'Layaway Santas' bringing unexpected holiday joy

Travis Meriwether has been waiting around layaway counters for three years in a row to surprise people with cash, paying off balances of strangers during the holidays.

The owner of a custom motorcycle business, Meriwether has spent about $16,500 paying off layaway orders for people buying toys and games. He is a "layaway Santa" or as some prefer, a "layaway angel."

For years, others like him have also been stopping by layaway departments, shocking customers at stores like Walmart, Kmart and Toys R Us. This year, the trend is continuing with scenes of unexpected joy popping up across the nation.

"I like to go to the layaway area and stay two or three hours," said Meriwether, 29, of Burnet, Texas. "I know those people don't have the money right away. Everybody who goes back to that layaway line needs some type of help. This way, they get to get their stuff today and it frees up their money."

Meriwether started buying strangers gifts when in 2011 the credit card of a woman ahead of him in line at Walmart was declined. He stepped in and paid for everything in her cart. Since then, he has visited layaway departments at Target and Walmart in Texas and Oklahoma, where he grew up.

The owner of "Enzo Custom Cycles" said he usually sticks to buying people food and toys during the holidays. Most other layaway donors do the same.

Since September, Walmart has seen more than 1,000 instances of strangers paying off people's layaway accounts.

"We just think it's amazing and a real representative of the spirit of America during this time of year," said Deisha Barnett, a Walmart spokeswoman.

In 2012, people anonymously paid off 794 layaways orders in Toys R Us stores. The company matched each of those gestures with $200 donations to Toys for Tots, giving the program $158,800 to help less fortunate children get toys on Christmas Day. It's doing the same this year.

At Kmarts across the country, more than $1.5 million worth of items have been paid off by strangers over the years. The company also created an online map in 2012 where people can track the Good Samaritans and see what people are saying about the deeds on Twitter.

While such layaway Santas might get the same results, their methods vary. In Florida, a man and his wife overheard a woman talking about her money problems and decided to pay for her items, according to a Walmart spokeswoman. In California, a man planned to use $1,000 to randomly pay off layaway lists of people he hadn't met. Some, like 30-year-old Lee Karchawer, take their giving to the Web.

Karchawer, of New York City, works for a mobile marketing company and created payawaythelayaway.org in October 2011.

"I thought I would be able to round up donations for people who wanted to become layaway angels but didn't have the time to go to the store or have the money power to pay off the whole layaway," he said.

Through the site, Karchawer collects donations of any amount, with the average person giving $25. The first year, he raised $2,000 from 75 donors and bought gifts for people in the New York City area.

This year, some 350 people have donated about $15,000. That money will go to help others in New York, Tennessee, Texas, Massachusetts and California.

Once the money arrives, Karchawer and others go to stores like Kmart, Toys R Us, and Babies R Us and store workers pick out random accounts that include children's toys. The stores then usually contact customers with paid off accounts and tell them of their good luck.

"Growing up, my parents were able to provide me with presents and I know how great that made me feel," Karchawer said. "I can't imagine a child not having that. This is an incredible movement to show how much compassion people have toward others."

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Source: Hattiesburg American (AP, 12/19)

Exploring America’s Main Streets on a motorcycle

Brothers Brant and Dylan Ozanich and Wyatt McCall were at a motorcycle shop in Hamilton, Montana, ordering a part for Dylan’s bike when they met two old bikers from Texas and talked with them about their trip across the country.

Although they had no treasurer, Brant pointed to McCall to answer the question. “You guys are going to need this, trust me,” said one of the older men, handing him $200 in cash.

The three friends, all in their early 20s, admit they looked a little raggedy at the time. “It was straight kindness,” said McCall, and typical of the generosity of the bikers they met across the country. And it turns out, “we did need it the next day for more bike repairs.”

The generosity of strangers repeated itself during the two-month summer journey of three young men on the cusp of adulthood to find and document Main Street culture and people across the United States. And making the trip on motorcycles connected them not just to the towns and people they visited, but also to the country’s biker community.

An exploration of biker culture

Contributing their own money and raising funds from family, friends and Kickstarter, the trio started a blog, raised over $10,000 to fund the trip and pay for the pre- and post-production costs of documenting their journey. They documented the journey on their blog and the reddit online community, and they hope to have a documentary and book out sometime next year.

