When you’re buying a helmet, it can be difficult to decide what helmet will give you the best protection for your money. One key to finding a safe helmet is to buy a helmet with DOT certification.

You can tell you have DOT motorcycle helmet certification by whether it has the small certification sticker on the back. This is what indicates to you that the helmet will protect you in a crash, so if it’s not there, don’t get that helmet.

The United States Department of Transportation, otherwise known as the DOT, is a government agency that tries to keep you safe on the road, through regulations and safety standards.

How does a helmet meet DOT motorcycle helmet certification standards? It must be demonstrated to withstand penetration, have a clasp that holds when subjected to force, and to absorb much of the shock in an impact.

Who does the testing to make sure that a helmet meets DOT motorcycle helmet certification standards? The manufacturer themselves test their helmets, and are allowed to attach the sticker should it pass each test.

What happens when the manufacturer lies about testing a helmet, or a failing helmet gets a sticker. The DOT tests helmets on a semi regular basis, and posts their testing results on their website.

Make sure you know exactly what the DOT sticker looks like before you begin to shop. Some companies will use fake DOT stickers in order to convince you to buy their helmets, which are often unsafe.

When you’re ready to buy a new helmet, only buy one with DOT motorcycle helmet certification. These helmets are guaranteed to meet certain safety standards, and will be best able to protect you in an accident.

As the cold Winter Weather starts rolling in we Bikers are still looking for fun things to do to fill up our Weekends,We just start looking for stuff that’s indoors,After spending all those Months Riding its always hard when we have to leave our Bikes at home. But Hey what are the options? (Move down South? Not Me!I’m a New Yorker)

In January in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center there is always one of the best indoor Motorcycle events around. The Annual International Motorcycle Show presented by Toyota! I have attend this event for many years and it is always packed with more fun things to see an do then one can Squeeze into just Three days.

Its always fun Checking this event out while working for one Magazine or another. What difference does that make you may ask? Well Checking out the newest makes of Motorcycles,Motorcycle Equipment,Products and gear,seeing old friends,Making new friends and seeing Celebrities like Dee Snyder,The Ice cream Man from Hell,Billy Lane and many others is always a really great time! But when doing it while having Super Hot Magazine Models on your arm,Well lets just say it adds something more to the event that your just going to have to trust me on!

This is always a hard event to write about and give it Justice,I mean where do I start do I tell you how the indoor stunt show always leaves you Breathless No matter how many times you may have seen it?

I could try to tell you about all the Custom Bikes that were there Built but such Legendary Builders and shops like Roger Bourget,Indian Larry Legacy,Von Dutch Kustom Cycles and many others. This Show is just one of those events that if you missed it, Well I’m sorry to say you missed out! Look for this event at a City near you at MotorcycleShows.com

Your Bro L.J. James AMERICANBIKERX.COM Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

It was a quite day in a small Bar in upstate New York . The girl working behind the bar was young, she had just turned 18 and had only been bar tending a few weeks, this was her first time working alone. Everything was going fine with only two of the regulars in the back shooting pool it was nothing she could not handle she thought to herself.

Then the front door opened and in walked ten of the biggest men she had ever seen. They talked loudly and as they walked over to the far side of the bar, She got a look at the back of their jackets. She could easily see that the markings on them where all the same. The men ordered pitchers of beer and their talking only got louder as they drank more and talked about things she did not understand. Then the men went quite as the front door opened and in walked seven more large men, at first she thought these seven men where with the first Ten as they looked and dressed similar but as she looked at the markings on the backs of these new comers Jackets she could tell while they where similar the markings where different, By the way the two groups where looking at each other she guessed the difference must mean a lot to them.

The Seven men sat up toward the front of the bar and also ordered pitchers of beer. The young girl did her best to make sure both groups where kept happy, but it was just a matter of time and Beer! When one of the men from the first group called out to her, “Hey Honey don’t worry about those guys, there losers! Come over here and hang with some real men.” That was all it took, the fuse was lit. “Who you calling losers pal we are good enough to beat you any day of the week!” Yelled back a guy from the second group. “You may think your as good as us but you never will be!” Yelled back a man from the first group.

Then in what was a blur to our young barmaid a fight broke out between the two groups it was loud and she could hear glass and wood breaking all around her as the men cursed and screamed at each other. This young Girl was scared and she feared for her life.

