Replacing standard bicycle brake pads is a fairly easy task requiring few tools and only marginal mechanical know-how. The most difficult part of brake pad replacement--knowledge of which style of brake pad is installed on the bicycle in question--is solved with a quick trip to the local bike shop.
Instructions
Removing Bicycle Brake Pads
1. Loosen the nut on the brake pad fixing bolt assembly by turning clockwise.
2. Remove the fixing nut with your fingers. Pay careful attention to the way the brake pad fixing assembly is installed before removing the pad completely.
3. Repeat the first three steps as needed until all brake pads needing replacement are removed.
Replacing Bicycle Brake Pads
4. Turn the appropriate wrench counterclockwise to remove the fixing nut from the pad assembly and disassemble the pad.
5. Install the brake pad assembly loosely on the brake arm.
6. Finger-tighten the fixing nut to steady the pad by turning the nut clockwise.
7. Align the pad in the center of the braking surface of the rim as close to parallel with the surface as possible, and ensure the pad does not contact the tire either when in the rest position or when the brake is compressed against the rim.
8. Turn the appropriate wrench clockwise to tighten the fixing nut completely.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 5 as needed until all desired brake pads are installed.
Adjusting the Brake
10. Readjust one or both brake assemblies if needed by loosening--turning the wrench counterclockwise--the brake cable fixing bolt on the brake assembly.
11. Allow the cable to slacken until brake pad placement from the rim is normal.
12. Tighten the brake cable fixing bolt by turning the bolt clockwise.
Always check for a dead or weak battery before performing any other charging system checks.
A motorcycle charging system is made up by three main components, the alternator, voltage regulator and the battery. The alternator consists of two main components: the rotor which is mounted on the crankshaft, and the stator, which is fastened to the crankcase. The voltage regulator is a series regulator with shunt control. The circuit combines the functions of rectifying and regulating. The voltage regulator is not repairable; it must be replaced if it fails.
Instructions
Removal
1. Unplug the regulator from the alternator lead; this is beneath the regulator.
2. Cut the six cable straps and bend back the two metal tabs securing the regulator wire to the frame member.
3. Remove the battery, battery tray and the seat. Disconnect the regulator wire lead from the main circuit breaker. Remove the remove regulator mounting hardware and the regulator.
Installation
4. Position the regulator at the frame down tubes. Install the mounting hardware.
5. Route the wire lead along the inside of the bottom frame member; connect it to the main circuit breaker.
6. Secure the wire to the frame with six cable straps (or zip ties) and two metal frame tabs.
Some Harley owners like to fix their own bikes, thereby saving both money and riding time. A Harley Davidson can experience electrical problems at any time, but there can be a wait for a service appointment at some repair shops. The most common cause of electrical problems on a Harley Davidson is the battery or the voltage regulator. Troubleshooting can be performed in any garage, and it saves on expensive service bills.
Instructions
Test the Battery
1. Check the voltage of the battery while it is disconnected from the bike using the multimeter. The volts should be no less than 12 volts.
2. Connect the battery to the bike. Reconnect the multimeter to the battery.
3. Turn the ignition to the "on" position. Do not turn the engine over. The volts will drop slightly, but not below 10 volts.
4. Turn the ignition and start the bike. The volts should not drop below 9.6 volts when the starter engages.
5. Turn the throttle to rev the engine. As the engine is revved, the volts should go up to 13 or 14 volts.
Test the Regulator
6. Identify the wires. The battery charge lead runs form the voltage regulator to the positive side of the battery. The AC output lead wire leads from the voltage regulator to the stator.
7. Check the ground wire first to ensure that it is properly attached and in good condition. The ground wire leads from the regulator and is bolted to the frame.
8. Secure or replace as necessary.
Test the Diode Function of the Voltage Regulator
9. Change the setting on the multimeter to Diode. If any of the following tests fail, the voltage regulator needs to be repaired or replaced.
10. Clamp the multimeter positive lead on the AC output wire and the negative lead on the battery charge wire. The multimeter should read .5 volts.
11. Reverse the leads by clamping the negative lead on the AC output and the positive lead on the battery charge wire. The meter should read infinite.
12. Place the positive lead on the ground wire or on the regulator and the negative lead on the AC output. The meter should read .5 volts.
13. Reverse the leads as in the step before and test again. The meter should now read infinite.
Tags: Harley Davidson, should read, battery charge, ground wire, lead output
Motorcycle dealerships involve high startup costs.
Motorcycles are the preferred mode of transportation for many young adults. In order to get a motorcycle dealer franchise, you will need to initially decide whether you want to go directly through the company or through a franchise list broker. You will also need to possess motivation and good communication skills to succeed in the business.
Instructions
1. Research the motorcycle-manufacturing companies and compare with the demand trends in your locality. Analyze your competitors and check out if there are any obvious missing products or services they could be offering. Try to come up with an improved strategy, which will serve as your core competency. A motorcycle dealership could offer complimentary driving lessons for new bike owners, for example, and capitalize on first-time buyers.
2. Make a list of possible manufacturers and contact each of them or the franchise list broker. Compare your possible profit margins, regulations, and agreements that you need to meet. Choose a manufacturer based on potential profit, quality of the brand, franchising costs, and your personal preferences.
3. Contact the chosen manufacturer or broker and request the franchise information. Review it carefully and become familiar with the terms and conditions. Check if you will be able to meet all requirements.
4. Set up a suitable location to open your dealer franchise. It must be an area that your supplier will find good enough to open the franchise. In most of the cases, franchisers will conduct their own market study for the location and confirm the best location for you.
5. Create a business plan that includes your mission and vision statements, startup and operating expenses, projected revenues, funding alternatives, and ways to make profits and attract more customers. Assess your funding requirements and alternatives. This type of business requires large capital investments, and you will need to approach a bank with a proper business plan in hand to obtain a loan. A Harley-Davidson dealership, for example, requires a $2 million net worth and $1 million in liquid assets to obtain the dealership franchise. If necessary, you can also purchase an existing dealership to lower your start-up expenses. However, you should be mindful of the financial standing of the dealership, and only purchase if it has realistic potential to make a profit.
6. Obtain all necessary licenses and permits to start a business in your locality, by checking with your local government licensing offices. You may need legal permits from your municipality to open a motorcycle dealership.
7. Complete the franchise application paperwork with the company. Negotiate the terms. Submit your application and wait for the results from the company. Consult a lawyer before sending in the application to prevent any misunderstandings with the franchiser or to pick out discrepancies in the contract.
Tags: business plan, franchise list, franchise list broker, list broker, motorcycle dealership
The most frustrating part of a computer crash is recovering lost data or restoring Windows without formatting the hard drive. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a computer technician to fix the virus or bug, one CD can solve the problem and help back up information on the computer. This free CD is known as Hiren's Boot.
Set Up
Hiren's Boot is not available in stores. It must be downloaded from the Internet through secure websites. Visit the official website to download the CD. Beware of other websites that offer the download. The disk is downloaded as an ISO file. The ISO files can be burned using software programs such as Nero. Burn the disk to a DVD instead of a CD by using a program such as IMGBurn.
Booting
Once the disk is burned, place it on a DVD or CD drive on the computer and restart the computer. After the computer displays its default first screen, the disk will scan and load the Hiren's Boot menu. The menu gives users three options. The options are to start the computer normally, load Mini Windows XP or load the disk. Choose the disk-loading option to work within the disk parameters and run in DOS. DOS is a simplified process that uses only text. The CD provides shortcuts to each utility.
Mini Windows XP
To clear a virus and use a large collection of Hiren's Boot tools, choose the Mini Windows XP option. A simple version of Windows XP will load on the computer. It might take a few minutes to load everything because it processes files directly from the CD. Once it has loaded, wait for the Hiren's Boot disk menu to pop up. Select the "Menu" option and scroll through the programs. The disk features Windows password hackers, registry cleaners and a large collection of antivirus software.
Anti-virus
A main portion of the disk features anti-virus software. Spybot Search and Destroy scans a computer for the most likely spyware and removes it. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware finds root kit viruses and Trojans that could affect computers and spread through networks. Super Antispyware is an all-in-one scanner that detects and eliminates all types of viruses. Run one scan at a time. Do multiple scans because one program might find a virus that another program misses.
