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Posts Tagged ‘motorcycles’

Hardly anything else comes even close to the exhilarating feel of driving a motorcycle. Yet even the most avid of motorcyclists know that properly selected equipment, especially a motorcycle helmet, come before anything else. To reinforce safety, many states require motorcyclists and the passengers that ride with them to wear helmets, whether they’re on streets, freeways or highways.

So before you get started with your 2-wheeled adventure, take the time to pick out a helmet to help ensure your motorcycle experience will be a safe one.

Fit is the foremost importance. Each person’s need is unique. The shape and even the size of your head are important considerations. A helmet is practically a personal thing. Ideally, each rider should have a helmet specifically fit for that person. At the very least, the helmet should have a tight fit all around – from the forehead all the way to the back of the head. A good snug fit is when you can barely place a finger anywhere around the helmet. Helmet padding will compress 10 to 15% from its original state, even more so for cheap motorcycle helmets, so be aware to make allowances for that.

While getting a good fit is important, comfort is also paramount. When trying out a helmet at the store, like a Bell motorcycle helmet, see if you can try it on for more than 5 minutes. After that much time, take off the helmet and see if there are red marks on your forehead and nape. Marks usually indicate that the helmet is too snug. While it may not be an issue for 5 or even 10 minutes, wearing a helmet that tight for half an hour may cause a lot of discomfort for you.

Make sure the straps to secure the helmet to your head are strong. Two ring fasteners are ideal. While snap fasteners are easier to buttun up, they tend to unbutton during an accident.

As much as possible, get a helmet that’s brightly colored like red, yellow or orange. This is so that you’re more visible on the road. It may not go with your outfit, but at least people you’re safer. If there aren’t bright colors available, at least buy one that has reflective properties, such a reflective paint or has reflective tape all around the helmet.

While it is not required, having a helmet approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation ensures that the helmet design has gone through rigorous safety tests. To know whether the helmet is approved, you should check for a Snell logo sticker usually on the inside of the helmet.

To find discount motorcycle helmets or even vintage motorcycle helmets, check out http://www.motorcyclehelmets4less.com.

Motorcycles have a higher rate of accidents. The rate of fatality with motorcycle is also higher. A majority of these accidents involve a motorcycle with a passenger vehicle. In many of these types of accidents, the motorcycle right of way has been found to be violated by the other vehicle. The remaining are single vehicle accidents where it does not involve another vehicles. These single vehicle accidents are usually due to rider error. This include fall due to over-breaking, slide-out, under-cornering or running wide on a curve due to over speeding. There is also small number of instances where vehicle failure such as a puncture flat also causes accidents. Involvement of alcohol is seen in about half of the fatal accidents.

Speed, involvement of alcohol and size of the motorcycle determines the severity of the injury. Quite often the cause of the injuries after the accident is found to be caused by the protective barriers that are on the road including fences, signs and lamps. Additional injuries are likely to happen with the motorcyclists crashing on to the protective barriers. The low visibility of the motorcycle is a major cause of motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycles are categorized into the dual purpose, street and off-road motorcycles. The dual-purpose motorcycles are designed to be used both for transportation as well as motor racing. Street bikes include cruisers, mopeds and scooters. Street bikes are what are usually driven on the streets. The off road motorcycles are not designed for street riding and are not permitted for transport. They are for motor racing. There are different kinds of scooters such as electric scooters, gas scooters, motorized scooters, mobility scooters and kick scooters.

Gas scooter is the most common on the roads. Some of the scooters include Honda, Peugeot, Piaggio, Puch, Suzuki, Vespa, Yamaha, Bajaj, TVS, and ZNEN. There are companies such as X-Treme who manufacture electric scooters such as X-Treme XB-420M, X-Treme X-500, X-Treme X-250, and X-Treme X-140; Gas motorcycle Moped as X-Treme XM-155; Gas Moped as X-Treme XM-160; gas motorcycle moped as X-Treme XM-50, gas scooters moped as X-Treme XM-150, electric moped motorcycle as X-Treme XM-4000Li and gas scooters as X-Treme XG 470 scooter . The most common scooter found on the roads is the gas scooter. They come in different models and brands such as Peugeot, Honda, Puch, Piaggio, Vespa, Yamaha, Suzuki, TVS, Bajaj and ZNEN. Companies such as X-Treme manufacture electric scooters as X-Treme X-500, X-Treme XB-420M, X-Treme X-140 and X-Treme X-250; Gas Moped as X-Treme XM-160; Gas motorcycle Moped as X-Treme XM-155; gas scooters moped as X-Treme XM-150; gas motorcycle moped as X-Treme™ XM-50; gas scooters as X-Treme XG 470 gas scooter and electric moped motorcycle as X-Treme XM-4000Li.

