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Women today are in a serious time crunch. Between work, family and household responsibilities, they rarely have time to spend on themselves. According to a recent survey of 1,000 women, one in 10 women say they never make time for themselves and more than half only make time for themselves once a week.

“In today’s busy world, women are often being pulled in several different directions, leaving them with little time to do what actually makes them happy,” said Dr. Sheenah Hankin, psychotherapist and author of “Complete Confidence: A Handbook.” “Yet by not taking time for themselves, women are missing out on activities and experiences that can help build confidence, promote self-respect and add excitement to their lives.”

Today’s Time Crunch

Three-quarters of women surveyed said that an abundance of obligations and responsibilities prevented them from getting some “me” time. Of these obligations, taking care of other people (37.5 percent) and work (31.5 percent) topped the list. However, after these obligations, one in ten women said they didn’t spend time on themselves because of guilt.

If women were able to snag some time to themselves, they said they would most like to exercise (21.6 percent), treat themselves to some pampering (19.7 percent) and even take up a new hobby (18.7 percent). “By getting some alone time, women can feel fulfilled,” added Hankin. “They’ll also be happier while taking care of their daily obligations, knowing they have something to look forward to.”

Benefits of Me Time

The majority of women surveyed said that spending time on themselves helps to make them feel more relaxed. In fact, a quarter of all women said the time they get to themselves also helps them feel clear-minded, exhilarated, empowered and even adventurous.

Given some free time, many women would like to spend it on a hobby or trying something new. “It’s important for women to take on new challenges and keep themselves active,” said Hankin. “By facing new challenges and building new skills, they strengthen their confidence and enrich their lives.”

Call of the Open Road

But even with these findings, it seems more and more women are trying to make time for themselves by trying new activities that are challenging, exciting and fulfilling. For example, the number of women participating in the sport of motorcycling is on the rise, with women now representing one in 10 U.S. motorcycle owners according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

“I’ve been riding my whole life and I can’t imagine my life without it,” said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of the founder of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson General Merchandise creative director. “Riding is my me time. It makes me feel relaxed and empowered all at the same time. I can tell you that there is no better confidence builder than mastering a motorcycle.”

Davidson agrees that riding, like other hobbies, does take time and effort. “But I think women need to make a conscious effort to create time for themselves to do the things they love,” added Davidson. “I love motorcycling…I enjoy the sense of freedom, independence and adventure that motorcycling invokes and donning that leather jacket and saddling up always adjusts my outlook on life.”

Getting Behind the Handlebars

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has made it easy for women to pursue an experience that can be all their own.

Helping fuel the growth of the sport among women is the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge program, which teaches basic riding skills at select Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country. Since the program’s inception in 2000, more than 69,000 people have learned to ride a motorcycle, with women constituting 39 percent of those students.

Women can learn more about the sport of motorcycling and the Rider’s Edge program by visiting www.harley-davidson.com .

Sheenah Hankin, is the author of “Complete Confidence: A Handbook” ( http://www.sheenahhankin.com/confidence.php ) (ReganBooks/HarperCollins). Born in England and now a proud American citizen, Sheenah received her graduate diploma in counseling from Aston University in Birmingham, and a Ph.D. from International University. She is a member of both the American Counseling Association and the Mental Health Counselors Association, and is listed in Who’s Who in America. She has a practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

About the Taking Time for Yourself Survey

This research project was conducted in order to assess how women feel about taking time for themselves. The survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1,052 women between 30 and 54. All are members of the CyberPulse(TM) Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel has been carefully selected to closely match US population demographics. Research was conducted in February, 2006. The overall sampling error for this survey is +/- 2.5% at the 95% level of confidence.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — GE Consumer Finance’s Retail Sales Finance unit today announced a new multi-year partnership with Ultra Motorcycle Company Inc., to provide Ultra customers with installment financing for their custom V-Twin engine motorcycles. The program will launch nationwide today, April 24, to the Ultra network of independent dealers.

“Ultra has forged a unique path in the custom motorcycle market and we look forward to further distinguishing ourselves by adding the most versatile installment lending options the industry has to offer,” said Michael Vos, chief financial officer of Ultra. “The Ultra experience extends to our financing, and we chose GE for its significant powersports industry expertise, marketing capabilities, and knowledgeable dealer and customer service team.”

