About Motorcycle Loans

Motorcycle loans are similar to car loans, however many banks view them a little differently. Motorcycles are considered by most banks to be recreational only, so they aren't a primary means of transportation. That means if you are going to default on any payment, it will be your motorcycle payment first. This could mean less leniency in terms of credit, however, motorcycle dealerships and manufacturers know this is a road block for their customers and they have ways to get around it.

Function

A motorcycle loan simply gives you the money to purchase a motorcycle without having all of the cash to buy it outright. It works just like a car loan. You make a down payment (in some cases) of perhaps 5 percent or 10 percent. The bank pays the rest of the cost of the motorcycle to the dealership and then you make payments to the bank every month to pay off the money you borrowed, plus interest.

Significance

A motorcycle loan is a way for those who don't have the cash on hand to buy outright, to drive away on a motorcycle from a dealership. Loans provide more people the ability to buy a bike as a second means of transportation, and give dealers and bike manufacturers a larger market in which to sell their machines.

Features

A motorcycle loan includes an interest rate, which is the annual cost of the money you borrow. The loan comes with terms, which specifies the time frame in which it must be repaid. In addition, a motorcycle loan will have GAP insurance, which pays any difference in the principal remaining on the loan and the value of the bike (usually paid by insurance) if it is stolen or totaled. Many motorcycle loans also require insurance for the rider and bike.

Misconceptions

Motorcycle loans are not hard to get. In fact, a motorcycle dealer will work hard to get you one by connecting with the right banks, ones that are willing to finance motorcycles. They also offer dealer financing, which offers competitive rates. Dealer financing was started to allow more people to buy bikes. It's how dealers and bike makers help themselves and the consumer at the same time.

Considerations

When getting a motorcycle loan it is best to consider the rate and terms first and foremost. A higher interest rate means more paid from your pocket each month, and less principal or equity gained. This is especially crucial in motorcycle loans because the bikes lose so much value after you drive them off the lot. If you only pay down a few hundred dollars off your original balance over the course of a year or two, you will owe money when you trade the bike in.

Tags: motorcycle loan, dealers bike, interest rate, means transportation, more people, Motorcycle loans

Hotels On Shelter Island In San Diego California

Shelter Island has several hotels for visitors to San Diego.

Each year, millions of tourists arrive in San Diego to visit its beaches and animal parks, and to enjoy its warm weather. One of the areas where tourists like to stay is Shelter Island. Located inside San Diego Bay, Shelter Island is a tropically themed area with several hotels, all of which offer views of San Diego Bay and downtown San Diego. It also has the luxury of being close to destinations such as Point Loma, Ocean Beach and San Diego International Airport.

Kona Kai Resort

This hotel will make you feel as if you are in Hawaii. It is surrounded by 11 acres of tropical gardens, and features a large swimming pool, a fitness club, beach volleyball courts, jogging paths and 13,000 square feet of meeting space. The views from the 129 rooms are of the bay, the gardens or downtown San Diego, and are complete with island-themed decor, a refrigerator, cable TV, air conditioning, and a private balcony or patio. There is complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel.Stay there during the summer and enjoy the complimentary luaus and outdoor movie nights run by the hotel.

Kona Kai Resort

1551 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

619-221-8000

resortkonakai.com

Best Western Island Palms Hotel

The Best Western Island Palms Hotel is another hotel on Shelter Island with tropical gardens and decor. The tropical motifs are also prevalent in its two swimming pools and hot tubs, its fitness center and the Blue Wave Bar & Grill. The hotel also has direct access to Shelter Island's marina. The rooms at the hotel are divided into three buildings: Casa del Mar, which features Spanish-style architecture; Casa Marina, a blend of Spanish-style architecture and contemporary architecture; and the Island Palms, which has more of a Hawaiian theme. All rooms have a refrigerator, cable TV with HBO, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Suites come with a full kitchen.

Best Western Island Palms Hotel

2051 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

619-222-0561

islandpalms.com

Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites

Located on the corner of Shelter Island and the isthmus that connects it to the main land, Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites is another tropically themed hotel. Facilities at this hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and Humphrey's Restaurant. For those looking to blow off a little steam after a long day of sightseeing, the hotel also has Humphrey's Backstage Live, which offers live music and happy hours. There is even a wedding chapel there. All rooms at this hotel are complete with a refrigerator, safe, coffeemaker, HD TV and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites

2303 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

619-224-3411

halfmooninn.com

Tags: Shelter Island, Island Palms, Best Western, Best Western Island, complimentary wireless, complimentary wireless Internet, Diego 92106

About Laptops That Overheat & Shut Down

A laptop that runs on a cycle of overheating and shutting down can be a nightmare for most computer users. The alarms that go off are terrifying, and the sudden emergency shutdowns often cause hard drive damage and lost data. In turn, it can be very difficult for amateurs to diagnose the problem immediately, as the heat issues make it hard to troubleshoot. If you have an overheating laptop, try not to panic. There are ways to save your data and determine if the problem can be fixed without sending the unit in for repairs.

Significance

A laptop can develop chronic overheating problems for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is actually the simplest--it can happen due to environmental factors. If the ambient temperature in the room is too high, the result can be overheating. Another example of a direct cause of overheating can be exposing the laptop to direct sunlight throughout the day, putting it on a metal surface or blocking the vents with something like a stack of books or papers. Before attempting to diagnose the source of the problem otherwise, do what you can to reduce the laptop's exposure to heat.

Prevention/Solution

Shut down your laptop or at least put it into suspension when it's not in use. This allows the heat built up within its components to dissipate over time. Run the laptop on its battery less, as laptop batteries generate a massive amount of heat. It can also help to turn down the laptop's power consumption settings. Turn down the monitor brightness and shut down any components like DVD players that are not in use. This should help to bring the temperature down.

Identification

If the overheating problems continue after those environmental solutions have been pursued, the issue might be related to a hardware or software malfunction. It is always easier to troubleshoot software issues. Determine if the heating problems began after installing a new piece of software. If so, try uninstalling that program and seeing if it has any effect. Scan for viruses to make sure that malware is not causing the issue. In turn, it may help to reformat your computer and reinstall your operating system to make sure that a software issue is not causing the problem.

Considerations

If you have already eliminated potential environmental and software causes, the only thing left is hardware. Determine if you have installed any new hardware components recently. If so, replace them with the last working hardware configuration and see if the issues have been solved. Consult your hardware manual for detailed instructions--almost every laptop is different. If that still fails to fix the issue, you have a choice: You can send it in for repairs or undertake more advanced troubleshooting steps. If you have spare components lying around that are confirmed to still function, you can go through step-by-step, replacing each one to determine which has gone bad. Unfortunately, it may be that your motherboard itself is no longer working, but you can troubleshoot that as well.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to deal with overheating problems is to never develop them in the first place. Often such heating problems exacerbate themselves, as the heat damages components, which further causes them to overheat faster, leading to cascading failure. If you detect a mild heat issue, investigate it quickly before it leads to more hardware failures to prevent the damages from becoming too extensive. If you're concerned about paying too much for conventional technical support or are not comfortable with working with computer hardware, consider hiring an independent consultant to look at the problem.

Tags: overheating problems, have been, heating problems, make sure, make sure that, Prevention Solution, sure that

Find Cheap Baby Clothes

Babies need clothes. They need lots of clothes. However, babies also grow out of clothing rather quickly. Because of this, many parents are looking to save money when purchasing baby clothes. If you want to find cheap or discounted baby clothes, here's how you do it.

Instructions

1. Shop the sales. Many stores have sale racks where you can find baby clothes at deep discounts. Clothes can be found on sale year round, but some of the deepest discounts are found right before back to school time and also after the winter holiday season. Sales on baby clothes can be found at baby clothing stores, discount stores, department stores and online.

2. Visit discount stores such as Target and Wal-Mart to find inexpensive baby clothes that even without a sale. Find their markdown racks and look for even better bargains at these stores

3. Go to consignment or thrift stores and look for used baby clothes on sale at cheap prices. You can find gently used baby clothes or even brand new, never worn clothing. Visit these stores frequently because their inventory changes very quickly.

4. Scour your local area for garage or yard sales. Lots of parents sell baby clothing that their children have outgrown. You'll find great bargains at garage and yard sales. Look for garage or yard sale listings in your local paper or simply drive around your local neighborhood on a Saturday morning to see what is out there.

5. Shop online for cheap baby clothes. eBay and Craigslist are good websites to find cheap baby clothes. You can purchase clothing in lots, often at bigger discounts, or by the individual piece.

6. Borrow, share or buy baby clothing from other parents. If you have friends or family members that have children who have outgrown their baby clothes, you may be able to borrow those clothing items for your own baby. You may also be able to buy those clothes for low, low prices. Just ask around to see if anyone is interested.

