Saturday, November 25, 2006

Minimoto Dirt Bikes, Miniture Motards - The Next Step Up from Battery Powered Toys

As your child grows out of their little bicycle and wants more than a battery powered car to get them 'cruising' along. It can be a head scratching thought as what would be the next step up...

The wait is over as now comes a full range of affordable minimoto's & miniature dirt bikes to suit children as young as four with the right supervision.

Amongst many questions often asked the first one is always "Are these petrol powered pocket bikes safe?" The answer is YES! With built in safety features and speed restrictor an ideal starter bike is called the PY50 and is a quality dirt bike which comes with fitted restrictor to allow children to ride at a speed they feel comfortable with. Fully automatic (rev & Go) and fully enclosed shaft drive to the rear wheel so kids cannot get their finger, toes and clothes caught. An example of this bike can be found on on the links below in the Dirt Bikes 2 stroke between 47cc - 80cc link.

As your child’s skill progresses there are many more models of petrol powered pocket bikes that allow your child to feed the need for speed. These miniature dirt bikes come with 2 stroke engines and as your child becomes more comfortable you can even move up to a 4 stroke engine as powerful as 125cc.

Once your child masters the basic starter bikes there are also lots of other models that are priced as low as £150 which can do speeds of up to 35mph such as the mini motard dirt bike which is small enough to fit in your car boot yet is strong enough for anyone up to 10 stones to ride it... so even mum and dad can have a ride!

Motorcycle Radar Detectors

Standard radar detectors were not built for motorcycles and were never intended to be used on them. Most detectors use an audio device to inform the driver that radar had been detected, and are therefore inappropriate for motorcycle riders because they cannot be heard. Furthermore, most have long cords and poor mounting options, not to mention the fact that they are not weatherproof. As both motorcycles and radar detectors have become more popular, however, the demand for motorcycle radar detectors has increased dramatically.

Manufacturers now produce cordless detectors with an earphone jack so that the rider can hear alerts. For instance, BEL has released a model specifically for motorcycles, while Escort and Whistler make models with earphone jacks.

Important considerations when shopping for radar include band detection, distance of detection, ability to send a jamming signal, and, of course, price. In addition to these concerns, anyone interested in purchasing a motorcycle radar detector should keep the following in mind: Does the detector come with an ear jack? Is it weatherproof, or can it be enclosed in a weatherproof container? Is the detector mountable?

The Escort Passport 8500 X50 is popular for motorcycle riders. In addition to an ear phone jack, this model is highly sensitive to X-band, K-band and Ka-band radars. When set in its ""ExpertMeter"" mode, this model allows the rider to see up to eight radar signals, as well as their individual bands and strengths, simultaneously. In addition, the display brightness settings include a ""dark mode"" for stealth use. One method of installation for this model is to tie the 8500 into the rider's helmet speakers using a common universal stereo mini-plug patch cord. The unit can be mounted with suction cups to the windshield.

Although the niche for motorcycle radar detectors continues to grow, most models will still lack in at least one area. Thankfully, most detector retailers sell attachments that allow cordless models to be converted for use with motorcycles.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Motorcycle Shipping.

Is motorcycle shipping any different to car shipping?

There are quite a few main differences between car shipping and motorcycle shipping. While a car has a reliable handbrake and four wheels for extra stability a motorcycle is quite different by design and has only two wheels with nothing to keep the bike stationery apart from the stand. You might think that motorcycle shipping would be cheaper than car shipping because of the difference in size of vehicles but this is rarely the case. The closed carriers that are often used should be specially designed to carry motorcycles and this will mean that there will either be palettes specially designed for the purpose of motorcycle shipping or there will be specially fitted tracks that serve the same purpose. What this means is that a motorcycle basically takes up the same room as a car when it needs to be shipped anywhere.

How expensive is motorcycle shipping?

This is dependant on two main factors. How far you are travelling and what services the company you intend to use has to offer. There are a variety of different services that a shipping company can offer you and you would be better using a specialist motorcycle shipper than a car shipper that offers motorcycle shipping as an extra service.

The further you are travelling and the more services you require the higher the price is likely to be, but you will receive a discount from the right company if you are transporting more than one motorbike so do shop around and check any quotes you receive carefully.

Is motorcycle shipping safe?

