List Of Mitsubishi Legnum Engines

You may know a little more about the Legnum than you think. This car (also called the Aspire, MX/MF, VRG and VRM) was produced from 1996 to 2003 by Mitsubishi Motors and sold as the Galant Station Wagon in America. Although the Galant wagon was sold as the Legnum in Japan, it's mechanically identical to every other version of the Galant but for its long roof and big trunk.

4G93 DOHC 16 Valve

This was the Legnum cum Galant Wagon's base four-cylinder engine. Although this non-turbocharged powerplant's 138-horsepower and 133 pound-foot of torque aren't particularly impressive for a 3,400-pound-plus car, it does at least have some provenance. The 4G93 is very similar in design to the 4G63 turbo used in Mitsubishi's legendary Lancer Evolution. The 4G93 is a dual-overhead camshaft engine displacing 1.8L, which it attains by way of an 81mm bore and an 89mm stroke. The 4G93's advanced cylinder heads allow it to run a compression ratio that would be considered stratospheric for most street engines (12-to-1). Additionally, this engine was sold primarily in Japan, where 100-octane-plus gas is available at any corner pump.

4G93 DOHC Turbocharged

Take the 4G93's huge compression ratio, drop it to 10:1, install a Garrett turbocharger and you have the 4G93 turbo. Not to be confused with the 4G63 turbo, this engine made 204 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque. Like the naturally-aspirated version, the 4G93 turbo used gasoline direct injection for increased horsepower and fuel efficiency with reduced emissions. This was the middle-range engine for those who wanted performance. This engine was also used in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 3, so factory performance upgrades abound.

6A13 Twin-Turbo V6

If you like a station wagon that can haul more than kids, then the Galant/Legnum VR-4 is your ride. This option package came with Mitsubishi's much-lauded twin-turbo, 2,498cc (2.5L), dual-overhead cam V6 producing a healthy 276 horsepower and 268 foot-pounds of torque. This engine was capable of powering a stock Galant sedan to about 15.6 second in the quarter mile--high 13-second time slips are attainable with modest aftermarket upgrades like an air filter and manual boost controller valve. More serious upgrades can push this engine to well over 500 horsepower, which makes a good case for the Legnum VR-4's standard all-wheel-drive system.

Tags: 4G63 turbo, 4G93 DOHC, 4G93 turbo, compression ratio, foot-pounds torque, horsepower foot-pounds

What Are The Benefits Of A Voluntary Retirement Scheme

Early retirement plans have a number of advantages.

Companies as diverse as Anheuser-Busch, Best Buy, Harley Davidson and Verizon all have one thing in common. These companies have all used buyout packages and early retirement plans to cut costs, reduce painful layoffs and adapt to an ever changing business environment. Early retirement programs and company buyouts offer a number of important benefits, both for workers and for their employers.

Lower Costs

One of the biggest reasons companies use early retirement programs is to cut costs. Workers with decades on the job are likely to be making a higher salary than the younger workers who will replace them. Writing in the "Syracuse Post Standard," Charley Hannagan detailed plans by beer giant Anheuser-Busch to offer buyouts to union workers. The company hopes to use these buyout packages to replace expensive long-time union workers with less costly non-union workers in the future. For the near term, the cutbacks and buyout packages are designed to address overstaffing issues at the affected plant.

Reduced Layoffs

Voluntary retirement packages are an excellent alternative to mass firings and involuntary layoffs. Mass layoffs are always hard, and no manager likes to fire competent workers. By offering long-time workers a generous early retirement package, companies can avoid those painful cutbacks and give workers who were contemplating retirement anyway the opportunity to move on to the next chapter in their lives.

Better Morale

Companies that lay off a lot of workers involuntarily, often find that they have morale problems with the workers who are left. The employees who survive one round of layoffs often fear that another round might be on the way. By offering voluntary retirement packages instead of simply firing workers or laying them off, companies can avoid some of these morale problems. When the remaining workers see that departing workers are treated fairly, they might be more willing to stick around, rather than looking for jobs elsewhere. When Best Buy decided to offer buyout packages to its corporate workforce, worker morale was one of the reasons cited for the decision. According to Best Buy, giving those workers a choice in their future was a better solution than simply laying off loyal employees.

Tags: buyout packages, companies avoid, early retirement, morale problems, retirement packages

About The Indian Motorcycle

Interest in reviving the Indian brand remains strong.