Tags: Hiren Boot, Mini Windows, disk features, hard drive, large collection
A Softail Harley is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a hidden rear suspension. It looks like it has a rigid or hard-tail frame but has shock absorbers in the rear, according to Harley-Davidson. The first Softail was introduced in the 1980s.
1980s
The FXST 1340 Softail Custom was the first Softail, combining a hard-tail look with a comfortable ride. The bike was introduced in 1984 and had an air-cooled, 1,337 cc, 64 horsepower engine with a four-speed transmission. In 1987, Harley produced a Softail Custom with a five-speed transmission, according to Topspeed.com.
2000s
In the 2000s, Harley began using fuel injection in engines. The 2007 Softail Custom had an electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI) system with a 1,584 cc, six-speed engine. In 2008, Harley introduced the Softail Cross Bones, which had a retro design, including a chopped front fender and a sprung seat.
Diverse Styles
While all Softail models feature standard ESPFI, six-speed transmission and rear shock absorbers under the powertrain, the line is notable for its diverse styles. For example, the Heritage Softail Classic has a retro look with tall handlebars, the Fat Boy has a broader frame and the Rocker has an edgy, radical design.
After making your moviewith iMovie HD software, you may want to share it with family and friends, or simply just be able to view it on a television screen by way of a DVD player. To make a DVD with iMovie HD is a simple process. Follow the steps below to turn your computer's movie file into a physical DVD for playback on compatible devices.
Instructions
1. Open your movie project in iMovie HD. Then choose "iDVD" from the Share menu. Upon doing this, a pop up will appear. Simply click "Share." If another pop up appears that says your movie has to be rendered before sharing, click Render and Proceed.
2. Click the "Themes" button in iDVD after it opens. Your movie will be in the iDVD window. Select your desired theme for your DVD.
3. Click "Preview" to see how your DVD will look. Once you have confirmed that everything is up to par, click "Burn" and insert the blank DVD into your Mac computer.
4. Eject the DVD once it is completed. You will now be able to watch it on your DVD player.
The 1995 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is a cruiser-style motorcycle engineered for long-distance rides. Changing your Road King's engine oil at regular intervals is an important step to take to ensure that your Road King continues to operate smoothly on long road trips. Since the FLHR is equipped with Harley's "Softail" suspension, it shares the same straightforward oil-change procedure as the many other Harley models with Softail.
Instructions
1. Turn on your Road King's engine and rev it for a few minutes to heat up the engine oil.
2. Turn off the engine and mount the motorcycle onto a center stand.
3. Position the oil drain pan underneath the motorcycle's oil drain hose.
4. Loosen the clamp that appears at the end of the drain hose by using your 1/4-inch socket.
5. Pinch the drain hose and remove the plug at the end of it with your fingers. Point the hose down toward the drain pan and un-pinch the hose to allow the oil to begin to drain.
6. Re-insert the plug once the oil has finished draining and tighten the clamp again using your 1/4 inch-socket.
7. Loosen the oil filler cap at the top of the Road King and place the plastic funnel inside.
8. Slowly begin to pour the fresh oil into the funnel. Replace the oil filler cap when you are complete.
9. Remove your FLHR from your center stand and turn on the bike's engine.
10. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes so that the new oil can circulate.
Tags: Road King, your Road King, drain hose, your Road, center stand
When you hear a rapid ticking sound coming from the engine, there is an issue with the rocker arms. More often than not, the ticking sound occurs because of low engine oil levels. If you check the oil and the ticking sound persists, then chances are you are having an issue with one or more of the rocker arms, and you need to replace the ones that are having an issue. It does not take very ling to replace a rocker arm and you can complete the project in your driveway.
Instructions
1. Open the engine compartment of the automobile and disconnect the negative battery cable. Snap the lid off the air cleaner assembly and remove the air filter. Remove the retaining nuts with a socket and ratchet and lift the assembly from the engine. Label each of the spark plug wires using the marker and masking tape noting the proper location of each.
2. Grasp the spark plug wire by the boot and pull each wire from the spark plug. Do not pull by the wire or you will damage it. Remove the wires from the organizing clips and out of your way. Unhook the throttle cables from the throttle body. Remove the cable bracket from the intake plenum using a wrench and position it out of the way.
3. Remove the bolts from the valve cover using a socket and ratchet. Lift the valve cover away from the cylinder head. Remove the nuts from the affected rocker arms using a socket and ratchet. Remove the ball and rocker arms from the cylinder head. Remove the valve cover gasket and discard it. Clean any remaining material away with the scraper.
4. Install the new rocker arms and torque the nuts to 22 foot pounds with the torque wrench. Install a new valve cover gasket on the cylinder head. Place the valve cover over the new gasket. Install the bolts and tighten them with the socket and ratchet. Install the throttle cable bracket to the intake plenum and tighten it with a wrench.
5. Hook the throttle cables to the throttle body. Plug each spark plug wire onto the proper spark plug according to the labels you made when removing them. Push each wire on by the boot until you feel it snap into place. Connect the spark plug wires to the organizing clips.
6. Place the air cleaner on the engine and secure it by tightening the nuts with a wrench. Place the air filter into the casing and snap the lid into place. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal nut with a wrench.
The Ultra Classic's starting system is operated by a powerful 12-volt motorcycle battery.
Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycles are air-cooled, all-aluminum, 45-degree V-twin bikes with classic looks and styling. Their starting system is operated by a powerful 12-volt motorcycle battery. Although there have been wonderful advances in battery technology of late, these batteries typically have a lifespan of 18 to 24 months. Changing them out on an Ultra Classic is straightforward and should take no longer than 20 to 30 minutes of your time.
Instructions
Remove the Seat
1. Open the tour pack. Unscrew the seat fastener on the rear fender using a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Push the seat as far forward as possible while lifting the rear of the seat off the frame.
3. Pull the seat rearward when the back of the seat has cleared the tour pack. Lift the seat all of the way off the frame.
Replace the Battery
4. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery using a 10-mm open-end wrench. Perform the same task on the positive battery terminal.
5. Loosen the hold-down clamp of the battery using a T-40 TORX drive head.
6. Lift the battery free from the battery box.
7. Position a new 12-volt motorcycle battery in the battery box with the terminals facing forward toward the front of the motorcycle.
8. Insert and tighten the positive battery cable connection using a 10 mm open-end wrench. Perform the same task on the negative cable.
9. Position the battery hold-down clamp over the edge of the battery. Tighten the clamp bolt with a T-40 TORX drive head.
A classic car is certainly a luxury Christmas gift for him.
If he has been extra good all year long, maybe he deserves something special this Christmas. Reward him for all his hard work and attentiveness with something costly, and more importantly, something luxurious. Luxury Christmas gifts for men can be gifts that they always want, but something they will never buy for themselves.
Wheels
Nothing says luxury more than an automobile. If he has been really special, maybe the keys to a top of the line Mercedes or Lexus sedan can find their way into his stocking. If he likes vintage, think about giving him classic Mustang convertible or maybe a Trans Am complete with T-tops. A more adventurous man might enjoy a nice Honda or Triumph cafe racer motorcycle or a more powerful Harley Davidson.
Trips
A romantic trip for the two of you could be a luxury gift for both. A week on the coast of Mexico or on the beach in Maui, Hawaii would be a warm and toasty post-holiday getaway. You could wait until summer and take him on an extended trip to European countries like France and Italy, spending your days sightseeing and your nights in four-star hotels. You could give him a trip by himself or with his buddies, maybe an Australian adventure vacation where they could learn to surf, or a Scottish golfing tour.
Collectibles
If he is into collecting, find him that hard to find item to fill out his collection. Comic book enthusiasts would be overjoyed to acquire an Action Comics #1 with Superman's introduction or the Amazing Spiderman #1. Collectors of baseball cards would love to get their mitts on a Babe Ruth card. If he is an audiophile, purchase him an first pressing of the Beatles' "White Album" or the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street."