7. Search online for Mothers of Twins or Mothers of Multiples organizations such as Nomotc.org. Learn when local chapters have their citywide baby and children's clothing, toy and furniture sales twice a year. If your city has this event, put it on your calendar because you'll find great deals on baby clothes and more. The sales are so huge, they're held in convention centers for mothers of twins to sell their baby's clothes.

Tags: baby clothes, baby clothes, baby clothing, garage yard, your local, cheap baby

Remove A Band From A Bulova Watch

The Bulova Watch Company has been producing popular luxury timepieces since 1911. Many Bulova wrist watch models feature a user-replaceable band, known as E-Z Band, that allows wearers to swap out their watch bands in less than a minute. E-Z Bands are found on watches from Bulova's Accutron, Wittnauer, Harley Davidson and Caravelle collections; they are also installed on various Bulova chronographs. Removing an E-Z Band from a Bulova watch requires no special tools or previous experience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a soft optical or watch-cleaning cloth on a flat, stable surface such as a table or countertop. Lay your Bulova watch face-down in the center of the protective cloth.

2. Note the placement of the sliding switches on the backs of the links that connect the band to the watch case.

3. Use the same process to remove the band from both sides of the Bulova watch case. Slide the switch toward the left watch lug as far as it will go while simultaneously lifting the right edge of the band up and away from the right lug; the band will come free.

Tags: Bulova watch, from Bulova, watch case

Troubleshoot The Sound Of A 883 Sportster

Harley Davidson's motorcycles have always focused on hard-wearing simplicity, tradition and style over technology and extreme tuning.

Harley-Davidson's Sportster is a trusted design, having served riders well with its simple, functional configuration since the late 1950s. Harleys have always been very visceral machines. Other bikes may be quieter, more nimble and less affected by vibration, but the sound, feel and even the smell of a Harley is something to be appreciated, not rectified. A Harley with faulty aspiration will be less fuel efficient, it will pollute more and it could lead to the damage of some of the engine components. Worst of all, the Sportster will be robbed of its iconic growl.

Instructions

1. Start the engine and go for a 15 to 20 minute ride. Make a mental note of when the foreign sounds are most prominent. During start up? At high RPM? In low gears? While cooling down? Noises at all of these stages are symptomatic of different faults. Most noises during cool-down can be ignored, as these are usually just the natural sounds of the hot metal contracting as it cools.

2. Run the engine with the bike standing stationary. Put your ear two to three inches from the exhaust pipe and follow it along its length, listening for a whistling or puffing sound. If you think you can hear one, place your hand close to, but not on, the exhaust. Try to feel a slight blowing or disturbance in the air. Exhaust "blowing" is due to a hole somewhere along the exhaust pipe. Depending on its size and location, it may be able to be resealed with exhaust paste. Failing that, the whole section of pipe will need to be replaced.

3. Listen to the upper part of the engine, by the cylinder heads. An irregular clicking from this location could be loose cams, which will need to be replaced. Alternatively, it could be valve lifter noise; this is perfectly normal. Listen closely to each valve area on the engine. Do they all sound the same, or is one louder than the others? If they sound equal and even, this is a normal operational sound. Loose cams, or lifters will be erratic and irregular in speed and volume.

4. Try moving the bike to an open space where there are fewer objects for sound to reverberate from. In an enclosed space such as a garage or driveway, high frequency sounds can create what are referred to by physicists as "early reflections." These are like miniature echoes, which, when overlaid on the original sound, can make high-frequency noises sound louder or more prominent. You may find that when listening to your bike in a different environment, the sound mysteriously disappears.

Tags: exhaust pipe, have always, need replaced, they sound, will need

Setup Hd 5850 Crossfire

ATI's CrossFire gaming system uses the combined power of multiple graphics processing units, or GPUs, to increase performance. You can install an ATI Radeon HD 5850 base graphics card along with a compatible ATI Radeon graphics card, and link the two together for play. This physical link, combined with up-to-date software drivers, increases performance across the board, including improved resolution capabilities and increased frame rates. This will lead to smooth game play with the settings details of your computer's software set to maximum.

Instructions

1. Remove the cover to your PC's case by loosening the screws that secure the cover to the body of the case with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the cover forward so that you can access the internal parts.

2. Install the two HD 5850 graphics cards into the first two open PCI-e graphics card slots. These are the longer expansion slots at the back of your motherboard adjacent to the back of the case. Clear the slots for installation by removing the screws that hold the two case slot covers for the two expansion slots into the back of the case, then pull the slot covers free. Slide the graphics cards into the open slots until the levers at the back of the slots click upward against the backs of the cards.

3. Plug a six-pin power cord from your power supply into the back of each card. Attach the CrossFire bridge chip onto the small slots at the top of the graphics cards to physically connect the two cards.

4. Replace the PC cover, securing it to the case with screws. Attach a video cable to the video outlet at the back of the first HD 5850 card installed. Attach the other end of the cable to your system monitor.

5. Turn on the PC and the monitor. Wait for the system to load the Windows operating system.

6. Log onto the AMD site and download the drivers for the ATI Radeon HS 5850. Save the driver installation file to your hard drive and run the file by double-clicking on the file name. Follow the driver setup information to install the drivers for your system. Restart the computer after the drivers are installed to enable the use of the cards in CrossFire mode.

Tags: graphics card, graphics cards, back case, cards into, case with

Harley Recommended Oil Weights

Harley-Davidson motorcycles use a high viscosity oil.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines are air-cooled, which sets them apart from many water-cooled engines. Air-cooled engines run warm and therefore require a higher viscosity (thicker) motor oil. Harley-Davidson has made nine different types of engines, starting in 1929. Each Harley-Davidson model may have a different oil recommendation, and other variables exist: "Refer to your Harley-Davidson owner's manual for the proper SAE grade recommendation based on the climate and temperature range you ride in," according to the Harley-Davidson official website. Harley-Davidson recommends the use of its own Harley-Davidson H-D 360 motorcycle oil, made of 75 percent premium mineral oil and 25 percent performance additives.

All Temperatures

Harley-Davidson recommends SAE 20W50 viscosity grade oil for "all temperature conditions," according to the Harley-Davidson website. The SAE 20W50 oil covers the biggest range of operating temperatures and is ideally used in ambient temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degree Fahrenheit.

Low Temperatures

Low temperatures, those of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less, call for Harley-Davidson SAE 10W40 H-D Motorcycle Oil. Harley-Davidson classifies this oil viscosity as "appropriate for low temperature climates." The SAE 10W40 H-D Motorcycle Oil is formulated to guard against low-temperature problems such as erratic idle and lack of power.

High Temperatures

Harley-Davidson recommends SAE 60 H-D Motorcycle Oil for ambient temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. SAE 60 H-D Motorcycle Oil is formulated to prevent engine overheating in high temperatures. Since Harley-Davidson engines already run warm, it is important to guard against overheating by using the proper oil in high-temperature conditions.

Tags: Harley-Davidson recommends, 10W40 Motorcycle, according Harley-Davidson, ambient temperatures, degrees Fahrenheit, guard against

About Doityourself Wallpaper

Wallpapering

Do-it-yourself wall paper has secured its place in history as one of the most widely used wall coverings. It provides patterns and scenarios that are rivaled by no other decorative practice. Although there are professional wallpaper applicators, the norm has been, from long ago, to do it yourself. Do-it-yourself wallpapering is not difficult once you get the basics down, and, with a little practice, you can do a single room in as little as 1 day. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Wallpaper comes in two types: as a pre-pasted covering in which the glue is already dried or without paste. For the second type, you must brush on the paste.

Tools

Select the tools necessary for do-it-yourself wallpaper. You will need a water tub the width of the wallpaper so you can dip the pre-pasted wallpaper into water. (This won't be necessary for wallpaper that is not pre-pasted.) You will need a sharp razor knife, a straight edge for holding and pressing edges, a seam roller for flattening seams between the paper, a squeegee for rubbing out air bubbles, a work surface large enough for laying out the wallpaper, a tape measure and a pair of scissors.

Application

Applying the wall paper can be done in several steps. You will need to clean the wall, measure the paper and cut the length, remembering to leave 1 inch for trimming. Run the paper through water or apply the paste to the backside, fold the paper end to end and allow to set for 5 minutes. Apply the paper to the wall, work out any bubbles with the squeegee and trim the ends to fit neatly.

Tags: will need, wall paper

Operate A Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector

Use the 150 to search for metal on the beach.

The primary purpose of the Garrett Ace 150 metal detector is to locate metallic objects (such as jewelry or coins) in impossible situations (such as the woods or in the sand at the beach). Upon receiving your device, you may have questions about the detector's basic operations. Follow a few steps to operate your detector effectively and efficiently. You can properly power your device, set the sensitivity of the detector disc, and choose your detection mode.

