Fastest Motorcycles on the Planet

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Alex Bach

Long before shows like “American Chopper” and “Orange County Choppers” hit the airwaves these beastly bikes have captivated fans of speed, engineering and the open road.

Ever since the first bicycle was invented people have been striving to up the design and increase its speed. And when the first motorcycle arrived in 1885 the next bar was set. Now we’ve got bikes capable of speeds greater than the fastest sports cars!

Need help shipping your bike across seas for your next epic ride? Schumacher Cargo has shipped tens of thousands of bikes and has the experience and passion to ship yours safely and securely.

In the meantime, check out these…

5 Fastest Choppers on the Planet:

1. Dodge Tomahawk

With a v-10 Viper engine, 500 horsepower and 525-pounds of torque, this isn’t just the fastest chopper on the planet but faster than the fastest car on the planet, the Bugatti Veyron. However, the fact that it’s not street legal in the US and there’s very limited production puts this bike in a gray area between concept and production.

2. Suzuki Hayabusa

The 1340cc, 197-hp, 4-cylinder, engine on this 6-speed Japanese powerhouse gives this motorcycle a top speed of 248mph! And it doesn’t hurt that this machine looks like a mechanized falcon, which is what Haybusa means in Japanese.

3. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K

Part bike…part jet…total beast!

This bike is the first motorcycle in the world to actually use a turbine engine, taken from a Rolls Royce Allison. The turbine gives this bad boy 425 pounds of torque and 320hp, allowing riders speeds of up to 227 mph.

4. Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

Honda has done it again with their motorcycles! Speeds of up to 190mph can be achieved on this 1137-cc, 4-cylinder crotch rocket. You’ll think you’re riding the famed Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

5. Yamaha YZF R1

Another speed demon from Japan, this chopper features a liquid-cooled, parallel 4-cylinder engine with 20 valves and a 6-speed transmission. All of which allow this behemoth to get its rider up to speeds of 186mph!

These bikes were all designed to push the envelopes of speed and design while still being practical and available to the general public (with the exception of the Tomahawk). And even if you can’t get your hands on some of these incredible machines, you can, hopefully, imagine yourself peeling across the pavement at these tremendous speeds.

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23 Baddest Chopper Blogs of 2013

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written by Alex Bach

Motorcycle enthusiasts have a passion for their vehicles, their community of riders, and a need to share their finds, concepts, mods and adventures.

As we over here at Schumacher Cargo consider ourselves among those champions of the chopper–shipping thousands of these beloved machines to every corner of the globe–we decided it was high time to award the best, brightest, and baddest of these biker blogs.

Here Are the 23 Baddest Chopper Blogs of 2013:

1. Bike EXIF covers all things motorcycle: be it a custom job, a cafe racer or a classic bikes. The site is operated out of New Zealand by Chris Hunter, whose additional passion for photography means you’re in for some gorgeous pics.

2. Knuckleduster. Grail Mortillaro operates this site, giving visitors an inside look at his DIY bike that’s so close and complete you feel like you’re right in the garage with him.

3. The Kneeslider covers all things motorcycle, from the latest designs to DIY projects.

4. Cyril Huze Blog. Featuring elegant photos of gorgeous bikes, breaking news or police busted for drag racing, Cyril Huze is definitely one of the best bike blogs out there.

5. The Vintagent is the best blog around for vintage motorcycles. A digital museum for some of the oldest, toughest, and gorgeous of these early pioneers.

6. Tilted Horizons is run by a year-round rider looking to offer his readers travel stories, book reviews, pictures, videos and all things relevant to the world of motorcycles.

7. Twisting Asphalt covers sports cars and bikes but the fact that it’s operated by a professional motorcycle documentarian means you can check out high-quality pics and videos of some of the baddest choppers out there.

8. Motorcyclist At Large gives a more personal experience of one man’s passion with motorcycles, sharing lengthy-but-worthy reads for the committed rider.

9. Rippin Kitten gives us a female take on motorcycle madness. Liz Frazier covers all aspects of the culture, from gear, to clothing, to product reviews, to steam-powered bikes and beyond.

10. Cling On For Dear Life. This blog is dedicated solely to covering CB 750 Cafe Racers. Chocked full of gorgeous photos from old models to new–and a few motorcycle “Cling On Girl” models as well.

11. Unleash Your Adventure, recently unveiling their new website, is a blog for motorcycle travel. Here you can find out what it’s like to bike across Thailand and other exotic locales.

12. XS650Chopper is a builder’s blog. Readers from all over submit pics and stories of their amazing builds and rehabs of cult-favorite Yamaha XS650 bikes.

