Ducati has made a name for itself in the world of motorcycle manufacturing. So, when we talk about a Ducati motorcycle, we’re talking about a machine that has been finely-crafted by a company that has spent the majority of its existence focused on motorcycles. The Ducati Streetfighter 848 is a prime example of the ingenuity and design capability inherent at Ducati. It’s also one of the best bikes for everyday riders not looking to hit racing speeds.

Of course, that doesn’t mean the Streetfighter 848 is slow by any stretch of the imagination. As the name suggests, the bike uses an 848 Testastretta 11-degree engine that provides plenty of power. It combines that power with a new Trellis frame with geometry derived from the Superbike 848EVO. The Streetfighter definitely provides everything you would want in terms of power and performance.

But, the bike isn’t all brawn and no brains. The design is fashioned ergonomically to give riders full control and a dominant stance over the bike. This is effectively what makes it so valuable to new or average riders who are looking for a sporty but user-friendly design. Indeed, the motorcycle aficionados at Ducati certainly spent a lot of time getting the measurements between the foot pegs, the handlebars, and the seat in ideal positions.

It also features the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system that allows for unique settings whenever you ride the bike. There are 8 different “sensitivity” levels that work to examine the position of the bike as it’s going through turns. The DTC software will then adjust to the position of the bike in order to produce a much smoother and ultimately much safer ride. If anything, the Streetfighter 848 provides riders with unsurpassed levels of control.

For advanced riders, the Streetfighter also comes along with a quick shift system that allows you to change gears without using the clutch. While this is most often used during races, it can prove to be beneficial when you’re riding on the streets and you need to dodge a few larger vehicles quickly. It’s also great for reducing shift times and helping you get up to speed much faster.

With a cost of just over $13,000, the 2013 Ducati Streetfighter 848 is actually somewhat of a steal. Comparable bikes are often going for much higher and they don’t necessarily have the pedigree of a Ducati. If you’re in the market for a new motorcycle, you could certainly do a lot worse than this speedster, but you might not do much better either.

Experts say used motorcycles are some of best options for beginning riders who are not yet confident in their abilities.

The only way to become a better motorcyclist is to practice driving, which requires owning your own bike.  Practicing in a parking look with a small 125cc motorcycle can only give you so much experience, and you eventually must venture out onto the busy streets and highways of the world.

We recommend purchasing a used motorcycle while you grow through this learning stage.  Accidents are more likely to happen due to inexperience, and you most likely won’t know what type of motorcycle is the best fit for you yet.

For those reasons alone, we urge to consider buying a cheaper used bike, until you get the hang of being a road hog.   Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend with the understanding this is your “learning motorcycle.”

Buying a new Harley Sportster or some showroom motorcycle can be an expensive mistake.  Newbies tend to drop the bike on the ground, even when they aren’t moving, and will frequently drop the bikes when making right-hand turns or trying to park.

Look for a motorcycle that is mechanically sound, relatively light, yet powerful enough to keep up with the cars on the highway.  You will definitely need a motorcycle with an engine bigger than 560 cc.  Most drivers will outgrow these bikes very quickly.

Pick a bike that is easy to handle physically.  This means being able to place your feet flat on the ground, being able to reach the hand grips, and able to engage the levers.  You must also be able to pull the front of the bike upright without any help, otherwise it is too heavy.

Motorcycle Sports has some great bikes for first time drivers so check out our website today at motorcyclesports.com.

Hollywood action star Keanu Reeves announced on Monday he is teaming up with friend Gard Hollinger, of L.A. County Choprods fame, to launch the Arch Motorcycle Company.

Keanu Reeves is best known for his action movies such as “The Matrix” and “Speed” and has been a motorcycle enthusiast for 25 years.

The pair met five years ago when Reeves commissioned Hollinger to construct a custom chopper.  The two worked together on the bike, and were so satisfied with the results; they decided to mass produce the bike.