In its short history, the Indian Motorcycle company set the bar high for its competitors. It was the first American motorcycle company, and during the peak of its success, it was the best selling motorcycle brand in the world. It was the first manufacturer to equip its motorcycles with V-twin engines and swing-arm rear suspension. Although it didn't survive the twentieth century, Indian remains a legend in American motorcycle history.

Bicycle Beginnings

In 1901, bicycle racer George Hendee teamed with engineer Carl Oscar Hedstrom to manufacture pacer bicycles, motorized two-wheelers designed to set the pace during bicycle races. The bike was obviously enormously enjoyable to ride on its own, and Hendee and Hedstrom christened their new brand of vehicle Indian Motorcycles. By 1916, Indian Motorcycles sold 41,000 bikes annually, more than any other motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Indian also developed racing motorcycles, correctly predicting that the publicity of racing would build enthusiasm for the company's consumer motorcycles, and Indian's fan base grew large and loyal.

The 1920s

In the 1920s, the Indian Scout and Chief models were based on the Powerplus V-twin engine with 596-cc in the Scout and 1,100-cc in the Chief. The Powerplus featured a side-valve configuration, and the engine was so successful that competitors such as Harley-Davidson abandoned their overhead-valve designs to emulate Indian's engine. The Scout and the Chief were good sellers, but as the beginning of the Great Depression threatened Indian's financial stability, only the company's acquisition by financier E. Paul DuPont kept Indian afloat.

Later Years

During the 1940s, Indian motorcycles achieved their classic form, with wide fender skirts and the bold Indianhead logo on the fuel tank. Indian also introduced innovations such as a sprung rear suspension during this era, keeping pressure on its competitors to follow its technological lead. Financial troubles continued to plague the company, however, and production halted in 1953.

Attempts at Revival

In 2006, a newly formed corporation controlled by British equity firm Stellican Limited and called Indian Motorcycle Company announced plans to revive the Indian name and begin building new motorcycles in a North Carolina plant by 2007. That plan did not come to fruition, but in 2011, Polaris, the Minnesota-based snowmobile manufacturer, acquired the Indian nameplate from Stellican. Polaris' intent was to assemble new Indian motorcycles in Minnesota while having engines built in Wisconsin.

Tags: Indian Motorcycle, American motorcycle, Indian also, Indian Motorcycles, Indian motorcycles, rear suspension

Make A Tv Hd Ready

High-Definition (HD) Television gives the viewer a higher resolution picture for high-definition-encoded programming than non-HD televisions are capable of doing. This is due to the maximum number of pixel lines on the two types of TVs. A non-HD TV is only capable of displaying 625 lines of pixels, whereas HD TVs can display between 720 and 1080 lines. The U.S. eliminated non-digital television broadcast in 2009, which requires all televisions to either be an HD TV or be capable of receiving and displaying digital television signals through the use of a conversion box. If your TV is not HD or HD-ready, then you must configure it for use with a digital conversion box.

Instructions

1. Turn off your television.

2. Connect the Digital Converter box to your television using an HDMI cable. Then, connect the DVD player to the TV using a component or HDMI capable depending on the resources you have available and the number of input connections for HDMI available on the TV and DVD player. Most older DVD players do not support digital playback.

3. Connect your conversion box to the television. If your TV and conversion box are HDMI compatible, use that for the connection, for higher-quality audio and video.

4. Connect the HD antenna cable to the digital conversion box and turn your TV on. It will now be ready to display converted HD TV shows.

Tags: digital conversion, your conversion, your television

Create A Custom Map For A Power Commander

Motorcyclists are constantly seeking new methods to expand their machine's capabilities. One option for a nearly-instant performance increase is to install an electronic fuel-injection (EFI) controller, such as Dynojet's Power Commander. These EFI controllers operate off of programmable fuel "maps," which adjust the delivery of fuel at specific engine speeds to maximize the motorcycle's performance. Dynojet offers a range of pre-programmed maps for most motorcycles, but a custom map can be created for your motorcycle and any existing modifications via a computer. Although the actual task is simple, tuning the machine for maximum power is a time-consuming task.