With the economic slow down and increased cost of gasoline, there is an increased demand for motorcycles. The traffic congestion and the ability of motorcycles to get through he traffic easily, more people are opting for thee motorcycles. The manufacturers are responding to this demand with newer designs and models with a variety of features.

Scooters are classified as a category under motorcycles. They usually have smaller wheels, a footboard, protective shield and step-through frame. Electric scooters are two or three wheeled scooters that use electric motors as a replacement for petrol or gasoline based motors. Their engines are energized by battery motors. Compared to gas scooters, electric scooters are low pollution motorcycles. The cost of recharging is lower when compared refueling with gas. The drawback of electric scooters is that these are slower and run shorter distance after which it has to be recharged. Recharging is done when it is plugged in. There are a number of models in the market. Some of these models are indeed cheaper than gas scooters.

As early as the later half of the 19^th century, electric motorcycles were being conceived as a possibility.  However, it was not until 1911 that an electric motorcycle was designed. But the commercial production of electric motorcycle and scooters were actually made only in recent years. Batteries are the source of energy to the electric motor. Research is going on in the application of fuel cell technology.

The higher gasoline price and the prospects of further increase in its price make electric scooters attractive. In fact, it costs just a quarter of what it cost to buy a gas scooter. Battery charge lasts for a shorter duration and requires more frequent recharging. The recharging time is also longer. However, there has been a gradual improvement in battery technology. The battery can be recharged at home or at charging station. There are a number of electric scooters available in the market such as Vectrix VX-1, Eped Sport/City, E-Solex,Yo Speed, ZAP Zapino, EVT-4000e, Razor E125, Io-scooter,Ezip Electric Scooters and Peugeot Scoot’Elec.

Electric scooter is almost silent. This means lesser noise pollution. But it also poses a higher risk of accidents as the usual noise of the scooter announcing its presence is not there. They do not exhaust gases. They are eco-friendly. There are usually neither road taxes nor parking charges for electric scooters. There is no oil to change too. However the speed of electric scooters is lesser. The capacity of the battery reduces in winter.  However, it is expected that electric scooters will rise in popularity.

Motorcycles are of three types: street, off-road and dual purpose. Street bikes include scooters, mopeds and cruisers besides others. Off road motorcycles are meant for racing and not for riding on streets. The dual purpose motorcycles have features which make them permissible to be used on the streets at the same time are fit for motor racing.

Pollution in cities from automobiles has reached unbearable limits. Traffic congestion has become endemic. For both these reasons, motorcycles are becoming the favored mode of transport. Its fuel efficiency is more than any other vehicle. Its contribution to green house gas emission is lesser with its low carbon emission. Its smaller mass makes it have a better fuel economy. However, motorcycles are more polluting. It is as much as ten times to twenty times as compared to the pollution from car. Nitrogen oxide is the major pollutant from motorcycle. This is caused by the poorer efficiency of catalytic converter of motorcycle. Nitrogen oxide is a major constituent of smog.

In recent times, the motorcycle market has shown an upward swing. The global market grew by 6.5 percent despite the global economic downturn. Or perhaps the growth has been fuelled by the economic downturn and the increase in fuel cost. The market for electric scooter is also on the rise. Electric scooters run on battery instead of gasoline. These silent scooters, though with lower speed, have better fuel economy. With gasoline price steadily increasing, electric scooter becomes an option. It is very less polluting in terms of air and noise pollution. Better battery technologies are expected to make it more popular. There are many electric scooters on the road such as Eped Sport/City, Vectrix VX-1, ZAP Zapino, E-Solex, Yo Speed, Razor E200S electric scooter, EVT-4000e, Peugeot Scoot’Elec and Io-scooter, Ezip Electric Scooters.

