Some of these young bikers ‘graduate’ to cruiser bikes made by companies like Harley Davidson and Victory Motorcycles while others remain race bike lovers for life. Although it’s rare to see older bikers riding sport bikes on a daily basis, many still enjoy the unique combination of speed and handling that only a sport bike can provide.

The first bike I fell in love with was the Kawasaki KZ1000, the grandfather of the super bike. When I purchased my first motorcycle, I bought a Kawasaki GPZ 900 Ninja. Now in my early 40s, I am a proud Harley Davidson Street Glide owner and cannot imagine riding a sport bike on a daily basis.

But if I did, here are the Big Three that I would consider:

• Yamaha YZF-R1: This beast of the street can achieve over 100 mph in second gear but has the ability to be a comfortable race cruiser provided you don’t twist the throttle too hard. The straight-line power of the bike is velvety smooth and its ability to transition through turns is effortless.

• Suzuki GSX 1300R (Hayabusa): With top speed of nearly 190 MPH and 156 horsepower, the legendary Hayabusa is one of the fastest, stylish, and most easily customized motorcycles in the race bike world. Hayabusa, which means Peregrine Falcon in Japanese, also is one of the most comfortable hyper sport bikes for long distance motorcycle touring.

• Kawasaki ZX 14 (Ninja): Although the top speed of the ZX 14’s speed is limited to 186 MPH, the Ninja leads the hyper sport bike class with 203 horsepower. While the Ninja and the Hayabusa are very close competitors in terms of power and speed, the Ninja falls a bit short on design, style, and handling. The brutish power of the Ninja is tempered by comfort that rivals the Hayabusa.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

But not all motorcycle accessories are created the same.

While some accessories are cosmetic, there are a few that are must-haves. These motorcycle accessories really improve the comfort, performance, or style of the bike. With these accessories, you cannot go wrong:

• The Butty Buddy: Most OEM motorcycle seats are not built for passenger comfort, especially for longer trips. And sometimes, you have to bring your significant other on a motorcycle road trip. The Butty Buddy is a removal seat enhancement for passengers and is even installable on chopper style bikes. Your passenger’s butt will thank you.
• HP Tools Extreme Motorcycle Tire Repair Kits: Running over a nail and getting a flat on your bike really sucks. With these kits (with a few exceptions) you can get back on the road and get to a repair shop to properly repair or replace your motorcycle tire. The kit is small enough to fit in small tool pouches too.
• Voyager Trike Conversion Kits: I’m not a big fan of trikes but these kits can turn a touring motorcycle into a stable trike at the lowest possible cost. The good thing about these conversion kits is that they do not remove the motorcycle’s rear tire and can be taken off easily.
• Rear Lowering Kits: For shorter riders, nothing makes a biker more comfortable than a rear lowering kit. These kits are under $30, can lower a bike 1-3 inches, and can be installed in less than 30 minutes. There are similar kits available for metric cruisers as well.

Depending on your riding style and your bike, these motorcycle accessories can be great for you. Make sure to do you research and ask around before you buy.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

For Harley and metric cruiser fans, this has been a major dilemma. What do you do if you want the style and comfort of a cruiser but also want the raw power and torque of a sport bike? In general, there was no option that captured the true essence of both styles.

Not anymore.

Can you imagine turning your Harley Road King or Honda VTX into a rocket that has enough power and torque to make Hayabusa owners stop and take notice?

Procharger Superchargers have made it possible for cruisers to achieve a 40 to 50% increase in horsepower. These 13 lbs dynamos are also simply bolted onto your bike. Within a few hours, you will have performance that was only a dream among cruiser owners a few years ago.

Ok, here’s the bad news. This upgrade is a far cry from adding a hypercharger or a motorcycle fuel management system. Procharger Superchargers can cost in the neighborhood of $5000. In many cases, you can buy a used cruiser or sport bike for that amount of money.

Why not get the best of both worlds in one bike? Besides, if you have more than one bike chances are one of them does nothing but collect dust in your garage

Also, before to pony up the dollars for this upgrade make sure you do some research. You may need to make a few additional changes to the motorcycle exhaust, tires, and other parts to optimize your investment.

Joining a motorcycle club can be a great thing to do if you are interested in being affiliated with a specific group. There are lots of choices based on whether you ride a Harley, cruiser or sport bike, how you ride, and your general background.

It’s important to learn as much as you can about any specific club you want to join. Once you are in a club and wear their cut (vest or colors), you will be associated with that group for better or for worse. Doing some due diligence is important to make sure you join the right club for you.

Here are a few tips to selecting a motorcycle club for you.

