The Perfect Motorcycle Gloves?

Here's a quote from one of my favorite motorcycle books, "At no time, though, are you more joyfully alone than when it's raining...which is pretty damn ironic, since there can be no greater danger than riding in the rain."- Melissa Pierson, from The Perfect Vehicle.

Which reminds me of a couple of things. First, I've had a hankering to read the book again and I can't find my copy. I must have loaned it out to someone and they forgot to give it back. The other is gloves. Waterproof gloves to be exact.

I was perusing through a motorcycle gear catalog and found that a pair of waterproof riding gloves were $67.00 and if you didn't want to go that route you could get a pair of rain covers to go over your leather gloves for just $47.00. Hmm, $67.00! - $47.00! I don't need no stinkin expensive gloves! For me that's a lot of money.

In my jacket pocket I keep a pair of those thick dish washing gloves (size XL) that can be found at the dollar store for, are you ready for this? You guessed it, $1.00. That's right $1.00. When it's raining I just slip those babies on over my leather gloves and I'm good to go.

My leather gloves are the same ones I've had since they were issued to me by Uncle Sam 27 years ago. As far as I'm concerned, for my kind of riding anyway, they do the job just fine. During the warm months I just wear the leather shell, and the cold months I put in the wool liners. Works for me! I'm guessing a pair like that could probably be had at a military surplus store for around $10.00. I checked ebay and found quite a few available for around $7.95.

So, there you have it. As far as gloves go, I'm set up for 4 seasons of riding for almost nothing. For those who have big fat wallets, God bless, go forward, and get those $67.00 gloves, a pair for each season would be nice and so would the added armor. But for me, I'll spend that extra money on something else, like maybe fuel. That would be gas and coffee!
Motorcycle and Scooter Talk at Kano's Coffee House

Amazon Book Link:The Perfect Vehicle: What It is about Motorcycles

ebay link. Use keyword search- gloves, leather, military surplus

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This is my 101st post since I started blogging back in June and I can say I've learned a lot and have had plenty of fun too. Many thanks to the readers of Motorcycle and Scooter Talk at Kano's Coffee House and a special "Moto Bro Wave" to subscribers and the kindly fellow bloggers who've linked me. Knowing that people are reading this stuff is what keeps me blogging. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!- Kano

Sign up to get my posts delivered straight to your email box and it's free. Thanks, Kano
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Winter Motorcycle Touring Tips - How to Save on Motels & Airfare

Here at Kano's Coffee House were all into saving money whenever the opportunity arises. So for the like minded tight wad riders out there, I've come up with some ways to do motorcycle traveling on the cheap.

Winter is nigh upon us and unless you're traveling through the southern hemisphere, the Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, or ski resort areas, you're in off-season country. That means some big savings on Hotel and Motel rates. The off-season is typically less expensive to rent a room but there's also an opportunity to save even more dough.

When you arrive in whatever town you plan on staying for the night, ask the front desk clerk if there are any vacancies and the cost of a room. Then offer to pay a little more than half of the quoted price.

For example, if the clerk gives you a $120.00 quote, offer to pay $65.00 or $70.00. No need to feel bad about asking either. Often rooms go vacant during the off-season, especially in a non-tourist town in the middle of the week. It's a win-win situation! But if they decline your offer or their counter-offer isn't good enough, be prepared to fire up your motorcycle and ride on to another place.

This tactic doesn't always work but its well worth the try and could save you a lot of money, especially on longer trips. "Mom and Pop" places can be more likely to accept your offer over a chain establishment simply because the chain clerks sometimes could care less if they rented a room or not.

Also, if you're doing a fly and ride there's a way to save money on airline fares as well. Get a quote from the likely suspects such as Travelocity or Expedia and then get a quote directly from the discount airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Horizon/Alaska Air, Frontier, and Jet Blue. The popular travel agencies sometimes don't include those discount airlines in their searches. Big bucks can be saved by booking directly with the airlines and especially when it's done at least 14 days in advance.

So there you have it, ways to save a lot of dough on Motels and Airlines. Winter motorcycle touring has one last advantage, the price of gas. Except for right around the Holidays, gas is generally cheaper during the winter months. Ride safe and have fun!
Kano's Coffee House

Travelocity's Low Fare Alert searches thousands of flights for fares that can save you 20%* or more on your trip.


EconomyTravel.com


BookAirlineTickets.com - Cheap Airfares Found Here!