Instructions

1. Turn the 150 on by pushing the "Power" button (located on the display interface in the lower right corner). Turn the 150 off by pushing the "Power" button again. Allow five seconds to pass before turning the detector back on.

2. Push the "Sensitivity" button (located on the display interface to the left of the "Power" button). Push the button continuously to cycle through the four sensitivity levels shown on the display. Set a higher level to locate objects that are either very small or very deeply buried. Set a lower sensitivity level in environmental situations including other multiple metallic pieces (such as trash, other metal detectors, or high mineral soils) or if you need to be more specific.

3. Push the "Mode" button (located in the far lower left corner of the metal detector display interface). Press the button repeatedly to cycle through the different modes, until you reach the mode most suitable to your situation. Press "All-Metal Mode" to detect all types of metal or if you're looking for an item whose material is unknown. Press "Jewelry Mode" to find bracelets, rings, watches, and necklaces. "Jewelry Mode" ignores trash like nails and bottle caps. Press "Coins Mode" to locate multiple types of coins, but ignore trash such as pull tabs, iron, and bottle caps.

4. Hold the 150 with one arm by putting the underside of your arm against the "Arm Cuff" (the "U"-shaped end piece located at the head of the detector). Hold the handle grip with your hand (located just below the display interface). Lower the search coil (the round disc at the foot of the detector) to hover just above the ground. Move the detector across the ground gently to scan for metallic items. When your detector finds an object, it beeps. The beeps become faster the closer you are to the object.

5. Insert your 1/4-inch headphones plug into the headphones jack located on the back of the detector display interface to keep your detections private.

Tags: display interface, button located, Power button, bottle caps, button located display

Calibrate An Optoma Hd70 Projector

Calibrate an Optoma HD-70 Projector

In order to receive optimal quality out of an Optoma HD-70 projector, it is important to calibrate it to the proper settings. A projector is used in either business or home theater settings to project an image from a smaller device so that it can be seen by a larger audience more clearly. Calibrating the projector ensures that the best picture quality is achieved and the highest-quality colors are being displayed when the machine is in use.

Instructions

1. Turn on the Optoma HD-70 projector and allow the machine to fully load. Grab the remote control that came with the projector and press the "Menu" button to bring up the menu.

2. Select the "Image" tab from the options available on the screen. The following calibration tabs will be on screen: contrast, brightness, color, tint and sharpness.

3. Move the adjustable bars on screen back and forth to adjust each bar according to your personal preferences. If desired, set the tabs to optimal settings for the best calibration by selecting the following settings: Contrast 7; Brightness -1; Color 4; Tint 0; Sharpness 6.

Tags: Optoma HD-70, Calibrate Optoma, Optoma HD-70 projector

Change A Harley'S Transmission Oil

Don't over tighten the drain plug.

While most motorcyclists are well-versed in the proper method to replace their machine's motor oil, Harley-Davidson riders must also replace a separate fluid that lubricates their motorcycle's transmission. This can cause some confusion for newer owners of Milwaukee's finest motorcycles, since most manufacturers consolidate their motor and transmission into one single unit. Luckily, changing the transmission fluid is a simple task that doesn't require special knowledge.

Instructions

1. Unscrew the filler cap from the right side of the transmission. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission and place an oil pan directly beneath it.

2. Unscrew the drain plug using a socket wrench and allow the transmission fluid to drain completely.

3. Remove the O-ring from the drain plug and wipe away any debris or buildup with a shop towel. Slip a new O-ring onto the drain plug. Insert the drain plug into the transmission and tighten it with a socket wrench. Wipe away any remaining fluid from the bottom of the transmission with a shop towel.

4. Insert a funnel into the filler neck on the right side of the transmission. Add up to one quart of fresh transmission fluid. Remove the funnel and wipe away any transmission fluid that may have spilled with a shop towel. Screw the filler cap onto the filler neck.

Tags: drain plug, transmission fluid, shop towel, with shop, with shop towel, bottom transmission

Rebuild A Carburetor

Whether you are working on a vintage vehicle, a motorcycle or a lawn mower, you can save money by rebuilding the carburetor yourself. Of course, there are lots of variables, depending on what make or type of engine you're working on. Here are some general steps.

Instructions

1. Purchase a carburetor rebuild kit from the dealer. These kits will usually have all the parts you'll need to rebuild a carburetor, including all of the rubber parts and gaskets.

2. Prepare your place to work on rebuilding your carburetor. This type of work produces a lot of fumes. You'll want to make sure you have a place with proper ventilation. A safety/vapor mask will help prevent inhalation of fumes. Safety glasses will keep dirt, grease and debris from flying in your eyes as you clean carburetor parts with a brush. Your work area needs to be clean and needs good lighting. You'll be working with lots of screws and tiny pieces.

3. Look carefully at the diagram that comes with your carburetor kit. The kits will differ depending on what kind of carburetor you are rebuilding. Vehicle carburetors are more complex than a lawn mower, of course. Get familiar with the parts your kit contains. Your diagram will be helpful when putting it all back together.

4. Start by disconnecting the accelerator pump. Remove the cover. The choke linkages along with the choke itself will need to be removed. Be especially careful to note how the choke linkages fit together. If you write down on paper telling yourself exactly where each part goes as you proceed, it will make it much easier when you put it all back together. Each hose and screw will need to be replaced, so take note where each one connects. Again, different carburetor kits will vary in the exact numbers of parts that they have.

5. Use your brush and can of carburetor spray cleaner to clean each part. Some people use a wire brush, but stiff wire can damage delicate parts if you rub too hard. Toothbrushes work well for this type of cleaning.

6. Finish by using your kit diagram and the notes you took while taking the carburetor apart to put it all back together. Make sure you tighten each screw carefully. Don't tighten too much or you will strip the threads. Check each part off your list as you rebuild your carburetor. Retracing your steps using the list you wrote will prevent you from forgetting a connection.

Tags: back together, each part, kits will, your carburetor, carburetor kits, carburetor kits will, choke linkages

Install Check Valves In An Air Suspension

Air suspensions are gaining popularity every day. Installing a set of airbags or air cylinders can be simple enough to be installed at home, but it's important to do it right. One of the safest add-ons that you can make to an air suspension is adding check valves. A check valve allows air to only flow one way in an air system. Why is that important? Because if for some reason you lost pressure in a line, the entire air system would not evacuate, allowing you to either pull over to the side of the road, or get a jack under the truck to fix the problem. Installing check valves isn't complicated; it just takes some time.

There are two different types of check valves that can be installed in an air suspension, the only difference is how they mount. One style has male pipe thread on both ends, and the other has female pipe thread on both ends. Depending on how your air system is plumbed, one of these may be better than the other; it just depends on your specific setup. We'll start with a completed valve assembly and, for this example, will be using the male pipe thread style check valves.

Instructions

1. Start by removing one of your valve assemblies from the vehicle and setting it onto a work bench. Make sure you know which valve in the assembly is the lift valve and which is the lowering valve.

2. A typical valve assembly has a valve, then a t-fitting with an airline mounted at the bottom of the t, then the dump valve. Between the valve bodies and the T are male pipe thread straight fittings. Place the lift valve in the bench vise.

3. The check valve needs to be installed after the lift valve and before the t-fitting that feeds to the airbag or air cylinder. Why? Because if we lose pressure in the tank or into the airline that feeds into the valve assembly, we want to keep pressure in that airbag or air cylinder. Using the wrench, remove the straight fitting that goes between the t-fitting and the lift valve. You may have to move the assembly around in the bench vise to get better access.

4. Prepare the check valve for installation by putting a few drops of Loctite 545 on both ends of the check valve threads. You could use Teflon tape, but sometimes Teflon can foul valve bodies. The Loctite also gives a very good seal.

5. The check valves have a direction that they flow, which is marked on the fitting itself. Make sure the airflow direction is going towards the t-fitting; otherwise, the check valve will stop the air from moving further than the lift valve. Thread the check valve into the valve body. You want to make sure its very tight, so it keeps a tight seal.

6. Thread the t-fitting into the check valve, also making sure that it is very tight.

7. Reinstall the assembly in the vehicle and move on to the next assembly.

Tags: check valve, lift valve, pipe thread, valve assembly, both ends, check valves

Set A Fork Oil Level On A Harley Davidson Flhx

The forks on all these motorcycles connect the handlebars, front wheel and frame.

The correct procedure for setting the fork oil level on any FLH, including the FLHX, is arcane. You put the right amount of oil in and then, using a special tool that looks like a bicycle pump, you take just a little bit out. Worse, the tool is sold only by Harley-Davidson. When a clever service writer really wants to snooker you he will tell you something to the effect of your right fork taking 11.2 ounces of oil but your left only taking 11.1. The numbers he gives you are the product of the arcane official Harley procedure, not any mechanical difference between your forks.

