March 25, 2019

History of Sidecar We’ve Known in Our Lives

The sidecar was invented back in 1893 in France. In fact, this item that we may have told as a vehicle accessory turned out was produced initially before the motorcycle itself. It was originally made for a competition that was published in a newspaper. It was made to discover the best way to carry on people on a bicycle.

Later in 1903, the motorcycle was finally produced and made patent under the submitter, WJ Graham from Enfield, Middlesex. During the rise of vehicle popularity, it then was adapted as the vehicle additional feature that definitely had the ability to bring along more passengers just like what a car could do. It was also cheaper in price, so the benefit was felt more overwhelming for one than to really own a car.

Production of Sidecar

The sidecar was produced in a variety of looks. Apart of its main characteristic to provide enough space for a person or passenger, it also came out with more safety aspects and modernity points. Photos of old sidecars surfaced the internet where it was shown an Edwardian woman taking a ride on this vehicle of an old bike as well. She attempted to look as comfortable as possible although it was clear that the seating and space was none other than very conventional.

More developments were applied to old sidecars, thanks to the feedback from the passengers and vehicle rider as well. Producers soon realized that a firmer shell would make a cozier and safer ride for the passenger. The development was not only presented through a form of design, by the 1960s, but the law had also justified any size of this vehicle to attach to any type of bike and motorcycle as well, as long as the rider or vehicle owner possessed the desired provisional license.

One of the most promising names of this vehicle manufacturers was Watsonian-Squire. It was in 1912 when the owner massively created diverse productions of sidecars. It kept on making new ones back then until there happened to be some licensing issues there had been a decreasing request for sidecars among people in society.

The Existence of Sidecar in Our Daily Lives

  1. Sidecar in Sitcom

In television production such as sitcom, people who ride a motorcycle and a sidecar were commonly represented as the ones who were bold, if not fancy enough. The unique look and main characteristic of a this vehicle could be easily transported from the idea of comedy to relatable joke of television series.

One of the most popular examples is from the 70s sitcom, called Man. There were two main characters, George and Mildred, supposedly leaving their flat and moving to a more exclusive neighborhood together. George was portrayed as the rider, while Mildred completed the scene by acting up as the one on this vehicle combo. The joke stroke on when the motorcycle left, but this vehicle stayed.

Another example of this vehicle portrayal in some of the earliest television sitcoms is in the 1975 show called Last of Summer Wine, ending in 1996. Broadcasted the main character named Compo riding a classic type of motorcycle combined with a polished set of a sidecar. He rode the vehicle lightheartedly with a woman before it went out of control when it went down the hill and came crashing a field’s gate.

  1. Sidecar for chefs, stars and dogs

We can say that 1996 was really the peak popularity earned by sidecars. Not only was it featured on the sitcom we’ve mentioned before. It was also a rising item thanks to a television show called Two Fat Ladies. There, the two posh lady chefs drove to country houses riding a motorcycle, along with a sidebar combo. For the show, they got to cook and serve healthy foods to the people around them.

When it comes to movies, this kind of vehicle also had some proper spotlights on in movies like Roger Moore’s The Spy Who Loved Me, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Adam West’s Batman.

Aside from humans, this vehicle is also widely known for animal transportation. Be it for one to enough numbers of cat that might find the trip exciting, many sidecars turned out to have been specially designed for dogs. It will not only delight the rider. Dog in a sidecar would definitely pleasant to watch.

July 26, 2019

Guide to Different Types of Motorcycles

We guess you’ve been to some dealers, trying out a few different types of motorcycles, but still need the urge to know what type exactly will suit your needs. Worry not because, since we knew too you are going to take some guides on knowing the different types of motorcycles, we have rounded up some of the main types of motorcycles in the whole world.

Each type indeed comes from different manufacturers. And sure, each type will also offer different kinds of performance that can be picked out of their accommodation on one’s needs. First thing first, one should really know what they want to use the motorcycle for, and the type can follow after that. That’s all.

Getting to Know the Different Types of Motorcycles

As it’s been said before, everyone should start from the very beginning, which is knowing their needs and matching them with the type of motorcycles they desire.