13. Faster and Faster. Bikes, babes and business, “Faster and Faster” covers the latest bikes, trade show appearances and news from around the world.

14. Return of the Cafe Racers is dedicated to all things relevant to the sporty bike gaining in popularity across the world. Great photos, great design, great blog.

15. Bikes in the Fast Lane. While the layout can seem a little cluttered, this is a great blog for catching up on all the latest in motorcycle news, including which countries have recently banned motorcycles.

16. Saul T Nutz Racing Blog covers the motorcycle racing scene in the salt flats of Bonneville.

17. Fuzzy Galore is another great chopper blog for our female riders out there. For ten years, this “Girlie Motorcycle Blog,” as creator Rachel/”Fuzzy” puts it, covers road trips, fun stops, tales from the road and other items related to her love of motorcycles.

18. Helmet Hair, named after the all common side-effect of a good ride, keeps readers apprised to the latest chopper news, such as the first man to reach 200mph speeds with a 125cc bike.

19. Bandit Rider provides a great personal riding blog from New Zealand riders Mark and Andrew. They give their experiences on everything from wearing contacts while riding to the details of a long ride.

20. Honda Motorcycles Blog covers, as you probably guessed, Honda motorcycles. This site is loaded with great pics, videos, and maintenance tips for your Honda bike.

21. Web Bike World is your stop for motorcycle, gear, and apparel reviews.

22. Motorcycles In Thailand Our fellow riders in Thailand have been keeping us up to speed on some of the hottest bikes coming out next year. Check out their coverage on the 2014 BMW R1200GS.

23. Harley Davidson Blog. Of course, no list would be complete without a blog dedicated to one of the most recognizable and bad choppers ever to hit the streets. The Harley Davidson Blog has everything Harley: from travel tips to books to celebs to news and the latest tech talk.

While there are countless motorcycle blogs out there, these are the ones we’ve deemed to be the best in 2013. If your favorite chopper blog isn’t on there, leave a comment and we’ll check it out for next year’s awards.

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Expat 101: The 10 Must-Have Apps

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Jason Lowder

Written by Jason Lowder

Living abroad is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. It opens us up to new cultures and expands our knowledge of life on this vast globe of ours. But living the expat life isn’t always easy, what with language, custom, technology and even measurement barriers.

We can help ship your possessions safely to and from your exciting new residence, and these apps can help you to settle in overseas after the move.

10 Must-Have Apps For Expats:

1. Smart Traveler–This awesome app brought to you by the State Department is a great way to stay safe when abroad, supplying you with embassy locations as well as updates on security alerts and maps. This app will help keep you safe when traveling–which means you’ll be able to convert that worry into fun!

2. HiConverter–This app is absolutely a must-have for expats as it helps convert all the various measurement discrepancies from around the world, telling you their US equivalent. From kilometers and other metric measurements to shoe and clothing sizes, this app helps you put things in perspective and make the right choices, like whether a museum is within walking distance or whether those pants will fit your father.

3. TuneIn Radio–Homesickness is a common and often unavoidable fact of expat living. While this app won’t replicate your mother’s spaghetti and meatballs, it will let you tune in to radio broadcasts of your favorite home stations.

4. Lingolook Flashcards–Loaded with translations of 500 basic words in seven languages, this app will help break up the language barrier. The addition of a real voice doing the pronunciations versus a robot is a tremendous advantage!

5. PackingPro–This is the perfect app for large families or forgetful travelers, allowing you to make a list of necessary items to include in your packing. Of course, you’ll still have to remember to check the list.

6. SitOrSquat–As bathroom situations are often a high-priority item for travelers, this app helps you find the nearest public restrooms while traveling as well as informing you of their particular “style” of commode.

7. World Customs and Cultures–This is a great app to help keep you from committing a disastrous faux-pas while visiting another country.

8. Lonely Planet City Guides–An expensive app but it’s like having a personal travel guide with you wherever you go, and without broadcasting yourself as a blatant tourist. What’s also great is that the information is loaded to the app when you buy it so you won’t have to incur roaming or data charges to use it.

9. WiFi Finder–As phone use abroad is expensive, this app is a huge money-saver. With over 650,000 locations, you can find the nearest WiFi spots wherever you are in the world!

10. Moonpig–Well maybe not a must-have this app is a great way to connect with people back home and send them personalized postcards made from your favorite photos–a good way to show family exotic locations and assure them you haven’t been thrown in a prison.

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The Railways of the Future

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written by Alex Bach

The emergence of railways changed forever the face of industry and transportation; food, goods and supplies could for the first time be shipped across long distances at alarming rates. Indeed, the railway is often thought of as the birth of the modern age. So what roles will it play in the future? (Have a question about shipping a large or delicate item? Schumacher Cargo can ship everything from a rare Ferrari to an oversized yacht. Contact us today about your shipping needs and we’ll find you a solution.)

