If you ask them, most bikers will say they care about motorcycle maintenance, which is just as important to a good bike as the right motorcycle insurance. However, the blunt truth is that many owners overlook important maintenance steps. Over time, this threatens to damage the bike in a big way, resulting in a major repair bill from your mechanic. 

Fortunately, the opposite holds true as well: By maintaining your ride like you should, you can keep it running great and spare yourself a frustrating bill. Just like other safety steps you take, such as choosing the right helmet, regular maintenance can keep you – and your passengers – safer on the road. Ready to protect your bike? Keep reading to discover the most important biker tips for taking care of your motorcycle. 

Motorcycle Maintenance: Change the Oil Yourself 

Many bikers, like most drivers, rely on someone else to change their oil. However, we think true motorcycle maintenance involves changing it yourself, both to better stay on top of your bike’s condition (especially if you bought it used) and to save you time and money compared to taking it to a mechanic. 

Read your owner’s manual to verify how often you need to check your oil, and let the bike idle for about five minutes before you check it. This will make it easier for you to drain the oil into a pan. Once you get used to the mess, you’ll become an expert at removing the drain plug and filter, draining the oil, replacing the oil, and putting the filter and plug back. 

As long as you do this regularly, you can keep your bike in peak condition (just make sure you’re keeping your well-maintained scooter away from thieves). 

Regularly Check Brake Pads (and Replace as Needed) 

While all of these biker tips for maintenance are important, regularly checking your brake pads is one of the most important safety steps you can take. That’s because these pads wear down over time, becoming less and less effective. Worst case, this can lead to a bad accident. 

Your owner’s manual may give you a more precise number, but it’s generally good to inspect these brake pads every 7,500 miles or so. If your bike is new, you should inspect them around every 6,000 miles, as this will help you determine how much your driving habits and environment are wearing the pads down. By replacing them as needed, you can protect your life and potentially other lives on the road. 

Clean and Lube Your Drive Chain 

If you have an older bike, you may need to clean and lube your drive chain more often than not (some bikers do so after every ride). Newer bikes typically use O-ring chains that require less cleaning, but it’s still important for you to clean the chain at least as often as your owner’s manual recommends. 

All you have to do is elevate the rear wheel, put the bike in neutral, and clean the bike chain with a brush. As for lubrication, just rotate your back wheel to evenly apply the chain lube, making sure it gets into the joints. After about five minutes, you can wipe the oil off, and you might be surprised at how much this impacts performance. 

Visually Inspect Each Tire Before You Ride 

If you’ve always taken your bike to the mechanic for maintenance, some of these tips may seem intimidating. It’s fine to start slow with doing your own preventative care. That means inspecting your tires before you go for a drive. 

Some tire issues will be immediately obvious, including cracks, holes, tears, and so on. You can check these out before each drive, but we also recommend checking your tire pressure at least once per week. Underinflated tires will make your bike harder to ride and, more frighteningly, harder to stop. By keeping the pressure in the safe range and ensuring the tires are in good condition, you can stay safe on the road and prevent accidents. 

Check the Fuel Filter and Fuel Lines 

When it comes to vehicle filters, most people are familiar with the air filter and the need to replace it from time to time. However, it’s equally important for motorcycle owners to regularly inspect their fuel filter. This filter can easily get clogged and will need to be cleaned out so your bike will run in an optimal state. 

While you’re at it, make sure to check your fuel lines for signs of any damage. If they appear to be cracked, then you need to replace the lines ASAP. Simply put, driving around with cracked fuel lines will put yourself and others in danger. 

Preventative Care: Keep an Eye on Your Battery 

Battery care is important for automobile drivers, of course, but it is particularly important for bikers. That’s because many bikers put their ride into storage for the winter. When you aren’t regularly driving the motorcycle around to keep it charged, the battery is likely going to need to be charged or even replaced before you ride again. 

As with automobiles, it’s easy enough for you to check the battery life using a multimeter. If you want to avoid having to do this, though, consider investing in a trickle charger to keep your battery charged during the winter or when otherwise not in use. Finally, don’t forget that no matter how well you take care of your battery, you’ll need to replace it every two years or so. 

Get the Best Motorcycle Insurance Today! 

Now you know the best motorcycle maintenance tips to keep your ride in perfect condition. But do you know who is ready to help you take care of your bike with the insurance it deserves? 

Here at InsureOne, we are experts at protecting awesome bikes just like yours. To discover motorcycle insurance at prices you didn’t think were possible, come get a quote online. Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to come into one of our convenient nearby offices as soon as you need coverage! 

