Pete's Cycle Company, Inc

Huge savings on motorcycles and motorcycle accessories at Pete’s Cycle in Maryland! Get high quality gtx, ATV, helmets, hand gloves etc.

number one dealer of Baltimore

We are Baltimore's number one dealer for all types of motorcycles, watercraft, ATVs, and generators.We have 3 stores stocked full of accessories and repair technicians all trained and ready to help you.

Silver Dealer Award

In addition to the most knowledgeable sales reps, we have been the recipient of the Maryland Kawasaki Top Silver Dealer Award for the past 8 years.

Rat Pack Meeting Reminder


Triumph riders listen up!

"RAT Pack Meeting" reminder

Come out and meet fellow Triumph owners and riders. Pete's Baltimore RAT Pack is the Mid-Atlantic's most active Triumph riding group with 2 rides a month, both local and long-distance. Riders of every style and age are members of this great group. Come on out and have a great time with some great people. Meetings are the first MONDAY of every month at Pete's Cycle Baltimore store located at 7511 Belair Road. We enter from the side of the building at the Service center doors.

When

Monday, 05 January 2015
07:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Where

7511 Belair Road, Baltimore, Md. 21234


Yamaha Raises $82,000 for Feed the Children

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., held its annual employee and Star Touring And Riding (S.T.A.R.) event at the company’s Cypress, Calif., headquarters last Friday. Throughout the special event, which has come to symbolize the company’s successes and contributions from the race track to its local communities each year, Yamaha honored its 2014 motorsports racing champions as well as select past champions and celebrated 20 years of support for Feed the Children (FTC).


Throughout the championship celebration, special emphasis was put on Yamaha’s 20 years of support for the Feed the Children charity. Yamaha’s commitment to FTC helped raise $82,000 this year through employee donations, special dealer fundraising activities and direct corporate donations from Yamaha’s customer satisfaction team. The company’s unique Customer Satisfaction Survey program makes a donation for each survey returned by a Yamaha street and off-road motorcycle, ATV, Side-by-Side vehicle, snowmobile or generator customer.

This program alone raised $22,500 for 2014, and has raised more than $85,000 since it began in 2011.“Yamaha has maintained a major commitment to Feed the Children from California to Georgia, and we again thank the company and its employees for their ongoing efforts,” said Jessica Webb, of FTC, who was on hand to accept the Yamaha donation. “Thanks to Yamaha for supporting our local community especially as we head into the holidays.”

Yamaha has helped raise more than $5 million in cash and supplies for FTC over the past 20 years. Feed the Children is an international and nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack those essentials.

Pete's Cycle is a supporting dealer of Star Chapter 262. Throughout the year, Pete's Cycle holds several fundraising events for Star Chapter 262 to raise funds for Feed the Children.

Star Chapter 262 Feeds 400 Families in Baltimore


Pete’s Cycle and Central Maryland Star Chapter 262 want to thank everyone who came out to help with the Feed the Children food drop this year. This is Star Chapter 262’s third year they were able to raise enough money to feed 400 families in the Baltimore area. Pete’s and Chapter 262 would also like to thank those who donated children’s toys.

The group had good weather and a great crew.  The group was again able to give out ALL the food on hand to either people that drove up or walked up – enough food for 400 families.

Along with the Central Maryland Chapter #262 of the Star Touring and Riding Association, there were members from Chesapeake Chapter 165 and Hanover Chapter 441 helping them.  Chapter 262 would like to thank those involved for braving the cold November morning and lending a helping hand– they could not have done this without all of the help and support of Star Touring and Riding and Pete’s Cycle.

STAR is an international organization, which was created to serve owners and enthusiasts of the Star line of motorcycles including the Royal Star Venture, Royal Star, Royal Star Tour Deluxe, Road Star, Road Star Warrior, V Star 650/950/1100/1300, Roadliner, Stratoliner, Raider, Raider S, Stryker and Bolt.

