The thrill of riding a motorcycle is parallel to none. The open breeze, the bike’s ability to reach high speeds, and its sleek design make it appealing to people of all ages. The best part is that customizing motorcycles to fit your exact vision of your favorite bike is easy. You can build your own motorcycle from the ground up, using motorcycle parts and accessories that you find online, or buy them at your local dealer.
When customizing motorcycles, bikers often find the brand they want, and then fit the bike with custom motorcycle parts. Because Japanese companies make up most of the motorcycle industry, you will mostly find Yamaha, Honda, or Suzuki motorcycle parts, among other Japanese products. Custom handlebars, rims, seats, foot pedals, and even mirrors can be purchased directly from these manufacturers’ websites, or there are also general motorcycle part distributors that sell brand-named parts. Either way, you will want to make sure that these parts fit securely on your bike, because a faulty or loosely-fitted part could result in an unwanted accident.
Although customizing motorcycles and cruising around town on an amazing ride has its advantages, there is also a downside. Motorcycles can be one of the most dangerous vehicles to drive, especially for people between the ages of 20 and 24. This age group reported the highest number of motorcycle related injuries in 2012 alone. The light weight of these vehicles and the lack of protection they offer drivers can be a deadly combination.
For this reason, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) urge bikers to follow a number of safety precautions. They suggest that bikers keep a safe distance from cars and avoid tailgating. Since most vehicles on the road have a blind spot that prevents drivers from being able to see other drivers next to or behind them, the DOT suggests that bikers always check for these “NO ZONES” before changing lanes. The NHTSA also recommends that bikers wear protective riding gear. This gear is often made of leather, because it is more durable and will protect your skin if it comes in contact with the road or heated parts of a motorcycle. These safety precautions could be the reason why the NHTSA reports that motorcycle accidents have decreased in the U.S. by a thousand every year since 2011.
So, if you design your bike carefully and keep motorcycle riding safety tips in mind, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy your bike every time you take it out for a spin. The most fashionable, sleekest, safest motorcycle will give you the best experience on the road.