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Review of the Triumph Thruxton 900

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Review of the Triumph Thruxton 900

Just as much as it is a motorcycle in its own right, Triumph’s Thruxton is a time machine. Just admiring a Thruxton from afar will get images of black Brando jackets, oil-spattered leather boots and striving to break ‘The Ton’ flitting through your mind, while actually taking one for a spin gets the nostalgia flowing in a torrent.

The low-set clip-on ‘bars, the gleaming chrome of the bullet headlight and the rasp of the tapered silencers all play their part in sending you back through the decades, when the term ‘Café Racer’ was born on London’s busy city streets, in biker haunts like the Ace Café and the Busy Bee.

Fortunately, although its styling harks back to the days when the British bike industry was king, the Thruxton has its wheels planted firmly in the present.

With an electric start, disc brakes front and rear and modern suspension, this retro street racer gives you all the thrills with none of the heartache – if you’re a true purist, you’ll even have to place your own pool of oil under this one…

Launched in 2004 and named after the historic British circuit, the Thruxton is basically a café racer version of the marque’s leading retro classic, the Bonneville, but with tweaked suspension, brakes and steering geometry, clip-on ‘bars, megaphone exhausts, a ‘shorty’ front guard and a seat hump, the latter simply a cover that comes off to reveal space for a pillion.

The faithful will scorn the lack of a kick-starter, but a press of the button sees the Thruxton readily fire and quickly settle into a steady, throaty burble, care of the optional factory silencers our test bike came fitted with.

On the road its manner are pure modern-day – its preload adjustable suspension does a good job of smoothing the bumps, its disc brakes haul it down from speed well and it tracks a line through a corner beautifully.

It won’t keep pace with the big multi-cylinders, but its 69 horses are respectable enough, especially when compared with the outputs of the bikes upon which it’s been styled.

Its carburetion is clean, and although redline is an indicated 7500rpm, there’s no need to reach these heady heights – riding its meaty mid-range is the order of the day.

For the nit-pickers, there are still a few Thruxton foibles. Firstly, in an absent-minded moment it’s possible to cook your left knee on the cylinder head, although this isn’t such an issue if you’re wearing leathers.

Secondly, the separate steering lock means it’s possible to ride off with the steering lock on. Just like the old days, granted, but we’ve moved on in this respect for good reason.

Finally, the tank filler cap isn’t lockable. Maybe not such an issue back in the day, but perhaps a little too tempting these days for some light-finger with too much time on their hands, even if their aim is purely to cause annoyance and aggravation…

For those with an affinity with café racer-style bikes of the 60′s and 70′s, the Triumph Thruxton 900 offers a truly modern package with the style and edge of yesteryear. It’s a potent combination, and one that I’m sure will keep the café racer ethos alive and well for many years to come.

SPECS: Triumph Thruxton 900
Engine: 865cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin
Bore and stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Fuel system: twin Keihin carburettors
Power: 69bhp @ 7200rpm
Torque: 72Nm @ 6400rpm
Transmission: five-speed
Frame: tubular steel cradle
Front brake: single 320mm disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper
Rear brake: single 255mm disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper
Front suspension: 41mm forks, adjustable for preload
Rear suspension: twin shocks, adjustable for preload
Wheels: spoked alloy
Tyres: Metzeler ME33 Laser; 100/90-18 front, 130/80R17 rear
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1490mm
Claimed dry weight: 205kg
Fuel tank: 16.6L
Price: ,990 plus ORC
Colours: Tornado Red or Jet Black
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres

2009 Kawasaki KLX250S Motorcycle Review Read the full motorcycle review at Motorcycle.com. www.motorcycle.com Throwing extremes from every direction our way – heat, dust, rocky trails, barren desert playas – the nimble, quick and affordable KLX250S soaks up the hits with a smile while leaving your wallet smiling in the process. From gritty urban settings to eroded earthen passages, the ’09 KLX passes the test for commuters as well as weekend dirt warriors.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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How The Professionals Save Up To 80% On Motorcycle Parts