Motorcycle insurance is important because the number of motorcycle accidents each year keeps increasing. In fact, for every 100,000 motorcycles registered in 2020, there were 992 injuries. These injuries sometimes come with bills that are even more expensive than your motorcycle! 

The best way to protect yourself and your ride is with good insurance coverage. Keep reading to discover why you need this protection and how to find the best motorcycle insurance. 

Liability Coverage Protects Against Bodily Damage You Cause 

For most states, the minimum motorcycle insurance is liability coverage. As with your car insurance, this liability coverage is designed to cover the costs of damage that you cause in accidents where you are at fault. 

As an example, let’s say that you get into an accident with another vehicle and are found to be at fault. Now, if the other driver or their passengers were injured, you’re going to be on the hook for their medical bills. Those medical bills are steep and often enough to land the average biker in serious debt! 

With liability coverage, though, your insurance company will help you pay for those bills. That alone can save you thousands of dollars. 

Liability Coverage Protects Against Property Damage You Cause 

Liability coverage does more than cover the medical bills of people that you injure. It also pays to cover the property damage you may cause. 

In vehicle accidents, the most common form of property damage is damage to the other person’s vehicle. Basically, if the other driver’s ride gets damaged and you are at fault for it, you have to pay for the damage. Property damage also includes other property (for example, if your bike skidded into a storefront and caused damage). 

The liability coverage of your motorcycle insurance helps pay for this damage so you don’t have to pay it yourself. However, to protect yourself from out-of-pocket expenses, it’s important to have a liability coverage limit high enough to cover potential damage. 

Collision Coverage Protects Your Bike from Damage 

The vast majority of states require that motorcycle drivers have liability coverage at a minimum for their motorcycle insurance. However, if you really care about your bike, then you need to also invest in collision coverage. 

Why collision coverage? As we noted before, liability coverage only pays out when you are liable for an accident to cover the damages you caused to others, including property damage and bodily injury. 

This means that liability doesn’t pay out to cover your own damages when you are at fault. In other words, if your bike gets damaged in an accident you cause, then liability will not pay anything to repair or replace it. 

Collision insurance is designed to pay for damages to your bike no matter who was at fault. By adding collision coverage to your policy, you can help protect your bike against any accidents that may happen on the road. 

Comprehensive Coverage Protects Against Theft and Weather 

In addition to liability and collision coverage, you can add comprehensive coverage to your motorcycle insurance. What makes comprehensive coverage interesting is that it is designed to protect your motorcycle when you aren’t riding it. 

For example, motorcycles are easier to steal than cars, especially if a thief knows what they are doing. If your motorcycle is stolen, neither liability nor collision insurance will cover it because no accident was involved. Comprehensive insurance, however, will cover the theft of your bike. 

Comprehensive coverage also covers damage and vandalism to your bike (which are sadly more likely to happen when you park in unfamiliar areas). As an added bonus, comprehensive coverage can also protect your bike against extreme damage, including damage from hail and even freak accidents like a tree landing on your motorcycle! 

Guest Passenger Liability Helps Protect Your Passengers 

Once you begin riding a motorcycle, it becomes very common for people to want you to take them for a ride. What if that ended up being the worst decision you ever made? 

If you get into an accident and your passenger is injured, they would normally have to rely on their own insurance. If they don’t have good insurance, or maybe no insurance at all, then getting into a motorcycle accident may leave them with catastrophic medical debt. 

If you want to take care of your passengers, you can add guest passenger liability to your coverage. If you are at fault for an accident, this insurance will help pay for the medical bills. If someone else is at fault, their own liability coverage will foot the bill. To keep your passengers safe, you also need to stay on top of your motorcycle maintenance. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Protects You against Reckless Drivers 

The reason liability coverage is required by law in most states is simple. It ensures that when somebody causes an accident, they are able to pay for the damage they cause. Unfortunately, some underinsured drivers don’t have enough insurance to pay for the damage, and some reckless drivers have no insurance whatsoever. 

When this happens, you might get stuck with the bill for someone else’s bad decisions. If you want to really protect yourself and your bike, you can add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. As the name implies, this coverage helps protect you in the event another driver causes an accident and does not have enough insurance (or any insurance) to pay for it.  

Get the Best Motorcycle Insurance Today 

The average cost of motorcycle insurance depends on where you live and how much coverage you get. Fortunately, it’s easy to get the most affordable motorcycle insurance at the click of a button! 

At InsureOne Insurance, we’re here to take care of all your motorcycle insurance needs. We are always ready for you to get a quote online. Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to come into one of our convenient nearby offices for an in-person visit! 