A reputable specialist motorcycle shipping company will know exactly what they are doing with your bike. Many companies employ motorbike enthusiasts and owners to drive the carriers so you can be sure that the driver knows how much your motorbike means to you. This isn’t to say there isn’t the occasional accident, it’s only to be expected when transporting vehicles across long distance.

A good shipping company will include some insurance with your quote and will try their utmost to ensure that nothing does go wrong. While the Insurance will cover you for scratches and careless damage by the shipping company it is unlikely to cover for ‘acts of god’ like the ship sinking or damage due to rough waters. If you’re especially worried about this, either because of the time of year, the expected weather or simply because you are transporting your pride and joy you can buy extra Insurance that covers for virtually any eventuality and your shipping company should be able to offer you a little advice on the relevant policies.

Motorcycle Trailer Hitches

Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and sport utility vehicles are not the only ones that can haul cargo. It may be hard to believe, but motorcycles can be equipped with hitches as well. Motorcycle trailer hitches can be added to motorcycles to allow riders to haul up to several hundred pounds of materials. These are not the only type of motorcycle trailers available. Other trailers that attach to trucks are designed to haul the motorcycles themselves.

Motorcycle trailer hitches can usually be attached to a motorcycle without making any alterations on the motorcycle itself. They are often secured around existing parts of the motorcycle. These trailer hitches are perfect for motorcycle riders taking a long cross country trip that need to pack a large amount of supplies. There are specific trailers made just for motorcycles that attach to these hitches. Different types of hitches are made specifically for use on certain makes of motorcycles. To ensure that the hitch will fit on the motorcycle, it is important to buy the correct hitch for the exact motorcycle make and model. Generally, 500 pounds is the maximum weight limit that motorcycle trailer hitches can bear. Motorcycle trailer hitches usually use hitch ball and mount similar to those found on trucks.

Other motorcycle trailers are made to transport the actual motorcycles. These trailers attach to standard hitches found on many pickups. They are good for towing non-operational motorcycles or hauling the motorcycle over especially rough terrain or over long distances. Some motorcycle trailers are large enough to contain up to three motorcycles at once. The trailers are usually open air, meaning that they do not provide cover or protection from the elements.

Motorcycle trailer hitches allow riders to take necessary supplies with them on long journeys. Without a motorcycle trailer, it would be impossible for many bikers to take the items they need over the course of a trip along with them.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Coming This Year A Motor Bike Powered By-Hydrogen?

Are you looking for a vehicle that will have your neighbors staring in disbelief? How about a motor bike that goes 100 miles on $4 worth of... hydrogen? A British company, Intelligent Energy, recently unveiled just such a vehicle.

The ENV (it stands for Energy Neutral Vehicle) is described by Intelligent Energy (IE) as “the world’s first purpose-built, fuel-cell motorbike.” It is based around IE’s CORE fuel cell, which the company says is “a fully-integrated 1kW fuel cell generator providing power on demand directly to the drive-train.”

The ENV is actually a hybrid vehicle in that it also has a battery pack that provides a 6kW peak load to the motor – to help the bike accelerate from a standing start.

IE says the ENV motor bike goes from 0 to 30 in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 50 mph. The company also says it is “virtually silent (with noise emissions equivalent to an everyday home computer) and its emissions are almost completely clean."

On a full tank, the ENV bike could be used continually for up to four hours without any need for re-fueling. The bike can be used by almost any rider as it has simple controls and no gears. While it is officially classified as a motorbike, those who have ridden it say "it feels more like a very quick and responsive mountain bike.”

Of course, there is a downside to a hydrogen-powered motor bike, and that is the fact that you just don't find hydrogen service stations on every corner. Or on just about any corner. However, Intelligent Energy is also working on new technology for separating hydrogen from other fuels, so you may find more places to say "fill 'er up" in the years to come.

Popular Dirt Bikes

The most popular Dirt Bikes are those manufactured by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and KTM. Some of these products can be very expensive since their demand is very high with professionals and amateurs alike.

When Kawasaki started mass-production of perimeter frame Dirt Bikes in 1990, the two-stroke, single-cylinder 249cc engine KAWASAKI KX250, along with KX125 became the first ones to be manufactured. A new KX250 can cost you around 6,000 dollars while you can get a used KAWASAKI KX250 for 1500 to 3000 dollars. A KX125 costs slightly lower.

