BMW 730d
Equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine, a long wheel base and plenty of interior legroom it's easy to see why the 730d is among the most popular cars produced by BMW. There are also plenty of options to make even the most technologically advanced driver happy. BMW offers a night vision system and a side view camera system just to name a few.
The 2,993cc common rail injection diesel powered engine is a glimpse at the genius that BMW designers have to offer. All of this power allows the 730d to go from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and tops out at a predetermined 155mph. The 730d comes equipped with a six speed automatic transmission and includes the Dynamic Driving Control System which allows the driver to change the set-up of the car by changing between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport + modes. While in one of these driving modes the car is still able to adapt the steering, throttle response and gear shift speed depending on the road conditions and the driver's style. The 730d features a double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link system in the rear.
While BMW has made some enhancements to the exterior design of the 730d, there none that are drastic enough to make the car unrecognizable to fans of the series. The grill is now in a more upright position than in previous models. The interior hasn't been changed drastically either, all of the controls are in their usual places and only some small changes have been made to incorporate the new additions.
One of the more exciting options available is the introduction of the night vision system which can detect if a person or animal moves into the path of the car and warn the driver. There is also the addition of a camera (front side view) that allows the driver a better view at intersections. The lane departure system is able to monitor road signs and marks and will notify the driver if the veer into the other lane accidentally. The Speed Limit Warning System is able to decipher road signs and can notify the driver if they are in danger of going over the posted speed limit.
BMW has not forgotten the systems that many drivers have become reliant on. They have included their Dynamic Stability Control + system along with Hill Start Assist, Brake drying and pretensioning is also included in the 730d.
Not only is the 730d a well-designed technologically advanced automobile, BMW has also made it quite efficient. By incorporating their Efficient Dynamics system, the 730d averages 39.2mpg and emits 192g/km of CO2. Along with all of the other advanced and well-designed systems included in the 730d, BMW has designed an automobile that will not only give the driver power when needed, but will also run efficiently while doing so.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Why to Go for Professional Driving Lessons
Getting geared up to learn driving is definitely an important phase in your life, similar to the time when you took your first step or you rode a bicycle for the first time.
People often find themselves on a crossroad at this point as they find it difficult to choose between learning from a relative/friend and going for some professional driving lessons.
Although learning from acquaintances is a popular phenomenon, it comes with a series of drawbacks. Such people come without any professional training background, and thus their lessons lack in knowledge and a structured approach.
On any day, taking professional lessons in driving is a better option. Although there are plenty of reasons, the following are some of the main advantages:
Moulds you to become a responsible driver - Approved driving instructors are equipped with the right knowledge, experience and training to teach you well.
Certified & insured trainer - Professional driving instructors are legally certified and insured people. So, when you are learning under their guidance, you can rely on their instructions completely. Further, you can be free from any liability in case of any damage to the vehicle during the lessons.
Trims down the probability of fines - When trained by a professional instructor, you are sure to having clear and complete knowledge of rules regarding road and safety.
Unlike casual lessons where no training regarding road rules is given, a formal driving program equips you with a detailed know-how about traffic rules, signs & symbols and the dos & don'ts of driving. So, when you drive the road all by yourself, there are lesser possibilities of you getting fined for breaking traffic rules.
Conceptual clarity before getting onto the road - Would you prefer going for practical exams of a subject in which you have no theoretical knowledge? An obvious answer would be 'No!' Then imagine handling the road without any conceptual foundation.
How to drive on a muddy road, what to do if you are stuck in traffic on a hilly terrain, how to park in a congested area and many such concepts are built only in formal driving lessons.
Boosts up confidence - Professional driving classes offer a structured approach to learning. Theory classes, simulation training, on-road practice with dual control vehicle and objective instructions of your trainer ensure that you are fully confident of your driving skills before you take on the road.
People often find themselves on a crossroad at this point as they find it difficult to choose between learning from a relative/friend and going for some professional driving lessons.
Although learning from acquaintances is a popular phenomenon, it comes with a series of drawbacks. Such people come without any professional training background, and thus their lessons lack in knowledge and a structured approach.
On any day, taking professional lessons in driving is a better option. Although there are plenty of reasons, the following are some of the main advantages:
Moulds you to become a responsible driver - Approved driving instructors are equipped with the right knowledge, experience and training to teach you well.
Certified & insured trainer - Professional driving instructors are legally certified and insured people. So, when you are learning under their guidance, you can rely on their instructions completely. Further, you can be free from any liability in case of any damage to the vehicle during the lessons.
Trims down the probability of fines - When trained by a professional instructor, you are sure to having clear and complete knowledge of rules regarding road and safety.
Unlike casual lessons where no training regarding road rules is given, a formal driving program equips you with a detailed know-how about traffic rules, signs & symbols and the dos & don'ts of driving. So, when you drive the road all by yourself, there are lesser possibilities of you getting fined for breaking traffic rules.
Conceptual clarity before getting onto the road - Would you prefer going for practical exams of a subject in which you have no theoretical knowledge? An obvious answer would be 'No!' Then imagine handling the road without any conceptual foundation.
How to drive on a muddy road, what to do if you are stuck in traffic on a hilly terrain, how to park in a congested area and many such concepts are built only in formal driving lessons.
Boosts up confidence - Professional driving classes offer a structured approach to learning. Theory classes, simulation training, on-road practice with dual control vehicle and objective instructions of your trainer ensure that you are fully confident of your driving skills before you take on the road.
BMW 760Li - Technology and Comfort
The BMW 760Li is a mix of technology and comfort. BMW has made the 7 Series one of the most technologically advanced vehicles available to consumers. Along with all of the gadgets, BMW has also provided the 760Li with an engine that was designed to provide the driver with enough power to cruise through the city and fly when out in the open. BMW has installed a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine full of advanced technology. This powerhouse of an engine ipropels the 760Li from 0-60 in an astonishing 4.6 seconds where it tops out at a predetermined 155mph.
BMW has not made any drastic changes to the appearance of the 7 Series, except adding an extra-wide chrome frame around the front grill and placing a V12 logo on the side. They have also added chrome rain channels to the roof of the 760Li. The 760Li has a longer wheelbase than others in the 7 Series which provides a roomier interior that will make everyone more comfortable. BMW has also enhanced the interior by using alcantara head lining and burr walnut inlays which help create a luxurious atmosphere. The interior also includes heated adjustable seats with option of adding an air conditioning system to the seats. The entertainment system includes a multimedia system with a navigation system. BMW also offers an electric sun blind to protect passengers sitting in the rear from the sun.
BMW has also installed some standard safety features that include the Lane Departure Warning system that will alert the driver if they are veering into the other lane of traffic by monitoring road markings. The 760Li warning system can read posted road signs and warn the driver if they are in danger of going over the posted speed limits. There is also the option of adding a night vision system that can detect any person or animal that may have entered the path of the 760Li and warn the driver accordingly. If that is not enough, BMW also offers a front side view camera system that uses cameras located on the nose of the car to enhance the view at intersections for the driver.
With everything that the 760Li has to offer you might think that it is not as efficient as other models, but the 760Li averages 22mpg and emits 303g/km of emissions which is actually quite impressive for a car of this magnitude.
Poquet Auto blends over 75 years of expertise in buying, selling, and servicing import and domestic vehicles. We have a reputation for being perfectionists and we're proud of it. We continue to serve you long after you drive away in your new car. We value our ongoing relationships and want you to keep coming back. It's that simple>
BMW has not made any drastic changes to the appearance of the 7 Series, except adding an extra-wide chrome frame around the front grill and placing a V12 logo on the side. They have also added chrome rain channels to the roof of the 760Li. The 760Li has a longer wheelbase than others in the 7 Series which provides a roomier interior that will make everyone more comfortable. BMW has also enhanced the interior by using alcantara head lining and burr walnut inlays which help create a luxurious atmosphere. The interior also includes heated adjustable seats with option of adding an air conditioning system to the seats. The entertainment system includes a multimedia system with a navigation system. BMW also offers an electric sun blind to protect passengers sitting in the rear from the sun.
BMW has also installed some standard safety features that include the Lane Departure Warning system that will alert the driver if they are veering into the other lane of traffic by monitoring road markings. The 760Li warning system can read posted road signs and warn the driver if they are in danger of going over the posted speed limits. There is also the option of adding a night vision system that can detect any person or animal that may have entered the path of the 760Li and warn the driver accordingly. If that is not enough, BMW also offers a front side view camera system that uses cameras located on the nose of the car to enhance the view at intersections for the driver.
With everything that the 760Li has to offer you might think that it is not as efficient as other models, but the 760Li averages 22mpg and emits 303g/km of emissions which is actually quite impressive for a car of this magnitude.
Poquet Auto blends over 75 years of expertise in buying, selling, and servicing import and domestic vehicles. We have a reputation for being perfectionists and we're proud of it. We continue to serve you long after you drive away in your new car. We value our ongoing relationships and want you to keep coming back. It's that simple>
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Crash Protection for Supermoto Bikes Make Riding Safe
Handguards
One of the most vulnerable parts of you body in a crash are your hands. An unfortunate situation during a crash is the tendency for a riders hand to get pinned under the end of the handlebar, which can destroy the fingers. By installing handguards, you'll provide some much needed protection. Just remember when going down to keep your grip.
Sliders
When you crash-and you will-the parts of your Supermoto that are the most likely to impact the ground are the front fork ends, rear swingarm and axel, the handlebar ends, and your pegs. Protective sliders are available to help protect all these vulnerable contact points.
Axel Sliders
When laying the bike down, Axle sliders protect you swingarm and the ends of your forks from getting scratched. In fact, sliders are required by many racing organizations and tracks to protect their pavement. Of course they protect your bike too. Add sliders to your bike for maximum protection.
Skateboard Wheel Sliders
Back when Supermoto was just catching on, someone figured out he could add some crash protection by affixing skateboard wheels to the ends of his axles. On hollow axles (most of them are) stick a threaded rod through each of your axles and mount the skateboard wheels (4 total) on both sides of each with washers and nuts. Not the best look in the world, or the most durable, but they offer some protection during a crash.
Supermoto Engineering Axle Sliders
Strong and lightweight, These sliders use gold anodized aluminum nuts a stainless steel threaded rods. When the bike hits the pavement they don't get scratched up because they're recessed. They cost more than the aforementioned skateboard sliders, but they look better, work well, and will last longer too.
Supermoto Engineering Peg Sliders
Constructed from the same durable materials as the axel sliders (above), these sliders protect your footpegs, and they assist when turning at extreme angles by providing a terrific sliding surface. Many crashes are caused by gouging pegs into pavement surfaces on bikes without them.
Supermoto Engineering Bar End Slider
Utilizing the same materials again, bar end sliders are available in black or white and are designed to protect your handguards and handlebars, both of which are highly susceptible during crashes.
Radiator Braces
If you own a Supermoto with an engine cooled by liquid, crashes can really damage your radiator. Worse, they are extremely expensive to replace. Stainless steel radiator braces can provide some much needed protection by reinforcing your radiator and preventing it from getting folded up during a crash.
Bobbie J. is a freelance writer for Christini, makers of superior all wheel drive Supermoto motorcycles. Visit the Christini website for more information about Supermoto.
One of the most vulnerable parts of you body in a crash are your hands. An unfortunate situation during a crash is the tendency for a riders hand to get pinned under the end of the handlebar, which can destroy the fingers. By installing handguards, you'll provide some much needed protection. Just remember when going down to keep your grip.
