Those who are just about to buy a flatbed truck will inevitably need help during its operation. Usually, they are associated with ignorance of the car or its imperfection. Therefore, a few tips for those who need more experience will not be excessive.

Tips for usage in extreme conditions

Extreme conditions are often considered too high or too low air temperatures, especially in those regions where such weather is the norm. In such a case, the flatbed truck needs to be refurbished and special attention paid to maintenance.  

Preparing for the summer

Drivers of flatbed trucks fail to prepare their vehicles for winter, but many people forget about summer. In order to minimize the occurrence of hazardous situations, a number of things should be done.

1. Conduct a technical inspection of the cooling system. There must be enough refrigerant in the air conditioner, because one of the biggest dangers in summer is overheating of the engine. In addition, you need to flush the radiator. At this time of the year, there is a lot of dust, pollen, and plant fluff in the air. They get into the radiator and can also lead to overheating.

2. You need to check the thermostat. If it is faulty, the engine may break down. That will entail costly repairs and significantly reduce the sale price of a flatbed truck.

3. Check engine coolant and oil. Every driver should have a can of antifreeze and distilled water with them. Ordinary pouring is impossible because this can cause the breakage of expensive parts.

Preparing for winter

Winter is a more challenging period for a mini truck with the weight up to 1 ton. In addition to the standard tips for replacing tires and carrying out maintenance, I would like to highlight a few more points:

* You need to choose the right oil for the engine. It should have a viscosity of 5 units less than what is used in autumn and spring;

* it would be best if you took care of the fuel heating system since it can freeze in winter;

* Pneumatic systems need to be adjusted. Sometimes the engine will not start due to fluid that freezes in the valves. Water gets there from the surrounding air, so truck owners install dehumidifiers.

Driving tips for novice drivers

Do not turn off the engine at high speeds. So you deprive scorching parts of cooling. The engine may overheat. In addition, the relay regulator will immediately turn off. Its function is to stabilize the voltage that is in the onboard network. After turning off the engine, the generator will continue to supply voltage to the network for some time, affecting the reliability of electrical equipment.

Start in first gear if you have a trailer on soft ground and slippery ground.

And one more thing, remember, a truck is a dangerous participant in the movement for others. It would help if you were predictable to others, kept your distance, and did not make hazardous maneuvers.

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• The limited and numbered series Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica will be produced in 260 examples each, made unique by the rider's original signature on the tank
• The celebratory bikes were presented and displayed during the "Campioni in Piazza2" party
• All bikes have been assigned in just a few hours, with many Ducatisti enthusiasts ordering both models

Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 22 December 2022 – In just a few hours all the bikes of the numbered and limited series of 260+260 examples of the Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica have been assigned, after being unveiled on the day of "Campioni in Piazza2", the event with which Ducati celebrated its historic double success in MotoGP and WSBK with its fans.

The bikes were presented at a press conference by Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, together with Pecco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista, and proved to be an immediate success, with many Ducatisti wanting to enrich their collection with both Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica bikes. It took only a few days to completely sell out the available examples of the limited series.

Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales & After Sales Ducati:  “2022 has been an incredible year for Ducati both on the track and in the market, confirming the integration and continuous transfer of technology and expertise between production and racing that is unparalleled in the world of motorcycling. We thought the best way to share the successes of 2022 with the most passionate Ducatisti was to provide them with exclusive, numbered bikes, individually signed by Pecco and Álvaro. At this time, when our brand is as solid as ever and projected into the future, we also wanted to pay homage to our history, recalling with both replicas the founding of Ducati, which dates back to 1926".

The two special series, based on the Panigale V4 S, feature the bike liveries of Pecco Bagnaia #63 and Álvaro Bautista #19. Each model in the series will be autographed in original on the tank by the rider, and the signature will then be protected by a layer of clear coat. The two motorbikes are produced in a limited numbered series of 260, celebrating Ducati's year of birth, 1926.

The Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica is offered in the single-seater configuration only, enriched by the model name, progressive number and race number laser-engraved on the upper clamp. The technical equipment is enhanced by components such as the dry clutch, Akrapovič street-legal silencer, Brembo Stylema®  R calipers with MCS pump, Rizoma billet aluminium adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass. There are several carbon fibre components: the heat shield for the rear exhaust manifolds, the alternator cover, the front and rear mudguards, the brake manifolds, the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm. The series dedicated to Álvaro Bautista #19 features a brushed aluminium tank, as on the more sophisticated versions of the Panigale V4.