The 449cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke Honda CRF450R is rated highly by owners due to its versatility, speed and power. This motorcycle costs around 6,000 to 7,000 dollars. However, not all Honda Dirt Bikes are as expensive. The HONDA CR 250 Motocross Dirt Bike, for example, costs only around 2000 to 4000 dollars.

Suzuki has been manufacturing a series of Dirt Bikes called DR-Z and a recent addition to this family is the Suzuki DR-Z125, available in two versions - DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L. These 124cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder models feature the traditional, five-speed transmission and the 2004 models cost 3,000 dollars.

The Yamaha YZ series is the most popular Yamaha Dirt Bike model. The 2006 models will cost you around 3,000 to 7,000 dollars or more than that. Of these, the 85cc, liquid-cooled, reed valve-inducted, 2-stroke YZ85 is the cheapest (3,099 dollars) while the 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valve titanium, liquid-cooled engine YZ450F costs around 6,500 to 8,000 dollars.

The most popular KTM Dirt Bike, the KTM 200 EXC, has power band of the 200cc engine but weighs similar to a typical 125cc Dirt Bike. The KTM 200 EXC costs around 6,000 dollars. KTM also has a similarly popular family of Dirk Bikes the KTM SX series. There’s not much difference in price between the EXC and the SX series and they continue to some of the most popular off-road vehicles.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

History of Gas Scooters

The first patents for scooters go back as far as 1921. The Razor scooter was later developed by Gino Tsai in Shanghai, Taiwan and became an instant hit with the public. It didn't take long for motor scooter popularity to expand all over the globe.

Even before 1950 there were as many as 110,000 scooters on the road in Italy alone. It has been just a little over 50 years since the Vespa-Douglas Corporation in the UK sold their first gas scooters. The Douglas corporation was on the verge of bankruptcy when they first began selling their gas scooters. It was a big hit at the 1950 Motorcycle Show and saved the company from possible financial ruin.

From 1950 to 1958 Vespa sold over 125,000 of their gas powered scooters in the UK. Why the great success? During this period the European countries didn't have a great deal of money and there was not much gas available to the public. Due to the scarcity of gasoline and the high gas mileage of the gas motor scooter it's popularity quickly escalated.

It didn't take long for the Italian models (the Piaggio from Vespa and the Lambretta from Innocenti) to branch out to other countries. In France they became so popular the French tried to get in on the boom by manufacturing their own. By the early to mid 1950s the sale of gas scooters climbed to about 1 million a year in France alone.

Other countries wanted to profit from the newest craze and tried to climb on the band wagon. While some were successful others were not. Germany began to manufacture larger touring models, but this did not satisfy the public in the way the smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient models from Italy and France did. These smaller models were extremely popular in the European market.

Tourist Scooters Manufacturers in Germany built some very strong and powerful versions and were the first to install electric starters. These larger versions were great for traveling, touring and even racing, but were not as popular as the smaller, cheaper, more efficient models used for traveling shorter distances around town.

Vespa began marketing a couple of very popular gas powered scooters from Piaggio, the GS 125cc and the GS 150cc. These were improved versions of the earlier models for several reasons. The biggest reason is probably because the heavy gear mechanism rods were replaced by smaller and lighter cables.

France's Roussey Scooters tried to one-up the Italian competition by coming out with a 175cc model. These were very nice vehicles and included the first water-cooled engines along with other new features, but because it had a pull-start it could not compete with the newer models from Italy that were already offering versions with electric starts.

As these wonderful vehicles have evolved over the years they have become increasingly more popular all over the world. Today they are everywhere. They are cheap to purchase, economical to operate, and are very handy and functional. These are not toys and are genuinely a lot of fun to ride. There are electric, gas powered, foldable, mobility and utility scooters.

The electric types are often used by kids and teens, but are also popular with the elderly and handicapped. Models for the handicapped are usually called mobility scooters. Folding varieties can be folded up and conveniently stored under desks, in closets or in other tiny areas and utility types are used for many different purposes. They are more popular than go karts, mini bikes or go carts. Scooters, sometimes called mopeds or go peds, are very functional, convenient and are here to stay.