Many motorcycle riders think of riding their bikes as an activity ideal for three seasons. When it comes to the winter season, riding a motorcycle in the snow may seem like a forbidden activity. However, it doesn’t have to be the case. Riding motorcycles in winter can be incredibly fun – when you know about motorcycle winter safety and how to get your bike ready for snow.

Below, we’ve got helpful tips on preparing your bike for the cold weather, what to wear while riding motorcycles in winter, and more.

Get Your Bike Ready For Snow And Cold Temps.

It’s important to make some improvements and updates on your motorcycle to ensure that it’s safe during cold weather motorcycle riding. A few to consider include:

• Winter motorcycle tires – While they’re not very common, motorcycle tires for the winter are available on the market. They offer the best grip on the road for riding a motorcycle on ice. However, be sure to put your regular tires back on the bike when it gets warm out, as they will overheat and lose grip. Also, check the tire pressure regularly – ideally before every ride for optimal traction.
• Windshield – If you don’t already have one, invest in a windshield for your motorcycle. They help to keep the cold wind and snow off of you while you’re riding.
• Thermometer – Consider getting a handlebar-mounted thermometer for your bike. It will help to keep you aware of the temperature and avoid frostbite or hypothermia. 

Wear The Right Gear In Layers.

As a motorcycle rider, staying warm in the winter involves wearing the right motorcycle winter gear. The most important piece of safety gear is a motorcycle helmet. A sweat-wicking base layer and a neck warmer should be worn while riding in the winter. Consider investing in heated clothing such as jackets, vests, and gloves, as well as a high-visibility jacket. 

Store Your Motorcycle If You’re Not Planning On Riding It.

Some bike owners simply don’t like riding a motorcycle in the winter, which is perfectly fine – as long as you have a safe way to store it. You’ll want a location that is dry and out of the winter elements, which could be in your garage or in a storage facility.

Run Your Motorcycle Weekly.

Many bike owners wonder, should I start my motorcycle in the winter? The answer is yes – you should start and run your motorcycle once a week for at least 15 minutes. This keeps engine components lubricated, recharges the battery, and ensures that all the parts don’t get stiff. It also eliminates condensation buildup and allows fresh fuel to be cycled through the carburetor.

Make Sure You Have Motorcycle Insurance For The Winter

The above tips for riding motorcycles in the winter will ensure a season of safety and fun – along with motorcycle insurance. InsureOne can take all of the confusion out of buying motorcycle insurance. We work with major insurance companies to find you the best coverage at the best price. Call us or stop by a local office today to get a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Owning a motorcycle is exciting. However, motorcycle theft is an issue that many owners face. If you think your bike can’t be stolen, think again! The reality is that thousands of motorcycles are stolen in the United States every year.

As a motorcycle owner, you must protect your investment. In addition to motorcycle theft prevention measures, you should look into getting insurance for your bike. 

Want to know more about motorcycle theft prevention, including theft insurance and how it works? In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about motorcycle anti-theft measures, including insurance.

Motorcycle Theft Statistics

Are you wondering just how prevalent motorcycle theft is? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) releases a report on motorcycle thefts every year. In 2018, over 41,500 motorcycles were reported stolen. In 2017, over 44,000 bikes were reported stolen. 

How Are Motorcycles Stolen?

Unfortunately, there are many ways a thief can steal your motorcycle. According to RideApart.com, the most common way that thieves steal a bike is by simply lifting it off the ground and into a van. Surprised? Well, it makes sense when you think about it from the perspective of a bike thief. This method is quick and quiet. Plus, the thief doesn’t even have to know how to ride it or override the ignition.

Types Of Motorcycle Theft Insurance 

Generally speaking, motorcycle insurance is a lot like car insurance. Liability insurance is usually the standard for bike coverage, but there are other types of coverage to choose from, including:

• Comprehensive coverage – This insurance covers damage caused by things other than a collision.
• This coverage may also replace your bike if needed.
• Personal injury protection – This coverage is similar to medical payments coverage, which pays for medical bills if you sustain injuries in a crash. Not all states offer PIP protection, which may also pay for lost wages or funeral expenses.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – If you get into an accident that causes injuries to you and/or damages to your bike and the other motorist doesn’t have insurance or adequate insurance; this insurance covers the damage and medical bills.

In addition to the above types of motorcycle insurance, you may be able to add coverage extras such as total loss coverage, roadside assistance, and motorcycle repair insurance.

How To Get Motorcycle Theft Insurance To Protect Your Motorcycle

InsureOne can take all of the confusion out of buying motorcycle insurance. We work with major insurance companies to find you the best coverage at the best price. Call us or stop by a local office today to get a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience. But before you twist that throttle, there’s a lot of information to take in for a beginner motorcycle rider. If you’re not careful, one single motorcycle riding mistake could cost your life. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of helpful motorcycle riding tips for beginner motorcycle riders. 