Instructions

1. Access the Power Commander module. On most motorcycles, the Power Commander will be mounted under the passenger seat or side cover. Remove the seat or cover. Connect a fresh 9-volt battery to the Power Commander's battery harness. Plug the harness into the module. The LED display on the module should illuminate. Plug the small end of a USB cable into the Power Commander module, connecting the opposite end to your laptop.

2. Start the Power Commander tuning software on your laptop. Wait for the software to connect to the Power Commander and select "Get Map" from the on-screen menu. This will load the Power Commander's current fuel map settings.

3. Adjust the fuel settings. The map will be displayed as a grid indicating engine speed (Y-axis) and throttle position (X-axis). Fuel settings are indicated in the grid's cells and can be adjusted by entering a number ranging from 0 to 1000. Increase the amount of fuel delivered at a specific RPM range by inserting a positive number (0 to 1000). Enter a negative number (-0 to -1000) to decrease fuel delivery. Adjust the fuel data as desired to alter the machine's performance.

4. Click "Save Map File" and enter in a name for your custom map. This will save a copy of the fuel map to your computer for future modification. Click "Send Map" to upload the fuel map to the Power Commander module.

5. Disconnect the USB cable from the Power Commander and remove the 9-volt battery. Start the motorcycle and take it for a test ride. Take note of the engine speed and throttle position for any noticeable engine lag or flat spots in acceleration. Reconnect the Power Commander to your lap top and adjust the fuel map to compensate for these flat spots and test ride the motorcycle again. Repeat as necessary until the motorcycle performs smoothly at all engine speeds and throttle positions.

Tags: Power Commander, Commander module, Power Commander module, 9-volt battery, engine speed, engine speeds, flat spots

Create A Hannah Montana Costume

You, too, can have the best of both worlds!

Hannah Montana is a hero to many little girls. She is cool, beautiful and in control. A part-time student and part-time rock star, Hannah Montana embodies the best of both worlds. If you have a preteen girl, chances are that will be her costume of choice. Here is how you can create your very own Hannah Montana costume.

Instructions

1. Get a long, blond wig that's a perfect fit. It's important that it look glamorous and well put together. No unprofessional wigs thrown together at the last minute are allowed. Take the time to create a sophisticated look that's fit for a rock star.

2. Put on a necklace. There is an official Hannah Montana necklace listed under the Resources section. As an alternative, you can choose a simple star-shaped necklace. Most discount stores have some form of star-shaped jewelry. This is an important part of the costume.

3. Choose your rock star top. A sparkling top that matches the color of your star jewelry is best. You can use your imagination a bit here as Hannah does change her wardrobe, and you will still be easily recognizable as the pop star princess.

4. Put on a red sequined jacket over your rock star top. Sequins and sparkles are very, very Hannah. Make sure it is form-fitting, but make sure it is not tight. The last thing you want to do is make a mockery or adult version of this classic character. This is a costume that should represent what the television character is for young girls--cool yet modest.

5. Wear a plaid skirt above the needs with red in it to match your jacket. Add glitter over the skirt for more fun.

6. Put on black tights. You want to stay true to Hannah's style down to the details.

7. Wear fashion or cowboy boots that match or contrast your costume colors. While this may be the last part of the costume, it just may be the most important. Shoes are vital to Hannah's sense of fashion and fun when performing.

Tags: Hannah Montana, rock star, best both, best both worlds, both worlds, part costume, very Hannah

Guideline For The Placement Of Motorcycle Patches At Event Rallies

Motorcycle patches at event rallies show club affiliation.

Motorcycle patches or colors are worn at major public event rallies such as at Sturgis, Daytona Beach or Laconia. These events are considered neutral grounds and allow rival clubs to socialize.

Patches

Motorcycle club patches are worn to show club affiliation. The patches are sewn onto the back of a denim or leather jacket with the sleeves cut off. They're called a three piece and feature the national or international club's name and logo, along with the local chapter's location. Badges denoting club hierarchy are worn on the front.

One Percenters

Public events such as Sturgis attract up to 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. Patches worn on the back or badges on the front differentiate between social motorcycle clubs and outlaw clubs. The one percent patch is worn by the outlaws and refers to the supposed American Motorcycle Association's statement that 99 percent of motorcyclists are honest, law-abiding citizens.

Territory

According to Mike Walsh of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, the Bandidos outlaw club stakes territorial claims over South Dakota and requires other Sturgis outlaw attendees to openly display patches showing they are friends of the Bandidos or face possible intimidation.

