Tilted Horizons

Shipping Your Motorcycle

Things to keep in mind when shipping a motorcycle.

Your motorcycle is one of your most cherished possessions, which is why handing it over to someone else to ship can be an anxiety-ridden event. Luckily there are steps you can take to significantly decrease the chances of anything going wrong.

Perhaps the most important thing is to give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want the unnecessary stress of having to rush or miss any important steps. Next, you’ll need to decide how you want your vehicle shipped. You can choose between an open or enclosed trailer, and may have the option of door-to-door shipping. Finally, you’ll need to gather quotes and insurance information from several carriers to find the best option for you. Using a nationally reputable shipping service can help reduce the time and stress of such a task, allowing carriers to bid on your business.

Once you’ve selected a reputable shipping company that meets your needs, it’s time to begin preparing your bike for transport. Begin by checking your vehicle for pre-existing damage. By documenting the condition of your motorcycle before pick-up, you can help reduce the hassle involved should you need to file an insurance claim.

To make sure you properly document all damage:

Thoroughly clean your motorcycle
Note scratches, dents, chips or any other visible damage
Note any mechanical problems
Photograph your motorcycle from a variety of angles, and take detailed pictures of existing damage
Date all records and show them to your mover at pick-up

Now you’ll need to remove all loose items from your motorcycle. Your service provider will generally not be held liable for these items, nor if any accessories are damaged or lost.

Be sure that your vehicle is in operable condition. While the shipping company will try to avoid it at all costs, there may be a situation where they need to move or transfer your motorcycle by driving it. Prepare for this by inflating the tires, charging the battery, filling the gas tank (either ¼or ½ full) and checking all fluid leaks. To avoid any further complications, write down any special operating instructions for the carrier.

On the scheduled delivery date, be early and prepared. Remember to have your carrier’s preferred method of payment and carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage. In most cases, your bike will arrive in its original condition. If there is any damage or disputes, follow your shipping company’s instructions for filing a claim. Insurance claims should be filed and typically settled within a few weeks.

This information was provided by Uship.com, an online shipping company designed to help you save up to 80% on motorcycle shipping by having transport companies bid on your listings.

Labels: Services, Shipping

Progressive International Motorcycle Show, NYC

Readers of my site who are attending the International Motorcycle Show in NYC this weekend can save $3 off the price of admission by using the code MOTOINF while buying tickets online.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show is a great place to see the latest motorcycle news, products and bikes. Already the largest multi-city motorcycle show around, this weekend's New York event (Jan 20-22) is going to be even bigger than 2011 with more bikes, more products and more learning opportunities. All the info is available at http://www.motorcycleshows.com. The show is also a perfect opportunity to catch up on what’s happening in the future of motorcycles. Bring your riding group and bring your family because there’s something for every type of rider and enthusiast.

There are several show events to enjoy, such as the Dream Pavilion, Smage Bros Stunt Show, Ultimate Builder Custom Bike show with a $90k prize and Kawasaki Design-a-Bike. The Marketplace is a showcase to find the latest aftermarket parts and accessories for your bike, and the main exhibit floor features what’s new with your favorite motorcycle manufacturers. One of my favorite things at the IMS is sitting on as many new motorcycles as possible while going "vroom vroom vrooooom".

Labels: Events, News

RevZilla Awesome Helmet Giveaway!

Drooling over a new high-tech motorcycle helmet such as the KBC VR4R Carbon? How much more awesome would it be if someone gave it to you? For free. Nada. Thought so. Hurry over to RevZilla's January contest page, create your Rider Profile (all of a minute's work, if you're slow), then cross your digits and wait for the monthly winner to be drawn. The First Prize winner this month will receive the KBC VR4R Carbon helmet, valued at $341. Two Second Prize winners will receive $50 Revzilla gift certificates.

While you're on RevZilla's site, take a look around at what RevZilla has to offer the serious adventure, sport-touring or sportbiking motorcyclist. Why shop RevZilla? I can tell you why I do: fast, free shipping for orders over $39.99; TeamZilla cash back program; "no hassle" exchanges; price match guarantee; and above all, RevZilla's top-flight reputation among riders I know for its customer service and product knowledge. Let 'em know Tilted Horizons sent ya!

