Know Magic

Experts choose the best. As much as possible, we want to be choosing the way they do, right? Moreover, we have to know their standards and qualifications.

Choosing motorcycle jackets for one can be a taxing process if you do not know where to start and what areas to put special attention to. To expunge confusion from your weary head, here is a complete guide.

1. Material. Motorcycle jackets are either leather or synthetic. The former is the most popular material for jackets. However, synthetic like mesh is now also commonly used specially in hot season. Dupont Cordura, a variety of nylon with a scale going up to roughly 1000 denier, can also be chosen.

Leather can lasts up to 30 years. Through the years it has already established an attitude and traditional beat. It is also easy to clean and very affordable compared to synthetic materials. However, it is less conspicuous because it is usually dark.

On the other hand, synthetic materials have airflow to allow air to penetrate. Usually, they come in bright colors. Also, they are waterproof, longer and lighter. The drawbacks include being expensive, easily dated, complex to clean and do not last long.

2. Conspicuity. Motorcycle jackets must have the ability to be seen from afar by fellow riders as well as pedestrians. Conspicuity is one of the reasons why motor accidents occur. Failure to see another rider is a fatal defect. To remedy this, riders must wear motorcycle jackets with reflective materials or luminous colors. The use of scotelite can be used to attain a level of conspicuity.

3. Ventilation. Air circulation is essential especially during hot season when the sun can hurt the skin and can make a rider sweaty and uncomfortable. To remedy this, riders can purchase jackets that have ventilation zippers. These zippers are usually found under the armpits. Other ventilation holes are also made to efficiently allow air to circulate. A Velcro or a zipper at the back can provide substantial comfort. Pockets can also be added.

4. Waterproof. A waterproof jacket is a must in riding. Riding knows no weather. Thus, riders are always on the go. Nothing can stop them, even the unsympathetic weather. However, if riders ride with a non-waterproof jacket, their health can be at stake. Moreover, this will keep them from further enjoying rides.

Keeping the rider’s jacket waterproof is an approach to avoid illness and to shun being stinky, dirty and less confident.

Caveat emptor. Buyers must be wary with the jacket’s materials. A good jacket, according to ‘Wild Heart’ is like your symbol of individuality. Therefore, your choose mirrors your style in particular and personality in general.

Please visit Motorcycle Parts Trade site at www.motorcyclepartstrade.com/ for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

As the latest craze of Minimoto Madness continues in the United Kingdom. The demand for pocket bikes means that the consumer is now looking for more better quality products which are not only affordable for the average earner but also produce great horsepower and fast speeds.

Price range of liquid cooled minimotos?

Only a few months ago it would have been almost impossible to get a quality liquid cooled minimoto for less than £600, however due to reliable UK based companies who have started to import liquid cooled pocket bikes of great quality, you can now get a liquid cooled minimoto for as little as £250. (See below for a minimoto importer website who sells all four of the liquid cooled pocket bikes discussed below)

Currently there are lots of liquid cooled minimoto’s available from big companies such as GRC, Polini, Blata etc… as these are of the highest available quality they will cost you thousands of pounds! However UK based companies who now import directly from Asia can offer the consumer fast pocketbikes as low as £250!

What models are available under £350?

Discussed here are four of the most popular liquid cooled minimoto’s which are all available for under £350! Pictures of all these are provided in the link at the end of this article.

Polini style liquid cooled minimoto

For those just progressing from the air cooled minimoto’s the next step up is the Polini 911 style liquid cooled minimoto. This is a reliable bike with a super cast aluminum quality frame. This minimoto hits approximately 55 - 60mph. As it is similar in style to the air cooled minimoto’s and not a dramatic speed increase it is just the right mini moto to use to give you the extra thrill but not make your hair stand up!
Also it is an ideal minimoto to learn how to tweak and tune up, as the parts availability is high for this model and many original minimoto parts will fit straight on. These pocketbikes have the least problems out the box and are easiest to maintain.

Specification of a Polini style minimoto

ENGINE: 39cc 2 Stroke Water Cooled (6.2hp)
BRAKES: Twin front & single rear discs

FRAME: Aluminum
START: Pull cord
TYRES: Semi slicks
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
EXHAUST: Performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: Up to 60mph (depending on weight / weather & road conditions)

Blata Origami Style liquid cooled minimoto

Next in the range, and slightly faster is the Origami style minimoto. This is slightly faster than the Polini style bike and has what’s known as a mk 3 frame. It is a more squarer frame than the usual air cooled minimoto frames. When the first batch of these originally came from China they had many problems including overheating issues however since then they have been upgraded and modifications now done on them mean they no longer have these problems. If its reliability you want as the next step up then the Polini style minimoto is better to go for than the Origami style minimoto, however if you want more speed and know a little more about minimoto’s and are willing to fine tune these Origami style ones they will serve you well and you will not be disappointed!

Specification of an origami style minimoto:

ENGINE: 39cc 2 Stroke Water Cooled
BRAKES: Wavy Twin front & single rear discs

FILTER: Large K&N Style performance cone filter
START: Pull cord
TYRES: Street Tyres
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
EXHAUST: Performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: Up to 60mph (depending on weight / weather & road conditions)

Blata Elite style liquid cooled minimoto

The Elite rep has the same spec engine as the Origami rep however due to its light frame and half fairing this bike is scary! Smaller and lighter than the other water cooled bikes you will struggle to keep the front wheel down due to sheer power. Once mastered you will leave everyone with a face full of exhaust fumes as you shoot off into the distance. This bike is not suitable for inexperience riders and minors! Although the Elite rep is fast the downside is the frame, which needs to be made stronger with a bit more welding!

Specification of the Elite style minimoto:

ENGINE: 39cc 2 Stroke Water cooled
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
FILTER: Large K&N Style performance cone filter
EXHAUST: Performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: 60+mph (Dependant on rider weight, weather, surface conditions)
BRAKES: Front & Rear Disc
MAX LOAD: 110kg
TYRES: slick tyres
TANK CAPACITY: 1.5l
STARTER: Pull Cord
POWER: 8.5 BHP/15000rm (manufacturer claim - tested to be very very fast)

Banshee Sho (GRC style - liquid cooled minimoto)

Last but not least is the newest water / liquid cooled minimoto to come out from China. There’s many similarities style wise between this BANSHEE SHO rep and the GRC minimoto’s. This has to be the ultimate bike for thrill seekers. This bike gets the adrenaline pumping like no other. Super high quality mini moto with a full aluminium frame. This minimoto oozes style & the paintwork on most is just fabulous! This pocketbike boosts an amazing 11 bhp and has a 50cc 2 stroke engine compared to the others which have a 39cc engine.

This bike would only be suited to those very comfortable on minimoto’s they are Not suitable for inexperience riders and minors! A Caution comes with this bike as it is extremely fast! This minimoto also has 3 power bands and you will get the most out of it on a track with long straights.

Specification of the Banshee style minimoto:

ENGINE: 50cc 2 Stroke Water Cooled (11hp)
COOLING: Liquid Cooling
SPEED: 65+mph
BRAKES: Twin Front Brake Discs & Single Rear Disc
START: Pull Start
RADIATOR: Water cooled radiator with water pump & bleed valve
TYRES: semi slick tyres
FRAME: aluminum

Depending on your preference the above four pocket bikes will cater for most riders who want to move up from air cooled pocketbikes. The link provided below has pictures and further details on all liquid cooled minimotos.

Selection of affordable liquid cooled minimotos can be found here:
http://www.GhostRacingSeries.com/liquidcooledminimotos.htm