Threads
There is nothing like new duds to help him celebrate the season. Giving him a new designer suit made out of the finest materials will help him look good at the office and at special events. You could give him some new Italian leather shoes for special occasions or a leather duster for the cold winter months. He might just prefer some silk boxers and a ridiculously soft terrycloth bathrobe.
Accessories and Jewelry
Accessories are a good luxury choice since he can wear them with whatever whenever he wants. A Rolex wristwatch is both sophisticated and snazzy. A gold or sterling silver money clip will help him organize his cash and cards in style. You could also give him a ring, engraved with a special message and the year of the Christmas that you gave it to him.
The HTC HD2 is a smartphone running on the Windows Mobile Professional 6.5 operating system. The model released in March 2010 for T-Mobile is still available as of August 2011. The HTC HD2 smartphone displays a theme on its home screen. To change the theme, you need to change the wallpaper. You have three options for choosing a new wallpaper: static images preloaded on the phone, pictures you have taken with or transferred to the phone, or animated wallpaper that comes with the phone. You can change your theme using the device's menus.
Instructions
1. Press the "Home" button on the bottom of the HTC HD2 to open the home screen. The "Home" button has a picture of a house on it.
2. Touch "Menu" on the screen and select "Home Wallpaper."
3. Select "Weather Wallpaper;" "Album" and then "All;" or "Animated Wallpaper." Each of these options has various themes you can use on your HTC HD2.
4. Scroll through the various theme options. "Weather Wallpaper" has a variety of weather images, "Album" contains pictures you have stored on the device, and "Animated Wallpaper" contains moving themes.
5. Touch the new theme you want to use on your HD2.
Tags: Animated Wallpaper, Home button, home screen, pictures have, Weather Wallpaper
This chopper has the characteristic rear fat tire and customized body.
Appearing in movies like "Easy Rider" (1969) and "Pulp Fiction" (1994), choppers are significantly customized motorcycles. Choppers are distinguished from motorcycles, as the former has a stripped frame body, giving the vehicle a minimalist appearance. One of the most famous producers of choppers is Harley-Davidson, one of the two motorcycle companies that date back to the first decade of the 20th century.
Early History
According to "The Art of the Motorcycle" exhibit curated at the Guggenheim Museum in 1998, the earliest example of a bobber, the direct predecessor of the chopper, is the "Indian Sport Scout Bob-Job," which dates back to 1940. According to the Custom Choppers Guide, bobbers were stripped of excess parts (like windshields, parts of the frame) to emulate the lightweight European bikes that World War II veterans had been introduced to.
After World War II
In the 1950s, the bobber became popular and is an early example of a customizable motorcycle. The bobber had a clipped rear fender and a removed front fender. Since the rear fender was "bobbed," or cut away, the name "bobber" became common. Unlike many of the choppers available later, bobbers were crafted by their owners, reflecting a passionate interest in the vehicle's aesthetic.
Choppers in the 1960s
Beginning in the early 1960s, the term "chopper" was used to describe a change from the modifications that bobbers featured. Though bobbers kept the original factory frame, choppers had customized frames, with handlebars extended. The longer handlebars are modified with ape hangers, which sometimes extend as much as 20 inches.
"Easy Rider"
In 1969, "Easy Rider," a film starring Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper, was released. "Easy Rider" is as an important achievement in film history for its realism, the artistic control that director Hopper wielded, and counterculture subject matter. This movie also inspired a renewed mainstream interest in chopper motorcycles. Replicas of the "Easy Rider" choppers are exhibited at the German Museum in Berlin and the Alabama Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama.
Late 20th Century History
Since the 1970s, the shared characteristics of most chopper bikes are an air-cooled v-twin engine, a softail frame and fat rear tires. Increasingly, choppers are sold with modifications performed by retailers, rather than by owners. Some of the major producers of choppers are Harley-Davidson, Jesse G. James' West Coast Choppers and Big Bear Choppers. Choppers are often distinguished from "custom bikes" sold by Von Dutch Kustom Cycles and Orange County Choppers, because the latter do not modify the factory frame.
FAT32 is a file formatting system and was introduced by Microsoft with Windows 98. It has since been replaced by the more robust NTFS in Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, FAT32 still serves a valuable purpose. Hard drives formatted in FAT32 can be used on both a Windows computer and a Macintosh, so hard drives can be formatted to work on the two different computer platforms.
Instructions
1. Connect your hard drive. If it is an external hard drive, plug it in. If it is an internal hard drive, follow the directions that came with drive and install it in your computer.
2. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel."
3. Click "System and Security" and select "Administrative Tools."
4. Double-click "Computer Management."
5. Select "Disk Management' in the left side panel under Storage.
6. Note the drive letter associated with the hard drive you wish to format.
7. Click "Start," type "cmd" (without quotes) in the Search field at the bottom of the menu and press "Enter" to open a command prompt.
8. If you are formatting an external drive with a drive letter of "E," type "format e: /FS:FAT32" (without the quotes) and press "Enter." Drive letter "E" can be replaced by any drive letter associated to the drive you are formatting.
Tags: hard drive, drive letter, Click Start, drive letter associated, drives formatted, letter associated, press Enter
It is helpful to know remove the rear tire on your 2005 Harley-Davidson Fatboy motorcycle. The difficult part of the project for the first timer is getting the rear tire off the rim. Also, you may need a helper if the bike is too heavy for you to lift onto a tire-changing stand. Removing the rear tire on your Fatboy requires only a few simple tools, and the job should take you less than half an hour to complete.
Instructions
1. Lift and place the rear end of the Harley Fatboy onto a motorcycle tire-changing stand.
2. Unscrew the big nut that is holding the rear axle in place, using the adjustable wrench. Put the nut aside.
3. Remove the drive chain from the rear sprocket. Once the chain is off, use the hammer to knock the axle out of the axle hole. The axle secures the rear wheel to the frame.
4. Push the rear wheel toward the engine, then pull it off the bike frame. Lay the wheel on the ground.
5. Use the valve core tool to deflate the rear tire. Remove the valve core tool.
6. Insert the pry bar between the rim and the tire. Slightly lift up on the pry bar and place one tire iron on the edge of the rim where the pry bar is. Repeat until you have placed five or six tire irons all around the edge of the rim. There should be about four inches between the tire irons. The tire irons help slip the tire off the rim.
7. Push the side of the tire with the tire irons toward the other side of the rim, rotating the tire while doing so. Stop pushing the tire about midway on the rim, the narrowest part. Remove the tire irons.
8. Flip the rim over to pull the other side of the tire off. Slide the pry bar between the tire and the rim, placing the first tire iron on the rim's edge. Continue until five or six tire irons have been placed around this side of the rim.
9. Pull the tire toward you while turning it. The tire should come off completely from the rim. Remove the tire irons.
Tags: tire irons, between tire, rear tire, core tool, five tire
Change the Oil on a 2005 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
The 2005 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Fat Boy is a full-sized cruiser with a large V-Twin 88-inch engine. V-Twin engines are high-revving, high-compression engines, and oil consumption is one of the most important aspects of keeping your engine healthy. Old oil can destroy a V-Twin engine. If you use conventional motor oil, you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you use synthetic, you should change your oil between 4,000 and 5,000 miles.
Instructions
1. Remove the oil filler dipstick from the oil tank located on the right side of the bike.
2. Place a drain pan or a funnel below the oil line connected to the bottom rear, right side of the oil tank, and remove the lock nut that secures the oil line to the tank using a wrench. Pull the oil line off the tank, and drain all of the oil out of the tank. Secure the oil line back to the tank using the lock nut and the wrench.
3. Remove the oil filter on the front of the engine where the front cylinder bolts onto the crankcase. You can locate it from the left side of the motorcycle. Remove the filter using a filter wrench.
4. Lubricate the seal on the new filter using a small amount of fresh engine oil. Fill the filter with fresh oil, and then thread it back onto the oil pickup tube. Tighten the filter as tight as you can with your hands.