Her fear abated a little when in the distance she heard sirens. The police are coming, she thought to herself as she hid behind the bar. The police arrived in force and they stormed in arresting the men and taking them away. When things got quite and all the men where taken away the young girl looked around the small bar. So much damage she thought to herself, She looked at one of the officers and asked how did you know to come here. We got a call that these two groups where both heading to this bar and we just knew, it happens all the time with these type of guys!!!

Epilogue: The next morning when the young barmaid awoke she walked down stairs to the kitchen where her father was reading the morning paper. Does it say anything about the fight in the bar yesterday she asked her father? Yes he said as he pointed to a small article in the back of the paper “Yankees and Mets fans Brawl it out in small town bar” the story went on to explain how all the men where given tickets for disorderly conduct and released. That’s it she screamed at her father these men trash the bar, scare the hell out of me, They should all be in jail and all they get is Tickets!!! Calm down sweetheart her father said as he hugged her, The way your acting one would think it had been a bunch of rowdy Bikers in the bar yesterday! Those Guys would have been locked away, But it was only Sports fans!

Story By Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

Every February I attend the Annual AMA Biker’s Blood Drive and Party at Harley Davidson of NYC in Long Island City. The Biker’s Blood Drive grows a little bigger every year.

I have gone just about every year and always give a pint of the good stuff, The event always brings in many Bikers from all over the Long IslandNew York City area and many pints of Blood are always collected!

The Blood Donated will be used locally to help save those in our area. For just one Pint of Blood Guests are treated to Live Music by The always incredible “The Transplant Band” They are also given all the Bagels, Donuts, Muffins, Cookies and candy they Can eat along with many varieties of Juice. I think what really gets many of the Bikers to donate is the Free Harley Davidson of NYC T-Shirt.

Blood Donations get slow during the Winter Months and the goal of this event is to make sure there is plenty of Blood in the NYC area. All Blood donated stays in the area and goes to help someone local. The Bikers all know the life they help save could be one of there own.

This is another great event that helps everyone to see the great things that Bikers can do when they stand together and united! A big thanks goes out to Lauren of the Chai Riders MC, She has been a huge part of what has kept this event going over the years!

For more info check out nycharleydavidson.com I hope to see all of you there Next year !!!

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

As you’re buying a motorcycle boot, you’ll need many features. You want a comfortable boot which will also protect you. You want good non wear traction. You want rain protection, but also breathablity.

How do you know if you’re looking at a good motorcycle boot? There are many different factors that go into a great book, which this guide will explain. But nothing can replace a personalized fitting.

You may think that a slip on boot sounds like a good product. In practice, this isn’t a good motorcycle boot to buy. Because it is able to slip onto your foot, it will also easily come off in an accident.

There are some boots which claim to be able to allow water out but not in by using a special membrane. In many cases, this claim is too good to be true, so read some reviews before heading to the store.

Whatever size calf you have, a good motorcycle boot will close completely, with a covered zipper. An exposed zipper will allow either water or wind into your boot while you’re riding.

If you’re buying new boots, always make sure that you are getting some flexibility, as well as protection. And don’t forget to break those new boots in before you’re first long ride.

When looking for a good motorcycle boot, you’ll want to find one that has extra ankle protection options. These can be found most often as a hard plastic insert you slid into your boot.

Any good motorcycle boot will be one that both protects your safety and is comfortable while you walk or ride. Always make sure to try on any boot you’re thinking of buying to test fit.

Every year In a Little Town in New York called Ridge, On a Big Sandbar known as Long Island, Hundreds of Bikers who have only Antique Motorcycles on their minds. Gather to attend The Big Sandbar Chapter of The Antique Motorcycle Club of America,Inc’s annual “Winter Blues Swap meet” at the Ridge Firehouse. As I entered I was greeted by two lovely Lady’s. I told them who I was and they where happy to tell me about the Big Sandbar Chapter of the AMCA. I was told how the AMCA considers any Motorcycle 35 years or older an Antique.

Being I am a few years older then 35 and not feeling anything like an Antique, I’m thinking maybe it should be moved up to like 55 years an older! After all they say 50 is the new 30!