When Looking to Purchase a Motorcycle Cover

Your first step in buying a motorcycle cover is deciding if you are going to use it indoors or outdoors. If you choose an indoor cover, most can only be used indoors. They provide a nice soft touch to your motorcycle. They do a great job keeping the dust off, but most if not all are not weather resistant or waterproof. Also most indoor covers can not be put on a hot motorcycle. They do not offer the lower heat panels to protect from the exhaust pipes. If you are sure it will only be used indoors your best bet would be the Dowco Duster motorcycle cover. A less expensive and lightweight cover the Dowco StoreAway motorcycle cover should be fine. If you know the motorcycle will be stored outside then an outdoor cover is your best choice. There is a wide choice of outdoor covers including the two best. They are the Dowco WeatherAll Plus or the Nelson-Rigg Defender 2000. Both of these covers offer lifetime warranties and are 100% waterproof. Also both of these covers offer a heat-resistant panel at the bottom so the cover can be put on a hot bike. Dowco also offers the Weather All a lighter weight cover then the weather all plus but with all the same features. For a cruiser type motorcycle you can try the Nelson-Rigg Falcon cruiser cover.

After you have chose what type of cover you need, sizing is next. Motorcycle covers are sized by the make and model of your motorcycle, not how tall or how long it is. When choosing the sizes always go by the application charts. There is a rule however. If you have added any extras i.e.: windshields or saddlebags it is best to go up to the next size. Motorcycle covers are made to fit tight so wind and the elements can not get in. They fit at the longest point of the motorcycle which is at the axles. With this in mind the lower half of your wheels will be exposed. Motorcycle covers are not made to go all the may to the floor. If this is something you want in a cover you should also go up a size. Just remember if you do go up a size it will fit looser on top. Hope this helps in deciding on a cover for you.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Honda Dirt Bikes - Everyone Wants A Honda

There are dirt bikes, and then there are Honda dirt bikes. A Honda represents speed, power and maneuverability (making it obvious why they are the top-sellers). Quality is its ultimate trademark, however, and a Honda dirt bike never fails to please.

And, with a wide range of choices, you are sure to find one tailored for your racing style--whether professional or amateur, you will see and feel the difference of Honda dirt bikes. It's not just riding or racing; it becomes an experience.

And, to fully enjoy that experience, you should understand all aspects of what makes Honda dirt bikes... well, a Honda dirt bike. Don't cringe. Some history lessons are worth knowing.

Honda is a name that summons respect in the biking world, though no one would have guessed that from its dubious beginnings and low sales. When Soichiro Honda opened the first store in Los Angeles in 1959, the reception was tepid at best. The American people were already devoted to their Harleys and Triumphs. Honda tried, in vain, for that first year to sell his products, but was only able to come up with 1700 units. The American market refused to let him in.

Overseas, however, things were different. In Japan, Honda was the number one selling bike (an estimated 500,00 units sold). Throughout Europe, the bikes were starting to win races and garner attention. Honda was the top-player.

But, in America, they were nothing: just funny looking bikes that didn't seem powerful enough to fit the image motorcycles had crafted.

That was about to change.

Soichiro was not about to give up on the American and decided to change the perceptions linked to bikes. They were no longer for hulking men with beards and dirty leather jackets; they were for anyone who just wanted a ride around town.

Honda began a campaign of happiness, blanketing the market with everyday men and woman riding his bikes, all grinning and cheerful. The result was a new way to look at bikes--Honda's were seen as the better choice, the every-man choice.

They've remained that way ever since.

And the reason they've remained on top? They offer great selection and great quality.

Now, if you're purchasing one of your first Honda dirt bikes, you need to see which part of that great selection works best for you. There are many bikes to choose from and you want to pick perfection. So, first decide what it is you intend to do--are you looking to start racing professionally, or are you just wanting something solid to ride the trails with? Whatever your scenario, there is a Honda dirt bike built for you.

Honda dirt bikes - Motocross Division:

CR125R: A constant winner in races, the CR125R is a lightweight and easy to handle bike. With a 125cc engine, it's also a powerful one. Sporting a price tag of $5,449, this is not for the casual racer.

CR250R: Few can think of champions without thinking of this Honda selection. Toted as the "best 250-class two-stroke that's ever been", the CR250R is ideal for racing. It typically runs at $6,399.

CRF250R (4-stroke): Extremely lightweight and fast, this is a 250cc with a four-stroke and is already being hailed as the bike to beat in competition. Its price tag is affordable, being set at $6,199.