High Speed Rails

These railways have long been a part of the conversation for railways of the future. Many countries in Europe and Asia have already been experimenting with high speed rails. High Speed Rails refer to rails that can accommodate speeds of more than 155mph–some reaching speeds of a whopping 249mph (or 400kph). Currently France, Korea, China and Japan have the fastest rails, of speeds capable of exceeding 261mph. The US has long been talking of joining the ranks of these other countries by installing high speed rails in 10 areas. So far these rails have yet to see their high speeds.

Potential High Speed Rails in America

Maglev Trains

Maglev trains are trains or transportation systems that operate off of magnetic levitation, that is, using magnets to lift the trains off the rails and propel them frictionless along their path. Systems like the ETT (Evacuated Tube Transport) could potentially carry passengers along at 6500kph–meaning passengers could board a train in New York and arrive in Beijing only a little over halfway through “The Godfather.”

Elon Musk’s Hyperloop

Elon Musk’s Hyperloop

Recently famed entrepreneur Elon Musk, the man behind Tesla Motors, PayPal and SpaceX, has envisioned another new mode of transportation that’s more in-line with Maglev trains. Musk’s Hyperloop uses the same principles of vacuum tube technology that we see at the bank, moving capsules through a tube on a cushion of air. Musk’s design claims to be able to reach a max speed of 760mph! Of course these are just some of the designs for the future of railways; and while some might be feasible, who knows if something better and more exciting will arrive before these futuristic designs can be implemented. After all, everyone thought we’d have the flying car long before the iPad.

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Expat 101: Tips for Getting Your Kids Acclimated to a New Country

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written by Alex Bach

Moving is never easy. There’s the cleaning, the packing, the stress, the uncertainty and that’s all before the actual moving day! The difficulties of moving are always compounded when there are kids involved.

A move across town involving a new school can present a whole range of problems for kids; so what do you do when you’re moving not just across cities or states but across countries?

Here at Schumacher Cargo we know moving can be difficult, after all we’ve helped countless families with moving to and from the U.S.and the more that we can help the better. That’s why we’re offering these tips to help get your kids acclimated to the new country and expedite the fun and enjoyment of their new expat life!

Explore!

Almost every kid loves exploring, whether it’s a new house, a creepy basement or a forest. And what better place to explore than in a completely new country! You’ll want to go with your kids, but encourage them to indulge their inner explorers and take walks through the various neighborhoods, countrysides or museums.

Get Involved in Local Culture

No matter what country you’re in, there’s always going to be a difference in culture; but don’t be afraid of the new culture, embrace it! Find out what makes your new country unique and get your kids to participate. If you’re in China, have your kids learn about Tai Chi or local martial arts.

Cook!

Part of local culture is local cuisine and this might be one of the hardest challenges to overcome with kids whose palettes aren’t as open adults. One of the best ways to counter this is to cook local cuisines at home and have them help in the cooking. They’ll be able to see (and choose) what goes into the dish, discarding the scarier items, and the fact that they’re making it will likely compel them to eat the new dish.

Learn the Language

One of the most isolating things about moving to a new country is not knowing the local language. Sign your kids up for classes in the local language; it will get them involved in the culture, give them something to do and look forward to, and help break down the walls between them and their new country.

As we said, moving is never easy, but hopefully these tips will help your kids focus on the exciting aspects of the move and through that become better acclimated.

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Motorcycles of the Future – 6 Concept Bikes that Could Really Happen

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written by Alex Bach

Most concept bikes try to give us a glimpse into the future. Unfortunately for many of their admirers, that future is still too far away–and you want to ride these puppies now!

While no one can say when these motorcycles will fall into production, after all, that’s why they’re “concept” bikes, these 6 have some of the best chances of making to the open road.

But just because your bike may not be one of these concepts doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it as if it were. Schumacher Cargo ships over 10,000 bikes per year and treats each of them like the concept bikes they once were.

I Care Motorcycle

Designed by French conceptual masters in the Enzyme Group, this bike looks like the early drafts of the motorcycles for “The Dark Knight” or the “Tron” reboot. With a 1.8, 6-cylinder engine and dual exhaust, this bike is not just a concept of awe and speed, it actually has a real possibility of someday seeing its way into production.

Dodge Tomahawk V10

And it even comes in red.

