MOTORCYCLES >> Motorcycles Tips | Motorcycles World!: The Harley Davidson

MOTORCYCLES >> Motorcycles Tips | Motorcycles World!: The Harley Davidson

Motorcycle Clubs Unveiled

Motorcycle riders, also known as bikers, are often perceived either as tough and bad or slackers and bums. Such notions probably came about because motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are portrayed in books and in the movies as daredevil villains whose main concern is to sexually offend women, steal money or cause havoc.

Because some popular movies and stories have made bike riders as one of the epitomes of evil and corruption, many people also look at motorcycle clubs as a group of goons and henchmen. In reality, however, most motorcycle club members are ordinary law-abiding citizens.

What is a motorcycle club?

An MC, short for motorcycle club, is basically an organization that is composed of people who are bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts. MCs are more like a brotherhood or a fraternity of people who share the love of motorcycles and another common interests, such as preference to a particular motorcycle brand, profession, locality, or love of nature or environment.

Organizational Structure

A typical MC is composed of officers and members. Big motorcycle organizations usually are subdivided in terms of localities, called as chapters. For example, a national MC organization could have a west coast and east coast chapters, or a Nevada, Texas and New York chapters.

Usually MCs have set of officers and follow strict rules. Officers of such clubs are commonly composed of president and vice president, treasurer, secretary, sergeant-at-arms, and road captains. Large MCs usually have a set of officers for the national and local chapters.

The size of a motorcycle club can vary from just a few people, probably five to ten, to hundreds and even thousands. Like fraternities or brotherhoods, membership to motorcycle clubs are usually exclusive and must be approved.

Common MC Objectives

Although there are many motorcycle clubs around the world, most MCs share common rules and objectives. The major concerns of such clubs are to have fun and ensure the safety of its members. Members of MC clubs often help and protect each other, helping in repairing bikes, sharing motoring tips and good routes to try, and even recommend hotels, restaurants and places to try.

Many MCs also don't forget their civic duty and raise money for several charities – from helping aids awareness to feeding homeless children. Since many military and police officers are members of MCs, many motorcycle clubs also offer support during calamities, accidents and disasters.

Benefits of being an MC member

Aside from a jacket with logo or emblem, new MC members can benefit from knowledge and experience of other members. Finding the best suppliers to great motorcycle routes are things that are bikers magnanimously shared with each other.

Choosing an Insurance for Your Motorcycle

Buying insurance for your bike isn't only wise, it's could also be a good investment. Some factors that could affect your motorcycle insurance coverage are:

Your bike's value

Always ask about insurance before buying a motorcycle. Your dealer or supplier should be able to inform you whether your new bike is covered or not. Usually, insurance for a later model, souped-up bike will cost more than that of a regular motorcycle.

Your age and home address

If you're younger, you'll usually pay more. If you're older and have more riding experience, your rate could be much better. Where you live will also factors into your insurance payments. High-risk addresses where there's a higher probability of crime or accident will mean higher rates.

Your job and driving history

Where you take your motorcycle on a regular basis will also affect your insurance payments. For example, bringing your bike to work in a construction site could raise the rates. Your past driving experience will also have an effect on your insurance payment, regardless of whether or not you've driven a motorcycle before.

Usually, your regular motor insurance company will provide enough insurance coverage and options for you, but you might want to check out insurance coverage specific to motorcycles to see what your options are. Full coverage can be quite expensive and very often, only provided for high-end motorcycles.

What your insurance should have

Ideally, your insurance should include the following: passenger, collision, liability, no-fault, uninsured and service coverage. Another insurance coverage that you might want to consider is medical, which will cover medical costs in case of injury and hospitalization.

You might also want to get insurance for bodily injury. This covers your liability in case you cause a collision that resulted in another person's injury or death.

Mind the cost

Shop for at least three insurance quotes before deciding on one. Call as many insurance agents as you can to have a better look at the coverage and rates that's available, because rates do vary.

If your motorcycle mileage is low, you could get better rates. Using your motorcycle only occasionally could get you a better insurance deal. You might also want to take a DMV class that specializes in motorcycle training. Once you get your certification, you might just be able to haggle with your insurance company for a better price.

Comprehensive coverage can be quite expensive, although it will cover instances of theft, vandalism or total wrecks. You don’t want to overpay your insurance, but if you think you are at a high risk of having your motorcycle damaged or stolen, you might want to get a comprehensive/collision coverage.

Tips on Selling your Motorcycle

Sometimes, you have to let go of the things that you love the most. You probably want to sell your motorcycles for one reason or another, say, you need extra money, or you’re buying a new one or simply because there’s lack of space in your garage.

So, where do you start? How do you find good buyers and how do you communicate with them? Here are some useful tips:

-Bring the bike’s glory first

The first thing that you need to make sure of is that your motorcycle needs to be in top shape when you sell it. Getting the dirt off and changing a few peripherals can really shoot up the value of your motorcycle. Also, make sure that you ask a mechanic to check if there is anything to repair or replace. A bad motorcycle component can ruin a deal and ruin your reputation as a seller.

-Browse the names from your current network

If you already know someone who has interest in purchasing a second-hand motorcycle, then you should offer your motorcycle to them first. Choosing people from your own network can remove many of the hassles and obstacles that come along with the selling process. If you are inclined towards selling the motorcycle at a “friendlier” price to someone you know, make sure to weigh the amount that you would have spent in waiting for another buyer from outside. You shouldn’t be on the losing end of the bargain.

-Try selling it online

An online auction is a very effective way of doing transactions. You can opt to sell your motorcycle online with such websites as ebay.com. These auction sites connect to the whole world and everyone can practically participate in the bidding process. Make sure that you write the profile of our motorcycle in such a way that you highlight its strengths. Do include high resolution pictures that are taken from different angles. These will encourage people to inquire about it.

-Local newspaper

There’s no harm in posting an advertisement in your local newspaper. There might be people out there in your own town who are dying to buy your motorcycle.

-Try your local dealer

You may opt to ask for the help of your local dealer. You will have to pay him some amount but at least you will be freed from the problems of selling it. Selling motorcycle is their core expertise and it would be much faster to do it their way.

Try different options and get the best deal from selling your motorcycle.