Sliders
When you crash-and you will-the parts of your Supermoto that are the most likely to impact the ground are the front fork ends, rear swingarm and axel, the handlebar ends, and your pegs. Protective sliders are available to help protect all these vulnerable contact points.
Axel Sliders
When laying the bike down, Axle sliders protect you swingarm and the ends of your forks from getting scratched. In fact, sliders are required by many racing organizations and tracks to protect their pavement. Of course they protect your bike too. Add sliders to your bike for maximum protection.
Skateboard Wheel Sliders
Back when Supermoto was just catching on, someone figured out he could add some crash protection by affixing skateboard wheels to the ends of his axles. On hollow axles (most of them are) stick a threaded rod through each of your axles and mount the skateboard wheels (4 total) on both sides of each with washers and nuts. Not the best look in the world, or the most durable, but they offer some protection during a crash.
Supermoto Engineering Axle Sliders
Strong and lightweight, These sliders use gold anodized aluminum nuts a stainless steel threaded rods. When the bike hits the pavement they don't get scratched up because they're recessed. They cost more than the aforementioned skateboard sliders, but they look better, work well, and will last longer too.
Supermoto Engineering Peg Sliders
Constructed from the same durable materials as the axel sliders (above), these sliders protect your footpegs, and they assist when turning at extreme angles by providing a terrific sliding surface. Many crashes are caused by gouging pegs into pavement surfaces on bikes without them.
Supermoto Engineering Bar End Slider
Utilizing the same materials again, bar end sliders are available in black or white and are designed to protect your handguards and handlebars, both of which are highly susceptible during crashes.
Radiator Braces
If you own a Supermoto with an engine cooled by liquid, crashes can really damage your radiator. Worse, they are extremely expensive to replace. Stainless steel radiator braces can provide some much needed protection by reinforcing your radiator and preventing it from getting folded up during a crash.
Bobbie J. is a freelance writer for Christini, makers of superior all wheel drive Supermoto motorcycles. Visit the Christini website for more information about Supermoto.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Eye Shadow Shades That Will Look Alluring With Different Colored Motorcycle Jackets
Eyes are undoubtedly the most expressive parts of one's face; they serve to vividly portray one's changing emotions in the most authentic manner. Regardless of whether you're feeling sad, somber, ecstatic or peaceful, your eyes will unmistakably display your innermost thoughts, moods and psychological state. Due to this reason, behavioral analysts pay close attention to eye movements while attempting to decipher the emotional complexities that govern an individual's behavior.
Every year, cosmetic industries invest millions of dollars in manufacturing gorgeous eye shadow shades! Similar to other forms of eye makeup, eye shadow is meant to enhance the beauty of one's eyes thereby making them appear irresistibly attractive. Thus, business women, models, actresses, aspiring female executives, successful female Olympic athletes, homemakers, kindergarten teachers and hip female bikers spend a considerable amount of time in selecting and skillfully applying the eye shadow shade that magnificently complements their personality.
For female bikers who can't quite decide which particular eye shadow colors would accentuate the magnetic appeal of their varied-colored motorcycle jackets, the following elaborate tips would be of immense use to them!
a) Due to its timeless appeal, most female bikers prefer the traditional black colored biker jacket. This type of jacket can be worn both with jeans and leather pants and looks exquisitely feminine and rugged. Dark eyeliner coupled with smoky eye makeup would make the wearer appear Gothic and sensual at the same time thereby contributing to the alluring aura of the black leather jacket.
For those of you who deem it appropriate to wear a black motorcycle jacket at night, gold or bronze-colored eye shadow would add an exotic aura to your eyes thereby highlighting your easygoing and yet adventurous temperament. Moreover, the shimmering golden shade would serve as a brilliant contrast to the soft, glossy black surface of your biker jacket.
b) Pink colored leather jackets are widely popular amongst funky, chic women! Hot pink eye shadow preferably with a shimmering finish will look incredibly girlish with a pink colored jacket.
Moreover, depending on one's skin tone and hair color, pale pink or peachy pink eye shadow beautifully blended on the eyelids will also serve to bring out the floral-like femininity of both the wearer and the pink colored biker jacket.
c) Innovative fashion trends have contributed to the massive popularity of purple motorcycle jackets for women amongst females of all age groups. Royal purple eye shadow or a soft fuchsia shade - named after the reddish or pinkish, purplish colored flowers of the fuchsia plant - will add a wow-factor to the purplish motorcycle jacket thereby making it appear breathtakingly unique and sultry!
If you want additional information regarding fashionable Motorcycle Jackets, or are interested in Motorcycle Jackets for Women then thoroughly read and reflect on this article.
Friday, November 16, 2012
High Performance Exhaust Systems By Termignoni
A common choice in improving the performance of a motorcycle is to change the exhaust system. It is relatively simple to do this as replacing an existing exhaust system is normally a straight swap. The only difficult part is deciding what type of exhaust would be best for you. There are a couple of things that you need to look at when you are thinking about changing your exhaust system. What sort of power increase can you expect? How much weight will you save? Is it going to be worth the money? These are the sort of questions you need to ask yourself before you make the purchase. You could sit for hours trying to find the perfect exhaust but a good place to start would be with Termignoni Exhausts.
If you haven't heard of Termignoni before, they are an Italian producer of high performance race & road legal exhausts. Their exhausts have been used for years in Moto GP & Moto 2 and they have a reputation for producing some of the world's best performance exhaust systems. Using the experience the company has gained from being at the top levels in motorcycle racing they have produced an enormous range of aftermarket exhausts that are available to the general public. What makes these exhausts more impressive is that the entire aftermarket line of Termignoni Exhausts are all designed by the same team of people!
It is true that Termignoni Exhausts are often thought of as being made for Ducati's alone but this is absolutely not the case! The range of aftermarket exhausts is huge and these systems are available for the majority of modern motorcycles. Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Buell and many more all have their own selection. Made from a variety of different materials such as Stainless Steel, Alloy, Carbon & Titanium you should be able to find a high performance exhaust that suits your budget. The price is very fair for what you get out of these exhausts. Other than the performance exhausts they also offer great looks.
The only thing to watch out for with Termignoni Exhausts is that they aren't always available straight off the shelf. Specific exhaust systems will need to be made at Termignoni in Predosa so the lead times may be a few weeks rather than a couple of days. If you are in a rush for the exhaust then make sure you check with the supplier before you order.
Take a look at Termignoni Exhausts Here.
If you haven't heard of Termignoni before, they are an Italian producer of high performance race & road legal exhausts. Their exhausts have been used for years in Moto GP & Moto 2 and they have a reputation for producing some of the world's best performance exhaust systems. Using the experience the company has gained from being at the top levels in motorcycle racing they have produced an enormous range of aftermarket exhausts that are available to the general public. What makes these exhausts more impressive is that the entire aftermarket line of Termignoni Exhausts are all designed by the same team of people!
It is true that Termignoni Exhausts are often thought of as being made for Ducati's alone but this is absolutely not the case! The range of aftermarket exhausts is huge and these systems are available for the majority of modern motorcycles. Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Buell and many more all have their own selection. Made from a variety of different materials such as Stainless Steel, Alloy, Carbon & Titanium you should be able to find a high performance exhaust that suits your budget. The price is very fair for what you get out of these exhausts. Other than the performance exhausts they also offer great looks.
The only thing to watch out for with Termignoni Exhausts is that they aren't always available straight off the shelf. Specific exhaust systems will need to be made at Termignoni in Predosa so the lead times may be a few weeks rather than a couple of days. If you are in a rush for the exhaust then make sure you check with the supplier before you order.
Take a look at Termignoni Exhausts Here.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
What to Look for When Buying a Men's Motorcycle Jacket
A good men's motorcycle jacket can sometimes be a difficult thing to choose. Things people are looking for may vary. There is style, durability, warmth, weight, comfort and protection to name a few.
Most motorcycle jackets are black. The reason for that is that the sun has more of a warming effect when it hits something black. People mostly think that black motorcycle jackets for men are an important part of the biker look. Motorcycle jackets are also available in other colors, or some now have two toned effect.
Trying to incorporate all of these things into one jacket can be a challenge.
Being sure a leather motorcycle jacket is the right size is important, the sleeves should be long enough to cover your arms when you are reaching for the handlebars. The back of the leather jacket should be long enough to cover your back when you are in the riding position. You may want your biker jacket to have a bit of extra room to fit a sweater under it for those chilly days and evenings.
Also having a removable liner and a jacket with vents will help to keep you cooler in the warmer climates. Pockets are another necessary idea for wallets, identification, cash etc. One thing you should always look for is that the pockets have zippers or snaps to keep them closed when riding. Otherwise your belongings will fly out of your pockets when riding.
Padding is a protective men's motorcycle jacket feature you may want to look for. Some jackets for sport bikes have protection on the elbows. Not unlike your motorcycle helmet your leather jacket should offer you protection if you happen to fall.
One more thing is whether your men's motorcycle jacket is leather, nylon or kevlar, your choice can be based on personal choice as well as what time of year you are wearing it. Nylon is popular for cooler summer nights, or spring or fall days when you need something for a little warmth. The only problem with nylon is that it has very little protective value. Leather has much more protective value and is warmer on those cooler days. Most seasoned riders will have two or more jackets in their closets to reflect the changes in seasons and temperatures. Choosing one with a little reflective material sewn in is a good idea if you are going to be doing much night riding.
Enjoy your shopping at MotorcycleLeatherDown.com
Most motorcycle jackets are black. The reason for that is that the sun has more of a warming effect when it hits something black. People mostly think that black motorcycle jackets for men are an important part of the biker look. Motorcycle jackets are also available in other colors, or some now have two toned effect.
Trying to incorporate all of these things into one jacket can be a challenge.
Being sure a leather motorcycle jacket is the right size is important, the sleeves should be long enough to cover your arms when you are reaching for the handlebars. The back of the leather jacket should be long enough to cover your back when you are in the riding position. You may want your biker jacket to have a bit of extra room to fit a sweater under it for those chilly days and evenings.
Also having a removable liner and a jacket with vents will help to keep you cooler in the warmer climates. Pockets are another necessary idea for wallets, identification, cash etc. One thing you should always look for is that the pockets have zippers or snaps to keep them closed when riding. Otherwise your belongings will fly out of your pockets when riding.
Padding is a protective men's motorcycle jacket feature you may want to look for. Some jackets for sport bikes have protection on the elbows. Not unlike your motorcycle helmet your leather jacket should offer you protection if you happen to fall.
One more thing is whether your men's motorcycle jacket is leather, nylon or kevlar, your choice can be based on personal choice as well as what time of year you are wearing it. Nylon is popular for cooler summer nights, or spring or fall days when you need something for a little warmth. The only problem with nylon is that it has very little protective value. Leather has much more protective value and is warmer on those cooler days. Most seasoned riders will have two or more jackets in their closets to reflect the changes in seasons and temperatures. Choosing one with a little reflective material sewn in is a good idea if you are going to be doing much night riding.
Enjoy your shopping at MotorcycleLeatherDown.com
Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Review: Bike To Bike Range Test Report
Goal
To test actual usable range for Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms in both an in-town environment and a rural environment and access their ability to reconnect after being out of range. Test is not designed to determine bike to bike range in all conditions but it should represent the two most common conditions when riding with a Bluetooth motorcycle headset.
Conditions
In-town - Test was performed along Hwy 70 East in New Bern North Carolina. This is a small town commercial environment with stop lights, gas stations and car dealers etc. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge. Weather was clear and 75 degrees.