Alaska/Horizon Air

Frontier Airlines

Jet Blue

Southwest Airlines

Virgin-Atlantic

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Post Correction - Quick Reference Guide to 2008 Economy Motorcycles

Note**My incompetent typist (Me) messed up again and left out a bunch of Kawasaki's and Honda's that should have been on the list in my previous post "Best Economical Motorcycles for the Commute." The original post has been fixed and this is a re-publishing so my subscribers can get the correction. Thank you, Kano - Editor in Chief (and typist) at Kano's Coffee House.

I've come up with a list of some of the best economical and practical motorcycles for the commute to work or school. The criteria for making the list; they must be model year 2008, cost less than $9,000.00 new, be over 150cc, and get 40mpg or better. This post covers motorcycles only, but if you're interested in scooters as well, see my Scooter Quick Reference Guide.

This list includes Make, Model, Type, Engine Displacement, and MSRP.

BMW- F650 GS/Enduro/652cc/$7,100.00

Harley-Davidson- Sportster XL883/Cruiser/883cc/$6,695.00

Honda- Rebel/Cruiser/234cc/$3,199.00
- Nighthawk/Standard/234cc/$3,699.00
- Shadow VLX/Cruiser/583cc/$5,499.00
-Shadow Spirit 750/Cruiser/745cc/$6,449.00
-Shadow Aero/Cruiser/745cc/$6,799.00

Kawasaki-Ninja 250/Sport/249cc/$3,499.00
-KLX 250S/Dual Sport/249cc/$4,899.00
-Vulcan 500 LTD/Cruiser/498cc/$5,049.00
-Ninja 500/Sport/498cc/$5,099.00
-KLR650/Dual Sport/651cc/$5,349.00
-Ninja 650/Sport/649cc/$6,499.00
-Versys/Sport/649cc/$6,899.00
-ZZR600/Sport/599cc/$7,299.00
-Vulcan 900 Classic/Cruiser/903cc/7,399.00

Moto Guzzi- Nevada 750/Cruiser/744cc/$8,990.00

Suzuki- GZ250/Standard/249cc/$3,249.00
- DR200SE/Dual Sport/199cc/$3,949.00
- Boulevard S40/Cruiser/655cc/$4,399.00
- DR650SE/Dual Sport/644cc/$5,099.00
- GS500F/Sport/487cc/$5,199.00
- DR-Z400/Dual Sport/399cc/$5,599.00
- Boulevard S50/Cruiser/819cc/$6,499.00
- SV650 ABS/Standard/645cc/$6,599.00
- SV650S/Sport/645cc/$6,899.00
- V-Strom 650/Dual Sport/644cc/$6,699.00
- Boulevard C50T/Touring/819cc/$7,999.00

Triumph- Bonneville/Cruiser/865cc/$7,299.00
- America/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Scrambler/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Thruxton/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Bonneville T100/Cruiser/865cc/$8,299.00
- Speedmaster/Cruiser/865cc/$8,299.00

Yamaha- VStar 250/Cruiser/249cc/$3,599.00
- TW200/Dual Sport/196cc/$3,799.00
- XT250/Dual Sport/249cc/$4,399.00
- VStar Custom/Cruiser/649cc/$6,099.00
- VStar Classic/Cruiser/649cc/$6,299.00
- FZ6/Sport/600cc/$6,999.00
- VStar Silverado/Cruiser/649cc/$7,299.00
- YZF-R65/Sport/600cc/$8,299.00
- VStar 1100 Custom/Cruiser/1063cc/$8,699.00
- VStar 1100 Classic/Cruiser/1063cc/$8,999.00

So there you have it, the best, most economical new motorcycles on the market. Everything from 196cc up to 1063cc and costing from as little as $3,199.00 MSRP. Most of these bikes are well under $9,000.

There's something for everyone here; Cruisers, Sportbikes, Standards, Dual Sports and some in-betweens. Surprises appear on the list as well. Harley-Davidson's Sportster 883 for instance, "American Iron" for under $7,000.00. Even BMW, Triumph and Moto Guzzi's made the list. It's not just Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha that have the bargain bikes anymore.

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A Thought Provoking Winter Read - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

I recently re-discovered the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, which had been collecting dust these past several years on my bookshelf. I eagerly read it for the second time, glad to be reunited with the timeless storyline and interesting characters in the book. I found it to be entertaining and at the same time strangely unsettling.

First published in 1984 "Zen" is based on actual occurances and is one of those timeless classics that will be read by many people well into the future.

Pirsig writes about his motorcycle trip from Minnesota to California with his son and two friends. The book's subtitle is "An Inquiry into Values" which suggests it is not so much about Zen or motorcycles but about self-discovery, his struggle to reconcile with the past and the strained relationship with his twelve year old son.