Instructions

1. Measure 11.2 fluid ounces, which is 300 milliliters, of Harley Davidson fork oil or the equivalent into a measuring cup. Pour the fork oil into the top of a dry FLH fork from which you have removed both the fork cap bolt and the fork tube plug but not the fork spring.

2. Push the fork tube into the slider several times to remove trapped air from the fork tube.

3. Loosen the metal set ring on the front fork oil level gauge by loosening the thumbscrew. Measure 125 millimeters from the end of the oil level gauge tube with a metric ruler.

4. Adjust the metal ring on the front fork oil level gauge so that the bottom of the ring is exactly 125 millimeters from the end of the gauge tube. Tighten the thumbscrew.

5. Push the fork oil level gauge handle all the way into the gauge. Set the metal ring on top of the fork and insert the gauge tube into the fork.

6. Pull the fork oil level gauge all the way up to suck out any excess oil in the fork tube. Expel the excess oil into a drain pan and repeat the process for the other fork tube.

Tags: fork tube, level gauge, fork level gauge, fork level, gauge tube, metal ring

Get Los Angeles Fta Satellite Receiver Channels

Position the FTA satellite dish accurately.

No particular device specifically receives Los Angeles free-to-air (FTA) satellite receiver channels. Those channels are received along with any other that are picked up by an FTA satellite receiver connected to a satellite dish that points to an FTA satellite. The nature of free-to-air channels, as opposed to OTA (over-the-air) channels, is that the latter are broadcast via radio waves, while the FTA channels are transmitted via satellites pointed to FTA digital receivers. The position of FTA satellites is facing due south toward Texas.

Instructions

1. Position an existing satellite dish in the direction of FTA satellites. Generally, this means pointing the dish due south. Adjust the azimuth and elevation setting on the satellite dish to fine-tune the positioning for maximum signal strength reception.

2. Obtain and install an FTA receiver, in all probability in place of an existing pay satellite TV service DVR.

3. Connect all the cables from the previous satellite dish to the FTA receiver's inputs.

4. Connect all the cables from the television to the FTA receiver's outputs.

5. Turn on the FTA receiver and the television, tune to the correct TV input that the FTA receiver is connected through, and view a station to verify that the FTA receiver is working properly.

6. Point the satellite dish. Generally, position the dish due south for FTA satellites. Ideally, use a compass to match the coordinates to individual FTA program sources. It is also beneficial to attach a motorized base to the satellite stand section to provide remote control movement of the dish for tuning purposes.

Tags: satellite dish, cables from, Connect cables, Connect cables from, dish south, existing satellite

Be A Biker

Being a biker involves more than just owning a motorcycle. Bikers typically have a look, attitude and foster a way of life that makes them stand. While that doesn't mean they're unfriendly or stuck up, it does mean that if you really want to be a biker, you need to know a few things about the culture. A few simple steps can help you be a biker.

Instructions

1. Buy a motorcycle. There tends to be a division between the people who ride sport bikes (otherwise known as "crotch rockets") and those who ride other motorcycles (Harley Davidsons and Victories for example). By deciding what type of bike you want, you will also determine what type of biker you will be and what events to attend.

2. Dress the part. Leather is synonymous with bikers, and it's not just about the look. Bikers often wear leather gloves, vests and chaps because it helps cut down on wind damage to the body and clothing, as well as extra protection in the case of a crash or fall from the motorcycle.

3. Go to a rally. Motorcycle rallies can be a wild, exotic, good time. Whether you ride a Harley or a sport bike, there's a rally for you. Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, SC, as well as the infamous Harley Davidson rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, are prime places to look at bikes, hang out with bikers and party until the sun comes up.

4. Join a club. Groups of bikers take shape constantly all over the world. There are motorcycle clubs devoted to women bikers, doctors who ride and even military bikers. By joining a motorcycle club you will always have someone with whom to ride or talk about bikes. Despite the former stigma attached to motorcycle clubs, they often do charity work and are made up of caring, down-to-earth people.

5. Attend a charity ride. Motorcycle clubs, local communities and charity organizations often hold charity rides to raise money for a particular organization like Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics or individuals who need assistance in the community. By entering a charity ride, your fees go directly to a person or group in need.

Tags: charity ride, motorcycle clubs, what type, with bikers

Buell Engine Specs

Buell Engine Specs

Buell Motorcycle Co. started producing motorcycles in 1983 when Erik Buell left Harley Davidson to build his own motorcycles. In 1993, Harley Davidson bought 49 percent of the company and became the minority owner. Finally, in 2003, Harley Davidson took over 100 percent of the company and kept Erik Buell employed as chief technical officer. While the Buell line is no longer being produced, there is still limited stock available at some dealerships in the U.S.

Helicon 1125

The Helicon 1125 cc V-Twin engine is used in two models of Buell Motorcycles, the 1125R and the 1125CR. The cylinder bore is 4.055 inches and the stroke is 2.658 inches, creating a total displacement of 68.7 cubic inches (1,126 cc). The Helicon produces 82 foot-lbs. of torque at 8,000 rpm and 146 horsepower at 9,800 rpm. This engine also allows the motorcycle to get 39 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.

Thunderstorm 1203

The Thunderstorm 1203 cc V-twin engine is used in six models of Buell motorcycles: Firebolt XB12R, Ulysses XB12X, Ulysses XB12XT, Lightning XB12Ss, Lightning XB12Scg and XB12XP. The cylinder bore is 3.5 inches and the stroke is 3.812 inches, producing a total displacement of 73.4 cubic inches (1,203 cc). This engine produces 103 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 84 foot-lbs. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The Thunderstorm engine received fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

Thunderstorm 984

The Thunderstorm 984 cc V-twin engine is only used in one model in the Buell lineup, the Lightning XB9SX. This engine has a bore or 3.5 inches and a stroke of 3.125 inches; this created an overall displacement of 60 cubic inches (983 cc). The 984 cc engine produces 92 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 70 foot-lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm. This engine pushed the Lightning XB9SX to fuel economy ratings of 50 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

XR1000

In 1987 and 1988, Buell made use of the Harley Davidson XR1000 engine for the Buell RR1000. The XR1000 has a bore of 81 mm and a stroke of 96.8 mm, creating a total displacement of 998 cc. The engine produces 70 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 48 foot-lbs. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The fuel economy rating was 46 mpg.

Tags: foot-lbs torque, Harley Davidson, This engine, bore inches, bore inches stroke, city highway

Decorating Ideas For A Boy'S Harley Davidson Bedroom

Harley-Davidson's colors are distinctive.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles went into production in 1903 in a small wooden shed. More than a century later, it is one of the most recognizable names in the motorcycle world. An extensive line of merchandise, ranging from wallets to belt buckles and leathers, advertises the Harley name, but you needn't spring for the real goods to decorate a boy's bedroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Harley-Davidson's logo is black, white and orange, so plan to integrate these colors wherever it makes sense. If you're concerned your boy will outgrow his love of Harleys, paint the walls white, use black furniture and create highlights with orange curtains or a bedspread. Add a border around the top of the walls with Harley-themed wallpaper borders, or a representation of the flames that signify speed. If the room has a chair rail, paint the wall under it black, the wall over it white and the rail itself orange.

Art

Paint, wallpaper and home decor stores sell Harley-Davidson murals that feature a bike or the logo. Hang a mural and paint the lower part of the other walls to represent a racetrack or the open road. Frame a pair of riding gloves in a shadow box, and hit the thrift stores in search of a used leather jacket that you can frame or hang casually on a wall hook. If the boy has a collection of Harley miniatures or other memorabilia, build cubbyholes or floating shelves for display. Hang photos of motorcycles cut from magazines with white mats in black frames.

Special Touches

Create a mobile from toy motorcycles by hanging them on different lengths of fishing line and attaching the line to a crochet hoop. Look for a bedside lamp made from a motorcycle helmet. Paint the Harley logo on the outside of the boy's bedroom door so there's no mistake which room is his. Buy a simple black-and-white wall clock, take off the front and paint the hands Harley orange. Replace the top of a stool with a motorcycle saddle and position it as a desk chair.

Floor

Install dark wood flooring and paint a racing stripe down the center of the floor, or lay carpet with a black-and-white pattern. Use orange, white and black scatter or area rugs. Create a garage look with interlocking garage floor tiles in Harley colors, or use a garage floor mat as a bedside rug. Continue the garage look by using a motorcycle floor jack as the base for a beside table, and hang a section of pegboard for tools.

Tags: garage floor, garage look, white black

Highperformance Products For A 1991 Honda Goldwing

Torque and horsepower can be improved with a performance exhaust.

