engine cases actually make it easier to pick up as the bike seems to pivot on them.
The Yamaha headlight protector was also fitted. The genuine Yamaha tank bag uses magnets as well as strap system which does seem to work quite well, it's easy to get into the fuel cap, it does need stabilising a little bit if you've got a lot of gear in it on a really rough mongrel track.
For the winter months and the southern states, the bike would definitely benefit from a set of grip warmers, so if we keep it long enough a good set of Oxford grip warmers will be fitted, of course, for a little more money Yamaha supply a quality set of genuine grip warmers.
The servicing schedule on this bike is a motorcycle riders dream, oil changes and minor services are recommended every 10,000 km, this comprises mainly of checking all bolt tensions and control adjustments are within limits.
To sum the XT 1200 Super Tenere up, it ain't no KTM 990 Adventure but that is not it's class, but if youare after a bike that fits into the BMW1200GS category, the Yamaha more than fills the bill, and at a retail price that you could fully set it up with accessories including GPS and more and still be under the price of a BMW, and the really great thing about the XT1200 Super Tenere is that being a Yamaha it will be super reliable, as it has an already solid as a rock proven motor.
I rest my case, it wins the 1200 category, for price, reliability, rider ergonomics, no vibration, service costs and reliability.

At Dalby Moto (http://www.dalbymoto.com.au), we realize that buying a new bike is a very big decision and do everything to help you get the most out of your new purchase. If you like what you've read about the Super Tenere we still have one demo in stock. Contact us today to find out more or take a look at http://www.dalbymoto.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=223&category_id=30&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=109

Dirt Bike Racing Styles By Cookie Maxwell

Find the right dirt bike style for your outdoor fun!
The dirt bike was also known as off road bike was invented in 1945 by Kyle Crammer. The first modern dirt bike was made in 1968 by Husquavarna and was called "the rat with no face". They were made for mud and rough obstacles and go great on dirt roads. Trial bikes are light and small and are used for motorcycle trials. The children that purchase a bike will buy a dirt bike that is smaller with a small size engine, like 50 cc to 150 cc but when you grow older you can buy ones that can go up to 650 cc's. Some of the best dirt bike manufacturers are: Ram and X-Sport, Lonestar, Kawaski, J.C.M., Aprilla, Fantic, EML, DB, Cobra, CCM, Bultaco, BSU, Yamaha and Honda.
Dirt bikes can bring images of fun afternoons with mud flying in your face. They can be used for different reasons but fun is usually the best one. You can ride and tour on these, the size and function depends on the type of riding being done and the rider.
The motocross bike is the most common, and its purpose is for off road racing. It has a strong frame and two wheels, and is made to be lightweight, powerful and fast. They have tires which can take on varied fields from rocks to dirt to going on smooth roads or trails made from dirt. They are measured in cc's which refers to the size of the engine. As a rule the stronger the bike is, the more the cc's. To consume contact from fields and big jumps and to bypass obstructions, they are made with rear shocks and suspension forks. Besides the motocross, there are other types of dirt bikes. One is the dual sport bike that is for the off road and road use and is street legal. An adventure touring version of a dual sport bike is made for longer trips and is equipped with cargo spaces that are great for those camping trips. This type of bike will carry a larger gas tank than others and are meant to go longer distances.
Another dual sport bike is Enduro motorcycle. To make them legal for use on the streets and highways, they are fitted with head and tail lights and turn signals. They have long travel suspension forks and rear shocks with high ground clearance, and they are like the motocross with the off road functions that are alike. They are suitable for the road with other features such as silencing that make the motors quieter. It is not made for long trips since they are made mostly made for off road use. They are a good choice for a rider that is looking for a legal way to get them to the trail, since they have the same functions as a motocross bike.
Make sure you plan your day by buying a bike helmet and accessories to protect your eyes, your face and to increase the internal comfort of your helmet. You may want to buy shields to protect your face and visors to help with the sun and many more accessories to add comfort to your biking experience.

MyReviewsNow.net offers information regarding dirt bikes. For more on dirt and street bikes, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Helmet By Solomon Bullock

When you are trying to select the very best motorcycle helmet for when you are riding, it will be important to consider a few very important factors which will help you in selecting the right one. There are going to be a lot of different brands to choose from when it comes to these helmets, which is why you will need to look through some of them until you are able to decide on one that you can trust to protect you from injury in the event of an accident. With so many of these options to choose from, it is highly recommended that you do some research before making a final decision of any kind.
You will definitely want to make sure that the motorcycle helmet you get meets the minimum safety requirements for your area, because it will be necessary to get one that you are confident can protect the most important part of your person if you get into an accident while riding. When it comes to buying motorbike helmets, it will be necessary to look for some kind of sticker or tag which states that the helmet has met these minimum safety requirements. This way you will know that you are investing in a safe helmet to wear while you ride your motorcycle.
Shoei helmets are considered to be among the best, simply because they are made from extremely high quality materials and come from a very reputable company. Those who are currently looking for one of these helmets will definitely want to make a point of taking the time to look at some of what Shoei has to offer. Because there are so many different model helmets made by this company, you will certainly want to take an adequate amount of time to look into as many of them as possible before purchasing one in particular.
The Shoei xr1100 is a prime example of what kind of helmet you will want to get. This particular helmet has an innovative design which sets the standard for passive and safety benchmarks, making it an excellent choice for all motorcycle riders. You will find that the xr100 from Shoei has been put through a number of rigorous tests before its release onto the market, including laboratory and wind tunnel tests which have proven it to be safe for use while riding a motorcycle.
There are some other basic things which you will need to keep in mind when you are going about looking for the right helmet to buy, including the weight. You will need to make sure that the motorcycle helmet you get feels like it is at least 2 lbs, and it should fit just right on your head. It will be very important that you take the time to try on some of the different helmets you find in local stores, just so you can be absolutely sure that you are getting the right one. Those who take the time to do this research will be completely satisfied with the helmet they end up purchasing.

