Standing a diminutive 4 feet 11 inches, Jennifer Hooper is an unlikely candidate to be a motorcycle training instructor she doesnt fit the stereotype. “It never occurred to me that being short would make riding difficult or that I should customize a bike to my height,” she explains.
Most of us have witnessed this scenario at least once in our motorcycling life: someone drops his or her motorcycle, and three or four people scramble over to help muscle it upright. But have you ever seen someone actually upright a motorcycle alone? It can be done.
Technique for Lifting a Dropped Motorcycle
When I took my motorcycle rider safety course years ago, the instructor told us within the first 15 minutes that hed been riding for 20 years without any accidents. He attributed that to practicing the many safety rules we were about to learn, and to one other personal creed he lived by: “Im NEVER in a hurry when Im on my bike.” He added, “If you remember nothing else in this class, remember that.”
Editor Genevieve Schmitt shares details on a ride in her backyard. If youre planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, youve got to read her story on the prettiest ride to Americas first national park.
One of the most embarrassing times for a motorcyclist is the moment when he or she drops their bike. In my 18 years in the saddle, I can lay claim to this embarrassment twice. I wont bore you with the same old story of how befuddled I was when it happened…what I will share with you is something I learned to avoid dropping the bike in the future.
One Way to Avoid Dropping Your Bike
Sonya Gordon wanted everyone to know the brand new Kawasaki 650R she was riding belonged to her and not her husband or son. What was her solution? Paint it bubblegum pink with flowers and designs to match her beloved Barbie backpack! Whether shes commuting to work or just riding around her Texas neighborhood, Sonya stands out with her pink Barbie-themed motorcycle and matching accessories.
She Loves Pink and She Loves Barbie
This past weekend, BRP Can-Am Spyder roadster owners from all over North America rode to Los Angeles for the Ryde to the Red Carpet event. This years annual owners event the second for Spyder was in celebration of the Spyder roadster role in this summers blockbuster hit, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Two hundred twenty Spyder roadsters and 410 Spyder owners were parading around the Los Angeles and Hollywood streets for three straight days.
200 Spyders All In One Place! You Gotta See These Photos!
Baggers, dressers, touring motorcycles—whatever you call these hard-saddlebag-wearing, rear-tour-pack-packing powerful machines, they are often the last motorcycle a rider will end up owning. Why? Because as solo riders, most of us dont choose a bike that has all that storage space and protection before we know we need it.
Customizing a Harley-Davidson Street Glide
Believe it or not, this woman is going to work. Commuting on two wheels turns the usual miserable slog into quality time and adds a little happiness to the week. Although many people who own motorcycles consider them a recreational vehicle to be used only on weekends, a significant minority rides their bike to get to work and run errands.
Women Who Ride To Work Every Day
Many people say that the best form of advertising is “word of mouth” endorsement. This has certainly been the case in BMW Motorrad USAs latest print advertising campaign, which shows genuine BMW owners in inspiring scenarios.
Real BMW Riders Featured in Ad Campaign