Traveling on motorcycles turned out to be key. Dylan rode a 1982 Yamaha XJ 750 Seca ($500 cost); Brant rode a 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 Maxim ($500); and McCall rode a 1985 Honda V65 Magna ($1500 cost). “On Maxim, On Magna, On Seca” was a mantra they picked up for the trip.

“We didn’t know motorcycles were going to be that much of a connection between people, but they were,” said McCall. “Every time you get to a new place, you’re part of this new community.”

“With motorcycles you feel the scenery and the microclimate change and smell the fields you drive through,” said Brant. “Besides, it’s just plain badass.”

Finding their first Main Street

They packed up their bikes and left around noon on July 6. They planned to head north, turn east to get to New York, south to Mississippi and then through Texas and the Southwest to return home to California, But they decided not to keep to a strict schedule, allowing for fellow travelers to guide them on their way.

It didn’t take long to hit pay dirt. A few hours after they hit the road, they found their first Main Street in Point Arena, a small town north of San Francisco.

As they hopped off their bikes, the locals they met convinced them to come back the next day for a parade marking Independence Day. “The whole community came out and let us be a part of it and accepted us into the community,” Dylan said.

That serendipity set the tone for the rest of the trip.

The best sandwich in Idaho, or anywhere

The travelers only had a guarantee of places to stay (and eat) in New York and Los Angeles. Everything else would be an exploration, local recommendations and possibly, information from their not-guaranteed Internet connections.

The road led them to a Mennonite deli in Clark Fork, Idaho, that “made the best sandwiches we’ve ever tasted,” said McCall. They bought sandwiches and drove a mile down the road into Montana near a bridge to picnic and more. “We jumped off the bridge to swim,” Dylan said. And the drive through the Bitterroot Mountain range that cuts Idaho and Montana wasn’t too shabby either.

They also explored the source of their food, working for five days at Echo Valley Farm in Wisconsin in exchange for room and board. “It was some of the most gorgeous, breathtaking American looking farmland I’ve ever seen, with rolling green hills and grain mills,” Brant said. “It felt like what we were looking for the whole time — true America heartland.”

The farm’s kindness was typical of the people who gave them shelter on their journey. “We pulled up, three dirty bikers, to this nice sustainable farm,” he said. They “showed us a nice place to park the bikes, took us on a tractor up around the whole property and told us about everything they were doing.”

A willingness of strangers to share their stories was also typical. Shortly after they crossed the Mason Dixon Line into Maryland and found a good campsite at Catoctin Mountain Park, they heard music coming through the woods. “Was it a violin or cello?” said McCall, so they went to explore it.

They discovered two older Korean men playing songs about Korea on their saxophones. “We found the coolest guys on the whole trip.”

Busted shocks and other struggles

The trip wasn’t without its troubles. San Francisco street cleaners knocked over Brant’s bike the day before they left on their trip, pulling off the entire front end. Brant thought he had repaired the damage that day, until the shocks stopped working somewhere in Montana.

“For a few days I didn’t know if my bike would be able to make it,” said Brant. But they were able to fix it. “He pulled it all apart in the forest, drained it and put in new fluid,” said Dylan.

Brant also had the smallest gas tank, holding a gallon less than the other two bikes. He also had the worst gas mileage. And so he ran out of gas at least five times on the trip, and coasted into gas stations on fumes at least three times. “I learned toward the end of the trip to carry a water bottle or two of gas.”

By the time they arrived home in San Francisco on August 28, everyone was glad to sleep in their own beds again.

“For the first six days back, McCall was at his girlfriend’s house, and Dylan and I sat on the couch watching movies,” said Brant.

‘An adult within my society’

Giving up the benefits of home for a couple months was worth the journey. Dylan left San Francisco thinking it would be a way to transition from his youth to adulthood. Along the way, he hoped to learn “what it means to be a man in my society.” While he doesn’t have any specific answers, “seeing my country and understanding what my country is about … helped me understand that more.”

While Brant has always liked to travel and experience new things, he thought he would graduate college, get a job and save for his next planned trip. Not anymore. “Being out there in America on the road, and roughing it, inspired me to book a plane ticket to South America with my last $400,” he said. “I thought, ‘If you did this, you can do pretty much anything without a lot of resources.’ “

McCall, who had graduated in May not knowing what he wanted to do, thinks travel and video may be his calling.(And he learned how to ride a motorcycle along the way.)

The three friends credit each other with making it an amazing experience. “We did get in fights and have problems, but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without each other,” said Dylan.