Tags: club affiliation, event rallies, show club, show club affiliation, such Sturgis

Change Hand Grips On A Harley Davidson

Change Hand Grips on a Harley Davidson

Motorcycle handlebars transmit vibration created by the motor into the rider's hands and wrists. Although most motorcyclists chalk up this phenomena as part of the experience, Harley-Davidson riders know better. Often riding for hundreds of miles at a time, Harley riders rely on their hand grips to negate the vibrations created by the powerful v-twin motor. Some grips are dressed in black, some drip chrome, but in the end, they keep your wrists and hands pain-free. Equally painless is the installation process, which requires a few tools and some free time.

Instructions

Clutch Grip Replacement

1. Disassemble the clutch lever perch by removing the two Torx-27 screws that secure the clamp to the handlebar. Pull the entire assembly away from the handlebar. Separate the upper and lower switch housings by removing the Torx-25 screws on the bottom of the housings then slide the housings away from the grip.

2. Cut the hand grip lengthwise with a razor or sharp blade and pull the grip off of the handlebar. Using sandpaper and an adhesive solvent, clean the handlebar and remove any remaining adhesive or grip fragments.

3. Slide the new grip onto the handlebar and check that the flanges at the end of the grip line up with the channel in the switch housing. Once aligned, remove the grip and apply adhesive to the inside of the grip.

4. Slide the grip back onto the handlebar, using slight back and forth motions to prevent pushing adhesive up to the switch housing. Align the grip with the housing channels and squeeze the grip firmly to set the adhesive. Maintain pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds before releasing.

5. Reassemble the switch housing, placing the channel in the housing around the grip's flange and tightening the Torx-25 mounting screws. Remount the clutch lever assembly on the handlebar and loosely tighten the handlebar clamp screws. Adjust the angle of the clutch lever to your desired position and fully tighten the clamp screws.

Throttle Grip Replacement

6. Locate the rubber throttle cable covers and push them away from the adjusters. Loosen the adjuster lock nuts and twist the cables clockwise to loosen the tension on the throttle cables, placing the throttle grip at its loosest point.

7. Separate the upper and lower switch housings by removing the Torx-25 screws. Locate the rear cable fitting on the throttle sleeve and lift it upwards to remove the cable end and anchor pin. Repeat to remove the front cable and anchor pin from the throttle sleeve. Slide the throttle sleeve and grip off of the handlebar.

8. Slide the new throttle sleeve onto the handlebar. Connect the front throttle cable to the sleeve, sliding the anchor pin to secure the cable in place. Connect the rear cable and anchor pin. Reassemble the switch housing and tighten the Torx-25 screws to secure it to the handlebar.

9. Twist the throttle cable adjusters counterclockwise to tighten the cable tension then tighten the adjuster lock nuts. Pull the covers over the cable adjusters and test the throttle for proper operation.

Tags: switch housing, throttle sleeve, away from, cable anchor, clutch lever

Connect An Hd Television To A Shaw Cable

Connect an HD Television to a Shaw Cable

Shaw is a Canadian cable, Internet and home phone company based in Calgary, Alberta. The company has over 550,000 digital customers in Western Canada and was among the first companies to provide digital entertainment in the country. If you have recently purchased a Shaw Communications digital receiver, you will need to connect it to your television before you can watch anything. Connecting your Shaw digital receiver to your high definition television is quite straightforward and will only take a few minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look for a socket labeled "HDMI" on the back of the Shaw cable box. Connect one end of the HDMI cable into this socket. The cable will only fit one way. Make sure it is firmly in place before proceeding.

2. Look for a similar socket on the back of your television. Some sets will have multiple HDMI sockets for connecting several devices. Connect the cable to an empty socket in the same way.

3. Connect the Shaw cable box to an electrical outlet via the power cable. Press the power button on the front of the Shaw box in the top left corner.

4. Switch your television input to HDMI mode. If your set has multiple HDMI sockets, the Shaw signal may show up under "HDMI 1" or "HDMI 2" or similar, depending on your TV model.

Tags: your television, Connect Television, Connect Television Shaw, digital receiver, HDMI sockets

Drain A Harley Gas Tank

Contrary to popular belief, gasoline does in a sense "go bad." When storing your Harley Davidson for the winter, fuel should be drained from the tank so as not to damage the workings of your motorcycle during its hibernation. You can safely store your Harley over the winter, without worrying about whether or not it will start the next spring.