Motorcycle sales are highest in the Asian countries of China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Motorcycle owners are more than the other vehicle owners. Motorcycle owners are double the number of automobile owners in Taiwan. Registration of motorcycle increased by 50 percent in the United States. It is a common means of transport in the frontier towns of Latin America.

A scooter is a motorcycle with step-through frame, a footboard and protective leg shield. Scooter has smaller wheels amongst the various categories of motorcycles. Scooters are sub categorized as gas scooters, electric scooters, mobility scooters, motorized scooters, and kick scooters.

The most common scooters in the market and on the road are the gas scooters. Their engines are powerful and range from 50cc to as much as 250cc. There is the classic step-through frame as well as the sportier looking scooters. Some are meant for city driving while others are designed for highway driving. Scooters have a better mileage than other vehicles with up to even 75 miles per gallon. They are easily maneuverable and need little space for parking. Mobility scooters are designed to enable the handicapped and the elderly to move around in the neighborhood safely and slowly. They have a speed ranging from 5 to 10 miles per hour. Scooters specially designed for the teenagers are the motorized scooters. Their engines are smaller of 50cc or lesser. These are called mopeds, segways, standup or gas scooters and seated scooters. These scooters have a lower traveling range of 5 to 20 miles and speed ranging from 8 to 20 miles per hour. But these are trendy. These are less expensive and have a better gas mileage.  Kick scooters or Push Scooters are meant for kids. These have no engines and are the most eco-friendly. They have a push and glide motion where the legs are used for pushing. These can be taken to school and easily transported. They are also very cheap.

Electric scooters are yet another category of scooters. They operate on battery motors substituting gasoline. The gas price hikes, a constant worry for all motorists, is no longer an issue. There are many models of electric scooters in the market that include Eped Sport/City, Vectrix VX-1, ZAP Zapino, E-Solex,Yo Speed, Razor E300S Scooter , EVT-4000e, Peugeot Scoot’Elec and Io-scooter and Ezip Electric Scooters.

Electric scooters are non-polluting as its emissions are low. It runs more or less noiseless. But it runs slower as its speed is low. It needs to be recharged which is a plug-in very frequently as it runs only a short distance. In terms of cost, some models are cheaper as compared to gas scooters.

Motorcycle is a motor vehicle that is two-wheeled powered by an engine for long distance travel. Scooters, sport bikes, cruisers and mopeds fall under the category of motorcycle. Scooter is a motorcycle with basically protective leg shields. It is a personal transportation with low power of between 50 and 250 cc intended for smoother ride. Scooters are also cheaper vehicle amongst motorcycles and its maintenance cost is also lower. It weighs lesser, has large storage room and is more fuel-efficient.

Urban traffic in most countries is becoming a nightmare. Traffic congestions due to increased automobiles on the road are common place. Roads are not often favorable for automobiles to ride on. Motorcycles are a major means of transport in a number of countries and in particular the Asian countries of China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. In these countries, motorcycles form the major proportion of motor vehicles. Often, the public transport system is not adequate. Motorcycles become the cheaper and affordable preferred means of transport for many. It is estimated that the sales of motorcycles grew by an impressive 6.5 percent in 2008 despite the economic slide worldwide. Even the US has reported an increased sale. Motorcyclists form their own social groups and sub-cultures. In the world of sports, motorcycle racing is a popular sport.

{Lambretta and Vespa are two well known scooters that set the trend. Later versions of scooters have introduced larger engines and tires, newer technological features, more automation, and comfort features. There are many automotive industries who manufacture a variety of motorcycles. Newer and improved models are launched in the market due to its high demand amongst motor vehicles. There are many user friendly scooters in the market as the Roketa 150cc in the market. The popularity of scooters was set by Vespa and Lambretta worldwide. Better and more efficient scooters were launched. Newer technologies made it better to ride. They had better tires and larger engines. More features were added. A variety of designs are on the road brought out by many motorcycle manufacturers. Increasing demand and demand for better features have brought out improved models. }

Motorcycles are more fuel efficient than automobiles. The fact that petroleum is a non-renewable source of fuel and the increase in fuel prices makes motorcycles an attractive mode of travel though its passenger capacity is limited. Environmentally motorcycles are better in terms of emission of greenhouse gases but are many times more polluting than a car. Nitrogen oxide that is a byproduct of combustion is a major pollutant from motorcycle. The rate of fatal accidents is relatively more with motorcycles than automobiles.