• Talk to a lot of people: When you hang out with other bikers and go to events, talk to the people you know about the clubs you are interested in. See if they have any knowledge of the club, their reputation, and what they are all about. Try to get introduced to a few members and hang out with them to see if you are a fit.

• Internet research: Some of the larger MCs have extensive websites with lots of information about their founders, their charter (or bylaws), and requirements for membership. Having some knowledge before talking to members is a good way to make a good first impression.

• MCs vs. Riding Clubs (RCs): Traditional motorcycle clubs are defined by having a specific charter. Riding clubs tend to be less formal clubs that are better suited for casual bikers.

• Understanding the rules: Some motorcycle clubs have very strict rules including the type and color of your bike, disallowing female members, amount of miles you have to ride with the club, dues, and other stipulations. Understanding the rules let’s you know the level of commitment required to become and remain a member.

• 1%er MCs: If you have to ask about membership to an outlaw motorcycle club, then you probably don’t belong. Asking an outlaw biker member about joining their club, especially if they don’t know you, might get a response you don’t want.

Joining a motorcycle club can be a great experience but it requires a little bit of work and research. Just talk to the bikers around you and in most cases, you’ll get most of the information you need.

Only the most hardcore bikers would even think about riding in December or January in Boston, Chicago, or upstate New York. While winter motorcycle apparel will keep riders from freezing to death, it’s still not as fun and satisfying as riding in good weather.

The winter does not have to be a total waste though.

If you can’t ride, then why not take time to upgrade and modify your bike for the next riding season? This way, you won’t miss any riding time and your bike will be the envy of your friends at the start of the spring riding season.

Some upgrades are fairly simple and take very little time to accomplish. Others are extensive and require a large investment of both time and money. Regardless of the upgrade, follow these steps to make your winter season productive:

• Save: If you are looking to make major changes to your Harley, metric cruiser, or sport bike, make sure to put some money aside to make it happen. Frequently, estimated charges may amount to more than originally budgeted. Also, engine, exhaust, extended swing arm, controls, and other upgrades can have hidden additional requirements that may unexpectedly increase costs.

• Research: Go online and research bikes, motorcycle repair shops, brands and materials, and pictures. The aftermarket motorcycle industry is huge and has a wide range in products and services. There are dozens of online retailers for parts and thousands of motorcycle shops across the United States. Make sure to check the online galleries on the retailer websites. You might find a bike that looks exactly like what you want.

• Call Around: Talk to your fellow bikers in person or online to ask their opinions on the best parts, motorcycle shops, and fabricators. Going to a shop and talking to the owners and mechanics is also a great idea. Make sure that your bike will be in the hands of an expert and you’ll get the results of want.

• Get New Gear: What good is a redesigned motorcycle unless you have some new gear too? Don’t forget to upgrade your cool biker gear so you look as good as your bike.

Cold weather doesn’t have to end your excitement and enthusiasm about motorcycles. Take the winter months to plan out changes to your bike and make upgrades to keep your bike running and looking good.

For motorcycle lovers, shaking off the winter blues comes from riding their sport bike down a twisting road. For cruiser lovers, a nice tour on a scenic stretch of road lifts the spirits and rejuvenates the soul.

Shipping your motorcycle to your vacation location or winter retreat is a great way to shake off the chill of the winter season. Enjoying a bit of sunshine and riding time should be the trick to get through the cold weather until the next motorcycle riding season starts.

Although it may sound extreme, shipping a motorcycle is easier than you might think. There are hundreds of vendors that will pack and ship your bike anywhere in the world. Whether your winter retreat is in Cancun or Australia, your bike can make the trip as easily as you can.

For most bikers, especially in the north, riding a motorcycle in the winter time is simply too cold, too dangerous, and just plain dumb. Taking a motorcycle vacation is the answer to going months without riding or pulling your bike out in dangerous conditions.

Here are some of the best places to pack up and have a motorcycle adventure in the dead of winter.

• California Wine Country: Central and Northern California boast some of the best vineyards in the world. Along with great wine and food comes mild weather, beautiful scenery, and great highways. This is a great destination for couples riding tandem or separately.
• New Zealand: This is certainly not your average motorcycle vacation but for those with a sense of adventure and deep pockets, this could be the vacation of a lifetime. With guided tours from 7-21days, this vacation would make you the envy of biker around the world.
• Florida Keys: Florida is the perfect getaway for bikers who love fun in the sun, beautiful scenery, and pristine roads. The ride to Key West is one of the best rides a biker can take. For those with a wild side, South Florida has some great biker bars too.
• Hawaii: Big Kahuna Rentals in Honolulu, Oahu, and Waikiki offers both Harley and sport bike rentals and tours. From volcanoes to black sand beaches to tropical forests, you can never go wrong with a motorcycle vacation in Hawaii.
• Las Vegas: For those who can pull themselves away from the glitz of the Vegas strip, there are  motorcycle tours of the great American desert that are nothing less than spectacular. Taking in the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or Zion’s National Park will make your Vegas vacation even more memorable.

