Bikes, Tattoos, Music and all things Metal
Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson Tattoos – Popular Tattoo Designs
Jan 25th
The Harley Davidson motorcycle and brand is an icon. Harley tattoos are a way of paying tribute to the bike, and connecting with the Harley community. Started by William Harley and Arthur Davidson in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Harley has become the most popular bike ever built and has legions of proud owners all over the world. The HD has become a way of life, a statement of who you are, a head turner and an escape for so many people.
History of the Harley Brand
The logo brand has also become a proud part of the tradition, and licensing of the logo alone accounts for approximately 5% of the Harley Davidson Motor Companys net profit (based on figures from the 2004 financial report). There is a strong and loyal following of the brand and Chopper style motorcycle, throughout the world.
The motorcycle has evolved a lot over the years. The first production model, in 1905 had a single cylinder 440cc engine. In 1911, a new engine was introduced, with a V-Twin design, with 810ccs. The popularity of the HD motorcycle soared and by 1920 it was the biggest manufacturer in the world.
The company went through some rough patches after the second world war, and changed hands in 1952 and again in 1981.
The release of the “Fat Boy” model in 1990, reinvigorated sales. The company went back to quality parts and away from mass production to differentiate the brand from overseas and other local mass produced bikes. Demand soared again and due to the quality assembly process, it was not uncommon for the waiting list for the most popular models to exceed 12 months.
A museum, dedicated to the HD motorcycle will be opened in Menomonee River Valley in 2008 to honor and celebrate the history of the bike and the brand.
Harley Davidson Tattoo Designs
Associated with the huge success of the HD brand is the logo and other paraphernalia. One of the hottest items in this category is the Harley tattoo. Harley Davidson tattoo designs have evolved over the years, and allows the wearers to pay tribute and provides a connection with a special bike. The tats have many meanings to many people, but the overwhelming meaning is that of belonging. Belonging to the Harley community.
The most popular HD designs are badges incorporating wings and flames, eagles with the Harley logo, pictures of a motorcycle and either slogans, flames or both, patriotic tattoos with the Harley logo, Roses with the logo, hearts and knives with a banner for your slogan to be inserted. These are just a few of the most popular designs.
Where to Get the Best Harley Tattoo
The hardest part is deciding what design you want and where to get the best quality Harley Davidson tattoos. Check out as many designs as you can on the internet to give you some idea of what you want. But remember the majority are low quality, and thousands of people have access to the same designs everyday, so you will end up with the same design as someone else! I searched a heap of free and paid sites when I got my tattoo. I can show you which are the best tattoo galleries out there specifically for the Harley tattoo.
By: Rem Barrett
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Killer Spa Covers?
Jan 22nd
How dangerous is an overweight foam Spa Cover? Recently a friend was checking the chemicals in his spa. Rather than attempting removing the entire spa cover, he decided to just lift one side enough to get at the water long enough to get a sample. He bent over and supporting the heavy cover with his left arm while attempting to fill a sampling bottle with water from the spa to check the chemical content, and total alkalinity.
As he leaned over further, the weight of the water logged spa cover dislocated his left shoulder and allowed the cover to hit him on the back knocking him into the spa. He was now face down in the spa with his legs pinned to spa by the weight of the spa cover. His shoulder was dislocated and unlike the Mel Gibson character in Lethal Weapon, he was in agony because of a the pain. He tried to move but could not budge the weight of the waterlogged cover.
He began to choke as he swallowed spa water and tried to rise up but could barely get his head out of the water. With what could have been his last breath, he screamed for help. Fortunately he had left the door from the house to the deck open. His daughter and her boy friend heard the commotion and looked out to see his legs sticking out of the spa cover.
His daughter and her boy friend were able to lift the cover off of his legs. His daughters boy friend jumped into the hot tub and pulled him up from the water. They took him to the emergency room where they put his shoulder back in place and treated him for shock.
Women who have experienced both child birth and a dislocated shoulder report dislocating a shoulder as more intense than childbirth. I do not know about that, I suspect that with child birth you can prepare mentally for the pain and with the shoulder it comes at you unexpectedly. But either way I think we can agree the pain is excruciating.