The Honda GoldWing 1500 from 1991 has a number of aftermarket options to boost performance. Some options boost the horsepower and torque of the bike and others improve handling and control. Proper bike maintenance is also important for the performance of the GoldWing and should be performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Performance Exhaust

Allowing the exhaust emissions to flow more easily from the engine increases performance by reducing the back pressure on the pistons. This means less power is wasted on pushing exhaust gases. Exhaust systems have the advantage of raising engine power without sacrificing fuel economy. Torqmaster Pipes makes a series of performance exhausts for the GoldWing, including the Torq Loopz.

Rotors

Adding extra power to the bike usually requires an upgrade to the brakes and rotors for safety and control. Extra-light, drilled rotors reduce vibrations and help remove dust, water and grime from the brake pads. This helps the bike stop more reliably. EBC makes a series of rotors called X and XC for a variety of motorcycles including the GoldWing. According to EBC, their rotors are lighter and offer higher friction than conventional rotors.

Tires

The tires are the bike's connection to the road. Boosting horsepower and performance is important as long as the motorcycle can be safely ridden. In addition to checking tire pressure, keeping tires clean, and regularly checking tires for damage, performance tires can help make a difference in the ride. There are a variety of performance tires available for the GoldWing from Honda, Conti Motion, Avon Cobra Radial, and Shinko.

Tags: makes series, options boost, performance tires

Install An Air Deflector On A Harley

Having a motorcycle is about feeling the wind in your hair and the overall experience of driving. If you own a Harley-Davidson Sportster, then you have added comfort to the experience. Problem is, it can still get hot while riding, and that's not going to get fixed with a quick air conditioning install, so one solution is to install air deflectors. These redirect the air upward, so that it cools the rider off. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2008 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, but the process is similar for other models.

Instructions

1. Locate the eight hole plugs located on the sides of the front fairings. There are 4 holes on each side, with small plastic covers. Remove each of these and place them to the side.

2. Line up one of the adjustable air deflectors to the fairing, making sure to line up the holes in the air deflector with the holes in the fairings. If it doesn't fit flush, then you need to switch pieces, as these will fit tight against the fairing.

3. Screw the adjustable air deflector into the fairing, using a Phillips-head screwdriver and the screws provided with the air deflectors. Repeat this process for the other side.

Tags:

Relocate The Rear Turn Signals On A Harley

Most Harley-Davidson motorcycles are equipped with a pair of turn signals mounted on the rear fender's frame rails. Although they serve their purpose well in this location, it may be necessary to move the turn signals to install a set of saddlebags or for aesthetic reasons. In fact, special license plate brackets are offered by Harley-Davidson and other manufacturer's for this purpose. Relocating the rear turn signals using any of these products, or a bracket that you have crafted yourself, is a fairly pain-free task that can be completed in less than an hour.

Instructions

1. Remove the motorcycle's seat, using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the seat bolt on the rear fender. Lift the seat up and away from the motorcycle to access the battery. If you are working on a Sportster or Dyna model, lift the cover off of the battery box. Unscrew the bolt from the the battery's negative terminal, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the negative wire away from the battery.

2. Remove the screws from the tail lamp's lens, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the lens and the bulb off of the lamp housing to access the rear turn signal's wiring connectors, positioned at the upper corners of the housing. Pull the turn signals' connectors off of the prongs on the lamps' housing.

3. Reach under the rear fender and pull the turn signals' wiring and connectors out of the tail lamp housing. Unscrew the nuts from the turn signal's mounting studs on the bottom of the rear fender, using a socket wrench. Pull the turn signals and their wiring off of the rear fender's frame rails.

4. Unscrew the stock license plate bracket's bolts, using a socket wrench.

5. Slide the rear turn signal's wiring through the new license plate bracket's mounting holes. Loosely tighten the turn signal's nuts against the bracket, using a socket wrench.

6. Push the turn signal's wiring through the holes on the rear fender's stock license plate mounting points. Rotate the turn signals until they are level, then tighten their mounting nuts with a socket wrench. Bolt the license plate bracket into place on the rear fender, using a socket wrench.

7. Push the turn signal's wiring through the rear fender and into the tail lamp housing. Plug the connectors into the appropriate prongs. Screw the tail lamp bulb and lens into place with a Phillips screwdriver.

8. Reattach the negative cable to the battery's negative terminal, using a Phillips screwdriver. Lower the battery box's lid, if any. Reinstall the seat and tighten the seat's screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

Tags: rear fender, turn signals, Phillips screwdriver, turn signal, license plate, socket wrench

Make Your Own Laptop Wallpaper

Laptop needing wallpaper

To make your own laptop wallpaper, you need to check your screen resolution, create the wallpaper with an image-editing program and apply it. Though the general procedure applies to all laptops, image programs and operating systems, this specific example uses Adobe Photoshop under the Windows XP operating system.

Instructions

Checking Resolution

1. Click the "Start" button and double-click "Control Panel" to display the "Control Panel" window.

2. Double-click "Display" to show the "Display Properties" box.

3. Click the "Settings" tab. On the lower left is the screen resolution, which in this case is 1024 by 768 pixels. You will enter these values into the "New" dialog box of Adobe Photoshop when creating the wallpaper.

Creating the Wallpaper

4. Open your image-editing program. This example uses Adobe Photoshop.

5. Choose "New" from the "File" menu to display the "New" dialog box. Enter the screen resolution you determined earlier in the "Width" and "Height" dropdowns and choose "Pixels." Use a "Resolution" of 72. In this example, the width is 1024 and the height is 768.

6. Click the "OK" button to display the document window.

7. Draw or import a picture into this window. You may need to re-size the picture to fit exactly into the window. In this example, a galaxy picture measuring 1920 by1744 pixels is rescaled by 60 percent.

8. Save the image at the lowest resolution possible while still maintaining good quality. This example uses the "Save for Web" option of the "File" menu. The image is saved under the name "GalaxyWallpaper.JPG" with a quality of 13. The final wallpaper file measures 16 KB.

Applying the Wallpaper

9. Click the "Start" button and double-click "Control Panel" to display the "Control Panel" window.

10. Double-click "Display" to show the "Display Properties" box.

11. Click the "Desktop" tab and then the "Browse" button to display the "Browse" dialog box.

12. Navigate to the file you want to use as a wallpaper. Double-click the file to make it appear on the small screen of the "Desktop" tab.

13. Click the "OK" button to close the dialog box and apply your picture to the laptop screen.

Tags: Control Panel, Adobe Photoshop, example uses, screen resolution, button display, button double-click, button double-click Control

Compare A Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy & A Deluxe

Comparing the Harley Davidson Fat Boy and Deluxe Softails is about the small details. They share major features, such as the engine, but the Deluxe offers old-school fenders, while the Fat Boy is reminiscent of the choppers from the 1960s and 1970s. To compare the two bikes more thoroughly, stop by a dealer and test ride both of them, and while you're there look at the subtle styling differences to see which suits you the best.

Instructions

1. Look at the subtle differences in the bikes' dimensions and overall sizes. The Fat Boy's ground clearance is 5.1 inches, while the Deluxe is only 4.8 inches. The seat heights are also slightly different with the Fat Boy's laden and unladen heights being 25.4 and 27.5 inches, respectively; the Deluxe's laden and unladen seat heights are 24.5 and 25.9 inches, respectively.

2. Compare the features of the chassis, front and back wheels. The Deluxe's wheels are both chrome, laced steel, while the Fat Boy's wheels are both silver, disc-cast aluminum. The chassis on the Deluxe offers a chrome, dual-muffler straight over/under shotgun exhaust and the lean angle is 26.7-degrees/25.8-degrees. The Fat Boy's exhaust is an over/under, chrome, dual-muffler shotgun and its lean angle is 27-degrees/26.2-degrees.

3. Compare the price. The price is one of the most important factors when purchasing a new bike, and the Deluxe's 2011 model runs higher at $16,799 to $17,664 due to the extra features. The Fat Boy's 2011 model ranges from $15,999 to $16,374.

Tags: 2011 model, chrome dual-muffler, Deluxe offers, Harley Davidson, inches respectively

Replace A Harley Davidson Alternator

Harley Davidson alternators produce three-phase alternating-current (AC) electricity. This electricity is rectified to direct current (D/C) power at the voltage regulator, supplying the motorcycle's battery and D/C system components. Replacing the alternator can be accomplished with basic mechanic's tools.

Instructions

Replacing the Alternator

1. Remove the drain plug located under the clutch area of the primary chaincase and drain the chaincase lubricant into a catch pan. Remove all mounting bolts from the primary cover and slide the cover from its locating studs. Loosen the primary chain tensioner and inspect it for wear (this is a logical time to replace the tensioner shoe, since you are in the case).