I also found out The Big Sandbar Chapter prides itself on being very Family Friendly, many of the Members are made up of Husbands and Wives and even some of their Kids. Many of the Big Sandbar Chapters events are Designed so the whole family can enjoy them together!

Of Course you Don’t need to be Married with Children to be a member of the Big Sandbar Chapter of the AMCA! All you need is a love for Antique Motorcycles and live anywhere in their coverage area which is from Montauk to Manhattan. The Chapter meets six times a year and is Well known for it’s Annual May Swap Meet at the Fireman’s Park in Ridge!

To learn more about the AMCA go to www.thebigsandbar.com

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com and Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

THE MAPLES IN MANORVILLE

If you Ride a Motorcycle on Long Island then you have probably been to “The Maples” 10 Ryerson Ave in Manorville, If not with all the great routes you can ride to get there, sooner or later I’m sure you will find yourself parking your bike in front!

The Maples draws in every type of Rider, It does not matter what you Ride, how long you have been Riding or how often you chose to Ride! When you are at the Maples you are home! At the Maples it feels as if time is not only standing still ,but you may feel as if you have traveled back in time a few years! Even though the Maples is only about a mile North of exit 70 off the LIE you will feel like all the rush of the Long Island life is a Million miles away! Relaxing at the Maples is an easy thing to do.

Inside you can hang out at the main Bar, shoot a game of Pool or enjoy some of their great food in the large dinning area. Maybe you are more like me and after a nice Ride you enjoy relaxing out side.Well at the Maples you can relax on the huge side deck,Where if you are a fan of Trains you can enjoy the view of the Trains slowly rolling by as if out of a scene from a Norman Rockwell Painting!

Then there is the Huge back deck where there is a full service Bar, Jukebox, Pool table and more often then not a live band! Many Couples like to unwind over by the Perfectly landscaped Pond or walk around the huge backyard! As Maples is a Biker friendly bar you will find that many bike events are held there! After a trip to “the Maples” You will understand why many call it the Best Biker Bar in the Northeast and say that a day at the maples is more relaxing then a weekend trip upstate! The Maples offers Long Islanders everything the Upstate Country Bars do, Well except maybe that Ride threw the City! Check out the Maples online at http://www.geocitiescom/themaplesbar/

Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

I’ve heard it said that the first real Snow fall of the Holiday season is supposed to be magical.I’ve also heard it said that it means Santa is taking the slay out for the test run! Sunday December 2nd was the first real Snow fall of the 2007 Holiday Season on Long Island. Now I’m not saying I always believe Everything I hear, but it was a Magical Day and I did see Santa.

He was at the Cycle Sisters MC and the Reach Committee from Quest Diagnostics “Breakfast with Santa” Toy Fundraiser. The event started at 9am at the Marine Corps Building in Massapequa with a Smorgasbord of Breakfast foods, Donated by IHOP of Massapequa and Dunkin Donuts of North Babylon and Deer Park.

The place was packed with Children both young and old enjoying the morning festivity’s with Mr. Santa Claus himself! The only cost to enter was one Toy donated to the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”. There where many Elves on hand to help Santa out, most had pointy ears but there was one Standing Tall and Proud in Uniform.

This was a great event and all the Children where thrilled to be able to sit and enjoy Breakfast and tell old St’ Nick what they wanted this year for Christmas! As for me well I can not think of many ways I’d rather spend a morning then with a bunch of Donuts and my friends the Lady’s of the Cycle Sisters MC!

Be sure to check them out at CycleSistersMC.com Happy Holidays Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

When you’ve already spent a good chunk of change on a motorcycle, you may not have saved enough money to pay for all the gear you need. So you need to find some that is inexpensive, but still high quality.

There are places to buy cheap motorcycle helmets, but you’ll need to do some searching to find the real jewels in the rough. A lower cost helmet does not always mean a lower quality one, however.

A sale is a wonderful place to find a cheap motorcycle helmet. If you wait until the new styles begin coming in at your local bike shop. This is usually when older styles will go on sale.

If you’re not opposed to big box stores, try searching there for a cheap motorcycle helmet. Because they are able to buy in bulk, they can be a good place to look for a less expensive helmet.

If you don’t mind a plain black or white helmet, you may also be able to find a good deal. Many safe helmets that don’t come in fancy colors or with graphics can be a good cheap motorcycle helmet find.