Take Some Lessons

If learning how to ride a motorcycle is on your bucket list, some basic lessons will help. For beginner motorcycle riders, there’s a lot to remember if you want to have an exhilarating experience. You can enroll for basic rider classes that teach riding skills and maybe find a riding partner.

Get The Proper Gear

As with any other sporting activity, you must have the right gear for motorcycle riding. You’re prone to accidents and tipping over, so riding in shorts is not a right choice. As a beginner, you’re at a higher risk of toppling over than an experienced rider. The most essential gear is a helmet. You should also invest in a good jacket, gloves, and a solid pair of boots.

Get Comfortable 

As a new motorcycle rider, you should learn how to position your body. A general rule of thumb is to ensure the top is loose and the bottom is tight. This means that you should squeeze your thighs together and loosen the upper part of the body. 

Practice Riding

Before you start thinking about the traffic, practice accident avoidance skills like swerving and making quick stops. With practice and patience, it won’t be long before you know how to ride a motorcycle with skill.

Don’t Brake In A Turn

If you hit the brakes on the apex of the turn, that’s terrible news. Before you get to the corner, you should have the right speed and be on the right gear. If you brake in the middle of the turn, you’ll tip over. The best way to maneuver a corner is to accelerate through the turn.

Scan Traffic And Look Out For Pedestrians

An essential tip for a new motorcycle rider is to always look ahead at where you want to go and which path to take. But before you move your bike towards that spot, you should get a better view of the other vehicles around you. To be on the safe side, you should look past the vehicle in front and be aware of any escape routes. Some pedestrians may also unexpectedly cross the street without being conscious of their surroundings.

Never Ride In Middle Lanes

Choosing the right lane will ensure you get to your destination without any accidents. So, regardless of the type of road you ride on, you should understand where to ride. In large cities, the highways will have more than one lane. If possible, you should pick the left lane, not the middle one. 

The above beginner motorcycle riding tips will ensure many years of safe riding run – along with motorcycle insurance. InsureOne can take all of the confusion out of buying motorcycle insurance. We work with major insurance companies to find you the best coverage at the best price. Call us or stop by a local office today to get a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Of course, to choose a nice bike on a budget, you need to know what to look for when shopping. Things like gas mileage, physical condition, and how hard it was ridden are all things to consider.

If you’re asking, is it ok to buy a used motorcycle, and need tips and advice, we’ll go over things to know about buying a used bike, including why it’s a good idea.

Why Buy a Used Motorcycle?

In a nutshell, you can save a lot of money by buying a used motorcycle. New bikes depreciate rather quickly, which means that they quickly become used in terms of value. Buying a new one involves multiple extra fees, which you don’t have to worry about when purchasing a used model. Keep in mind that used motorcycle values vary based on geographic location. 

What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle?

While mileage isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re looking at used bikes, it is important. Low mileage doesn’t always mean that the bike is in great condition. Motorcycles that have more than 40,000 miles are considered high mileage. However, if the bike is taken care of and has a lot of miles, it can still be a great purchase.

Where Can I Buy Used Motorcycles?

You can purchase a used motorcycle at most dealerships that sell cars. Other alternatives include a store that specifically sells bikes (like Harley Davidson), Craigslist, and eBay. 

What Should I Look for in a Cheap Motorcycle?

The first thing you want to know is the history of the motorcycle: how often it was driven and for what. You’ll also want to get the bike’s service records to see its history of scheduled maintenance. 

Other things to examine:

• Footpegs, levers, and bar ends – If these parts are damaged, this is a sign that the bike has been hitting the pavement a lot. 
• Tires – Some wear is expected, of course. But lots of severe wear and flat spots could be caused by skidding and hard braking. Cupping is a natural wear pattern on motorcycle tires.
• Electrical – Check all headlights, blinkers, and hazard lights. 
• Engine – At some point, you need to hear the bike run. While it warms up, make sure the engine is running smoothly. If you see a lot of smoke, there could be a problem. Blue smoke means that oil is burning, which is a telltale sign that the bike will need major repairs. Also, listen to the engine for any rattling or other noises.

Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote

Do you want to save on motorcycle insurance? Begin by getting a quote with InsureOne. A licensed agent will go over your options and provide you with a quote for your needs for the best motorcycle insurance. Get a free motorcycle insurance quote online or over the phone.

In this article, we’ll discuss what custom motorcycles are as well their different types, and why you should get a custom chopper motorcycle.

What Are Custom Motorcycles?