Ultra Motorcycle customers can now take advantage of GE Consumer Finance’s industry-wide FUNancing Consumer Finance Program, which provides competitive rates and terms, with special seasonal promotions for the purchase of motorcycles and accessories. Dealer and customer satisfaction feedback indicates they appreciate the easy application process, fast credit decisions, and range of flexible and affordable financing options GE offers.

“This relationship with Ultra deepens our penetration in the powersports industry,” said Dave Fasoli, senior vice president of GE Consumer Finance’s Retail Sales Finance unit. “Our more than 15 years in this segment will complement Ultra’s programs to enhance the customer’s purchasing experience and help generate as much excitement for buying the motorcycle as there is for riding it.”

About Ultra

Ultra Motorcycle Company Inc., based in Mira Loma, California, is a premier manufacturer of custom V-Twin motorcycles with a 12-year production history. They are a company who is dedicated to building a winning team of production, sales and marketing professionals to take Ultra to the next level. Ultra Motorcycles is committed to ever increasing standards of quality, performance and style.

In the 1990’s, Ultra helped innovate the V-Twin market as we know it today by introducing the Groundpounder and the Jackhammer “fat tire” product lines. In 2005 they announced the all new California Chopper series. This series includes softail choppers and pro-streets with 300 series rear tires in both conventional and drop seat versions.

Ultra’s “affordable exotics” are priced under $30,000 with 113 cubic inch engines, loads of chrome and other upgrades not found on competing products. Ultra Motorcycles are each unique in their design and come with individualized paint schemes to fit the motorcycle.

Ultra is a fully licensed and DOT-compliant manufacturer of motorcycles and is EPA and CARB compliant in 50 states. The bikes are NADA and Kelley Blue Book listed and simple and affordable to insure.

Information about the complete line of Ultra products is available from authorized Ultra dealers, or from the Ultra homepage at www.ultracycles.com.

About Retail Sales Finance and GE Consumer Finance

Retail Sales Finance, based in Kettering, Ohio, is part of GE Consumer Finance and provides private label credit card programs, marketing, installment lending and financial services for national and regional retailers in key industries: powersports, home improvement, outdoor equipment, automotive/recreational vehicles, consumer electronics and appliances, furniture, floor covering, jewelry, and health care. With $163 billion in assets, GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - News), is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in approximately 50 countries around the world. GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Connecticut, offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance.

How to Customise Your Motorcycle Insurance!

Everyone wants the best insurance premium! So how do you go about getting it? Because motorcycle insurance has always been a high-risk, premiums are calculated differently to that of a car. Knowing these factors can help you customise your insurance.

Lets take a look at a few of the factors that influence your premiums…

The Age of the Rider!

How long the owner has operated a motorbike is a major factor! First-time bikers will be charged higher premiums despite their age. To save money on coverage, it is advisable to take a motorcycle driving class through a legitimate track school. Find out more though your local bike shops!

The Perception of Bikers

In the past bikers were perceived with a negative attitude! This view still persists, especially with larger companies who do not specialise in motorcycle insurance. In South Africa, thankfully there are companies like Harnacks Insurance who have known that not all bikers deserve this reputation. Using a more up-to-date and less biased calculation, Harnacks make sure low-risk policyholders no longer subsidise high-risk individuals!

Low-Risk Policy Holders

Riders who prove to be competent, receive the best premiums. Obviously age is one factor to consider. If you’ve been biking for 20 years, let your insurer know. If you’ve got an excellent history without accident or have never made a claim, again let your insurer know you’re a credible rider.

However, if you are older, although inexperienced, or younger with much experience, this will also play a role in determining your premium. Talk to an insurance company who offers a personalised service and they’ll evaluate your individual circumstances.

Also, riders who use their motorcycles for recreation, as opposed to regular commuting, will have a lower premium. The frequency of use therefore determines your level of risk.

High-Risk Individuals

Another factor is the size of your bike and its cost. Expect to pay more for a Kawasaki ZX14, 1400cc than you’d pay for a Honda Super Four, 400cc.

If you ride a customised bike with performance parts, you’re considered differently than if your motorcycle was stock standard.

Drivers Licence

Although it’s nice that your learner licence allows you to ride for up to a year and a half, a full licence affords you greater credibility, and thus lowers your premiums. Get your full licence!