2. Lock the primary chain where it enters the bottom of the clutch drum. Remove the engine sprocket nut and slide the compensator/sprocket assembly from the engine sprocket shaft. Slide the reluctor bowl off the engine sprocket shaft. Push the stator plug through the hole into the inner primary case. Remove the stator mounting bolts and slide the stator from its support boss. Remove the stator from the case.

3. Slide the new stator onto the support boss and orient it so that the stator wires are closest to the stator plug hole in the case. Install and torque the new stator bolts to factory specification (refer to manufacturer's torque sheet). Do not re-use the old bolts. The bolts come pre-treated with Loctite and are designed for one-time use. Insert the stator plug into the plug hole and snap it into place.

4. Slide the reluctor bowl onto the sprocket shaft and bottom it onto the shaft shoulder. Align the splines on the shaft and the compensator/sprocket assembly and slide the assembly into position. Install the engine sprocket nut and torque to factory specification for your model of Harley. Adjust the primary chain tensioner to factory specification.

5. Scrape the old primary gasket from the case. Harley Davidson gaskets are produced with a print-o-seal feature that melts and '"cooks" onto the case surface. Insure that all of the old gasket is removed from the machined surfaces. Use caution when scraping the gasket, as the cast-aluminum cases are easily gouged, leading to poor sealing and leaks. Install the fresh gasket onto the locating studs, followed by the primary chaincase cover. Torque the primary cover to the proper torque and in the recommended pattern according to the specification sheet for your model of Harley. Remove the inspection plate and add new chaincase lubricant. Replace the inspection cover gasket and re-install the inspection plate.

Tags: engine sprocket, factory specification, Harley Davidson, primary chain, sprocket shaft, stator plug

Change Oil In A 1997 Harleydavidson Road King

All motorcycle engines require regular oil changes to stay properly lubricated.

Similar to a car, changing your motorcycle oil periodically provides a flushing out of sediments and old engine grit that the oil captures as it circulates. The 1997 Harley-Davidson Road King is no exception to this rule. The process involves a straightforward series of steps with which every motorcycle owner should be familiar. You can do the job at home in your garage with a few standard household tools and the cleanup is simple.

Instructions

1. Warm the motorcycle up by running it for a bit. Turn it off and park it in an open workspace. Twist the filler cap off the motorcycle oil tank. Position an oil pan or container below the engine oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil tank. Use a funnel to catch the oil draining out and avoid a mess if your motorcycle doesn't come with its own drain hose already attached.

2. Take a crescent wrench and twist the drain plug (a hex bolt that screws into the engine) counterclockwise to release it from the oil tank bottom. When loose, twist it off by hand, so you don't lose the drain plug in the oil pan.

3. Allow the oil to drain out of the tank into the oil pan, which may take a few minutes. Place a new drain plug gasket on the plug and reinsert it back into the tank when empty. Tighten it with a crescent wrench until there is resistance; do not over-tighten the plug. Discard the old oil in an empty milk jug and recycle it at an oil-collection center -- usually a professional auto mechanic shop.

4. Use a socket wrench and crescent wrench to loosen and remove the motorcycle seat. Take the seat off to expose the oil filter cylinder underneath. Remove the securing clip on the cylinder lid and loosen the oil filter with a filter wrench. Pull out the old oil filter when loose. Throw the old filter away. Insert a new oil filter in the same location. Close the cylinder lid and replace the retaining clip. Re-attach the motorcycle seat.

5. Take a new bottle of motorcycle engine oil and open it. Use a funnel to guide the new oil into the oil tank filler opening as you pour it in. Add 4 qts. of oil to fully fill the oil reservoir. Replace the filler cap when finished. Twist it firmly to make sure it stays shut. Wipe up any residue with a shop towel.

Tags: drain plug, crescent wrench, into tank, motorcycle seat, motorcycle seat Take

Get Better Hdtv Reception

HDTV Antennas

Buying an HDTV, or using the DTV converter box with your analog TV, does not ensure that your high definition TV reception will be clear. There are HD boxes available for those who hook up to cable or satellite. This article discusses options to clear up your local channels when the HDTV reception on your analog TV is fuzzy or the signal is weak.

Instructions

1. HDTV Reception - If you do not have cable or satellite you will still only receive local stations. Without good signal in your area your HDTV reception may not be strong. A "No signal or weak signal" message will appear on your HDTV screen. The images are blurry and this message will intermittently interrupt your television program. There are several products you can purchase to amplify your high definition reception.

2. HDTV Tuner - Before you purchase any type of antenna know if your HDTV has a built-in tuner. Many televisions on the market are HDTV-ready which are used with a satellite or cable receiver. These HDTVs are not compatible with over-the-air broadcasts. Look for the RF antenna connector on your TV to determine if it has a built-in tuner. That connector plug is the port for an off-air HD antenna. If you have an HDTV-ready television you must purchase an external HDTV tuner in addition to an HD antenna.

3. High Definition TV Antenna - Your HDTV television is not the problem. HDTV signals are 'line-of-sight' meaning the item receiving the HD signal needs to be in line with the transmitting station. Installing an indoor or outdoor antenna will enhance the reception and quality of the signal. A standard indoor or outdoor television antenna works just fine for receiving over-the-air digital broadcasts. You do not have to pay extra for a "HDTV antenna." Any good television antenna will work. Keep in mind, though, an HDTV antenna is the cheapest component of your HDTV system, but has the greatest impact on the HD signal reception. Ranging from $10.00 up to just under $100 you can get the HDTV indoor antenna or high definition outdoor antenna and/or booster that will provide a strong signal and clear picture for your analog television.

4. HDTV Antenna Information - 1.) An outdoor antenna has a better view of the transmitting station and receives less interference from other electrical appliances in the house. 2.) The outdoor HD antenna should be 4 feet above the structure it is mounted on and the higher you place the antenna, the more direct HD signal it will receive. 3.) If this installation is not possible place your outdoor HD antenna on the side of your house or structure that faces the HDTV signal broadcast tower. 4.) A large antenna will receive more HDTV high definition signals. 5.) These antennas are not difficult to install but you should be mindful to the details. Understand what type of material the structure is made of, the type of roof materials, and if mounting flexibility is necessary in order to receive the best picture on all the channels.

5. Choose The Best HDTV Antenna - AntennaWeb.org, provided by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), is an antenna mapping program. Based on geographical maps and signal strengths in your area this free online program will assist you in deciding on the correct antenna that you should use to maximize your high definition reception for your HD or analog TV.

6. Antenna Pre-Amplifiers - A pre-amplifier (booster) is mounted onto an antenna to eliminate the "snow" on the TV screen. The objective for this installation is to deliver enough high definition signal to the TV set to override snow. Another obstacle for a clear high definition reception is the signal loss due to long cable runs from the antenna to the HDTV. A pre-amp would be used to compensate for both of these HD transmission problems. An amplified antenna can improve a TV set's tuner performance, especially if the antenna is used indoors.

Tags: high definition, outdoor antenna, definition reception, high definition reception, your analog, antenna will

Measure For Saddlebags

Motorcycle saddlebags are either leather or a hard plastic material.

Motorcycle saddlebags allow storage space on a bike for jackets, gloves and helmets. Saddlebags are either leather or a hard plastic that is waterproof and includes locks to protect items from theft. Each motorcycle accepts different sizes of either type depending on the seat length and the height from the exhaust pipes. Taking accurate measurements in length and height enables choosing saddlebags that fit your motorcycle without obstructions.

Instructions

1. Park the motorcycle, turn it off, and let it cool.

2. Place the tip of a measuring tape on the rear of the seat directly in front of the turn and brake signals. Measure to the front portion of the passenger's seating area and add 4 inches for the passenger's knee length. This is the maximum horizontal length of a saddlebag that will fit the bike. Write down the horizontal length

3. Measure the distance from the bottom of the seat on the frame to the top of the exhaust pipe's highest point. Subtract 1 inch from this measurement to obtain the maximum vertical height of a saddlebag for the motorcycle. Write down the vertical height.

Tags: either leather, either leather hard, hard plastic, horizontal length, leather hard

Install Directv Hd

DirecTV offers its customers access to television signals broadcast from a group of satellites in low earth orbit. To receive these signals, you must have a DirectTV dish and receiver. Many television programs and movies are now broadcast in high-definition (HD), and many televisions can use these signals to produce very high quality audio and video. DirecTV offers HD service through its satellite network. Installing a DirecTV HD system is a complex job that can still be done without help with some time and tools. However, If you are at all unsure about your ability to complete the task, hire a professional to do it.

Instructions

Getting the Antenna Coordinates

1. Connect your receiver to your television using the included cables. You can connect it with coaxial or composite (red/white/yellow) cables.

2. Turn on the receiver and the TV. Choose the input on the TV that corresponds to the jacks the receiver is connected to.

