Why Now Is The Time to Buy Your Motorcycle and Cover

As spring is upon us and summer is fast approaching, it is apparent that now is a great time for some tremendous motorcycling.   As I predicted a couple of months ago, gas has continued to go up in price and is expected to go even higher.  We now have a huge oil spill out in the Gulf of Mexico and the well is continuing to leak thousands of barrels per day with more leaks popping up all the time.  Even as we feel for the families of the oil drillers that lost their lives, we realize that this is another example of how something that happens that far away still affects us all.  Even if the amount of oil produced by that one well was actually insignificant in the full scheme of things, this disaster will just serve as another excuse for the oil companies to hike up the price of gasoline at the pump.  It has already gone up over a dime per gallon this week.  Unfortunately, this time there may be a “real” reason as they try to recoup some of the money that the well disaster and the resultant clean-up will eventually cost them.

However, with a motorcycle, and the wonderful gas mileage, the high price of gas is just one of many positive reasons to own a bike.  I used to own a large Cadillac that got about 20 miles to the gallon, which wasn’t bad for such a large car.  But of course it pales in comparison to the mileage of even a very large motorcycle.  Most motorcycles today get well over 50 miles to the gallon.

Of course, with motorcycles, the real thrill is the ride.  I’ve just read that the most famous motorcycle ride, “The Dragon’s Tail” just opened back up on April 12, 2010.  And, I-40 which gives much easier access to it is scheduled to reopen today, April 27, 2010.  Both roads have been closed for months due to rockslides.  The Dragon’s Tail has 318 turns in just eleven miles and it is actually only 6 miles as the crow flies.   Also, very close to that ride is the Cherohala Skyway which takes you by a waterfall and over a dam and up to over 5,000 feet above sea level.  So be sure to wear some warm clothes to enjoy that ride.   There are a number of great places to stay and visit right along the Tennessee and North Carolina borders.  In my opinion, these are some of the prettiest places in the world.  I am from North Carolina and now live in Tennessee, so I just can’t imagine anything better than these two states.

So, if you don’t already own a motorbike to ride on these or other wonderful excursions, now is the time to get out there and take the leap.  And, remember that if you want to keep your bike looking new, invest in a quality motorbike cover at the same time.  It is quite amazing how great some motorbikes look in the showroom and if you want yours to look that way in four or five years, buying a premium waterproof motorcycle cover is the way to do it.  Of course, it is best to buy both at the same time and not tell yourself that you will get a cover later and then “later” never comes.           

WOW! Gas is Almost $3.00 Per Gallon

Can you believe that “regular” gas is back up to almost $3.00 per gallon, in spite of the not too distant claims of an excess?  The word was that people were cutting back on the use of gasoline to the point of actually affecting the price.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do about the price of gasoline, except learn to cope with such high prices.  I believe the producers know exactly what to do to keep the prices high.  Of course, one way we could cope would be to do a lot more walking than we currently do.  I mean, we could just walk to the store, or even walk to work.  However, in our extremely fast paced life, “time” is of the essence and anyway most of us are too lazy to do much walking.  Another option would be to just get a bicycle, but again that takes a lot of time and energy which most of us just don’t have.


A much more reasonable option would be to get something like a motorcycle that not only gets great gas mileage, but will get you there with plenty of time to spare.  And, you will still feel like doing a good day’s work when you get there.  Motorcycles are like all vehicles in that you can buy a very expensive brand new “baby” that is not only for transportation, but is also for show.  Or, on the other hand, you can buy a nice used motorcycle at a very reasonable price and can be operated for next to nothing compared to the cost of driving even a compact car.  Just remember that when you get that motorcycle and help the country cut back on the use of gasoline, that maybe you are making a difference.  If you don’t see any evidence that you are making a difference in the world, you should see it in your wallet.

As you purchase your motorcycle, also think about protecting your investment with the purchase of a motorcycle cover.  And, just as with motorcycles, motorcycle covers come in at all price ranges and they offer various forms of protection.  If you have a garage or carport, a relatively cheap dust-cover type cover may do.  But, if you plan to keep it outside, please go for the elite waterproof motorcycle cover.

