Winter time is here. I have been riding everyday for the last few years, and I wanted to share some tips that might keep you save this coming winter.

"Riding a motorcycle in the winter, you must be crazy". That's the usual response I get from car drivers. But for people who don't want to be behind a cage, motorcyclists still have a great option of riding.

In d.c. When winter time hits, people drive slower. The streets are slick, and there are more accidents.

That is why its important for you to keep your distance from cars, give plenty of room to cars in front.
You have to ride your motorcycle like a car. You cannot lean as much. And turning should be slow.

Make sure you look at the ground often, often times there will be sand in the intersections that can cause you wipe out. You need to make sure you weight yourself right on the motorcycle so you stay upright most of the time.

Remember it takes more time to brake in wet conditions, so you don't want to slide your bike, just keep a nice pressure and come to a stop, on a ninja 250 you don't have the added pleasure of ABS.

Check your battery, a lot of riders use heated vested, gloves, pants etc.. And usually idling will drain it must faster. You can install a voltage meter to keep an eye on it.

Cars don't really pay attention, and in the winter they are not looking out for motorcyclists, because they assume no one is out there. So be ready to be extra invisible.

Heated clothes are great. One of the best inventions is the electric jacket and gloves.

A heated jacket is great underneath your riding jacket. You will use only one layer in the winter, and that is great because its not bulky.

Gloves are a must.

Hippo hands, don't need electricity. And are actually warmed than electric gloves because they protect your hands really well. Downside is that they sometimes get in the way of your levers.

Your bike might get dirty in the snow, so the best thing is to clean it with a hose after your rides. It might get tiring, but if you dont want rust build up, its something you get into doing.

There is nothing better than riding in the winter, it feels great. If you see a biker out there, wave. Because it takes someone really passionate about motorcycles to ride.

2009 Yamaha r1

The R1 has been one of my favorite bikes ever. It has great style and it almost makes you proud you own a japanese bike ;). This r1 promised to be a bigger badder r1. After being bitch slapped every year by the gsxr1000 and the zx10 and the cbr. The r1 needed a face lift, the minor tweeks it has gotten over th eyears were not enough to make it competitive on the streets and in the pubs.

Something about the r1 is missing. It looks awesome, but the exhaust looks like it belongs on the zx10r. And its taking styling cues from the older r6?? Isnt this an upgrade? Im a bit disappointed. But time will tell. Im sure its going to be a great bike.

 Looks like ducati has a new street fighter hit the streets. With the new 1098 motor this beast should be spanking speed triples left and right. With 155 horse power and 374 lbs, this bike is a hooligan machine. The vtwin power making power down low should be good for wheelies from red light to red light at the slight twist of the throttle.

Yamaha just announced the new fz6.. and what a change it is.

The fz6 has always been a great bike, a little bland for my taste but a great bike. The front of the bike has always been something that people complained about. Looks wise, its tail looked better. For 09 yamaha released the new yamaha which is totally redesigned, much more attractive. And in a way looks like the suzuki sv650s when it has full fairings.

The new fz6 has a lot of competition. The ninja 650r, the kawasaki versys, Honda 599, suzuki sv650. The sv650 has been selling like crazy ever since it came out, and the engine is an amazing and yet fun motor to race, commute and just travel on.

This new fz6 has its advantages, a 27k valve adjustment comes in handy. And yamaha has superior build quality to suzuki.

We will see

What makes a good commuter? The only reason I got into motorcycles was for commuting purposes. I spent a lot of time in traffic. I work in Arlington, and I live in Maryland in the outskirts. Riding a motorcycle is a no brainer, you get free parking, you spend little on gas. But is it really cheaper than a car.

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The rumour mill has started again, the new VFR! But is it? The bike looks like it has the design of a blend of the old VFR and the new CBR.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/213378/images/1aug-6-front.jpg

The rumour mill has started again, the new VFR! But is it? The bike looks like it has the design of a blend of the old VFR and the new CBR. What makes the VFR so attractive to riders? Well, its a comfortable bike, larger than a sportbike, the motor is highly unique and some say one of the best sounding bikes with a nice exhaust. There have been roumours for a long time on its replacement, but then again, there have been rumours about the blackbird as well. Honda is so behind in the game that its doubtful it will ever be upgraded anytime soon.

Why would you choose a vfr anyway, when you could have a triumph Sprint, Yamaha Fz1, Suzuki Bandit?? This new bike is sopposedly going to be V5, not the regular V4 as the old VFR, but only time will tell.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/213378/images/1aug-6-front.jpg