3. Select your antenna type on the main screen using your remote control.

4. Enter your ZIP code at the antenna-pointing screen that pops up. Write down the figures for azimuth, tilt, and elevation that appear on the screen. These are how you need to orient your dish.

Choose an Antenna Site

5. Find a spot that has an unobstructed view of the southern sky. DirecTV satellites orbit above the equator in the south. The spot must also be no more than 100 feet of cable away from your receiver.

6. Compensate for your east-west location. If you are on or near the West Coast, the satellites are to the south-southeast. From the East Coast, they are to the south-southwest. From the plains, they are straight south.

7. Ensure that your site is safely accessible. Antennas can be mounted on roofs, walls, chimneys, or the ground. Choose the one that minimizes the amount of work you need to do on a ladder.

8. Buy mounting hardware for your chosen site. Since each possible site has different requirements, dishes do not ship with this hardware.

Installing the Dish

9. Install and level the antenna mast. The base must be securely attached to your chosen surface with four bolts. Drill holes in the surface, insert the bolts, then ensure the mast is sitting level (using its built-in bubble level) before tightening it down with a wrench.

10. Assemble the antenna on the ground. Using the included screws and instruction manual, connect the dish, tilt assembly and receiver arm. In the tilt assembly, set the elevation nuts to match the numbers you wrote down from your receiver for tilt, azimuth, and elevation. Nuts on the tilt gauge may be tightened down, as it will not need fine tuning, while the other two may.

11. Attach the antenna to the mast. Slide it onto the top of the mast until it sits on the pivot bolt, then tighten the mast clamps with a wrench until it can only move from side to side (allowing further adjustment).

12. Mount a cable grounding block (that came with the kit) near the cable's point of entry to the house using screws.

13. Drill through the house walls if necessary to provide a path for the cable.

14. Snake the coaxial cable from the "Sat In" jack on the receiver through the walls to the grounding block and then up the antenna mast to the antenna.

15. Ground the antenna by connecting a bare copper wire to the ground screw on the antenna at one end and a cold-water pipe (not gas or oil) running into the outside of your home.

16. Attach the antenna receiver assembly using the screws provided. Connect the coaxial cable that you brought up by running it through the antenna's arm. Use cable wraps or clamps to keep the cable tight to the antenna and walls.

Aiming and Fine Tuning

17.Turn on the receiver and select the on-screen signal strength meter.

18. Have a friend yell instructions to you as you adjust the antenna to register maximum strength on the meter. (This is optional, but strongly recommended.)

19. Go out to the antenna, loosen the bolts on the tilt assembly as needed, and adjust it in small increments until you find maximum signal strength. Tighten the bolts and your installation is complete. You will now receive HD signals.

Tags: antenna mast, tilt assembly, your receiver, Attach antenna, coaxial cable

2008 Cross Bones Specs

The 2008 Crossbone is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that retailed new for $16,800. Like the majority of Harleys, it is a chopper-style bike with the handlebars in front of the driver. It is designed for cruising on highways and other open roads -- it is not as maneuverable as smaller bikes and scooters.

Engine

The 1.6-liter engine has two cylinders arranged in a V pattern. It uses a four-stroke ignition cycle and it is air-cooled.

It has four valves, two on each cylinder, which are arranged in a horizontal pattern. It starts electrically and takes premium fuel.

Engine Performance

The engine compresses fuel at a 9.2:1 ratio. This translates into the ability to create up to 88 foot-pounds of torque. It gets 34 miles to the gallon in the city and 54 on the highway, which makes it substantially more efficient than the vast majority of cars.

It has six speeds and a manual transmission.

Exterior Specs

The 2008 Crossbone weighs 700 pounds and is 90 inches long. Aesthetically, the LA Times reviewer found it very pleasing, with its straight-shot exhaust and Dutch trim. It does not come with a windshield, which the same reviewer found frustrating, particularly on the open road.

Transmission

As with most motorcycles, the transmission is manual. It has six speeds and uses a belt transmission, meaning the engine is connected to the wheels through a flexible belt. This is as opposed to the chain transmission that some other motorcycles use, and it requires substantially less maintenance as it has fewer moving parts.

Tags: 2008 Crossbone, reviewer found

Do An Aerial

An aerial is essentially a cartwheel without hands. It is a flip that requires a lot of power, speed and agility. The mechanics of the trick are fairly simple but it does take a great deal of practice and muscle. Once you have mastered the aerial you can move on to more advanced aerials like a front aerial or brandy aerial. These guidelines will inspire the inner gymnast in you.

Instructions

Prep

1. Stretch your arms and legs. Do arm circles and toe touches to get your blood flowing and to loosen your muscles. Do a regular cartwheel. If you put your left hand down first then it's a left cartwheel, but if you put your right hand down first then it's a right cartwheel. This is important so you know which set of directions to follow.

2. Find a large area clear of furniture or other items. It is best if you have mats to practice on but any soft surface will do. Start at the far end of the area.

3. Have someone watch you to warn you if you get too close to anything or even to spot you over. However, if someone spots you make sure they know what they are doing. Someone who is untrained can end up getting in your way and causing you to do the trick incorrectly and even injure yourself.

Left Side Aerial

4. Run two steps starting with your left foot, so left then right. Then lift your left leg up and hurdle pushing off the ground with your right foot. Lift your arms upward and circle them backward in a large swooping motion. Allow your left foot to touch the ground. Kick your right leg over as your arms circle. Let your left leg follow as your body rotates. Your right foot should touch the ground. Lift your torso up as your left foot touches down. Bring your arms up above your head.

5. As you are learning you will likely need to touch the floor. Just gently touch the floor with one hand or your fingertips to get your body over. As you practice you will need your hands less and less until one day you don't need them at all.

6. After you circle your arms, grab hold of your shirt, shorts or other clothing item. This will prevent you from touching the ground and force you to kick harder and whip your legs over faster.

Right Side Aerial

7. Run two steps starting with your right foot, so right then left. Then lift your right leg up and hurdle pushing off the ground with your left foot. Lift your arms upward and circle them backward in a large swooping motion. Allow your right foot to touch the ground. Kick your left leg over as your arms circle. Let your right leg follow as your body rotates. Your left foot should touch the ground. Lift your torso up as your right foot touches down. Bring your arms up above your head.

8. As you are learning you will likely need to touch the floor. Just gently touch the floor with one hand or your fingertips to get your body over. As you practice you will need your hands less and less until one day you don't need them at all.

9. After you circle your arms grab hold of your shirt, shorts or other clothing item. This will prevent you from touching the ground and force you to kick harder and whip your legs over faster.

Tags: your arms, your left, your right, left foot, right foot, circle your, touch floor

2007 Mustang Gt Specs

The 2007 has the same signature Mustang tail lights as this 2006 GT.

The 2007 Ford Mustang GT was offered as either a coupe or convertible and had seating for up to four persons. The 2007 and other model years remained true to the car's 1960s oraigin, with long hoods and short rear decks.

Size

The 2007 Mustang GT measures 188 inches long by 73.9 wide by 55.4 high, with a wheelbase of 107.1-inches. Curb weight is 3,575 pounds.

Engine and Transmission

The GT came with a 4.6-liter V8, with 300-horsepower and 320 foot pounds of torque. The rear-wheel drive 2007 GT came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Equipped with a 16-gallon fuel tank, the GT's mileage came in at 25 and 17 miles per gallon, highway and city, respectively. Cruising range within the city is 272 miles, highway is 400.

Trims and Packages

There were special trims available for the Mustang GT in 2007, including a California Special and appearance packages, which could be ordered separately or combined. The California Special, available on GT Premium models, included side scoops, special tape stripes, "Cal Special" leather-trimmed seats and 18-inch wheels. The appearance package came with a hood scoop and rolled exhaust tips.

Tags: came with, 2007 Mustang, California Special

Replace The Front Injector On A 2001 Harley Davidson 1450

Dealers carry service manuals with instructions for replacing a fuel injector.

Harley-Davidson's 2001 Road King and Electra Glide motorcycles feature twin-cylinder 1,449 cc engines with electronic fuel injection. Typically, poor throttle response, along with reduced engine performance, indicates one of the fuel injectors is faulty. Fuel injectors for the front and rear cylinders are located on the fuel induction module between the cylinders. Replacing the front injector is relatively easy. The most time-consuming part of the job is removing certain external components to access the injector. Those with limited knowledge of these motorcycles should enlist the assistance of a qualified Harley-Davidson technician.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove the chrome air cleaner cover at the right side of the engine. Remove the horn at the left side of the engine and disconnect the wire at the back of the horn.

2. Loosen and remove the mounting bolts at the underside of the rider's seat. Lift the seat off and set it aside. Save the bolts.

3. Turn off the fuel supply at the underside of the gas tank. Loosen and remove the bolt where the front of the tank mounts at the steering head. Save the bolt.