5. Place a funnel into the oil filter spout on the oil tank, and drain 2 quarts of engine oil into the tank.
6. Check the oil levels using the dipstick, and fill accordingly. Place the dipstick back into the oil tank.
Route 66 spans the Texas Panhandle for 178 miles from Oklahoma to New Mexico. Wide-open spaces and small towns will make this road trip memorable for you and your family. Here's buckle up and enjoy the American history you'll encounter along Route 66.
Instructions
1. Begin your trip in Shamrock at the Tower Conoco Station and U Drop Inn Cafe. Built in 1936 with an art deco design, the station and restaurant have been restored to their former glory.
2. Drive by the restored Phillip's 66 Gas Station in McLean on your way to the Devil's Rope/Route 66 Museum. Before you leave town, stop by the McLean-Alanreed Historical Museum across from the Avalon Theater to learn interesting local history.
3. Have a can of spray paint ready to leave your mark at the Bug Ranch in Conway. Five Volkswagen Bugs are buried nose first in the Texas dirt. The cars are periodically repainted to ensure there is always room for another traveler's signature.
4. Stop to eat at the Big Texan in Amarillo, but come hungry. If you can finish a 72-oz. steak with side dishes in an hour, the meal is free.
5. Cruise through Adrian. This small town marks the halfway point on Route 66 from Illinois to California. Have a piece of homemade pie and a cup of coffee at the Midpoint Cafe--that is, unless you're too full from your steak dinner in Amarillo.
6. Stretch your legs in Glenrio, the last stop on Route 66 in Texas. Now a ghost town, Glenrio offers plenty of interesting photo opportunities.
7. Want to swing down the road to an appropriate soundtrack? Pick up the CD, "Ray Charles Live at the Olympia 2000," and listen to his rendition of "Route 66." You also can purchase "Route 66 and Other TV Themes" by Nelson Riddle and his orchestra.
A 2005 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic's battery is within the motorcycle's frame, just below the rider's seat. While most Harley-Davidson motorcycles offer easy removal of the seat, the Ultra Classic's rear-mounted tour pack complicates the process by impeding access to the seat bolt. The grab strap on the passenger's portion of the seat also prevents the seat from being removed. Although the owner's manual calls for removal of the tour pack and the saddlebags, removing the seat is much simpler than it appears.
Instructions
1. Unlatch the left saddlebag and open its lid completely. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the gap between the lid and the saddlebag to unscrew the bolt that secures the passenger grab strap to the motorcycle. Lift the strap off the seat and drape it over the right saddlebag.
2. Reach under the Tour pack to access the seat's mounting bolt on the rear fender. Unscrew the bolt, using a short Phillips screwdriver.
3. Place your hand on the rear of the seat and lift it upward slightly. Pull the seat away from the tank until the tab under the front of the seat has been removed from the frame. Set the seat aside.
4. Remove the screw from the battery clamp, using a Phillips screwdriver, and lift the clamp away. Using the screwdriver, unscrew the battery cable bolts, starting with the negative terminal followed by the positive terminal. Lift the battery out of its tray.
Be aware of some slight differences when installing an aftermarket solenoid in your vehicle.
A vehicle solenoid functions as a heavy-duty switch that receives a voltage signal from the ignition key and bridges that electricity to the starter motor. A starter solenoid endures a lot of heat and voltage every time the vehicle starts. The longer the starter cranks, the more stress on the solenoid, wires and starter motor. Sometimes the solenoid can fail by itself. Aftermarket solenoids have become available for nearly all factory manufactured originals. A DIY repair person can adapt an aftermarket solenoid to work on his vehicle by paying attention to some differences in terminal locations and overall configuration.
Instructions
External-Mounted Solenoid
1. Place the vehicle in "Park" or "Neutral," according to your transmission type. Apply the hand or foot brake. Raise the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench and socket. Look for your external solenoid to be mounted on the firewall or fender well in the vicinity of the battery. Trace your positive battery wire to its location. Use a socket to remove the two large red wires; the battery wire and the wire going down to the starter.
2. Remove the small wire on the solenoid with a small socket, which might be marked with an "S", standing for "Signal." It functions as the control wire that comes from the ignition switch. The "S" wire might pull off manually from a pressure connector. Use a socket to remove the two mounting bolts that hold the solenoid to the fender well. Match up the aftermarket solenoid to the old one. Instead of one small terminal found on the original solenoid, the aftermarket version might have two.
3. Mount the aftermarket solenoid on the fender well and insert the mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts with a socket. Place the two large red wires back on their respective posts and screw the nuts on them by hand. Tighten the nuts with a socket. Place the small wire onto the "S" terminal of the aftermarket solenoid -- do not place it on the extra "I" terminal.
4. Tighten the wire nut with a socket. In the case of a pressure fitting, push the small wire over the post. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine.
Starter-Mounted Solenoid
5. Set the vehicle in "Park" or "Neutral" and apply the emergency brake. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise the vehicle and place jack stands at both ends underneath the frame. Use a shop light underneath the vehicle to locate the starter. Remove any skid plate or plenum cover impeding access to the starter bolts. Turn the front wheels if the drag link obscures the view. Use a socket to remove the main battery wire on the solenoid-mounted starter.
6. Use a small socket to remove the other small wires on the solenoid, keeping track of what posts they attach to and their letter designation. Refer to your owner's repair manual for help on identifying the wire posts. Use a socket to remove the main starter mount bolts. There could be two or three bolts. Look for an upward-mounted bolt, if you can not find the third hidden bolt. Pull the starter out of the vehicle from underneath.
7. Use a socket to unscrew any braided ground wire -- called the field coil strap -- that connects from the solenoid to the starter motor body. Use a screwdriver or small socket to remove the solenoid bolts where they connect to the starter. Some solenoids require you to loosen the solenoid bolts only, then twist the solenoid housing to pull it off. Pull the solenoid off the starter.
8. Place the new solenoid on the starter body and screw the bolts in by hand. Tighten the bolts with a socket. For the twist design flange, set the solenoid against the starter and twist it so its tabs slide underneath the flange ends. Tighten the solenoid bolts with a screwdriver or socket. Reconnect the braided wire to its post and tighten the nut with a socket. Slide under the vehicle with the starter.
9. Push the starter back up into its mounting surface and start the mounting bolts in by hand. Tighten each bolt sequentially until the starter sits flush with the bell housing. Wiggle and turn the starter if you have trouble engaging the starter gear with the flywheel. Reconnect the main (red) starter wire and tighten it with a socket.
10. Reconnect the smaller wires to the posts from which you removed them, matching the lettering. If you have an extra "I" post on the aftermarket solenoid and no wire for it, do not hook any wire to it. Replace any plenum cover or starter shield you removed, and tighten the bolts with a socket. Reconnect the negative battery cable and test-start the engine.
Harley Davidson's FLHX touring motorcycle has evolved over the years. Designers have taken many components into consideration for overall improvement, including the size of the tires. Depending on the model year, the tire size varies.
Identification
The FLHX model offers the motorcycle enthusiast a comfortable ride, but with the styling of a fast, racing cycle. Hardbags flank either side, behind the driver, allowing for extra storage on longer road trips.
Features
In 2007, the tire size was the same for the front and rear at 16 inches. But, in 2009, the front tire was enlarged to a 17 inches. As of 2010, the front tire was upgraded again, this time to 18 inches, while still keeping the rear at 16 inches.
Considerations
Though the tire size has increased for the front tire, the width of the tire remains thicker in the rear than in the front. The rear has remained at a thick 180/65 size, whereas the front stays thin with a 130/80 proportion.
Tags: front tire, tire size, front rear, rear inches
Sturgis is a west-central city in South Dakota, located about 30 miles from Rapid City. It's become known as "Motorcycle City USA" because it hosts the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each year, an event that attracted almost 500,000 visitors in 2010. The city is just 14 miles from Deadwood, just outside of Bear Butte State Park, and about 53 miles from Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills National Forest. All rates noted for cheap Sturgis motels are as of January 2011.
Super 8
The Super 8 in Sturgis is 10 miles from the casinos in Deadwood, 15 miles from Spearfish Canyon, and 55 miles from Mount Rushmore. Here, you can enjoy high-speed wireless Internet and cable television in each guest room, along with a complimentary SuperStart breakfast. This motel, with nightly room rates ranging from $90 to $170, has an onsite fitness center and free parking. Within half a mile are restaurants like Chat n Chew Cafe and the Pizza Ranch.