The book is appealing on many levels, from an interesting trip diary on the surface down to some pretty deep philosophical thinking. I also have read the Guidebook To Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert L. DiSanto, Ph.D and Thomas J. Steele, Ph.D, and as the authors titles suggest, it's pretty heady stuff and most of it is well beyond my limited level of understanding. I wouldn't recommend that one unless you're a scholar or a sucker for punishment.

Back to the subject of the original book, I particularly liked Pirsig's examination of the contrast between himself and his friend as far as motorcycle maintenance and technology in general are concerned. He makes a good point about not leaving the maintenance of one's motorcycle to the mercy of a professional mechanic. (Ah, the good old days when it was still possible to take care of one's own bike).

Pirsig put it this way, "The study of the art of motorcycle maintenance is really a miniature study of the art of rationality itself. Working on a motorcycle, working well, caring, is to become part of a process, to achieve an inner peace of mind."
Kano's Coffee House
Amazon Book Link: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

Guidebook to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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Kano's Motorcycle Site Find of the Week

Welcome to the 21st century where "outlaws" have their own websites too! 3 out of the 4 motorcycle clubs listed by the FBI and the RCMP as "outlaw gangs" have a website on the Internet. It makes one wonder if Al Capone were alive today, would he have a website of his own as well?

The "Hell's Angels" site even has stuff you can buy to help support their cause. Hmm...Well, they are involved in charity work, "Toys for Tots" for example.

Here at Kano's we're always on the lookout for interesting sites that may otherwise go unnoticed. That's why the official website of the Hell's Angels earns the honor of being "Kano's Motorcycle Site Find of the Week".

So go ahead and take a peek and better yet find a local Toys for Tots Run or toy drive. The holidays are approaching fast and you can be an "Angel" by helping make a lot of kids out there happy this Christmas.
Official International Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Website
Hells Angels Motorcycle Club FAQ
Secret Santa.org - Find a local toy run.
Wild Santa Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride and Event
Crusaders for Kids - Bikers Helping Kids
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Marine Toys for Tots

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Winter Motorcycle Riding Ahead, Enjoy!

It's mid November already; I can hardly believe it, where has the year gone! I keep riding my motorcycle through the winter but I do miss the occasional day here and there. I live in a relatively mild climate in the western part of Oregon. The winter weather doesn't usually get too nasty here. Once in awhile I opt to take my wife's cage to work if the roads are icy or its pouring down rain. She says, "better safe than stupid Kano!"

Then my thoughts turn to the not so fortunate and the more fortunate than I. Some people live in a harsh climate and can't do much riding during the cold months. Others continue the ride unabated amongst the Live Oaks and Palms of the sunny south. Some make the choice to live in the warmer climes primarily for the endless riding season. It's easy for me to understand why.

Still, riding cold and sometimes wet has its benefits as well. It makes a warm home all the more appreciated and there's something about being out in the elements that makes me feel more alive and connected to the natural world around me.

For instance, many folks spend their life in climate controlled buildings and vehicles. That's not for me! I need to be out there, in the wind, now that's living, really living!
Kano's Coffee House

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Best Economy Motorcycles for the Commute

I've come up with a list of some of the best economical and practical motorcycles for the commute to work or school. The criteria for making the list; they must be model year 2008, cost less than $9,000.00 new, be over 150cc, and get 40mpg or better. This post covers motorcycles only, but if you're interested in scooters as well, see my Scooter Quick Reference Guide.

This list includes Make, Model, Type, Engine Displacement, and MSRP.

BMW- F650 GS/Enduro/652cc/$7,100.00

Harley-Davidson- Sportster XL883/Cruiser/883cc/$6,695.00

Honda- Rebel/Cruiser/234cc/$3,199.00
- Nighthawk/Standard/234cc/$3,699.00
- Shadow VLX/Cruiser/583cc/$5,499.00
-Shadow Spirit 750/Cruiser/745cc/$6,449.00
-Shadow Aero/Cruiser/745cc/$6,799.00

Kawasaki-Ninja 250/Sport/249cc/$3,499.00
-KLX 250S/Dual Sport/249cc/$4,899.00
-Vulcan 500 LTD/Cruiser/498cc/$5,049.00
-Ninja 500/Sport/498cc/$5,099.00
-KLR650/Dual Sport/651cc/$5,349.00
-Ninja 650/Sport/649cc/$6,499.00
-Versys/Sport/649cc/$6,899.00
-ZZR600/Sport/599cc/$7,299.00
-Vulcan 900 Classic/Cruiser/903cc/7,399.00