Hollinger said the two share a common vision, and want to produce the bike because, “it was unlike anything we had ever seen.”

Production of the signature bike, the Arch KR GT-1, is expected to begin in 2013.

Reeves is an extremely dedicated fan of two-wheelers.  He said his first motorcycle was a Kawasaki 600 Enduro.  He now owns a variety of Norton Commandos as well as the first Arch Motorcycle.

MotorcycleSports.com now offers many similar used sports bikes and parts for those who live in the Georgia and Alabama areas.  Used parts are a great way to save money, especially for those who like to build their own choppers like Reeves.

Speaking of his passion, Reeves said: ‘I’m a guy that loves everything about motorcycles – the sounds, the style and the aesthetic combined with the function but most of all the riding experience. I’ve enjoyed motorcycles for as long as I can remember and I’m ready to share my passion with the world.’

Keeping a used motorcycle clean can be difficult as they should only be hand washed. High pressure hoses at commercial washing facilities can damage used bike parts which are more exposed than mechanical parts in cars. Here are some tips on how to wash your bike:

• First find a shady spot to wash the motorcycle, as the sun can create temperature differentials that can harm paint allow water to leave spots.

• Here are a few supplies you might need to wash your bike: A bucket, soap/liquid detergent/automotive cleaners, gloves, bug remover, degreaser, toothbrush, microfiber sponges, and soft cotton towels for drying.

• No matter what soap you use, mix it with warm water in the bucket first for convince and cleaning purposes. Keep a sponge nearby and try not to let the sponge hit the ground so it doesn’t get dirty and damage your paint.
• Dead bugs and grime can build up quickly on your used motorcycle, but using the right tools will get them off your paint easy. Use bug and tar removers and scrub as softly as possible with a separate sponge. Some will even use WD40 for this duty.
• A motorcycle’s parts, such as the exhaust pipes, require different cleaning methods than cleaning paint. Use a degreaser and scrub hard, taking it one part at a time. Be careful not to get the degreaser on the paint or the chrome of the bike. A rouge rag will do in this case so don’t waste a sponge.
• Some spots can be hard to reach with the degreaser. To reach some of those harder to reach spots, try using a tooth brush. Apply a bit and brush gently in a back and forth motion.
• Wheels can be particularly difficult to clean. We find the best way to scrub off brake dust and dirt is with a long-armed brush. Chrome wheels require specific cleaners, so be aware of your wheels’ finish before purchasing a cleaner.
• The best materials to clean a bike’s painted parts are microfiber sponges. Use them with warm, soapy water from the bucket. Be sure to rinse the paint thoroughly before scrubbing so the water will be less likely to scratch the paint.
• While the bike is parked in the shade, be sure to dry the paint with a soft towel. This will prevent the paint from becoming scratched and prevent streaks and spots from accumulating.

After the drying period is over, treat yourself to a ride on your awesome looking used sports motorcycle.

The 2013 model year has come to represent a rebirth of sorts for the Victory brand. Gone is the convoluted, over-stylized logo of the past, replaced by a clean, modernized red “V” logo. Along with the simplified image comes a replacement for Victory’s Kingpin model, the new 2013 Victory Boardwalk. The Boardwalk features smooth, classic styling designed to help it compete directly with Harley-Davidson’s Softail Deluxe.

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, some drivers are looking to motorcycles as alternatives to their cars, SUV’s, and pickups. While a motorcycle may not seem like a drastic lifestyle change, there are several things buyers should consider before purchasing a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and rewarding way to travel, but be sure to understand the risks involved. Due to the nature of the vehicle itself, it is much more dangerous that driving a car or truck. Even the most cautious riders can never fully predict the actions of other drivers on the road. Bad road conditions like ice or oil slicks pose much more danger for motorcyclists than other drivers. Any slipup on a motorcycle could be potentially fatal.

