Fuel cell technology is one of the advanced technologies that auto manufacturers are trying to perfect at the moment. This is most possibly due to the high rise of gas prices as well as the large amount of concerned consumers and manufacturers on the harmful emissions that ordinary vehicles and cars emit.

According to Vijay Shankar Murthy, a senior research analyst from Frost & Sullivan, “Fuel cells are likely to be initially targeted on fleet vehicles. Following the success of these cells in fleet vehicles, other vehicles such as passenger cars and trucks are expected to exhibit similar trends.” And if this kind of technology proves to be much more beneficial than the usual, the auto industry sure would be reaping in more consumers which could result to higher amount of sales. Although Geo auto parts creators and other auto parts manufacturers may not directly benefit from this, the more sales of vehicles would also help them out have much sales. More vehicles on the streets would also equate to more sales for auto parts and auto accessories.

Aside from these, there are even growing pressures from the regulations and rules given out by authorities and government groups like the Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, as well as the Department of Transportation or the DOT. These groups are much encouraging the use of fuel cell technologies. You see, these technologies actually are a surefire way of ensuring that vehicle emissions are greatly reduced. Consumers who also use cars with fuel cell technology are able to save much on the much coveted fuel and gas.

Murthy further explains, “Prospective fuel cell technologies for the automotive industry such as solid oxide, proton exchange membrane, and alkaline fuel cells can power a variety of automobiles including trucks, cars, and motorcycles.” Indeed, if this kind of technology is further developed, results could prove to be very beneficial not only to consumers and manufacturers alike but also to the environment.

It is always difficult to come up with a good motorcycle because you have a lot of choices to choose from. When shopping for your motorcycle parts, you should never go wrong because it will affect the quality of your bikes performance.

Your replacements and improvement will have to depend on your bike’s needs and availability. Say for example you have your Suzuki motorcycle, and then you should also look for Suzuki motorcycle parts so that it will reach its maximum performance and will match with all the other parts of your motorcycle.

If you consider the motorcycle parts according to its brand, you can never go wrong and you can expect high performance that is built to last for a long time. Usually, motorcycle parts wear out after extended usage. Sometimes, you never know how long it can last and if it will last for good.

Some low cost motorcycle parts give the risk to motorcycle because you are not sure of its quality although most bikers lead to this alternative. The question between Aftermarket and Original motorcycle parts are sufficient to keep up your motorcycle running fast and in good condition.

You can never really tell unless you try it but as what others have to say about it, you cannot get full guarantee. When you buy OEM parts, you pay for the original price while in aftermarket motorcycle parts; you get to pay half of the price.

The reason why OEM motorcycle parts are expensive is that the parts are originally manufactured and can give you high performance and good steering. When buying the after market motorcycle parts, you should buy the same exact part that you want to replace in order to maintain its performance and extremity level.

Buy these parts from OEM stores so that you will know that you are buying good parts that will add to your bike’s performance. As much as possible, do not change your motorcycle parts when it is getting worse or not functioning properly. This might cause some dangers or hazards to your safety and motorcycle.

When shopping for a motorcycle there are a few things that should be taken into consideration. One of the most important is what type of riding you intend to do. That is, will you be riding mostly in the city, short trips to the country, or longer rides?

For the most part the majority of motorcycles available today are pretty good at doing more than one duty. However, some bikes are definitely more capable doing certain things than other bikes are. For example, I would consider getting a sportbike if I would be using it for a daily commuter, riding twisty roads, or short trips to the country. I wouldn't necessarily pick a sportbike as my first choice, if I was planning to ride across Canada however. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that someone couldn't ride a sportbike across the country. It is just that there are other types of motorcycles (full touring or sport touring) that might better be suited for such a trip.

Now that you have chosen the type or style of motorcycle that suites your needs, you now should decide if you want to purchase new or used. I know that there are some of you out there who would never consider buying a used motorcycle and visa versa. Either way buying a new or used motorcycle has its advantages and disadvantages.