Labels: Contests/Giveaways, Gear

Rolling Thru Finger Lakes Tour

The folks behind Americade, the biggest and best-run motorcycle touring rally in the world, are accepting registrations for their Finger Lakes Tour, September 13th-16th of 2012. This installment of the Rolling Thru America series looks amazing: guided rides, un-guided rides with maps supplied, support vehicle, meals at interesting places, wine-tasting, sightseeing and more.

Attendance is capped at 98 registered participants. It's well-known what Americade does for 50,000+ touring riders, so just imagine what it can do for the lucky 98! If you're interested, don't delay as about half of the allotted slots are already filled by riders who jumped at the chance as soon as registration opened.

Labels: Americade, News, Rallying

Waffle House Grand Tour 2012

It appears various commitments will prevent me from getting away for a long-ish motorcycle tour this year, so I'm looking for closer-to-home excuses to pack on some miles. As riding to new places and greasy diner breakfasts are a few of my favorite things (cue Rogers and Hammerstein), I've registered for the Waffle House Grand Tour, which helps support Hoagy's Heroes Long Distance Charity Riders. The premise for this event is simple: ride to Waffle House locations between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, and shoot a verification photo at each location showing the rider's motorcycle, the rider's supplied rally flag, and the signature Waffle house sign/logo.

Contests within the tour include:

Most Waffle Houses visited
Most states visited
Farthest distance from the rider's home to a Waffle House
First rider to visit the original Waffle House in GA (already claimed by a rider on Jan. 1st @ 0022 EST!)
Most waffle houses ridden to as an Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1000 ride
Riding to at least one Waffle House every month of 2012

Lacking the free time to compete with the serious LD crowd, and living in an area with comparatively few Waffle Houses, my best chance is the "Waffle House a month" contest. I plan to hit the closest locations during the winter and save to further locations for nicer weather. My WH poison of choice being the Texas CheeseSteak, I'd better plan on ramping up (if one can ramp up from nothing) my exercise regimen in 2012.

Labels: Charity, Ironbutt/LD, Rallying

Awesome Trials Riding in Stadium!

Nine time motorcycle trials world champion Toni Bou goofing around in a stadium. See any "foot downs"? Me neither.

Labels: Trials, Video

Motomarathon 2012 Events

Motomarathon may be the long-distance motorcycling event for we mere mortals. "Aluminum Butt Rally" maybe? According to the Motomarathon Association's website, motomarathon is about riding as many twisties as possible over four day. Routes are kept secret until the night before each event. Instead of a traditional Long Distance event points system based on grabbing bonus locations, the goal is to complete as many checkpoints as possible. Accumulated yearly and lifetime checkpoint data is maintained by the association. Similar to traditional LD events, riders document checkpoints by photographing their assigned badges with the checkpoint location in the background. The association claims that the routes will allow plenty of time to complete all checkpoints at posted speed limits, and even time for leisurely lunches and sightseeing. Barring major mechanical or navigational woes, it appears riders will be able to stop each night and get a decent amount of sleep without having to check into the fabled Iron Butt Hotel (i.e. sleeping on your parked motorcycle). The association also invites its members to create their own motomarathons using the same basic format. 2012's four events, up from 2011's three:

· New England Motomarathon – Danbury, CT – June 7-10

· Empire State Motomarathon – Fishkill, NY – Sept. 13-16

· Wisconsin Motomarathon – Madison, WI – Oct. 4-7

· Great Smoky Motomarathon – Fontana Dam, NC – Oct. 27-30

Events may be added, and dates and locations are subject to change at this early stage of planning. Please refer to www.motomarathon.com for updates and further information as it becomes available.

(Images courtesy of Motomarathon)

Labels: Ironbutt/LD, Rallying

RevZilla's December Motorcycle Gear Giveaway!

Curious about Bluetooth for your motorcycle helmet but hesitating to pull the trigger? If so, how'd you like to have a top-quality Bluetooth set-up for free? Than click over to RevZilla's December contest page, spend about 30 seconds creating a Rider Profile, than sit back and wait for the monthly winners to be drawn. The First Prize winner this month will receive a highly-rated Sena SMH-10 Bluetooth Headset V. 2.0 valued at $219. Two Second Prize winners will receive $50 Revzilla gift certificates.

