Why Buy an AFX Motorcycle Helmet?

By Steve M Blackmore

AFX Motorcycle Helmets began in 1996 and is now a major motorcycle helmet manufacturer. They're based in the US and the helmets are manufactured in Taiwan.

For 2011 the AFX helmets range has been greatly improved and European motorcycle owners can now look forward to seeing AFX helmets in a store near them as all of the new AFX models have been approved by both DOT and ECE standards, which means they can be sold in both the US and Europe.

AFX design and manufacture a range of helmets aimed at the budget end of the motorcycle market. What sets apart this range is the full features and excellent finish that can't be found on competitor's models at the same price.

AFX helmets - Features

For helmets in this price range (around $100) you normally get a basic helmet that passes DOT regulations and has very basic features such as a front chin vent and 2 rear vents. AFX pack in extra vents, with 13 on some models, making them useful for wearing in hot weather.

Paint Finish

All AFX motorcycle helmets have a clearcoat finish applied over the last coat of paint. This coat protects it against stone chips and helps protect the helmet shell. This is something that is normally only seen on more expensive brands such as Arai or Shoei.

Lifetime Warranty

This is a bonus! For motorcycle helmets that cost an average of $100 you wouldn't expect to have a lifetime warranty. AFX make their helmets to last 5 years (this is the suggested maximum lifetime of a motorcycle helmet). If anything goes wrong with it you can take it back to the shop and get it repaired or replaced.

What's even better is that AFX want to replace your crash damaged helmets for free! Just call them up and they will swap the crash damaged one for a shiny new motorcycle helmet. They use the damaged ones for education in schools to show how helmets protect motorcycle riders in a crash.

Helmet Models

AFX make many styles but the most interesting is an Enduro helmet called the AFX FX-39DS. How many budget motorcycle helmet brands make the effort to create this type of Dual Sport helmet model? The FX-39 is the update to the original FX-37 and AFX designed it after asking owners of the FX-37 what they thought needed improving. The result is a helmet that is comfortable and reliable that can be worn on long adventure touring motorcycle rides.

What's next for AFX?

After Europe you can expect to see AFX helmets being sold in Austrailia and New Zealand. If the company keeps up the great work I have no doubt that owners of helmets made by Arai and Shoei will soon be tempted by an AFX!

Steve M Blackmore is the author of Motorcycle Helmet Guide.
Read owner reviews and get more information about AFX Motorcycle Helmets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_M_Blackmore

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The Basics of Motorcycle Fairings

What is a motorcycle fairing? In simple terms, it is the shell that is normally placed on top of the motorcycle frame so as to reduce air drag. Fairings are normally placed on racing motorcycles and it protects any rider from wind hazards and the engine should an accident occur. Fairing was a term that was first used in the aerodynamics of aircrafts in reference to smooth airflow. However, the first fully installed motorcycle fairing was done on the BMW R100RS in 1976 and was the beginning of the adoption of motorcycle fairing on a much larger scale.

According to historical data, in their original forms, fairings referred to cowlings that were placed at the front of the motorcycle such that there was an increase in the frontal area. However, presently, fairings have been known as an integrated part of a motorcycle's design. It is important to note that the way a motorcycle fairing is mounted determines its speed, steering capability and handling abilities.



A reason why fairings are used on motorcycles is because they assist in the reduction of fuel consumption since they enhance aerodynamics, thus increasing the life of the motorcycle's engine. Without fairings, the effects of aerodynamic drag on the performance of the motorcycles are negative and harmful over long periods of time. What are the types of fairings used today?
The first type is known as the streamliner that is essentially used to cover the whole body of a motorcycle and is mainly useful, to be technical, in providing the minimal drag coefficient ratio practically possible. Then, there is also the dustbin fairing with a nose looking like that of an aircraft and is also useful in reducing the frontal drag. However, this fairing was banned by the International Federation of Motorcycles from racing due to its instability at the frontal points.