Buying a new motorcycle has a lot of advantages; the only real drawback is price. With the price of a new bike being anywhere from $10,000 Canadian and up, a lot of people do not have the cash, nor are willing to finance a new motorcycle for 36 to 60 months. Their only alternative is to buy used, buying used is definitely cheaper. There are lot of used motorcycles out there that are in great shape. There are also however a lot of bikes out there that are lemons, so be very careful.

There are a few things to consider before you decide to buy a motorcycle from someone. The most important thing is to have the bike checked out by a mechanic that you know and trust. You may buy a motorcycle that seems to be a great deal, only to find out that it needs major work in the near future. I would also recommend against buying a bike that is “uncertified” or “as is”, generally they require a long list of parts and a fair amount of money in order to be certified.

I would also recommend that you go and look at the motorcycle in the in the day time. That way you will notice any dents, scratches or problems that the bike may have. By looking at a motorcycle you can tell a lot about how the previous owner(s) took care of it. Little things suchas a excessively dirty/ rusty chain, bald tires and frayed cables indicate that he/she did not take very good care if their bike. Scratches on the engine cases, levers, and bodywork might imply that the bike has been dropped. Also you might not want to buy a bike that has been in a nasty crash and was rebuilt, so it can be sold.

Finally when looking for a used motorcycle, take your time and don't rush into a decision that you may end up regretting. If you are going to look at a motorcycle I would suggest that you bring a friend along who can give you an objective opinion. Also I recommend that you do not bring money with you the first time you go and see a bike. This will stop you from impulse buying, and give you some time to think about it for a day or two. Before any money changes hands. Also make sure that the motorcycle has the proper papers, that is the VIN number is legit, and there are no liens on the bike.

Don't get taken advantage of by someone, because it seemed like you are getting a great deal. Buying a bike for $3000 is not a good deal if you have to fork over another $3000 to fix all the problems that the bike may have. So remember it’s “Buyer Beware,” once the sale has been made you are on your own.

In spite of world events, travel is still an activity that continues to be extremely popular. People will still have the desire to see new places and experience new things in the way that only travel can give them. Because of the importance of travel, an affordable and relatively pain free experience is high on the traveler's adjenda. A successful trip starts off with proper planning, but many beginner travelers don't realize that planning your travel budget, is just as important as planning your travel itinerary. The more successful you are with creating a budget that will work for your itinerary, the happier you will be about your travel experience.

Outside of major mishaps that can occur during travel, such as bad weather, theft, and mechanical breakdown, there are some costs that many travelers forget to take into account when budgeting for their trip. These are costs that can't usually be avoided, but can be easily planned for.

1. Extra Hotel Charges

When most people book hotels online, most times they don't see the extra taxes and fees included in the prices that are quoted. Sometimes when the quote is given, it will include estimated taxes, but the quote may not list the exact cost. Therefore, you should plan your budget to include unexpected taxes.

Other costs could be movies charged to the hotel room, tipping the concierge, and room service. These charges can vary greatly depending upon how often they are used. Movies charged to a hotel room can be as much as $10 per movie, and room service is usually more expensive than eating out at a restaurant.

The key is to determine before hand, a daily budget for extra hotel charges and stay within that budget. If you choose one day to go over your budget, use it from any leftover balance you may have from the previous days. If you use any of your daily alotment designated for the future days, you run the risk of spending all of your budget for extra hotel charges before your stay is up. Some self control is obviously required, however, it can also lead to having enough to do something really extravagant on your last day.

2. Transportation Costs

Transportation costs include expenses such as cab, bus, or train fares, any rentals of cars, bikes or motorcycles, and also gasoline and parking costs for rented vehicles. Many travelers will take into account the major costs such as car rentals, and even some occassional fares, but may leave out other required costs such as parking, and gas which can add up.

If you plan to travel to a destination where you will need to rent a car, it is a good idea to plan for at least $30 per day for every day you have the car, for parking expenses and gasoline. This amount can vary depending upon the destination, but if you are planning on being in a metropolitan area, you will find out that your $30 daily budget can be eaten away quite easily.