Sit down and seriously think over if a motorcycle will fit your lifestyle. Unless a motorcycle will only be used to supplement another vehicle, used solely it can be extremely limiting. For instance it’s hard to carry much on a motorcycle. Also consider the weather in the area you live in. An area that is to cold, hot or rainy can make for miserable rides.

Use this website, motorcyclesports.com, to research the vehicles before making a purchase. If your goal is to save on gas, try to find a motorcycle with a good balance between engine size and its miles per gallon. Smaller bikes don’t do well on the freeway and might not be as comfortable as some of the larger bikes. Take into account how much you’ll be driving, where and how fast you anticipate your trips to be. Find a bike that is well reviewed and needs low maintenance in order to make the purchase worth it.

Purchasing a motorcycle can be a great way to save on gas, but make sure the risks and lifestyle changes involved will be worth the cost. Make sure to utilize the site in order to find the right bike.

Have you ever wanted to ride in a motorcycle sidecar? While they are not the common site on the road that they once were, you may still find yourself next to one in traffic once in a while. Sidecars are more of a novelty or luxury in recent years and are usually attached to more expensive cruisers but that has certainly not always been the case.

In the early 1900’s, motorcycle sidecars were often rather flimsy and not much more than an oversized bucket bolted to the side of a motorcycle. In some cases motorcycle sidecars served as both a way to transport the family and a means of hauling good, tools and other supplies much like a small truck might be in the modern day. Sometimes they were used for hauling like a mini-truck and often were used to transport the family if a motorcycle served as the only means of transportation for the household.

During the second world war, motorcycle sidecars even served as mounts for machine guns and proved themselves to be quite valuable to the war effort on both sides. Over time the motorcycle sidecar was refined, taking on a more aerodynamic shape. Sidecars were developed using materials ranging from wood to aluminum to fiberglass with the comfort of passengers as a growing consideration. The popularity of the sidecar continued around the world for many years after the war but began to decline in the US in the 1950’s.

Today the motorcycle sidecar is quite the head turner if for no other reason than the rarity of its appearance on the American road. You can order a sidecar for most any model of modern motorcycle and the adapter kit to affix it as well. They are much more luxurious than those of yesteryear. Motorcycle sidecars from the factory or built from a kit now offer luxury options like closed canopies, air conditioning, stereo, video and more.

Owning a motorcycle is a huge responsibility. Not only is your own life in your hands but so is the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road. Of course, driving a motorcycle is a bit more dangerous than driving a car or other closed vehicle; however you still need to take the steps necessary to protect yourself as much as possible and avoid any fatality.

Walking into a motorcycle supply store can be overwhelming when you are a new rider, and you are considering what protective gear to buy. Below is a list of items needed and why they are so important for safety.

• Helmet – The helmet is perhaps the most important gear one can buy for riding. In a study of helmet use, it was proven that hundreds more lives could have been saved had they been wearing a helmet. The helmet should be a full face style and fit snug to the head, the strap should not be hanging loose on the chin.
• Leathers – This includes jackets, boots, and pants. Items are not always made of just leather, but come in Kevlar, and synthetic materials also. The jacket and pants protect the body from road rash and have extra padding in the elbows and knees. Some are even fitted with airbag technology that can prevent fatality. The boots keep the legs and feet safe and should be tough but lightweight for ease of shifting.
• Gloves – Protective gloves keep the hands and wrist safe, and help the driver keep grip on the handlebars.
• Goggles – Eye wear is pertinent to keep debris from flying into the driver’s eyes and causing an accident.
Many may feel that wearing all of this protective gear is too much. It’s true that the wind in your hair can feel very liberating. However when it comes to saving lives, it’s just not worth the risk. It is important to not only have the gear for yourself, but also for anyone who is riding along with you. Taking these personal safety precautions could be the one form of responsibility that keeps you and your loved ones alive, as well as other drivers on the street.

There’s a world of excitement among motorcycles for many different people. From the thrill of acceleration to the challenges of trials riding, motorcycling is definitely a sport for those who seek excitement and exhilaration.