Star Lite Motel
The Star Lite Motel in Sturgis is located in downtown, right off Interstate 90. This motel has 20 guest rooms with queen-size beds. These non-smoking rooms, which have nightly rates around $65, have air conditioning and include free telephone calls. Guests here can enjoy a AAA discount and free, but limited, truck parking. Within a few blocks of the motel are restaurants like Si Senor Mexican Restaurant and Phil-Town Steakhouse and Lounge. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame and Shenanigan's Casino are within two miles.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Sturgis has 84 rooms and 30 suites. Guests can take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and waterslide, Jacuzzi and onsite game room and fitness center. They also enjoy high-speed Internet access; free shuttle service to Deadwood; and a complimentary breakfast bar with fruit, coffee, juice, cereal, yogurt and eggs. Nightly rates at this hotel are around $90. Within a mile are restaurants like the Pizza Ranch and China Buffet. The property is just 53 miles from Mount Rushmore and 12 miles from Deadwood.
Days Inn
The Days Inn in Sturgis is just a few blocks away from the historic downtown and within 15 miles of places like the Fort Meade Museum, Bear Butte State Park and the Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead, SD. Nightly rates at this hotel range from $48 to $100. Guests can enjoy full cable television and access to Internet, as well as an onsite hot tub and a complimentary continental breakfast. Within one mile are dining establishments like the Chat n Chew Cafe, the Sturgis Dog House and China Buffet.
Tags: miles from, from Mount, from Mount Rushmore, miles from Mount, Mount Rushmore
The voltage regulator in your motorcycle has the duty of preventing your battery from being overcharged, as well as ensuring that the proper voltage is being supplied to your bike's other systems. A weak or dead battery is often the first clue that your voltage regulator is faulty, preventing the battery from being recharged while the motor is running. Luckily, testing the voltage regulator is a fairly simple task.
Instructions
Testing A Voltage Regulator
1. Set your multimeter to 20 volts DC (Direct Current) and connect the positive (+) and negative (-) leads to the corresponding battery terminals. Your battery should be charged, giving you a reading at or just above 12 volts.
2. Start your motorcycle and rev the motor to 5000rpm, maintaining the engine speed during the testing.
3. Using the multimeter, test the battery terminals again. A constant reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts should be present. This is the proper voltage that will allow the battery to recharge properly.
4. Replace the voltage regulator if the reading is higher or lower than the 13.5 to 14.5 volt range to prevent insufficient or excessive charging. Replacing the rectifier, which converts the alternating current (AC) from your motorcycle's stator/alternator to direct current (DC) before recharging the battery, is also recommended at this time.
Tags: your motorcycle, battery from, battery from being, battery terminals, from being
Ultimate Motorcycling Magazine reports that other vehicles are involved in almost half of motorcycle accidents, and many cases are due to the driver of the automobile failing to see the motorcyclist. An easy way to increase a motorcycle's visibility to other drivers is to ensure the lights on your Harley Davidson V-Rod are functioning. The taillight on the V-Rod uses the1157 bulb and is easily accessed from beneath the rear fender area.
Instructions
1. Park your Harley V-Rod and support it in a secure location.
2. Locate the hole beneath the rear fender, right near the license plate mount. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the hole and push up, pushing on the release tab inside the hole.
3. Pull the taillight assembly up and forward, out of the mounting area on the rear of the bike, while pushing the release tab.
4. Pull the taillight bulb straight out of the assembly and disconnect the wiring harness by pulling the connector straight off. Connect the wiring harness to the new bulb by pressing it into place until it clicks.
5. Insert the bulb into the taillight assembly. Align the taillight assembly in the mounting area and push it into place until it clicks. Use care not to scratch the rear fender.
Tags: rear fender, taillight assembly, beneath rear, beneath rear fender, into place
With concern for the environment rapidly growing, many people want to take care of their electronic equipment through efficient, green actions. Donating your used TV is one of the best ways to reuse a large electronic product. Environmentalists advocate reuse first even before recycling because it extends the life of valuable equipment and keeps them from entering the waste stream. With a little research, you can easily find a worthy organization to which you can donate your used TV.
Instructions
1. Donate a used TV through FreeCycle. An Internet non-profit organization, FreeCycle is a network of millions of members all over the world who participate by donating and receiving items for free. Through a simple online posting to your local FreeCycle group, you can find like-minded individuals who can pick-up your TV for free (see Resources below).
2. Donate a used TV through Earth911. One of the largest online resources for information on reuse and recycling, Earth911 can provide you with a list of local organizations that accept donations of used TVs. With a simple and easy-to-navigate interface, Earth911 clearly provides links, contact and location information, as well as convenient maps (see Resources below).
3. Donate a used TV to your local church. If you belong to a church, your used TV can be used for Sunday School education, community outreach programs, or management needs within the church administration.
4. Donate a used TV to the Salvation Army or Goodwill thrift stores. Both charities will sell your TV in their stores and use the money to fund their various community programs. The Salvation Army and Goodwill can also come directly to your house to pick up the TV (see Resources below).
5. Donate a used TV to an abuse or homeless shelter. These organizations provide a safe haven for battered people who seek protection and for those without a home. A donated TV can help to entertain them and keep their spirits up while they are living at the shelter.
Riding the open road on a Harley-Davidson has been the dream of many men since its inception in 1903. The newest edition to the Harley-Davidson edition, the Road Glide, was introduced in 2009 and is a "full dresser" meaning it is equipped with saddlebags, cargo storage and a full front shield. For most, this is great for touring or long drives but for some, the desire to have a full-sized Harley-Davidson in a sportier package is a big reason for wanting to customize the bike.
Instructions
1. Remove the saddle bags and rear cargo storage. The saddle bags are mounted to each side of the bike on the rear and give the rider additional storage for longer trips. The rear cargo is mounted behind the seat. These are commonly missing from larger Harley-Davidson bikes like the Duo Glide or Soft Tail. The removal of the saddlebags can be done with basic tools and will give your bike a sporty look just by removing them.
2. Install Ape Hanger handlebars. Ape Hanger handlebars were made famous in the movie, "Easy Rider." They extend high above the bike and force the rider to reach for the handlebar grips. These give a custom look to a Harley and will provide a nostalgic feel. Ape Hangers are illegal in some states so local laws should be referenced before installing.
3. Install aftermarket exhaust pipes. The stock pipes are designed to be quiet and offer less vibration because it is designed to be a touring bike and not a sport bike. Aftermarket exhausts are available at most bike accessory locations. These pipes will allow for less exhaust gas restriction and will add horsepower to your Harley. They will also make the exhaust note louder which is desirable with most motorcycle enthusiasts.
If oil is circulating properly despite an oil pressure warning light, the oil pressure switch may be bad.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles use a high-volume, low-pressure oil system to lubricate their signature V-twin engines. This lubrication system is also responsible for helping to keep the bike cool. As such, proper functioning of the oil pump and affiliated components is essential to the life of the motorcycle. If an oil pressure warning light comes on and the oil appears to be circulating properly, then it may be necessary to change out the oil pressure switch. The length of time to complete this task should be between 30 to 60 minutes.
Instructions
1. Remove the seat by loosening and removing the rear seat fastener with a cross-tip screwdriver. Disconnect and remove the positive and negative battery cables with a 10 mm open-ended wrench.
2. Pull back the rubber boot covering the oil pressure switch to expose the wire connection. Loosen the nut securing the wire on top of the switch with an SAE open-ended wrench. Pull the wire off the switch.
3. Unscrew and remove the oil pressure switch with a standard pair of pliers. Carefully clean the threads of the insertion hole with a clean shop rag.
4. Insert a new oil pressure switch into its hole. Tighten with a pair of pliers, being careful not to over-tighten. Attach the positive wire connector to the top of the new switch. Slip the protective rubber boot down so that it covers the connection.
5. Reconnect the battery cables and reinstall the seat.
Scooters are a popular way to reduce gas usage and still get to work or run errands. With the growing interest in electric vehicles, more and more companies are coming out with electric versions of their scooters, though the gas versions are considered just as economical.
