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Life is too short for traffic. Dan Bellack
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
For anyone who loves to ride on a motorcycle, attending various rallies is a real treat. They provide fun opportunities to enjoy your motorcycle, get to know other riders, and have a break from the daily grind. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an annual event held in Sturgis South Dakota. This rally has been taking place each year since 1938, and continues to grow in size each year. In the early days, the main attraction was a spectacular motorcycle raise that drew the top riders from around the world. This annual event was canceled in 1944 and 1945 due to fuel storages as a result of the war.
Keep in mind that each state has their own motorcycle laws to follow. When entering South Dakota to reach Sturgis, you are going to have to obey these laws. They are strictly enforced and you dont want to spoil your trip by having a serious fine to pay as a result of violation such laws.
Every motorcycle must have at least one headlight, and a maximum of two are allowed. There also needs to be at least one tail light that is in working condition. The handle bars on the bike cant be higher than the shoulders of the individual who is operating it. Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18 years of age. However, they are strongly encouraged for anyone riding a motorcycle.
Eye protection is required for each individual on a motorcycle, regardless whether they are the operator or a rider. The eye protection may not be tinted after dusk. Noise ordinances are also enforced so make sure your motorcycle has a muffler on it. Motorcycle operators much have a valid motorcycle license. If they dont, their motorcycle will be impounded.
While you are encouraged to have a great time while attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, code enforcement is strictly enforced. This is because of the sheer volume of people. There are fines for public intoxication, fighting, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, careless driving. There are also Zero Tolerance laws regarding drugs. It does not matter the type of drug or the amount, you will be arrested and prosecuted.
There are many great places to hang out while attending the Sturgis Rally. There are also plenty of great concerts taking place each night. Some people decide to get married in Sturgis as well! There is plenty of food, fun, and motorcycle activities to keep you entertained for the entire rally.
If you own a motorcycle and enjoy attending rallies, then you should plan to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this August. Keep in mind that thousands of people attend each year. It is important for you to plan early and to schedule your accommodations. Many who come for the rally decide to stay in a tent they bring along. Others prefer the comfort of a hotel.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a yearly tradition for many motorcycle owners. Many of them have made it a family tradition with fathers, sons, brothers, and even grandfathers all traveling together. An average of 500,000 riders make their way to Sturgis each year to participate in the many events as well as the wonderful entertainment. It is a few days to enjoy being around other motorcycle riders as well as the pleasure of the ride getting there.
Fuel Efficient Motorcycles: Updating Your Old Bike
By Ben Anton
 Soaring fuel prices have made gas-guzzling cars very unpopular. Welcome to the resurgence of the motorcycle. Why? Because properly maintained motorcycles and motorcycle engines can get between 40 and 60 miles a gallon. Smaller scooters get upwards of 90 miles a gallon, pretty good for an economy with -per-gallon gasoline.
Because of this, bike sales have soared. Motorcycle repair, too, can come in handy. Do you have a bike in storage that you haven't dusted off for awhile? There's a good chance you can be among those restoring motorcycles so that you can ride your old road hog again.
Restoring your older motorcycle to working condition starts with some basic steps:
Check Fuel
If you didn't use a fuel stabilizer before you put the bike into storage, drain your old fuel (including tank, fuel lines and carburetor as applicable) before you run the engine, and put new in. Lubricate spark plug ports with a little oil, too, before you start things up.
Check Oil
Change the oil and filter if you didn't do so before you started. If you did, top levels off.
How Is Your Battery?
Make sure leads are not corroded and that the battery will fully charge and then hold a charge. If it doesn't, replace the battery.
Inspect The Chain
Because your chain transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel, it is very important that it be in excellent shape. Look the chain over for the following:
-- Is the chain the proper tension? You should be able to grasp it in the center and move it about one inch in either direction, up or down.
-- Are front and wheel sprocket teeth in good condition? If the teeth have grooves or "waves" in them or they show other signs of wear, you probably need new sprockets (chain will probably show similar wear and need replacement).
-- Check every single section of the chain for signs of wear and for proper tension. It should move about an inch when you pull on it. Tighten the chain if it's loose, and loosen it if it's tight. If the links themselves are too tight, you might need to replace the whole chain.
-- Clean dirt off the chain with a clean towel or rag before you apply lubricant. Make sure you thoroughly lubricate all sprocket teeth and links.
-- Lubricate the chain well. Remember that some solvents should not be used with rubber if your chain has rubber parts to it. Use a proper solvent and wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean rag.
-- Set chain tension properly by moving your rear wheel and axle forward or backward. Both sides of the axle should be aligned properly before you tighten things up or the chain and sprockets might wear out quickly. Tighten the axle nuts and replace the cotter pin with a new one if needed.
Fluid Levels
Brake, clutch and coolant levels should be checked as necessary. Make sure you replace missing brake fluid with a new container of the same brand you used last time. Let your bike idle for a few minutes before you take off so that all fluids circulate properly.
Tires and Suspension
Inspect everything thoroughly before you take your first ride. If you kept your bike stored upright on a kickstand, make sure your tires aren't cracked, marked, or flat. In addition, check to make sure tire wear and air levels are good.
The PDF version of the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Inspection checklist is available here: http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCSInspectionChecklist.pdf. It's a good idea to go through it before putting your old bike on the road again.
The above tips on repairing motorcycles should have you up and running in no time. So go on, and get ready to feel the pull of the open road again.
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and works for Labworks Design, Northwest-based web design firm.
Read more about repowering from the experts on small engine vehicle repower kits at the Repower Specialists site for small Honda engines for golf carts and mowers.
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