January 13th, 2012  Posted at   Motorcycles

If you are an avid rider, seeing the sites is important to you. Being able to see the sights can be a great adventure especially when you are on a bike. We have put a list together of the top scenic trails in Texas. Texas is a big state, which leave you with plenty to see. Just make sure before you head out that you and your motorcycle are completely covered. Motorcycle insurance is always necessary.

Starting off in East Texas there are a few trails for you to try. If you enjoy lakes and all the scenery that they have to offer, then the Lake Livingston Loop is for you. This ride is for the adventurous with its narrow roads and wildlife. It covers about 100 miles and you can stop and enjoy the state park if you desire. Heading east from Port Arthur, another great ride is along the Gulf of Mexico and entering into Louisiana. This is a great ride, but be careful a few spots still have hurricane damage. Also be on the lookout for the alligators crossing the road.

Heading into Southern Texas, there are two main rides to discover. The first is the Canyon Lake Loop. Straight in the heart of Texas hill country, this 50 mile ride will take you around the lake and surrounding cities. Be sure to stop and enjoy this gorgeous lake. Another great trail ride in hill country is the Three Sisters trail. This one sounds sweet but can be very dangerous. Lookout for the gravel and sharp turns. You listened to me and got your motorcycle insurance, right? Also, make sure you obey the speed limit. This is a cop hangout.

Heading a little further north into true Texas hill country there are even more great trails to check out. Following along the Llano River, this first trail is great to take in the sights. This ride is about 75 miles and takes you into Round Rock. Along the way the most interesting place to visit is the Longhorn Cavern. Read more… »

January 12th, 2012  Posted at   Motorcycles

Quad bikes are fantastic for recreational activities as they are rugged and can be driven over any kind of terrain. They provide great sporting thrill for any adventure savvy. If you are considering purchasing your very own bike, get familiar with the types of quad bikes for sale available in order to choose the one that is suitable for you.

Typically, there are four main categories utility, off-road, on-road and sport. Quads used for utility purposes normally come with a four-wheel drive and are larger than those designed for amusement. They come with firm suspensions as well as frames to carry heavy weight of more than 250 pounds. These are especially engineered to conquer rough territory and can even be used to tow other automobiles. They make ideal companions if you are involved in regular camping or farming as these bikes can carry heavy loads for you. Most utility quads come with full skid plates attached.

Off-road quads are wired to tread on uneven land. This type of bikes are highly sought-after although they are not designed to be driven on populated road since it does not come with lights, horns and mirrors as with any regular vehicle, making them illegal for street driving. However, the on-road version is fully equipped to be driven legally on roads. These are more practical as you can ride them off-road as well.

Recreational or sport bikes are normally smaller than the utility ones. These are considered as sport quads because they can be quickly accelerated. They are automatic, two-wheel drive automobiles that can be swiftly manoeuvred, offering fast movement to adventure enthusiasts. These are typically used in racing. Sport as well as utility quad automobiles can be used for on-road and off-road driving as long as they meet the legal requirements to drive them on the road. Read more… »

January 11th, 2012  Posted at   Motorcycles

Discover Your State’s Opinion on the Difference between Moped and Motorcycle Insurance

Mopeds and motorcycles might both be motorized bikes, but there are some very important differences between them. In many states for insurance, registration and inspection purposes, mopeds that have no gears or shifting mechanisms and engines that are less than 50 cubic centimeters will often not be considered motorcycles and will instead be treated as small recreational vehicles similar to snowmobiles.

In the state of New Jersey, the DMV states that they consider motorcycles to have engines that are 50 cubic centimeters and higher and to have a permanent saddle seat or platform for the driver. Mopeds, which are exempt from state inspections, must have pedals for traditional cycling and a motor of less than 50 CCs with the ability to reach speeds no greater than 25 miles per hour. Scooters, however, are treated as motorcycles no matter what size their motor.

Check out your state’s DMV to see how they categorize your new set of wheels.

Meet the Basic Insurance Requirements

Once you’ve determined how your state classifies your vehicle, you must understand what the insurance requirements are. While these requirements might offer minimal coverage, it’s a starting place to at least comply with state regulations. Generally speaking, each state will have the same requirement for motorcycle insurance as they do for standard automobiles. The state of Washington, however, does not require insurance for mopeds or motorcycles. And in the state of Louisiana it doesn’t matter what you ride because to register either a moped or motorcycle, you have to follow the same set of insurance guidelines.

Once you’ve clarified the basic requirements you must meet for proper coverage in your state, your next step is to determine how practical these minimal requirements are. Often, the state-required limits leave motorcycle and moped drivers exposed to financial risks after an accident. For instance, your state likely has no requirement about comprehensive or collision coverage-which leaves you paying out of pocket for damages to your bike after a theft, fire or collision. Read more… »