Rural Environment - Test was performed down a straight dirt road about ½ mile from the closest house and several miles from stop lights or businesses. Test was line of sight as there were no corners for 0.8 miles. There was however a radio station tower about 1 mile away (which we learned after the test) and we were 8 miles from a Marine Corps Air Station (Cherry Point) which no doubt puts off some radar and other signals. Weather was clear and about 72 degrees. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test Procedure
In-town Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with one non-moving headset in the open at 3-4 feet high beside the straight access road. A 2nd identical headset was installed in a full face helmet and used while slowly riding a motorcycle in communication with the static unit. Distance was called out every 0.1 miles on the odometer and audio was recorded to verify quality and repeatability. There is one stop light about 0.25 miles away from the start point in each direction. After the usable range of the intercom was reached and the connection was lost the motorcycle was ridden back slowly (30 mph) to see at what point the intercoms reconnected. The test was then repeated in the opposite direction and through a different intersection / stop light.
Rural Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with 2 non-moving headsets. Initially we tried to get audio recordings of all headsets back to back at a specific distance but having 4 Bluetooth headsets powered up in close proximity compromised the signal of SOME of the units so instead we tested one headset at a time at 0.1 mi, 0.2 mi, 0.4 mi etc. At each distance the communication was tested at stand still with no motor or other noise. We tried to isolate this test to just the range, not noise canceling and other abilities.
Test Samples (Product Models)
HBC200 by UClear (initial release firmware)
Interphone F5 - by Cellular Line
Scala Rider G9 by Cardo (initial release firmware V 1.2)
SMH10 by Sena Bluetooth (V 4.0 firmware)
UClear HBC200
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 700m / 0.43 miles" with 2 headsets
Notes - Unlike the Sena SMH10 the UClear HBC200 seems to use VOX even when music is not playing. Rather than having a hot microphone it appears to completely silence the speakers except when someone is talking. This is nice in some regards but rather than waiting for 20 seconds of silence before muting it does so almost immediately after the person on the other headset stops talking. This can cause some irritation when the first syllable gets cut off. The annoyance factor definitely goes up as you get further away where it seems like the conversation gets started and stopped very quickly and many syllables get lost. UClear claims their use of Super Group Technology and Multi-Hop feature will allow "up to 10 or more" HBC200 headsets can be linked. Unfortunately we only had 2 headsets available for testing so we could not confirm if this would extend the range or not.
In-town Direction 1 - The communication was clear at 0.1 miles and functioning at 0.2 miles but then went completely silent when passing the intersection with a stop light before 0.3 miles.
In-town Direction 2 - The connection was clearer at 0.2 miles in this direction and even 0.4 miles seemed to be usable. At 0.5 miles the connection was lost. The HBC200 headset units did not automatically reconnect upon the return trip and the intercom conversation had to be re-initiated by pushing the headset button. While the UClear's audio features are top notch this failure to reconnect could be the HBC200's biggest flaw. Uclear confirmed that the conversation does not automatically restart and that this was not user related. We hope their first firmware update will address it.
Rural Environment - we were quite disappointed in the acceptable range found with seemingly no interference around. At 0.2 miles the speech was clear and there was no static but we had issues with the VOX cutting off syllables. At 0.4 miles the intercom was not usable. We are not exactly sure why some of the headsets worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment but the HBC200 did not appear to benefit from being out "in the sticks."
Interphone F5
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 1300m or 0.8 miles" with 2 headsets extending up to "2400m or 1.49 miles" with 6 headsets spaced perfectly apart.
Notes - The Interphone F5 does a good job of muting the speakers when the other headset's microphones are not in use. However, during speech there is some slight static noise (scratchiness) in the background of the voice. This immediately disappears when the other person stops speaking.
In-town Direction 1 - The Interphone F5 was clear at 0.1 miles and usable at 0.2 miles. It transferred a lot of noise around the stop light and although it was trying to transmit and communicate at 0.4 miles the speech was completely unintelligible. At 0.5miles it notified via voice prompt that intercom was disconnected. Coming back it automatically re-connected the conversation and gave a voice prompt stating "intercom connected" when we were at 0.1 miles apart.
In-town Direction 2 - The F5 intercom conversation was distorted as we went through the intersection at 0.25 miles and a lot of interference which sounded like a synthesizer playing music was heard / recorded. This noise was not heard in the headset on the bike because nobody was talking to them at that time. However, the intercom stayed connected through the intersection and speech was intelligible at 0.4 miles. At 0.5 miles the intercom again disconnected and the connection was re-established when we came back to within 0.1 miles of the other headset.
In-town Direction 1 with a 3rd F5 headset - Interphone claims that having more headsets in the group will extend the range of the group. We set one headset at 0.15 miles and ran the same test as above. The stop light intersection still scrambled the signal and caused a lot of digitized music sound so that it was mostly unusable on the other side of the intersection however we were able to go to 0.6 miles and turn around without encountering the "intercom unavailable" message and the relay effect seemed to help clarity more than hurt it. The urban environment may be a better test for this feature of the Interphone F5 so we will repeat it again in our next test without stoplights and businesses around.
Rural Environment Range Test Interphone F5 - This is where the Interphone REALLY shined. After testing it out in the country there was no question it was the best Bluetooth intercom for long range conversations. Very little static was heard and the speech was completely intelligible at 0.8 miles. At 0.9 miles it notified via speech that the intercom connection was lost. Upon returning we were notified at 0.4 miles that the intercom was connected and speech was immediately clear.
Sena SMH10
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 900 meters / 0.56 miles"
Notes - While the SMH10 has a VOX feature available when there is a music source we did not use music during this test and instead chose the "open mic" intercom call. Basically once started the mic is always hot. The SMH10 therefore transmits everything and while connected there is a slight hum even when nobody is talking. The slightest engine or wind noise would drown it out but it is an indication that you are connected. As you get further apart the hum tends to turn into digitized musical static.
In-town Direction 1 - The Sena SMH10 was clear at 0.1 miles and turned to a digitized static at 0.2 miles and onward.
In-town Direction 2 - The Sena was clear at 0.1 decent at 0.2 miles but became obscure as we went through the stoplight at 0.3 miles. It stayed connected and was usable at 0.4 miles but at 0.5 miles there was no audio signal transmitted. When returning the SMH10 units were still connected and usable at 0.4 miles apart.
Rural Environment Range Test Sena SMH10 - The conversation was clear at 0.1 miles and mostly usable at 0.2 miles however there was definitely static affecting the conversation. At 0.3 miles there was no signal transferred. Similar to UClear HBC200 the Sena SMH10 worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment.
Cardo Scala Rider G9
Claimed Intercom Range - "Up to 1 mile"
Notes - The Scala Rider G9 does a good job of isolating and removing the unwanted noise / static and distortion from the signal. While the SMH10 tends to let too much through the Scala Rider G9 and UClear HBC200 may isolate too much, allowing only perfect speech through and muting everything else. No doubt some will appreciate this but some compromise of static for extra usable range would be nice. (In-town test was performed without raising the antennae while the rural test was performed with the antennae raised.
In-town Direction 1 - We had great hopes that the Scala G9 would be able to overcome the interference but it was not the case. The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.
In-town Direction 2 - The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.
Rural Environment Range Test Scala Rider G9 - Similar to the in -town condition the Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and then quiet (no voice signal transferred) at 0.2 miles. However, the headset did not notify us that "Rider A unavailable" until we reached 0.9 miles (and rounded the corner out of line of site). Upon return the headset never notified us that we were again connected but at 0.1 miles the mic was active and the conversation again could be heard. So Cardo's claim of breaking the 1 mile beerier is technically true because they were still "connected" but also completely false because they are not usable at 1.0 miles even with line of site and low interference.
Conclusions
In the city environment you are likely to be riding closer together and at slower speeds so the relatively short range shouldn't really hamper the use of these units for communicating bike to bike. In large groups where you could have several vehicles between and possibly get stuck at one light while the other bike continues the interference noise and shorter range will certainly cause some annoyance. The Sena SMH10 and Interphone F5 seemed to have the best usable range and ability to stay connected even when interference prevented them from communicating clearly. They did however, cause / allow the most distorted noise / static to come through while the UClear HBC 200 and Scala G9 prevented that from coming into the headset.
Winner Bluetooth Headset Range Test - Interphone F5 - If bike to bike range is high on your priorities for Bluetooth headset features you should seriously consider the Interphone F5. In the rural environment nothing else comes close and adding more headsets to the group only extends the range. Of course, you could choose one of the others and then connect it to a GMRS radio or buy a ChatterBox X1 Slim to get more range but we doubt you will have any complaints with the F5.
Jonathan Clark is owner of Spoiled Biker, a motorcycle intercom and accessories shop in New Bern North Carolina. Spoiled Biker strives to provide accurate real world test reports to help you decide which products best meet your needs. All of the Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms described in this report are available with free shipping and guaranteed lowest price from Spoiled Biker.
To test actual usable range for Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms in both an in-town environment and a rural environment and access their ability to reconnect after being out of range. Test is not designed to determine bike to bike range in all conditions but it should represent the two most common conditions when riding with a Bluetooth motorcycle headset.
Conditions
In-town - Test was performed along Hwy 70 East in New Bern North Carolina. This is a small town commercial environment with stop lights, gas stations and car dealers etc. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge. Weather was clear and 75 degrees.
Rural Environment - Test was performed down a straight dirt road about ½ mile from the closest house and several miles from stop lights or businesses. Test was line of sight as there were no corners for 0.8 miles. There was however a radio station tower about 1 mile away (which we learned after the test) and we were 8 miles from a Marine Corps Air Station (Cherry Point) which no doubt puts off some radar and other signals. Weather was clear and about 72 degrees. All intercom models were tested at full battery charge.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test Procedure
In-town Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with one non-moving headset in the open at 3-4 feet high beside the straight access road. A 2nd identical headset was installed in a full face helmet and used while slowly riding a motorcycle in communication with the static unit. Distance was called out every 0.1 miles on the odometer and audio was recorded to verify quality and repeatability. There is one stop light about 0.25 miles away from the start point in each direction. After the usable range of the intercom was reached and the connection was lost the motorcycle was ridden back slowly (30 mph) to see at what point the intercoms reconnected. The test was then repeated in the opposite direction and through a different intersection / stop light.
Rural Environment Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Range Test - Each test was performed with 2 non-moving headsets. Initially we tried to get audio recordings of all headsets back to back at a specific distance but having 4 Bluetooth headsets powered up in close proximity compromised the signal of SOME of the units so instead we tested one headset at a time at 0.1 mi, 0.2 mi, 0.4 mi etc. At each distance the communication was tested at stand still with no motor or other noise. We tried to isolate this test to just the range, not noise canceling and other abilities.
Test Samples (Product Models)
HBC200 by UClear (initial release firmware)
Interphone F5 - by Cellular Line
Scala Rider G9 by Cardo (initial release firmware V 1.2)
SMH10 by Sena Bluetooth (V 4.0 firmware)
UClear HBC200
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 700m / 0.43 miles" with 2 headsets
Notes - Unlike the Sena SMH10 the UClear HBC200 seems to use VOX even when music is not playing. Rather than having a hot microphone it appears to completely silence the speakers except when someone is talking. This is nice in some regards but rather than waiting for 20 seconds of silence before muting it does so almost immediately after the person on the other headset stops talking. This can cause some irritation when the first syllable gets cut off. The annoyance factor definitely goes up as you get further away where it seems like the conversation gets started and stopped very quickly and many syllables get lost. UClear claims their use of Super Group Technology and Multi-Hop feature will allow "up to 10 or more" HBC200 headsets can be linked. Unfortunately we only had 2 headsets available for testing so we could not confirm if this would extend the range or not.