You will also find face differences based on the style that you choose. Any open face helmet will be less expensive than a full face helmet. However, a full face helmet offers more protection.

No matter how much you want a cheap motorcycle helmet, never buy a used helmet. A used helmet is basically as worthless as wearing no helmet at all, because you know nothing about its interior quality.

If you are looking for a cheap motorcycle helmet, there are many different ways to find one. Do keep in mind when you’re searching for a helmet that you need one which is safe, even if it’s a bit more money.

Many of you out there probably do not know that I L.J. James am the Son of Pappy (Freelance writer on the Biker Lifestyle) ! Hell I didn’t know till 1986,Well I knew I just didn’t know him! Pappy an my Mother got separated when I was young and I didn’t see Pappy from around 76 till 86. When I met him he wasn’t even known as Pappy yet! That came later.

I had lived with my Mother an step-Father on Long Island in NY till the Summer of 86. I had always been into Bikes and the life style. Many times after getting into some kind of trouble I would hear the saying “He is just like his Father”. Little did I know at the time just how true it really was! After getting into some more teenage trouble (you know the deal Drinking,Staying out late, getting brought home by the cops 2 or 3 times). My Mother figured it was time for me to meet my Father. So in the Summer of 86 at the age of 15, I found myself flying up to Rochester NY to meet my Father!

When I first met Pappy He owned a large House and He rented out rooms in the house to College kids and other Bikers. Almost as soon as I got there Pappy started teaching me to Ride a Motorcycle and probably just as important if not more, what the words Respect, Honesty , Loyalty and Brotherhood mean in the Biker World. I still remember clearly one time at a John Fogarty Concert. Me, Pappy and a few other Bikers where in the parking lot looking at Motorcycles. I saw this really cool bike with this paint job that was just unbelievable, I went to touch it and Pappy grabbed my hand looked at me in the eyes and told me “Never touch another mans Bike without his permission” and till this day I never have.

The House Pappy owend was well known by many of the Bikers in the area and was the place many large party’s where held, It was not uncommon to find a bunch of Bikers sleeping in the living room any given morning. These Bikers where family to me and when they said “He is just like his Father” it gave me a feeling of over whelming pride! I have always loved hearing the stories these true Brothers of the biker world would tell me. I feel the old Biker stories need to be saved and told over and over again.

New Motorcycle Riders are learning about Biker history from old 1960’s Biker Gang movies that have no historic truth to them. Just like with any culture if you lose your true history you lose what you really are! I feel the only way to return the Biker world to its true origin is to keep the old stories alive ! Too many “Bikers” complain that the younger Motorcycle Riders of today have no idea what it means to be a Biker! Well I think maybe the problem is that some of the older Bikers never really knew what it meant to be a Biker, Because if they did they would know its their job to teach the next generation! A new Motorcycle Rider must know what the Spirit of Biker Brotherhood is before he can truly feel it and become a part of it. (Maybe that’s part of why I became a writer?)

I said at the Beginning of this story Pappy was not yet known as Pappy and I would tell you how that came to be. Well if you remember the Summer of 86 you will remember the Karate Kid Movie was a Big Hit and was on HBO like 10 times a day,Well as far as I could remember I had never called anyone Dad or Father or anything like that. In the Karate Kid they called each other miyagi san and Daniel san! Well thinking I was clever I started calling my Father “Pappy san”, He in turn started calling me Son of Pappy and soon after everyone started calling Him Pappy!

Now many of You maybe wondering why the Hell am I telling you all this. Well like I have said there are many Motorcycle riders these days that have no clue what Biker Brotherhood really is. I think it is important that they know this is not something you buy into, But something you grow into. Too many buy a Motorcycle and then do nothing but talk, They are only there for you if you have something to offer them. There are very few true Bikers left, Bikers are being replaced by Motorcycle enthusiasts and part of it is our own fault! I write this story in hopes it will help spread the word that only the true old School bikers can teach the younger generation the true meaning of Biker Brotherhood.

true Biker who feels the Brotherhood Spirit always has some older Biker to thank for passing that Spirit onto him! I thank my Father Pappy, My Uncle Trey and all the other Bikers Who helped to raise me to be the Biker I am, I am very glad to have been raised by them and I am very Proud to have grown up to be one of them !

I am Your Bro, Son of Pappy L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio show at BikerLowdown.com