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by Bruce A Stockwell

How The Professionals Save Up To 80% On Motorcycle Parts

When you consider buying used motorcycle parts and accessories you have several options. Lets consider each and see the pros and cons.
Buying from a brand name dealership is one way to go. It’s also a great place to inquire about used motorcycle prices. Some brands have a reselling program which guarantees the bikes quality. Honda and Harley and even BMW have such a program.
The advantages of Buying from a general dealership is a general dealership has many different brands and sells different quality bikes I would prefer to buy directly from the owner than a general dealership.
Buying from an auction Consider this option only if you are experienced. There is a huge difference buying and riding.
Last but not least Buying from the previous owner. This is your best way to find out about the bike, history and other specifics. But it’s best to know a little about the market prices for the motorcycle part or accessory you want to buy .
Now that you have decided to buy read the following purchase tips.
1. Shop online. It’s not uncommon to save 70 to 80 percent on some parts. I’m talking about used parts mostly. Remember all Motorcycle run on used parts.

2. You can multiply your chances of success by using a parts locator. Parts locators are tied into salvage yards all across the US. Searching on your on could take hours. Just fill out a simple form and let them do the work. Check the end of the article for part locators.

3. After market parts are another way to save in some cases. These are parts made by another manufacturer. In some cases these may be even better than original parts. You can always check the reviews of parts online if you have concerns.

4. Check EBay and other Auctions For new and used parts if you can find your part you will probably get it for a fraction of the cost that a dealer would charge.

5. Do a search on your favorite search engine under the term used motorcycle parts. You’ll probably be amazed at the results.

6. Check your local yellow pages for a Motorcycle salvage yard. The chances are good around the major cities.

7. When buying used parts be sure the part is guaranteed to arrive in working condition.

8. Don’t install used or after market parts if your motorcycle is under warranty. In some states this may void the warranty.

9. Place an ad in your local classifieds. These are usually low cost ads and if you find the part that you need, this may be the most economical way of all to find parts.

10. There’s a few online classifieds devoted to motorcycles. You can get lucky here once in awhile.
If you can do a little of the work your self and find used or rebuilt parts it’s possible to save a great deal of money, Especially when rebuilding or restoring some of the old bikes. I hope some of these tips have helped a little. May God be with you.

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Guide to Finding Cheap and Reliable Motorbike Delivery and Motorcycle Transporters

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by Bruce A Stockwell

Guide to Finding Cheap and Reliable Motorbike Delivery and Motorcycle Transporters

Perhaps youâve just got a great deal by winning a motorbike off eBay or through Autotrader, the only downside being that it is located on the other side of the country.Â Or perhaps the motorbike is a non-runner and you need to get it from A-B ready for repairs or scrap?Â Whatever your reasons, getting your motorcycle delivered by a motorbike transporter is a fairly straightforward process.Â

Service Type

There are a few different service options available when looking to move a motorcycle.

a) Motorcycle transported inside commercial vehicles on specially built brackets
b) Motorcycle transported on open trailer
c) Motorcycle transported in enclosed trailer

Quite often, the cheapest option will be for your motorcycle to be transported as a part-load with other goods in a commercial vehicle (van or HGV).Â However, be sure that the transport provider has experience with moving motorcycles and that they are using industry standard brackets/securing mechanisms to help prevent damage in transit.

Custom-built motorcycle trailers do tend to result in a slightly higher cost, however this will help ensure that your motorcycle is clear of other goods.Â Open trailers are more susceptible to damage and theft as the bike is clearly visible (in particular when parked).Â Enclosed trailers on the other hand offer a more secure solution and do not carry the risk of stone chips or damage from debris on the road.

Getting Quotes / Prices

Just like any service, you wouldnât just accept the first price you receive.Â It pays to shop around, so aim to get at least 5 quotes.

Insurance

Without a doubt the most important thing when choosing a motorcycle transporter is to check their insurance documentation.Â If they are not adequately insured, you run the risk of not only not being able to file a claim in the event of damage but even losing your motorcycle altogether if their transporter is impounded by the police.Â

Policies do vary from company to company, but the key areas you will want to check are the value of the level of cover and cover for both theft and damage.
Your own motorcycle insurance policy may provide some cover for âvehicles in transitâ, so it is worth checking this for extra peace of mind.

