April is when many motorcyclists begin their riding season. April is also Helmet Safety month, and a good time for every rider to ensure they’re properly protected with a few vital inspections. These 5 tips will help you save your life with your Motorcycle Helmet.

1. Fit is Very Important
   

A helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A well-fitting open face helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze too tightly, wear a helmet for 20 minutes before making a final buying decision.

2. Helmets Do Not Last Forever

Over time, exposure to heat and the aging of adhesives and components will damage a helmet’s protective qualities. That’s why manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend that helmets be replaced every 2 to 4 years, depending on use. Every new helmet comes with a manufactured date sticker that is placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

3. Keep it Clean

A clean and well-cared-for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings. Consult the manufacturers recommended care instructions before cleaning.

4. One Drop is All it Takes
   

A helmet is designed for only one impact. Even a small impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner despite no visible damage. If a helmet has been dropped or suffers an impact, it should be replaced immediately. You do not want to test your luck in an accident.

5. You Should Ask Questions?
   

Riders can learn more about helmet fit and care with the help of a helmet dealer. Most Motorcycle Helmet dealers carry a wide range of helmet styles, including half-, three-quarter, full-face and modular designs.

Spring has sprung and riding weather is here, its best to be prepared. Here are a few things you should consider before hitting the highways.

1. Make sure your motorcycle jacket and motorcycle chaps still fit. (Have you gained or lost weight?)

2. Check your boots. (Are the soles wearing thin, Laces in good shape?)

3. Check your gloves. (Do you have both of your gloves?,The weather still gets chilly in the spring.)

4. Make sure your motorcycle helmet is still safe. (Most only last 2 years.)

5. Pack a rain suit. (April showers bring May flowers.)

6. Don’t forget a leather vest, do-rag, and a face mask come in very handy.

Once you go through this list you should be good to go. Now hit the road and feel the wind in your face doing your favorite thing, riding.

Chippewa’s Durability Collection.

This new line from Chippewa boots is made in the USA and encompasses the true spirit of America – Strength. Durability is made with quality materials such as Thinsulate insulation, Vibram soles and Cambrelle linings. It also possesses the same superior craftsmanship that goes into every pair of Chippewa boots. So experience for yourself the reliability, strength and pride that makes up “Durability by Chippewa.”

The following are instructions for cleaning leather Cowboy boots: Before cleaning leather, determine whether the leather is finished – like luggage, furniture and garments – or unfinished – like baseball gloves, work boots and saddles. Then follow the instructions below to keep your leather looking fabulous.

Do not use these steps for Suede leather. Suede leather should be brushed out with a bristle brush.

Finished Leather

Step1

Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.

Step2

Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.

Step3

Wipe away lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don’t rinse the leather in water.

Step4

Polish leather with a dry towel.

Step5

Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.

Unfinished Leather

Step1

Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather.

Step2

Wipe away lather and allow to air dry.

Step3

Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil.

Warning:Consider seeking professional assistance on leather garments like coats, as improper cleaning might damage the leather.

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Whether you own a motorcycle or just want to look like you do, the clothes you wear can make or break you. The true freedom that comes with riding requires a little preparation besides the bike. Most dealerships also sell riding apparel, but there are less expensive options.

The classic leather motorcycle jacket is the first safety item that comes to mind. It is the trademark black leather jacket that is worn not only for attitude, but to protect the rider from the elements. It is important to get a jacket that fits. Leather sizing is not always the same as regular street clothes sizing. Also remember that leather will stretch a little and mold to your body shape with frequent wearing. This does not mean that you should buy a size smaller as leather only gives in areas that it needs to. If you can’t afford a leather jacket, a leather vest, or denim vest may be a good substitute.

Leather motorcycle chaps are also important for the rugged biker look. Buying leather chaps at the same time as the jacket will help ensure that the color and hide matches if that is important to you. There are several different styles available ranging from basic leather chaps to leather chaps with a snap out liner. There are also some less expensive and lighter weight options like denim chaps. They are great for wearing over shorts in the summer months.

Harley Davidson boots are the must have for all riders. They scream the word “tough” and are available in several styles for both men and women. Women may also choose from the ever popular Harley Davidson sandals, however these are not recommended wear while riding.

Should motorcycle riders wear helmets or not? This is a question that has been left up to the rider to answer in some states. If safety is as important as the clothes you wear a good motorcycle helmet may be just what you are looking for. Several styles are out there from half helmets to full face helmets in wild designs and great colors to match the bike.

Leather gloves are also popular with riders. They are of course made leather but can be other materials too, Motorcycle gloves may be fingerless, full fingers and even Gauntlets look especially cool.

These are the basic pieces of a motorcycle rider’s wardrobe. Other options include t-shirts, jeans, motorcycle rain suit, bandannas, watches and sunglasses. Motorcycle saddlebags are also a good investment for the weekend trips or just to haul extra gear.

There are several articles of clothes available for your special little rider as well. Everything from kids Harley Davidson boots and kids apparel, like leather jackets to kids leather chaps and leather vests. It’s never too early to love to ride.

Motorcycle apparel represent a significant investment. Proper care should be taken to preserve and protect these items, especially if you are a dedicated rider who rides in any weather. Conditioning and cleaning properly will help keep the leather supple and looking good as well as prolonging the life of the the leather.

Rocky Top Leather is proud to bring you some of the best western and logger boots around. Chippewa has 100 plus years experience in creating top quality footwear, using only the finest materials available and the most cutting edge construction techniques known. Each pair of Chippewa boots is always made by hand, ensuring that quality is never sacrificed for the sake of mass production. This handcrafted commitment makes Chippewa products superior.

We are adding some big names to our inventory. Keep watching for the addition of new Cowboy Boots by Double H, Old Gringo, Chippewa, John Deere and more. We have new Harley Davidson Hats, and Harley Davidson sandals for your 2009 wardrobe. And new styles of kids Cowboy boots for all the little cowpoke out there. Check the blog often for updates on the new products and some special offers.

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A tough question most have pondered at one time or another. The love you have for your broken-in boots is not easily thrown out. Most will wait until they fall apart to buy new ones but if you love your boots you can resole them for years of more use.

Resole-ing your boots is not an easy project and is best left up to the pros but it can be done for a modest price. This is a great option for the boots that are no longer available or have a special place in your heart and or closet(ladies). For forty or fifty bucks most shoe repair shops can replace the sole and make your boots feel like new.

Replacing your boots is the most common option and keeps you up to date with the most current foot wear technology. They have come a long way in the last couple of years in the comfort department. The new boots have shock absorbing soles and special foot beds for long wearing comfort. And the composition on the new soles adds more traction and longer wear. They leather is tanned in ways that make them very soft and strong from the get go and this also lessens the break in time.

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Dingo boots are some of the oldest best selling boots on the planet. The original square toe harness boot was made famous in the 70′s and is still a popular favorite today. These are great trucker boots and are also made by Harley Davidson now as one of there classic harness boots. The Dingo boots are still made today with the same quality materials and is still made with great care for boots that will last another 30 years.

Every Christmas season Harley Davidson seems to outdo themselves and put out an even better line than the year before. This year they have finally brought back the womens knee high boots. They are Savannah, Sedona, Dori, and Kate. There are about 20 new womens Harley Davidson boots and about 10 new mens motorcycle boots. The highlights of the mens line of Harley Davidson boots are the new mens harness boot and the new engineer boot. Act now and receive free shipping on all boots over $100.