So, in conclusion, I will just say that I definitely don’t expect to see any drop in the price of gasoline in the near future and that now may be just the time to buy a motorcycle – before everyone jumps on the bandwagon.  When that happens, the prices of motorcycles will also skyrocket.  Also, don’t forget to get a good quality motorcycle cover too.

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Anytime Motorcycle Covers - Predictions

                                                
Business Predictions

Prediction:  The sales of motorcycles should increase and continue to increase for the next few years.  It seems to be an inevitable fact of life that gasoline will continue to increase in price (about $2.70 per gallon here and up about 75 cents from a year ago).  With the increase in the price of gasoline, people will continue to look for ways to reduce their gas bill, but not at the expense of personal freedom.   We are a country of people that has become accustomed to going when and where we want and that won’t change anytime soon.  The increase in gasoline will force everyone except the very wealthy to look for alternative methods of transportation.   You can go the “green” route with a hybrid or the motorcycle route which is much more fun.   A trend I have noticed lately is that some older folks are actually buying smaller scooters just to get around for relatively short distances.  I would expect this to increase in popularity as gasoline keeps going up.

Prediction:  With the increase in the sales of motorcycles, the need for and sales of motorcycle covers and especially quality waterproof motorcycle covers should increase.   Motorcycles are, like our cars, a major investment for most of us and it only makes sense to protect that investment.   We all know that most people will opt for the lower priced motorcycle covers, which in the long run may not be the best option.   Just remember that you get what you pay for!

Prediction: Many people will downsize their house and consequently not have the big garage that they had at their last house.  I agree with the pundits who say the economy is picking up.  But, that doesn’t mean much to the guy who realizes that the family needs to cut their expenses drastically and one of those ways is to move to a smaller home.  The economic pick-up (which somehow is not equating to more jobs) is great and will be great in the long run.  However, in the meantime this guy must leave his big Harley Hog sitting outside (no way it is going to be an expense reduction).  He will definitely need a premium top-of-the-line cover that will fit his Harley and of course, he will make it a waterproof motorcycle cover.  

Prediction: More and more people will use the internet as their preferred method of shopping for everything and I do mean “everything”.  People are buying and selling just about anything you can imagine and a lot of stuff that you can’t even imagine.  The face of commerce is changing more every day and will continue to lean more toward e-commerce.   

Prediction: The number of people trying to teach people how to use the internet and how to make money from using the internet just has to go down.  There is just no way all those people can actually make money by trying to tell others how to make money.  I know that “a sucker is born everyday”, but surely at some point some of these folks just have to be “weeded” out.   I’ve only been in this business a short while, but it didn’t take me long to realize there may more of “them” (helpers) than there are of us (internet sellers).

General Predictions

Prediction:  Tiger Woods will definitely be at the masters.  However, I don’t think he will do very well.  I predict he will finish about fifth or sixth.  That’s not bad for anyone else that might finish in that position, but it won’t be acceptable for Woods!  Oh! I also predict that his wife will be there and that they will stay together.  

Prediction:  I will once again procrastinate this year on completing the tax forms necessary for my business Any Time Motorcycle Covers.  If you’re like me, you tell yourself every year that this year you will get those taxes done early and sent in to Uncle Sam.  But, every year, here we are at this time of the year sitting around wishing we had taken the time  much earlier in the year to “do our taxes”.  Remember, April 15 is only a few days away as I write this. 

Prediction: The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to drag on for many years to come.  We may still be counting the dead in 10 or 15 years.  Those are very unstable countries and we have no exit strategy that will work, other than the Vietnam strategy of just walking away.  Unfortunately, every president may mean well when he promises a withdrawal, but as soon as he is elected, that withdrawal becomes a “ramp-up” in troop strength.    

In summary, I will just say that there are many things going on in this world that are much more important than my own personal interest (selling quality motorcycle covers), but we all tend to focus on our small world.  However, with the internet, we can all expand our world and know almost instantly (no waiting for update at 6:00) exactly what is going on almost anywhere in the world.  I believe most of us realize what a great thing this is and will continue to use this tool (much as the hammer has been used) for years and generations to come.

We Have Motorcycle Covers for Motorcycle Lovers.

When do you need Motorcycle Covers?

