Blog

  • BAMS BRC Group photo

    Mental Obstacles and Other Impediments by George Tranos There is a right way, a wrong way and your own way to do something. Many times, people think they know better or find that conventional wisdom on how something is done is outdated or just doesn’t apply to them. It doesn’t matter what the subject is …[Read More]

  • Big Apple Motorcycle School instructor George Tranos on the track

    Motorcycle Desire By George Tranos Motorcycling is not for the risk averse. Most of us enjoy the excitement, challenge and adrenaline generated from riding. Risk taking is inherent in the sport and some are drawn to it just for that reason. The extreme of that attitude is that mountains are there to be climbed, airplanes …[Read More]

  • Motorcycle gloves have unique characteristics

    Fits like a glove by George Tranos Gloves are an important piece of safety equipment that every motorcyclist should wear whenever they are riding. Why are they so important? The first reaction of anyone who falls is to try to brace for impact with their hands and arms. It makes sense to protect these sensitive …[Read More]

  • Which one is right for you? By George Tranos Back in the good old days of motorcycling (circa 1970’s), everyone started out on relatively small motorcycles. It was not unusual to ride a 125 or 250 cc model as your first bike! After a year or two, you moved up to a larger motorcycle, most …[Read More]

  • Our last MSF Basic RiderCourse for 2010

    Preparing for your course By George Tranos   Want to be more prepared for your MSF Basic RiderCourse? People who are prepared tend to do better. Here are some recommendations that will help you be more prepared to take your class and be successful. Read all the materials we send you about the course. Complete …[Read More]

  • Using the clutch when riding by George Tranos New riders sometimes don’t understand when the use of the clutch is required and when it’s not. Let’s try and clear that up here and realize when and where it is essential. The proper use of the clutch is important to get the motorcycle moving. Beginners have …[Read More]

  • Secure your bike with a disc lock

    Never Say Goodbye By Diane P. Ortiz There is no spot in the world emptier than the space where your motorcycle used to be. Motorcycles and scooters are an easy target for thieves if they are not secured because they can be wheeled away or bundled into a van or truck in seconds. “Motorcycles are …[Read More]

  • Double checking battery connections

    Battery Care Over the Winter By Diane P. Ortiz If temps have been below freezing you’ve probably taken in your plants and winterized your house/apartment weeks ago. Many people ride all year round, but they are the exception. Most of us put away our bikes once the weather goes below freezing. The thought of black …[Read More]

  • AmeriDeck Motorcycle Lift System

    AmeriDeck Motorcycle Lift System Review by George Tranos While we would all rather be riding, there are times that you need to transport your motorcycle instead. Motorcycle transport is a good option if you want to take your motorcycle to a track day, bring it in for service when it’s needed or simply travel to …[Read More]

  • Struggles and Success

    Struggles and success by George Tranos Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Hands and feet don’t move as desired, coordination is lacking and movements become abrupt. This is a sure sign that someone is struggling. Learning to ride a motorcycle can be challenging! Struggles can lead to success if you can overcome your mistakes. Some …[Read More]

  • Full Face Helmets offer the most protection

    How to choose a motorcycle helmet By George Tranos Choosing a motorcycle helmet can be a daunting task for the new rider. There is a huge selection of helmets available and they come in many types, shapes and sizes. We get questions all the time from our students asking for their assistance in selecting the …[Read More]

  • New on Two Wheels

    New on two wheels? The “Discover the Ride” introduction to the motorcycling experience. By George Tranos People attend motorcycle shows for many reasons. Sure, the shiny new models attract riders from around the region but there are many other reasons to attend a show. You can see the newest bikes, apparel, accessories and supplies. You …[Read More]

  • Three points of light make you more visible!

    Lights, camera, action!? By George Tranos Lights are a bright idea! Really – motorcycle lights can help you see and help others see you better. There was a time not too long ago (in my lifetime anyway) when the operator had a switch that turned their lights on and off on their motorcycle. Today, all …[Read More]

  • Diane from the Big Apple Motorcycle School on the track

    Which brake should I use? By George Tranos Most motorcycles in use today have two sets of brakes that are operated independently. One of the nice things about riding a motorcycle is that you can decide which brake to use at any given time. A proficient rider utilizes the brakes in specific ways for different …[Read More]

  • BMW F750GS

    Motorcycle review – BMW F750GS. By George Tranos I’ve always liked twin cylinder engines. My first new bike was a 1977 Suzuki GS400 with a parallel twin. Over the years, I’ve owned other unusual engine configurations including a 2005 Triumph Sprint ST with a three-cylinder, 1055cc motor and a 2003 BMW R1150R with its air/oil …[Read More]

  • Self assessment after a ride is important

    What motorcyclists need to know to stay safe. By George Tranos “Car hits motorcycle, driver says she never saw the bike.” Does this sound familiar? It seems every spring brings an influx of motorcycle riders back out onto the street and this is the unfortunate reality that sometimes results. Why does this happen and what …[Read More]

  • Proper ergonomics are just the beginning of being prepared for long distance riding

    Good fit is only the beginning to easier long distance touring! By George Tranos One of the most common questions that I receive as a motorcycle instructor is, “What bike should I buy?” My normal reply is, “purchase a motorcycle that fits you properly and has the appropriate power and weight for your skill level.” …[Read More]

  • How to become a more proficient motorcyclist

    Or what it takes to become a proficient motorcyclist! By George Tranos Do you want to become a motorcycle rider? Friends and family probably have tried to dissuade you. You’ve heard all the stories of the dangers of motorcycles and may have also been told of someone who crashed or got hurt riding. There are …[Read More]

  • What’s best for the beginning rider? By George Tranos Americans are obsessed by big things and normally equate bigger with better. Big cars, big houses, big boats, super-sized meals – are all more desirable. So it is with motorcycles. Most new bike buyers skip right over the smaller models without a thought and want the …[Read More]

  • Riding the Austrian Alps

    Motorcycling nirvana is closer than you think! By George Tranos Unlimited speed limits, hairpin turns, high alpine meadows, picturesque villages, cascading waterfalls, miles of windy mountain roads – all are available in abundant supply in Germany and Austria. Somewhat unexpected was the traffic, sometimes miles (or should I say kilometers) of it! Even in the …[Read More]