Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Haul Bikes Ships to Daytona Bike Week


As its name suggests, Haul Bikes is a company engaged primarily in the business of shipping motorcycles. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based delivery company has been in operation since 1988. Many motorcycle rally attendees have come to rely on Haul Bikes to ship their bikes to annual bike rallies. Haul Bikes provides shipping services to one of the largest bike rallies in the world, Daytona Bike Week. 

In 2016, Daytona Bike Week celebrated its 75th annual bike rally. Held each year in mid-March, the rally welcomes hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists to Daytona Beach and its neighboring beach communities. The 10-day festival energizes Daytona Beach’s Main Street strip as restaurants, bars, and retail establishments provide entertainment to welcome the crowds.

Vendors and sponsors also offer events throughout the week. Motorcycle enthusiasts and Bike Week attendees can participate in bike swap meets; compete in motorcycle races; judge vintage motorcycle shows, where awards are given in several categories; and enjoy the Annual WingHouse Bike Week Bikini Pageant, where women compete to win the coveted Miss Bike Week title.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Factors to Consider in Choosing Motorcycle Rain Gear


For motorcycle owners around the country, Haul Bikes provides a convenient shipping service for their rides. Besides securing and safeguarding motorcycles during transport, Haul Bikes aims to make the process affordable and hassle-free for customers so that they can get back to riding.

To get the most enjoyment out of a motorcycle, you need to have the right gear. This includes gear designed for various types of weather conditions, including the rain. When choosing rain gear, opt for a fit loose enough that you can pull it on easily over your regular riding gear. This way, you get protection from the rain as quickly as possible when it hits. 

For a rain jacket, check that the sleeves cover your wrists when you hold the handlebars. You should also look for adjustable closures on the wrists and the waist, important features for keeping moisture out. A rain jacket should have at least a high collar for protection. Many jackets have a hood designed to go under a helmet, a feature that provides better weather protection.

Similarly, pants for the rain should cover the ankles when you are riding so that water does not enter. They should also have a special coating or panel over the seat that is designed to prevent you from sliding off the motorcycle seat in wet conditions. 

Finally, consider the material of the rain gear and the degree of waterproofing it provides. Seams should be sealed or taped so that water does not enter where pieces of fabric come together, and the item should contain reflective strips or fluorescent colors so that you can easily be seen by others on the road in inclement weather.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Brake System Spring Maintenance


Haul Bikes’ shipping offerings make it easy for motorcyclists to enjoy trips around the country. By taking careful measures to ensure motorcycles arrive in good condition, Haul Bikes takes hassle and worry out cross-country motorcycle transport.

A motorcycle requires maintenance before riding, especially if it has been sitting for a while, such as during the colder months. A key maintenance factor to consider in this situation is the condition of the brake fluid, which many people might overlook.

Over time, brake fluid in a bike will absorb water from the air, and the brakes themselves might seize up. These conditions can result in the brakes feeling spongy. At the very least, you should take a look at the brake fluid levels and add the correct brake fluid for the bike if need be before riding. You should also check the brake discs and remove and corrosion from them, as well as remove protective fluid you might have applied before putting the bike in storage. 

However, to be safe and to help ensure the motorcycle is in good condition, you might flush the braking system with fresh fluid. The brake pads might require replacing as well. With this type of ongoing maintenance, you can extend your motorcycle’s life.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Tips on Shipping Your Motorcycle


You’re in Indiana and you just got a new job in California. You’ve packed up your house, loaded up the kids and are ready to head across the country. But how are you getting your prized 1959 Triumph T120 Bonneville to the West Coast? Haul Bikes knows that transporting your prize is a big job. A 20-year veteran in the motorcycle-transport business, Haul Bikes has developed a unique system to ensure your ride arrives at your door in pristine condition. Here are a couple of tips to help you along the way.

While you don’t have to drain the gas tank or other fluids, it’s important to store extra parts inside saddlebags, tour packs, or trunks. Inspect your vehicle and make a note of any blemishes prior to shipping and again upon arrival. Remember where you put your keys, Haul Bikes won’t need them to transport your bike, but you certainly will need them when you get it back again!                            

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Getting Your Motorcycle Ready for Summer


Haul Bikes, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides motorcycle shipping services for individuals and businesses throughout the country. Transporting motorcycles since 1988, Haul Bikes uses a specialty shipping system to protect bikes from damage or wear.

If you’ve had your motorcycle stored away for the winter, or just sitting idle at the side of the house, there are steps you’ll want to take to get it into proper driving shape. First, clean out the fuel system. Part of the gas mixture can evaporate if a bike sits idle for several months, leaving behind varnish that can clog the system. Get rid of any remaining gas, and clean out the residue before refueling.

The second biggest problem for bikes that have been sitting idle for a while is a dead battery. The American Motorcyclist Association recommends adding distilled water to cells that may need it, and then putting the battery on a trickle charger. Use a hydrometer to determine when the battery is ready. Before you head out, also be sure to check your tires, brakes and brake fluid, and air filter, and oil up the chain.