I often hear people commenting on how motorcycle helmets aren’t that great and can actually cause more problems than if you’re not wearing one. While that might be the case in some extremely rare situations, for the majority of us, wearing a helmet is a no-brainer (also a law in some states). Below are some common misconceptions about helmets.

1. Motorcycle Helmets Break Necks
You’ve put more weight on your head by wearing a helmet, so you may think it logical that the force of a crash will be more likely to break your neck when you wear a helmet. Luckily, that’s not exactly so. DOT approved helmets are designed to absorb energy from a crash, the same energy that would break necks upon impact. It’s actually been shown that helmets help to prevent neck injuries in crashes.

2. Helmets Decrease Alertness and Hide Danger
One of the most common misconceptions people have is thinking that by wearing a helmet they won’t be as alert as if they aren’t wearing one. Really though, research shows that those who do wear a helmet seem to crash less often. This could be due to many things, but most likely because: riders who wear helmets understand the importance of safe driving; a helmet cuts down on wind noise and provides good eye protection; and most importantly, helmets do not impair peripheral vision, so riders really can see impending danger.

3. A Helmet Won't Help in Crashes

While surfing the net this morning I found this article from motorcyclistonline.

In today’s economy with folks getting laid off left and right, anything we can do to save money really helps. Motorcyclistonline came up with 10 great, and cheap, ways you can modify your bike without the help of a professional. This will save in labor charges and give you the satisfaction of knowing you can do it on your own!

One of the most interesting tips was #4: wash and wax your bike. This is something I probably wouldn’t have thought of on my own, but certainly makes a lot of sense. A buildup of debris and dirt on your bike, or car for that matter, can wear away at the paint and hide minor issues like scrapes and scratches that can easily be fixed. And if you live in the Northeast, as I do, or anywhere that gets snow, you know that winter weather forces highways crews cover the roads in salt 2” thick. Apparently they haven’t heard of the recession…

Another interesting tip was #8: read a book. I have a feeling that many of you motorcycle enthusiasts probably read gaggles of motorcycle magazines, and it seems like such an obvious tip, but maybe not enough so. Just reading about what other folks are doing and getting ideas from them is enough to get your brain working in high gear. You never know if some guy across the county has a quick, inexpensive way to make a modification.

While doing some research today I stumbled upon this article from Hub Pages about the Top 10 Ugliest Motorcycles created. When reading it (and seeing some of the bikes) I just had to laugh. Figured we should end this year on a funny note…

So while this article is nothing more than one person’s opinions, I’m interested to see how our readers feel. Are some of these just downright ugly? Any you disagree with? Maybe you own a Suzuki SV1000 and can attest to its performance on the road. Either way, let us know your thoughts!

Wishing everyone a safe a happy 2009!

-Julie

With the holiday season upon us, and lots of people heading to the roads to visit friends and family, traffic can become a nightmare. Here are a few simple tips to keep you alert and safe when riding bumper-to-bumper.

Watch other drivers’ movements
Most drivers will at least look to their left or right (even if they don’t look in their mirrors) if they’re planning on switching lanes. Watching for these movements can help you anticipate those who are going to change lanes in front of you.

Be aware of your surroundings
Scan your surroundings so that you are aware of what is going on around you. Remember to glance periodically to your right and left, not just in front and behind. And don’t just rely on your mirrors – they can’t always tell you what’s in your blind spot.

Be prepared to stop suddenly
Keep your hands and feet near the brakes so you can use them at a moments notice. When the guy in the truck cuts you off, you’ll be glad that you were prepared.

Avoid the right lane
Passing on the right is generally not a good idea, though sometimes unavoidable. Just watch out for drivers who decide to exit via an off ramp at the last minute. That being said, don’t put yourself between an exit ramp and another vehicle.

Have escape routes prepared

Studies say that fatigue accounts for between one fifth and one sixth of all car accidents. While the numbers for motorcycle riders may be slightly lower, rider fatigue is still an important issue. Whether going on long trips, or short rides to and from work, being prepared is especially important when riding a motorcycle.