If the I Care bike were a cross between The Dark Knight and Tron, this would look like a mix between the former and Superman. While appearing more militaristic than the I Care (the struts look just like the Batpod’s machine guns) the Tomahawk’s steel frame and Viper engine make this motorcycle a distinct Motor City masterpiece we could see in production if our laws didn’t object to it having 4 wheels.

Indian’s Alien “Speed Racer”

“In space…no one can issue speeding tickets”

Designed by Dan Bailey, this sleek and frightening beast has found a new nickname among enthusiasts of the concept: the Alien Speed Racer. Taking inspiration from the famous sci-fi franchise, Bailey modified the designs of the Kawasaki Ninja after their tapered heads and sleek aesthetics.

Ferrari V4 Motorcycle

It’s a Ferrari…but it’s also a bike! Does anything more need to be said? No, but here’s some anyway: this bike boasts a V4 engine with F-16 inspired controls for this nearly-literal crotch rocket.

2015 Honda CB750

At first glance it appears like a video game version of a dirt-bike. Then you look closer. Honda’s concept features a carbon fiber body with a 750cc 4-cylinder engine with a 5″ display for GPS and driving modes.

Zero Moto

We’ll have to wait a couple more years for this bad boy to be in production. Like 30.

This electric bike features all wheel drive with pairs of wheels in the front and back, capable of spinning in reverse direction for a smaller turning radius or faster for high-speed lane changes.

As these were supposed to be bikes that had a shot of making it onto production some day, certain concept bikes that were just stunning–such as the Swordfish or the Mach Ness–didn’t, unfortunately, make the list.

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The Craziest Solo Sea Voyages in the World

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written by Alex Bach

The glory and mystique of the sea voyage has been around since the dawn of our recorded age and the advent of the first canoes.

As the mystique grew over the years and as our shipbuilding got better, our awe only continued to rise for epic sea voyages. Now, we’ve entered an age when solo sea voyages are possible and the mystique continues to grow.

At Schumacher Cargo Logistics (where we take part in sea traveling by shipping hundreds of boats overseas each year) we’re always looking for the latest stories on exciting solo ventures.

Here Are a Few of the Latest Crazy Solo Sea Voyages:

Eric Loss–don’t let the last name fool you–set sail on his solo sea adventure in November of 2011. Eric set out to circumnavigate this crazy ball of water and land and more water, taking his 36-foot boat, the Oddysey, 2000 pounds of food, 110 gallons of fresh water, a Kindle and himself. Eric even had to undergo a full capsize during his voyage, but made it out safely and continued on his journey.

Laura Dekker

A 16-year old girl from the Netherlands became the youngest person ever to complete a solo circumnavigation. Laura Dekker, took off on a 518 day voyage from Gibraltar when she was just 14 and arrived in the Caribbean in January of 2012 all by herself. This would be an impressive journey from anyone but is just astounding for her age.

Recently, a 64-year old woman, Diana Nyad, made a 53-hour solo swim from Cuba to Florida…without a shark cage. Other than a body suit, gloves and a protective mask at night to prevent against jelly fish, Diana was unprotected in these notoriously dangerous waters.

Reid Stowe took his 70-foot schooner, Anne, on the longest sea voyage in history, a mind blowing 1,152 days at sea. Reid had started out on the journey with the company of his girlfriend, Soanya, who had stayed aboard for 300 days before succumbing to homesickness, which turned out to be pregnancy. Stowe had to wait until he pulled his schooner into New York to meet his son.

Reid Stowe

What could make this record breaking story even cooler? The schooner Reid took was home-built, constructed by his family three decades before his adventure.

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Best Gadgets For Your Boat

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Alex Bach

Written By Alex Bach

Whether cruising the open sea, trolling for tuna or taking a leisurely spin around the bay, having the latest gadgets for your boat is essential for both safety and entertainment. Here are some of the latest and greatest gadgets for your boat.

Digital Media Locker by Aquatic AV

Having music to listen to while cutting through the waves is ideal; seeing your iPod go launching into the water or getting splashed by a squall is not. This neat device allows guests to connect and store their iPod in a waterproof locker and change music via remote control.

Fluid Oasis Motorized Party Island

Drop the anchor and climb aboard this inflatable party raft. Complete with cooler, MP3 player, speakers and caged propeller, this raft is a five-person floating treasure. A whole new way to enjoy the water.

Garmin GPSMAP 740S

Don’t get lost again…unless you want to

While it might not be one of the more fun items on this list, having a good GPS device on your board is essential. As the weather can turn on a dime, it’s important to be prepared, especially if you’re out on the ocean or navigating complex river systems in search of an elusive catfish.