Instructions

1. Turn the fuel petcock (found on the left side of the tank) to the "OFF" position and allow the motorcycle to run until it stops.

2. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the tubing clamp from the fuel petcock. Pull the tubing away from the petcock and allow it to hang free.

3. Attach a length of 1/2-inch nylon tubing to the fuel petcock. Place the other end of the tubing in a specialized gas container.

4. Turn the petcock to the "RES" position. Fuel will begin to drain out of the tank and into the gas container. You may speed up this process by removing the gas cap on top of the tank.

5. Reconnect the fuel hose to the petcock. Turn the petcock to the "OFF" position. Dispose of the drained gasoline in a responsible manner.

Tags: fuel petcock, petcock position, Turn petcock, Turn petcock position, your Harley

Set Up Time Machine On Mac Osx 10 5 Leopard

Set Up Time Machine on Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard

Time Machine is a backup program that's included as a standard feature of Mac OSX Leopard. Once properly set up, Time Machine automatically backs up your computer periodically (also called "serial backups") and allows you to look through the past backups and retrieve older files or accidentally deleted files. This makes it very easy to maintain a proper backup routine.

Get your hands on the biggest hard drive you can afford (250 GB or greater--the bigger, the better) and follow these steps to set up your automatic backups with Time Machine.

Instructions

Connect to Your External or Internal Backup Drive

1. Hook up the USB or Firewire cables if you have an external drive.

2. If you have an internal drive, make sure it's connected properly.

3. Power up your computer and the external hard drive.

Use a Networked Drive With Time Machine

4. Open up your Finder. Click on "Go" in the top menu and select "Network" (or click "Shift+Command+K"). All available networked drives should be there.

5. If you can't find your networked drive, click "Go" on the top menu and select "Connect to Server."

6. Type in the IP address of your networked drive and click "Connect."

7. Open your Terminal ("Applications > Utilities") and type in the following without quotes: "defaults write com.apple.systempreferences TMShowUnsupportedNetworkVolumes 1". This step is crucial, as it allows Time Machine to see and use a networked drive as a backup drive.

Set Up Time Machine

8. Click on the Time Machine icon on the Doc in Mac OSX Leopard.

9. Click on "Set Up Time Machine" when a window pops up that says "A storage device for Time Machine isn't set up."

10. Click "On" or "Choose Backup Disk"; either one will work.

11. Select the Hard Drive you want Time Machine to use and click "Use for Backup."

12. Click "Options" to specify folders to exclude if you want.

13. Under the "Do Not Back Up" area, click on the plus sign (+) to add items to exclude from your backup.

14. Select the folder or other items to exclude from Time Machine's backup and click "Exclude."

15. Time Machine will back up automatically in just a few minutes. Once Time Machine has performed its backup routine, when you click on "Time Machine" again, you'll be able to navigate through your backed-up files.

Tags: Time Machine, backup routine, Click Time Machine, drive click, exclude from, hard drive

Pick Up A Dropped Harley Davidson Electra Glide

Every rider can lift a downed motorcycle.

Every rider is almost certainly going to drop their motorcycle at some point. The 2010 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Limited weighs about 900 pounds when filled with gas and oil, but don't let that weight scare you. Picking up a downed motorcycle is all about leverage and can easily be done if you know what you're doing.

Instructions

1. Rotate the handle bars on the fallen motorcycle down so that the front of the front tire is pointed towards the ground.

2. Stand next to the seat and turn around so that you are facing away from the motorcycle. You will be using your buttocks against the seat to "push" of the motorcycle into an upright position.

3. Squat down and sit against the seat so that your buttocks are pressed firmly against the seat.

4. Grab the handle bar hand grip which is touching the ground with one hand. With the other hand, find a secure handhold on the rear lower portion of the motorcycle such as under the top luggage rack, rear highway bars, or any solid part of the motorcycle that gives you a solid grip.

5. Start lifting the motorcycle with your leg muscles by keeping your back straight and your head up while you begin walking backwards into the motorcycle. Take very small steps and you will feel the motorcycle start to lift.