4. Lift the rear of the tank enough to disconnect the vapor valve line that connects at the right side. Detach the front and rear check-valve body assemblies from the underside of the tank.

5. Lift the gas tank enough to disconnect the gauge wires and ignition wires that run from the instrument console on top of the tank to the plug-in connectors near the steering head. Lift off the gas tank and set it aside.

Fuel Injector

6. Identify the pair of fuel injectors at the top of the fuel induction module. Detach the sensor wire at the plug-in connector on the front injector. Remove the retainer screw and clip from the face of the front injector. Save the screw and the clip. Pull the injector out of the port on the induction module.

7. Apply lightweight oil into the O-ring recesses on the new injector. Fit the larger O-ring into the recess at the upper end of the injector. Fit the dual O-ring into the adjacent recesses. Fit the smaller O-ring into the recess near the tip of the injector.

8. Apply a small amount of lightweight oil into the injector port on the induction module. Slide the injector into the port, making sure the plug-in connector at the outer end is facing toward the outside of the module. Attach the saved clip and retainer screw to the outer end of the injector. Attach the sensor wire to the plug-in connector on the injector.

9. Position the gas tank above the injection module. Reattach the plug-in wire connectors near the steering head. Reconnect the front and rear check-valve body assemblies at the underside of the gas tank. Reconnect the vapor valve line at the right side of the tank.

Secure the gas tank to the mount at the steering head with the saved bolt.

10. Reattach the rider's seat and tighten the mounting bolts. Connect the wire to the back of the horn and mount the horn. Reattach the air cleaner cover.

Tags: induction module, steering head, front injector, front rear, O-ring into, plug-in connector, right side

Refinish Aluminum Wheels

Refinishing aluminum wheels is a long, tedious task. Aluminum wheels can be damaged in a number of ways--curb checking is the most common way. Curb checking happens when vehicles park too close to street curbs and end up rubbing against them. Another common cause of damage to aluminum is salt or road debris. In northern states, salt is used to de-ice roads, but can cause damage to aluminum rims in the form of pitting or corrosion to the exterior finish. In lieu of buying new wheels, you can refinish your aluminum wheels using the following suggestions.

Instructions

1. Clean the wheel with Brasso wheel polish. Brasso is an all-purpose wheel cleaner and polish. Squeeze a small amount of Brasso onto the surface of the wheels and scrub the surface of the wheels with a clean buffing rag. This will remove any dirt and debris so that you do not create scratches during the cleaning process.

2. Sand the entire wheel with 200-grit sandpaper. This coarse-grit sandpaper will remove any deep scratches or pits in the aluminum. In the process, the sandpaper will also rough up the wheels and create small scratches. This is fine, since you need to remove all of the old finish and major damage to the wheels.

3. Sand the wheels with 500-grit sandpaper. This will remove any remaining burrs and pits.

4. Scrub and file the wheels with steel wool. The steel wool will smooth out all of the scratches created by the sandpaper and bring the wheels back to a smooth finish. You may want to add a small amount of Brasso to the wheels at this time and work it into the aluminum with the steel wool.

5. Apply a liberal amount of Brasso and polish the wheels with a scotch-brite pad. Using the scotch-brite pads will help to further refine the finish and smooth out any areas not covered by the steep wool.

6. Clean off the wheels with a water hose.

7. Apply a liberal amount of Brasso to the wheels. Make sure you cover the surface of the wheels completely. Let the wheels sit for two to three days while the surface of the wheels oxidizes. This will help to cure the aluminum.

8. Apply another coat of Brasso to the wheels and buff the wheels with a clean buffing rag.

9. Apply a liberal amount of wheel polish to the surface of the wheels with the supplied applicator pad. Allow the wheels to dry completely and then buff them with another clean buffing rag.

10. Cover the tire and valve stem with newspaper and secure it to the tire with masking tape.

11. Spray three coats of clear coat on the wheels, allowing the clear coat to dry between sprays. The dry time for the clear coat will depend on the clear coat you are using and the climate you are working in (humid vs. dry).

Tags: wheels with, surface wheels, amount Brasso, clear coat, Apply liberal

Remove The Float In A Harley Gas Tank

Harley Davidson incorporates a fuel gauge with the instrument cluster on the tank dash of many Big-Twin and Touring models. The gauge receives input from a sending unit mounted in the top center of the fuel tank. A mechanical float/arm assembly indicates fuel level to the sending unit, which is then relayed to the fuel gauge as an electrical signal. The gauge interprets the signal and displays the status of the fuel level in the tank. The sending unit/float assembly is easily accessed and removed from the tank.

Instructions

Removing the Float

1. Remove the seat from the frame. Cover the fuel tank with a thick layer of clean shop rags to prevent paint damage if a tool or part is dropped. Remove the dash hold-down bolt from the rear of the dash that was exposed by the seat's removal. Remove the dash hold-down bolt from the center of the dash and lift the dash from its resting place. Place the dash on a clean shop rag near the handlebars, clear of the sending unit.

2. Unplug the sending unit wires. Remove the screws holding down the sending unit. Remove the grounding wire from the sending unit.

3. Carefully lift the sending unit/float assembly from the fuel tank hole. Cradle the float with a clean shop rag and prevent gas from dripping onto the bike at any point. Remove the assembly completely from the vehicle; do not lay the assembly on the tank. Remove the sending unit gasket from the tank.

Tags: sending unit, clean shop, float assembly, fuel tank, bolt from

Use The Iphone To Control Your Tv

Use the iPhone to Control Your TV

There are several application (apps) available in the App Store that allow you to control your television using your iPhone, which acts as a remote control. Depending on the type of television you own, the price of the app can range from free to $149.99. As with any high-priced application, be sure to look over the application's support site to determine if your television is compatible with the app before purchasing.

Instructions

1. Download Apple Remote. This application is designed to control your Apple TV, which stores videos, music and other media files onto the device. The application is free to use and only requires a Wi-Fi connection to work properly.

2. Download Bobby Universal Remote. The Bobby Universal Remote can control your TV as well as DVD players, audio systems, and DVR players. The application includes a TV guide that displays a thorough list of upcoming shows that can be added to your "Favorites" list. The remote control's buttons can be arranged anywhere on the screen or removed and replaced with different function keys. In order to use this application you must purchase the Global Cache GC-100 Network Adapter, which uses your Wi-Fi signal to connect the iPhone app to your electronic devices.

3. Download iMasterControl Pro. This application acts as a universal remote for all of your electronic equipment, and organizes your television channels by network in order to better organize your searches. Whereas the "Pro" version runs for $149.99, the Lite version costs $10.99 and is a stripped-down application that limits customization of the remote. In order to successfully connect this application to your electronic devices you must have an infrared base station, also known as a controller.

Tags: your electronic, your television, Bobby Universal, Bobby Universal Remote, electronic devices, This application, this application

Transfer Videos From A Sony Handycam To A Windows 7 Computer

Transfer Videos From a Sony Handycam to a Windows 7 Computer

Importing the video files from your Sony Handycam into Windows 7 allows you to save, edit, share and create DVDs from your home movies. Both Sony and Microsoft provide tools you can use to import the video and edit it on your computer. Sony offers the Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software with the Handycams and Microsoft uses Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM) to import and edit videos.

Instructions

Sony Picture Motion Browser

1. Connect your Sony Handycam to your Windows 7 computer with either USB or FireWire cable. Power on your camcorder. If your computer does not automatically install the drivers for your camcorde,r you may need to download them. The PMB software should open automatically. If it does not, click "Start" and then "Sony Picture Motion Browser" to launch it.

2. Click "Import Files" in the PMB software. You may need to select the media type for your Handycam if the message "USB select" appears.

3. Select the import options you wish (importing all the files, the files that have yet to be imported or manually selecting the files to import) and then click "OK." Specify the folder to which you wish to import the files and then click "Import." Once complete, the files will be available to view in the PMB window.

Windows Live Movie Maker

4. Connect your Handycam to your computer using either a USB or FireWire connection. Power on your camcorder. Windows should automatically detect and install the drivers for your Sony Handycam, but if it doesn't you can find the drivers at the Windows Compatibility Center.

5. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Windows Live" and then "Windows Live Movie Maker." When the program opens, click the "Movie Maker" button and select "Import from Device." Click "OK" to accept importation into "Windows Live Photo Gallery."

6. Click on the icon for your Sony Handycam in the next window and then click "Import." Click "Import Entire Video" if you wish to specify the folder, then click "More Options" and change the folder settings before clicking "OK."

7. Click "OK," "Next" and then click "Finish" to complete the importation of your videos to WLMM.

Tags: Sony Handycam, then click, Windows Live, Movie Maker, your Sony, your Sony Handycam, Live Movie