Archive for July, 2010
Before I met my boyfriend the only thing that I knew about motorcycles was what womens motorcycle chaps I was going to wear for the ride-I had no idea what a starter or any other of the central components of the vehicle were. He is a huge Harley enthusiast and is always working on his motorcycles. He has two of them; one vintage Harley and a newer Kawasaki. The other day we were headed out for an afternoon ride and the stupid Harley wouldn’t start.
I thought maybe the motorcycle was out of gas or that the battery was dead. But my boyfriend told me that the tank was full and the battery was good. He said it was a problem with the starter. We took the bike over to his friend’s house. This guy was a genius with bike starters and had it fixed in no time.
As a woman, pursuing my favorite hobby hasn’t always been easy. Riding motorcycles has traditionally been considered a man’s game, but I’m always eager to accept a challenge and shatter a few glass ceilings if need be. When I bought my first Harley and started riding around the town with friends, I caught some initial flak. One jerk even asked me why I wasn’t riding in a sidecar.
Over time, however, the guys started to accept me as one of them. I bought an assortment of women’s motorcycle jackets online and even took a cross-country road trip last summer. Nothing appeals to me more than the wide-open road ahead of me and vast expanses of scenic country flying by on all sides. These days I hardly care what the men think of me. All that matters is that I’m living life on my own terms.
It goes without saying that the most critical piece of motorcycle safety gear is the helmet. After you’ve found effective protection for your head, however, it’s time to think about the rest of your body. Leather motorcycle chaps are practical as well as stylish, and they can save your frame from experiencing some serious wear and tear following a spill.
The best chaps blend durability with comfort. Riding in stiff chaps can cause discomfort; no one wants to suffer from chap-induced chafing. Bear in mind that leather chaps are made to last longer than any other specific type. Like any leather garment, chaps require a certain level of basic maintenance and upkeep. By cleaning your chaps on occasion, you can vastly improve their usefulness.