While you're on RevZilla's site, take a look around at what RevZilla has to offer the serious adventure or sport-touring motorcyclist. Why shop RevZilla? I can tell you why I do: fast, free shipping for orders over $39.99; TeamZilla cash back program; "no hassle" exchanges; price match guarantee; and above all, RevZilla's top-flight reputation among riders I know for its customer service and product knowledge. Let 'em know Tilted Horizons sent ya!

Labels: Contests/Giveaways, Gear

Arai Helmet Date of Manufacture

If you're looking to purchase or register an Arai helmet, know that the date of manufacture is laser etched on the D-rings as shown above. I was registering my new Profile (purchased in response to Arai discontinuing it, thus eliminating the only "very long oval" helmet in the US market) online and was going crazy trying to locate the date. For years Arai stamped it on the leather portion of the chinstrap, then it was printed on a fabric tag sewn into the chinstrap; Arai must've decided to laser-etch (great idea BTW) it within the last couple of years. Arai's USA website still shows it in the old location, but the European website has it correct. Another Arai tip: if you have a choice, be sure you buy one built to Snell M2010 standards (check the Snell sticker under the right upper portion of the liner); some vendors are still stocking and selling the ones built to the previous M2005 standard alongside the current M2010 helmets.

Labels: Gear

Euro-Style US State Stickers

Looking for those black & white Euro-style decals to document where you've ridden within the USofA? Found 'em! Click here. If you order, tell the man Tilted Horizons sent ya.

Labels: Farkles

With Friends Like These...(Funny trail riding video)

Labels: Off-Road, Silly but fun, Video

Motorcycle Comparisons Made Easy

Finally, an organized way to compare motorcycles! Introducing FindTheBest, an unbiased data-driven comparison engine that allows you to compare your favorite rides side-by-side by horsepower, displacement, price, and much more. Say you want to check out the Top 5 Smart rated Sport Bikes, or perhaps “Best Touring Bike” award-winners.

Compare All Motorcycles

Well now you can, and you can customize your search to fit what is important to you. Even if dirt bikes and scooters are your thing, you now have the newest, most powerful comparison tool on the market at your fingertips. Our smart rating combines the industry’s most trusted ratings (cycleworld.com, motorcycle.com, motorcyclistonline.com) into a single overall score that allows you to see which bikes really are the best. Now all you have to do is get the right motorcycle insurance and you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence and your own personal style.

(Tilted Horizons thanks Trevor of FindTheBest.com for this guest post. Click the "X" in the lower right corner of the box above to see the slide show in full-screen mode.)

Labels: Services, Websites

Revzilla Helmet Giveaway!

Is it worth 30 seconds of your time for a chance at world-class brain protection? If so, click here to enter RevZilla's Arai RX-Q helmet giveaway ($521.95 value). RevZilla $50 gift certificates will go to two Second Prize winners.

Labels: Contests/Giveaways, Gear

RevZilla's October Gear Giveaway!

Perhaps you're you an off-road or adventure rider desirous of top-quality gear. Perhaps you simply want to look as cool as the guy from all those Olympia ads. Well, if either of those statements is true you could be in luck thanks to RevZilla. (On second thought, if you're an "Olympia Guy" wannabe then you're forever banished from my website). Spend about 30 seconds creating a Rider Profile on RevZilla's October contest page, sit back and wait for the monthly winners to be drawn. The First Prize winner this month will receive an Olympia X-Moto Jacket and Pants combo. Two Second Prize winners will receive $50 Revzilla gift certificates.

While you're on RevZilla's site, take a look around at what RevZilla has to offer the adventure or sport-touring motorcyclist. Why shop RevZilla? I can tell you why I do: fast, free shipping for orders over $39.99; TeamZilla cash back program; "no hassle" exchanges; price match guarantee; and above all, RevZilla's top-flight reputation among serious riders I know for its customer service and product knowledge. Let 'em know Tilted Horizons sent ya!

Labels: Contests/Giveaways, Gear

First Million Mile BMW Women!