  1. Standard

The first type of motorcycles is the standard on. It is very common and has been most people’s favorite because it offers enough accommodation for their regular needs. The variations of this type are the capacity, like 125cc to 1,000cc, and these variations are fit for the seats, tank bag, and enough space for luggage. If you are looking for the regular and economical type of motorcycle, it will normally work for a first choice and an all-around reference.

  1. Cruiser

Cruiser, or chopper type, is indeed the type of motorcycle to use for cruising. The main characteristic of this type is probably its lower seat that’s intentionally built to provide comfort during the “cruising”. It looks pretty similar to the Standard type, but it offers more spacious luggage, again to accommodate the need of the “cruising”. The engine sizes are pretty varied, but the most common one is the 1,000 cc capacity.

  1. Touring

The Touring type is obviously larger than most motorcycle types. Such size comes from a reason, though. It supports comfort and safety for cross-border touring in various track conditions and weathers. Not only they provide a very large amount of storage, but it will also block the wind the most to ensure the safety of the rider. Along with its large size, it also commonly comes in large engine size to accommodate speed.

  1. Sport

If you are into speeding up and showing off style, this sports motorcycle type should be considered as your favorable choice. It performs speedy ride and has the ability to awe people who look by showing off sexy curves, yet tough performance. However, you may have also known that this type is definitely heavier and has taller seat height both for the rider and passenger. This type also has a lighter variation though, and it is made from aluminum to increase its overall maneuvers.

  1. Scooter

Appearing a lot different from the previous types, some may even consider this type isn’t a real motorcycle. However, Scooter style has started to gain popularity among people. It is low to the ground and lightweight, so it’ll be perfect for casual riding without any pressure and stress to ride it well.

July 9, 2019

Tips for Riding Sidecar Motorcycle in all Weather

The idea of riding a side car motorcycle has been very interesting up until these days. However, some say that riding it is far different from riding an average motorcycle; and it’s true. One should have some extra knowledge with them before finally really riding it down the road. This is very important to consider to have a safe riding, especially when the weather is also in the picture.

For your information, the sidecar motorcycle appears to be not only tough but sexily classic. It is very nice to have a friend as a trip companion or a perfect lover to complete the trip. This kind of vehicle is sure more stable to ride with two people on it. On the other hand, a sidecar motorcycle also provides more luggage to the passengers.

Here, we have bundled some basic yet essentials tips for you to perform when you are going to ride a sidecar motorcycle safely in all weather.

Safety Tips for Riding Sidecar Motorcycle in all Weather

  1. Brake straight

Riding a sidecar motorcycle will feel and needs different treatments to those we experience riding a normal motorcycle. The first pro safe tips is to brake in a straight line. You may have known that the brakes, wheels, and the weight distribution in this kind of vehicle are very unique. When it comes to sidecar motorcycles, it is best to perform symmetrical force to distribute the weight evenly.

  1. Add weight

Without the weight, a sidecar motorcycle will handle and brake unpredictably. If space isn’t filled with the supposed balancing weight, you can try carrying on a couple of sandbags for the sidecar. If it is possible, you can measure good weight distribution for the motorcycle and sidecar, so the handling and braking function will work properly.

  1. Steering

You may have known that riding a sidecar motorcycle needs different treatments, one of them is to be performed on the steer. Sidecar motorcycles will steer differently when the rider makes a turn. For your information, the pivot point of the sidecar motorcycle steering is located in the center of the motorcycle. While the sidecar offers an asymmetrical force indeed, all one has to do is to practice turning and controlling the steering.

  1. Avoid two-wheel drive

If your sidecar is custom-built, it probably doesn’t have such a feature. But if it does, for example for sidecars like the Ural, there is this feature that enables two-wheel drive that will engage the motorcycle’s wheel in the back, and the sidecar’s wheel from the outer part. This function only makes handling more difficult unless you are facing dirt, mud, snow, and other uneven tracks.

  1. Stay in control

Last but definitely not least, learn more about how to take and stay in control. Facing different kinds of weather and road will cause some inevitable troubles to the rider, so be ready and stay focused while on the trip. Try to take practice and improve your techniques over and over again in order to be fully aware of the road and staying in the best condition while riding.

June 14, 2019

How Motorcycles and the Military Are Connected

Where cars are more identical and focused on comfort and exclusivity, motorcycles have the tendency to perform more on speed and maneuvers. Motorcycles have been connected to the military because they favor in achieving so many things with motorcycles ever since. Let’s have a closer look at the connection, shall we?