Another type of motorcycle fairing is the dolphin fairing which is known as so due to the streamlined mudguard of the front wheel and the windshield that looks like the beaks of a dolphin. These were used from the time that dustbin fairings were banned. Then there is the full fairing that covers all the body parts of the motorcycle unlike the other forms of fairing that cover only frontal parts while leaving all the other parts exposed.



There is also half fairing, which consists of fairings that proceed beyond the lower portions of the handlebars and all the way down to the cylinder block. However, half fairings can easily be extended to full fairings should the owner of the motorcycle so desire. The quarter fairing is also famous among many motorcycles though it entails only a windscreen and minor fairings extending to the area surrounding the headlight. All these types of fairings can be used on Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki motorcycles.

Corey Czyz -- Owner of MotorcycleFairingSource.com. Your source for high quality aftermarket motorcycle fairings and superior customer service.

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Proper Mini Bike Safety For Kid Riders

When letting your kids ride these mini bikes, always remember that safety is a major issue due to the fact that kids are the one riding these mini vehicles. These minis may look safe because they are like toys but in fact they are considered as motor vehicles and can do equal harm as their normal sized brethren when it comes to accidents. Remember that these bikes have engines that could go fast. Always remember that safety comes first whenever riding these mini bikes especially if your kid is the one doing the driving. Read through some safety facts to implement when letting your children use these mini bikes.

Adult Supervision

Whenever letting your kid ride their mini bike always supervise them or have someone supervise and observe them. Never let your children go off on their own, as an adult and parent it is your duty to look after your kids when they are doing activities that can be a bit dangerous when unattended. Be always cautious and instruct your child to be always careful whenever riding these mini vehicles. As I've said earlier they may look like toys but they cause equal harm as their normal sized counterparts when having an accident. Never take your eyes off your child so that you may immediately come to their aide whenever they have trouble with their bike or if they have a minor mishap.

Proper Safety Gear

This is the most crucial thing that you must instill into your kids minds. To always wear proper safety gear and helmet. Never let your kids ride without wearing these safety gear, even adult who ride in motorcycles and motorbikes wear proper safety gear to prevent head injuries and broken limbs as well as cuts and bruises. Also teach your children about how to react quickly to prevent accidents and injuries to both themselves and other riders in the track.

Mini Bike Maintenance

Always check or have your kid's bike checked on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the bike your kids are using is performing accordingly and not have any damage or parts that can cause the bike to stall or get into a minor mishap. If you're a major bike enthusiast and you know how to tinker with your kid's bike then you must be extra meticulous about inspecting and maintaining the vehicle to provide an efficient and safe ride for your child to utilize. If however you have no clue on vehicle maintenance then simply hire a mechanic or take the bike to a repair shop to have it maintained.

Laws about these Mini Bikes

Remind your children that there are strict federal laws against the misuse of these minis. Instruct them that they must not use these bikes on public roads or on highways and freeways. If they are caught riding these vehicles by the police or any traffic authority then they may held for a disciplinary action or worse fined a huge amount for them breaking the law.

Find out more about proper mini bike safety by logging on to our site at http://www.braaap.com.au/

Picture taken from dertyue.com

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4 Tips on How to Buy Used Motorcycles

Author: Justin Stewart

Everywhere you go, you can find motorcycles on the road. People enjoy the wind in their hair, the speed of the motorcycle, and the purse adrenaline rush that they get as they ride around. Some people look to have a motorcycle simply to have a fun machine to ride around the town every once in a while. There are other people who have motorcycles as their main means of transportation; whether it be work or other types of transport, they are using their motorcycle to get around. Either way, some people cannot quite afford to purchase a brand new motorcycle. There are other people who would actually prefer to purchase a used motorcycle instead of taking the time to look at and price new motorcycles. This process can be stressful and confusing, however, as there are multiple different ways to approach it. By following these simple steps, you will be able to make sure that your used car search and decision will be efficient and somewhat stress free.