My friend had owned a hot tub for 12 years and had replaced 3 conventional rigid foam core spa covers. While the life on the foam covers had averaged from 2 to 4 years, regardless of manufactures claims, all the covers became waterlogged. He has since bought a Spa Cover that uses air chambers to insulate rather than rigid foam. He is certain that the air filled spa cover will not try to kill him as the other foam cover did.
A lady friend of ours and her husband were in the hot tub with their rigid foam spa lid propped up against the wall. A gust of wind hit the spa cover and it suddenly fell hitting her husband on the head. The blow was hard enough to push them both under the water. Fortunately they were not trapped and they both recovered quickly, or so they thought.
A couple of days later the left side of her husbands face suddenly went DEAD. He had no feeling, sensation or movement. Naturally they both were quite frightened and thought he had suffered a stroke. They did exactly what any of us would do and rushed immediately to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed him with Bells Palsy which can be caused by stress and or trauma like a heavy spa cover hitting him on the head. He later made a full recovery. He was extremely lucky.
Here is something you will never hear from a foam spa cover dealer. Every year people are injured by foam hot tub covers. Most of the injuries have come from a gust of wind blowing the heavy foam cover onto people as they use their spa. Sometimes people attempting to carefully maneuver a saturated foam cover off their spa, have lost their grip and had the hard foam cover slam down breaking the arch of their foot.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission people have even been drowned when they have become trapped under heavy foam covers. Maybe now is a good time to search for a better spa cover. With the World Wide Web, you can literally have the world to shop from. Do you really want to risk injury or death trying to use your spa?
By: Spa Covers
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Spa Covers Gone With The Wind?
Jan 22nd
Where is my spa cover? Ever have to ask yourself this question after a wind storm? I have had people tell me they have found their cover a quarter mile from their home. I do not know how they knew it was their cover. Maybe in some parts of the country people write things on their spa covers to help them recover them after a storm. I suppose you could write, If Found Please Call, on the bottom. Maybe, Hope This Spa Cover Did Not Land On Your Sister.
Personally I think it might be time for a different type of spa cover. I found a posting on a spa cover dealers website claiming that they had several covers that made it through Hurricane Katrina. That is a little like saying there were some calvary survivors after Custers last stand. There is a big difference between having some going undamaged and having no losses.
The question to ask is are they selling anything different? So far I have found stronger straps as their solution. Well you could build a solid roof that attaches to the spa but in case you did not notice solid roofs were flying right off houses. The answer is not stronger tie downs for the wing you use to cover your spa but get rid of the wing.
Find a design that does not offer a rigid surface for the wind to lift on. The reason rigid foam spa covers fly is that they make a good wing. Our armed services fly planes with less aerodynamics than the typical rigid foam spa cover.
What causes a spa cover to fly? When wind comes at the spa, some of it hits the side of the cabinet and has to go around. As the air is pushed around the spa it some of it goes up over. As it breaks over the top of the rigid foam cover it starts a little ripple or swirl action that begins to suck upward on the rigid surface. Like when your riding in a convertible, if you have hair like I used to, it does not blow backward like you expect but forward because of the windshield diverting the air flow. If you had no windshield your hair would be blown straight back. This swirl action pulls the foam cover up off the spa.
It does not need to move it very much, just enough to create enough of a gap for some of the air to get under the cover. The second reason rigid foam spa covers fly is they have a nice air space between them and the water surface they are supposed to be keeping warm. Once air starts to flood into this air space it creates pressure. The air rushing in can not push down on the water so it takes the only thing it can move, the spa cover. Once this action starts it is only a matter of what velocity is required before lift off occurs. The first movement of the flying spa cover is straight up.
The pressure in the space between the water of the spa and the bottom of the cover pops the cover straight up. It takes a lot less force than you might think because it is lifting on the entire bottom area of the rigid foam cover at once. Even a saturated rigid foam spa cover that is too heavy for one person to lift will fly when the air is pushing on the entire bottom surface. Once a heavy spa cover gets airborne watch out because anything it runs into is going to get damaged.