Those who want to exploit the performance of these two motorcycles on the circuit may choose to fit the additional accessories supplied, such as the open carbon fibre clutch cover, the kits for removing number plate holder and mirrors and the racing fuel tank cap in billet aluminium. Each bike will be delivered in a packing case with dedicated graphics and will come with a certificate of authenticity, a personalised bike cover and the Ducati Data Analyser+ data acquisition system.

Finding yourself opting for a bike over a more traditional vehicle like a car might be a sensible choice as far as you’re concerned, but if you’re in the minority among the people that you know, you might not be fully aware of the types of insurance that better suit you compared to your car-driving friends. Still, this shouldn’t be something that slows you down, and making yourself aware of the different types of insurance that are available can have you enjoying your biking hobby with even more confidence and comfort than before.

The way in which you specifically enjoy your hobby is bound to make a difference here as well.

For the Racers     

For example, your interest in motorbikes might not just stem from a love of riding them or maintaining them in a casual sense, but from a more competitive angle. Of course, this is a whole subsection of motorsports, and as a result, you will find yourself with a lot of other fans to interact with. Naturally, though, a certain danger can come from racing which is not so actively present when riding motorbikes at lower speeds on normal roads, and so having tailored insurance for track racing can make a lot of sense for riders that enjoy track days.

This might be something that you’re interested in viewing before you get involved yourself, though, and if that’s the case, visiting MotoGP might help you to get acquainted.

A More Casual Approach

That being said, you might just like to use your motorbike in the same way anyone with a vehicle would. In this sense, you might find that the types of insurance that you need are somewhat similar to what you would require with other vehicles. Third-party insurance can help you to cover yourself against damage, but learning more about what’s specific to motorbikes might require further research. This is obviously something that you can do yourself with the help of the internet, but if you did like the idea of finding dedicated communities with whom you can share your passion, there are plenty out there that can help to expand your knowledge of this particular hobby.

Protection Against Theft

It might have also come to your attention that a bike could be easier to steal than something like a car, which might make you a bit more cautious and protective of it. While there are several things that you can do to keep your bike safe, what might make you most comfortable is the knowledge that you’ve covered yourself with the right theft insurance. It’s important that you are cautious, and aware of different methods that can reduce the risk of this happening in the first place, but it’s also important to understand that you’re not going to be able to be constantly on your guard when it comes to something like this – especially if you’re planning on your motorbike being your primary vehicle.

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Motorcyclists may be in the minority on UK roads at present, but in the wake of reports that around 1 in 4 families are selling their cars to deal with the cost of living crisis, new research shows motorcycle and moped ownership is trending upwards. More than 67,000 motorcycle tests were taken between April 2021 and March 2022, according to Department for Transport figures released in October, the highest number in any year since records began. Now, Lexham Insurance predicts that this upward trend is here to stay.

Analysing MCIA data and government figures, their team notes that:

• Total two-wheeled vehicle registrations were up 32% on 2021 in the peak buying season between January and April this year, with the year to date showing petrol-powered tourers and classics up 25.1% and 11.6% respectively, and a 9% growth for the electric motorbike market (01/01/22-30/11/22)

• Lexham Insurance has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people looking for motorcycle, moped and scooter insurance this year, with Google search data showing a 26% uplift in motorbike insurance searches between 2021 & 2022 

• In the last year, more than 50,000 new bikers passed their tests to take to the road – a record high, amounting to 34% more new bikers on the road in the course of a year than pre-Covid figures, and a 203% growth on the 2020/21 pandemic period  

Following an initial surge in two-wheeled vehicle ownership coming as a result of the pandemic, many had assumed that figures would dip as the UK returned to almost-normal after repeated lockdowns – but a substantial post-lockdown uplift in new registrations now looks like it’s here to stay.

With fuel prices at the pumps rising 20% so far this year and the cost of living as a whole up more than 11%, many road users are looking for more economical ways to get around, with Startline Motor Finance’s October Tracker reporting that 23% of UK families are selling their cars, while 59% are looking for a vehicle that’s cheaper to run.