Here a few tips for keeping you alert and safe while riding:

1. Be sure to get adequate sleep the nights before a multi-day ride. In addition, during the ride you may want to plan extra time to sleep in. Don’t feel rushed to get out the door and back on the road to make your destination in time. If you feel the need to put off your departure for a few hours, do so. The last thing you want is to fall asleep on the bike. This may be one instance where over-sleeping is actually a good thing!

2. Unless you’ve been on multiple long distance rides on your bike, or you ride very often, your body may not be used to riding for great lengths of time. It’s important to plan in time for breaks every hour or so. If you have enough time before the long distance ride, start taking longer, 3 or 4 hour, rides to get your body accustomed to riding long distances. Before the ride you may also want to make any necessary adjustments to your bike to make the ride more comfortable.

Below are some great tips I found at www.motorcyclecruiser.com for how to be a good passenger. As a passenger it’s normal to be nervous, but by taking the proper precautions, your ride will be smooth and memorable.

• Make sure you completely trust the person you’re riding with. During the ride, your life is in their hands. If you're not sure, ask questions: How long have you been riding? How long riding this particular bike? Have you ridden with a passenger before?
• Wear proper gear. This includes boots, jeans (or a heavier fabric pant), good-fitting helmet, gloves and a protective jacket.
• Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about what is expected during the ride. Where are you going? How long will you be riding? What does the route consist of?
• Know how to mount the bike, where to place your feet, how to hold on and how to communicate with your partner.
• Relax on the road. It’s important for you to be in tune with the driver and the bike. During turns, keep your body in line with the bike and don’t make any abrupt moves.
• Never put your feet down at stops.
• Don’t make yourself uncomfortable. If you are, tell your partner how you are feeling so that adjustments can be made.

Remember the safety of you and your partner is of utmost importance. Communication is key to having a great, safe ride.

-Julie

Below are some great tips I found at www.motorcyclecruiser.com for how to ride with a passenger. Even if you are a seasoned rider, there are some tips you may not have thought of before.

• Adjust your bike's rear suspension for the extra load.
• Always make sure your passenger has proper riding gear including boots, jeans (or a heavier fabric pant), good-fitting helmet, gloves and a protective jacket.
• Educate your passenger about the bike. Tell them what parts are hot, where to hold, where to put their feet and also how to mount.
• Before you even get on the bike, tell your passenger how to hold on. Both arms around the waist or on a grab rail?
• Advise your passenger ahead of time not to put their feet down at stops or grab your arms or shoulders while you're riding. Explain that when you corner they need to relax and not lean against the turn, which is the usual impulse.
• Devise a system of communication before you ride away. Maybe it's one tap on the right shoulder to say, "When you get a chance I'd like to stop." Two taps for, "It's urgent."
• Anticipate that your bike will handle differently. It may steer less readily on initial lean, but once in a turn, the addition of weight up high may cause a more abrupt dip. You will also lose some braking efficiency so start stopping sooner.

Safety of both you and your passenger is essential. No matter what, you want to make your passenger feels safe and secure throughout the ride. After all, their life is in your hands.

-Julie

I've gathered a list of some of the hot new items available at www.rockheadbikes.com

Tourmaster 2009 Intake Air Glove
These cool gloves have an abrasion-resistant Armor-Link mesh backhand and fingers, with soft goatskin and Lycra. The durable goatskin palm with EVA foam padding helps to reduce shock and vibration. A pre-curved palm and fingers with stretch Lycra expansion improve comfort, dexterity, and help to reduce hand fatigue. The Armor-Link mesh and goatskin combine with a hook and loop wrist closure for a ventilated and secure cuff.

Firstgear 2009 Winter Base-Layer, Long Sleeve Top
The inner layer contains 7% Spandex for a comfortable fit and a fleece lining for warmth, while the outer shell consist of a nylon shell with a wind and water-resistant front panel. The quick drying ability keeps you comfortable and dry.

Joe Rocket 2009 Men’s Rocket Jeans
These fantastic jeans are made from a 14oz heavy duty denim, reinforced with stretch resistant DuPont™ Kevlar. The protective knee lining includes built-in pockets for optional CE rated armor. These jeans come in both regular and short lengths to make your ride the most comfortable possible.