If your home does not have an enclosed Garage, you definitely need a premium waterproof motorcycle cover. Be sure to get a cover that is not only waterproof, but breathable and fleece lined to protect your cycle’s finish. As with most things, you can go the cheap route and get a cover that will just protect from dust and grime or get a really supreme cover with all the necessary features to fully protect your motorcycle.

If your Motorcycle is exposed to the elements while at home, a motorcycle cover can be a tremendous asset for you. These days motorcycle covers are UV treated for sun protection and made of waterproof, yet breathable fabrics. Even when storing your cycle in an enclosed building, be sure to get a cover that will protect your cycle’s finish from the dust and dirt that accumulates in those areas, too.

If you must store your motorcycle cover for the winter, again, you need to consider a top- of- the- line 4 layer motorcycle cover. In this situation, you also need covers that have elasticized seams, with straps and a tie-down buckle so they can easily be tied down for protection from those high winter winds. Get a cover with these features when maximum protection is required. It only makes sense to protect your expensive motorcycle finish from the ravages of winter.

When you consider going on a touring and/or camping trip, remember that bike covers come with a convenient storage pouch so you can take them along to protect your bike at night. The covers can be easily and conveniently used and transported for anytime that you may be away from home.

Hey! If you are into going to the 70th anniversary Sturgis road rally just for the fun of the ride or to see Kid Rock perform, you will need a deluxe cover to protect your bike when you’re not riding it. Get a cover with UV protection for those hot August days in South Dakota. You can really have some fun mixing in with the 400,000 to 600,000 other cycle riders, so have some peace of mind while you are doing it with a premium cover to protect your wonderful bike.

If you happen to have a scooter that you must store outside, get a great scooter cover made of a nylon 4 layer waterproof fabric. The cover needed is waterproof, yet breathable and naturally resist rot and mildew. You need to be sure to get a really good cover, if you want your bike to look good all year long.

Motorcycle Covers for Any Time

As spring is upon us, we tend to get ready for those fantastic rides in the mountains on our wonderful motorcycles.  Although the “Tail of the Dragon” with its 318 curves in 11 miles may be out for this year, there are still many beautiful and challenging places to ride. When we go out to get that bike ready for the ride by pulling off the old motorcycle cover, it is typically the time that we find that the cover has not withstood the rigors of the previous winter.

Water Proof Motorcycle Covers

Now is the time to perhaps buy a cover that will just protect your motorcycle from dust and grime, if you typically store it in your garage or on your carport.  These can still be premium UV treated fabrics, but will not be waterproof motorcycle covers.
 
As we think about the April showers however, it may be prudent to buy a top-of-the-line waterproof motorcycle cover.  This is especially true if you plan to store your motorcycle outside.  You will need a motorcycle cover that is UV treated for protection from the sun as well as waterproof to protect against those heavy showers.

Again, as summer approaches, we must think about all of those long hot days that our motorcycle may be sitting outside.  This is another time that one must think about both UV protection and protection from those harsh summer thunderstorms.  Let’s don’t forget about the winds that can be kicked up by those thunderstorms, either.  You will definitely want a cover that has elastic hems and a tie down strap to further help keep out the water.  It would be wise to buy a cover that has seams that are ultrasonically welded to ensure the cover doesn’t leak.  Also, be sure to buy a cover that, while it is a waterproof motorcycle cover, it is also breathable.  This means that it will naturally resist rot and mildew.  Remember, you will need a cover that is UV treated to protect against fading and heat buildup under the motorcycle cover.

As fall and winter approaches, it is a time to think that unfortunately, there may not be too many more beautiful riding days left.  Perhaps, it is time to think about a road trip, perhaps even a two-day meet.  Be sure to take along a motorcycle cover on those trips. Many covers are lightweight enough to carry in your saddlebags and most come with a handy storage bag to reduce the bulk of the cover for you.  Although, you may be planning to ride most of the time, it is a good idea to cover that bike at night to protect against the natural weather elements, as well as the human elements.

Secure Harley Motorcycle Cover
Most thieves like to see what they are getting before they take a huge risk.  So if you have your bike covered, the odds are better that they won’t be willing to take the extra time.

So, remember that there are many times and various reasons that you will need a motorcycle cover.  As with most things, it is basically true here too that you get what you pay for.  So, get the best cover that you can afford, or that you think you need!