Bikes, Tattoos, Music and all things Metal
Archive for August, 2009
A Special Feature on the Different Types of Harley Motorbikes
Aug 31st
Throughout the years, Harley Motorbikes continue to dominate the big-muscle motorcycle market with its excellent product offerings. Some of its best-looking and high-performing product lines are the Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster, VRSCD Night Rod, and VRSCR Street Rod. Aside from the total customer satisfaction that the company provides, all of its products are definitely meant to last for a lifetime.
After years of producing various kinds of wonderful and first-class motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Co. continues its great tradition of manufacturing the best-looking, super efficient, and heavy duty Harley Motorbikes. Many things have already changed, but its dedication to produce and deliver some of the best performing motorcycles goes on up to this very moment. Right now, it features a wide array of special motorcycles ranging from the classic Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster down to the tough looking Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod.
The classic Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster has always been a regular product offering since the early years of the company. Some people love this model mainly because of its smaller and lighter figure compared to the regular motorcycles that the group manufactures. Aside from its rich history, this high-performing product line is without a doubt one of the best set of Harley Motorbikes available today. It comes in four special models namely the XL1200R Sportster Roadster, XL1200L Sportster Low, XL1200C Sportster Custom, and XL1200N Sportster Nightster. Made from the finest materials, Harley-Davidson offers these good-looking motorcycles from $8,695 to $9,695.
Meanwhile, the stylish Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is another excellent line of Harley Motorbikes whose special designs are patterned after some of its best-looking models in the 1940s. Its basic features include hard-shell saddlebags, detachable windscreen, and big Hiawatha chrome headlamp, with the prices starting from $18,295 and can go up as high as $18,725. On the other hand, the comfortable Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe is a sleek yet very efficient model with highly innovative features such as the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission shift, ESPFI or Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, and 1584cc Twin-Cam 96B balanced engine. Prices range from as low as $17,345 to as high as $18,150.
In the meantime, the traditional Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider is an excellent Harley Motorbike that combines the strength and style reminiscent of all its models. Its key features include a low-rise pullback handle bar, 4.8-gallon fuel tank, and 1584cc Twin-Cam 96 engine. Prices for this product line starts from $15,795 to $16,600. At the opposite side, the powerhouse Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod is patterned after a racing motorbike with the torque and acceleration as its forte. It features a 5.0-gallon tank, low-rise handlebars, and a beautiful customized rear shocks. The average price for this wonderful Harley Motorbike begins at $16,495.
The final two models from the latest roster of Harley Motorbikes are the muscular Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod and the high-technology Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod. The Night Rod features textured vinyl seat, minimalist rear shocks, and 1130cc Revolution engine. The average selling price for these super cool and highly efficient Harley Motorbike is $14,995. On the flip side, the Street Rod features a high performing Revolution V-Twin engine, wider handlebars, and dual-exhaust pipes. With all its great-looking features, the prices for this aggressive-looking motorcycle line are set at $15,495.
By: John Grant
About the Author:
John Grant is a the author for a site about Harley Motors, where he is writing articles about the Harley Davidson Road King.
Does Your 2007 Harley Davidson Run Hot? – Here’s the Cure
Aug 31st
How to Cure a hot running 2007 Harley Davidson?
That question must have been asked 10k times or more since the 2007 model line of Harley Davidsons were introduced. The mystery of the hot running 2007 models grew to almost a cult like issue on the Harley boards and Harley forums around the internet. Owners who didn’t realize they had a hot running Harley Davidson suddenly agonized over the “problem” and demanded answers.
Being the owner of a 2007 FXSTB Nightrain I was obviously interested in the answer to the question. My bike didn’t seem to run all that hot….I wondered aloud if some of these guys realized their motorcycles were air cooled and that they WILL run hot. I also questioned how many were first time riders and simply didn’t realize that a hot engine 6 inches from your legs is going to produce heat. I am sure a number of new owners or riders succumbed to the phenomenon of the hot running 2007. They jumped on the bandwagon as so many people often do, but then I am positive of others that actually did experience a hot running Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Friends of mine that I am positive know what they are talking about were experiencing the hot running 2007 issue so it wasn’t that the issue was non existent, I just think it might have been blown out of proportion. I decided to get to the bottom of the issue and see what I could find out about the problem. After a few days of digging around and talking to people in the know, I think it was clear what was the culprit.