Assume Drivers Can't See You:
You should always be aware of what is going on around you. Most of the time, drivers either can’t see you or aren’t paying attention to you.

Maintain Safe Spacing:
This means between cars in front of you, and also cars on each side of you.

Anticipate Trouble:
Again, being aware of what is going on around you can make you more prepared for troublesome situations including traffic.

Beware of Oncoming Left Turners:
Watch for motorists making left turns in front of you at intersections. Make sure to stay visible to the car turning. Slow down before entering intersections, and be prepared for the possibility of them not seeing you.

Ride Your Own Ride:
Ride at your experience level. Don’t try to keep up with friends. Do only what you feel comfortable doing.

Watch Out for Curves:
Beware of curves in front of you. There could be traffic or a parked car around that bend

Don't Give In to Road Rage:
This really goes for everyone, not just motorcyclists, but for the sake of being safe, please stay out of these dangerous situations.

Don't allow Tailgating:
Similar to allow safe spacing, but this takes into account the person who is tailgating you. For obvious reasons, don’t let people tailgate you. Either speed up slightly to allow more space between them and you, or pull over and let them get around you.

Don't Be Blinded by Sunglare:

While doing some research, I came across this article from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While the majority of the article focuses on the legal drinking age, the third paragraph emphasizes how the number of motorcycle related deaths has decreased due to the use of helmets.

The NHTSA is estimating that 7,502 lives were saved over the 5 year period ending in 2007. How this number is determined is beyond me, but nevertheless, its still good news. It just goes to show that wearing your helmet while riding really can make a difference.

No matter what type of helmet you choose to wear, clearly just the practice of wearing one is good news!

-Julie

As mentioned in the previous post, all Speed & Strength Jackets contain CE-approved armor. So what is CE approval??

A CE approval means that the armor in the gear (this can be jacket, pants, gloves, etc) has been lab tested and meets European standards for impact absorption. The armor is designed to provide padding and extra protection in the event of an accident. Though the approval process can be expensive, all European protective gear must be CE-approved in order to be placed on the market.

Very few brands in the United States include CE-approved armor. In fact, there are no standards on protective gear in the United States, meaning that my line of cardboard and tape jackets can be placed in stores tomorrow if I choose.

Though CE-approved armor does meet certain standards, it is important to remember that this is not the be-all and end-all. There are certainly brands selling on the market without CE-approved armor that are indeed, more protective than the gear with CE-approved armor.

-Julie

Speed & Strength is a new product owned by Tucker Rocky Distributing and designed by Bruce Parker (Parker Synergies).

As some may know, First Gear is also a brand from Tucker Rocky. While First Gear caters to specific riders, the new Speed & Strength line caters to the many other riders out there.

Speed & Strength leather is 1.2-1.4 mm, with minimal stitching in key areas to prevent tears during a crash. All jackets have CE-approved armor in the elbows, forearms and shoulders, and a dual density back protector.

Nearly all of the textile jackets are AR-600D, with a few made from AR-800D material. This material is sure to keep you safe in the event of an accident.

So who’s wearing Speed & Strength?? Neil Hodgson, Victor Gotay, Willie McCoy, Clint Ewing, and Aaron Colton to name a few.

Check out the men and women’s line of Speed & Strength apparel at www.rockheadbikes.com.

-Julie

With Christmas less than 2 months away, it’s time to start your holiday shopping, or your own holiday wish list.

I compiled a list of items below that sell at Rockhead Bikes at various pricepoints. Find some ideas for the friends, significant others, parents, and even possibly yourself in these great gift ideas.

Under $20
River Road Vegas Glove: $11.35
Cortech DX Ladies Glove: $19.94
Kryptonite Kryptofelx Cable with Lock: $12.43
River Road Magnetic Map Pouch: $19.15

$20 - $50
Cortech HDX Men’s and Women’s Gloves: $39.89
Scott 83X Goggles: $23.70
Smith Fuel Women’s Goggles, Hot Pink: $37.44
DOWCO Guardian Ultralight Bike Covers: $35.10

$50 - $100
First Gear Rainman Men’s Jacket: $71.20