Subwing

The inner tube will seem like the Model A to the Subwing’s Aston Martin when you attach this awesomely fun toy to the back of your boat. While most tow-able aquatic fun takes place on top of the waves, this one allows you to actually dive below! Dive, coast, or spin your way into a whole new territory of aquatic fun.

Vexilar FS-2000DT Underwater Camera

With an underwater camera like this one from Vexilar you won’t have to interpret the blobs of fish on most fish finders, you’ll be able to see your potential catch in crisp detail. This camera has 80 feet of line and can even relay depth, temperature and the direction of the fish. It might not catch the fish for you, but at least you’ll be able to paint a picture of the fish that got away.

And if you’re looking to ship your boat for some aquatic excitement in a new terrain, make sure you properly prepare your boat for shipping with these 5 easy steps.

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The Most Expensive Bikes Ever Sold

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Jason Lowder

Written By Jason Lowder

Few things are as revered and storied as hitting the open road for an adventure. Odysseus , Bilbo Baggins and “Easy Rider” all shared that need for adventure. Like “Easy Rider,” the motorcycles and bikes have been some of the most exciting modes of travel out there.

And hitting the road in style is all a part of the adventure. While many looking for a stylish cross-country bike likely won’t find these in their price range, the following bikes are certainly worth drooling over from a distance.

Here Are 5 Of the Most Expensive Bikes Ever Sold:

1. Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike (price: $555,000)

This behemoth looks like it popped a wheelie and ripped itself from the pages of comic books. With its pristine, stainless steel design, it appears that if Superman ever got tired of flying this is the motorcycle he would ride.

The bike’s 8.3 liter, 500 horsepower engine–capable of reaching 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds–also, unfortunately, makes the bike street illegal in the US of A.

2. Damien Hirst’s “Butterfly” Trek Madone (price: $500,000) Damien Hirst Butterfly Trek Madone

Renowned and sometimes-controversial artist Damien Hirst designed this bicycle, which uses real butterfly wings by the way, for Lance Armstrong’s 2009 Tour de France ride. It fetched its whopping $500,000 at auction for the Livestrong charity.

3. Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition (price: $275,000)

With a style that looks like it could have come out of a scene from the WWII-action flick “The Great Escape,” this motorcycle has all the class of a vintage model with the speed, innovation and technology of today. If Steve McQueen had had this 2,150cc supercharged bike, there’s no doubt he would have escaped capture–and maybe won the war while doing so.

4. Macchia Nera’s Concept Bike ($201,000)

Macchia Nera concept bike

A one-of-a-kind motorcycle–literally, there is only one of these bikes in the world–this concept design features beautiful Italian engineering coupled with a classically simple design.

5. Trek Yoshitomo Nara Speed Concept (price $200,000)

The UFO’s that adorn this concept bike by Trek should give you some indication of its otherworldly creation. Famous Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara designed this awe-inspiring bicycle.

While you might not be able to get your hands on some of these bikes, you can, of course, imagine yourself cruising the open road on any one of them–which means if you crash you won’t be ruining a half-million dollar investment.

Before you launch into your pan-American bike trip be sure and check out our motorcycle shipping services to get you the best rates on moving your bike. You may even decide to take your motorcycle or bike overseas!

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Americans on the Move

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Jenn Cosgrove

Written by Jenn Cosgrove

The United States is still one of the most mobile countries in the world:

According to recent surveys, 24 percent of Americans reported moving from their city or area in the past five years. That’s comparable to New Zealand (26%), Finland (23%), and Norway (22%).

New U.S. Census data show that the great slowdown in migration caused by the recession is starting to give way. In 2012, “domestic migration” was as high as it’s been in the past five years,nearly 16.9 million people moved between counties, with long-distance interstate moves accounting for about 7 million of those.

Movement between counties largely reflects people moving because of jobs, demographers said.

Overall, the increase signals both a healthier economy and future growth because it means more workers are being matched with jobs that suit their skills.

Among those moving more were 25-to-29-year-olds, indicating that many young people who were stymied by the weak labor market of recent years were finding jobs and moving on with their lives, said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution.

The American Moving & Storage Association reports that in January and February, 5.4 percent more households moved this year than last. The report is based on data from the nine largest moving companies.

Americans are also making more international moves. The annual rate of expatriation is growing as over 150,000 Americans moved internationally in the past year.

According to U.S. Department of State figures, between 1966 and 1999 the number of Americans living abroad skyrocketed from just 70,000 to an estimated four million.

Fourteen years later, the U.S. Department of State again released estimates of the number of American expats living abroad.

The new government estimate (January 2013) placed the American expat population at 6.89 million, about a 68 percent increase over the 1999 estimate and a 9.4 percent increase over its 6.3 million estimate in July 2012.

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