“Every different leg of the trip, there was one pushing, one dragging and one on a stretcher,” he said. “It would change every single day.”

“We wouldn’t have made it across the country and back without the others.”

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Source: KPLR (AP, 11/06)

Killeen native revamps, renames biker bar and grill

From horsepower to hamburgers, Texas Proud Bar & Grill serves the hungry adrenaline seekers of Central Texas.

Located at 704 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. in downtown Killeen, the bar has fed and entertained the motor heads of Killeen since opening Aug. 15.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel welcomed here,” said Wayne “Wiz” Whisenhunt, owner of Texas Proud Custom Cycles and Texas Proud Bar & Grill. “This is not just a biker bar. Texas Proud is a place where anyone can come in and feel accepted. We’ve got good food, a family-style atmosphere and good live music.”

Whisenhunt, a Killeen native, has had gasoline running through his veins from the time he was born. His father, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood and an avid drag racer, got the young Whisenhunt interested in mechanics and motorcycles from a very early age.

“I got my first bike when I was 15, a 3½ horsepower Rupp mini bike,” Whisenhunt said. “I ended up wrapping it around a tree and had to start working at the Harley-Davidson dealership my father managed to pay for the repairs, and I’m still working on Harleys 35 years later.”

Whisenhunt’s first business, Texas Proud Custom Cycles, began small in 2001. Over the years, it has grown into an almost unrecognizable mecca for Central Texas bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts.

With a full garage offering powder coat, painting, fabrication and distribution of parts, Texas Custom Cycles produces two-wheeled art for clients in and around Central Texas.

At Texas Proud Bar & Grill and a tattoo shop now on the premises, customers can get inked up and grab a beer and some food while waiting on their motorcycles to be worked on in the garage.

“I love this place,” said Matt Numm, a painter by day and bassist by night. “I’ve been coming since the beginning, back when it was called Joker’s. I’ve played a few shows in here back in the day, and this is one of my all-time favorite bars in Texas. The acoustics in here are amazing and are perfect for a show.”

Texas Proud Bar & Grill started out as Joker’s Ice House in 2009. Whisenhunt and the owner of Joker's parted ways this year and Joker's moved to Stan Schluter Boulevard. Whisenhunt reopened his restaurant as Texas Proud Bar & Grill, offering hungry customers a variety of interesting menu options.

“My favorite thing here is the fried armadillo eggs,” Numm said. “They are a jalapeño stuffed with chopped beef and cream cheese, then fried … they are the best.”

Sees bright future

With the early success of his newest venture, Whisenhunt looks ahead and sees a bright future for his business.

“I want to start franchises ... if Hooters can do it, then why can’t I?” Whisenhunt said. “If Texas Proud continues to grow in popularity like it was when we first opened up (as Joker’s) in 2009, then I think I could definitely see another franchise popping up in the next two years.”

Whisenhunt gives credit to the military for making his businesses, and others in the Killeen area, successful.

“Without the military, none of this would be possible,” he said. “I thank God every day that he has gotten me through so much and allowed me to stay in business for close to 13 years. But I’m not doing this for the money; I am doing it because it makes me rich in heart serving the soldiers and the city of Killeen.”

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Source: KDH News (Papke, 09/20)

Polaris Brings Back Indian Motorcycles

The Indian Motorcycle Company fizzled out after World War Two, but now one Siouxland company is proudly resurrecting the brand and motorcycle enthusiasts are getting revved up about the launch of an American classic.

Production is just beginning on the Indian Motorcycle line at Polaris in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Polaris is rolling out three new models of Indian Motorcycles: the Chief Classic, the Chief Vintage, and the Chieftain. They were unveiled at Sturgis in South Dakota earlier this month. There were bikes available for demo rides, and they were received well.

Not only are potential customers excited, but so are workers that will be assembling the bikes.

"It's exciting to be part of the re-launch of Indian Motorcycles," Mike Hoffman said. He works on the production line and can't wait to take home his own Indian. "It's such a historic company with so much nostalgia. I mean, people are so excited about the re-launch of the brand."

Cory Knudtson, director of motorcycle operations at Polaris, said Indian Motorcycles are going to be a big hit thanks to the great memories they'll stir. "The nostalgia, the heritage, you know, the Steve McQueen riding an Indian across the desert! That's never left the American psyche."

The style of the new Indian bikes will look familiar, but the technology definitely isn't vintage. It's like 21st century technology and convenience meets 1940's style.