CRF450R (4-stroke): A retuned version of an old favorite, this bike features tighter suspension and enhanced engine performance. Honda is pushing this as one of their best and, at $6,899, it should be.

Honda dirt bikes - Off-road:

CRF250X: Named the 'Best Bike' by Dirt Rider, the CRF250X is a marvel of off-road ability. Light, agile and blessed with a four-stroke, this will take you wherever you want to be. Priced at $6,399.

CRF450X: A coupling of Honda's most popular features, this bike has it all: greater torque, wider gear ratios and more supple suspension. At $7,199, the CRF450X is the ultimate off-road bike.

XR400R: At $5299, this reliable bike is a bargain, and the favored choice of 90 percent of rental companies. It's guaranteed quality and ability.

XR650R: A champion of unrivaled proportions, the XR650R is aluminum framed bike that will leave everyone speechless. At a relatively low $6,299, this bike represents winning.

Honda dirt bikes - Mini dirt bikes:

CR85R (2-stroke): Smaller than most of its competitors, this bike still causes fear wherever it rides. Fast and blessed with Honda's reliability, this $3,099 will keep you ahead of the rest.

CR85RB (2-stroke): Made for the long run, the CR854RB offers fully adjustable suspension and a more than capable engine. Ideal for younger riders, this bike is priced at $6,190.

CRF100F: At an inexpensive $2,319, this bike has all the look of a racing champion without the price tag. Featuring a four-stroke power and comfortable seating, riding has never been this easy.

CRF50F: If the kids are interested in dirt biking, this model is ideal for them. Semiautomatic transmission and built for whatever situation, this is the perfect bike. It's priced at $1,299.

CRF70F: Clutchless shifting and semiautomatic transmission make this the easiest bike available for those just starting out. Sleek and reliable, the CRF70F costs $1,599 and is guaranteed quality.

A Guide to Modern Motor Scooters

Motor scooters are vehicles with small wheels and a low-powered gasoline engine geared to the rear wheel. The first patents for “foot powered” scooters date back to 1921. Up to that time there were no motors attached to the scooter. They were propelled by “foot power.”

The old-fashioned foot-powered push scooter was updated to a Razor motor scooter under the direction of Gino Tsai, whose father was a mechanical engineer for the J. D. Corporation in Shanghai, Taiwan. His motor scooter took about 5 years to design.

Gino Tsai claims that the reason he invented the Razor motor scooter was due to the fact that his father had to walk for miles every day around the huge bicycle factory that he worked for because of his short legs. To solve this problem he updated the old-fashioned push scooter into what we now know as the modern Razor motor scooter.

When Gino finished the development of his motor scooter he began to market it to the public. It quickly became a huge success with customers waiting as long as six months for their orders.

Why was the Razor motor scooter so popular? The Razor scooter was made from lightweight airplane grade aluminum which can support over 1000 pounds without bending. It is foldable, which means it can be stored in very small places. It has small polyurethane wheels and a low-powered engine. Braking is activated by stepping down on the rear fender.

Today there are many different brands and models of motor scooters. We have electric scooters and gas powered motor scooters. They are very versatile and functional, serving many different purposes. They are patterned after motorcycles, but have smaller wheels, lower-powered engines and can be "stepped through," unlike the motorcycle.

The most commonly seen style of scooter is the “folding,” or “foldable,” scooter. These are two-wheeled models that are typically used for traveling short distances around the neighborhood. Braking occurs when the back fender is stepped on, putting pressure on the back wheel and stopping its movement. This type of motor scooter is made for kids or adults and can also be used to perform tricks on. It is very compact in size and can be folded for storage in small places.

A unique feature of freestyle folding motor scooters is the “kicktail,” a portion of the foot deck that extends over the back wheel. This is what provides the leverage for performing tricks. Motor scooters with “kicktails” are called freestyle scooters and usually have hand brakes due to the fact that the back fender allows for the performance of tricks instead of braking.

Electric scooters are generally bigger and heavier. Because of the extra weight they consume more power and can only go shorter distances when compared with the folding scooters. After about 10 or 15 miles it may be necessary to recharge the battery.

These electric, or battery-powered, motor scooters are often used to travel short distances around the neighborhood or perhaps on a school campus or other confined environment. They are particularly popular among the elderly, handicapped and disabled. Instead of being confined at home these elderly or handicapped people can now have some of their former independence returned to them. Motor scooters of this type are usually called mobility scooters.