If you are driving to your destination, you should calculate the milage you get per gallon of your vehicle and then calculate the distance you need to drive to your destination and determine how many gallons of gasoline it will take you to get to your destination. Take the national average of the price of a gallon of gasoline, and add an extra 15% on top of that. Then you can determine how much it would cost to get to your destination by car. You should also add the cost of at least two tankfulls of gas once you are at your destination if you plan on using the vehicle after you arrive.

If you plan to use the public transportation system, you can look in any number of the latest guide books to find the expected costs of bus and train fares at your destination. Once you know these, and know your itinerary, you can make a reasonable guess on what your daily budget would be for public transportation. Always add an additional 10-15% for contingencies.

3. Special Attractions and Events

Costs for special attractions and events can really creep into your expenses when you are either traveling to your destination or are at your destination. Occasionally, featured attractions, or other events will pop up on your radar as you go through your itinerary.

When making travel plans, make sure you consider the trip in addtion to your hotel stays along the way, food, and gasoline. Most travelers don't take into account how they will feel as they are traveling. It could be that at some point along the way, everyone in the car is really getting on everyone's last nerve, and a movie, or a half day at the amusement park will put everyone in a better mood to complete the trip without it resembling a Jerry Springer episode. Or it could be that your favorite band is performing in the city you will be driving though, and you just can't pass up that opportunity.

It is usually difficult to know of every last thing before you start your trip, but you should still budget for unexpected activities you may want to do on your way to your destination. It will make traveling much more fun and spontaneous.

Planning your travel budget is something that can be a bit of an art, but there are decisions you can make that will make it less likely you will run out of money before your trip ends. Just take into account your everyday costs and will greatly increase your chances in establishing a budget that will give you enough money to complety your trip with minimal drama. You can easily find information and tips online to help you with your travel plans when setting your budget limits. Go online today to find these resources.

There are specific ATV wheels for various purposes. For utility wheels for example, you will need wheels like that of the golf cars with aluminum and titanium elements added to achieve superior performing wheel. These ATV wheels are heat treated for uniform and for higher impact strength. Standard strength spun aluminum ATV wheels are what you need for sports ATV wheels, on the other hand. These wheels are ideal for recreation as they are made from thick heat treated aircraft grade aluminum.

For ultimate ATV use, ultimate ATV wheels are available and are the lightest way to reinforce the vulnerable bead area. These wheels basically feature spun aluminum with billet and integral bead locks that provide maximum strength with minimum weight. Also, there super strength clamping rings aid in self-centering tires. If you are either involved in racing or desiring to get higher top speed, lightweight polished aluminum wheels are the best options. But if you want to keep your cost down to a minimum and have a strong high quality ATV wheels, steel wheels are made for you. Hence, whether you need sport, utility, sand, mud, trail or racing wheels for your favorite type of 4-wheeling, you are surely to get the right one since all major wheel manufacturers are responsive to your ATV needs.

Generally, metal ATV wheels are two-piece constructions of aluminum or steel. They are welded together in the center with a typical diameter about 250 mm to 300 mm. Many have agreed that wheels used by off road ATV racers take tremendous abuse. Metal wheels bend out of shape or crack and break during races. Normally, when wheels are damage, you get to throw the whole things away. This can be very costly at all times. Hence, today the attempt to design ATV wheels that can absorb energy and resist fatigue is a hot item. It is a great vision for some manufacturers to produce a lighter and much tougher composite alternative at a similar or low price. These are believed to last longer under racing conditions.

In the attempt to enhance ATV performance and power, innovative features to ATV wheels are surely the best answers. Today, composite wheels are put to test and are designed to flex under load and spring back to shape, through million of cycles. Aside from defining part function and developing a prototype, the design process also includes identifying a high elongation material that could flex without cracking and be inexpensive to manufacture using a high volume process, such as injection molding.

Do you want to know how much your motorcycle is worth? Are you curious as to what its trade in or retail value is? Maybe you just want to know what you should expect to pay for a new or used bike. Well you might be interested to know that there is more than one resource available to you for these purposes.

There are two main pricing guides in the United States - the Kelley Blue Book and The National Automobile Dealers Association or NADA guides. Some people feel that the NADA guides are a better source than the Kelly Blue Book because the National Automobile Dealers Association is currently the largest publisher of Appraisal Guides in the world. NADA has been in business since 1933 and their handbooks provide information for almost every motor vehicle that has ever been made.

