The 10 Best Ever Motorcycle Movies (According to HaulBikes’ Fans)

It may be summer, but you’re going to need a little downtime sometime. So for those few days you’re not riding, why not indulge in some of the best motorcycle movies ever made? Have you seen them all? Here’s the top 10, according to our Facebook fans:

 10. Mad Max. (1979) An Australian dystopic action film, starring the not-yet-famous Mel Gibson. Motorcycle gangs have taken over, so Mad Max is put on the job.

 9. On Any Sunday (1971) A documentary following the lives of motorcycle racers and enthusiasts, showcasing the unique talents needed for each kind of racing.

 8. Hell’s Angels ’69 (1969) Two brothers have a plan to rob Caesar’s Palace – and they do it by joining a Hell’s Angel’s gang.

 7. The Born Losers (1967). Veteran Billy Jack takes on the vicious Born Losers motorcycle gang.

6. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Among the many pleasures of this movie are Batman and Catwoman on some seriously tricked-out bikes.

 5. Electra Glide in Blue (1973) Starring Robert Blake as a motorcycle cop and Billy “Green” Bush as his partner. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles were often issued to traffic cops.

 4. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005) The life story of New Zealander Burt Munro, who spent years building a 1920 Indian motorcycle, which helped him set the land-speed world record at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.

3. Terminator II (1991) Arnold was made to play a robotic assassin from the future. By the way, “I need your clothes, your boots and your mote-ah-cycle.”

 2. The Great Escape (1963) Allied POWs plan a huge escape from a German camp during World War II.

 1. Easy Rider (1969) The clear winner was the flick that has inspired generations of riders, where Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda road trip to find America.

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Got a Rig? Love motorcycles? You should drive for HaulBikes, one of the best truck driving jobs in the world. 

Join the Club | Motorcycle Shipping for Motorcycle Clubs

Maybe it’s the roar of 100 – or 1000 engines on the road together, or maybe it’s the fun of seeing people you know week after week, but being part of a motorcycle club is, for many, a vital part of the motorcycle lifestyle experience. If you’re not in one, or you’re just looking to expand your social circles, here are a few ways to get started.

TV and movies like to make motorcycle gangs seem scary and criminal, and no doubt there are a few bad apples out there. But 99% of motorcycle groups are committed to good clean fun. That being said, if your club of choice sports 1% patches, we sincerely hope you have a fast bike and a good lawyer.

Brand Clubs. This may be the easiest place to start – whether it’s the legendary HOG (Harley Owner’s Group),  Triumph or BMW, these big brands have chapters all over the world. Check your brand’s website for details on when and where to meet up with other riders who share your passion for your make and model. Your local dealer may also sponsor events and get-togethers with others who ride your ride.

Vintage Clubs.  If your brand club doesn’t appreciate the joys and challenges of riding and maintaining a vintage bike, check out the Antique Motorcycle Club of America  or the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. These clubs have events and online forums where you can get and give advice about your piece of history.

Social Causes. There are also clubs that rally around specific causes. While it’s not unusual for a local club to sponsor a ride for charity, there are also clubs that are dedicated to donations, such as Steel Thunder, the Blue Knights (law enforcement)  and Warrior Bikers 4 Charity.

Special Interest. You can also ride with like-minded women in the Women in the Wind MC, keep it safe and sober with the Association of Recovering Motorcyclists,  provide escorts for fallen veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders, or even spread the word of God with Bikers for Christ.

With all these options, there’s no reason you can’t find a club who’ll have you as a member. And if you ever want to get all your new friends together and ship a truckload of bikes to that big national rally, you know who to call for motorcycle shipping for motorcycle clubs. We even have special motorcycle shipping discounts when you book a whole truckload!

What’s on Your Biker Bucket List?

We’re wrapping up riding season here in Milwaukee, which means only one thing: planning our next trip.  So we started wondering about the most outrageous motorcycle trips we could possibly take and came up with a list of five, once-in-a-lifetime, completely outrageous adventures.

A few of these are international, where we don’t ship motorcycles – but this is dream time, right?