Gas powered motorized scooters are usually more powerful and can attain higher speeds than the folding scooters or electric scooters. They can also travel longer distances when a larger fuel tank is included. Gas scooters may not be permitted in some areas so it is wise to check out the laws and regulations in your area before purchasing a motor scooter.

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Thrill Of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

When it comes to motorcycles, the top known brand is Harley Davidson. Harleys are distinctive in design and attract a loyal following. Bikers who are not fans contend that the bikes are badly engineered, under-powered and under-performing. But in reality Harleys are designed for long, low-speed cruising on flat, straight roads. And Harley is a name that smacks of prestige and success and tradition and longevity and power. And sound! There's the unique sound of a Harley that speaks volumes about the name.

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company was officially founded on August 28, 1903 by, strangely enough, two guys named Harley and Davidson (plus Davidson's two brothers). Production started in Milwaukee, where it in fact continues today. Incidentally, a few years ago Harley celebrated their 100th anniversary, quite an accomplishment. And nowhere was the celebration bigger than in hometown Milwaukee, where thousands of motorists congregated for the celebration over Labor Day weekend.

Harley grew by leaps and bounds. They were the motorcycles of choice for police forces in the US and abroad. Harleys were used extensively in combat in World War I. By 1920, Harley-Davidson was officially the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. And they were only one of two American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression in 1929.

In the 70s, the Japanese had developed motorcycles that were far superior to the Harleys. As a result, Harley-Davidson very nearly declared bankruptcy. However, Harleys improved their quality and craftsmanship, exploited the "retro" appeal of the machines, and eventually turned themselves around to being once again among the leaders in motorcycle mania everywhere,

Chrysler Crossfire Brakes and Brake Assist System

The power-assisted braking system provided in the Chrysler Crossfire is befitting to the performance level of the Chrysler. Undoubtedly, brakes and brake assistant system are important factor of a racing car like Crossfire. The brakes and brake assist system in the Chrysler Crossfire is appropriate for a racing car and also has set yardstick for others in the motor industry.

Following are some of the salient features of brake assist system used in the Chrysler Crossfire. The brake system of the crossfire has large diameter ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The system is backed up by the highly sophisticated electronic wizards of Brake Assist System and ANS anti-lock.

The front brakes of crossfire have ventilated discs of 300 X 28 mm measure with single piston floating calipers. The rear brake discs of crossfire measures 278 X 9mm. These rear discs have opposed-piston calipers. When any set of front pads becomes worn the wear sensors fitted in the system illuminate dashboard warning light. The power assistance is provided through tandem master cylinder and single=diaphragm vacuum booster.

The Chrysler Crossfire has state of the art ABS consisting of four-channel, four wheel anti-lock of standard quality. This brake system is considered most suiting for the crossfire.

When a driver applies heavy brakes, specifically on slippery surface, the system gets activated and applies and releases the brakes at high rate. The optimum brake applies and release rate is 30 times per second. Despite the higher rate of brake applying and release the system prevents wheel lock up and helps the driver in retaining steering control.

The Brake Assist System fitted in the Chrysler Crossfire anticipates the emergency application of brake by the driver and immediately releases optimum available power boost to help the driver gain control over the car without loosing steering control. The driver may have usual human tendency of not braking hard or not breaking soon enough. The Brake Assist System overcomes these problems.

Like other features of the Chrysler Crossfire, its brakes and brake assist system is reliable. The system is of high standard quality technology and produces excellent performance even in adverse conditions.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Your Tuned Scooter Will Make You a Fashion Statement

If you're considering a 250 cc scooter, there are numerous great manufacturers to choose from. With myself being a major, big Suzuki fan, I can attest to having total satisfaction with Suzuki products for many years. I've had cars, snowmobiles, motorcycles and numerous RV products designed by Suzuki and in my opinion, you can't buy anything better. However this article is not designed to sell you on a specific brand but to give you some tips about the purchase of a 250 cc scooter, and specifically about the verucci scooter. Either way you look at it, the scooter is a great investment when it comes to a transportation alternative. With the skyrocketing costs of petroleum, and especially if you're on a limited budget like a lot of people, scooters are a wise choice for many people. In fact, a lot of people prefer their scooters to be as fast as motorcycles, and if you purchase a tuned scooter, you will be amazed at how smooth the ride as well as the overall handling capabilities. Complete with liquid-cooled engines, multi-passenger carrying capabilities, four-stroke engines, automatic transmissions and chokes, front windshields, side stands, centers stands and side mirrors, you're sure to be impressed with the accessory line-up as well.