The Central, MD Chapter #262 of the STAR Touring and Riding Association is a family oriented motorcycle riding enthusiast group. STAR Touring and Riding is the official organization of Yamaha created for the Star Line of motorcycles. However, we welcome any brand and any motorcycle enthusiast who shares our same interest in riding and promoting safe and enjoyable motorcycling.

Thank you everyone for all your help and support.

Triumph Riders Listen Up! Meet the Rat Pack



Meet the Rat Pack, the only Triumph factory authorized club for Triumph motorcycle owners and riders in the state of Maryland.

We get together for a lot of great group rides (usually two a month!), both local and long distance, as well as attend regional motorcycle events. Our Pack has ridden in EVERY county in Maryland and in Delaware, half of the counties of West Virginia, as well as in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama! In 2010 our Pack logged in 3890 miles, 2011 riding season we rode 5,642 miles, for 2012 the total came to 6295 miles, and in 2013 we were on the road for 4979 miles! And these totals are just on Pack rides! So you can see there are lots of opportunities to hit the road and have a great time. Our meetings are held at Pete's Cycle in Baltimore located at 7511 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21236 on the first MONDAY of every month at 7:00 P.M. Feel free to join us at our next meeting or email us at BaltimoreRAT@aol.com if you are interested in joining. Everyone is welcome to look around and read our posts to see what's happening in our club. So why not join up for some great times and great rides with a bunch of fellow Triumph riders. Hope to see you at our next meeting!


Thank you to our Veterans & Military Service Members. As a part of this Veterans Day, Pete’s Cycle is offering a great sale opportunity for all active duty and prior service members. Come in from November 8th to November 11th for 20% off any one item from our huge selection of parts, accessories, and apparel. We are grateful for your service and have an awesome Veterans Day! OooooohRaa!

2015 Victory Gunner


You've wanted to step up to a true heavyweight cruiser. Do it in style with the Gunner, a powerful cruiser with throwback bobber style and street-smart attitude.

The Victory Gunner's distinctive bobber styling is enhanced by the premium Suede Titanium Metallic and Black paint, including the two-tone fuel tank.

The Victory Freedom® 106/6 V-Twin is smooth, efficient – and extremely powerful. It’s fuel-injected, counter-balanced and delivers 110 ft-lb of torque you can use to own city streets and enjoy extended highway cruising with confidence and power to spare. It delivers instant throttle response and outstanding power you can unleash on demand.

With the outstanding power of the Victory Freedom® 106/6 V-Twin, you’ll ride the Gunner with confidence – and with 110 ft-lb of torque on tap. Use the power to enjoy the best cruising, to head out onto the open road, and to manage traffic with passing power to spare.

Every gear shift is smooth and defined with the Victory 6-speed transmission with true overdrive. Its helical-cut gears ensure that each shift is smooth and sure. For interstate cruising, the 6th gear overdrive drops the RPMs and revs up a great ride experience.

The lightweight 16" front and rear wheels have such unique and powerful style that the Victory Gunner looks like it just rolled out of a custom shop.

The comfortable Victory Gunner seat has a narrow straddle point so your legs extend directly to the pavement from the 25.0" seat height, enhancing your confidence and control. The relaxed cruiser ergos ensure a comfortable ride on city streets and out on the open highway.

The Victory Gunner seat is stylish and comfortable. This sleek solo seat offers the ideal combo of cushion and support. It also puts a rider in a position of confidence-inspiring control. The seat's styling integrates with a smooth lines of the Victory Gunner, enhancing the bike's throwback bobber style. For 2-up riding, add the accessory passenger seat – and pegs or floorboards – of your choice.

Every rider can make the Victory Gunner truly their own with Victory Accessories. Add comfort, convenience, extra style, protection and more with Victory Accessories. Every Victory accessory undergoes the same rigorous testing as our motorcycles, so they install easily, fit properly, and deliver outstanding performance.

Come out to Pete's Bel Air location and check out the 2015 Victory Gunner yourself! Pete's has this and many other new 2015 models waiting for you. Come to any of Pete's three locations for great deals on motorcycles.