Fuel Source
Electric scooters are powered by a large battery, usually made of lithium ion or lithium phosphate, and are plugged in to recharge. Gas scooters are powered by a combustion engine that runs off either gasoline or diesel.
Range and Speed
Electric scooters can reach anywhere from 30 to 60 mph and can travel up to 60 miles before they need to be recharged. Gas scooters can reach up to 100 mph or faster and can travel up to 200 miles before needing a fill-up.
Regulation
Some states consider electric scooters to be mopeds because most don't go faster than 30 mph. As a result, they are allowed to operate in the bike lane. The rider doesn't need a motorcycle license to ride them. Other states do not allow electric scooters on the road at all because they aren't considered vehicles. Gas scooters that go faster than 30 mph are considered motorcycles by most states and require a motorcycle license.
Appearance
Electric and gas scooters are very similar in appearance with a seat to accommodate one to two people and a luggage rack and foot board.
Power
Electric scooters do not have the torque of gas scooters because their power is constant. You can buy an electric motor scooter that offers better torque for tackling hills. Gas motor scooters can draw more power to tackle hills because their engine's power relies upon the speed of gas combustion in the engine.
Tags: Electric scooters, because their, combustion engine, electric scooters, electric versions
The open road awaits for motorcyclists and sidecar passengers.
Sidecars offer a comfortable ride for motorcycle passengers. With features such as radios, interior lighting and comfort seating, a passenger can simply sit back and enjoy the view. Installation of sidecars requires advanced motorcycle mechanic skills. According to The Texas Sidecar Company, the difficulty of installation depends on the make and model of the motorcycle, the make and model of the sidecar, the mechanical skills of the installer and the available tools and equipment.
Instructions
Wiring the Sidecar
1. Remove the seat from the motorcycle.
2. Use test light to locate the tail light wire connection, the brake light wire connection and the battery positive terminal.
3. Connect the supplied hardware wiring kit to connect the red wire from the sidecar harness to the motorcycle brake light connection. The black wire from the sidecar harness connects with the negative battery post. Connect the green wire from the sidecar to the motorcycle tail light connection.
4. Connect any additional accessory wiring, such as interior lights or driving lights, to the positive battery terminal or motorcycle accessory lead.
Upper Front Mount
5. Place the strap clamp on the right-side of the vertical frame tube.
6. Move it as high as possible.
7. Install two 1/4 bolts from the rear forward into the clamp. The bolt heads should face the engine. Do not tighten.
Lower Front Mount
8. Remove the two socket-head screws holding the floorboard on the right side of the motorcycle.
9. Remove the bolt that holds the bottom of the crash guard to the motorcycle.
10. Install the lower front sidecar mount between the frame and the crash guard.
11. Replace the crash guard bolt.
12. Replace the floorboard, aligning the holes with the mount slots for the sidecar. Tighten all three bolts.
Lower Rear Mount
13. Remove the bolt that holds the engine ground strap to the cross member, located on the bottom of the motorcycle frame.
14. Place the lower rear mount in position, sliding the U-strap over the right side of the horizontal frame tube. Slide it forward until touching the frame gusset weld.
15. Install the outer bolt into the U-strap.
16. Clamp the mount up to the center of the cross member.
17.Use the mount for a guide to drill a 3/8 inch hole through the cross member for the second U-strap bolt. Drill two 5/16 inch holes at the far end of the mount. Add remaining bolts, using one of the 5/16 holes to secure the engine ground strap. Tighten all four bolts on the lower rear mount.
Upper Rear mount
18. Locate and remove the 7/16 inch bolt from the rear floorboard mount. It will be located at the top of the mount. Remove the seat, oil tank cover and right saddlebag.
19. Remove the upper front mounting bolt for the oil tank.
20. Position the upper rear mount and install the included new grade 8 bolts into the top floorboard mounting position and into the upper front oil tank mounting hole. Do not tighten.
21. Position the rear of the mount behind the box section of the frame using the provided spacers. Install four bolts to the rear piece of the mount.
22. Check the position of the mount and tighten all bolts.
Attaching the Sidecar
23. Support the sidecar frame at the front and rear cross members with stands so that it is level with the mounts on the motorcycle.
24. Slide the sidecar towards the motorcycle, guiding the mounting hardware into the sidecar frame.
25. Install a 45 degree boss and 45 degree clamp to the front mounting hardware.
26
Install a 70 degree clamp and 70 degree boss to the rear mounting hardware.
27
Adjust the motorcycle so that it simulates the riding position. Engage the lower rear mount insert and tighten the 5/8 inch through bolt. Repeat for the front lower mount. Tighten all half-inch fasteners with a torque of 80 ft. lbs. Torque the half-inch pinch bolts to 85 ft. lbs. Install the rear and front struts from the sidecar frame eye to the upper rear mount eye.
GPS. or Global Positioning Systems, are not only for cars; they can also be installed in motorcycles. There is no reason that a motorcycle rider should not have the convenience and the security of an interactive navigational system. When you are installing a GPS on your motorcycle, you have to make sure that the device can withstand the bumping and jarring during the ride.
Instructions
1. Park your motorcycle on a flat surface out of the way of traffic. Gather together all your tools for installing the GPS and keep them near you.
2. Line up the mount and the caddy plates so that the screw holes are aligned. Place the tilt plate under the mount and make sure that it is aligned with the screw holes from the mount and caddy plates.
3. Use the screws that came with the mounting kit and join the caddy, mount and tilt plates. Align the cradle that came with the GPS and match up the holes with the top and bottom of the mounting plate. Some models have two screws, while some have four screws. At least one screw should be on top and one at the bottom.
4. Screw the cradle onto the mounting plate, using the screws that came with the GPS and tighten the screws.
5. Screw in the security screw across the top of the bracket. Lay the cradle assembly with the tilt plate touching the bracket on the handlebar.
6. Put the GPS in the cradle. Adjust it using your thumbs. It may be stiff at first, so you might have to swivel it a few times to get it in the position you want.
Tags: came with, that came, that came with, caddy plates, make sure, make sure that, mount caddy
Innovation has kept Harley-Davidson's fans excited throughout the company's history.
Since its founding at the beginning of the 20th century, Harley-Davidson has been designing and building bikes that inspire devotion in their riders. Despite a period in which the company's reputation was nearly destroyed by bad management, the Harley-Davidson aura has remained intact thanks to consistent innovation and improvements meant to increase the reliability of its products.
Early Motorcycles
Arthur Davidson and William Harley built their first commercial motorcycle in 1903. It featured a 116 cc engine designed to be fit into a bicycle and was meant to ridden on bicycle racing tracks. Five years later, the duo's company made its first V-twin motorcycle, a bike with the engine configuration that would become the hallmark of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the next century. By the time the stock market crashed in 1929, Harley-Davidson was selling 21,000 motorcycles a year and, along with Indian, would be one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to emerge intact from the Great Depression.
Post-War Harleys
The Harley-Davidson mystique hit its stride after World War II. The company introduced its Panhead engine in 1948, and hydraulic front suspension arrived with the Hydra-Glide in 1949. Not content to develop only big comfortable touring bikes, Harley debuted the smaller Sportster in 1957, and a year later the Duo-Glide was equipped with hydraulic rear suspension. Harley also devoted resources to racing, working with Italian designer Aermacchi to make the Sprint, a 350 cc short-track racer.
Fall and Rise
In 1969, Harley-Davidson was purchased by American Machine and Foundry Company, a development that would both alienate customers and undermine Harley's reputation for quality. Desperate to counter the growing competition from Japanese manufacturers, the AMF-era company sacrificed attention to quality for economic considerations, and poor critical and customer response to its motorcycles nearly drove the company to ruin. Finally, in 1981, a group of company executives acquired the company from AMF and instituted a program of changes that began to restore Harley's reputation.