The Motorcycle

Purchasing a motorcycle that is relatively old can help you save money on insurance. Additions such as an alarm system or tracking device will also lower the rate, together with storage in a secure area. Bear in mind that expensive features like GPS systems or sound systems increase your premiums.

Newer motorcycles are prone to theft so high risk neighbourhoods can make your coverage more expensive! Try to avoid parking your bike in risky areas on a regular basis i.e. inner-city streets, busy sidewalks and so on!

Conclusion

Taking these factors into consideration will lower your premiums. Customise your motorcycle insurance by informing your insurance company, lowering risk factors and becoming a credible rider. Ride to live, live to ride!

The web has an incredible amount of motorcycle information online. Now you can easily find your dreamed motorcycle with the help of online search.

Online sites allow you to search according to the category, price, model, location of the auto dealers of the motorcycle and many more. It’s like bringing auto dealer at your door step you don’t have to go an search at any auto dealer for finding the motorcycle of your choice.

Before you buy a motorcycle it’s very important to make a decision about what exactly are you looking for it will save your time and energy. As there are many types of motorcycles are available. The mainly difference is in their engines and weight capacity. It’s always good to buy a heavy motorcycle.

Those who can’t afford the new motorcycle can go for used one they are always in good condition and even in used motorcycle you can find a wide range. So you can easily find motorcycle according to your choice and in your budged.

You can even find motorcycles designed for children called as mini motorcycles. If you are looking for a unique motorcycle it’s always good to buy a custom made one that is designed according to your specifications and it will be in your budget.

As compare to other powered vehicles motorcycle is a good mean of transportation. Because of the smaller engine motorcycle has a good mileage and even it’s easy for servicing. Always get insured your motorcycle from good insurance company how is specialize in motorcycle insurance and offers you a reasonable rates in the market.

Do you own an expensive Harley, have custom parts or maybe a custom bike? Have you given any thought to protecting its value in the event it’s damaged in an accident? Without the right insurance company or special insurance coverage, your insurance company will probably reimburse you only for aftermarket (imitation) parts to repair your motorcycle.

When you purchase insurance, both you and your insurance company intend to return your motorcycle to its pre-accident condition after you’re involved in a crash. That’s when the problem becomes apparent. It is unlikely that you will agree as to what your motorcycle’s pre-accident and post-accident condition is. When you look to sell your expensive Harley with aftermarket parts, you may find it difficult to sell with aftermarket parts.

The insurance industry sees aftermarket parts as a quality alternative to OEM parts; a way to keep insurance costs down (earn more money); and a way to keep insurance premiums down, but it is doubtful that you will care. You are entitled to demand that your motorcycle be returned to its actual previous condition, but your insurance company may require you to share some of the cost.

Custom parts and custom motorcycles are an even bigger concern. Progressive insurance generally allows only non-OEM parts for non-structural components on a stock vehicle, but Progressive may be a good choice if you added custom parts to your motorcycle. Progressive says that $1,000 of Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE), which covers such things as custom paint, plating, exhausts and seats, is included in New York and you can purchase additional CPE coverage up to $5,000 in value. If you have more than $5,000 of custom equipment, Progressive will sell you stated value (the best type of coverage) insurance covering your entire motorcycle for up to $40,000. GEICO says that they offer up to 1/3 of the value of your motorcycle up to a maximum of only $6,500 for custom parts, hence GEICO is not a good choice for custom bikes.

If you have a Bourget or similar motorcycle worth more than $40,000, to adequately insure your custom motorcycle, you will probably have to buy coverage from Chubb Insurance Group, which I consider to be both the best and most expensive insurance company. While Chubb is the most expensive insurance company, it sells stated value insurance for custom motorcycles and is almost always the choice to ensure high-value items.

Before you have a claim, take photographs of your motorcycle, including close-ups showing details of custom parts. Keep receipts for all additional or custom parts and labor. If you scan your receipts on your computer, make sure you keep a backup copy.

If you’re concerned about aftermarket parts being used on your motorcycle, make sure you ask your insurance company what their policy is and see if they can give it to you in writing. If you have custom parts, make sure you purchase additional insurance coverage for custom parts or stated value insurance for your motorcycle.