The Use of Motorcycles in the Military

The use of motorcycles in the military is never new. In WWII, German and Russian armies have taken advantage of this vehicle on so many levels, for example seeking out targets to offer helps to the soldiers who suffered from injuries. Other than that, common motorcycles were often used to do a convoy in order to spread threaten, to celebrate victories. The type motorcycle commonly rode by the armies should accommodate extreme weather and track since they were in war zones after all.

However, there were benefits and drawbacks as well in using such vehicles in the military. Motorcycles were known for their special characteristics to speed and perform maneuvers for the riders. On the other hand, the rider might sacrifice their protection themselves at times riding their motorcycle obviously. Furthermore, there was only a small possibility to load stuff, like weapons and foods, because the luggage in motorcycles has always been that tiny.

Characteristics of Motorcycles in the Military

As you may have seen from the previous brief explanation, there have been potential roles one can achieve from having to using motorcycles in the military. The main point is definitely the mobility of this special light-weight force. Riding motorcycles made it possible to do the raid and reconnaissance. Other functions of this vehicle is dispatching communication and activities between army members, despite the limited storage equipment and minimum protection for one.

These roles endure the hardships during the war, so it can be said that motorcycles have obviously played essential roles in the military. Sure, you can already imagine that the motorcycles used in the military were differed from the common ones, or models we usually find nowadays. Other than the basic feature, motorcycles for military uses had different equipment installed in order to support one mission during the war.

One aspect that had been always linked in the talks of motorcycles and the military is the powered mode. As its’ been said that the military motorcycles were often equipped with more special designs and/or systems, they at least possessed the ability to move more quietly. One thing for sure about military motorcycles is they were very special. They were great deals back then. Thanks to research and development, such kind of vehicles could be reproduced or reimagined as those we can see on films these days. They look super tough and powerful, right?

Categories of Military Motorcycles

Motorcycles that have been widely used in the military are divided into two main categories: folded and conventional.

  1. Folded Motorcycle

The folded, or so-called compact, the motorcycle was designed intentionally to be easily deployed and carried. This supports the needs of people in the military to consume storage space as little as possible. And while on mobile, this variation of the motorcycle could help them move a lot easier. The probably one issue that hasn’t been solved up until now regarding to this type of motorcycle is its inability to survive in the extreme road. It is as simple as the fact that folded or compact motorcycles are not really reliable for off-road use.

For your information, the tires of folded or compact motorcycles can be fueled with water or any liquid to make it simpler to take care of. Usually, this type of military motorcycle was powered with a 200 cc machine capacity and was able to tow up to 900 kg loads.

  1. Conventional Trail Bikes

We can say that the conventional trail bikes are pretty much similar to the ones often portrayed in modern movies. The weight is solid, and the look is very dense. It was first supported by diesel engines, although the contemporary variation has reached to the usage of hybrid engines. Apart from its original features, this type could be extravagantly modified with lightings to weapon panniers. Finally, it was very common to find a low noise and heat vehicle in this type. In short, this is none other than a sport-trail bike but set in a military atmosphere.

April 3, 2019

Choosing Between Motorcycle and Car

Everyone has their own idea about these two beneficial vehicles. Let’s say, the opinions go around which one is safer, more economical, even more stylish. If you are looking for a vehicle for your own, let’s put them together for a test and discuss about having which one is a better choice for you.

Comparison Points between Motorcycle and Car

In terms of cost and safety feature, we have put these two vehicles face to face and below are the comparison point we can pay attention to within the two:

  • Model: motorcycle is a two-wheel vehicle, the car is a four-wheel vehicle
  • Price: costs from around 15 million Rupiahs for a motorcycle, costs up to hundreds million Rupiahs for a car
  • Safety feature: pass switch for a motorcycle, airbag for a car
  • Safety issue: the motorcycle has some more issues on safety, while modern cars only have no anti-lock braking system issue on safety
  • Maintenance: costs from a hundred thousand Rupiahs for a car, costs up to millions Rupiahs for a car
  • License renewal: costs from thousands Rupiahs for a car, costs up to hundred-thousand Rupiahs for a car
  • License course: commonly, one doesn’t necessarily need a licensing course to ride a motorcycle, while it may cost up to millions Rupiahs for a car license course

Pick a Side: Motorcycle or Car

From the comparison points above, everyone will obviously agree that a motorcycle more cost-efficient option than a car, overall. This conclusion can even be applied to any type and brand of motorcycles unless one is really having an eye to Harley Davidson. In terms of fuel consumption, a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle will sure also cost way less than a car.