Moto Guzzi- Nevada 750/Cruiser/744cc/$8,990.00

Suzuki- GZ250/Standard/249cc/$3,249.00
- DR200SE/Dual Sport/199cc/$3,949.00
- Boulevard S40/Cruiser/655cc/$4,399.00
- DR650SE/Dual Sport/644cc/$5,099.00
- GS500F/Sport/487cc/$5,199.00
- DR-Z400/Dual Sport/399cc/$5,599.00
- Boulevard S50/Cruiser/819cc/$6,499.00
- SV650 ABS/Standard/645cc/$6,599.00
- SV650S/Sport/645cc/$6,899.00
- V-Strom 650/Dual Sport/644cc/$6,699.00
- Boulevard C50T/Touring/819cc/$7,999.00

Triumph- Bonneville/Cruiser/865cc/$7,299.00
- America/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Scrambler/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Thruxton/Cruiser/865cc/$7,999.00
- Bonneville T100/Cruiser/865cc/$8,299.00
- Speedmaster/Cruiser/865cc/$8,299.00

Yamaha- VStar 250/Cruiser/249cc/$3,599.00
- TW200/Dual Sport/196cc/$3,799.00
- XT250/Dual Sport/249cc/$4,399.00
- VStar Custom/Cruiser/649cc/$6,099.00
- VStar Classic/Cruiser/649cc/$6,299.00
- FZ6/Sport/600cc/$6,999.00
- VStar Silverado/Cruiser/649cc/$7,299.00
- YZF-R65/Sport/600cc/$8,299.00
- VStar 1100 Custom/Cruiser/1063cc/$8,699.00
- VStar 1100 Classic/Cruiser/1063cc/$8,999.00

So there you have it, the best, most economical new motorcycles on the market. Everything from 196cc up to 1063cc and costing from as little as $3,199.00 MSRP. Most of these bikes are well under $9,000.

There's something for everyone here; Cruisers, Sportbikes, Standards, Dual Sports and some in-betweens. Surprises appear on the list as well. Harley-Davidson's Sportster 883 for instance, "American Iron" for under $7,000.00. Even BMW, Triumph and Moto Guzzi's made the list. It's not just Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha that have the bargain bikes anymore.

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What Kind of Biker Are You, Really?

I am a

Take the "real biker" quiz at WhyBike.com

Coming tommorow to Motorcycle and Scooter Talk at Kano's Coffee House a quick reference guide with 8 makes and 37 different models of the best 2008 economical motorcycles. These bikes are cheap to buy, cheap on gas, and make excellent commuters. There's even a few surprises in the bunch!

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Alaska by Motorcycle Books

Looking for your next motorcycle adventure? Here's a couple of books that will keep you entertained and provide all the information you need to start planning your ride up to wild and scenic Alaska.

Alaska by Motorcycle: How to Motorcycle To Alaska by Gregory Frazier is essential reading for anyone considering an Alaskan adventure by motorcycle. The knowledge and experience the author has gained on his many trips up north will help you avoid the mistakes that could make for expensive delays. The book covers topics such as which bikes are best for the trip and how to deal with bears.

The Milepost: Alaska. This book is updated annually so you can be sure to have all the latest information on the details you will need for an Alaskan adventure by motorcycle. Though not specific to motorcycle travel, this book contains tons of useful information such as mile-by-mile logs of the Alaska Highway, listings of accommodations, plus schedules and fares for ferry services.
Motorcycle and Scooter Talk at Kano's Coffee House

Coming Soon! Here's some of the posts coming up; find out "what kind of biker you really are", a "quick reference guide to the 2008 most economical motorcycles", and "winter motorcycle riding". Don't miss any of this, subscribe to Motorcycle and Scooter Talk and have it delivered on a reader or by e-mail and it's free.

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Amazon Book Links:
Alaska by Motorcycle: How to Motorcycle to Alaska
The Milepost 2007 (Milepost)

Quick & Easy Motorcycle and Scooter Parking Petition

Hi!

As you may know, I'm a proponent of two-wheel vehicle ridership, i.e. scooters and motorcycles. For years, we've been trying to get legalized two-wheel vehicle parking in our towns and cities. Given the current state of high gas prices, we are only going to add more two-wheel vehicle riders to the road, which makes available two-wheel vehicle parking even more critical.

Just as parking spaces for compact cars and handicapped parking stalls have increased efficiency and convenience in urban and suburban communities, officially designated two-wheel parking facilities can do the same.

Government agencies should consider removing the two-wheeler from the four-wheeler parking space and placing it in its own, scaled down zone. This is a simple concept that can be embraced by city councils, urban planners, local merchants, contractors, shopping center management and private businesses whenever parking for motor vehicles is provided.