Bikers don’t need excuses or reasons to ride. All that’s needed are good weather, good roads, and a good bike. Making your next winter vacation a motorcycle getaway is the best way to shake off the winter blues.

I can’t think of anything that makes less sense than that.

Motorcyclists are not alone. There is a disturbing amount of motorists that drive without a driver license too. But for the biker, the stakes are much higher.

• Critical Skills: In many states, Motorcycle Rider Safety Courses are required to get a motorcycle endorsement. The skills learned in these classes are critical for staying alive on the road, even for experienced bikers.
• Insurance Risks:  Without a valid motorcycle endorsement, insurance claims for theft or damage may not be honored.
• Increased Risk of Fatality: Unlicensed motorcyclists die in accidents at a rate nearly double the rate of unlicensed motorists.

The bottom line is that there isn’t a single good reason why a biker shouldn’t have a motorcycle endorsement. Even experienced riders need to make sure they follow the correct steps to ride legally. Riding legally protects everyone in the motorcycle community and it is a smart move.

Of all the places to ride in Florida, there is one ride that is a pilgrimage. Every rider in Florida has to ride to Key West.

The motorcycle ride to Key West is not a technical ride. If you are looking for a ride to challenge your abilities to handle your motorcycle safely, this is not the one. The only real challenge is avoiding the sometimes chaotic traffic in Miami to get to the upper Keys.

Once arriving at the upper Keys, this ride is all about scenic views of water and wild life. This leisurely motorcycle cruise offers great places to stop and relax along the way. If you have a fear of bridges, then stay away from this ride. If not, the water views are spectacular; especially at dusk and dawn.

One of the great stops on the way to Key West is Gilbert’s on Key Largo. A favorite of boaters and bikers for years, Gilbert’s has a live band every night, great food and drink prices, and the type of atmosphere any biker would love. Key Largo has several hotels/motels for catching some sleep before continuing the trip.

Once at Key West, there are dozens of biker bars to meet up with fellow bikers making the trip. Sloppy Joe’s, Hog’s Breath Saloon, Hard Rock Café Key West, and the Rum Barrel are among some of the favorites of bikers and vacationers. Probably the most famous bar on Key West is Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

Before heading back to the mainland, make sure to stop by the southern most point of the United States. Taking a picture 90 miles from Cuba while sitting on US soil is a great way to end your Key West adventure and commemorate a fantastic ride.

Whether you start from Orlando, Tampa, Naples, or the greater Miami area, this is a great ride with a pack of buddies or as a solo rider. Just make sure to map out the best course to avoid traffic, especially in Miami. Also, make sure to pick times/dates that do not coincide with major Key West event. Traffic to Key West can be very slow and make your motorcycle road trip painfully slow.

Motorcycling can also be a very tough hobby for those whose significant other doesn’t understand or appreciate the fun of riding. Even the most hardcore bikers have a hard time riding as much as they would like when someone at home gives you grief for it.

In most cases, the grief centers around;

• Fear: Many non-riders are afraid that if they ride on a motorcycle, they will be seriously injured
• Perceived danger: Motorcycles are dangerous but some non-riders have an acute sense of danger which makes them have a negative opinion about riding.
• Bad personal experiences: Stories of friends, family, and even strangers’ accidents on motorcycles sometime cripple non-riders’ ability to jump on a bike.
• Lack of knowledge: Some non-riders know nothing about motorcycles but somehow formed a negative opinion.

These are some major hurdles to overcome but it can be done. With some careful thought and strategy, you might even get your hardcore anti-biker to start riding along. Of course, every situation is different but here are a few tips to try to turn your significant other into motorcycling fan.

• Motorcycle apparel: Men and women love cool biker clothing and getting a few motorcycle apparel items first may be a good segue into riding
• Motorcycle rider safety course: Knowledge is king. By getting your non-rider to learn how to ride in a safe environment, you’ll have a great chance of getting their support.
• Meeting other bikers: Meeting responsible bikers can help the non-biker in your life understand that bikers are regular people, respect traffic laws, and value their lives.
• Motorcycle events: Motorcycle events are exciting and they can get your non-rider excited about bikes, apparel, and potentially riding.
• Small steps: Try not to overwhelm your non-biker all at once. It will take some time to turn their negative opinion around.

Let’s not pretend, turning your non-riding significant other into a biker fan is an uphill climb. It may not be easy and it may not be quick. Consistency and patience is the key to getting them on your side. Your significant other may surprise you and become a biker fan sooner than you think.