"They really ride phenomenally well," Hoffman said. "I mean, the handling is great, the power is great, they sound really nice."

A 33,000 square foot addition made room for the new production line, in addition to the other products and motorcycles Polaris already makes.

The Indian Motorcycles are expected to be ready as soon as September.

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Source: KcauTV (DeRoin, 8/21)

Christian bikers enjoy "Fullmoon" rides

If there is a full moon in the sky, that is a sure sign that motorcycle engines will soon be heard.

The Fullmoon ride leaves from the First National Bank parking lot, located at the corner of State Highway 6 and Bypass 35 at 6:30 p.m. each month on the Saturday night most near the full moon. The July ride last Saturday helped Pastor Harry Stafford celebrate his 68th birthday.

Stafford, organizer of the ride, proudly admits that this ride has been in existence for 14 years.

“As far as we know, our ride is the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in the world. The ride is open to all bikes, bikers, patches, no patches, trikes, cars, trucks and all street legal vehicles. It is a very safe ride as we meander along the back roads of Brazoria County. All rides always end up some restaurant where they serve great food,” he laughed.

At one point, Stafford laid claim to his hosting the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in Texas. “I wondered if perhaps we might not be the longest ride in the world. Digger O’Dell and I have e-mails lists that include former co-workers and friends all around the world. When I would send out e-mails, I began listing our ride as the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in the world and thus far, no one has disputed my claim, so it must be accurate,” he laughed.

There were approximately 30 riders last Saturday evening. Often, there are 20 - 100 riders in the monthly event.

Stafford is a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association and the Texas Motorcycle RoadRiders Association. He also serves as the Chaplain for the Blue Knights Chapter Seven Motorcycle Club and the Chapter 3 Red Knights.

Stafford is the Pastor for the Road of Life Community Church, 29788 Highway 6 East in Santa Fe. Bike blessings are an integral part of his motorcycle ministry. “We have a double-sided banner on display for this service which reads ‘Bike Blessing’. We have crosses which we present to the riders. These crosses represent the Cross of Cavalry and the riders normally hang them on their handle bars to remind them to place their faith in Christ, who died upon the cross for us. He can keep them safe as they ride,” Stafford explained.

The ministry also includes other church visitations, third Sunday Devotion and Ride (leaving the church with kickstands up at 11:30 a.m.), occasional rides to Lakewood Church to hear Joe Osteen, ladies only rides, hospital visits, weddings, assist with funerals. The group also has a ministry that is devoted to older residents. In 2011, they rode to Winchester Lodge in Alvin. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the residents while the group was there. There was also a special singing, caroling and plenty of Christmas music.

During Sunday morning worship at the Road of Life Fellowship Church, attendees join in with the special praise/worship, hear special speakers, receive salvation, miracles are performed and healings are received. There are also blessings and special prayer for all needs. Each Thursday night at 7 p.m., an Overcomers meeting is held at the church for those who are trying to overcome anything or to anyone who has overcome and is willing to share their experience with others.

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Source: Alvin (Zavalla, 7/26)

CMRA Racing At MotorSport Ranch, In Cresson, Texas, This Coming Weekend

This coming weekend, July 5-7, 2013, the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) will be tearing up the track at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas. The track is located 14 miles south of Fort Worth on Highway 377. MotorSport Ranch is composed of two road courses: a 1.7-mile, 11-turn track and a 1.3-mile, 6-turn track, both of which will be utilized this weekend.

The weekend activities begin at 7:00 a.m. Friday with a CMRA License school, racer practice and street-rider track day provided by Lone Star Track Days (www.lstd.com).

Saturday's schedule begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 1.7-mile track. The 2-rider, 60-minute Team 60 race starts off the day, followed by Open Sprint Bike Practice from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Solo 30 races begin at 4:40 p.m. Activity on the “big track” concludes with a Track Walk from 6:40 – 7:40 p.m.

Meanwhile, Saturday events on the 1.3-mile track begin at 10:10 a.m. with a full slate of Mini sprint races including our one-of-a kind Junior Motard race designed for our youngest racers, ages 8-12. The 4-Hour Mini Bike Endurance begins promptly at 12:30, after the conclusion of the one hour lunch break. Saturday's racing concludes with a trophy presentation and trackside racer/spectator Meet and Greet party.