1. Route 66, start to finish.  Starting in Chicago and ending in LA, Route 66 is 2400 miles of classic roads, restaurants, gas stations, and nostalgic landmarks are preserved just as they were in the 1950s.  Our bucket list gives us a month to enjoy it – but if your time is short, two weeks is enough for a one-way trip. More info at  The National Historic Route 66 Association.
2. Centopassi, race through the Italian Alps. This one week, 1600 mile event is geared towards expert riders (Ducati  optional). Test your skill and precision in the competition category, or enjoy the spectacular scenery as an Iron Biker. Find out more at www.centopassi.com.
3. Isle of Man TT. For years, this was the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. These extremely dangerous races feature  high speeds on very narrow, twisting streets, roads and lanes flanked by stone walls and even buildings. Of course, you can always go as a spectator if the 239 deaths (since 1907) on the  Snaeffel Mountain Course have you a little spooked. Start your planning at www.iomtt.com
4. I f you want something shorter and slightly less deadly, every bucket list should include the 50 miles of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. Click here for a sneak peek at what you can expect. Watch out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and pull over at the Jackson Glacier Overlook to take in the most spectacular scenery in the park.
5. Chile and Machu Pichu. How about an amazing adventure though spectacular ocean scenery, ancient civilizations, precarious border crossings and Andes mountain roads.  We think this one is probably best navigated with an experienced tour operator.

That’s just a start! How about you? What’s on your bucket list for motorcycle travel?

Buying a motorcycle on eBay: Tips for not getting burned

If you’ve ever considered bidding for a bike on eBay, you may have wondered how you could take advantage of a great out-of-state bargain without getting scammed in the process. There are plenty of horror stories out there, but with a little planning and common sense, you may just find yourself in possession of the bike of your dreams, even if it’s from a seller 1000 miles away.

Use common sense. Just picture your Dad looking over your shoulder saying “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” PLEASE don’t fall for the “I’ll send you a cashier’s check for over the amount, you keep the rest” scam.

Get an inspection. If you’re serious, find a nearby dealer or mechanic and have the seller get the bike inspected. You’ll have to pay the fee, but an unbiased opinion may save you a ton of heartache (and cash) in the end.

Check the seller’s feedback. Make sure your seller has a lot of successful transactions under their belt. A seller’s reputation is their most valuable sales tool, and their feedback rating gives you a good feel for their integrity.

Get lots of pictures. Don’t hesitate to ask for more, different angles, or even a video of the bike starting up.

Know what you’re bidding on. With so much information at your fingertips, there’s no excuse for not knowing the ballpark value of a bike. Check Kelley Blue Book for estimates of what a bike is worth according to condition, mileage, and geographic location.

Protect yourself and the seller by using escrow. EBay’s “official” escrow provider is escrow.com. When you use Escrow.com, they collect the money from the buyer and hold it until the buyer and seller agree that the terms of the sale have been met. Escrow services are available for a small fee for purchases over $500. If your seller refuses to use escrow services, keep in mind that you’re taking your chances!

If you’re wondering about shipping charges, you can get real-time motorcycle shipping quotes as you’re making your purchase. HaulBikes is a preferred eBay motorcycle shipping provider, so of course we hope you’ll choose us!

Storing your motorcycle for winter?

For those that live in cold climates, that means your motorcycle will hibernate for the winter. If there is no motorcycle off-season where you live, then you will likely scan this article, chuckle, and then go for a ride while the rest of us are doing a bit of work in order to NOT ride our motorcycles. Or even better — you’re planning on shipping your motorcycle to some great, warm-weather rally!

Consider this checklist a gentle reminder of the basics of winter storage. Remember, proper winterization will greatly increase the chances your bike will start right up in the spring. So, before you tuck your baby away for its long, winter sleep:

• Find a good place to store it – ideally a dry, heated place with a breathable. motorcycle cover to prevent moisture from being trapped underneath.
• Change the oil – afterwards run the engine for a bit to circulate the new oil.
• Lubricate any moving parts – the chain, all cables, and all pivoting parts (foot peg joints, etc).
• Remove the battery – after removal, it should be stored in a warm, dry place.
• Clean and wax – thoroughly remove built up grease, tar, bugs, etc. that have accumulated from the riding season. Wax the tank to create a nice protective barrier. A protecting moisturizer on the tires will help prevent dry-out.
• Fill the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer – this will prevent the gas from going bad.
• Check the tire pressure – inflate them to the proper level if need be.
• Drain the carburetor – if this applies to your bike.

Top 5 Tips for Fall Motorcycle Riding

Shorter days, longer shadows, cooler temperatures…..it’s autumn.  Fall offers some great reasons to get out and ride:

It’s a great time to check out the scenery – Fall provides an amazing palette with the turning leaves. Some of the best roads to ride are often in areas where there are a lot of hills and trees that are the perfect canvas for autumn colors. Nature’s artwork is often best viewed from a motorcycle.

You can take advantage of the cooler temperatures – Cool, crisp air is very refreshing this time of year.  Riding temperatures can be so much more comfortable than in the summer heat.  There is something about the smell of the falling leaves that makes it so inviting to be outdoors.

You can truly justify wearing leather – Leather looks cool. And milder temperatures make it much more comfortable to wear.  So strap on the chaps, pull on the leather gloves, and don your toughest-looking leather jacket.  You’ll be comfortable and look sharp.  And of course, not to mention the added safety benefits of wearing leather.

