Just got a new motorcycle? Fantastic! There are so many exciting things to see and do on a motorcycle that just aren’t the same in a car. But before you hit the road you need to take a hard look at your insurance policy. Coverage varies when relating to vehicles and term of protection on those vehicles. Is it adequate to protect your investment? Are you paying the best possible price? Is your insurance company a fan of motorcycles, or do they look at these vehicles as a liability? It’s necessary to ask yourself a lot of important questions regarding possible insurance policies and how they fit into your insurance needs. Here’s how to evaluate your current insurance and see where there’s room for improvement.

Low Price vs. Good Value

It’s tempting to shop for the lowest possible price on vehicle insurance, but you might pay for your thriftiness if you ever have a claim. Look for customer satisfaction ratings and company claims policies. It’s worth it to most motorcycle owners to pay a few more bucks for insurance knowing that they’ve got a solid company behind them if something does happen.

Know What Protection the Quote Includes

It’s important to be able to discern between what each insurance policy is offering you. There are three key terms to know when shopping for motorcycle insurance.

• Liability insurance covers any vehicle, person or property you hit with your bike. All states require a minimum of liability on any vehicle operating on public roads. Liability insurance does not cover your personal injuries or any damage to your bike or property. However, if another driver hits your motorcycle, their liability insurance should cover your damages.
• Collision insurance covers your vehicle and personal injuries in case of an accident. Collision covers everything liability covers plus the value of your bike, but only covers accidents on the roadway.
• Comprehensive insurance covers everything liability and collision cover, plus other incidents independent from traffic accidents. Comprehensive policies cover your bike in case of fire, vandalism, fallen trees and other mishaps.

When comparing quotes, make sure you compare apples to apples. Some companies charge as much for liability insurance on motorcycles as others charge for collision.

Don’t Stop With a Quote from Your Current Insurance Company

Another temptation for consumers is to simply add their motorcycle to their auto or homeowner’s policy without taking the time to get motorcycle insurance quotes. Every company has a different opinion of motorcycles, and some are more accepting than others. It’s possible that another insurance company is willing to offer a better deal than your current provider, which could potentially save you a great deal of money on your coverage. Review your policy every year or so to make sure your company is offering you competitive rates for your driving habits.

Passo a due – A Short Film by Cafe Twin from Cafe Twin on Vimeo.

Even though we are in the thick of winter here in Chicago, this short film “Passo a Due” is a good reminder that riding season is right around the corner. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a British bike riding around Italian landmarks. Now to get cranking on that motorcycle project…

It’s Better In The Wind – Short Film from Scott Toepfer on Vimeo.

It may not be a car video, but this piece by Scott Toepfer shows that it doesn’t matter if you have two wheels or four if you are looking for a good time.

Last night at Rockefeller Center in New York City I was able to attend the unveiling of the Nissan JUKE, a stylish new compact crossover that hits Nissan dealer showrooms in the United States in the fall of 2010 as a 2011 model. The bright red model showcased at the event certainly grabs your attention, and it’s apparent that this model is aimed at the youth market. The styling exudes a fun and carefree feeling while offering many of the practical characteristics of a crossover vehicle.

While this is a compact crossover, you still get one of the best crossover qualities with a roomy interior. Consumers are flocking to crossovers as the general design provides so much more interior room when compared to traditional models. While the back seat isn’t particularly roomy, the driver and the front passenger will have plenty of room to enjoy the ride. This is not your father’s cramped hatchback.

Given the target market, it’s no surprise that Nissan was aggressive with the styling, which was based on the Nissan Qazana Concept. The bold design inside and out draws on a number of active lifestyle influences including motorcycles and rally cars. The center console in particular evokes a gas tank from a motorcycle. The JUKE features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, “hidden” rear door handles and integrated roof spoiler. The result is a striking look that many customers will love, while others might not be as thrilled. The turn signals in particular set this vehicle apart.

“JUKE is about to carve out a unique space in the rapidly growing compact crossover/hatchback segment with its combination of striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure and user friendly technology,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Add in the convenience, versatility and high seating positioning of a traditional compact SUV and you’ve got a vehicle unlike any other in its class.”

As for performance, the JUKE sports a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbo engine and an advanced torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

The Nissan JUKE will be on display at the New York International Auto Show at Jacob Javits Center April 2nd through 11th. I suspect this vehicle will generate a considerable amount of buzz and will be a hit with the target market.

Disclaimer: Nissan provided my airfare, hotel stay and drinks to come check out the new Juke. Special thanks to Nissan!