So are these spa cover dealers offing anything different? Are they offering a spa cover that is not designed like a wing? Are they selling a spa cover that does not require straps and truck ratchets to secure it to the spa? I propose looking for a different kind of spa cover.
The internet has put the world at your finger tips. Instead of settling for the same old thing, shop the web for a design that makes sense. Look for a design that does not use a rigid foam board resting across the top of the spa. A better design would rest right on the water surface first because the water is what you intend to keep warm and second because this would remove the void that would build up pressure to pop the cover off. If the flexible and dome shaped rather than flat and rigid it would resist lift and deflect even the strongest winds. If you are tired of worrying about your spa cover every time the wind blows, you owe it to yourself to find a better spa cover.
By: Spa Covers
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Honda Dirt Bikes – Everyone Wants a Honda
Jan 19th
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.
Honda dirt bikes stand for quality and performance… what else could you want for your hard earned cash?
By: Mark Sturge
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Why it is Important to Wear a Helmet When Riding a Motorcycle
Jan 19th
Benefits of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet
Helmets:
• Decrease the likelihood of death
• Decrease the severity of injuries
• Reduce the cost of medical care required
The degree your head is injured is significantly reduced when you are wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident. Helmets are designed to cushion and protect the head from the impact of an accident. A helmet may be the only protection you have if you experience an accident while riding.
DOT Helmet Standards
When purchasing your helmet, make sure that it meets the DOT standards for motorcycle helmets. There should be a DOT label inside the helmet.
DOT-approved helmets have:
• A solid Styrofoam (polystyrene) inside liner which is about an inch thick
• Typically weigh about three pounds
• Strong chinstraps that are firmly riveted to the helmet.
Full-face helmets offer the most protection in a crash. Federal helmet safety standards don’t include spikes or other such protrusions from the helmet.
Your helmet should fit comfortably and snugly, and you should wear it every time you ride. Don’t forget to require your passengers to wear a helmet as well.
The NHTSA in 2006 estimated that helmets decrease the probability of a fatal accident by 37 percent. Helmets also decrease the probability of a nonfatal injury by about 15 percent.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need professional help. The Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys at Best & Anderson have extensive experience in helping motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
Reasons People Don’t Wear Motorcycle Helmets
People say the reasons why they don’t wear motorcycle helmets are that helmets are:
• Expensive
• Hot
• Restrictive
• The cause of messy helmet-head hair
• Freedom of choice
The reality is that each of these reasons can’t bring back someone’s life if it is lost in a motorcycle accident. Donning a helmet doesn’t limit motorcycle drivers’ ability to hear or see what is happening around them.
The bottom line is helmets are the single most important piece of protective equipment you can have when riding a motorcycle!
By: Patricia Woloch
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A Brief History Of Motorcycles
Jan 14th
The history of the motorcycle will forever be linked with the development of early bicycles. The bicycle formed the basis for early motorbikes and helped to shape the history of these motorized machines.
In 1867 Sylvester Howard Roper invented the first machine that some would recognise as a motorbike. Roper, an American, created a machine that had two cylinder steam engine. This early bike was powered by coal.
Some experts insist that having the machine powered in such a way suggests that it can’t really be compared to modern motorcycles.
Many suggest that the first real motorcycle was invented by Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler was, of course, to eventually find rather more fame through his work on cars.
Daimler had been working for some time with Nicolaus August Otto, who was himself an early expert in designing and building engines. Daimler took one of Otto’s engines and attached it to a wooden bicycle frame.
Otto’s four stroke internal combustion engine was a remarkable breakthrough and Daimler’s use of it ensured that in 1885 he produced what many see as having been the first ever motorcycle.
There is often some confusion, with many believing that these machines were invented by the Harley Davidson company.
That company was founded by William Harley, Arthur Davidson and Walter Davidson. Although they did play a key role in the early development of motorcycles, they didn’t start producing the machines until almost twenty years after Daimler had created the first one.