Lean and Mean
After a lot of discussion and research it turns out that the new 96 cu inch Harley Davidson engine had to be tuned extremely lean in order to get it to meet government emissions requirements. The stock factory tune was set very lean by design, and as you know, a lean engine will run much hotter than a well tuned or even rich engine. Different riders reacted differently to the hot running condition as some didn’t even notice and others it was enough of a problem that they wanted to trade their motorcycles in for a different year.
I also noticed a trend that it seemed to be the bagger crowd complaining the most vocally and the most frequently. I don’t know if it is because the bagger crowd tends to be older and more demanding or if the models were more susceptible to the hot running condition. I think probably a little bit of both actually. If you take a look at the front end of some of the bagger models, the fairings restrict air flow across the engine dramatically compared to the more open models. So regardless of this issue, the lean condition seemed to be the culprit.
The Fix
The fix is rather simple.
Most riders that I was in contact with reported that a Stage 1 upgrade resolved the issue. A decent set of pipes combined with either a Stage 1 download or a fuel control system like a Power Commander or something similar cured the lean condition. They not only reported a much better running motorcycle but a much cooler running motorcycle. The addition of the pipes likely made for a much better looking and sounding motorcycle as well.
The Stage 1 kit will bring your motorcycle back down to a more normal heat range, at least normal for an air cooled Harley Davidson. The reflash will make for a richer mixture which will lower the operating temperature and make your Harley Davidson a much more enjoyable machine to ride.
By: Jack Travers
About the Author:
If you want to check out a pretty cool selection of Harley Pipes or read more about Harley Exhaust then feel free to check us out. We not only write about Harley Davidson’s, but we ride them too.
Scream Techniques – Improve Your Extreme Vocals With Helpful Tips
Aug 30th
Scream techniques have been developing ever since heavy metal and hardcore music started demanding more from a vocalist. It makes sense since the techniques of guitars and drums have progressed and intensified, it was only a matter of time before singing and screaming did the same.
As difficult as it appears to create such a powerful sound from your voice, you can develop your own style and execute it safely with practice. Here are a few screaming techniques that can help you improve your powerful vocals.
1. Screaming when you’re sick isn’t a good idea. When your body isn’t feeling up to its usual potential, screaming through the hoarseness and phlegm isn’t going to do you any good. As much as it might appear that you have the technique to scream away your sickness it won’t help, but may increase the effects of your virus.
2. Be mindful of allergy sprays that can swell your throat. You might have allergies that get you in the summer or from an animal but, you need to be mindful of the sprays that you use to soothe your throat. Most sprays are satisfactory, but some of them can actually swell the muscles in your throat, making it a little more difficult to execute proper technique for a powerful scream.
3. Learn your vocal range. Singing is as much a part of screaming and learning what you can sing contributes to what you can scream. If you’re having trouble reaching certain notes in a scale, it’s probably out of your range and you’ll only strain your voice. Use this same approach when attempting to scream notes that appear to be out of your reach.
4. Be patient with your voice. Your voice isn’t going to develop into a screaming monster over night, so you need to be patient. Developing a powerful voice takes months at a time and maybe even then you won’t receive the full rewards of your work and dedication, but you have to work consistently.
5. Drink water with honey. Sometimes you can blow out your voice and then you’ll be cursing yourself for the rest of the day. When this happens, squeeze some honey into a mug, stir in some hot water and sip for a few hours. You’ll be soothing your poor throat and getting your sugar for the day.
6. If you’re throat bleeds, stop! You have a hemorrhage. This is the one thing we want to avoid with having good screaming technique. If your throat bleeds, practice vocal rest for at least an entire week, and completely reevaluate the way that you scream. You’re most likely executing your extreme vocals in a very damaging manner and need to rethink your approach.
Learning to scream and practice good technique is pretty exciting, but doing it wrong for an extended period of time can have long-term damaging effects on your voice. Try these screaming techniques out for yourself help along your powerful voice.
By: Kyle Hoffman
About the Author:
Are you having trouble screaming or singing in your band? Check out Kyle Hoffman’s most fundamental and valuable tips to sing well absolutely FREE! Get your hands on Kyle’s other powerful vocal tips at For Vocal Singing
Two Major Causes of Cancer Are Diet and Environmental Factors
Aug 30th
If the body receives a cutting injury, cells know when to stop reproducing once they have “filled in” a cut. With cancer, one cell gets the idea to reproduce and begins doing so for no apparent reason. The cells that it reproduces form a hard lump. This is cancer. Often a cell from this lump, or tumor, will spread to another part of the body and begin reproduction there. hese cells are not receptive to the normal signal to stop.