I'd like to ask you to sign the Vespatition, promoting the conversion of some automobile parking spaces to two-wheel spaces. You can do it right here: Vespausa

The results will be publicized and sent directly to our local mayors.

Thanks!

N.(Kano)Miles via Heinz and Frenchie in SoFla Blog

Kano's Motorcycle Blog or Site Find of the Week

I found an interesting site this week that has a number of motorcycle travelogues. Have you ever wondered what it's like to ride through war torn Africa or the Australian Outback? "Dmoz.org" has site listings of first person non-commercial touring stories and plenty of them. You can even become an editor yourself or submit your own travel story.

So if you're looking for some good motorcycle travel reading, brew up a pot of coffee, fire up the printer and get over to the winner of Kano's Coffee House site find of the week: dmoz.org

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Motorcycles, Scooters, and Hearing Loss - What You Need To Know

My ears are constantly ringing and I have permanent hearing loss most likely from riding my motorcycle over a number of years without hearing protection. So it's of the utmost importance that we bikers take precautions by wearing ear plugs when riding.

There is no getting around the fact that wind blast is detrimental to our hearing over a period of time. All that noise catches up to us years later. Just wearing a helmet, even a full face one isn't going to do the job. In fact depending on the helmet, it could make it even more harmful by channeling the air to the ear or changing the noise to a different pitch or frequency.

Most people I know don't wear any hearing protection and I didn't either until it was too late. When I finally started wearing ear plugs I only wore them on the long ride. But the effect of all that wind blast is cumulative, so I finally wised up. To prevent further damage I wear ear plugs every time now and strongly urge you to do so as well.

When using ear plugs at first it seems unnatural in some way to be riding in relative quiet. But you get used to it, and once you do, you won't miss that wind blast anymore. In fact the noise will be irritating and a distraction from the riding experience. -Kano's Coffee House

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Reference Links
FreeHearingTest.com - Motorcycle Facts
MayoClinic.com tinnitus page
OSHA Noise and Hearing Conservation

Silencio Soft Foam Ear Plugs Dispenser Box 100 Set Pack

Have You Got What It Takes to be an Iron Butt Rider?

Now that we're in the middle of fall and moving quickly towards the long winter ahead, do you find yourself riding the couch more than your bike? If you can't ride, the next best thing is reading about riding.

How about a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat (or couch)? Against the Wind: A rider's account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally may be just the book for you.

The best selling author Ron Ayres describes the exciting world of Iron Butt motorcycle endurance competition. Imagine ten consecutive thousand-mile days on a motorcycle, trying to beat the clock and the competition. Most difficult of all may be keeping up the will-power to endure the toughest of all endurance competitions, the Iron Butt Rally. Makes my rear end sore just thinking about it!
Kano's Coffee House

Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally (Incredible Journeys Books)

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What You Need to Know About Cornering

To quote from the "Musings of an Intrepid Commuter" Blog, "Take cornering, for instance. The vast majority of rider fatalities in Oregon are motorcycle riders failing to negotiate corners. These aren't multi-vehicle collisions, either. If another vehicle is involved, it's because the rider crossed the centerline and caused the impact."

So, cornering skills on a bike are of utmost importance. Get on over to read about it at the Intrepid Commuter Blog, Dan is an MSF Instructor so he really knows his stuff. His 2 most recent posts titled "Plan B" and "More On Lines" cover the subject.

Motorcycle Blog & Website Find of the Week

I stumbled on a site called "RAT Bike Zone", not to be confused with RAT (Riders Association of Triumphs). This site is for and about Rat Bikes in the literal sense. Their philosophy is, err, well in their words, "Rat Bikes Are No-Nonsense. Motorcycles? Sure - they use less fuel than cars, and motorcycles are easier to maneuver, park etc. But, deep down, the True Secret is: Motorcycles Are Fun. That's it! That's why we ride them, all the rest is just so much rationalizing. And Ratbikes are the ultimate distilled evolution of motorcycling: No Bullsh*t involved. Just do the minimum to keep them healthy and Ride. Let your bike wear it's visual history with pride. No time consuming cleaning, washing, polishing, adding shiny parts that do nothing. None of that, forget about it! Embrace The Pure and Essential Essence of Riding - Ride A Ratbike!"

So, missing out on some riding time to clean a bike does sound a little craaaaazy! Maybe those RAT guys are on to something here. The Rat Bike Zone wins the distinguished and coveted Kano's Coffee House award for motorcycle site of the week.
RAT Bike Zone

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