“Many small capacity motorbikes get around 50% more miles to the gallon than most cars.” says Andy Goodson, Sales & Marketing Director at Lexham Insurance, “Given that running costs are all typically lower for scooters, mopeds and small motorcycles, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a sustained growth in registrations now that people all over the country are looking for ways to reduce their outgoings.”

Industry data aggregated across all insurers by Compare The Market shows that the typical insurance premium for a motorbike or moped is approximately 51% lower than that of the average car.

Lexham Insurance has seen a substantial growth in site visits from people seeking motorcycle, scooter and moped insurance so far this year when compared to the same period in 2021, and from those looking to insure electric motorbikes and mopeds. UK search volume data pinpoints a 26% year on year growth in searches for motorbike insurance alone, with the trend looking set to continue.

Of course, it isn’t just the steep incline in living costs and fuel costs that experts say is driving the boom. The UK has seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including the warmest New Year’s Day on record in 2022. As the local climate gradually shifts to see warmer temperatures for larger periods of the year, figures support the possibility that road users who have previously been deterred from motorcycling by the cold and rain are reconsidering that option.

To find out more about the data, visit the full story at the Lexham Insurance blog.

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Safety is a cheap and effective insurance policy. Let’s unpack these words to make the meaning more clear. Safety should be our topmost priority. Why? Because not caring about your safety can risk your life. Safety is basically the best way to ensure your life. It doesn’t cost any money, is a lot more effective and obviously guaranteed.

The question pondering me for quite some time is; when do you need safety the most? Well, apparently you require safety all the time, but you’ll mostly need it while you are traveling, driving or riding. Since the traffic is increasing day by day, therefore protecting yourself entirely depends on you. 

Bike riders, especially, need to protect themselves from fatal road accidents all the time for which the first thing you need is a high-grade and enduring helmet. Even though there are tons of companies are designing the helmets non-stop, but you’ll always one the one which is best, right?

If you are looking for the best helmets on the market, then you have landed on the right place. We at Siima MotoWear, have compiled a list of top five helmets which are honestly the best-designed ones in the market. So, don’t just buy a helmet, make sure you go through this list first.

AGV AX-8 DS EVO Helmet: 

It should not be a surprise because AGV never disappoints to design the best helmets ever, right? The lately designed AX-8 Dual EVO is a restructured version of the AGV AX-8 Dual helmet, which makes it enduring and perfect for long-term use. Here are some features which will clearly indicate why this helmet is the best after all.It is made up of SSL (super super light) carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass shell construction which makes it lightweight and perfect for wearing for long hours.

 

• It consists of removable and washable cheek pads so you can keep your helmet sanitized and clean.

• The helmet is available in three shell sizes.

• It consists of a flat dual face shield in non-scratch, antifog polycarbonate which provides clear vision.

• It is composed of a chin guard base which mainly acts as a shock absorber.

• Last but not the least, the helmet consists of a Double D retention system as well.

 Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet:

Looking for a helmet which is not only perfect for adventure biking but is also best for the street rider? Well, if yes, then this is certainly the one. Just make sure to read on its exclusive features before actually buying it.

It is available in three shell sizes

• SM: XS and SM Helmets

• MD: MD and LG Helmets

• LG: XL and 2XL Helmets

• It is composed of washable and removable air channeled comfort liner which makes it easier for you to clean.

• The padded chin strap with D-ring closure and strap keeper makes it easy to adjust the helmet on almost everyone.

• The outer shell is made from lightweight polycarbonate shell.

• The mouth vent of the helmet is easily adjustable as well.
  
  Nexx Dual Helmet - Solid
  
  
  No matter if you are a ride enduro or an off-road rider, this helmet is perfect for you. Why? Apparently, there are tons of features which makes it the best one. A few of those features are listed below. Make sure you have a look.
  
  

  • It is available in two different sizes; XS – MD and LG – 2XL

  • The helmet is composed of easy lock polycarbonate Lexan face shield with the anti-fog position which provides perfect vision.

  • The cheek pads are removable and washable along with CoolMax 3D lining.

  • The best thing is that it has a dynamic air system with 2 front vents and 4 rear vents.

  • Moreover, the helmet also provides a wide panoramic field of view so you can see everything clearly.
    
    Read more here