Although Harley Davidsons quickly became known for their speed and performance, the inventors always intended that the bikes should be used for transport purposes.
Today, they remain as one of the great icons of the last century.
It’s amazing to think that the developments of more than 100 years ago led to the production of modern day motorbikes.
By: Keith Barrett
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Motorcycle Beginners
Jan 10th
Ok, let’s face it, motorcycles are cool. They look great, you get to wear sweet clothes when riding, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of riding your bike on the roads or trails. For beginners, you really need to take some time to get used to being on your bike—you need to be comfortable with how it handles, the speed of the bike, balancing on turns, and knowing the rules of the road. Without that knowledge, instead of looking cool, you could look like a fool. Some basic tips.
With respect to the slight variations of different types of motorcycles, the basic methods of starting a bike are quite similar. Turn the key in the ignition. If the bike has a fuel petcock, turn it on. Then make sure that the bike is ready—all necessary switches turned on, expand the choke, and ensure the bike is set in neutral. Let the bike warm up a bit before taking off.
You need to practice shifting gears on a motorcycle. While it will eventually very easy, you need to get a feel for the shifting process, and the coordination necessary to perform the actions. If you have any questions, do some research, or ask an experienced rider before you buy the bike. To shift gears, put some pressure on the clutch, while at the same time reducing pressure on the throttle, and use your foot to engage the gear shifter. Yes, it’s pretty simple, but most people struggle when they first start to ride.
You should also take some time to practice handling your bike, or take a rider safety course. Always respect the rules of the road, and be vigilant to spot potential trouble, whether it’s another driver, debris in the road, or being aware of road conditions. Focus is very important for all motorcycle riders.
Have fun on your bike. Once you get used to it, you’ll be out on the road looking cool.
By: Jim Buchanan
About the Author:
Jim Buchanan is an Internet Marketing Specialist for Mindscape at Hanon-McKendry. His hobbies include reading, writing, going to concerts, sports, and riding motorcycles.
He is a writer for Powers Honda Parts. For more information and for all your motorcycle parts, ATV parts, and accessory needs please visit http://www.powershondaparts.com
Do You Want to Start Your Own Custom Harley Shop?
Jan 6th
Many people dream of owning a business, and turning a hobby into a profession can seem like the ideal way to realize that dream. If you like to build and fix your own Harley Davidson, you could turn your passion for motorcycles into a lucrative opportunity. The subject of starting a business is beyond the scope of this small article, but here are a few tips to get you started.
Dream Big, Start Small
One of the reasons that a custom bike shop is such a good opportunity is that your startup costs don’t have to be large. You can start off working in your own garage on one project at a time. You won’t need to keep a large inventory of Harley bike parts on hand as you can order just what you need.
You can either build a custom bike of your own design then try to sell it, or you can take commissions and build someone else’s dream bike. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Using your own design means you can build according to your strengths and order just the Harley bike parts you need. You aren’t on a deadline so you can spend as much or as little time each day on it. The problem is that once you have the bike done, you have a significant investment in it and you have no idea how long it will be before you find a buyer.
Getting customers first and working on their design can be more lucrative but more difficult. You have a paycheck waiting for you at the end of the project and may collect some of the money up front. However you are now held to someone else’s ideas and timetable.
Transitioning from Hobby to Business
Turning your love of custom Harley bike parts into a profession may seem like a terrific idea, but there are pitfalls. The most important attitude adjustment you will have to make is to understand that this is a business now. One of the leading reasons home businesses fail is that their owners can’t make the adjustment. Many of your motivations will have to change.
This change means that some of the fun of bike building will disappear. Many people who own custom motorcycle shops find that they are less interested in working on their own bikes now that it is their job.
The fact that you can start small means you can test the waters of self-employment and see if you can make the adjustment. You could start with a weekend project without quitting your job, investing in only the Harley bike parts you need as you need them. After a couple of these kinds of projects you can decide if it seems like something you can commit to and if the income is worth the time you invest.
By: Christine Harrell
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