Establishing the trustworthiness of motorcycle transport companies

Right, youâre happy with the insurance document and you like the price, but how can you be sure that they are reliable & have the necessary experience to take care of your motorbike?Â First off, you should do some background checks on the company.Â A simple search of the company name on Google should bring up some impartial reviews.Â The company themselves should also be able to offer you testimonials and references.Â It is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy.Â If they find it hard to do that, then they probably arenât worth the risk.

Payment terms

General practice is that the motorbike delivery firm will take a deposit (definitely no more than 25%) upon booking their services, with the rest payable on delivery.Â Usually cash or check is accepted but it is advised to use credit card where possible as you will be able to dispute these charges later should a problem occur.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing, insist upon a written contract for the services to be carried out.Â If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing the motorcycle for transport

Now that you have agreed dates and signed on the dotted line, you will need to ensure that you spend adequate time preparing your motorcycle for transit.Â 99% of problems on delivery are down to poor preparation.Â So, donât leave this to the last minute.Â The transport firm will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to do the following:

1) Wash the motorcycle thoroughly
2) Make a written note of any pre-existing damage (chips, dents etc)
3) Take photos of the bike from several angles and close-ups of any pre-existing damage
4) Date the photos and written record
5) If your motorbike is being moved as freight along with other goods, be sure that you remove the battery and drain all fluids and fuel.

Remove any accessories and loose items from your bike, the transporter is not responsible for these items if they go missing or are damaged.

If the motorcycle is being trailered, although not always necessary, it is helpful if the bike is in working order in the case that it needs to be driven a short distance between transporters.

So, you should:

1) Inflate tyres
2) Charge battery
3) Fill petrol tank to Â¼ – Â½ full
4) Check and fix any fluid leaks

What to expect from the motorbike transport company on pickup / delivery
Before you release your motorbike to the transporter, be sure to record the current mileage, although you bike may be ridden a very short distance to get on/off trailers there should be no major increases in mileage between pickup and delivery.

Make sure that you have the driverâs contact details and that they have yours.
Upon delivery, you need to inspect your motorbike thoroughly.Â Do not rush this step or sign anything until this is complete.Â Check for any new damage or increase in mileage.Â Only once you are happy should you sign any documents, there is generally no come-back once the papers are signed.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of motorbike transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

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Wearing Protective Motorcycle Clothing?

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by usag.yongsan

Can You Be Styling While Wearing Protective Motorcycle Clothing?