New 2015 Yamaha Models at Pete’s Cycle





Yamaha has released four exciting new models to their lineup. Made for the streets or off the road, these are some great new additions to Yamaha’s arsenal. Pete’s Cycle is proud to be carrying these new models! We hope you can come to our floor and see what we have to offer. We are excited to expand our selection to include this new group of Yamaha products. Pete’s Cycle has three convenient locations in and around Baltimore where you can come see these new models.

All-New 2015 YZF-R3


Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is proud to announce the newest member to join the acclaimed R-Series, the all-new YZF-R3.
Bred from the ground up using Yamaha R Series DNA the YZF-R3 features a 320cc, liquid-cooled, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC, fuel injected engine tuned to deliver excellent power and performance throughout the powerband.
Legendary R-Series styling with a full fairing gives the YZF-R3 that destined for the racetrack look and the low seat height of 30.7” make it available to a wide variety of riders looking for their first motorcycle or just prefer a lightweight, nimble machine.
The YZF-R3 features top notch components like KYB front suspension, lightweight aluminum 10-spoke wheels and a newly designed compact LCD instrument panel that displays all the important data at a glance.
The YZF-R3 will be available in three color options — Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red and Raven — and will retail for just $4,990, with bikes available in dealerships beginning in March 2015.

All-New 2015 SMAX Sport Scooter

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is excited to introduce the all-new 2015 SMAX Sport Scooter.
Engineered around an all-new powerful 155cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC fuel-injected engine that is highly fuel efficient while producing excellent acceleration and power, the SMAX is equally adept at commuting around town on city streets and jumping on the highway for longer distance riding. With an ultra reliable continuously variable transmission and a very linear power character, there is no need for a clutch or shifting gears, making riding the SMAX even easier.
An all-new frame design improves overall balance and helps deliver a sporty well handling machine, while also providing enough room for comfortable two up riding and 32-liters of underseat storage space for a full face helmet or groceries.
Available accessories provide additional storage capacity with a rear top case trunk and a center console bag.
Traction is handled by 13-inch wide high-grip front and rear tires, while front and rear disc brakes maintain constant stopping power.
The SMAX will be available in two color options — Ultramarine Blue and Matte Titan — and will retail for just $3,690, with bikes available in dealerships by November.

2015 Bolt C-Spec and Stryker and Raider Bullet Cowl editions



With the release of the original Bolt and Bolt R-Spec, Star Motorcycles attracted a new breed of riders who wanted this authentically styled modern day “performance bobber”. That’s about to happen again. Introducing the new Bolt C-Spec.
Epitomizing the cool “Café” style that has been popular across the globe since the 1960s, the Bolt C-Spec features café styling with original Star Motorcycles V-Twin performance. Features include clip-on handlebars, traditional fork boots, a removable passenger seat cowl and sport café paint and graphics that tie it all together.
Powered by a fuel-injected, 58-cubic-inch (950cc), air-cooled, V-Twin engine, mounted in a double-cradle frame, the Bolt C-Spec uses modern technology to create a riding experience superior to other similarly sized machines. Fuel injection and ignition timing maps have been set to deliver class-leading performance with strong low- and mid-range torque that is sure to bring a smile to every rider’s face.
With authentic features like belt drive and steel fenders, the Bolt C-Spec provides the perfect platform for personalization.
Along with the Bolt C-Spec, Star Motorcycles is excited to add the Raider and Stryker Bullet Cowl editions to its already full line of Star Motorcycles. The Bullet Cowl adds additional wind protection on both models and makes for an even bolder statement.
The Bolt C-Spec will be available in two color options — Liquid Silver and Envy Green — and will retail for $8,690, with bikes available in dealerships starting in January. The Raider Bullet Cowl is available in Raven–and will retail for $15,390, with bikes available in dealerships starting in October. The Stryker Bullet Cowl is available in Camo Green–and will retail for $12,090, with bikes available in dealerships starting in October.
2015 Raptor 700R


Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., today introduced the new 2015 Raptor 700R and Raptor 700 boasting increased power and suspension performance. The “king of sport ATVs” continues its reign as the best-selling big bore sport ATVs.
Yamaha, the best-selling sport ATV brand in the U.S., continues to push the limits of performance in the sport category with the 2015 Raptor 700R pulling approximately 10 percent more power this year from its fuel-injected 686cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine.
To reach the increased output along with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Yamaha gave the Raptor’s 700-class power plant a new cylinder head, increased compression ratio (10.0:1), a new exhaust system, updated valve timing and fuel injection mapping. For 2015, Yamaha has also incorporated a D.I.D. X-ring drive chain with added durability.
Power makes the Raptor the top big bore, but it is the addition of superior handling and comfort that makes it one of the best sport ATVs of all time. Yamaha improved these aspects on the 2015 model as well with new front and rear suspension settings and new construction Maxxis 22-inch front tires providing increased comfort and superior handling. The Raptor 700 (non-R) receives many of the same performance updates for 2015 – offering superior performance at an extreme value — $500 less (MSRP).
“Yamaha, year-over-year, has committed to furthering the sport ATV market and as such has dominated by bringing new and improved models like the Raptor 700R,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager.
The 2015 Raptor 700R will come in a new Yamaha Blue/White color scheme with and an MSRP of $8,199 – no price increase over the 2014 models. A Special Edition model with unique black-white plastics and red painted frame plus GYTR heel guards and front grab bar will also be available for $8,799 MSRP. A standard (non-R) version Raptor 700 in Yamaha Blue/White has an MSRP of $7,699.
The new Raptors will be available this fall and are being assembled at the U.S. factory in Newnan, Georgia.
Come out to any of Pete’s Cycle’s three locations and check out one of these new 2015 Yamaha models. We are happy to be doing business with Yamaha and with our customers to offer the best deals in town on motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. We hope you can come by and see what we have new to offer.
For more information or to come see these models, visit our website at www.Petescycle.com or call us at  our Baltimore location at 410-663-8556. Our other locations include Bel Air and Saverna Park.

AMSOIL Arenacross Series in Maryland

The AMSOIL Arenacross Series moved to Maryland for round two of the 2014 season and took over the Baltimore Arena for a weekend of racing action. The hardpack soil was a massive change from what racers encountered in the opening weekend at Worcester, and the crew constructed an innovative layout on the stadium floor. Five lanes were packed onto the floor and presented riders with a much-needed change from the standard AX layout.



Mike McDade had his starts on point all weekend in Baltimore. He was first through the first turn in three of the 4 main events.

The Baltimore round brought a number of young riders into the mix, with Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger and Team Green Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei competing in their first Arenacross races with the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, a necessity in acquiring their Monster Energy Supercross licenses. This was the first time that Plessinger had competed in the professional classes of AX, but he quickly found his place in the running order. He claimed both the AX Lites division and the first main event in the AX premier class, but could only climb to fifth in in the second main event. This allowed MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/Kawasaki’s Mike McDade to take the second main event, overall, and points lead heading into Saturday night. Monster Energy/Babbit’s/Kawasaki teammates Tyler Bowers and Zach Ames each put in top-five finishes in both main events, with Bowers finishing second overall and Ames fourth. Tuf Racing Honda’s Kyle Regal rounded out the top-five, with a pair of sixth place finishes and the overall win in the bracketed head to head motos.

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Aaron Plessinger was the next new kid on the block in AMSOIL Arenacross as he took home three main event win in two classes and the overall win on Saturday night.

Saturday night’s main event was a complete shake-up from the previous night’s action. Jacob Hayes rebounded from a subpar finish on Friday night to take the first main event in the AX class over Bowers, Ames, Plessinger, and Regal in this order. A massive first-turn pileup in the second main event collected the biggest contenders. Bowers, Ames, Hayes, and McDade were caught in the melee, which allowed Plessinger to take the main event win and his overall. Ames managed to regroup from the crash to finish fourth in the moto and second overall, which put the point standings in his control over McDade. MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/KTM’s Willy Browning was quietly consistent throughout the weekend, and despite rough practice sessions finished third overall on Saturday night and kept his place in the points standings.