In short, a chopper is a modified motorcycle that has been modified from its original design. More specifically, people customi to look or perform entirely different than its factory origins. Not only does customization change its appearance, but it also improves functionality. On top of all that, a custom American chopper turns heads!

Custom bikes may be changed to:

• Use radical engines
• Look tough, cool, or glitzy
• Boast complex paint jobs
• Include artistic approaches
• Have highly polished metals

Types of Chopper Bikes

Bobber. The original type of custom motorcycle, bobbers are lighter and need minimum maintenance because they were made to be smaller and stripped down to improve the power-to-weight ratio. Bobbers are characterized by small seats, raised handlebars, and no front or rear fenders.

Chopper. Almost everyone knows what a chopper is—they’re one of the most popular and recognizable bikes in the US. Also known as American choppers, owners customize these motorcycles with extended forks and a lowered back end. You may have seen them on the show American Chopper, which features Orange County choppers built in a chop shop for a celebrity or other famous customer. 

Café racer. Customized for speed and improved performance, café racers became popular in the 1960s. Stripped down to resemble Grand Prix racing cars, these customized motorcycles cover small distances.

Streetfighter. This motorcycle is difficult to categorize but easy to recognize. A streetfighter is stripped-down and customized to be high-powered, aggressive, and outrageous. These bikes are for performance and show, so they boast a multiple cylinder engine, enhanced brakes, a dazzling paint job, and more.

Why Get a Custom Chopper?

Riding a regular motorcycle is freeing and fun, so why should you build or buy a custom chopper? Here are some benefits of owning a custom chopper and reasons you should add one to your garage:

• You’ll learn a lot
• You can own something that wasn’t mass-produced
• It’s possible to do it inexpensively
• You can make a low-maintenance bike
• Creating your own gives you personal satisfaction

Do You Need Custom Chopper Insurance?

If you own a custom chopper, you may be wondering if you need a policy for regular motorcycles or custom chopper insurance. Most states require at least liability coverage for you to ride your bike on the road legally. Keep in mind that custom motorcycle insurance may be more expensive. Your agent can help you find the best coverage for your needs

While owning a stock motorcycle can also be great, nothing beats a custom bike tailored just for you. You can buy one (at a high price), or you can choose to build it yourself.

Looking for custom motorcycle insurance? You found it at InsureOne! Get the best coverage for you at affordable prices. Start your free custom chopper insurance quote online, over the phone, or at one of our offices near you.

So, how often should a motorcycle be serviced? Well, it usually depends on the model. On average, most motorcycles need service every 5,000 miles or so, or every year—whichever comes first. Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. The key is to have a regular preventive maintenance schedule.

Before you take your motorcycle out for the first time this season, use our motorcycle maintenance checklist below.

Change the Oil

You will need to change the oil at least once a year or more often if you put a lot of miles on your motorcycle. Make sure the engine is off, and the bike is standing up. Then, remove the drain plug as well as the oil fill plug, letting the oil escape into a drain pan. Replace the oil filter and refill oil with a funnel.

Check the Brakes

While your bike is still up in the air, check your brake pads and rotate the wheels to check your rotors for warping. Some light surface rust is normal if you haven’t turned on the motorcycle in a while. Check to see the condition of the brake pads to ensure that they are wearing evenly. Inspect the brake lines for signs of wear.

Inspect the Tires

Your tire condition is extremely important for safety reasons. Check the air pressure and for any signs of wear and tear. Always keep the correct amount of air pressure for good handling on the road and to avoid blowouts. With the right pressure, they will last longer. 

Change the Coolant

To prevent your motorcycle’s engine from overheating or freezing, you need to change the coolant. Most owner’s manuals recommend replacing the coolant every two years.

Stay on Top of Filter Replacements

In addition to changing your bike’s oil filter, replace or clean the air and fuel filters. You can clean your air filter with compressed air instead of changing it. If you have a fuel filter, make sure it is clean and unclogged. Staying on top of this will give your motorcycle more power.

Keep Your Battery Charged

The motorcycle’s battery should be charged to 100% when not in use, this will extend the life of the battery. Check the electrolyte level so that it does not get too low. Also, make sure the top of the battery is clean.

Fire It Up

Lastly, fire up your bike and give it a test run. Remember to let your engine warm up first!

When it comes to motorcycles, a little do-it-yourself maintenance can save you money and help keep you safe. However, if you don’t know what should be done in bike servicing to ensure your bike is maintained properly, take it to a shop to get it tuned up professionally.

Another great way to take care of your bike is by protecting it with high-quality insurance. Start your free motorcycle insurance online or give us a call today!