Kelley Blue Book is the most well-known pricing guide and has been in business for more than 80 years. But they publish more than one price guide for used vehicles including motorcycles, so be careful if you are consulting a dealer because the one they are using is likely to be the version labeled "Kelley Blue Book Auto Market Report – Official Guide”. The book says that ‘suggested retail values’ represent Kelley Blue Book's estimated dealer asking price, but you can bet a dealer won't show you those figures. Better to grab your own copy and do some pricing research yourself so you don’t get taken advantage of.

Check out motorcyclebluebook.com for pricing on a huge selection of bikes. By selecting the make, model and year of the bike you’re interested in, the website will send you an email with information on the value and selling prices for any particular motorcycle.

One more pricing guide you may want to look into is Edmunds.com. This is an online information site which also supplies you with the value of your motorcycle, or expected pricing for the make and model that you are interested in.

You can purchase the books or visit any or all of these websites. Enter information about the condition of the motorcycle you presently own and want to sell or appraise, including any custom work and options, or do a query for pricing on a new or used bike you want to purchase. You will be provided with trade-in, suggested retail value and private party pricing. You’ll want to keep in mind also that motorcycle prices vary, sometimes greatly, depending on where you live, locally and globally. A good tip is to check the books or websites and your immediate market area to get the most comparisons for the best accuracy on cost and value.

Whether you will be making your inaugural trip to the 66th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD on Aug. 7th – 13th or you are a long time veteran of the event, this article will be a useful document providing a wealth of information including a brief history of the event, lodging information, schedule of events and safety tips and travel tips.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was organized by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel and members of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. The first ever Sturgis Rally was held on Aug. 14, 1938 featuring the Black Hills Classic, an event which featured 9 participants and a few spectators. It was determined that the event would be held annually on the first week after the first full weekend in August to avoid conflicts with other nearby events. By 1961 it had expanded to include Hill Climb and Motocross races and in 1963 the event expanded to three days. The Sturgis rally continued to grow in leaps and bounds and by 1975 it included a seven day event and by the year 2000 the event was attracting over half a million visitors annually with the 2000 rally attracting in excess of 600,000 visitors.

The small town of Sturgis, SD has a population of less than 7,000 so it is understandable that an event attracting over half a million travelers would create logistical problems with lodging concerns. If you are planning to attend, it is wise to make reservations for accommodations well in advance of your trip to ensure you can secure a room close to the site. More information on lodging for the Rally can be found at the following web address: http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/lodging.html.

Camping is a popular option for those attending the rally. Nearby campgrounds include the following:

* Big Rig RV Park: - features wireless Internet access and spacious lots of 60’ and 100’ close to the rally site.

* Bulldog Campground: – features RV camping as well as cabins which accommodate 2-8 guests. This campground is located five miles from Sturgis and features nightly entertainment and happy hour as well as an onsite restaurant.

* Creekside Campground: – located 4 miles from Sturgis, this campground features RV camping, tent camping as well as cabins. Highlights of the campground include an onsite store selling food and beverages and easy highway access.

* Glencoe Camp Resort: – has been catering to Sturgis participants for over 20 years. This campground has over 160 acres of camping with ample shade. In 2006 they will unveil a 34 acre outdoor amphitheater which will feature live music all week long. A 24 hour restaurant is also onsite for the convenience of campers.

* Hog Heaven Campground: - with over 150 acres of camping, this campground situated in the Black Hills is an ideal location for Sturgis participants. The campground is open from July 31st through Aug. 13th this year and will host live bands providing entertainment for guests.

* Katmandu Campground: - features 250 RV sites, cabins and 50 acres of camping. Located just two miles from Sturgis, this location is convenient for participants. Highlighted amenities include laundry facilities and wireless Internet access.

* Sturgis View Campground: - located only 1.5 miles from downtown Sturgis. This campground is famous for its spectacular views. Other highlights include RV camping, cabins and ample acreage for tent camping.