In-town Direction 1 - The communication was clear at 0.1 miles and functioning at 0.2 miles but then went completely silent when passing the intersection with a stop light before 0.3 miles.
In-town Direction 2 - The connection was clearer at 0.2 miles in this direction and even 0.4 miles seemed to be usable. At 0.5 miles the connection was lost. The HBC200 headset units did not automatically reconnect upon the return trip and the intercom conversation had to be re-initiated by pushing the headset button. While the UClear's audio features are top notch this failure to reconnect could be the HBC200's biggest flaw. Uclear confirmed that the conversation does not automatically restart and that this was not user related. We hope their first firmware update will address it.
Rural Environment - we were quite disappointed in the acceptable range found with seemingly no interference around. At 0.2 miles the speech was clear and there was no static but we had issues with the VOX cutting off syllables. At 0.4 miles the intercom was not usable. We are not exactly sure why some of the headsets worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment but the HBC200 did not appear to benefit from being out "in the sticks."
Interphone F5
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 1300m or 0.8 miles" with 2 headsets extending up to "2400m or 1.49 miles" with 6 headsets spaced perfectly apart.
Notes - The Interphone F5 does a good job of muting the speakers when the other headset's microphones are not in use. However, during speech there is some slight static noise (scratchiness) in the background of the voice. This immediately disappears when the other person stops speaking.
In-town Direction 1 - The Interphone F5 was clear at 0.1 miles and usable at 0.2 miles. It transferred a lot of noise around the stop light and although it was trying to transmit and communicate at 0.4 miles the speech was completely unintelligible. At 0.5miles it notified via voice prompt that intercom was disconnected. Coming back it automatically re-connected the conversation and gave a voice prompt stating "intercom connected" when we were at 0.1 miles apart.
In-town Direction 2 - The F5 intercom conversation was distorted as we went through the intersection at 0.25 miles and a lot of interference which sounded like a synthesizer playing music was heard / recorded. This noise was not heard in the headset on the bike because nobody was talking to them at that time. However, the intercom stayed connected through the intersection and speech was intelligible at 0.4 miles. At 0.5 miles the intercom again disconnected and the connection was re-established when we came back to within 0.1 miles of the other headset.
In-town Direction 1 with a 3rd F5 headset - Interphone claims that having more headsets in the group will extend the range of the group. We set one headset at 0.15 miles and ran the same test as above. The stop light intersection still scrambled the signal and caused a lot of digitized music sound so that it was mostly unusable on the other side of the intersection however we were able to go to 0.6 miles and turn around without encountering the "intercom unavailable" message and the relay effect seemed to help clarity more than hurt it. The urban environment may be a better test for this feature of the Interphone F5 so we will repeat it again in our next test without stoplights and businesses around.
Rural Environment Range Test Interphone F5 - This is where the Interphone REALLY shined. After testing it out in the country there was no question it was the best Bluetooth intercom for long range conversations. Very little static was heard and the speech was completely intelligible at 0.8 miles. At 0.9 miles it notified via speech that the intercom connection was lost. Upon returning we were notified at 0.4 miles that the intercom was connected and speech was immediately clear.
Sena SMH10
Claimed Intercom Range - "up to 900 meters / 0.56 miles"
Notes - While the SMH10 has a VOX feature available when there is a music source we did not use music during this test and instead chose the "open mic" intercom call. Basically once started the mic is always hot. The SMH10 therefore transmits everything and while connected there is a slight hum even when nobody is talking. The slightest engine or wind noise would drown it out but it is an indication that you are connected. As you get further apart the hum tends to turn into digitized musical static.
In-town Direction 1 - The Sena SMH10 was clear at 0.1 miles and turned to a digitized static at 0.2 miles and onward.
In-town Direction 2 - The Sena was clear at 0.1 decent at 0.2 miles but became obscure as we went through the stoplight at 0.3 miles. It stayed connected and was usable at 0.4 miles but at 0.5 miles there was no audio signal transmitted. When returning the SMH10 units were still connected and usable at 0.4 miles apart.
Rural Environment Range Test Sena SMH10 - The conversation was clear at 0.1 miles and mostly usable at 0.2 miles however there was definitely static affecting the conversation. At 0.3 miles there was no signal transferred. Similar to UClear HBC200 the Sena SMH10 worked as well or better in town than in the rural environment.
Cardo Scala Rider G9
Claimed Intercom Range - "Up to 1 mile"
Notes - The Scala Rider G9 does a good job of isolating and removing the unwanted noise / static and distortion from the signal. While the SMH10 tends to let too much through the Scala Rider G9 and UClear HBC200 may isolate too much, allowing only perfect speech through and muting everything else. No doubt some will appreciate this but some compromise of static for extra usable range would be nice. (In-town test was performed without raising the antennae while the rural test was performed with the antennae raised.
In-town Direction 1 - We had great hopes that the Scala G9 would be able to overcome the interference but it was not the case. The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.
In-town Direction 2 - The Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and completely quiet at 0.2 miles.
Rural Environment Range Test Scala Rider G9 - Similar to the in -town condition the Scala Rider G9 was clear at 0.1 miles and then quiet (no voice signal transferred) at 0.2 miles. However, the headset did not notify us that "Rider A unavailable" until we reached 0.9 miles (and rounded the corner out of line of site). Upon return the headset never notified us that we were again connected but at 0.1 miles the mic was active and the conversation again could be heard. So Cardo's claim of breaking the 1 mile beerier is technically true because they were still "connected" but also completely false because they are not usable at 1.0 miles even with line of site and low interference.
Conclusions
In the city environment you are likely to be riding closer together and at slower speeds so the relatively short range shouldn't really hamper the use of these units for communicating bike to bike. In large groups where you could have several vehicles between and possibly get stuck at one light while the other bike continues the interference noise and shorter range will certainly cause some annoyance. The Sena SMH10 and Interphone F5 seemed to have the best usable range and ability to stay connected even when interference prevented them from communicating clearly. They did however, cause / allow the most distorted noise / static to come through while the UClear HBC 200 and Scala G9 prevented that from coming into the headset.
Winner Bluetooth Headset Range Test - Interphone F5 - If bike to bike range is high on your priorities for Bluetooth headset features you should seriously consider the Interphone F5. In the rural environment nothing else comes close and adding more headsets to the group only extends the range. Of course, you could choose one of the others and then connect it to a GMRS radio or buy a ChatterBox X1 Slim to get more range but we doubt you will have any complaints with the F5.
Jonathan Clark is owner of Spoiled Biker, a motorcycle intercom and accessories shop in New Bern North Carolina. Spoiled Biker strives to provide accurate real world test reports to help you decide which products best meet your needs. All of the Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms described in this report are available with free shipping and guaranteed lowest price from Spoiled Biker.
Monday, October 15, 2012
How to Get Money for Junk Cars?
It is easy to find a lot of people having one or more junk cars in their premises. They probably do not know how to get money for junk cars. If you are also one of those people, you can not only free some space by disposing of your junk car properly but if you do it wisely, you can also make some money out of it. There is nothing to worry even if the condition of your vehicle is bad. There are still some useful parts in it and they can definitely fetch you good amount money.
Of course, the beginning point is to make up your mind that you are doing away with your old vehicle and you are doing it fast because if you delay it, you are actually allowing the vehicle to deteriorate further. This will have an impact on the cash that you can earn out of it. Besides, a deteriorating vehicle also has really bad effects on the environment.
Once you have made up your mind, you must keep your ownership papers ready with you because when you sell your junk cars, the first thing that is asked is your ownership papers. This is done to avoid the possibility of any kind of fraud. If you have your papers in order, it will be easier for you to sell your vehicle and earn a handsome amount against it. Otherwise, it sometimes becomes problematic to sell your vehicle and you end up selling it in prices much lower than what you deserve.
After getting your papers in order, you will have to look for a disposal service that buys junk cars. You can find a lot of them online. You can look for ones that are close to your location. Go to the websites of these disposal services to get a quote for your car. You can get their contact details from the website and call them up to get somebody come to your home and discuss about the deal. You should negotiate with them and try to find the best prices for your car. Once you are happy with the prices, you must finalize the deal. After making the deal, the disposal services will themselves make arrangements to tow away your car to their salvage yard and pay you as per the contract.
As one of the other options, you can yourself arrange to remove your old cars. You can drain the oils and remove the useable parts, tyres etc. to sell them off in the market. Then you can sell the remaining parts of the car to some junkyard. In fact if you want you can also call them and they will make arrangements to take it to their place.
One more way of disposing of your vehicle is through online advertisement. There are various online auction sites where you can advertise your junk car. These sites also help you get the best out of your junk cars while doing away with them.
Divya Varma is a Freelance Writer. She enjoys writing on topics of various niches.
Of course, the beginning point is to make up your mind that you are doing away with your old vehicle and you are doing it fast because if you delay it, you are actually allowing the vehicle to deteriorate further. This will have an impact on the cash that you can earn out of it. Besides, a deteriorating vehicle also has really bad effects on the environment.
Once you have made up your mind, you must keep your ownership papers ready with you because when you sell your junk cars, the first thing that is asked is your ownership papers. This is done to avoid the possibility of any kind of fraud. If you have your papers in order, it will be easier for you to sell your vehicle and earn a handsome amount against it. Otherwise, it sometimes becomes problematic to sell your vehicle and you end up selling it in prices much lower than what you deserve.
After getting your papers in order, you will have to look for a disposal service that buys junk cars. You can find a lot of them online. You can look for ones that are close to your location. Go to the websites of these disposal services to get a quote for your car. You can get their contact details from the website and call them up to get somebody come to your home and discuss about the deal. You should negotiate with them and try to find the best prices for your car. Once you are happy with the prices, you must finalize the deal. After making the deal, the disposal services will themselves make arrangements to tow away your car to their salvage yard and pay you as per the contract.
As one of the other options, you can yourself arrange to remove your old cars. You can drain the oils and remove the useable parts, tyres etc. to sell them off in the market. Then you can sell the remaining parts of the car to some junkyard. In fact if you want you can also call them and they will make arrangements to take it to their place.
One more way of disposing of your vehicle is through online advertisement. There are various online auction sites where you can advertise your junk car. These sites also help you get the best out of your junk cars while doing away with them.
Divya Varma is a Freelance Writer. She enjoys writing on topics of various niches.
Monday, September 3, 2012
How To Get The Biker's Look
Being stylish is not about being conventional and it can be anything you like. Be it an expensive suit or a rugged leather jacket, you can end up looking great if you know what look you exactly want. Biker's look is one of the most popular and stylish looks that guys want to go for, and it never fails to create a style statement. However, to achieve the right look you need to pay attention on a lot small factors that are important. To achieve the biker's look, the first and the most important requirement is being a biker as otherwise you will end up looking made-up. There are a number of styles that bikers have and you can choose from the trends that you like to achieve your personalized, rugged look. Here are a few biking trends you can choose from, to get the look you are aiming for.
The most prominent and defining factor of a biker's outfit comprises of leather. Be it the jacket or the belt, leather is something that is associated with a biker on the first go. Make sure you invest in a good leather jacket and a belt, and it should stand out. Do not buy fake leather or similar looking cheap material as you will just end up ruining your look. This is because a true biker will always wear a pure leather jacket and will never buy something that is fake or substandard. Once you have a good jacket and belt in place, now is the time to concentrate on the rest of the outfit. As black is the colour that goes with biking, buy black shirts and grey denim that give you a rugged look. Also, invest in a good pair of leather boots. Again, do not buy boots of a cheap or fake material as they can be easily differentiated from the original ones.