You can grab a a last chance to ride – For those that live in parts of the country that don’t get to experience warm climates all year round, fall is the last chance for riding before it’s time for the bike to hibernate for the long winter. All those roads you still want to hit, all those buddies you still want to do a ride with……..do it now.  It could be snowing soon.

5 Tips for Fall Riding:

1. Check the weather forecast – the weather can turn quickly this time of year, so be prepared and pack the rain gear
2. Appropriate clothing – to stay warm and comfortable you may need gloves and a jacket
3. Watch for wet leaves – wet leaves are slippery so be cautious of the road conditions
4. Deer can be more active in the autumn – always be on the lookout for wildlife
5. Check out our website for a listing of upcoming fall rides – see our motorcycle rally events page

Where are you heading to this fall?

Biker Friendly Eateries: Top 10 Restaurants to Check out with your Ride

So, you’re out enjoying a motorcycle ride, and hunger strikes!  Here at HaulBikes, we asked around, did some research (while getting hungry in the process), and even had the pleasure of visiting a few of these places.  Hey, our drivers get to see a good share of this fine country. The result is a list of 10 restaurants you should check out while on a ride. These places are motorcycle-friendly, motorcycle-inspired, and just plain motorcycle fun!

1.    Stinkers BBQ at The Shed/Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson, Maryville, TN – Stinker’s serves up delicious BBQ at The Shed, an outdoor pavilion located at the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson.  They are known for their ribs and also serve up “shack packs”, perfect for taking with you when headed back on the road.  Also worth checking out, the lineup of live music concerts held at The Shed.

2.    Biker Jim’s, Denver, CO – Once only hot dog stands but now also a restaurant, what makes Biker Jim’s motorcycle friendly is that, well, Jim’s a biker.  Biker Jim’s is known for friendly service and extremely delicious hot dogs of various exotic meats (reindeer, yak, and elk to name a few).  Standouts on their menu include a rattlesnake and pheasant dog, southwest buffalo dog, and an Alaskan reindeer dog along with sides of fried green tomatoes or perhaps fried mac n cheese.

3.    The Pig Stand, Ormond Beach, FL – Situated off I-95, the Pig Stand provides a perfect location for a quick, outdoor BBQ meal.  The wafting smell of BBQ just may be enough to lure your motorcycle in for a pit stop. Another bonus, it’s right by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, home of the largest Harley Davidson dealership.

4.    Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill at Brandon Harley Davidson, Tampa, FL – Enjoy open air dining on the water at this BBQ joint. Located inside Brandon Harley Davidson, this restaurant offers live music, monthly bike nights, and smoked hog wings? That’s right, hog wings -  pork shank that’s been smoked for 6 hours in hickory wood.  Tender, BBQ deliciousness.

5.    City Limits Cafe, Waterbury, CT – In addition to food, this biker owned bar and restaurant offers  an outdoor pavilion, where you can gather around a campfire, enjoy a meal, and listen to live music. Bike nights are held every Wednesday.

6.    Wild Hogs Roadhouse, Miamisburg, OH – Ohio’s largest biker bar and restaurant caters to the Harley Davidson crowd but welcomes everyone. Their menu offers chicken, pizza, burgers, and wings and hosts F(ride)day bike nights.

7.    Poppa Wheelie Restaurant in Mexico, MO – Named after the owner’s nickname, Poppa Wheelies specialty is Friday night prime rib and the Poppa Burger, consisting of three pounds of meat! Finish it in under an hour and it’s free.  The sight of Harley’s in the parking lot of this small roadhouse will make this restaurant inviting to bikers looking for a sandwich and a beverage.

8.    Mountain House Restaurant, McConnellsburg, PA – With a great view of the mountains and a parking lot full of motorcycles that often numbers in the hundreds, this restaurant also offers live music.

9.    Rock Store, Cornell, CA – Motorcycle destination of the stars! The location of the Rock Store draws motorcyclists because of the windy roads and beautiful landscapes.  The Rock Store is perhaps one of the most famous places to stop on your bike for lunch.  Celebrities such as Jay Leno and Tommy Lee are known to frequent this establishment.  If you are in for interesting motorcycle gawking, celebrity sightings, and a picturesque ride into this place, then this will be the perfect destination to pick up breakfast or a BBQ lunch.

10.    We saved our local favorites here in the Milwaukee area for last. Try out Motor Bar and Restaurant in the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on Thursdays for their Bike Night and then get some Friday fish fry at Stolley’s Hogg Alley in Oconomowoc.