Evolution and Revolution
The new Harley-Davidson returned to a focus on innovation, with advancements like belt final drive becoming standard on its bikes in the early 1980s. In 1984 the company introduced its Evolution, the first major redesign of the Harley powerplant in decades. The company also introduced the Softail, a technologically advanced bike that evoked the look of the classic post-war Harleys. Over the next three decades, Harley would develop motorcycles that looked backward to the big touring bikes of the past and others, such as the Nightster and others in the Dark Custom line, that made the most of contemporary styling.
Tags: company introduced, Harley reputation, that would, touring bikes
You can receive over-the-air local TV channels without cable service.
Receiving over-the-air television broadcasts now requires a digital converter box to transform the digital signals into information an older analog TV can understand. Cable service is not necessary to access basic local channels, although an antenna with a converter box is needed for analog sets. In urban areas, an indoor antenna with a built-in amplifier to boost the signal may be sufficient to pull in local channels. In rural areas, a cable connected to an outdoor antenna may be necessary. Connecting the cables to the TV and antenna takes only a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Connect a coaxial cable to the "RF OUT" jack on the antenna. The coupler fits over the threaded jack and tightens clockwise. Be careful to insert the steel pin inside the coupler straight into the jack.
2. Attach the other end of the cable to the "IN" jack on the converter box and tighten the coupler by hand.
3. Connect a second coaxial cable to the "RF OUT" jack on the converter box and attach the other end of this cable to the "RF IN" coaxial jack on the back of the TV.
4. Plug the antenna (if amplified) and the digital converter box into a power outlet and switch on the television.
5. Press the channel buttons on the TV or remote control to scroll through the available programming and determine which basic local channels are available within viewing range. On TVs with a programmable channel feature, press the "Menu" button and select "Auto Tuner Setup," which will prompt the TV to scan the strongest available channels and store them in memory.
6. Adjust the antenna poles for improved reception. On antennas with built-in RF amplifiers, turn the control knob to boost the signal on a specific channel for better picture and sound.
Plunging property values can complicate a divorce case.
One particularly difficult situation in a divorce case is when what usually constitutes a married couple's largest asset -- their home -- turns into their largest debt. The sliding economic fortunes of a particular geographic area can send property values plunging to the point where a home's fair market value falls not only below its purchase price, but also below the couple's mortgage balance. This creates complications for the divorce case and may spell financial ruin for both parties.
Property and Debt Division in General
Family courts divide marital property and debt under the laws of either equitable distribution or community property. Community property states seek an equal division; ED states seek a division that is equitable, or fair. Fair and equal don't always mean the same thing, so ED statutes contain a list of "distributional factors" that can justify an unequal division. Courts in both types of states prefer to distribute assets intact without selling them off to divide the equity. Jointly titled real estate can be either a marital asset or a marital debt, depending upon the balance between its value and the mortgage.
Valuation and Distribution of Homes in Divorce
When a home constitutes part of the marital estate, the correct measure of value is fair market value or what the property would sell for right now. Parties may also use a recent appraisal or hire a professional appraiser to offer an expert opinion on the home's value. The mortage balance is then subtracted from the fair market value to derive a net asset value. If one party wants the house and can pay for it, a court may order him to refinance the debt into his own name. The court may order him to pay the other side her share of the equity or make up for it in the form of other assets.
Complications When a House Loses Value
The usual way of handling the former marital residence doesn't work well when a home has lost value. If the parties owe more on it than it can sell for, they are "upside down" in the property. A bank won't lend more money on it than it is actually worth, and some banks won't even lend the fair market value. This makes a refinance impossible even if both parties qualify for a loan. A court may order the home sold and divide the deficiency between the parties. In such a case, the parties would each have to bring money to closing.
When the Parties Cannot Cover the Debt
If a couple cannot tap any resources to cover the shortfall between the mortgage and the home's value, they can sometimes still resolve the case if one party can stay in the home and pay the mortgage pursuant to an agreement to periodically attempt a refinance in an effort to clear the loan out of the other party's name. If neither party can afford the home on their own and they can't sell it for enough to cover the debt, this may be one factor in deciding whether or not to file bankruptcy.
In a diesel engine, blow by is defined as the compressed fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber leaking past the piston and entering the crankcase. Blow by is not good since it robs engine power and builds up gas pressure in the crankcase. There are reasons for blow by, and by understanding them, you can make the necessary adjustments.
Normal Blow By
All diesel engines have some degree of blow by. This is due to engineering. When metal heats up, it expands. Metals expand at different rates. When heated, aluminum expands faster than steel. Engineers have to compensate for the differences in temperature expansion. They do this by designing the aluminum piston slightly under size from the steel cylinder. If they designed the piston for a snug fit when the engine is cold, the piston would seize inside the cylinder when it heats up due to thermal expansion. An under-sized piston leads to blow by when the engine is cold. As the engine heats up, the piston expands, and blow by disappears under normal operation. This is considered typical cold engine blow by, and it is unavoidable.
Worn Cylinder Walls
As the diesel engine gets older, the cylinder walls wear out by constant piston and piston ring scraping. Over time, the cylinder bore becomes bigger by this constant scraping. The end effect is that "slop" or a gap is created between the piston and cylinder. The gap between the piston and the cylinder wall becomes significant; and as a result, compressed gases are free to go around the piston.
Worn Pistons
Worn pistons cause blow by. Just as the cylinder walls wear out and the bore becomes bigger, the piston becomes worn and becomes slightly smaller. Bear in mind that aluminum is a soft metal, and grit accumulation in the combustion chamber carves grooves into the piston. These grooves are an ideal place for the compressed fuel/air mixture to escape into the crankcase.
Worn Rings
Researchers at the Helsinki University of Technology ran extensive studies of piston rings and concluded that worn rings are a source of blow by. What happens is the constant scraping of rings back and forth in the cylinder eventually wears them down, and their sealing capabilities fail. Blow by happens in front of the ring, but the gases also "sneak" around the backside of the ring when the sidewalls become worn.
Tags: becomes bigger, between piston, between piston cylinder, bore becomes, bore becomes bigger
The rear axle bearing, also called a wheel bearing, is a crucial part of the steering system. The wheel bearing allows the wheel to turn smoothly. The rear axle bearing may need replacing when you hear a low metal grinding sound while the vehicle is turning. Rear axle bearings can be removed using basic tools and grease.
Instructions
1. Place wheel blocks in front of the two front wheels. Jack the rear of the vehicle off the ground. Use a lug nut wrench to remove the rear wheel and tire to access the rear axle.
2. Use an Allen wrench to remove the two bolts that fasten the brake caliper to the brake rotor. Pull the caliper off of the rotor.
3. Remove the wheel-bearing cap inside the middle of the brake rotor using a screwdriver. Once the wheel-bearing cap is removed, you will see a large nut with a cotter pin. Use a pair of pliers to remove the cotter pin.
4. Use a wrench to turn the inside nut of the wheel's bearing until it is off of the post around which the bearing spins. Use a screwdriver to work the wheel axle bearing from inside the rear axle.
5. Clear out any grease in the wheel-bearing opening. Fill the opening with new axle bearing grease. Be sure to use enough grease so that when the new wheel bearing is installed, it will be seated in a mold of grease.
6. Grease the new wheel axle bearing with grease before installation. Coat every part of the bearings inside and outside before installing to avoid friction. Push the bearing unit evening into the opening. Tap the wheel axle bearing, using a hammer, into position
7. Tighten the bearing nut until it is secure. Insert the cotter pin through the wheel bearing center post. Replace the wheel bearing cover and tap with a hammer until it's securely in place. Replace the brake caliper over the rotor and tighten. Replace and tighten the wheels and tires.
Many Harley-Davidson owners want to fix their own bikes if they have problems. With the help of owner's manual, many repairs can be accomplished without a mechanic. If your speedometer has stopped working, or you are upgrading to a newer model, changing it is a straightforward procedure if you have the right tools and know what to expect. Always check with a mechanic if you run into any problems, or there is something you don't understand.
Instructions
Remove the Speedometer
1. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery. Failure to do so could cause serious injury.
2. Locate the instrument console and remove the acorn nut.
3. Remove the bolt and the flat washer. This will free the rear of the fuel tank from the frame backbone.
4. Cover the forward of the rear fender with a dry, clean towel.
5. Raise the instrument console. Locate the flexible clamp on the canopy and bend it back to release the main harness conduit.