On the other hand, common motorcycles offer zero safety features. This includes no anti-lock braking system, no leg guards, no stability control, and no traction control. Modern cars have had at least airbags to support on the safety point. This can offer a huge difference while comparing to safely riding a motorcycle and a car.

There are still several factors to concern about when it comes to picking a side between motorcycles and cars:

  1. Carrying capacity

This one point will also take everything into a whole new level because the motorcycle is nothing compared to a car that has the ability to carry loads of items. You may keep in your mind that owning a transportation meaning owning something to transport you and your needs with you wholly and safely. With a single motorcycle, even the one with a sidecar, carrying items will be too much. Riding a car will mean a trip of bringing you along with more people and stuff.

  1. Comfort

One should really consider the comfort aspect while choosing a vehicle for their own. Although riding a motorcycle through trips isn’t that tiring and painful, it will be a lot more tiring after long, especially for long-distance travel. Driving a motorcycle, no matter how expensive the price one should pay for it, also means a challenging experience when it comes to facing various weather and track conditions.

  1. Maneuver

When you commute in such heavy traffic, riding a motorcycle will absolutely benefit you more. Also, it is very easy to park and perform maintenances on. However, it all will depend again on how and where you usually ride vehicles to travel with.

Each of these vehicles has its advantages and drawbacks you should really consider according to your needs and wills. The motorcycle is not expensive overall, but cars provide more comfort, safety and overall traveling features you may desire. There is also another option to spend your money on: the used ones. It costs relatively more affordable, where you can still experience the facilities you aim to.

January 9, 2019

Steps to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance

Riding a motorcycle on the streets requires motorcycle insurance to be owned by one. It is the law, and it is a must, otherwise, be ready to face financial and legal consequences. As we’ve all known this whole time, being a motorcycle rider is vulnerable at times. At this point, insurance plays an important part to bring things back to normal again, or as close, if they are experiencing crashes or damages.

No matter what type of motorcycle one is riding, and which style of riding one can perform, motorcycle insurance is a need rather than a mere document. Riding a motorcycle on the streets without it is definitely a very irresponsible act. If we are talking about short term effects, one can pay several amounts due to financial and legal charges unless they own the insurance. And if we are talking about the long term effect, a rider and the bike may never fully recover after getting crashed or damaged.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Insurance

Choosing the right motorcycle insurance for you has actually never been any easier than now. The policy is also there to fit only at one’s needs and abilities. Insurance companies start to reach people, and people can reach them as well, through online media. The facilities are widely provided, so there shouldn’t be any barrier not to own proper motorcycle insurance.

However, in some cases, collecting motorcycle insurance can be confusing for some people. If it is not because of the lack of experience and knowledge, one can’t get their insurance at the best reasonable cost. Below are some coverages you should consider if you want to choose the right motorcycle insurance:

  1. Liability

Complete motorcycle insurance at least should include liability insurance. It covers the damages caused by the rider themselves impacting someone else or their vehicles on the spot. Choosing the right insurance means paying attention to the availability of this point, and not rare for someone to pay even more to have maximum coverage standards to carry on the road.

  1. Comprehensive and collision

This point of coverage is designed to take parts when it is needed to repair or replace some elements in a vehicle that’s involved in an accident, including crashes and stolen vehicles. This insurance can be purchased by two parties without having to take it too seriously on who is at fault. Furthermore, the cost of this aspect of insurance will follow the value of the overall vehicle. In the end, the payment will be tracked comprehensively based on the collisions that happened.

  1. Full coverage

The term full stands for a combination of previous two points, or sometimes with a lot more things depends on the states and regulations. One thing you should really understand about having motorcycle insurance is making sure the products offered by the company are accommodative enough to cover your needs and wants. It is essential to make sure you’re fully aware of the features and prices so that you can be safely covered and responsibly having rides.

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