Motorcycle road racing is one of the most exciting among motorcycle sports. The motorcycles used are typically fast, purpose-built track machines such as the Kawaski Ninja and the Suzki Hayabusa. Capable of extreme braking, cornering and speed, these machines test the limits of a rider’s mental agility and stamina. The courses used almost always include many curvy, technical sections as well as one or two straight sections. International motorcycle road racing, such as Moto GP and World Superbike, take place at famous race courses worldwide.

Motocross racing is very different from motorcycle road racing. The motorcycles used for motocross racing are designed to work extremely well off-road. The motocross courses don’t use pavement; they include many jumps and often also feature steep uphill and downhill sections. The bikes themselves, such as the Kawaski KX 450F and the Suzki RM-Z450, are built to take tons of abuse. They are strong and are designed to handle extremely rough terrain while being pushed to their limits. Motocross racing places extreme physical demands on the riders. Regular fitness training is a must for riders who wish to remain competitive in the sport.

An unusual new area of motorcycle sports has recently emerged. Called supermoto, this type of racing usually blends both paved sections of track with off-road sections. The motorcycles used in supermoto racing are usually modified motocross bikes, however, recently motorcycle manufacturers began offering purpose-built supermoto bikes straight from the factory. The main differences between motocross bikes and supermoto bikes are the wheels and brakes. Supermoto bikes use wheels slightly smaller in diameter, are equipped with street-oriented tires and have larger brakes than their motocross cousins.

A unique form of motorcycle competition that demands finesse, balance and concentration, called trials, uses entirely purpose-built machines. Riders navigate their trials bikes over many obstacles. These might include large boulders, narrow bridges, crates and even mountain sides. The rider is required to accurately use a combination of throttle and brake inputs to wheelie, hop and jump the machine from one spot to another through the obstacle course.

With such a variety of competition, motorcycles appeal to a wide audience. There is also ample recreational uses for motorcycles that mirror their racing counterparts.

Owning your first motorcycle is different from driving an automobile or truck. It takes a bit of skill, but it also requires you give the road your complete attention. You can’t cruise along talking on your cell phone, sipping your morning’s coffee or constructing a to-do list in your mind. You must stay focused and alert. While a motorcycle represents the dream of a lifetime, there are safety issues you need to consider before you hit the road.

Motorcycle Performance and Weight

While a large bike carries a symbol of pride, purchasing a motorcycle with more weight and performance than you can realistically handle is setting yourself up for a fall. Failure to adequately maneuver a curve, going too fast to plan for obstacles or having difficulty handling the bike in stop-and-go conditions are the major causes of accidents. Accept your limitations. The road won’t always be clean of debris.

Although you want something realistic, don’t trust manufacturer’s weight statements or rely on engine size because some small motorcycles are extremely heavy. Always test the bike under similar conditions to those you’ll encounter when riding. That way you’ll know if the cut and shape of the bike is comfortable and manageable. A sporty bike might look like a clean showcase machine, but if it strains your back, those long summer drives won’t be as pleasant as you thought.

Make Sure It’s What You Want

A first motorcycle should be fun and enjoyable, so look at your activities before buying. Unlike an automobile or truck, each design is best for a particular need. Don’t be too quick to buy before you look at all available options. If you want a cost effective way to get to work, you’ll need a different bike than someone who’s looking forward to a thrilling ride. A sports bike comes more aerodynamically designed and isn’t as comfortable for long distances. If off-road trips are more to your liking, then perhaps a lighter bike designed and equipped to handle a road’s ruggedness would better suit your needs.

Motorcycle Accessories

A motorcycle is a long-term commitment, and your first bike should be something you can look back on as being a pleasant adventure. That makes safety gear and motorcycle accessories equally important to the type of bike you choose. Don’t settle for a cheap helmet. It won’t have enough padding to keep you safe. The same goes for protective clothing, leather boots and gloves. You always want your motorcycle accessories strong enough to protect you if you happen to take a fall.