Two major causes of cancer are diet and environmental factors, or carcinogens, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals, both of which can suppress immune system function. Stress is also a factor in the development of cancer as well as the exacerbation of cancer itself.
Poor oxygenation, which can result from inadequate exercise, stress, certain medications such as estrogen and cortisol, provides an environment in which cancer cells can grow. As long ago as 1966, Otto Warburg, a two-time Nobel Laureate, said that while cancer has many secondary causes, it has only one prime cause: lack of oxygen in the body’s cells! Consequently, anything that increases oxygenation at the level of the cells can inhibit cancerous growth.
Recommendations for prevention and treatment
1. Reduce your stress levels. Find constructive solutions for emotions such as hate, anger, extreme sadness, and depression. Biofeedback can be helpful in controlling emotions. Great progress is being made in the area of non-cognitive biofeedback, a technology that recycles the body’s heart variations as a means of treating dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system or your body’s unconscious control mechanisms.
2. If you are overweight…lose it. High body fat in obesity increases estrogen production, which increases cancer rates in both men and women.
3. If you smoke…stop! Reduce or eliminate your consumption of socially accepted poisons such as coffee and alcohol. Reduce your consumption of red meat. Avoid hydrogenated fats such as margarine and vegetable oil. Increase the fiber, such as raw fruits and vegetables, in your diet and exercise regularly.
4. Avoid excess iron supplements and “iron-fortified” foods. Increased iron levels suppress the cancer-killing function of macrophages, interferes with lymphocytes, and contribute to the development of leukemia and lymphoma. The body’s iron accumulation tends to increase with age. Copper supplementation, such as in a multi-mineral complex, can antagonize the effect of excess iron. In addition, avoid unsaturated fatty acids, calcium supplements, and reduce your estrogen levels. These factors all increase iron absorption and accumulation.
5. Drink only purified water, preferably reverse osmosis or steam distilled. Avoid tap water, especially if it’s fluoridated. Heavy elements such as chlorine and fluoride are known carcinogens.
6. Supplement with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, Bioflavonoids, superoxide dismutase, and proteolytic enzymes; minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium; and fresh, cold-pressed flax seed oil (which contains essential fatty acids) along with coconut oil (which is a medium-chain triglyceride that promotes metabolism and thyroid function). B-complex is necessary for normal cell division. Dimethyglycine, or DMG, germanium, and stabilized oxygen (such as Aerobic 07) improve oxygenation of the cells. All supplements should be from natural sources only.
7. Herbs such as pau d’arco, burdock root, red clover, and chaparral all have anti-cancer activity and are excellent additions to a cancer therapy program.
8. Homeopathics helpful in cancerous conditions include Conium Mac, Viscum Album, and Carcinosinum. The inherited weakness, known as a “miasm,” should also be investigated. Viscum (a.k.a. Iscador) can be taken subcutaneously according to a specific protocol developed by homeopathic and anthropormophic physicians for the treatment of cancer.
9. Increase your concentration of oxygen at the level of the cells. Oxygen Multistep Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen are two medical treatments that can be use to accomplish this purpose.
10. Reduce your body burden level of heavy metals. (See “Chelation Therapy.”) A recent study revealed that people who undergo Heavy Metal Detoxification Therapy have a 90% reduced risk of developing cancer. This seems to implicate a very strong association between exposure to environmental pollutants and cancer.
11. Take sublingual fermented lactobacillus 1-3 packet three times daily for immune stimulation.
12. Gentle skin detoxification through a medical spa with steam sauna, infrared sauna, and/or contrast shower will help eliminate body poisons without side effects.
In general, you should eat as close to nature as possible. Foods to which you are found to be sensitive should initially be eliminated from the diet for at least six weeks. Once reintroduced, foods should ideally be rotated every four days. Interestingly, we often tend to be allergic to the foods we either eat the most often or rarely at all. In other words, variety in our diet may be the spice of food allergy prevention.
By: Ravi Arora
About the Author:
To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.newhopemedical.org
or call (866) HEAL-NOW!
or call (866) HEAL-NOW!
Where Can I Buy A Good Leather Motorcycle Jacket?