Once your clothes have been taken care of, concentrate on the additional things that will add to your look. Jewellery has always been an important part of a biker's way of dressing and is available in a wide variety. You can go for the very popular and manly skull rings or the skull bracelets that give an edge to your look. Make sure you buy oxidized silver rings of a good quality which give you the air of a true biker. You can even go for customized pendants and add your personal touch to them by going for something you like and not following the conventional choices.
Once the jewellery and clothes are put together, your biker's look is more or less complete. But, for the final touch, go for a hairstyle that goes with your look. Spikes and Mohawk are the most popular options for people who love riding bikes. Also, invest in a pair of good biker gloves that complete your look. Apart from the right look, another thing you need to concentrate on is the attitude as the carefree and rugged way that a biker follows is what makes a person a true biker. Learn to ride the bike well and develop a carefree attitude which makes you a true biker. Also, join biker clubs and hang out with them to learn their ways. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect biker's look.
Junk silver jewelry is a very important part of a biker's look. Check out great biker pendants and rings at bad ass jewelry.
The most prominent and defining factor of a biker's outfit comprises of leather. Be it the jacket or the belt, leather is something that is associated with a biker on the first go. Make sure you invest in a good leather jacket and a belt, and it should stand out. Do not buy fake leather or similar looking cheap material as you will just end up ruining your look. This is because a true biker will always wear a pure leather jacket and will never buy something that is fake or substandard. Once you have a good jacket and belt in place, now is the time to concentrate on the rest of the outfit. As black is the colour that goes with biking, buy black shirts and grey denim that give you a rugged look. Also, invest in a good pair of leather boots. Again, do not buy boots of a cheap or fake material as they can be easily differentiated from the original ones.
Once your clothes have been taken care of, concentrate on the additional things that will add to your look. Jewellery has always been an important part of a biker's way of dressing and is available in a wide variety. You can go for the very popular and manly skull rings or the skull bracelets that give an edge to your look. Make sure you buy oxidized silver rings of a good quality which give you the air of a true biker. You can even go for customized pendants and add your personal touch to them by going for something you like and not following the conventional choices.
Once the jewellery and clothes are put together, your biker's look is more or less complete. But, for the final touch, go for a hairstyle that goes with your look. Spikes and Mohawk are the most popular options for people who love riding bikes. Also, invest in a pair of good biker gloves that complete your look. Apart from the right look, another thing you need to concentrate on is the attitude as the carefree and rugged way that a biker follows is what makes a person a true biker. Learn to ride the bike well and develop a carefree attitude which makes you a true biker. Also, join biker clubs and hang out with them to learn their ways. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect biker's look.
Junk silver jewelry is a very important part of a biker's look. Check out great biker pendants and rings at bad ass jewelry.
Friday, August 17, 2012
How to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Trip
Packing for a long motorcycle trip can be very daunting. Keep in mind that you will have to make laundry stops, and pick hotels or motels that offer laundry facilities when you need to. Basically you will need the following:
Rain gear
Leather Coat
We like to have shields that attach to our helmets for bad weather
Gloves
Shoes and or sandals
Toiletries
Sweater
1 or 2 pairs of jeans
The rest we pack as follows: We always put one tee shirt, one pair of underwear and one pair of socks in a zip lock bag Sit on it to squeeze out all air, and seal it. Put it in our travel bags. When these clothes are dirty you put them back in the bag, tying the socks in a knot so you can tell quickly if you have grabbed clean or dirty clothes. The zip lock bag also puts another layer of protection between your clothing and the rain. I also always line the travel bags with a garbage bag. I know that PVC bags are water proof, but like to have that extra protection. Also packing clothing of similar colors means that you only have to do one load of laundry when you stop. Carrying a few dryer sheet will also help keep your motorcycle travel bags smelling good and save money when you do laundry.
Another important issue when packing for a trip is to keep all heavy items like leather coats if you aren't wearing them in the saddlebags so that the majority of the weight is low, creating a lower center of balance. We also like to make sure there is always room to put our leather jackets in to saddlebags if it gets too hot. I would always recommend wearing them as added protection in case of an accident, but sometimes it is just too hot to comfortably wear them. We also usually carry a bathing suit and a pair of shorts, but these are not a necessity but are nice to have, especially if the hotel you stop at happens to have a pool.
Another thing I consider to be a necessity is when you stop at night pick a spot where you are able to walk to dinner. After washing the road grit off in your hotel the last thing I want to do is get back on the bike to go somewhere for dinner.
Hope this was informative.
Check us out at Motorcycle Leather Down for your biker needs.
Rain gear
Leather Coat
We like to have shields that attach to our helmets for bad weather
Gloves
Shoes and or sandals
Toiletries
Sweater
1 or 2 pairs of jeans
The rest we pack as follows: We always put one tee shirt, one pair of underwear and one pair of socks in a zip lock bag Sit on it to squeeze out all air, and seal it. Put it in our travel bags. When these clothes are dirty you put them back in the bag, tying the socks in a knot so you can tell quickly if you have grabbed clean or dirty clothes. The zip lock bag also puts another layer of protection between your clothing and the rain. I also always line the travel bags with a garbage bag. I know that PVC bags are water proof, but like to have that extra protection. Also packing clothing of similar colors means that you only have to do one load of laundry when you stop. Carrying a few dryer sheet will also help keep your motorcycle travel bags smelling good and save money when you do laundry.
Another important issue when packing for a trip is to keep all heavy items like leather coats if you aren't wearing them in the saddlebags so that the majority of the weight is low, creating a lower center of balance. We also like to make sure there is always room to put our leather jackets in to saddlebags if it gets too hot. I would always recommend wearing them as added protection in case of an accident, but sometimes it is just too hot to comfortably wear them. We also usually carry a bathing suit and a pair of shorts, but these are not a necessity but are nice to have, especially if the hotel you stop at happens to have a pool.
Another thing I consider to be a necessity is when you stop at night pick a spot where you are able to walk to dinner. After washing the road grit off in your hotel the last thing I want to do is get back on the bike to go somewhere for dinner.
Hope this was informative.
Check us out at Motorcycle Leather Down for your biker needs.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Motorcycle Braking Tips for Track Days
Braking should be a pretty simple affair, but you'd be surprised to know that out of all the riding techniques we use on track it is during braking that the greatest number of panic buttons are pushed if it's not done correctly.
In this guide I have outlined what we should work towards to improve our braking technique, as well as some of the results of getting it wrong; this I hope will leave you feeling confident on the brakes and have you pushing back your markers with ease.
The primary goal of braking
If pressed for an answer as to what we are trying to achieve with braking, I would expect most people to say we are simply trying to slow the bike down ready for the corner; but while this is true, it isn't our primary goal. What we are really trying to do is accurately set our speed for the corner ready for our turn-in. This will then give us a consistent base to work on everything from the turn point, out to the exit.
The structure of motorcycle braking
As you may know, we don't apply constant pressure to the lever when braking, the pressure will vary from the time you first apply the brake to the time you release the lever. There are a number of ways in which you can structure your braking, such as light pressure at first then hard at the end; hard first and then light; light then hard then light; as well as a whole host of other arrangements. Which one is best though?
The most effective way to set our speed for a turn is to get the bulk of the braking done before you arrive at your turn point. If you leave all your hard braking right up until it's time to turn the bike it will often have you feeling like you're going in too fast, causing you to over brake and ultimately go in too slow. There are also some other potential ways in which this late hard braking can be damaging:
You try to carry too much brake into the corner.
You're unable to quickly and accurately turn the bike, meaning a shallow entry that will spoil your exit.
You overshoot your turn point which then puts you off line
Your attention becomes very much fixed on your braking, rather than where you're going and what you're doing.
All of these things have the potential to push your panic buttons and/or have you making mistakes, mistakes that could see you in the gravel.
Instead what would be more ideal is to start off by braking hard at first then trailing the brake pressure off as you approach your turn point. This will not only have you feeling more relaxed at the turn point, but you will no doubt be going faster too. Another plus is that your brain will feel less rushed, meaning more concentration on what's to come after you have finished braking.
The application of the brake
When talking about the initial application of the brake there's only really one main point to raise and that is don't snap the brakes on. By snapping the brakes on you are risking the suspension bottoming out which will increase the chances of the front wheel locking up. Brake application should in fact be quick (between a quarter and half a second between initial application and full power), but it should not be instant.
Imagine a line graph showing your braking efforts between your braking point and turn point. You would see a steep but gradual curve from initial application to full brakes; the line would then stay at the top of the graph while you scrub your speed off, then as you get closer to your turn point you would see the line come back down the graph slowly as you taper off the brakes.
The only other point to mention about brake application is what to do in the instance of a wheel lock up. If this happens then ease the pressure off the brake lever to allow the front wheel to start turning and stabilise itself and the bike.
A word on the rear brake
Whether or not you use the rear brake will mainly be down to personal preference, but in my opinion until you have mastered the use of the front brake then the risk vs reward of using the rear brake means it's something you don't have to focus on.
A spinning rear wheel provides the stability for everything from the headstock back (due to the gyroscopic effect is creates) and when you are braking so hard to the point the rear wheel is skimming the floor, any application of the rear brake is going to lock it up and lose you that stability. It is then down to the front wheel alone to keep the bike upright which isn't ideal. On that note, I will leave the decision up to you regarding the rear brake.
Conclusion
As you can see from these motorcycle braking tips, the way we should be braking is fairly simple, but even the fanciest braking system in the world won't help you if you don't get it right. The main lesson to take away is get all your hard braking done early to eradicate your internal panic buttons being pushed, this will mean a more relaxed head at the turn point and fewer mistakes being made as a result. You'll probably be going faster too!
Secondary points are get the brakes on quickly, but don't snap it on as this will only translate into an unsettled bike.
It'll take time and practice, but with enough of it your braking will come along nicely and you'll be pushing your braking markers further back when you see all the time you've given yourself at the turn point.
Now go heat those discs!
Want more riding tips?
Get more Motorcycle Riding Tips over at Bike Track Days Hub. There I've covered some of the various aspects of riding on track that you can learn, which in time will help bring your riding on in terms of both speed and safety.
Visit Bike Track Days Hub for more info.
In this guide I have outlined what we should work towards to improve our braking technique, as well as some of the results of getting it wrong; this I hope will leave you feeling confident on the brakes and have you pushing back your markers with ease.
The primary goal of braking
If pressed for an answer as to what we are trying to achieve with braking, I would expect most people to say we are simply trying to slow the bike down ready for the corner; but while this is true, it isn't our primary goal. What we are really trying to do is accurately set our speed for the corner ready for our turn-in. This will then give us a consistent base to work on everything from the turn point, out to the exit.
The structure of motorcycle braking
As you may know, we don't apply constant pressure to the lever when braking, the pressure will vary from the time you first apply the brake to the time you release the lever. There are a number of ways in which you can structure your braking, such as light pressure at first then hard at the end; hard first and then light; light then hard then light; as well as a whole host of other arrangements. Which one is best though?
The most effective way to set our speed for a turn is to get the bulk of the braking done before you arrive at your turn point. If you leave all your hard braking right up until it's time to turn the bike it will often have you feeling like you're going in too fast, causing you to over brake and ultimately go in too slow. There are also some other potential ways in which this late hard braking can be damaging:
You try to carry too much brake into the corner.