Gee, you'd think Ardys (L) and Voni (R) would look a bit tired after riding 1,000,000 miles.

As friends Voni Glaves and Ardys Kellerman were each nearing their millionth miles on BMW motorcycles, they arranged to met near Ouray, Colorado to complete their milestones on US 555 (aptly nicknamed the "Million Dollar Highway") on August 29th, and thus became the first women known to have documented a million miles on BMWs. Among their other considerable motorcycling accomplishments, Voni and Ardys have competed in and finished Iron Butt Rallies (Ardys is an IBA legend). Oh yeah, Voni's husband Paul also rides a bit. (Images courtesy of Voni Glaves).

Shhhh, I've discovered Voni's million-mile secret: red boots!

Labels: Ironbutt/LD, News

Will Arai Signet-Q Will Answer Pointy-Faced Prayers?

Many motorcyclists with aerodynamic "long-oval" noggins (like me) find that no helmet fits as well as Arai's retired Signet line. Though the current Profile is nearly as good, a lot of us have been hassling Arai to bring back the Signet. In response to this demand, Arai USA has developed the Signet-Q, which isn't yet in the shops but is available for pre-order. Judging from the pre-release hype from Arai (and a few vendors), the Q's fit is essentially the same as the old Signet. I hope it is, I really do (particularly as it comes with a Pinlock Maxvision shield); however, I have it on very expert authority from a vendor who likely doesn't want to be named (at least not yet) that the Signet-Q has a unique fit that is unlike either the old Signet line or the current Profile. So caveat: wait until you can try one on before you jump on the pre-order bandwagon. Should anyone get the opportunity to try one on, please comment below.

Addendum 10/3/2011: The vendor must be OK with being named 'cuz this is now up on The Service Pavilion's website:
THIS HELMET is the NEW "LONG-OVAL"
head shape choice in the Arai line-up.

BUT NOTE-THIS DOES NOT FIT
ANYTHING LIKE THE PROFILE or

SIGNET'S of THE PAST. But again,
this does not fit anything the Arai's

previous "long-oval" headshapes.

TRY IT ON WITH THE DEALER
YOU ARE BUYING THE HELMET FROM.

Labels: Gear, News

MSF Graduates 6 Millionth Student

This in from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2011 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® recently graduated its six millionth RiderCourseSMstudent, a milestone reached through the ongoing efforts of nearly 10,000 RiderCoaches at more than 2,000 training sites worldwide. Though it would be impossible to identify the six millionth student, the MSF determined the total number of graduates through its enrollment statistics.

"We have RiderCourses across the nation and around the globe, often during weekdays, and virtually every weekend of the year," said Robert Gladden, vice president of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. "Plus, MSF offers 23 different courses to meet the needs of any level of rider. We congratulate all our safety professionals, as well as the students. They are helping us with one of our main goals of developing good rider character, leading motorcyclists to make better decisions out on the road and in traffic."

A wide variety of MSF RiderCourses is made available to every state in order to provide its motorcyclists with lifelong learning opportunities. More than 23 RiderCourses plus other programs make up MSF's comprehensive Rider Education Training System.

"Backed by thorough research, MSF curriculum developers create courses to serve the wide variety of today's riders and their needs and interests," said Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF director of training systems. "From the Basic RiderCourse to a much more advanced day on the track, from standard motorcycles to scooters to three-wheel motorcycles, from small bikes to large, we cover it all."

Scenes from some of these RiderCourses can be seen at msf-usa.org.

MSF-certified RiderCoaches receive continuous professional development and are taught how to use the latest educational methods, emphasizing adult and student-centered learning. Besides facilitating the existing training programs, the Foundation conducts ongoing, leading-edge research that will inform tomorrow's training programs, most notably through the MSF 100-Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study and the MSF Discovery Project.

In addition, the MSF collaborates with safety professionals worldwide. For example, the MSF is currently helping establish rider training in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The MSF works with all branches of the U.S. Armed Services to support riders in the military. And the Foundation also works with world champion road racers on track-based programs that improve rider safety everywhere.

"The MSF is still best known for its world renowned Basic RiderCourse, the best first motorcycle ride for any new street rider and the cornerstone of the MSF's Essential CORE curriculum," said Tim Buche, president of the MSF. "We want all riders to start with the BRC, then continue their education with the Basic Bike Bonding, Street RiderCourses and more."