Tyler Bowers hasn’t had the Saturday night’s the defending champion would hope for. A strong second overall finish Friday night in Balitmore was followed by a seventh overall (2-14) finish on Saturday. Bowers is currently fourth in the standings, and 20 points behind current leader Zach Ames.

After Plessinger took Friday night’s main event, Saturday night was anyone’s to win. Keith Tucker was determined to duplicate his success in Worcester and he held off Steven Mages and Maxx Malatia to take the victory. Hometown hero Tony Archer put in fourth and sixth place finishes during the weekend, which let the Traders Racing Kawasaki rider keep control of the Lites East Regional championship.

The AMSOIL Arenacross series moves south to Louisville, Kentucky, for the third weekend of the series. After the excitement of the first two weekends and the success of new talent in the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, what will happen is anyone’s guess.

Maryland's Best ATV Trails

Pete's Cycle is hoping you come in this season for great deals on off-road bikes and ATV's.

The best (MD) Maryland trails are waiting for you. Maryland is an extraordinary diverse and beautiful state. In fact, the topography of this state is so unique and diverse National Geographic Magazine once called this state, “America in Miniature.” The good news is there is always a state park, national forest or private off road park within a short drive no matter where you are in the state.

There are thousands of acres of off road parks, ATV trails, and dirt bike trails scattered throughout this state. That being the case you will find a variety of off road trucks, mud trucks, Jeeps, ATV's, UTV's, side-by-side's and dirt bikes while out on the trail in this state. The fact is, no matter what you ride or drive off road you will find fun and adventure on Maryland trails.

So what are you waiting for? Go find a trail and start your next adventure! Here are some trails you may want to try out.

Assateague Island has both it's Maryland and Virginia ORV areas open year round for off road beach recreation. The Maryland portion of Assateague has an ORV zone 12 miles in length, with a 145 vehicle limit. Each end of the island limits the maximum number of vehicles which can be on the beach at any one time. The Virginia portion of the ORV area has several miles open year round, but does close it's extreme southern region known as "the hook" from March 15th-September 1st for the nesting Piping Plover. The vehicle limit on the remaining 1.5 mile beach drops to 18 at that time of year. If any Piping Plovers decide to nest on that portion of the off road beach, there are by-pass routes that are set up to avoid the birds, but the area still remains open for the season. The 145 vehicle limit is reached early on weekends and often goes to a one-off/one-on system.

The off road permit is good for both the Virginia and Maryland ends of Assateague Island and there is a $70-$150 annual permit fee (depending on the type of access desired). There is no weekly or other short term permits. Off road vehicles must be street legal. Motorcycles and ATV's are not allowed. You will need to present your registration card. You need a low pressure tire gauge and it's recommenced to let the air out to 15 lbs. or so for the soft sand. There are air pumps near the off road entrance. A shovel, jack, a board to support the jack in the sand (12" sq. minimum, 3/4" plywood or 1&1/2" hardwood), and a tow rope or chain (substantial capacity, 10' minimum length) are also required. Fines are charged for each piece of missing required equipment. The permit is available through the mail (request 3 weeks at least in advance). It also can be obtained in person at the Visitor Centers

The world-renowned Budds Creek Motocross Park is loacted in beautiful Southern Maryland. The natural terrain track has been home to some epic events including 125, 250 and 500 AMA Nationals and three World Championships. They also hosted the Motocross Des Nations in 2007. 

The Piney Mountain Trail beginning at the Sang Run-Cranesville Road in Oakland, MD and ending at the intersection of the Piney Mountain Road and the unnamed dirt road may only be used by: (1) snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during deer firearms season; and (2) two wheel and four wheel vehicles the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. The western half of the loop may be used by snowmobiles only, and may not be used by any motorized wheeled vehicle.