You're unable to quickly and accurately turn the bike, meaning a shallow entry that will spoil your exit.
You overshoot your turn point which then puts you off line
Your attention becomes very much fixed on your braking, rather than where you're going and what you're doing.
All of these things have the potential to push your panic buttons and/or have you making mistakes, mistakes that could see you in the gravel.
Instead what would be more ideal is to start off by braking hard at first then trailing the brake pressure off as you approach your turn point. This will not only have you feeling more relaxed at the turn point, but you will no doubt be going faster too. Another plus is that your brain will feel less rushed, meaning more concentration on what's to come after you have finished braking.
The application of the brake
When talking about the initial application of the brake there's only really one main point to raise and that is don't snap the brakes on. By snapping the brakes on you are risking the suspension bottoming out which will increase the chances of the front wheel locking up. Brake application should in fact be quick (between a quarter and half a second between initial application and full power), but it should not be instant.
Imagine a line graph showing your braking efforts between your braking point and turn point. You would see a steep but gradual curve from initial application to full brakes; the line would then stay at the top of the graph while you scrub your speed off, then as you get closer to your turn point you would see the line come back down the graph slowly as you taper off the brakes.
The only other point to mention about brake application is what to do in the instance of a wheel lock up. If this happens then ease the pressure off the brake lever to allow the front wheel to start turning and stabilise itself and the bike.
A word on the rear brake
Whether or not you use the rear brake will mainly be down to personal preference, but in my opinion until you have mastered the use of the front brake then the risk vs reward of using the rear brake means it's something you don't have to focus on.
A spinning rear wheel provides the stability for everything from the headstock back (due to the gyroscopic effect is creates) and when you are braking so hard to the point the rear wheel is skimming the floor, any application of the rear brake is going to lock it up and lose you that stability. It is then down to the front wheel alone to keep the bike upright which isn't ideal. On that note, I will leave the decision up to you regarding the rear brake.
Conclusion
As you can see from these motorcycle braking tips, the way we should be braking is fairly simple, but even the fanciest braking system in the world won't help you if you don't get it right. The main lesson to take away is get all your hard braking done early to eradicate your internal panic buttons being pushed, this will mean a more relaxed head at the turn point and fewer mistakes being made as a result. You'll probably be going faster too!
Secondary points are get the brakes on quickly, but don't snap it on as this will only translate into an unsettled bike.
It'll take time and practice, but with enough of it your braking will come along nicely and you'll be pushing your braking markers further back when you see all the time you've given yourself at the turn point.
Now go heat those discs!
Want more riding tips?
Get more Motorcycle Riding Tips over at Bike Track Days Hub. There I've covered some of the various aspects of riding on track that you can learn, which in time will help bring your riding on in terms of both speed and safety.
Visit Bike Track Days Hub for more info.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Interphone F5 Handle Bar Remote Control - One Of A Kind
Bikers love to travel and carry their stuff along. They are passionate about having the best accessories that offer great utility. Saddlebag support systems serve as the right choice for bikers who wish to keep their saddlebags in the best shape even after years of use. The look offered to heavy bikes by a leather saddlebag is simply fabulous and much better in contrast to the plastic and fiberglass counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to care for the saddlebags and replace them whenever required to improve the look of the bike. Saddlebags are made of leather and are perfect to be used in heavy bikes and cruisers.
Saddlebags shrink or lose their shape over a period of time due to which they need to be replaced. Instead of replacing them, you can use the saddlebag support systems and install the accessories on your own. When you opt for the support system, you do not have to worry about purchasing a new bag whenever the saddlebag loses its shape. You will be pleased to know that many sellers are nowadays offering the support systems to their clients at an affordable price. A warranty is offered too so that you do not have to worry about the maintenance of the saddlebag. The support system consists of the best quality adhesives, stiffeners, lid inserts and utility pouches. The use of stiffeners greatly reduces the sagging effect ultimately increasing the life of saddlebags. Likewise, the use of saddlebag lid inserts offer the necessary strength and rigidness to the bags.
The saddlebag support systems have adhesives for installing the lid inserts. This is very popular among people who are concerned about their saddlebags while travelling. Before installing the motorcycle saddlebag accessories, do not fail to take the exact dimensions where you will install it. The size of the saddlebag will depend entirely on the measurements taken. The best technology is used for the manufacture of the saddlebag support system so that the saddlebag does not lose its shape even after a bumpy bike ride. While choosing the accessories for installation, make sure that it does not have a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your bike. In case you are looking for the best accessories for your bike, you can find them easily at various online stores. You can get a complete list of accessories and their prices by checking out these stores. To know more about the products, you can directly mail or call up their customer care executives.
If you have a Harley Davidson, then having the best leather saddlebag is a must for you. To increase the life of your saddlebag, you will also require the saddlebag support systems. The systems maintain the beauty and style that these bags offer. You can prevent them from getting a saggy look and restore them with the use of stiffeners. The support system is available at a truly affordable price and you can buy it right away. It is possible to enhance your riding experience with the use of these systems.
Danielle Wally is the author of this article on Saddlebag Support Systems. Find more information, about Motorcycle Saddlebag Accessories here
Saddlebags shrink or lose their shape over a period of time due to which they need to be replaced. Instead of replacing them, you can use the saddlebag support systems and install the accessories on your own. When you opt for the support system, you do not have to worry about purchasing a new bag whenever the saddlebag loses its shape. You will be pleased to know that many sellers are nowadays offering the support systems to their clients at an affordable price. A warranty is offered too so that you do not have to worry about the maintenance of the saddlebag. The support system consists of the best quality adhesives, stiffeners, lid inserts and utility pouches. The use of stiffeners greatly reduces the sagging effect ultimately increasing the life of saddlebags. Likewise, the use of saddlebag lid inserts offer the necessary strength and rigidness to the bags.
The saddlebag support systems have adhesives for installing the lid inserts. This is very popular among people who are concerned about their saddlebags while travelling. Before installing the motorcycle saddlebag accessories, do not fail to take the exact dimensions where you will install it. The size of the saddlebag will depend entirely on the measurements taken. The best technology is used for the manufacture of the saddlebag support system so that the saddlebag does not lose its shape even after a bumpy bike ride. While choosing the accessories for installation, make sure that it does not have a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your bike. In case you are looking for the best accessories for your bike, you can find them easily at various online stores. You can get a complete list of accessories and their prices by checking out these stores. To know more about the products, you can directly mail or call up their customer care executives.
If you have a Harley Davidson, then having the best leather saddlebag is a must for you. To increase the life of your saddlebag, you will also require the saddlebag support systems. The systems maintain the beauty and style that these bags offer. You can prevent them from getting a saggy look and restore them with the use of stiffeners. The support system is available at a truly affordable price and you can buy it right away. It is possible to enhance your riding experience with the use of these systems.
Danielle Wally is the author of this article on Saddlebag Support Systems. Find more information, about Motorcycle Saddlebag Accessories here
Economics of Scooters
Are you considering buying a scooter moped? There are pros and cons to scooters. Each of these will have a different importance to each of us:
• Open air riding. Hopping on a bicycle will give you the open air ride, but to be powered and ride at twice the speed give a good feeling of freedom and excitement (depending upon the speed!)
• Weather. Sometimes the weather doesn't agree with out riding schedule. If you rode your scooter to work in great weather, but it's rainy or stormy at quitting time, you may want to put in a little overtime to wait out the weather, if possible.
• Cheap Scooters. Whether you purchase a scooter from a storefront dealer, or pay half the price for one through an internet store, you will still be saving money over buying an auto. The fuel economy is another cost savings, obviously, with 50cc scooters getting about 100mpg, 150cc getting about 80mpg and 250cc getting about 50mpg. This varies greatly, depending on your riding style, just like driving a car.
• Maintenance complications. If you purchase your scooter from a storefront, you should have no problem getting them to service it, though I have a friend that would argue against that point. If you purchased your scooter from an online store, you will get the shop to determine the problem and needed parts; then get the parts from your online dealer, and provide to the shop for repair. Also, being a small engine, you may be able to take care of such simple things as changing the oil or preparing it for a snooze during the winter.
• Safety. You will have to be more responsible on a scooter than driving a car. You must be alert to what other drivers are doing and avoid incidents. Not many car drivers wear a helmet
• Ecology. Scooters can be much friendlier to the environment, if well maintained. Using less gas is the first thought, but weighing less than cars also reduces the maintenance on roads.
• Parking. It is much easier to park a scooter. Sometimes we see them parked on sidewalks, alongside bicycles. Just make sure you lock your scooter.
• Style and popularity. The variety of styles of scooters and the ability to modify to the colors you like brings a lot of fun to scooting. You can be as unique as you wish. Choose between the classic European style, or the Racer style, among many. Scooters are also gaining in popularity recently. People find that scooting to the neighborhood store is more fun than starting up the car.
So, there are many things to consider when looking for a scooter. Consider practicing on one, or renting a moped, to determine the size that suits you.
You can find many scooters on the Twowheelsrule website. We provide hundreds of photos, specifications and videos. You should be comfortable with the product offering before working with the distributor. We provide many scooters for sale with free shipping from the distributor, and the distributor has been a reputable dealer for many years. Safe riding!
• Open air riding. Hopping on a bicycle will give you the open air ride, but to be powered and ride at twice the speed give a good feeling of freedom and excitement (depending upon the speed!)
• Weather. Sometimes the weather doesn't agree with out riding schedule. If you rode your scooter to work in great weather, but it's rainy or stormy at quitting time, you may want to put in a little overtime to wait out the weather, if possible.
• Cheap Scooters. Whether you purchase a scooter from a storefront dealer, or pay half the price for one through an internet store, you will still be saving money over buying an auto. The fuel economy is another cost savings, obviously, with 50cc scooters getting about 100mpg, 150cc getting about 80mpg and 250cc getting about 50mpg. This varies greatly, depending on your riding style, just like driving a car.
• Maintenance complications. If you purchase your scooter from a storefront, you should have no problem getting them to service it, though I have a friend that would argue against that point. If you purchased your scooter from an online store, you will get the shop to determine the problem and needed parts; then get the parts from your online dealer, and provide to the shop for repair. Also, being a small engine, you may be able to take care of such simple things as changing the oil or preparing it for a snooze during the winter.
• Safety. You will have to be more responsible on a scooter than driving a car. You must be alert to what other drivers are doing and avoid incidents. Not many car drivers wear a helmet
• Ecology. Scooters can be much friendlier to the environment, if well maintained. Using less gas is the first thought, but weighing less than cars also reduces the maintenance on roads.
• Parking. It is much easier to park a scooter. Sometimes we see them parked on sidewalks, alongside bicycles. Just make sure you lock your scooter.
• Style and popularity. The variety of styles of scooters and the ability to modify to the colors you like brings a lot of fun to scooting. You can be as unique as you wish. Choose between the classic European style, or the Racer style, among many. Scooters are also gaining in popularity recently. People find that scooting to the neighborhood store is more fun than starting up the car.
So, there are many things to consider when looking for a scooter. Consider practicing on one, or renting a moped, to determine the size that suits you.
You can find many scooters on the Twowheelsrule website. We provide hundreds of photos, specifications and videos. You should be comfortable with the product offering before working with the distributor. We provide many scooters for sale with free shipping from the distributor, and the distributor has been a reputable dealer for many years. Safe riding!