It was in 1885 that Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach designed the first motorcycle. The motorcycle has become a preferred mode of transport in many countries. In the Asian countries of Indonesia, India, China and Vietnam, there are more motorcycles than other vehicles. Its popularity in the United States is also increasing. The reasons for the preference of motorcycles over other vehicles are not hard to find. Motorcycles can be easily maneuvered in the heavy traffic. City traffic has become so heavy that it crawls in places and creates jams in other places. Many people these days travel a long distance to reach their place of work. But motorcycles are able to weave through these hurdles. Most public places do not permit parking of vehicles. Parking lots have no places. The cost to move around in vehicles too has increased prohibitively. There are the road taxes to be paid. There are the parking fees, the toll charges and the congestion charges too to take care of. Motorcycles are either exempt from some of these charges or have to pay lower fees. They have a better fuel economy with higher fuel efficiency.

Though scooters are categorized under motorcycles, what distinguish scooters from other motorcycles are its smaller wheels and small engines. The rider can comfortably keep the knees together. The rider places both the legs on the running board. Scooters have a protective fender in the front for the legs to protect the legs. Scooters too have undergone various design changes.

There are the more powerful motor-scooters and maxi-scooters. Another innovation is the four wheeled scooter. The Fuzion Scooter is designed with four wheels capable of 360-degree rotation with the front wheel. The scooter is capable of performing tricks and is meant for kids of seven years or more. It is a good gift for children.

Rather than improve the public transport system to cater to the emerging needs, the policy everywhere is to promote private transport. Nor are mass transit system given the importance it rightly deserves. The old guzzlers are made economical with the introduction of more fuel efficient engines. In order to carry the ever increasing traffic, the infrastructure for transport is getting up-scaled as never before. The old roads which are incapable of carrying the traffic are replaced with four-lane road or expressways. Given these developments, motorcycles are becoming a preferred mode of transport.

Custom Choppers and Custom Motorcycles

Custom motorcycles don’t have to be Harley Davidsons, Buells or Indians. Imports make great custom motorcycles as well. With imported motorcycles coming into the USA at low prices and also being reliable, you can save money and design a custom motorcycle or chopper project much faster than going out and trying to finance an Big Bear custom or Harley custom.

My second custom motorcycle project was a Triumph chopper, one of the more respected imports. This custom motorcycle import project ended up looking very close to a Harley if you didn’t examine the engine too closely. In fact, this became a bit of a problem over time. The local biker crowd, you know, the ones wearing MC colors, had a president that rode a Harley that looked really close to this custom motorcycle import ride. In fact, in the dim light of street lamps after a few drinks, it looked EXACTLY like his custom motorcycle to someone – someone who didn’t particularly like him. They stole the custom import ride right off the street across from the cop shop, no less! I got the custom motorcycle import ride back though, and without any damage.

Too many folks think of custom motorcycle imports as the cheesy 1970′s Honda ape hanger sissy bar jobs. Those you can remember? No rake and long forks made ‘em look pretty funny. They never were my idea of a great custom motorcycle import. Today, custom motorcycle imports are just as classy as any other custom motorcycle job. It all depends on who put it together.

A 2003 1500 cc Kawasaki Vulcan changed into a custom motorcycle import can be had for under $9,000 and we’re talking about a hot looking ride here. This import custom job was so classy that no one would be screaming anything about “rice” at the rider. Sure, American custom motorcycles are great, but where are you going to find a value like this? For a 2003 American custom ride, you will probably pay in the $20,000 range and upwards.

If you want to put together your very first custom chopper build, you really should consider creating a custom import. You can learn a lot about custom motorcycle building at a much lower cost. The custom motorcycle import project can be every bit as much fun as building any custom motorcycle. You might even discover that you enjoy building custom choppers from imported bikes that you’ll stick with it for the rest of your life.

The speed, reliability and fun of the custom import project will give you a ride that will look great, ride with the best if well done, and give you lots of return on your investment. You can always build your first custom import motorcycle, sell it and build another bigger and better project. The next thing you know, you may very well be renting a shop to build custom motorcycle import project commercially. Hey, Jesse James began in a bike shop; and you might veyr well be the next import custom Jesse James!

