The Best Motorcycles for Beginning Riders

As most things in life, there is more than likely many differing opinions on which make or model is the best motorcycle for a beginner.  While riding a motorcycle can be a great adventure, it does require a certain skill to help keep you safe and that is best achieved by starting out with the proper bike.  Size is an important element as you must be able to easily maneuver and manage the motorcycle. 

The general consensus seems to be that a 250cc is a good, all-round choice for a first-time rider as it light-weight and easy to maneuver and balance.  The 250 will give you the chance to learn to shift properly and handle going into turns.  You can find a 250cc in cruisers or sportbikes as well as a good choice of standards and supermotos. 

Before you buy a motorcycle, check with your state to find out the licensing requirements for driving a bike and look into taking a safety training program.  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourse website has information on their training courses available in your area.  Their training has classroom activities to improve perception and time spent on practicing basic riding skills.  Tim Buche, president of MSF states that, “People who have never touched a motorcycle have the basic skills by the end of the weekend."    

It may be a good idea to start out by getting a used bike as it provides the chance to learn to become an experienced rider, and when or if you are ever ready, you can easily trade up for a bigger, more powerful bike.   Furthermore, please do not forget that you will need all of the proper safety gear.

* http://www.msf-usa.org/

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  Our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it." You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Do Deluxe Windshield Wipers Work Any Better?

Have you ever wondered if those expensive windshield wipers work any better than the cheap models?  For those of us that live in climates that experience heavy rain, sleet, ice, and snow, good windshield wipers are essential and we need them to work well.  Even for those cars that live in warmer climates, the sun and heat can take a toll on that thin piece of rubber that is on the blade.  

A sure sign that your blades are wearing out is if the windshield starts to get streaky or blurred when using the wipers.  Experts recommend changing wiper blades every six to twelve months, but how long the wiper blades really last probably depends on what type of material the blades are made out of.   

Originally, wiper blades were all made from organic rubber and many are still made that way today.  They have the shortest lifespan with the tendency to break down in the hot sun and freezing temperatures.  There is a halogen-hardened rubber blade that lasts longer than the ordinary rubber ones.  The most expensive and longest lasting wiper blades (although there is some debate on that) are made out of silicone.  These blades leave a light silicone residue on the windshield, which helps to keep it clean.  Recently a new beam style blade was introduced that is now standard equipment on many new cars.  It is engineered for highly curved windshields and is more aerodynamic with less wind-lift.

It has been difficult for consumer groups to fully test the performance of windshield wipers as the process needs to be done over a fairly long period and the blades need to face varying weather conditions.  Also since many manufacturers frequently change designs and rubber formulations of their wipers, it contributes to the fact that it is hard to determine if one make and model is actually better than another. 

Please check out our blog to keep you up-to-date with all the news and happenings at The Car Show as well as with any significant news from the industry. If you need help with financing we can do that too.  Or better yet, stop by and browse our inventory of the finest selection of Colorado Springs' used cars and trucks.