6. Disconnect the fuel level sender/fuel pump connector at the top of the canopy.
7. Place the instrument console gently on top of the clean towel, upside-down.
8. Remove the speedometer connector at the back of the speedometer.
9. Carefully lift the three latches on the interior of the lock ring upward. This will release the lock ring from the back of the speedometer.
10. Invert the console and dislodge the speedometer from the top.
11. Take the gasket out of the console speedometer bore.
Installation of New Speedometer
12. Find the groove in the rubber speedometer gasket and lubricate it with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Insert the gasket into the correct position around the console speedometer bore.
13. Feed the speedometer into the gasket from the top side of the console. Lubricate the gasket, if needed. Make sure the speedometer fits against the gasket tightly, with no drift.
14. Turn the console over. Put the lock ring over the back of the speedometer, making sure to align the two slots with the console bosses. Push on the latches until they snap into position.
15. Install the connector at the back of the speedometer.
16. Slide the head of the console mounting bolt into the slot at the top of the canopy.
17.With the instrument console moved toward the installed position, connect the fuel level sender/fuel pump connector at the top of the canopy. Bend the flexible clamp to capture the main harness conduit.
18. Line up the hole in the instrument console with the mounting bolt and place in into the correct location on the fuel tank.
19. Screw the acorn nut back into position and tighten it. Replace the bolt and the flat washer to secure the rear of the fuel tank and the instrument console bracket to the backbone of the frame. Tighten the bolt.
Numerous car shows take place in and around Dover, Ohio.
Every year a number of car shows are held in or near Dover, Ohio. The city has been a center for heavy industry, and in the second half of the 19th century its first blast furnace was commissioned to make steel, which was then rolled for the growing automotive industry nearby. Enthusiasts of classic, custom and vintage cars can enjoy many car shows in Dover and its neighboring cities.
Forest Heritage Festival Car Show
The Forest Heritage Festival is held at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover. One of the big events of this festival is the car show, which was held for the first time in 2010. The first 100 registrants receive a memorial plaque for their dashboard. The festival aims to enhance the public's awareness of forest conservation efforts in the state, and proceeds are donated to the Akron Children's Hospital. Winners in each car category are chosen by judges' and participants' votes.
Classic Car, Truck & Bike Show
New Philadelphia, four miles south of Dover, holds the First Town Days Festival every year on Independence Day. One of the many popular features of this festival is the Classic Car, Truck & Bike Show, which takes place in Tuscora Park in the center of the city. Registration costs $7 for any single vehicle, as of 2010, and the first 125 to register get a plaque for their dashboard. The car show runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Participants choose the top three vehicles in each category. The mayor and the Festival Queen each choose their "best" vehicle for a $50 prize.
Downtown Dover Car and Bike Show
The Downtown Dover Car and Bike Show takes place every August. As of 2011, the show is in its 18th year. The show, which is open to all types of vehicles including trucks and motorcycles, has entries dating back to the 1920s, sometimes even earlier. It's hosted by Adventure Harley-Davidson of Dover, the Historic Canal Dover Association and the Kustom Kemps Club of Ohio. Registration for the show costs $10, as of 2010. The first 300 entries receive a memorial dashboard plaque. Proceeds of the event are donated to local charities such as hospice.
Tags: Bike Show, 2010 first, Dover Ohio, Classic Truck, Classic Truck Bike, Dover Bike
HDTV is delivered to your set through digital cable or a satellite system.
High-definition television produces a clearer picture and sound than conventional television. HDTV broadcasts are delivered through digital technology and capable of sending up to 1080 lines of resolution, which are almost double the delivery of the outmoded analog system. To set HD channels on your television set, you first have to determine the type of HDTV you have and how the signal is delivered to your television set. Your HDTV either has built-in HD capability or it is HD ready. HD is delivered to your television set via your satellite or digital cable connection.
Instructions
Set HD Channels on HD-Ready Television Set
1. Purchase an external HD receiver, compatible with your HD delivery system: satellite or cable. HD broadcasts from a satellite system require an HDTV decoder, known as an Integrated Receiver/Decoder. HDTV broadcasts from a digital cable system require a cable set-top box.
2. Install an Over-the-Air antenna to receive free broadcast. For an OTA system, your HD-ready television will require a set-top decoder box, as well as an antenna.
3. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installing your decoder box and antenna, if required.
Set HD Channels on TV with Built-In HD Capability
4. Determine if your HDTV has a built-in cable card decoder.
5. Purchase a box decoder, if you will receive broadcasting via cable and your television set does not have a built-in cable card decoder.
6. Buy an Integrated Receiver/Decoder if you will receive broadcasting via satellite.
7. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation of your decoder.
Tags: your television, delivered your, digital cable, broadcasts from, built-in cable, built-in cable card
There are a number of gifts for the motorcycle enthusiast in your life.
For the bike enthusiast, motorcycle gifts are practical as well as sentimental. You can surround him with his favorite brand's memorabilia or give him useful gifts for his travels on the road. The biking industry produces a wide array of gifts and memorabilia, so there are plenty of gift ideas for a man with a motorcycle.
Clothing
Any man who enjoys riding a motorcycle will enjoy receiving clothing manufactured by his favorite motorcycle brand. Another thoughtful gift is a t-shirt with the brand insignia of his favorite motorcycle company on it. T-shirts from an annual motorcycle show or event may also be appreciated by bikers. Outerwear, such as a leather or jean jacket, is essential to bikers' comfort and safety. You may even want to have patches from his favorite bike line sewn on the jacket.
Protective Gear
Protective gear is essential for any bike enthusiast. One great gift idea for a biker is a helmet with an unique design or a personalized logo. Besides helmets, many bikers need sunglasses to protect their eyes. Stylish sunglasses that can stay on securely at any speed are a thoughtful gift idea. Another great gift idea is leather gloves to protect his hands from friction or sweat during long drives.
Portable Storage Units
An attachable storage unit is the perfect gift idea for a biker who enjoys long trips. Storage units or bags can attach to the back of any bike. Most of the units are water-resistant and weather-proof. You should buy a unit that has a protective casing in case the unit or bag accidentally falls off the bike. Another option is a small messenger bag that can hang off the side of the motorcycle. The messenger bags are a great solution for small trips and errands.
Memorabilia
If he has a room dedicated to his interests, such as a "man cave," motorcycle decor may make the perfect gift. Logos, neon lights, posters and models of motorcycles are popular gift ideas. You can even base the room around the theme of a particular motorcycle model or brand.
Subscriptions
A subscription to a popular motorcycle magazine is another gift idea. Ultimate Motorcycling Magazine or Motorcycle Consumer News are just a few examples of popular biking magazines that he may enjoy.
Tags: gift idea, bike enthusiast, favorite motorcycle, gift idea biker, gift ideas, great gift
A broken shift cable isn't an expensive repair. The cable connects the gear shifter to the shifting arm of the engine. A sleeve houses the shift cable to keep it free of dirt and grim. The purpose of the shifting cable is to adjust the arm as it moves from first, second, third to fourth gear. The cable also adjusts for movement into reverse. The shifting cable breaks when there is too much pressure applied. Pressured is caused from overheating in the transmission. When a shift cable snaps, the gear shifter can no longer switch from gear to gear.
Instructions
1. Take the rubber boot off the gear shift inside the vehicle and lift it up, exposing the area where the gear shift and the transmission connect.
2. Look for the shift cable and the shifting arm. A single bolt and nut connect the shift cable and shift arm.
3. Twist the nut connecting the gear shift and the transmission. Use a socket wrench and remove the gear shift. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the nut holding the shift cable and the shift arm together.
4. Slide off the sleeve on the shift cable and loosen the shift cable at the other end with an open-end wrench. Both ends of the shifting cable attach to the shifting arm in different locations.
5. Hitch the new shift cable to the 2 anchor points on the shift arm using the same bolts and nuts. Reconnect the gear shift to the transmission and push the rubber boot back into place around the gear shift inside the car.
6. Test the functionality of the shifting cable by moving the gear shift in and out of gear.