Friday, July 20, 2012
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Dirt Bike
Getting a perfect dirt bike is like searching for a good suit. You need to make sure that it fits you just right. The right dirt bike is made just for your kind of riding terrain and what speed you are comfortable with. Riding this bike should feel... well, right. Finding the perfect bike is a perfect balance of knowing what one's skill level is, how often one intends to ride, where one rides and one's physical characteristics. Therefore, choosing one that is suitable for your biking needs depends on a number of factors.
What are dirt bikes?
Dirt road bikes are basically just like motorcycles, only that they have been solidly designed for riding across uneven terrain and rough tracks. Their suspensions and rugged tires are manufactured for the kind of hammering and battering that these motors are expected to endure. Their tires are made tougher than ordinary motorcycles in order to give maximum grip on the road surface, whether mud, tarmac or sand. These bikes are usually light in weight and can clear off the ground to considerable heights.
The following are the factors you need to consider before you buy your ride.
1. Level of experience
Your riding experience will determine what kind to buy. If you are a newbie rider with little experience, starting with one with low power is best. Power is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), so the lower the cc the better. The obvious advantage of less powered bikes is the lighter weight. Bikes with more power are heavier which makes them harder to handle.
2. Bike Size
To ride successfully, you need a bike that is the right size for your frame and experience. One's age also determines the size of bike you ride. Younger riders will need very small dirt bikes as they learn to help them gain confidence in their skills and stay safe. The right bike size for you can usually be established by checking whether you can keep your feet flat on the ground while seated on it without having to stand up.
3. Use
Knowing what use you will put your auto to; will help you decide what type of bike you want to buy. For racing purposes, gather as much information as you can from other riders, professional racers and attend racing events to find out why a particular brand is preferred over another. If you intend to use your motor for fun, figure out what kind of terrain you will use the ride on and work with that.
4. Price
There are many dirt bike manufacturers out there so do your homework in finding out who offers the best value for money. Shop around for great deals and don't ignore online dealers too. Make sure you know what you want before making your purchase to save yourself unnecessary trouble later on.
Observing these 4 important factors will help you make a wise selection to get you started on the unlimited fun you are sure to have riding your motor.
Jennifer G from 4wheelonline.com is a professional writer and avid auto enthusiast specializing in auto accessories and performance products. Learn more about this from Maxxis motorcycle tires.
What are dirt bikes?
Dirt road bikes are basically just like motorcycles, only that they have been solidly designed for riding across uneven terrain and rough tracks. Their suspensions and rugged tires are manufactured for the kind of hammering and battering that these motors are expected to endure. Their tires are made tougher than ordinary motorcycles in order to give maximum grip on the road surface, whether mud, tarmac or sand. These bikes are usually light in weight and can clear off the ground to considerable heights.
The following are the factors you need to consider before you buy your ride.
1. Level of experience
Your riding experience will determine what kind to buy. If you are a newbie rider with little experience, starting with one with low power is best. Power is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), so the lower the cc the better. The obvious advantage of less powered bikes is the lighter weight. Bikes with more power are heavier which makes them harder to handle.
2. Bike Size
To ride successfully, you need a bike that is the right size for your frame and experience. One's age also determines the size of bike you ride. Younger riders will need very small dirt bikes as they learn to help them gain confidence in their skills and stay safe. The right bike size for you can usually be established by checking whether you can keep your feet flat on the ground while seated on it without having to stand up.
3. Use
Knowing what use you will put your auto to; will help you decide what type of bike you want to buy. For racing purposes, gather as much information as you can from other riders, professional racers and attend racing events to find out why a particular brand is preferred over another. If you intend to use your motor for fun, figure out what kind of terrain you will use the ride on and work with that.
4. Price
There are many dirt bike manufacturers out there so do your homework in finding out who offers the best value for money. Shop around for great deals and don't ignore online dealers too. Make sure you know what you want before making your purchase to save yourself unnecessary trouble later on.
Observing these 4 important factors will help you make a wise selection to get you started on the unlimited fun you are sure to have riding your motor.
Jennifer G from 4wheelonline.com is a professional writer and avid auto enthusiast specializing in auto accessories and performance products. Learn more about this from Maxxis motorcycle tires.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter
Winter motorcycle preparation is important to help keep your motorbike running in tip top condition through the winter months. Don't get caught short, here is a list of thing to check and do before winter hits.
Coolant
Fill the system with anti-freeze to protect your bike. If water alone is used, this can cause extensive and expensive damage as it freezes and expands. If the liquid in the system is clear, it most likely doesn't contain any anti- freeze at all, if you're not sure about its contents, flush the system and refill.
Tyres
As we all know slippery roads require more grip and good tyres are essential for winter riding. Purchasing tyres that designed specifically for winter weather is always a good idea, to prevent your bike from slipping and giving the best road performance. Checking tyre pressure is essential as under inflated tyres can affect your bikes handling significantly.
Lights
With shorter days, if you're commuting to and from work these journeys will most likely be carried out with minimal light. Regularly check the lights on your bike and clean the lenses on a regular basis.
Accessories
While making sure your bike is in perfect condition for winter riding is important, you also need to make sure you are as well. As the temperature drops, make you sure are wrapped up warm! Invest in protective weatherproof riding gear and wind proof yourself from head to toe. Being comfortable on your ride will is especially important in the cold. Make sure you wear something high visibility or reflective so that you can be seen when visibility is low.
Storage
If you are planning on sorting your bike away during the winter, keeping your bike protected from the cold weather while it is out of action is just as important to avoid forking out for costly repairs months later. Your motorbike needs to be protected from corrosion while it is not in use. Change the oil and the oil filter, as used oil contains corrosive substances. Flush and fill hydraulic lines, if this hasn't been done in the precious 10,000 miles. External components also need protection from corrosion, make sure your bike has been washed, dried, wax and grease any moving parts. Finally, make sure you fill your bike with fresh fuel, mixed with a stabiliser to avoid clogging the system.
Lock your motorbike away securely in a garage or storage unit. This will act as a barrier to the cold weather, protecting your bike and its components. If you don't have a storage unit, it is worthwhile investing in one for the added protection that they provide. A range of secure motorcycle storage is available from Asgard, offering the best protection from winter weather and theft, leaving your bike dry, safe and ready to ride when the weather gets better.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Benefits of Saddlebag Support Systems
Bikers love to travel and carry their stuff along. They are passionate about having the best accessories that offer great utility. Saddlebag support systems serve as the right choice for bikers who wish to keep their saddlebags in the best shape even after years of use. The look offered to heavy bikes by a leather saddlebag is simply fabulous and much better in contrast to the plastic and fiberglass counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to care for the saddlebags and replace them whenever required to improve the look of the bike. Saddlebags are made of leather and are perfect to be used in heavy bikes and cruisers.
Saddlebags shrink or lose their shape over a period of time due to which they need to be replaced. Instead of replacing them, you can use the saddlebag support systems and install the accessories on your own. When you opt for the support system, you do not have to worry about purchasing a new bag whenever the saddlebag loses its shape. You will be pleased to know that many sellers are nowadays offering the support systems to their clients at an affordable price. A warranty is offered too so that you do not have to worry about the maintenance of the saddlebag. The support system consists of the best quality adhesives, stiffeners, lid inserts and utility pouches. The use of stiffeners greatly reduces the sagging effect ultimately increasing the life of saddlebags. Likewise, the use of saddlebag lid inserts offer the necessary strength and rigidness to the bags.
The saddlebag support systems have adhesives for installing the lid inserts. This is very popular among people who are concerned about their saddlebags while travelling. Before installing the motorcycle saddlebag accessories, do not fail to take the exact dimensions where you will install it. The size of the saddlebag will depend entirely on the measurements taken. The best technology is used for the manufacture of the saddlebag support system so that the saddlebag does not lose its shape even after a bumpy bike ride. While choosing the accessories for installation, make sure that it does not have a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your bike. In case you are looking for the best accessories for your bike, you can find them easily at various online stores. You can get a complete list of accessories and their prices by checking out these stores. To know more about the products, you can directly mail or call up their customer care executives.
If you have a Harley Davidson, then having the best leather saddlebag is a must for you. To increase the life of your saddlebag, you will also require the saddlebag support systems. The systems maintain the beauty and style that these bags offer. You can prevent them from getting a saggy look and restore them with the use of stiffeners. The support system is available at a truly affordable price and you can buy it right away. It is possible to enhance your riding experience with the use of these systems.
Danielle Wally is the author of this article on Saddlebag Support Systems. Find more information, about Motorcycle Saddlebag Accessories here
Saddlebags shrink or lose their shape over a period of time due to which they need to be replaced. Instead of replacing them, you can use the saddlebag support systems and install the accessories on your own. When you opt for the support system, you do not have to worry about purchasing a new bag whenever the saddlebag loses its shape. You will be pleased to know that many sellers are nowadays offering the support systems to their clients at an affordable price. A warranty is offered too so that you do not have to worry about the maintenance of the saddlebag. The support system consists of the best quality adhesives, stiffeners, lid inserts and utility pouches. The use of stiffeners greatly reduces the sagging effect ultimately increasing the life of saddlebags. Likewise, the use of saddlebag lid inserts offer the necessary strength and rigidness to the bags.
The saddlebag support systems have adhesives for installing the lid inserts. This is very popular among people who are concerned about their saddlebags while travelling. Before installing the motorcycle saddlebag accessories, do not fail to take the exact dimensions where you will install it. The size of the saddlebag will depend entirely on the measurements taken. The best technology is used for the manufacture of the saddlebag support system so that the saddlebag does not lose its shape even after a bumpy bike ride. While choosing the accessories for installation, make sure that it does not have a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your bike. In case you are looking for the best accessories for your bike, you can find them easily at various online stores. You can get a complete list of accessories and their prices by checking out these stores. To know more about the products, you can directly mail or call up their customer care executives.
If you have a Harley Davidson, then having the best leather saddlebag is a must for you. To increase the life of your saddlebag, you will also require the saddlebag support systems. The systems maintain the beauty and style that these bags offer. You can prevent them from getting a saggy look and restore them with the use of stiffeners. The support system is available at a truly affordable price and you can buy it right away. It is possible to enhance your riding experience with the use of these systems.
Danielle Wally is the author of this article on Saddlebag Support Systems. Find more information, about Motorcycle Saddlebag Accessories here
Friday, July 13, 2012
Nail Polish Shades That Will Add A Sparkling Glow To Your Motorcycle Pants
In recent years, male stars and celebrities such as Johnny Depp and David Beckham have frequently been spotted wearing nail polish in public; nonetheless, experimenting with different nail polish shades remains more or less a feminine domain! Chosen after considerable pondering and reflection, a nail polish shade that complements one's attire adds a touch of sophistication, style and beauty to one's overall demeanor.
According to well-reputed fashion divas and highly acclaimed beauty specialists, nail enamel shades should be changed in accordance with seasonal transitions. Light and flowery shades are usually the preferred choices for spring and summer whereas, dark, deep tones are perceived as being the most fashionable choice for fall and winter.
Female bikers who love donning a bright pair of motorcycle pants can experiment with a wide range of trendy nail enamel colors. Stylistically speaking, less traditionally colored biker pants afford greater opportunity with regard to selecting sensationally fashionable nail polish shades. Highlighted below are some of the gorgeous nail varnish shades that will look irresistibly beautiful with the varied-colored women biker pants.
a) If you like wearing racy red-colored motorcycle pants for women, you should opt for the classic red nail varnish shade. Evocative of underlying passion and femininity, impeccably painted deep red nails will make you appear both desirable and bold, thereby adding a modern feminist vibe to your personality!
