What to Look For
Power and Style in a V8 Bike
For true motorcycle enthusiasts, V8 powered bikes represent the ultimate combination of style, comfort and performance. First manufactured for racing, the V8 engine eventually found its way into several street legal bikes that are typically best for touring. Although more fuel efficient than any V8 powered pick up truck or car, a V8 bike is obviously going to consume more fuel-and deliver a much more exhilarating ride-than bikes with less powerful engines. Some of the most lusted after V8 bikes on the planet are manufactured by Boss Hoss, BMW and Harley Davidson and purchased by power hungry bikers all around the world.
The Boss Hoss and its V8 power were first introduced in the 1990's and are now considered a benchmark for current V8 bikes. Although the idea of a car engine being welded to a motorcycle frame sounds rather crude, as advancements were made in technology and engineering, the resulting V8 bikes became a road warrior's idea of a heavenly ride. V8 powered bikes are built larger and heavier to accommodate the huge engine and are definitely not recommended for new riders still practicing balance.
Features of V8 Bikes
Most V8 bikes are as outrageously wild to look at as they are enjoyable to take out on the open road for a long ride. Most include extra features not found on smaller bikes like windshields and large, detailed side view mirrors. But the most enjoyable feature of V8 bikes for most motorcyclists is the comfortable ride they deliver. The larger the engine, the larger the frame and therefore V8 bikes make excellent touring bikes and are really the only motorcycles that comfortably accommodate a passenger on long trips. However, smaller engines and frames tend to be the features of more agile and responsive motorcycles, as the extra weight and size required for V8 powered bikes tend to hinder their ability to respond rapidly in the event of a highway emergency situation, even though the brakes are as large in size as everything else on a V8 bike.
BMW has an impressive lineup of award winning V8 bikes that are stylish, inspire confidence and are luxuriously appointed. Harley Davidson also makes an outstanding, chrome filled array of V8 powered bikes that appeal to a niche, almost cult-like market of bikers that typically spend more time on their bike than anywhere else-closely followed by the amount of time spent polishing it.
A V8 bike responds to the insatiable desire to ride with the wind in your hair and experience the freedom on the open road that only bikers truly know. However, one must be mindful of weather conditions that might make riding less of a joy and more of a hassle. The majority of serious bikers prepare for inclement weather conditions by being ready to postpone a ride if necessary and bringing along appropriate weather related motorcycle gear. Most V8 bikes are equipped with innovative cargo carriers that enable you safely stow your belongings, but carrying more than what is essential can affects the weight of the bike and therefore, the effectiveness of any safety features.
Safety and V8 Bikes
Safety features are important for any size bike and should not be ignored. Many V8 bikes come with standard equipment to help ensure operator and passenger safety, such as headlight and tail light modulators and tire pressure monitors. Of course, the best way to ride safely is to drive safely, and driving a V8 bike is very different from operating a motorcycle with a smaller engine. In addition to attending a rider education class, obeying the rules of the road and properly insuring your V8 bike, wearing the appropriate safety gear is essential to the safety of the driver and passengers. Although helmets are not required by all states, they are highly recommended for all riders. Appropriate footwear is also essential and can be purchased at a discount from many online after market motorcycle parts dealers as well as specialty motorcycle clothing stores. Although it is tempting to ride a V8 bike in just a T-shirt and jeans on a hot summer day, it is also recommended to cover the skin which will provide some protection between the hard pavement and road debris and your skin in the event of an accident.
There are many on line materials as well as printed materials that provide motorcycle information and advice. Riding a V8 bike can be a very rewarding experience and nothing beats the panoramic view. It is also important to remember that in order to get the most enjoyment out of your V8 bike you will need to adhere to proper and regular engine maintenance guidelines, perhaps even more so than you might for some other types of vehicles. Keep your bike in top shape and it will serve you well for many miles and many years to come.
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