Custom Bike Safety

Riding a motorcycle is a way of life. Having a custom bike is just another proud part of the biker tradition. Having a unique bike can also mean taking risks. If your motorcycle has been modified or altered from factory standards, it's important to make sure that you follow the correct guidelines for motorcycle safety.

Customizing Your Own Bike?

Have it Checked by a Professional If you are altering your bike in any way on your own, you should always have a professional check it before heading out on the road. Adding tailpipes and elements to your bike can shift its center of balance, making it dangerous when combined with other bad road conditions.

Similarly, stripping down a bike and rebuilding it can remove important parts of the bike that would have otherwise provided safety.

Have it Checked by a Professional.

If you decide to have a custom bike built – or your current one modified – by someone else, make sure you do your research:

• Look online for customer reviews.
• Ask around for local professionals recommended via word of mouth.
• Choose a professional with credentials and/or who's been in the business for many years.
• Learn what customizing the bike would entail, and find out about any safety issues associated with it.
• Inquire about warranties and service checks.

Having a custom bike can be an enjoyable part of the biker way of life. Just make sure you know as much as possible before you do anything that could cause injuries to you or your passengers, along with your ride.

For more information on bike safety tips, you can visit EdgarSnyder.com.

Think you have a hot bike? Be sure to check out our Facebook fan page and "like" us to enter the Hot Bike Contest. Upload a photo of your motorcycle and vote on your favorites. When you submit a photo, you'll be entered to win a Flip™ Video Camera!