Aug 30th
If you’re looking to buy a leather motorcycle jacket, but you’re not quite sure where to go in order to do so, then you’ll be happy to know that you have a number of different options. One of the most popular options for purchasing a jacket is to shop online. Another more traditional method for purchasing a jacket is to go to a motorcycle shop and find a jacket that works for you. These two options are probably the most widely used today and both have their pros and cons.
A growing trend that many are turning to in today’s world is online shopping. This is one of the most popular ways that you can buy just about anything that you are looking for. If you’re looking for a motorcycle jacket, then you can definitely find what you want by visiting an online retailer that sells motorcycle jackets. A great new online retailer that you can visit to purchase motorcycle jackets is MotorMedley.com. They sell all different types of leather motorcycle jackets and other leather gear including chaps, boots, vest, gloves, and more. If you’re looking for leather gear, then this is the place to get it. They also sell helmets and other motorcycle gear and accessories.
One advantage of shopping online for your jacket is that you don’t have to leave your home if you don’t want to. You simply shop for the jacket that you like, pick your size, checkout, and wait for it to arrive at your front door. Another great advantage to buying online is that you can shop at your own leisure without having to worry about pushy sales people trying to get you to buy their products. You’re free to browse the selection at your own pace and purchase your jacket at any hour of the day. One downfall to buying your jacket online is that you cannot try the jacket on before ordering. If it doesn’t fit, then you have to exchange or return which could end up costing you more money. Often times though there are sizing charts which help you find the right size.
The other option for buying a leather motorcycle jacket is to buy it at a local motorcycle shop or department store. This is the obvious choice if you’re set on trying on your jacket before purchasing it. This will help ensure a proper fit before you buy it. The one downfall to this is that you are limited to the times during which you can purchase the jacket because stores are only open during certain hours, and if you live a long ways away, then it may be a hassle to actually have to drive to the store instead of simply having someone ship it to you.
Whether you choose to shop online or at a local motorcycle shop or store, you will be sure to find the perfect leather motorcycle jacket that you will be proud to wear on any motorcycle trip.
By: Matt LeClair
About the Author:
Purchase leather motorcycle jackets, motorcycle helmets, and other great gear at MotorMedley.com
Choosing an Insurance for Your Motorcycle
Aug 28th
Choosing an Insurance for Your Motorcycle
By Max Manroe
Buying insurance for your bike isn’t only wise, it’s could also be a good investment. Some factors that could affect your motorcycle insurance coverage are:
1. Your bike’s value
Always ask about insurance before buying a motorcycle. Your dealer or supplier should be able to inform you whether your new bike is covered or not. Usually, insurance for a later model, speed-up bike will cost more than that of a regular motorcycle.
2. Your age and home address
If you’re younger, you’ll usually pay more. If you’re older and have more riding experience, your rate could be much better. Where you live will also factors into your insurance payments. High-risk addresses where there’s a higher probability of crime or accident will mean higher rates.
3. Your job and driving history
Where you take your motorcycle on a regular basis will also affect your insurance payments. For example, bringing your bike to work in a construction site could raise the rates. Your past driving experience will also have an effect on your insurance payment, regardless of whether or not you’ve driven a motorcycle before.
Usually, your regular motor insurance company will provide enough insurance coverage and options for you, but you might want to check out insurance coverage specific to motorcycles to see what your options are. Full coverage can be quite expensive and very often, only provided for high-end motorcycles.
4. What your insurance should have
Ideally, your insurance should include the following: passenger, collision, liability, no-fault, uninsured and service coverage. Another insurance coverage that you might want to consider is medical, which will cover medical costs in case of injury and hospitalization.
You might also want to get insurance for bodily injury. This covers your liability in case you cause a collision that resulted in another person’s injury or death.
5. Mind the cost
Shop for at least three insurance quotes before deciding on one. Call as many insurance agents as you can to have a better look at the coverage and rates that’s available, because rates do vary.
If your motorcycle mileage is low, you could get better rates. Using your motorcycle only occasionally could get you a better insurance deal. You might also want to take a DMV class that specializes in motorcycle training. Once you get your certification, you might just be able to haggle with your insurance company for a better price.
Comprehensive coverage can be quite expensive, although it will cover instances of theft, vandalism or total wrecks. You don’t want to overpay your insurance, but if you think you are at a high risk of having your motorcycle damaged or stolen, you might want to get a comprehensive/collision coverage.