Sunday's schedule is jam-packed with a full day's worth of exciting and competitive Big Bike sprint races. Qualifying for Sunday’s premier race, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1Racing Formula 1 Expert, begins at 9:45 a.m. Motorcycle road racing doesn't get much better than CMRA sprint racing where some of the fastest racers in the country grid up to show them how it's done in Texas!

There is live timing and scoring available for all the races via the Race Monitor App on mobile devices and online at www.cmraracing.com/timing.html Keep up with the action if you can't make it out to the track!

Gates open each day at 6:00 a.m. and we race rain or shine! Weekend entry into the event is only $15 on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and just $10 on Sunday. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Ride your street bike to the event and you'll pay just $5 for entry on both Saturday and Sunday! Kids 12 and under are free. A spectator lap of the track will be conducted during the lunch break on Sunday, schedule and weather permitting. Bring a cooler or visit the on-site mobile food truck. A special discount for 50% off official CMRA merchandise is available by printing the weekend flyer from the CMRA Home Page and bringing it to the merchandise booth at the track.

Please note that no pets are allowed at any of the CMRA race events and alcohol consumption is not permitted until racing is done for the day.

On behalf of our racers, the CMRA would like thank our 2013 Class Sponsors including: 212Decals.com, 995PaintWorks.com, Body Evolution Fitness Center, Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1 Racing, HighPerformanceCrew.com, House of Paint Designs, Houston Superbikes, Island Racing Services, K&N Motorcycles, Lone Star Track Days, Moto Liberty, North Texas Superbikes, OnRoad OffRoad Suspension, RaceworX, Relentless Swagg, Road & Track Suspension, Six Three Cycles, South Central Race Center, Texas Tornado Boot Camp and TrackTactics Track Days. Please remember to support the products and services of the companies who support you!

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Source: RoadRacing World (AP, 7/2)

Bikers cruise Amarillo roads

AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Anywhere from 500 to 1,000 motorcyclists took part in the second Amarillo Bike Fest this weekend, June 28 to June 29, 2013.

Bikers from all over the Panhandle set up camp at Western Cowpunchers and toured the Palo Duro Canyon. They also traveled the historic Route 66.

Live music and vendors was also a perk to the event, which raised money for Family Support Services.

Amarillo Bike Fest Coordinator, Cedrick Graves said their goal is to have fun, stay safe, and bring business to the Amarillo area.

"We have quite a variety of things going on today," said Graves "Along with their bike runs they can enjoy food, leather apparel, and even get tattoos or airbrush painting."

The fun continued June 29, 2013 with, Cracker Jack the Band performing.


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Source: Connect Amarillo (Mills, 6/29)

Ten Things to Take on Every Trip

Spring is here, which means sitting down and planning those long summer trips that you'll be dreaming about at work to keep yourself sane. But your dream trip can easily go from a story you'll tell your friends about to make them jealous to a trip that airs on When Vacations Attack in 2.5 seconds. To keep things on the right track, always pack a few necessary things:

An A Plan: Whether you like to schedule every little thing down to what undies you want to wear on what day or you're a free spirit that like to go wherever the road takes you, some sense of a trip outline is a must. Sure, you can deviate from it a little as you go, but knowing where point a is and where point b is and how to get between the two before you hop on your bike is a must. Plus, it doesn't hurt to map out where gas, food and places to sleep along the way so that you don't end up stranded on a road somewhere with no gas and only a pack of gum to snack on.

Once you get all that figured out, feel free to tell a few people so that they'll have an idea where you are and which way to send the search team if you don't make it to your final destination. Have someone at home that will be freaking out if you don't call every hour on the hour? Invest in a Spot II Personal GPS Satellite Messenger. The thing tracks where you are by satellite and can send messages to your loved ones telling them your exact coordinates and that you're okay.

Speaking of GPS: Getting lost is one of the fastest ways to kill a good trip, especially if you're the group's navigator. Taking a GPS unit with you is a great way to keep everyone on track or get back on track if you find yourself in some unexpected places. Either leave it on to guide your whole way or only turn it on in emergencies; either way, you'll be glad you had it. Take one of these GPS units, for example. Still stubborn about taking modern day technology on your "into the wilderness" trip? At least take a map and a compass.

For the things that happen after you say, "This couldn't get any worse": Survival kits are the items you hope you never have to use but are glad that you brought if you need them and it's always that one time that you leave them out that they're necessary. So, despite how mild of a trip you plan to be taking, never leave out waterproof matches, a decent knife, a flashlight, a rescue blanket and some water purification tablets. They won't take up that much room but can be a real butt saver in the scheme of things.