Motor Bar and Restaurant in the Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI – What better place to catch a meal after a ride on your motorcycle than the mecca for all Harley Davidson fans, Milwaukee, WI.  The restaurant at the Harley Davidson Museum, aptly called Motor, offers American cuisine and Wisconsin classics such as fish fry, sausage, and cheese. Communal tables in this restaurant are perfect for chatting it up with fellow Harley-Davidson fans.

Stolley’s Hogg Alley, Oconomowoc, WI – Hogg Alley is one of our favorites. You can ride around the lake country and then stop by for the fry. We think they have other food besides fish fry, but we’re personally focused on the “fry.” From blue gills to cod, we’ve tried it all. With the fantastic food, bar and great customer service, we have to agree with their slogan, “You don’t have to be a biker to have fun here.”

Tips for riding on the back of a motorcycle

Don’t have your own motorcycle quite yet or prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? Here are some tips on riding 2 up.

Wait to get on and off the motorcycle. Waiting until the driver has a firm standing on the ground will prevent tipping.

Lean with the motorcycle. It’s so natural to want to counteract the turn by leaning the other way, but leaning with the bike will keep it upright.

Let the operator do the driving. It can be tough not to be a back-seat driver, especially if you often ride yourself, however putting faith in the driver is going to be the safest route. It’s important to remember that his view will be much different from yours and it’s his job to be one with the motorcycle.

Do not make any unnecessary noises or movements. Wanting to point out things along the way is a great part of the trip, however, it’s very easy to startle and distract the driver from the road. If possible, wait for a stopping point or come up with a code for communicating.

Don’t ride with an impaired operator. If the rider won’t let you drive, it’s best to find an alternate ride home or convince him to break for the night.

Don’t fall asleep. It’s tempting to be lulled into dreamland, but you will become dead weight which will make the bike unstable, and of course there’s the risk of falling off!

Have any other good tips?

Source: http://www.her-motorcycle.com

Top 10 Reasons to Drive Your Motorcycle Instead of Your Car

Spring is on the way, so it’s time to pull out the vehicle of choice. Here are some reminders why to choose your motorcycle:

1. Motorcycles consume 55% less fuel per mile than cars.
2. Since a lot of businesses have designated parking spots for motorcycles closer to the building and it’s a lot easier to squeak in smaller spaces, you’re in the door quicker.
3. It’s a way to enjoy the ride; not just do the commute.
4. Since motorcycles are better for the environment than cars, you can give a little back to Mother Nature.
5. You get to be a part of Mother Nature. Nothing like feeling that spring and summer weather up close and personal.
6. In many states, motorcycles are allowed in carpooling lanes and in some states, they are allowed to ride between lanes. Who doesn’t want to get there faster?
7. Motorcycles can be a less expensive option and a much cooler one.
8. It’s a way to get noticed. Meet some new friends or hey, maybe catch a girl’s eye.
9. With the twisting and turning, you’re actually working out some muscles while you drive.
10. It makes you pay attention more. Your bike keeps you from zoning out, using your phone and all of those other distractions that people have in their car.

I’m sure there are other great reasons. Help us add to the list. Why do you ride your motorcycle?

Top 10 Things to Do Before You Get Your Bike out of Storage

Ready to get your bike out and running again? For us in the winter weather, the time is almost near – at least that’s what the groundhog said. Before you get your bike on the road, here are some things to do when you pull it out of winter storage.

1. Check the fuel. Open up the gas cap and see if your fuel is clean. If not, it’s time to drain it and start over. If you used fuel stabilizer before you stored it, it should be in good order, but it’s worth making sure.

2. Check the fluids. If you didn’t change the oil before you stored her, now’s the time to do it. Also glance at your clutch, brake, and coolant levels . Coolant breaks up over time too and needs to be replaced just like the brake fluid.

3. Look at the hoses. Those pesky critters like to chew on these prime gems. You want to make sure there are no unwanted leaks.

4. Tighten the nuts and bolts. It doesn’t hurt to get in there with a wrench and make sure everything is tight.

5. Charge the battery. Did you have your battery hooked up over the winter? Make sure it is still holding a charge and not showing any signs of corrosion. Also check connections to see if they are secure.

6. Examine the tires. If you weren’t able to keep the weight off the tires, you definitely want to confirm nothing is uneven. Of course, it’s always good to check the tire pressure too.

7. Inspect the brake pads. Is there break lining left on them?  Have you serviced them lately? Both good things to get taken care of at this point.

8. Change the air filter. If you haven’t done this in a while, this is a good time to add it to the list.

9. Test the controls. Move the handlebars, hit the brakes, and make sure everything is moving smoothly. This is also when you want to see if all lights are shining.

10. Warm up the engine. It’s been sitting for a while, so it should idle for a while too.

Now you need to get the winter dust and dirt off the baby and then it should be all ready to ride. Thank goodness riding season is near.

Anything else we should remember? We appreciate your tips.