By: marikxon manurung
About the Author:
This article wrote by Max Manroe on http://www.motorcycle-guideline.com
you can check out another guide
Developing Routines as an Athlete Could Make You a Champion
Aug 28th
If you watch the professional athletes they all have routines whether it is pre-game routines, during the game or post game routines. Some will say that they are superstitions but there is a difference. Developing routines allows the athlete to find consistency and can help the athlete to maintain a controlled state whether they are winning or losing.
Routines are important as they are all individual and are designed by the athlete upon knowing what is comfortable and what works for them. Athletes on a team may have to work together as a team and they may have to warm-up as a team but a good coach will also allow each individual to go through their own routines.
For example: Some coaches may use the “psyche up” method of loud music and yelling to get their athletes pumped up or highly energised for the game. However, this doesn’t work for every athlete and can in fact have a negative effect on some athletes. Once again, coaches with teams want to unite their team by having them perform the same tasks together, this is fine to a certain extent, but just remember that your team is comprised of varying personalities and individuals and to allow them to have some time to themselves.
This comes down to having good communication with your athletes and knowing about each individual and how they respond to group tasks. The coach with the “my way or the highway” mentality often forces his players to become robotic and fall into the military way of breaking down the individual to become nothing more than a controlled follower. This is required for the military but in sports you want your athletes to be able to make their own decisions as well as react to certain events that will best fit into the game plan or tactics drawn up for them by the coach. Respect their individuality!
Coaching or playing an individual sport is quite different as you are not faced with multiple athletes. It is a lot easier to allow an individual to do what is best for them.
Superstition or routine? If you ever watch Russian tennis champion Maria Sharapova you will notice her routines. The most common one that I noticed was her routine in between games. Following each game and prior to going to sit down at the change of ends she will go through this routine without fail as it helps her to maintain consistency and a feeling of control no matter what. Winning or losing, she follows this routine.
Follow the last point of the game she will walk to the corner of the service box, take a step inside the box before making a right angled turn towards her seat. If the last shot of the rally takes her out of court she will then walk back into the court and go through her routine.
Every tennis player follows some routine prior to serving the tennis ball. It may be bouncing the ball two or three times, straightening their hat, rolling the balls around in their hands as Ivan Lendl did, or bouncing the ball on the ground with their racquet as Boris Becker did.
These routines allowed the player to gain consistency and control over the pace of the match. It allowed them to be in control and focus on the next point.
Superstitions are more like obsessive compulsive actions that occur when an athlete believes that by performing that action it will bring them good luck. Most superstitions arise by accident. If an athlete eats a certain meal before a game and they win, then they may eat that same meal before every meal just because they thought that it brought them good luck. As soon as they lose then they stop eating that meal and change. Superstitions can start and stop quite quickly however; routines are developed so that they can stay with you through both winning and losing.
As a coach you shouldn’t try to force your routines on the athlete, instead let them develop their own routines and then work with them on making any minor adjustments if needed. Once again, it comes back to recognising that each individual is different and responds to differently to certain things than other athletes.
Routines should be developed during practice and be included into every session. Don’t try to incorporate a new routine when in competition as it will take you out of your comfort zone. Practice is for working on and perfecting skills; competition is for putting these skills into use instinctively!
Tips for athletes in individual sports:
Develop routines that you are comfortable with
Allow your coach to help you adjust these routines as long as you still feel comfortable with them.
Practice these routines on a consistent basis
Develop pre-game warm-up routines
Develop pre-game stretching routines
Develop pre-game routines for relaxing and getting in the UPS
Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted by others
Know when to switch on and when to switch off
If losing, make sure that you are performing your routines
Maintain control of the game or match
Make sure that your routines are within the rules and guidelines of the sport
Tips for athletes in team sports:
Communicate with your coach about your individual needs
Incorporate your own routines in with the team orientated tasks
Allow your team-mates to see that it is important for you to follow your own routines
Know when your coach wants you to participate in the team tasks
Get to the stadium early if needed to give yourself time to prepare
If travelling to the venue as a team the use the time on the bus or plane to prepare
Keep a notebook to track your progress
Keep it simple
Routines have a purpose as long as they don’t take over
Preparation is just one of the keys to success
Keep superstitions in check
Remember that routines should be developed and practiced during your training sessions. Whether it is prior to kicking a soccer ball, hitting a baseball, shooting a basketball, hitting a tennis serve or throwing a ball; you must first be comfortable in incorporating your routines into your overall game plan. This is often an overlooked component of becoming a successful athlete. This is just one more key step to acting and playing like a pro.