About Chopper Motorcycle Brake Components:

Keeping your chopper motorcycle brake components in perfect operating condition is one of the most important jobs of the motorcycle enthusiast. If you are not able to smoothly make a stop and be safe about it as needed, you are presenting yourself to a dangerous situation which can include destroying your chopper motorcycle. This is something that riders never want to happen.

There are different components to braking systems, and there are different braking systems on each brand of motorcycle. The most common configuration is a disc brake in the front which is controlled by a lever mounted by the right handlebar and a drum rear brake controlled by a foot pedal on the right side. Newer bikes have linked braking systems (LBS) which activate the brakes which prevent the brakes from locking. There are some integrated systems that allow the front brake level to control part of the rear brake but not in a fully linked system as with LBS braking.

Chopper motorcycle disc braks have more than a few components. A disc-like object called a rotor is attached to the wheel. The caliper is mounted and on the edge of the rotor it sits. When this type of brake is activated, one or more pistons cause hydraulic pressure to compress the caliper, causing it to come in contact with the rotor. The friction created from this contact is what causes the wheel to stop turning.

Rotors can be fixed or floating. The floating rotor can move as well as expand and contract. This cools it down, and as a result improves your bikes braking performance.

Some motorcycle include Anti-locking Braking Systems (ABS). You may be aware of this type of braking system because they have been used on cars for quite some time. When brakes are applied to an ABS system, a computer control steps in and prevents the brakes from locking by applying and releasing brake pressure rapidly.

Some older chopper motorcycles and even some later model trikes use drum brakes on the rear. Drum brake systems include a drum and brake shoes. The rotating drum is forced to slow when the brake shoes contact it once the brakes are activated. Because these braking systems are not nearly as efficient and require longer stopping distances, they are becoming a thing of the past for motorcycles.

Other parts or components of the motorcycle braking system, no matter whether the system is disc, ABS, LBS, or even an older drum system, are the master cylinder, brake lines and brake fluid. Unlike cars, there is one master cylinder for the front brake and there is another for the rear brake because motorycles have seperate systems. When pressure is applied to the brake lever or pedal, the associated master cylinder’s internal piston causes the brake fluid to create hydraulic pressure and cause the brake caliper or shoes to contact the rotor disc or drum, causing the chopper motorcycle to slow o stop.

Before you leave on a road trip check your breaking system. Add fluids only if the brake fluids are not at the correct level. Also, after any repairs that require disconnection of any brake lines, be sure to bleed your brakes so they will operate efficiently.

With the current economical pressures in America, many people of all ages are looking for cheap electric scooters. There is a great variety in scooters, some more for children (stand up) and other better suited for the handicapped or seniors. The problem many are facing is where to find cheap electric scooters that will adapt to their needs.

Riding a gas or electric scooter is still relatively a new concept in America. For an ordinary electric scooter, expect to pay hundreds of dollars. It may be difficult for those on a tight budget, but when you consider the alternative, it may be the best choice. If a family can spare one of their cars and replace it with a scooter, you potentially can save hundreds per month.

A great place to start looking for an electric scooter is the internet. You can see the great variety of scooters and learn which one can meet your needs best. If you want a cheap electric scooter, you may have to buy it used, and Craigslist may be a place to check out. You are somewhat taking a risk, not knowing the scooters history or condition. If you buy new, you can also find cheap gas or electric scooters from dealers who have little overhead and sell at discounted prices.

Vehicle auctions may be another place to check for cheap electric scooters. Some people trade in their scooters when purchasing another vehicle. Their used scooter are many times sold to the public at a very low price. Even though not all vehicle auctions have gas or electric scooters in their inventory, it is worth checking out.

Lastly, if you are in no hurry, you may find cheap electric scooters at your local store. Typically, stores have periodic “blow out” sales to make room for newer models. Even then, the prices may not be as good as those found online. So it is a good idea to continue to search online while being alert of possible store sales. That way, when a good deal arises, you will be better equip to know if your purchase is a good deal.

No need to worry even if you have limited resources. As you search patiently, and show a little skill and resourcefulness, you will find that cheap electric scooters at the right price.