6. Continue taking small steps, pushing your buttocks into the seat, lifting the motorcycle. At first it will feel very easy but about one third of the way up you will start to feel the weight of the motorcycle on your leg muscles.

7. Stop lifting as soon as the motorcycle is vertical to avoid flipping it over on its other side.

8. Set the kickstand and put the motorcycle in gear.

9. Check for damage or spilled gas which may have leaked out while the motorcycle was down.

Tags: against seat, your buttocks, Davidson Electra, Davidson Electra Glide, downed motorcycle, Electra Glide, Every rider

Compare Motorcycles

A Honda Rune at the Paris motorcycle show, 2007

There are many styles, manufacturers and models from which to choose when looking to buy a motorcycle. Unfortunately, dealers and most private sellers do not allow motorcycle test rides. Bike features, appearance, condition and price are important, but not the only factors to consider. If you define your priorities, research the bikes and see them in person, you will be well equipped to make a fair comparison.

Instructions

Compare Motorcycles

1. Make a list of motorcycle facts that are meaningful to you. Examples are seat height, bike weight, performance characteristics, condition, purchase price, book value, insurance cost, maintenance intervals, color choices, odometer reading, recall notices, accessory availability and rated miles-per-gallon.

2. Gather data for each item. Good sources are manufacturer specifications, owner clubs, recall-tracking organizations, government safety commissions, insurance companies, magazine reviews and accessory suppliers. The Internet is an excellent research tool for much of this information (see "References").

3. Go see each motorcycle and take notes. Make sure the cycle is comfortable and in the same condition as described. Start it and listen to the sound. The engine should run smoothly. Dark stains on the floor below the cycle are a sign of fluid leaks. Verify the manufacture date, which is typically stamped on the VIN plate. Check the expiration date on the inspection sticker.

4. Gather additional information from the dealer or owner. Ask him to describe what type of rider would be comfortable on the bike. Some motorcycles are suited for beginners, while others require racer-level skills. Ask when the motorcycle was serviced last, what work was done and what maintenance is due at the manufacturers next recommended service date.

5. Observe someone riding the motorcycle so you can evaluate how it shifts and stops.

6. Evaluate the data, giving more weight to the factors that are the most important to you.

Tags: Compare Motorcycles

Turn Off The Blue Light Circle On Directv Hd Dvr

DirecTV's DVR (Digital Video Recorder) provides storage that allows subscribers to record their favorite shows. The DVR allows customers to watch shows at their leisure; it even enables them to fast-forward through commercials, pause a scene for a bathroom break and rewind. But one thing that many users of the DirecTV DVR wish it wouldn't do is blind them with its brilliant blue light circle, which is prominently displayed on the front center of the box. Fortunately, it only takes a few steps to turn off the blue light.

Instructions

1. Press the left and right arrows on either side of the blue circle of light, which is located in the middle on the front of the DVR box. Press both buttons at the same time. This will dim the blue circle of light.

2. Press the arrows simultaneously three more times and the blue light should turn off.

3. Press the arrows at the same time once again and the blue light will turn back on.

Tags: blue light, blue circle, blue circle light, circle light, Press arrows, same time

Gift Ideas For A Harley Davidson Wedding

Finding a gift for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts can be a challenge.

Finding the ideal wedding gift for family or friends is never easy; but when you attend a less traditional wedding, the task may be even more difficult. If you are invited to a Harley-Davidson themed wedding, you may not even know where to begin your gift shopping. Fortunately, there are several fun and some even slightly traditional items that any Harley-Davidson loving couple will appreciate on their special day.

Glassware

When you're attending a Harley-Davidson wedding, you may be tempted to go with a truly outrageous gift. However, traditional gifts with a twist can be a fun option as well. Most couples receive glassware as a wedding present, but for a Harley-Davidson wedding, consider giving the happy couple glasses that feature the motorcycle manufacturer's distinctive logo. Available on the Harley-Davidson website, you can choose from wine, old fashion, pilsner and pint glasses. If you are looking for an edgier gift, Harley-Davidson sells glassware with a skull logo as well. You can also pair the glassware with Harley-Davidson logo barware items, such as a bottle opener and coaster set.

Coffee Mugs

Another traditional wedding gift that fits the Harley-Davidson theme is a set of coffee mugs featuring the company's logo. There are several different styles and sizes available, so you can mix and match for a funky gift or put together a matching set for the happy couple's kitchen.