How do you vote? Styling or protection? What do you need to consider about the type of clothing to wear when riding your motorcycle? First and foremost, repeat, you need protection from injury. However, you can still be styling while riding your bike!
There nothing like laying your bike down on asphalt, rapidly skidding down the black hell with visions of I am going to die in your head, plus leaving lots of your skin on the street to get you to think about wearing protective clothing while riding your motorcycle. If you are like most people, you think about injuries from falling (impact) or abrasions from skidding. Both of these types of injuries can be very painful especially if you survive them. Good news, clothing can play an important part in reducing the injury level in both types of these injuries.
Did you know that 30% (50% at night) of drivers involved in accidents with motorcycles claim they didn’t see the bike? I can’t count the times I have had to dodge cars who I know just didn’t see me. If they had been watching for cars, it would not have been an issue. How many times have you not seen a motorcyclist and you are even more aware of them than the average driver? Driving in your neighborhood on your bike could be highly dangerous. Approximately 90% of urban motorcycle accidents are caused the other driver not by the motorcyclist. Riding with your headlights on is very important to being seen. Bright colors or reflective stripes can help a lot.
For those of us who are into styling, there are some great looking motorcycle clothing on the market these days. However, not all of the motorcycle clothing offers as much protection as you think. Protective motorcycle clothing are not created equal. In Europe, they have a standard for motorcycle clothing. For it be lawfully sold as “safety” clothing, it has to pass a series of European standards and bear the CE mark, which are pretty lengthy. How does the clothing performance hold up in abrasion, tearing and impact tests. Once they pass the test, then the manufacturer are allowed to sell the motorcycle protective clothing with the CE mark. Unfortunately, USA has no such regulation is available in the USA. Cheer up, all is not lost. Just requires you to pay attention to what you are buying.
Not many people realize that most motorcycle injuries occur below the belt. You love your legs and feet but when you are riding a motorcycle, the are extremely vulnerable to injuries. Make sure you wear a decent pair of high boots and protective pants. Leather, thick leather is a good choice. Check the pants for reinforcement at the knees and hips. The better safety pants should attach to your jacket by a zipper. Boots should be thick leather, with a sole that can flex with the foot but has a resistance to crushing across the foot. Heard of steel toe shoes? Well not a bad ideal for when you are riding.
The history of material normally used for motorcycle protective clothing has been leather. The thick nylon and other synthetic materials will work well too. Look into Kevlar reinforced jeans which hold up much better than normal jeans while skidding across asphalt at 70 m.p.h. Here is an interesting fact. According to the European standard abrasion test, normal jeans last 0.6 seconds, while protective motorcycle pants will last 5 seconds or more. Think about 5 seconds of protection versus about 0.5 seconds. If you have to think very hard, you have been riding your motorcycle without a helmet again. Go with the Kevlar protected, re-enforced jeans.
You apply the same principles to jackets. You are looking for hard wearing jackets, preferably thick leather not the fancy thin fashion leather like some jackets. Pay attention to the stitching which should be uniform with no dropped stitches. All your stress areas, your elbows and shoulders should be reinforced, ideally with some impact protection included. This means, not a bad ideal to have some protective padding in your jacket.
Want to keep those fingers looking good and attached? You must have a decent pair of gloves. When you fall, you instinctively put out your hands palm side down to stop yourself in a slide, so the palms of your gloves should made of thick leather or knitted Kevlar and reinforced with patches. Knitted Kevlar is especially good for this kind of abrasion resistance, but reinforced leather works well too.
That old saying it only hurt when I stop. Well, apply that saying to when you hit the pavement. Impact protection can be bought separately like back protectors. If you buy it, make sure you wear it. Depending on your personality, it might be best motorcycle protective clothing with a degree of impact protection included so that you know when you put on your jacket and pants, the protection is there and you don’t have to remember to put it on.
I know this is a cliche but helmets really do save lives. Your head is not as hard as you think. Head injuries are not easy to recover from and in a motorcycle accident; they tend to be really severe. A helmet may not stop the injury but it is very possible it might reduce the impact of an injury.
If you are like most people, they try to avoid pain. Give some serious thought to your protective motorcycle clothing the next time you go shopping.

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When the time comes for you to drop some major cash (or minor cash, depending on the brand, year, and model you’re looking for) on your motorcycle of choice, how will you make absolutely certain it will perform the way you want it to? The ideal solution to this problem is by reading as many reviews as you can find, regarding the bike of your choice. Finding unbiased, professional reviews can be difficult, but here I’ll explain the best methods to get the information you need to make an educated motorcycle purchase.

The internet is an amazing source of information, and an excellent research tool when you know how to use it properly. Simply typing in the phrase “motorcycle reviews” into a popular search engine such as Google, Yahoo, or Ask can garner from 12,500,000 to 91,700,00 results- that’s over ninety-one MILLION, an unfathomable number. You might be able to look at every single result if you spent every waking moment of your time hunched over a computer screen reading, for the rest of your life! The numbers can be whittled down dramatically to an achievable amount, however, when you narrow your search by adding more keywords. Simply add the make or model to the phrase “motorcycle reviews” to get the specific results you’re looking for. Adding the year to your searching criteria can lessen the field considerably more.

Checking for information in real life from real people can be extremely helpful, and often more specific than any website can offer, since you get to ask your own questions. Ask around- find friends, neighbors, relatives, or even your friends’ neighbors, your relative’s friends, your neighbor’s relatives- the possibilities are literally endless. Another way of finding information is approaching someone you don’t even know. Next time you see your ideal bike “out in the wild,” at the grocery store, gas station, shopping mall, etc. wait around for the owner and then strike up a conversation. It’s a well-known fact that everyone loves to talk about themselves, so it goes without saying that most people will love to talk about their motorcycle as well.

Searching for information on your ideal motorcycle can seem daunting at first, but with determination and a bit of time, you’ll soon find the ideal motorcycle review for you. Looking on the internet or asking around from people you trust are both excellent methods of research, proven to work time and time again. Happy review hunting!

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