Aid of the First: Scars are sexy. Or so we've heard. Bleeding out or having to ride with a broken appendage, not sexy. Unless you're into that kind of thing, bring a first aid kit in case your body takes a beating if something goes south or if you get a blister. Even the smallest of injuries can be a huge pain in your ride. Grab a handful of band-aids, some burn cream, butterfly sutures and sunscreen.

Your ride's survival kit: Just like you might hit something unexpected, your bike might too. And while you may plan your entire trip down to the bathroom breaks, you can't plan for when your ride breaks. Bring with you a small tool kit with all the essentials for patching your trusty steed up. Most multi-tool tool kits will have the basics while staying small and organized so that they're easy to bring with you. Otherwise, make sure to at least have pliers, a screwdriver, Allen wrenches and an adjustable crescent wrench. Whether you're rocking the kit or your own collection, just remember, duct tape and zip ties can fix almost anything, at least temporarily.

You ride's first aid kit: Even on the simplest of rides there's a chance a part could break. Set your bike on its kickstand in a softer area of the road and you could find it chillin' on its side with a broken control lever and no way to get to a new one. If you're planning a more adventurous trip, then spare parts are a definite must have. Depending on the ride you have planned, think about packing some spare levers, bolts, screws, fasteners and even a fresh oil and air filter.

Snackage: Let's face it, we all have alter egos that come out when we're hungry. But you don't want that cranky beast to be the one enjoying your ride when it should be a happily riding you enjoying it. Pack some snacks and plenty of hydrating fluids (no, beer does not count) to keep your stomach sated so you can focus on what really matters. And it won't hurt to bring a little extra, just in case you do get stranded and have to wait it out for help to arrive. You can live a few weeks without eating but why the heck would you want to?

A space suit: Well, maybe just a rain suit instead. No matter how well you plan your trip around the sun, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. So if your parade does happen to get rained on, don't let it slow you down. Pack a Two-Piece Motorcycle Rain suit. Their inexpensive and light weight do they won't weight you down but you'll be glad you have one when you're not trying to ride while being soaked to the core.

Say Cheese: We know it's a little cheesy, no pun intended, but a bringing a camera can immortalize this phenomenal trip you've been planning and dreaming about forever. Whether it's a good ol' fashion camera, a riding camera or even your smart phone's lens, snap a few pictures here and there so that you'll be able to remember it like was yesterday when you're pruney and telling your grandkids about the trip or even when you want to brag to the fools who chose not to take time off work and join you. You'll be happy you did when the trip is over.

A Winning Attitude: Your attitude can have the biggest effect on your trip no matter how perfect everything turns out. As long as you prepare by following the guidelines above, chances are that everything will go smoothly. So be sure that the second you hop on your ride, you've forgotten about all your worldly troubles and are open to anything. You may have most of your trip planned out but allow for the unexpected to happen. And if anyone else on your ride has a bad attitude, don't let them get you down. Just threaten to leave them at the next rest stop if they can't turn their frown upside-down.


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Source: Bike Bandit (AP)

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

The holidays are just around the corner and its a season to enjoy family, but we must not forget that it is also the season for high theft rate. Here are some tips to prevent theft during the holidays.

• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.

• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.

• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole.

• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.

• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.

• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about.

• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.

• Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.

• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.

• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.

• Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.

If you use a trailer to transport your motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

• Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.

• Lock the trailer doors and hitch.

• Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there is not enough room for doors to be opened.

• Know your trailer identification and license plate registration numbers.

• When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.

Guard against theft when selling your bike:

Using fake identities has become common in bike thefts. Don’t turn over the title until you can verify the check or money order is valid and has cleared the bank. Mail the title to the new owner.

• Ask the buyer for his or her name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number. Then ask to see the driver’s license and check that the information given matches the license.

• Be especially cautious of anyone who presents out-of-state identification.

• Make sure the potential buyer wasn’t dropped off by another party and is planning to take a one-way test ride with your bike. Verify that the buyer owns the vehicle he or she arrived with, and that the vehicle is of equal or greater value than your bike.

• Check that the buyer's driver’s license carries a valid motorcycle endorsement.

• It isn’t necessary that you provide a buyer with the title right away. A written document signed by the seller and buyer indicating price and method of payment can serve as proof of purchase. You can forward the title to the buyer once the check has cleared the bank.