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in theRiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

Labels: Orgs, Safety, Training

Never Miss Motorcycle Racing on TV Again!

Missing motorcycle races on TV because you didn't know when (or even if) they were being broadcast? Frustrated at trying to navigate thru ridiculous cable/sat menus to find races? Well, put down the remote, jump on your computer and visit TV Racer! TV Racer lists your favorite AMA, MotoGP and WSB race broadcasts (and many forms of 4-wheeled racing, too) in an intuitive and convenient schedule. The race tittles are also linked to their corresponding sanctioning bodies.

Labels: Racing/Competition

Rev It Up for RevZilla's Newest Motorcycle Gear Giveaway!

Revzilla has outdone itself this month, putting $640 worth of top-quality Rev'It! gear up for grabs. Click on over to RevZilla's September contest page to enter. The First Prize winner this month will receive Rev'It!'s Energy Hi-Viz jacket, Axis pants, and Rival H2O boots (I've been eyeing the Rivals lately to replace my aging Rev'It! Fusion boots). $50 Revzilla gift certificates will go to the two Second Prize winners.

While you're on RevZilla's site, take a look around at what RevZilla has to offer the serious adventure-touring or sport-touring motorcyclist. Why shop RevZilla? I can tell you why I do: fast, free shipping for orders over $39.99; TeamZilla cash back program; "no hassle" exchanges; no restocking fees; price match guarantee; and above all, RevZilla's top-flight reputation among riders I know for its customer service and product knowledge. Let 'em know Tilted Horizons sent ya!

Labels: Contests/Giveaways, Gear

Irene Kills Killington Motorcycle Rally

Posted on the Americade forum August 31st:

KILLINGTON CLASSIC IS POSTPONED TO 2012

Due to serious damage from Hurricane Irene, The Killington Classic, scheduled to start Sept 8, has been postponed until 2012. The event headquarters at the Killington Resort and many of the roads in southern Vermont have been temporarily closed due to flooding. (Rolling Thru Vermont, because of its HQ location in northern VT, will continue as scheduled, this weekend.) Americade Inc., charged with managing the Killington Classic, deeply regrets having to postpone this classic event until 2012. "We have never postponed or cancelled any event in our company's history" said Christian Dutcher, Americade VP. "We've run over 40 events* without a postponement or cancellation but this was an unprecedented natural disaster. The Killington Region was very eager to not disappoint the many preregistered attendees for the event. There were even reports that major roads would be open in time, in contrast to the media's sensationalized stories, but after sifting out the reality from on-the-ground information, there was simply no choice but to postpone it to 2012." He continued: "however, because the Killington Resort is part of a large well-established corporation, and because the Town of Killington is vital and resourceful, we know that they'll rebuild very quickly, but not quite quickly enough for a large event only 8 days away."

* (29 Americade East, 6 Americade West, and 3 in the Rolling Through America series, and several others) http://www.killingtonclassic.com

Labels: News, Rallying

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Shipping Your Motorcycle

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Progressive International Motorcycle Show, NYC

Monday, January 09, 2012

RevZilla Awesome Helmet Giveaway!

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Rolling Thru Finger Lakes Tour

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Waffle House Grand Tour 2012

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Awesome Trials Riding in Stadium!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Motomarathon 2012 Events

Monday, December 12, 2011

RevZilla's December Motorcycle Gear Giveaway!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Arai Helmet Date of Manufacture

Friday, December 09, 2011

Euro-Style US State Stickers

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

With Friends Like These...(Funny trail riding video)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Motorcycle Comparisons Made Easy

Monday, November 07, 2011

Revzilla Helmet Giveaway!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

RevZilla's October Gear Giveaway!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

First Million Mile BMW Women!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Will Arai Signet-Q Will Answer Pointy-Faced Prayers?

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

MSF Graduates 6 Millionth Student

Monday, September 12, 2011

Never Miss Motorcycle Racing on TV Again!

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Rev It Up for RevZilla's Newest Motorcycle Gear Giveaway!

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Irene Kills Killington Motorcycle Rally

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