Autumn Open House at Pete's Cycle!

Come join us at Pete's Cycle for our Autumn Open House! On Saturday, October 18th 2014 from 10am to 5pm Pete's is having great savings on select models. With up to $5000 off on select new units, what could beat this deal! Come join the fun, food, and football and toss to win your way to great savings! 1 toss in the tire gets you 1% off, 2 tosses gets 3% off, 3 tosses gets 5% off, and making all three tosses will get you a bonus 20% off! Also Pete's is having 15% off any parts or accessories in stock all day! Come to any of our 3 locations for this great offer!

Glenn McCall Legacy Ride

Looking for a great even to join for a great cause?

If you're a rider in Maryland, consider joining the 2014 Glenn McCall Legacy Ride!

On October 8, 2011, at 38, Glenn McCall had a massive heart attack leaving his loving wife Rochelle and sons, Jack (8) and Britt (6), trying to figure out how to do life without him. The McCall Education Fund is the result of family and friends pulling together to help Rochelle raise their boys knowing the strong character of their dad, and the important role of education in their journey to become men of integrity.

The ride starts at Happy Harbor Restaurant, 533 Deale Road in Deale. Registration begins at 10:00 am and motorcycles go out at 10:30 am.  The ride fee is $5.00 per hand. The ride ends in Brooms Island with awards for poker run winners and raffles. The ride benefits McCall Education fund in memory of Glen McCall. For more information call (443) 254-8792 or click here to send e-mail.

Getting your motorcycle ready for a ride? Come in to Pete's Cycle and make have our expert technicians make sure that your bike is ready for the road.

Tips to Safe Motorcycle Driving


Here's what the Maryland DMV has to say about Motorcycle driving safety tips.

Whether it's a quick trip to the corner market for a few things, or a two-week touring trip with friends, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your motorcycle driving is safe and enjoyable.
It would be nice if the road was always smooth, and without bumps, but those bumps, potholes, breakdowns, lost riding moments and more are out there. The best way to avoid trouble from these instances is to be prepared. You can also improve your own safety, as well as that of your passengers and vehicle, by not only following the laws and rules of the road, but also by knowing them well and always practicing courteous and calm driving.

Safe From the Start

The best way to start off right and ensure you have a smooth ride, and to anticipate problems that may occur, is to prepare and pack for your trip, bringing water, extra clothing, a map of the area you're driving, or other items that might be necessary, depending on your trip. You should also be sure you have some safety basics, particularly a first-aid kit, and a charged mobile phone if possible.
It is also important to make sure that your bike is well-maintained and checked, and that all fluids and major systems, including braking and lights, are in working order. You cannot predict and prevent all vehicle failures and breakdowns, but you can reduce the risk by maintaining your motorcycle.
Next, you will need to make sure that you, as the driver, and any passengers are properly seated on the bike. This means sitting squarely on the center of the seat with feet on foot-pegs and hands holding handlebars or the rider. Also, make sure you and passengers are always wearing protective helmets. It may not be the law in every state, but it is common sense for safety.

Defensive Driving

One of the most obvious things you can do to make sure your driving is safe is to practice defensive driving. This does not mean you have to drive extra slow, but you should use extra caution at all times, and remember that other vehicles are not just other cars and trucks, they are people. Defensive driving consists of a few basic driving tips that are intended to help keep you focused on the road, raise your awareness of your surroundings, and prepare you for a fast reaction to avoid a crash.

A List of Defensive and Safe Driving Skills and Practices

  • Avoid distractions, including mobile phones and other devices, which can divert your attention, even with hands-free functionality.
  • Aim high when looking out over the handlebars at the road.
  • Keep your eyes moving, meaning don't just stare at the road ahead; check mirrors and other views frequently.
  • Leave yourself an out; this means anticipating what would happen if you had to swerve or slam on the brakes.
  • Position both hands firmly but comfortably on handlebars.
  • Never drive while feeling drowsy or sleepy; pull over at a rest stop or other safe place to take a break and get some real rest.