By: David Horne
About the Author:
David Horne is a former professional tennis player who has created several online sports web sites including Global Sports Zone which is the Ultimate Sports Directory for all sports fans! You can also visit the global web site for Tennis Coaching at Global Sports Coaching
Lego Space Sets Past and Present
Aug 28th
First introduced in 1978, Lego space sets featured spaceships and astronauts. It is also one of the biggest and most expansive toy sets that Lego has produced. It has about 200 individual sets, which when connected formed one big outer space set. The first of the Lego space sets that were produced were considered to be a great leap forward in terms of design. It has since become one of the most loved and cherished Lego toy building sets, putting it upon the same pedestal as the Lego train sets, pirates Lego themed sets and the medieval castle sets. In comparison to the former space set releases which included the Rocket Base, Space Rocket and the Moon Landing sets, the newer and better themed Space and Mars showcased new building techniques as well as Lego parts that were previously unseen. Even though the traditional Lego bricks were still present in these new sets, they also had some finer details, which enabled more multi-purpose space vehicles and smoother looking battleships.
In the early space sets there were certain oddities such as the use of a steering wheel to drive the spacecraft and even though it lacks any on board pilot protection except that of the space suit, it was still fancy enough to spark the imaginations of kids back then. From battleships and the basic 4 wheeled vehicles, the theme further developed and was often said to be following the trends of science fiction movies prevalent at that time. As their development continued, the vehicle designs became more advanced as well. The addition of Lego minifigures, robots, space bases, buggies, as well as, larger battleships soon followed. These early sets, though perhaps rather humble when compared to today’s standards, were some of the most modern among other sci-fi inspired toys during that time. They were simple yet very charming toys that kids adored. Eventually, gray become a major color for this theme which well fitted to its very futuristic and utilitarian theme. There were also more building base plate type Lego parts, in that color, that were being made. More often than not, these gray parts were paired with green, which can be seen in the space ships windows. Other dominant colors also included yellow and blue.
The most recent of space Lego sets would be Life on Mars, which included interaction between the human Lego minifigs and the Martian ones. It shows a very peaceful co-existence between both races and was released during a time when there was much interest and curiosity surrounding the red planet and the possibility of other beings living on it. The new set incorporated what was thought to be very reminiscent of a Martian landscape, thus the sand that was colored in green, red and purple. Though not as colorful as the previous sets, it did feature a first, which are the transparent brown windows for the battleships. Following the release of Life on Mars, 2007 saw the debut of Mars Mission, which is the second installment in the series of Mars related sets. Unlike the early ones where the humans and extra terrestrials existed peacefully, these sets saw them being pitted against each other which was what the children did with the first set anyway. Up to date Lego space sets are sure to be released in keeping with the advances in today’s space technology
By: Bronnie Vaughn
About the Author:
Originally from Texas, I now live in the mountains of Arizona. I have 2 online stores the 1st of which is BikerTshirtsandTanks.com which sells a complete line of Harley Davidson and other biker apparel. The 2nd store is ToyBuildingBricks.com and offers all Lego toy building sets.
Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle This Winter
Aug 28th
Motorbike riding can be hazardous even for the most levelheaded and conservative of riders, as demonstrated by Department for Transportation statistics showing that there were 21,550 reported motorbike casualties in 2008, of which 6,049 resulted in death or serious injury, and the risk noticeably increases as weather and road conditions get worse. Some motorcycle riders will retire their motorcycles during the winter season but for many people, in particular those who commute on their bikes, that isn’t an option. Nevertheless, by exercising added care and using good sense, it is possible to minimise the risk.
Accomplished riders are familiar enough with their motorcycle to know how it handles, and how to ride safely. But as riding in winter time is completely unlike from riding in summer time, and for less experienced motorcyclists who haven’t yet ridden during the winter months, it is worth reminding yourself of the safety precautions that should be taken. Bear in mind though safety is never a guarantee, irrespective how much care is taken, so make sure that you are covered by appropriate bike insurance just in case.
Safety precautions that apply all year round should be followed with marked watchfulness in the winter months. It makes sense to give the motorbike a quick once over before riding it, to ensure that the tyres, lights and brakes are in working order. When checking the tyres, make certain that the pressure and treads are in proper condition for handling icy or wet roads, and remember that in colder temperatures it takes tyres longer to warm up and start gripping properly so be particularly careful when heading out.