Looking for the best motorcycle helmets in the area? Click the link to find the helmet you need.

How Can You Customize Your Old Bullets? By Ali S Shaikh

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get a custom motorbike. Elegant dream bikes are the result of innovation and creativity but not necessarily huge spending. However in most cases you will have to spend if you want to acquire high quality device. Most people want to have personalized motorbike that showcases their personality. Custom bullets have gained a lot of popularity especially amongst the youth. Some adults have also adopted this practice of remodeling bikes.
The first step towards customizing your old bullet is identifying your needs and preferences. How do you want the custom bullet to look like? Based on your needs, you may have to remodel or simply repaint the bullet that is in existence. Secondly, you should gather as many ideas possible. There are many ideas suggested over the internet as to how you can go about customizing your old bullet. You should also consider consulting professional bike specialist for advice on how you can do customization. Unplanned customization such as affixing bigger wheels in the motorbike or raising its seat may interfere with comfort or the performance of the bike.
You don't want the custom motor bike to be inferior in terms of performance to the original brand. Customization is done to improve the aesthetic appeal or performance but not to decrease it. There are many websites that you can visit online and get as many ideas as possible. Once you have acquired the ideas, you should now proceed to the next step of setting budget. How much do want to spend? You must set some budget. In setting this budget, you should not be too mean or too rigid. Quality goes hand in hand with price. You should set budget that can enable you undertake customization to truly reflect your needs and interest.
Once you have the budget with you, you should then check for places where you can get discounts. Many online stores are willing and ready to offer discounts if you purchase all that you need from them. You can shop around at the various online stores so as to ensure that you get the best deal. Some stores may offer free shipping if you are purchasing from distant location while others many offer some percentage off for sales of certain amount. In choosing, special attention must be paid to safety and comfort. You must ensure that the customization does not in any way interfere with the comfort.
Secondly, you should pay special attention to safety. You should not customize the braking system such that you compromise its effectiveness. It is good to ensure that you use materials of high quality. Also ensure that they are properly affixed to their place. It is recommended that you go for the modern light weight materials which do not add to the load weight. Use of heavy materials in the customization may cause increased fuel consumption by the motorbike because the engine will always be engaged to carry that excess weight. Once you have customized, you should test to ensure that everything is working properly before you go places with your custom motorbike.

The author is a youth who has developed elegant custom motorbike through remodeling. You can visit his blog to get dream bikes and custom bullets ideas

Used Bikes Allow You to Save Time and Have a Blast By Uriel M Navarro

Are used bikes lacking performance? There was a time where this question might make sense. However, technology has completely changed the world of motor bikes, and this means that used bikes are just as good as new ones. Sure, you might want to make a few custom changes over time, but you can still get a used bike and go off-road with your mates. There's nothing wrong at all with exploring ways to save money and still address the hobbies you love.
Used bikes have another benefit -- they provide a great blank canvas for all of the mods that you have in mind. Sure, you can take a new bike and make mods, but it's not the same. There's something about taking something that someone else didn't want and making it more or less your own. Your own inner style will come out when you start thinking about your performance mods.
There's a thrill in saving money, because that same money can be used to maximize your motor bike experience. If you want to pick up new gear to wear, you can do that. If you want to add lights, you can do that. There's plenty of potential for some good modifications, so there's no need to feel like there's something in your way.
You have to get started now for the best results around. The more that you get things done, the better off you will honestly be.
There's a wide selection of used bikes to choose from, but that doesn't mean that you can just get used bikes form anywhere. You want to make absolutely sure that you're getting used bikes from a reputable dealer. Not only does this mean that you aren't going to get ripped off as easily, you'll have a portal for more information. If you're not sure where to find motor bike gear, they will usually have some in stock for you. Building a relationship with a used bike dealer makes that they will be much more likely to make special orders for you. Making you happy is just part of a good customer service experience. In their eyes, if you get great service, you're much more likely to bring in friends that will buy from them as well.
There's a simple thrill in owning an ATV bike. The rough terrain isn't a problem for it, and it's very easy to spend a whole weekend just riding along. Used bikes offer supreme value for the money, and the maintenance isn't terrible. If you have any questions about maintenance or even things that you need to buy to improve the performance, your used bike dealer will be able to answer those questions for you. Don't worry about looking silly either. Know that it's their job to keep you satisfied, and good information is just part of that equation.
The time is right to look into used bikes that meet your needs. Make sure that you stop into a used bike dealer soon, while it's still on your mind. Once you find the best bike for your purposes, you'll wonder why you didn't check things out sooner!