A complete event schedule for this year’s event can be found at the following web address: http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/06Oeventschedule.pdf. This website provides the time, event name and location for each of the scheduled events. One way to fuel up for the extensive list of planned events is to partake in the daily pancake breakfast sponsored by the Marine Corps JROTC. They can be found daily serving breakfast from 6:00 am until 11:00 am in the Sturgis Brown High School. Most days also feature alternate breakfast events by other clubs, including Alcoholics Anonymous who also hosts meetings throughout the event, ensuring a variety of dining options for the most important meal of the day.

Once breakfast is out of the way, participants are ready to enjoy the rest of the festivities. Live music is one of the undeniable highlights of the event. Although there are a variety of talented musicians scheduled to perform at this year’s event, the Buffalo Chip Campground has a lineup of headline performers scheduled for 2006 including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Alice in Chains and David Lee Roth.

There are also plenty of motorcycle related events to keep participants occupied. Boss Hoss demo rides are featured throughout the event. Burnout competitions are also popular with spectators and are offered a few times during the tournament at the Full Throttle Saloon. Another highlight is the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off featuring Detroit Bros. vs. Jason Kangas. In addition, there are demos and exhibits throughout the day each day of the event and shows featuring custom bikes from around the country. There are also going to be many vendors on hand offering everything from motorcycle related merchandise to tattoos as well as food and beverages.

An unfortunate aspect of Sturgis is the frequent occurrence of the disappearance of motorcycles during the event. Estimates indicate approximately $250,000 worth of motorcycles are stolen each year during the course of the event. Motorcycles on the higher end of the price spectrum as well as custom bikes and show models are those most likely to be stolen, but all participants should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Care should be taken to park in well lit, high traffic locations as opposed to dark areas with few passersby. Additionally, participants should avoid leaving valuables such as cameras, leathers and souvenirs on their bike. Those who will be attending the event should also invest in a high quality lock to secure their bike. Even higher quality locks are not fool-proof to experienced thieves but they are a definite deterrent. Lower quality locks are not considered adequate protection because they can easily be broken or cut.

Participants who will be traveling long distances to the event on their motorcycle should also be aware of safety issues while traveling. Even those experienced with long distance rides should take safety precautions to ensure a smooth trip. One precaution is to create a copy of your detailed itinerary to leave in the possession of a friend or relative who will not be traveling with you. Travelers are also warned against traveling alone. Whenever possible, travelers should have at least one other rider accompany them on their trip. Taking frequent stops to rest and retiring for the night before fatigue sets in is also advisable.

There are many types of hitches for different trailers. You might find it hard to believe but not only heavy-duty automobiles and sport utility vehicles can haul cargo. Even motorcycles can do the same. Yes, they can be equipped with hitches, too. By just adding motorcycle trailer hitches to your motorcycle, you can haul several hundred pounds of materials. The good news is motorcycle trailer hitches can be installed to a motorcycle very safely. There can be no alterations on the motorcycle itself. This is because they are generally secured around the existing parts of the motorcycle.

So if you are planning to take a long country trip and you need to pack a bulk amount of items, these trailer hitches are just perfect to use. When getting the hitches, you must understand that there are different hitches that are designed for specific use on certain makes of motorcycles. It is preferable that you get the right hitch that will perfectly match your motorcycle make or model. Considering the perfect match for your vehicle is highly important for safety hitch. You can haul items up to 500 pounds as the maximum weight limit. Basically, motorcycle trailer hitches make use of ball and mount similar to those used in trucks.

Some motorcycle trailers are designed to transport motorcycles. These trailer types attached to standard hitches are found on many pickups. They are usually used for towing non-operational bikes or hauling the motorcycle over especially rough terrain or over long distances. Also, some motorcycle trailers are huge enough to tow three motorcycles at once. When properly positioned and installed, motorcycle trailers can be towed with ease and no complications. The secret lies in lightweight, highly maneuverable, yet sturdy trailers. Basically, it takes more than 30 minutes to install a hitch under the rear fender of a motorcycle. It is a general rule that trailer and hitches must be so designed not to interfere with a pillion rider’s comfort or the driver’s ability to handle the motorcycle. Motorcycle trailers and hitches can transport almost anything imaginable. And while customized motorcycle camping trailers are made available, many riders still prefer the open cargo type for it is more versatile. However, no cover or protection is provided from the outside elements since trailers are usually open air. But covers are made for hitches to protect your cargo from unwanted elements.