1. Make a List of Important Features for your Motorcycle



The first important step in your used motorcycles search is to create a list of the features that you are looking for in your motorcycle. Create a list that holds all of the mandatory items and accessories that you want in your motorcycle. Create a separate list that holds all of the things that you want, but do not necessarily need, in and on your motorcycle. Thirdly, create a list of the things that you do not want to see on your motorcycle; the things that will turn you off from a motorcycle may help you determine what motorcycles you actually check out.



2. Research Online



The next important step to go through when looking for used motorcycles is to use the internet to do research on used motorcycles. By researching online, you may be able to find out what motorcycles can handle the wear and tear of multiple years, and which motorcycles are not good candidates for purchasing as a used motorcycle. Some motorcycles have serious issues, and some motorcycles have had serious recalls. Knowing these things may help your search.



3. Seek Out Used Motorcycle Website and Actual Sites



The third important step in searching for used motorcycles is to seek out where the used motorcycles are. You can use the internet to find where people are who are selling used motorcycles as well as the bigger used motorcycle lots. You need to find where the actual motorcycles are so you can go find them in person.



4. Visit the Motorcycles in Person



The next step is to simply visit the used motorcycles sellers to actually view the used motorcycles to see what they are like. Some motorcycles may seem amazing on paper, but will not be exactly what you are looking for. By finally seeing the used motorcycles that you have researched, you will make your decision that much simpler.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/4-tips-on-how-to-buy-used-motorcycles-492202.html

About the Author

Click here to learn more about used motorcycles at The MotorcyclePedia.

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Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

Phaedrus, our narrator, takes a present-tense cross-country motorcycle trip with his son during which the maintenance of the motorcycle becomes an illustration of how we can unify the cold, rational realm of technology with the warm, imaginative realm of artistry. As in Zen, the trick is to become one with the activity, to engage in it fully, to see and appreciate all details--be it hiking in the woods, penning an essay, or tightening the chain on a motorcycle.


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Motorcycle Maintenance

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Keep Your Motorcycle Maintained and Running For Many Years to Come

As with a car, a motorcycle requires certain maintenance to keep it running in tip top condition. Maintenance is a crucial factor in keeping your motorcycle riding a safe and fun experience. The upkeep of your motorcycle plays a huge part in the longevity of your ride. Try these basic tips to help continue the use of your motorcycle for many miles.

Check your fuses and bolts. You want to make sure that all of your fuses are in good working condition and that you don't have any that are blown. It is also a good idea to keep spare fuses around in the event that something does happen to them. Bolts have a tendency to become less fitting over time; you want to make sure they are secured well.

You are going to want to keep up with oil changes on a schedule. Depending on the type of oil that you are using check with your mechanic to confirm how often you should have your oil changed.

Clean or change your air filter about once a month. Air filters can become very dirty extremely quickly, especially if you are doing a lot of riding, this could largely affect the way that your bike runs.

Check your battery terminal and wires. Over time corrosion tends to build up in this area and could cause your motorcycle to run ineffectively or not at all. Wires also tend to get loose or frayed, so make sure that they are in good working order.

Make sure all of your cables are well lubricated to ensure a smoother drive.

Check your tire pressure and add air as needed. If you do not have enough air, or even if you have too much air in your tires your motorcycle will not handle correctly, and after time the repetitive motion of the uneven tires will cause great damage to your bike.

Although you may not always feel like taking your bike in to get serviced, it will save you a lot of money on repairs in the end and you will have a well running machine to take you on your next adventure.

By following these, easy to follow maintenance tip, you can extend the life of your bike and create a safer riding experience. You should also document your maintenance measures so you can show your insurance agent and if you ever decide to sell your motorcycle anyone that may be interested will feel good about buying a well maintained motorcycle. Your insurance agent may be able to get you a better insurance rate if they know you are responsible and safe.

Heather Becker has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years. She writes for Motorcycle Insurance Rates where you can find excellent advice on everything about motorcycles and motorcycle insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Becker

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