2013 Honda ATVs Released

Courtesy of American Honda
Honda enters the 2013 model-year season with a host of options for off-road, peruse Honda’s strong lineup of utility ATVs that simply get it done—whether “it” is a day filled with tough tasks or a weekend escape to your favorite backwoods getaway.

“This first release for 2013 models includes two scooters that are just right for the times—easy, convenient and fun transportation options that return truly amazing fuel efficiency,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “Then there’s the extensive lineup of Honda utility ATVs that offers plenty of options for just about every job you can dream up. Over the years our whole line of ATVs has established a well-deserved reputation for being ‘built to work’ and that notion applies whether you’re spending the day working hard or playing hard. All in all, this is a great way for Honda to lead off the year, which will feature lots of exciting new options and a great selection of motorcycles and ATVs to suit just about every segment of the riding population.”

“With our wide-ranging lineup of utility ATVs, Honda offers something for just about everybody who spends time outdoors for work or recreation. Whether you’re out checking fences or just enjoying a casual trail ride with friends, Honda has your ATV needs covered.” Kevin Aschenbach, Off-Road Media Coordinator, Honda Powersports Press

- FourTrax Rincon: Sophistication, Power and More
Boasting stellar features including a powerful 675cc engine, independent rear suspension, electronic fuel injection, Hondamatic automatic transmission, front and rear disc brakes and more, the legendary FourTrax Rincon tops Honda’s line of ATVs. This popular choice comes with a host of features that all come together to place the Rincon in a class of one. Availability: June 


Read more on http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/580/12647/Motorcycle-Article/2013-Honda-ATVs-Released.aspx

Night Riding

By Jeff Cobb




Riding a motorcycle after dark can be anything from a sub-par and dangerous experience to one that is an enjoyable and equally safe alternative to daytime riding. A number of factors affect where you will find yourself on this scale, and fortunately most are in your control.
As it is, some riders avoid the night because unless extra steps are taken, it is usually harder to see and be seen. What’s more, in many regions splattering bugs can be an issue, as can deer or other nocturnal animals. And if you crash in the middle of nowhere, well, that could be a bad scenario, no doubt.
But this said, many commuters wind up riding in the dark of the early morning or after the sun has gone down, or both. And many others may finish a day of riding after sundown. So, if you expect to ride in the dark, you’d be well advised to assess your equipment and decide whether it is really all you need it to be.

And even once you are satisfied with your setup, you will still want to ride within limits.
One old adage is “do not over-ride your headlights.” You can only see what they illuminate, and if you cannot bring the bike to a safe stop within the range of your window into the darkness, you are asking for trouble.
While this article is not meant to be comprehensive, it will highlight some practical suggestions. Making sure you are ready for night riding could one day save your life.


Seeing
Assuming your eyesight is OK, the rest of the equation is determining how up to the task your lights are. Some touring bikes may be pretty well endowed with lighting. On the other hand, some sportbikes and others may be just so-so.
This is a judgment call based on your skill, vision, and risk tolerance, but a lot of stock bikes could stand a headlight upgrade. Is yours one of them?


Headlights perform a few functions: “low beams” offer wider, shorter-range beam patterns with a “cutoff” in the height of the pattern so as not to blind other drivers. Driving lights or “high beams” offer longer, generally narrower-angled beam patterns meant to throw as much light down the road as possible.
White-colored fog lights are really just another form of low beam with a sharp cutoff so the light does not reflect back in your face and blind you. According to Gordon Robertson, VP of powersports lighting for PIAA Corporation USA, the main reason fog lights were once commonly amber colored is because manufacturers did not have good control of the lens design, and amber offered less obnoxious reflection off of the oncoming haze.
Today the aftermarket is replete with lighting choices. You can upgrade your existing bulbs with brighter, but same wattage replacements, and you can try to upgrade the wattage or type of bulb too.
If upgrading bulbs, you want to be sure not to melt your wiring, switch housing, plastic headlight bezel, or over-tax your alternator, so do your homework.


Nor do you want to be obnoxious to others. Running super-bright high beams is OK for back roads, but around town, auxiliary lights or even white fog lights that approximate a low beam are the way to go. Assuming your electrical system can handle the draw, you can increase both low and high output and not blind others.
Helping you pick your best solution is beyond the scope of this article, but you can be sure if you do it right, you can easily double your output or more over stock.
If your aesthetic tastes or your bank balance object to upgraded lights mounted on your bike, well that's another matter, but you may otherwise want to consider it. Some have found extra lighting opens up a whole new world they never knew was on the other side of sundown.