It is essential to check that the lights work properly seeing that visibility is even more of an issue during poor weather conditions. Not only will fog or rain diminish what you can see, it will make you more difficult to be seen, so make sure you are extremely visible by wearing bright reflective outer clothing and by keeping your headlight on. To assist keeping your own line of sight clear, make certain your mirrors and visor are clean and unscratched, and spray them with an anti-mister. Additionally be mindful that visibility is still an issue on a bright and sunny winter’s day, when there is no rain, snow, fog or mist since the low winter sun that is blinding you is also blinding other drivers.
Keeping yourself warm may seem like an peculiar safety tip but warmth is all-important seeing that the colder you are, the more your concentration wanes, so wear thin layers to keep body heat trapped and wear any additional cold weather clothing you are comfy wearing. Cold hands don’t make for safe riding, seeing that once they get too cold you risk losing control of the motorcycle, so keep your hands especially warm with heated gloves or even heated handlebars. Purchase some proper rainwear for those rainy days, and generally speaking try to stay as warm and dry as possible.
It goes without saying that you have to be alert on wet and icy roads, keep your speed down and leave additional distance between you and other vehicles to account for those few added seconds of stopping time in an emergency. Be cautious of black ice and additionally keep in mind that on a sunny day there may still be ice on the road, especially in shady areas that the sun has not reached, and be wary of rain slicked roads. Rain fall brings oily residue to the road surface, making the roads particularly slippery. Stay off painted lines when possible, or be especially careful if crossing over them, as they can become highly slippery when wet.
It is in general advisable not to go out on your motorbike on snowy roads if it can be helped, but if you are out in the snow ride slowly and avoid making sudden moves that could cause the bike to topple over or skid. Some riders opt to ride in car tracks that have already been made in the snow, therefore avoiding fresh snow that will spray up and reduce visibility and also get stuck in the tyres and lessen the tyres’ grip, in which case ride cautiously on the compacted snow.
As for windy days, take special care as there is a danger of being blown off course slightly during high winds and you should keep a heedful eye out for any objects that might be blown into your path.
Motorbike upkeep is also a basic safety measure. Snow, ice and the salt on roads after a snow fall can all build up on your motorbike, corroding it. So make sure that you wipe down your motorbike after every ride, or better still hose and wash all the mess away. Your motorcycle needs to stay in top condition for you to ride safely.
With practice comes experience, so the more winter riding you do the more comfortable and undaunted you will become, just ensure that you avoid complacency and remain watchful and sensible at all times. The safety of you, your motorbike and everyone around you is at stake, so follow the necessary precautions, don’t take riding during the winter frivolously and if you still need an added incentive don’t forget that a clean record keeps your bike insurance rates down so you will also be doing your wallet a favour by staying safe.
By: Neil Roberts
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Poster Poses and Harley Davidson Pictures
Aug 25th
If you want to enjoy even more of the motorcycle culture, then you can begin by posting reminders of this expression on your wall or as a memorabilia. One of the alternatives that can help you to enjoy even more of the culture of freedom is Harley Davidson pictures. This works as an extra component that can provide you with a sense of culture while helping you to enjoy the specific makes and models of this company.
There are several types of Harley Davidson pictures available, all which are designed to help you enjoy even more of this particular bike. Some of the pictures available are in poster size to add into the culture of your room. You can also find options for your computer or to add as wallpaper. Some bike owners will add into their personal style by taking photos of their bikes by adding this into a personal photo album.
Whether you decide to take your own Harley Davidson pictures, or want to tap into a portal that carries these specific pictures, is the ability to enjoy more with the different images available. This not only includes basic photos of bikes, but also additions that are available. For instance, using the logo that is popular among bikers may be one of the options for your photo album. Others include poses and graphics that are added into certain images, all which help you to enjoy even more of the Harley culture with certain images.
If you are interested in the different images that are a part of the motorcycle culture, then looking into Harley Davidson pictures can help you to enjoy more of the scenery. The alternatives available can invite you into pictures of the road through different areas and with specific poses. Adding this into the looks of your personal collection can then provide you with your own expression of the Harley culture.
By: Elanora T. Kelly
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For information on all types of ways to find Harley Davidson Pictures come to harleybeltbuckle.com.