Courtesy is Cool

It is easy to get caught up in rushing yourself, as well as other motorists, when riding. It is important to remember that although you may be late, or another driver may have cut you off or otherwise disregarded the rules of the road, riding is no race or competition.
One of the biggest causes of accidents is vehicles following each other too close. The general rule of thumb for driving is one car-length, but it never hurts to extend the buffer between yourself and the vehicle or vehicles in front of you, especially on a motorcycle. This can also help you maintain a smoother ride that saves fuel and wear and tear on your bike. If you are spinning out every start and constantly hitting the brakes, you are accelerating too fast and following too close.
Courteous driving also consists of allowing other motorists to merge into traffic by giving them the space to do so. Similarly, if you are merging, maintain a safe speed, but do your best to quickly accelerate to the flow of traffic.


For more information about safe driving, refer to the National Safety Council (NSC).

If you're headed out on the road with your motorcycle, come visit Pete's Cycle for repairs, gear, parts and much more to help you on your way to the open road.

Finding your Fit: A Guide to Mid-Sive ATV's



So you’re in the market for a new, mid-size ATV. You could:

1. Take a week off from work to test drive everything that’s out there.
2. Pick the one that looks coolest.
3. Or, (best option), check out this article in ATV Rider, which evaluates five
of the industry’s best – Honda Rancher, Suzuki King Quad, Kawasaki Prairie, Yamaha Grizzly, and Polaris Sportsman.

In a Consumer Reports-like test, ATV Rider pushed all five across the Mojave Desert and up the Sierra Nevada mountain range. One conclusion: the smaller ATVs  in the midsize category don’t carry the weight and power of their bigger counterparts. But while you lose some power, you gain in cost savings and greater agility.

The article makes thorough comparisons on a wide range of factors, including engine specs, transmissions, suspension and handling, overall value – and the all-important “fun factor.” Honda and Yamaha win the prize for most fun vehicles, while Grizzly takes the cake for getting hard jobs done.

Which is best for you is of course a very personal choice. But looking at ATV Rider’s ratings before you shop can get you well on your way before you visit us at Petes and ride in the woods. 

If you're looking for a great mid-size ATV, visit Pete's Cycle and come view our huge selection of choices that will fit your needs!

2014 Triumph Explorer Review





The Triumph Explorer is primarily designed for urban touring and light allroad riding. This bike is excellent for everyday riding, the nature of the triple engine is sporty, it handles well and good ergonomics with adjustments translate to functionality and enjoyment 

Exceptionally, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2014 has a powerful alternator which produces a staggering 950W capacity, allowing the widest range of electronics used simultaneously. This feature is relevant for touring and as long as the power consumption level remains as high as it is at the moment. In addition the onboard computer will prioritize the power consumption and switch off additional equipment if necessary. The use of complete LED lighting systems is just in the beginning of it`s life cycle and hardly anyone provides motorcycles with full LED lighting systems as standard. Therefore motorcycle riders need to pay attention to the power consumption, unless they ride the TigerExplorer.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2014 is ride by wire throttled which means that the electronic cruise control ECC is included as standard feature. Well done TRIUMPH, the cruise control is a basic touring bike features and it is especially useful when riding long tarmac LEGs. It allows to keep both arms relaxed and releases the rider focus from the speed monitoring, but also saves some fuel by maintaining a constant speed. The use of a ECC simply reduces the riding fatigue which can be even dangerous in the end of long riding days. Personally I prefer having the cruise control switch at the left hand side so that a sharp GPS -speed setting using both hands would be more accurate and rider friendly. The TigerExplorer fly by wire throttle management is fairly sensitive and it takes a moment to adjust to it. The down side is that setting up an accurate speed close to the desired limit using just one hand is more difficult. By assisting with the left hand, it can be done, but would be impractical. An additional comfort oriented throttle mapping mode would be appropriate for touring.

Stop into one of Pete' Cycles 3 locations to check it out for yourself!