Being Seen
You see the whole gamut out there. Some riders load up their bikes with LEDs, extra running lights, neon kits, and reflectivity. Others - like some sport riders – opt for under tail kits, and downsizing their turn signals/front running lights that, while looking more “racer,” can make it all the more difficult to be seen.
If you want to be objective, one dark night you should park your bike somewhere with the lights on, and stand off at a distance to assess how visible it really is from the front, back and side. While you are at it, shine a light on it to see how reflective it is.
Now imagine how well a car driver who is sleepy, fatigued, stressed, drunk – or all of the above – will be able to see you. Or imagine they are texting at night, and you are cruising on your two-wheeled, dimly lit rocket. It’s your call, but this is a word to the wise.
Another advantage of dual or auxiliary headlights is you are more likely to be identified sooner as a motorcycle, rather than a car at a distance, or with one headlight out. Reflective bits placed strategically can also help a lot.
Reflective tapes come in a variety of colors that may nearly match spots on some bikes to be less conspicuous in the daytime. Or if you are really against covering your bike with tape swatches, there are reflective decals that look like flames, or other designs. Or you could carefully cut some reflective tape and discretely place it in a way that does not call attention to itself in the daytime, but will still do the job at night.

To Read more: http://www.motorcycle.com/rider-safety/night-riding-88483.html



2012 HONDA CRF250R – FIRST RIDE


Little Red gets bigger power.

Preventative Maintenance & Tips For How To Keep Your ATV (4 Wheeler) On The Trail

We all know it's important to do some minor up keep and maintenance to all of our vehicles, including recreational ones, to keep them going longer. Here are some helpful hints and preventative maintenance to keep your ATV on the trail.

After Each Ride

  1. Wash your ATV thoroughly, especially if you were in the mud. Mud will build up and will rust your 4wheeler faster, and can also get into places it shouldn't be getting into. No need to get the soap and sponge out, but make sure to hose down all of the major mud.
  2. After washing your ATV, check for leaks of any kind. That way you can fix it before you take it out again.
  3. Check the tire pressure. You could have hit something to give you a slow leak.
  4. Check the hours on your machine to determine if you need an oil change or if it's coming up on one. Check your maunal to see how often your machine needs it's oil changed.
  5. Cover it up. At least put it in an enclosed area to avoid dust and other particles to get on the plastics, increasing the chances for scratches. Also, the seat will wear away the longer it's out in the weather. A 4wheeler cover is an inexpensive way to prevent an expensive problem!


Pre-Ride

  1. Check the headlights, both HI and LOW beams to make sure they are working.
  2. Check your gas level. It's never fun to run out of gas.
  3. Check the tire pressure. You never know when your tire has a slow leak.
  4. Check the coolant level while the machine is cold. There is a MIN and MAX line on each tank. Anything above the MIN line is fine to ride with, but add more if you'll be on a long ride.
  5. Make sure your brakes are working.
  6. Make sure you have emergency items with you, in case something would happen.
  7. Grease your 4wheeler at all the grease fittings.


Refer to your owners manual for all specifications and for when you need to change the fluids.

Motocross Protective Gear Guide

Thinking about getting into motocross? Well before you jump on your bike and hit the dirt, you need to make sure you have the right protective equipment.

Motocross is a fun sport for riders young and old, but it can also be very dangerous. Wearing the proper protective gear will help keep you safe but it will also give you the peace of mind to have fun.

Some items are absolute must-haves such as a helmet, boots and gloves. Other items, such as chest protectors, aren’t mandatory but they are a good idea. And there are items like neck braces and knee braces for those who want the added protection or those who are serious about getting into competitive motocross racing.

Here are some of the things you should look for when buying motocross protective gear.

Motocross Helmets

2011 FOX V3 HELMET - DUNGEY ROCKSTAR REPLICA

This Ryan Dungey replica Fox V3 helmet uses a carbon fiber shell. The liner and cheek pads can be removed for washing.

The most important gear a motocross rider can wear is a properly fitted helmet. Motocross helmets protect a rider’s head and face from impact and prevent serious injury. Motocross helmets are typically distinguishable from other motorcycle helmets by a sun visor, an opening for goggles and additional chin protection. The elongated chin area provides added protection against rocks and other debris churned up by other riders.