Verucci scooters have an interesting background, world-renowned as a manufacturer and direct distributor of numerous, different-sized scooters, including the 250 cc scooter. They distribute scooters worldwide and have many branches, including Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, and others. Their scooters are designed and perfected in the United States and Italy, and they have joint- venture manufacturing agreements in place with different suppliers. They also have three factories around the globe that can offer, you the consumer, a good quality scooter. Scooters are a personal choice, and it all depends on what is important to you. You may choose power and economy over style and looks, or vice versa. If you're looking for a tuned scooter, this Italian- made gem can offer you years of manufacturing expertise, as well as a huge assortment of motor sports apparel, including such items as sports watches, goggles, helmets, gloves, and more. If you're a racing fan or just simply want to make your scooter go faster, a tuned scooter is your answer. If you're looking for performance parts, the Internet in your ultimate resource as well. If you need a special part for your scooter, you're going to be able to find that online and most retailers can ship it to your doorstep, fast and easily. Verucci scooters have a motto that says, a symbol of freedom, independence, youthfulness of spirit, and creativity! Experience the difference!

You're going to find that when you order a scooter online, you will not have the option to physically sit on it or inspect it the way you would like. But most units come fully or partially assembled, some fold up and are lightweight. There are many options and many answers for cheap and reliable transportation when it comes to scooters. You'll find, in a lot of cases, that all you have to do is add mirrors and a battery. Obviously, with the extra power that the 250 cc scooter can offer you, you are going to be able to glide along the highways at speeds of 60 mph and faster. Such specifications as wider wheelbases, better compression ratios, the option of either kick or electric start, gas mileage of 80 to 100 miles per gallon, great top end speed, the list of advantages with scooters can go on and on. If you live in an urban center, small town or village, or even large city, a scooter can be an economical way of getting to the grocery store or your place of employment at a fraction of the cost that a normal vehicle offers.

Helmets - Why Do You Need It When Riding?

Helmet is a French derivative of the word ‘helm’ from 15th century. Although helmets are available in countless designs for different utilities, they all serve just one purpose, which is head protection. The earlier helmets used to be manufactured in leather till the 10th century AD when metals with inner cloth lining for cushioning and comfort of wearing on the head became the norm. Helmet wearing is mandatory in northern America, barring a few states, for all bikers, whereas Sikhs are demanding a waiver from this mandate.

Functional Utility and Symbolism
Till the early 20th century, helmets were basically the protective head gears of soldiers and used to be a part of combat uniform. With industrialization, helmets reinvented themselves and undergone a lot of changes, both in terms of strengths and weights and became a ‘must wear’ for certain industrial workers in sectors such as mining, construction and manufacturing etc. Surely, the popularity of helmets shot-up, thanks to the symbolic protection they offered.

Typical Classification
Helmets can be classified based on their utility and construction. The simplest for of helmets worn by construction workers and bicycle riders are nothing more than ‘hard hats’ as they are required to protect blunt impacts, whereas a soldier’s helmets are designed for ballistic impact protection. These are made by Kevlar©, which has excellent bullet proofing qualities and fragmentation powers.

Helmets match particular needs also. Military helmets identify the ranks of the wearers with symbolic visors and bars therein, whereas ‘hard hats’ of bicycle riders sport large ventilation slots.

Quality Standards
Bikers and parents of small children are in dilemma concerning the sudden fall in children’s helmet prices. One must keep in mind that price is not a good quality indicator. In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all helmets be certified. The certification is issued after stringent quality tests are carried out. There is another quality standard for helmets, too. Snell Memorial Foundation standards or ‘Snells’ as they are known are a bit extra stringent, albeit not compulsory by all types of helmet manufacturers to conform to. This fact should try to put at rest the apprehensions of consumers when they don’t see Snells’ label on helmets.

It is hard to think of a modern and adventurous sport without helmets being mandatory. Although helmets aren’t absolutely safe, you can’t think of cross country biking without them, especially if the riders are your little ones, helmets are a must!