Wall Art

Many newly married couples move into a new house or apartment, so they may need artwork to decorate their home. At a Harley-Davidson themed wedding, Harley-Davidson artwork can make an ideal gift. Many photographs or prints of Harley-Davidson motorcycles come already matted and framed, so they are ready to be given as gifts when you purchase them. For a couple that has flashier tastes, you may also find Harley-Davidson artwork that features neon or LED lights for a fun, unique piece of wall art.

Road Atlas and Motorcycle Accessories

If the happy couple plans to take their honeymoon on their motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson road atlas may be a good gift option. The book suggests scenic routes throughout North America, along with maps and information regarding state laws and emergency roadside assistance. Service station, restaurant and lodging locations are also provided. The atlas also has a tear-resistant cover that makes it durable enough to withstand a long road trip. In addition, you may want to give the newly married couple other accessories to use on their honeymoon road trip. Consider giving them a GPS navigator or luggage designed specifically to fit on the back of a motorcycle. Packable rain suits are another good option.

Tags: happy couple, gift Harley-Davidson, glassware with, Harley-Davidson artwork, Harley-Davidson themed

Set Up A Sidecar

Sidecars allow a passenger to ride more comfortably without having to keep balance.

Many riders install sidecars onto their motorcycles to allow passengers to ride in more comfort, or because they like the look of them. The process of mounting it is a simple one that requires only ordinary wrenches and home tools, but takes several hours. Special care must also be taken to align the sidecar's wheels properly in relation to those of the motorcycle.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prop up the frame of the sidecar in a wide, open and level workspace with wooden blocks.

2. Unpack the universal mounting kit and remove the nuts, nolts, and lockwashers from the four U-clamps. Remove the spacer block from each of the clamps as well.

3. Remove the bolts from the eyebolts on the strut assemblies.

Attach the Sidecar

4. Fit a U-clamp to the top front of the motorcycle's frame, taking care not to interfere with or disturb any levers, rods or switches, nor to rub against any wire. Insert the spacer block and fasten the clamp in place with two bolts, lockwashers and nuts from the kit.

5. Thread one of the eyebolts included with the kit through the spacer block and tighten it against the frame tube. If the tube is too thin for a stable grip, insert the kit's larger shim ahead of the eyebolt. If it is still too loose, insert the smaller shim at its rear.

6. Install the other three U-clamps to the appropriate attachment points indicated in your motorcycle's owner's manual. Fit the uppermost U-clamps as high as possible on the bike's frame, and, conversely, the lowermost U-clamps as low as possible. In some cases, the lower front clamp may have to be attached to the frame's cross member.

7. Loosen the two holding bolts at the front end of the sidecar frame, then insert the mounting kit's curved bar into this region of the frame without re-tightening the bolts.

8. Fasten the kit's sliding clamp to the rear of the sidecar's frame with more of the included bolts, lockwashers and nuts. Tighten the bolts just enough to hold the clamp in place.

9. Insert the eyebolt from the kit that features a spacer sleeve into the sliding clamp, and fasten it in place with a nut

10. Remove the bottommost nuts from the eyebolts on the two long struts, then take out the bolts themselves. Re-insert the bolts into the front and rear holes on the sidecar's frame and thread the nuts onto them loosely.

11. Stand the motorcycle upright on level ground with wooden blocks. Prop up the sidecar frame to be level as well, and position it at the right-hand side of the motorcycle with nor more than 1 to 2 inches between the edges of their frames.

12. Fit the Clevis adjusting bolts on the struts and the curved bar to the eyebolts on each U-clamp, and hold the struts in place with bolts. Ensure that the long struts connected to the uppermost U-clamps are not be parallel, but angled outward slightly.

13. Remove all supports from under the assembly.

Alignment

14. Place one of the 2 by fours against the outside of both motorcycle tires, and the other against the outside of the sidecar tire.

15. Measure the space between the boards one foot in front of the front tire and one foot behind the rear tire. This distance, called "toe-in," should be half an inch to 3/4 of an inch less at the front than at the rear.

16. If the spacing at the front is greater, tighten the top and bottom Clevis adjusting bolts at the front of the bike and loosen the ones at the rear.

17.Place an angle bracket against the outside edges of the front wheel tire and measure the clearance between between it and the tire at the ground.