A motorcycle is typically a two-wheeled vehicle run by a small, loud engine. These vehicles are basically motorized bicycles, but are structured with heavier, sturdier and more complex parts, implying that a motorcycle is more machine than bicycle.

Motorcycles have various uses, but the obvious primary use is to ride, to serve as a form quick transportation. Other uses: military and law enforcement, sports/racing, touring, and serving as a symbol of freedom, depending on who is riding it. Motorcycle conventions also allude to yet another purpose for the motorcycle: a show piece! Motorcycles, like automobiles, are also works of art for those who are mechanically inclined or like to showcase their unique and innovative machines (concept bikes).

Motorcycles: Types

Road Motorcycles: motorcycles built for riding on paved and public roads. These motorcycles have shallow treads and 125cc engines capable of reaching 100 mph (160km/h). Some can go over 125 mph (200 km/h). These aren’t designed for racing, but merely for public transportation. They have license plates, blinkers, and other accessories necessary for riding on public roads.

Cruiser—reminiscent of the style of American machines during the 1930s through the 1960s. These motorcycles are designed for long distance riding and provide some comfort. Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Henderson, and the Chopper are cruisers.

Sports bike—performance bikes that are usually lighter and smaller in structure than the cruiser. These motorcycles are racing bikes and have four-cylinder engines ranging 600cc to 750cc. “Super bikes” can also provide up to 1,000cc.

Touring bike—these motorcycles offer large displacement parts, to protect from inclement weather and heavy winds; high-torque engines; comfortable, upright seating positions; and large capacity fuel tanks for long-range mileage. Types of tour bikes include: Full-dress Tourers, Standard Tourers, Global On+off Road Tourers, and Sports Tourers.

Naked bike—reduced in parts to its essentials, this bike emphasized function, performance, and ergonomics over the appearance that is a preferred feature of the sports and tour bikes. These motorcycles are also referred to as “street” bikes. The Yamaha Seca II is a fine example.

Scooter—Motor Scooters are short-distance motorcycles with small wheels (357 mm or 14 in. in diameter) and engines in the swing arm. Typically, these run less than 125cc, but some larger scooters exceed 250cc. One popular scooter is the Honda Lead 80.

Moped—a bicycle/motorcycle hybrid with a two-stroke engine that goes up to 50cc. These have demanding licensing in some localities. Their popularity dropped in mid-1980s, but they are still used today.

Off-road bikes—these include dirt bikes and are built for rougher terrain. They have larger, deeper-treaded tires, small engine, long suspension travel and high ground clearance, and no street accessories. These motorcycles have engines that comprise two-strokes at a single cylinder or four-strokes at a single cylinder, and can go as low as 50cc or as high as 750cc, depending on age of the riders and the size and style of the engine. Trial bikes, which go no more than 250cc, are off-road motorcycles. These are used for Motocross and Enduros.

“Dual-Sport” and Adventure-Touring—these are “on-off road” bikes. They are similar as the “off-road” motorcycles, but they are equipped to ride on public roadways as well.

Farm bike—a variant of the trial bike, this motorcycle was used by dairy farmers in New Zealand during the early 1960s. These are low-pressure motorcycles used for easy transportation.

Derny bike—a specialized motorcycle used in track cycling for blocking air-resistance for racing bicycles.

Towing bike—designed by a Swedish company, this motorcycle has a high-torque engine and retractable trailer for towing cars and light trucks. The only one in existence is the Retriever, an altered form of the Honda GL 1800 old Wing.

Concept bike—these are prototypes created to measure the response to innovative designs, new and unique technologies, cost effectiveness, and other factors. Most are never realized, but a small few are released in compromised combination form, taking into consideration marketing realities, public reaction and preference, and manufacturing capabilities.

Motorcycles are the rage of the road—and off the road. These machines are as inspirational as they are dangerous, and they require as much respect as they do training and practice to operate. If treated well, motorcycles will treat riders well.