The best thing about red nail varnish is that it will look equally attractive with the traditionally colored black bike pants as well!
b) Any woman who is well-versed in fashion will emphasize upon the utmost necessity of owning a soft pink nail polish shade. Breathtakingly feminine and seemingly fragile, pink color highlights the emotional sensitivity often attributed to women. Thus, a soft pink nail enamel tone will beautifully complement a pair of well-fitted, light-pink bike pants for women!
For more adventurous females, neon pink nail enamel will also look quite sleek with bright pink colored leather pants.
c) Purple bike pants have been in vogue amongst the more artistically oriented and non-conformist female bikers since the 70s. To add more style to these pants, you can select from amongst the luscious lavender, bright and soft purple shades available at various cosmetics stores. For increased glamor and sophistication, the chic purple nail polish comes in both metallic and matte finishes.
d) For those of you who love to wear brown leather pants, the inviting nude-colored nail varnish would look absolutely stunning! However, if you want to opt for a more sparkly look, a glittery-bronze shade would look equally spectacular!
If you want additional information regarding well-engineered Motorcycle Pants, or are interested in varied-colored Motorcycle Pants for Women then thoroughly read and reflect on this article.
According to well-reputed fashion divas and highly acclaimed beauty specialists, nail enamel shades should be changed in accordance with seasonal transitions. Light and flowery shades are usually the preferred choices for spring and summer whereas, dark, deep tones are perceived as being the most fashionable choice for fall and winter.
Female bikers who love donning a bright pair of motorcycle pants can experiment with a wide range of trendy nail enamel colors. Stylistically speaking, less traditionally colored biker pants afford greater opportunity with regard to selecting sensationally fashionable nail polish shades. Highlighted below are some of the gorgeous nail varnish shades that will look irresistibly beautiful with the varied-colored women biker pants.
a) If you like wearing racy red-colored motorcycle pants for women, you should opt for the classic red nail varnish shade. Evocative of underlying passion and femininity, impeccably painted deep red nails will make you appear both desirable and bold, thereby adding a modern feminist vibe to your personality!
The best thing about red nail varnish is that it will look equally attractive with the traditionally colored black bike pants as well!
b) Any woman who is well-versed in fashion will emphasize upon the utmost necessity of owning a soft pink nail polish shade. Breathtakingly feminine and seemingly fragile, pink color highlights the emotional sensitivity often attributed to women. Thus, a soft pink nail enamel tone will beautifully complement a pair of well-fitted, light-pink bike pants for women!
For more adventurous females, neon pink nail enamel will also look quite sleek with bright pink colored leather pants.
c) Purple bike pants have been in vogue amongst the more artistically oriented and non-conformist female bikers since the 70s. To add more style to these pants, you can select from amongst the luscious lavender, bright and soft purple shades available at various cosmetics stores. For increased glamor and sophistication, the chic purple nail polish comes in both metallic and matte finishes.
d) For those of you who love to wear brown leather pants, the inviting nude-colored nail varnish would look absolutely stunning! However, if you want to opt for a more sparkly look, a glittery-bronze shade would look equally spectacular!
If you want additional information regarding well-engineered Motorcycle Pants, or are interested in varied-colored Motorcycle Pants for Women then thoroughly read and reflect on this article.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Mid-West Adventure
It was the end of June 2007. My wife Anne & I were sitting in our backyard feeling kind of down. Our good friends in South Carolina had just called and cancelled their two week visit with us due to uncontrollable circumstances
We decided not to waste our two weeks doing nothing, but to get on our Harley and go discover what some of the mid-west U.S.A. was like. We set Sturgis, South Dakota as our target. We live in Ontario, Canada, so it was going to be quite a long ride.
After quite a packing job, we set out on our incredible journey, or at least it was incredible to us.
We first headed up into Northern Ontario, which is truly hot and beautiful in early July. We made it to Sault Ste. Marie Canada, and crossed the border into Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Sault Michigan was great, as it is at the locks where the "lakers" (the huge great lakes freighters), as well as ocean going boats go up into Lake Superior, or down into Lake Huron. It is a sight to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
As we rode on through beautiful Michigan, we were about to learn a valuable lesson. As we were approaching the city of Marquette we had gone from tank tops and jeans to sweaters and denim jackets, and we were still cold. Apparently the south shore of Lake Superior can have quite a cooling effect when it wants to. We ended up stopping at Marquette Harley Davidson to buy leather motorcycle jackets. Leather motorcycle jackets we have lots of at home in Canada. Unfortunately that's where they were safe and warm in Ontario.
Eventually we ended up in Duluth Minnesota, where the wind and the drivers were terrible. It seemed as if four wheel or more vehicles would get bonus points for hitting motorcyclists.
When we awoke in the motel in the morning it was pouring rain. It had been our plan to head west for Fargo North Dakota, but after hearing of severe weather out there, and talking to some truckers we decided to blast down highway 35 to highway 90 and then head west. Believe me when I say there was still a whole lot of west left to go. I would like to mention here that even before we got to highway 90 our new motorcycle leathers jackets were put away in the bottom of our saddlebags, never to be seen again until unpacking at home in Ontario.
One thing I liked about Minnesota and some other states it the 70mph speed limit. We just don't have that in Canada. So when we were traveling west on highway 90 and saw "Welcome to South Dakota, speed limit patrolled by aircraft" I thought, here we go, better slow down. How wrong I was, a mile or so down the road was the sign, Speed Limit 75, away we wnt.
It's quite a long trek across South Dakota for Minnesota to Sturgis, but Interstate 90 is in pretty good shape. We set the cruise control at 80mph and just enjoyed the rolling hills and some flatland. I must advise you that I don't think the wind ever stops.
I remember one slow curve in the road where suddenly there was a large body of water. It was the Franklin Basin on the Missouri River.
We stayed a night in Sioux Falls which surprisingly has a population of over 150,000.
To try to shorten an already long story, we finally got to Sturgis. It was a small, quaint and quiet little town, largely tuned to bikers. Every day there were things to discover even though it wasn't bike week. A must see is Badlands National Park. The town of Keystone and Mount Rushmore (never show up there on July 4th expecting to see fireworks they were July 3rd). There is Custer State Park, Needles Highway, the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you go a little farther you can see Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. That's as far as we got before heading back to reality. It kept us busy and riding for 16 days and 5,000 miles approx. altogether. We would do it again ad probably will one day. Hope I haven't bored you to death, but I would love to have you get out there and see what's out there to discover. There is so much more out there to discover.
We decided not to waste our two weeks doing nothing, but to get on our Harley and go discover what some of the mid-west U.S.A. was like. We set Sturgis, South Dakota as our target. We live in Ontario, Canada, so it was going to be quite a long ride.
After quite a packing job, we set out on our incredible journey, or at least it was incredible to us.
We first headed up into Northern Ontario, which is truly hot and beautiful in early July. We made it to Sault Ste. Marie Canada, and crossed the border into Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Sault Michigan was great, as it is at the locks where the "lakers" (the huge great lakes freighters), as well as ocean going boats go up into Lake Superior, or down into Lake Huron. It is a sight to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
As we rode on through beautiful Michigan, we were about to learn a valuable lesson. As we were approaching the city of Marquette we had gone from tank tops and jeans to sweaters and denim jackets, and we were still cold. Apparently the south shore of Lake Superior can have quite a cooling effect when it wants to. We ended up stopping at Marquette Harley Davidson to buy leather motorcycle jackets. Leather motorcycle jackets we have lots of at home in Canada. Unfortunately that's where they were safe and warm in Ontario.
Eventually we ended up in Duluth Minnesota, where the wind and the drivers were terrible. It seemed as if four wheel or more vehicles would get bonus points for hitting motorcyclists.
When we awoke in the motel in the morning it was pouring rain. It had been our plan to head west for Fargo North Dakota, but after hearing of severe weather out there, and talking to some truckers we decided to blast down highway 35 to highway 90 and then head west. Believe me when I say there was still a whole lot of west left to go. I would like to mention here that even before we got to highway 90 our new motorcycle leathers jackets were put away in the bottom of our saddlebags, never to be seen again until unpacking at home in Ontario.
One thing I liked about Minnesota and some other states it the 70mph speed limit. We just don't have that in Canada. So when we were traveling west on highway 90 and saw "Welcome to South Dakota, speed limit patrolled by aircraft" I thought, here we go, better slow down. How wrong I was, a mile or so down the road was the sign, Speed Limit 75, away we wnt.
It's quite a long trek across South Dakota for Minnesota to Sturgis, but Interstate 90 is in pretty good shape. We set the cruise control at 80mph and just enjoyed the rolling hills and some flatland. I must advise you that I don't think the wind ever stops.
I remember one slow curve in the road where suddenly there was a large body of water. It was the Franklin Basin on the Missouri River.
We stayed a night in Sioux Falls which surprisingly has a population of over 150,000.
To try to shorten an already long story, we finally got to Sturgis. It was a small, quaint and quiet little town, largely tuned to bikers. Every day there were things to discover even though it wasn't bike week. A must see is Badlands National Park. The town of Keystone and Mount Rushmore (never show up there on July 4th expecting to see fireworks they were July 3rd). There is Custer State Park, Needles Highway, the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you go a little farther you can see Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. That's as far as we got before heading back to reality. It kept us busy and riding for 16 days and 5,000 miles approx. altogether. We would do it again ad probably will one day. Hope I haven't bored you to death, but I would love to have you get out there and see what's out there to discover. There is so much more out there to discover.
Motorcycle Deaths and Cycle Involved Accidents - An Upward Trend, But Why?
Indeed, I've noticed a number of pedestrian, bicycle, moped, and motorcycle accidents in our local paper in the last year or so. But the question is why? That is to say; why is this happening in our nice suburban city with big cross walks, golf cart sized bike lanes, and ultra wide driving lanes? Why would this be happening when everyone is driving a newer model car with better brakes, good visibility, and at a time when there are fewer cars on the road perhaps due to increased fuel costs? Well, let's talk about that shall we?
You see, it's not just happening here but throughout the country. There was an interesting feature on ABC News in Los Angeles (KABC 7) on October 29, 2012 "Motorcyclist deaths in California on the rise," which stated that out in CA there has been a 20% increase, most of which in intersections, and that this ends a previous four year decrease until now.
In my opinion this is due to high fuel prices + too many people text messaging while driving, a deadly combo. Some might say that my summation is to generalized, but consider that people are too stressed, easily distracted by their personal tech devices, and more and more people are using alternative transportation strategies due to the high cost of gasoline. Somewhat of a perfect storm, kind of like Hurricane Sandy which by the way helped to increase the price of fuel on the East Coast even more.
It seems even though there are laws against using your cell phone or text messaging while driving, people still do. I can tell you I haven't gone even across town without seeing at least two people violating those rules in the last year. We want people to ride their bikes more to prevent diabetes, that saves us money on health care, but not if they get run over, smushed, scraped off the pavement, and are taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
In many regards this gets back to why people don't want to drive a small car. If they do they save gasoline, but they might also get creamed by a 6000 lb. SUV. As a motorcyclist and bicyclist these things really concern me. I wish people would pay more attention and we could all pay less in insurance costs. I feel sorry for all those folks who commute now on bicycles and motorcycles to save money, as now they are risking their lives every time they get onto the road. Okay so, please consider all this and think on it and drive responsibly.
Lance Winslow has launched a new series of eBooks on the Mobile Auto Services Business. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a The Oil Change Guys, a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online.
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