• If you decide to sell your motorcycle on consignment, do not provide the signed title to the dealership until you have received your money in full. Make sure the dealership is a reputable business before you trust them as an agent.

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Source: Motorcycel Safety Foundation

How to Store Your Motorcycle for the Winter

Winter is just around the corner. Not many riders ride their motorcycles during this season, so here are a few tips to properly store your bike from the harsh weather.

Things you'll need: 

•  Cleaning items, including water, soap and towels for the exterior, and chain degreaser, engine   cleaner, and WD-40.
• Fuel stabilizer, such as any manufacturer recommended brand or Sta-Bil.
• If you'll be changing your oil, the items listed in the oil change article.
• A battery tender or trickle charger.
• Wax for paint finishes.
• A bike cover or breathable fabric sheet.
• If your chain needs cleaning and/or lubrication, the items listed in the chain maintenance article.
• If you're willing to go the extra mile, so to speak, wood blocks or devices to lift the tires off the ground if your motorcycle isn't equipped with a center stand.

Prepare Your Engine, Exhaust, and Battery for Long Term Storage

The first thing you'll want to do to prepare your engine for storage is make sure the engine oil is clean. Old oil can trap contaminants which damage rubber seals, and performing an oil and filter change before long term storage will help preserve your engine.

If you won't be riding your motorcycle for several weeks (if it's carbureted) or several months (if it's fuel injected), you'll want to make sure your fuel delivery systems are ready for inactivity. With a carbureted engine, you should turn the petcock into the "off" position, loosen the float-bowl drain screw, and catch the fuel in a container. If draining it isn't possible, you can run the engine with the petcock in the "off" position until it dies. Because moisture can accumulate in half-empty tanks, fill up with gas and top it off with a manufacturer-recommended fuel stabilizer or Sta-Bil. Some believe draining the float plugs isn't necessary if stabilizer is added to the fuel and properly run through the fuel system; do whichever process you feel most comfortable with.

If you're storing your bike for more than six months, you might want to protect your piston and cylinder rings from potentially rusting. To do so, remove each spark plug and pour a tablespoon of fresh engine oil or spray fogging oil inside. Ground the ignition leads and turn the engine several times to spread the oil before replacing the spark plugs.

Spray some WD40 into the exhaust pipe(s) in order to keep water away; the "WD" stands for water displacement, and keeping moisture out will prevent rust. You can also keep water and critters out by stuffing intake and exhaust with crumpled plastic bags.

Clean battery leads and attach a battery tender to your battery to keep it charged and ready to go when you're ready to bring the bike out of storage; if you don't have a tender, a trickle charger is better than nothing.

Cleaning Your Motorcycle for Long Term Winter Storage

Dirt and grime will damage motorcycles, both cosmetically and mechanically, so use these tips to preserve your bike during long term storage:

Wash your motorcycle before storage; check out our How to Wash a Motorcycle tutorial, and be sure to let your bike completely dry before covering it, as trapped condensation can cause rust.

In order to ensure that your chain doesn't corrode, follow our Chain Maintenance Step-by-Step tutorial.
Use a degreaser to clean sludge from the outside of the engine.

After washing your bike, apply wax to any paint surfaces, and chrome polish to chrome; this will keep moisture away.

Hopefully you'll be able to keep your bike out of the weather; if you do, use a breathable piece of fabric or a bike cover to keep dust off.

If you can't avoid leaving your bike exposed to the elements, you might not want to cover it since covers can trap moisture and do more harm than good.

Brake, Clutch, and Coolant Fluids

If your brake fluid is in need of changing, do so before long-term storage. Similarly, hydraulic clutch fluid should be changed before you store your bike; both systems may suffer failure if moisture gets in.

Also make sure your coolant is fresh, as deposits can form from old fluid. For service intervals, consult your owner's manual.

Unload the Suspension

If your motorcycle has a center stand, use it for long term storage.

If you're not riding for several weeks and don't have a center stand, you may want to consider carefully propping up the bike using blocks. Don't do more harm than good by dropping your bike while attempting to prop it up! If done correctly, lifting your motorcycle will alleviate stress on the suspension and tires.

Inflate your tires to the maximum recommended pressure will maintain their shape, since cooling temperatures will make the pressurized air contract. If the ground might potentially freeze, try to keep the tires off the ground using wood blocks.

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Source: About (Wasef)