Are you looking for used bikes that really tear up the competition? Stop into Causeway Kawasaki today!

Turn to a Used Bike Dealer For a Great Deal on a Smooth Ride By Armando Macias

Looking for speed? Looking for power? Looking for performance? If you nodded enthusiastically to all three questions, the answer is clear: you need a motorbike. There's nothing like being able to get a smooth ride over rough terrain with a machine that can truly handle it. Motorbikes are amazing pieces of machinery, with a lot of moving parts designed to get you over distances that other vehicles just can't handle. But not all of these motorbikes are going to be created equal. There's a few brands in the marketplace that you would recognize immediately, including Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and more.
If you're going to get into motorbikes, here's a secret; don't pay full price. There's always going to be a custom mod that you'll want to make, from changing the lights all the way up to adding new paint designs. Spending money on a used bike allows you to actually sink more into making your bike look and sound great.
You also want to avoid private sales if you can help it. Sure, it might feel like a good deal now, but is that private owner really going to help you get the bike fixed if there's a problem? Probably not. If you go to a used bike dealer for what you're looking for, they will usually offer you some sort of warranty. Even after the warranty is up, the shop will work with you to get the bike fixed if there's a problem. It's just a matter of making sure that you're thinking about all of your options as much as possible. The used bike dealer has repair facilities close by for this type of thing, for this exact reason.
The money that you save is good, but it's not going to be just about saving money. If that were the case, you'd be looking at private sales. A dealer can help you with your next bike purchase, including showing you what customizations you might want to make. Most people get into motorbike dealing because they are truly passionate about all things related to motorbikes.
If you're going to be riding a lot, make sure that you keep yourself as safe as possible. Be mindful of the weather and make sure that you put on the right gear. Yes, everyone has been driving down the highway while someone was riding on a motorbike without proper gear. However, do you really want to play those type of odds with your life? It can be argued that safety gear is stifling, but it's better than not being alive.
Get all of your questions answered by the dealer before you make your purchase. You'll feel more confident, and confidence about what you buy is definitely a good thing. It's high time that you start looking at doing more things that satisfy your own hobbies and habits. Why not get started today while it's on your mind? Once you really find the right Yamaha motorbike, you'll wonder why you waited so long to pick it out! Have fun!

If you're looking for a Yamaha motorbike, it's definitely time to stop into Causeway Yamaha for all of the best deals. Good luck!

What Are Good Starting Modifications for a Sportbike? By Sigmund Renalt

Handguards come in a wide variety of styles and colors these days, but it's been tough for me to find sets that actually help me with the reasons I need them. A lot of handguards out there offer very little protection to almost none at all. Maybe some people want to shield their hands from the wind or an occasional leaf, haha. I understand that motocross riders might need something to deflect mud alone, but I require a lot more function out of my handguards in the form of actual hand and bike protection from trees, rocks, and unforgiving pavement and dirt.
The Zeta Armor Handguards are a nice find. They come in black, titanium, red, blue, and are made from anodized A7009-T6 aluminum. Zeta has kept the price low by offering them in a universal fit for 7/8-inch or 1-1/8-inch handlebars. The guards mount to the handlebars inward from the grips and inside the bar ends on each side. Zeta also offers a few different models of hand protectors in a variety of colors that bolt to the Armor Handguards. The XC Flasher Protector, specifically, has a build-in LED on each side to use as blinkers on your dual sport. They look really slick and they're quite functional for off-road use.
The Zeta Armor Handguards are offered in a straight design and a bend design. The bend design drops down below your pinky fingers on the outsides of the bar ends. This is to allow for more movement and greater control. It basically comes down to preference and a slight increase in the price. I've always opted for the bend design myself and they've been quite comfortable while still protecting my hands and the bike.
A huge perk with having an aluminum handguard that extends all the way around your hand is that it will protect your levers. I learned this very quickly with a pair of plastic handguards. They extended all the way around to the bar ends but there was no reinforcement. I figured they would be fine since I wasn't able to get them to budge by pushing on them in the garage. As soon as I had a good get-off on the bike the plastic flexed when it hit the ground and bent my lever. Thankfully, it didn't break off and I was able to ride home.
This has never been an issue with the Zeta Armor Handguards since the aluminum bar wraps all the way around your hand protecting your levers in the process. It seems well worth it to me to find a good set of handguards rather than replacing levers every so often or getting stranded somewhere with your lever broken off in the dirt. If you're on a budget, folding levers are an expense that you probably can't afford either, so a good set of affordable handguards should help do the trick.

Sigmund Renalt is a motorcycle enthusiast that enjoys riding motorcycles on road, off-road and somewhere in between. He has an insatiable thirst for adventure and loves buying motorcycle parts online. For more information about fender eliminator please visit www.solomotoparts.com