Motocross helmets come with different features such as venting or weight, and usually with very colorful graphics. The most important thing to look for though is safety certification from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

It doesn’t matter how many certifications a helmet has however if it doesn’t fit properly. A good motocross helmet should fit your head snugly and not slide around if you push the helmet back and forth on your head. A new helmet may feel especially tight because the liner hasn’t been compressed with use.

Goggles

SMITH FUEL V2 - HART & HUNTINGTON

The Smith Fuel V2 goggles are available with roll-offs but they also have in-lens posts for tear-offs.

A good pair of motocross goggles will protect your eyes from debris while offering good vision. Bring your helmet with you when you go shopping for goggles to see how they fit when worn together. The wide strap should fit tightly around the helmet to keep the goggles secure and comfortable on your face. Goggles should also have enough ventilation to prevent fogging, and some goggles come with anti-fog treated lenses.

If you do a lot of riding in muddy conditions, you might want to consider tear-offs or roll-offs. Tear-offs are thin layers of film that you attach over your goggle lens. If you get mud sprayed across your goggles and find it hard to see, simply tear off a layer and you’ll have a fresh, clear view. Roll-offs are similar, only instead of tearing off each layer, you roll them like photographic film in small canisters mounted on the sides of your goggles.

Jerseys, Pants and Gloves

Motocross apparel can be quite fashionable, coming in different colors and styles. But motocrossjerseys and pants also serve a practical purpose.

Fox HC-180 jersey pant and glove combo

You can get jerseys, pants and even gloves as a set to for a uniform look.

Jerseys and pants are made of rip-resistant materials and protect a rider from cuts and scrapes. They also provide padding around the elbows and knees for extra protection, though it’s still a good idea to get additional knee and elbow guards.

Nylon jerseys and pants are fairly tough and dry quickly when wet. Some jerseys use moisture-wicking material which draw moisture away from your skin while some jerseys and pants are vented for increased airflow.

Jerseys and pants, and even gloves can often be bought together for a matching look, but they can also be bought separately if you want to mix and match. That is especially imporant if you want to ensure each item fits properly.

Fit is especially important for riding gloves, and they are not too expensive so you may want to buy a pair separately. When trying on gloves, hold your hands in position as if you were gripping your handlebars and see how they feel.

Motocross gloves should offer good palm protection and some gloves offer extra padding on the palm or on top of the fingers. Make sure the material doesn’t get bunched up in your palm or the seams don’t rub awkwardly between your fingers. Small irritants like that may feel bearable when you’re trying them on, but that may change when you’re riding.

2011 O'NEAL YOUTH HAMMER CHEST PROTECTOR

Armor is typically comprised of a chest protector with shoulder pads.

Body Armor

Body armor provides protection from crashes and falls as well as rocks and debris. Motocross armor typically includes a chest protector and shoulder pads while some incorporate kidney protection.

Armor is usually worn under the jersey though some types of protective plating are designed to be worn on the outside.

For added safety, you might want to consider a neck brace. Motocross neck braces are designed to work with helmets as well as body armor. They protect the neck by limiting the range of motion during. Neck braces can also absorb or redirect the force of impact, lessening the strain on your neck and vertebrae.

Knee and Elbow Guards

2011 O'NEAL PRO 3 KNEE GUARDS - BLACK/WHITE

Jerseys and pants have built-in protection but additional knee and elbow guards provide an extra layer of protection.

Knee guards or pads protect the joint from impact, both from debris, and in the event of a crash, landings. Jerseys and pants offer some built-in elbow and knee protection but separate guards provides added safety.

For additional protection, you may want to consider a knee brace which helps prevent the knee from being twisted or turned beyond its natural range of motion. Knee braces are pricier than knee guards, but if you want the added protection, or if you have a previous knee injury, the extra cost is worth it.

Elbow pads may not be as vital as knee guards but they provide similar protection. In the event of a crash, your arms will instinctively come up and elbow pads will help absorb the impact of landing.

Motocross Boots

Alpinestars Tech 8 boots

Riding boots protect your feet, ankles and shins.

Next to helmets, boots may be the most important piece of motocross equipment you will need. Boots provide protection for your feet and ankles as well as your shins and calves. Boots are usually constructed from leather with plastic plates, though some models may have steel sole and heel guards.

Boot soles can wear with use from contact with the footpegs. Some manufacturers offer replaceable soles which will help extend the life of a pair of boots.

You may also want to invest in some socks designed for motocross. Like your boots, motocross socks go up over your calves. The extra padding fills in the space in your boot, improving the fit, and they can help prevent blisters from developing.

By Motorcycle.com