18. If this measurement, called "lean-out," does not measure approximately 1/8 of an inch, remove the nuts and bolts from the Clevis adjusting bolts at the upper ends of the front and rear struts. To decrease lean-out, turn the Clevis Adjusting Bolts inward. Turn them outward to increase lean-out.

19. Replace all bolts and nuts into the adjusting bolts, tighten them, then insert Cotter pins from the kit into the wheel axles.

20. Test drive the motorcycle with a passenger in the sidecar

Tags: sidecar frame, adjusting bolts, against outside, place with, spacer block

Import Hd Media Onto An Sd Dvd Sp

You can burn HD video content to a standard-definition DVD.

Full high-definition video has over twice the resolution of standard definition video content. This is one of the many reasons why HD video is typically stored on a blu-ray disc. Of course, you can import HD media onto a standard-definition DVD using the SP format, which is the highest quality format for SD DVDs, but the down side is the video is down-converted to an SD format.

Instructions

1. Insert the blank DVD into the DVD burner of your computer, then close out the AutoPlay window that loads onto the screen.

2. Launch the DVD burner software installed on the computer. Typically this is Roxio, ULead DVD or Nero DVD.

3. Select "Video DVD" as the format you want to create, then choose "Add Files". Select the HD media file you want to place on the DVD and click "Ok". Most DVDs are able to hold up to 4.7 gigabytes worth of data, so make sure the media is smaller than this. To check this, locate the file on the hard drive, right-click it and choose "Properties".

4. Repeat the import process with any of the HD media you want on the SD DVD SP and click "Burn" to write the data to the DVD.

Tags: video content

Harleydavidson Mechanic Salaries

Harley-Davidson is one of the leading names in American motorcycle manufacturing. Learning work on Harleys is a highly specialized segment of the overall motorcycle mechanic profession, with the Motor Company's Twin Cam, Evolution, Revolution and other V-twin engine configurations being proprietary and iconic. For those with a passion for classic American iron, becoming a Harley-Davidson mechanic is a way to work intimately with the big bikes.

Wages

Harley-Davidson mechanics are among the highest-paid motorcycle mechanics. These specialist mechanics have the potential to make as much as $50,000 per year as of 2008. This works out to approximately $25 per hour. Mechanics who work overtime can make even more, based on overtime rates of time and a half.

Experience

What you make as a Harley mechanic depends a lot on your level of experience. Many mechanics will start out as helpers. Entry-level wages for a mechanic tend to fall between $25,000 and $35,000 per year depending on geography and demand. Wages increase as experience increases; supervisory and management positions within a service facility are necessarily paid more than assistant positions; these are natural positions to wind up in if you have a long Harley-Davidson mechanic career within one organization.

Job Prospects

Because Harley-Davidson repair is a highly specialized field, having the right training will open doors. The Automotive-Schools.us website reports that the field was expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent in the year 2010. Further, the field of automotive repair generally is insulated to some degree from fluctuations in the broader job market -- when vehicles break they need to be repaired.

Geographical Differences

What Harley-Davidson mechanics make is also a function of where they work. The five states with the highest-paying jobs for motorcycle repairmen are California, Hawaii, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Louisiana. The metro areas with the highest wages for bike mechanics are Houston, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Chicago and Atlanta. Some flexibility in where a mechanic is willing to work can greatly impact his salary.

Tags: Harley-Davidson mechanic, Harley-Davidson mechanics, highly specialized

About Vintage Motorcycle Helmets

Vintage motorcycle helmets are popular among collectors of cycling memorabilia.

Straddling the boundaries between art, fashion and sports memorabilia, motorcycle helmets from decades past are collected by enthusiasts. Classic helmets have both aesthetic and historical value, making them appealing to a wide range of collectors. Vintage helmets can be found through a number of sources.

Historically Significant Helmets

Helmets from all eras can be collectible, but some of the most popular helmets were made and worn in the 1960s and during World War II.

Value

Depending on factors such as scarcity of a particular model and condition, a vintage motorcycle helmet can demand a price anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars.

Where To Buy

Many vintage helmets are available via online auction sites and online retailers at any given time. Although stumbling on a classic helmet in a local antique store is less likely than finding one online, there are treasures to be found locally as well. Always be sure you know the value of a helmet you are considering purchasing and that you can be reasonably certain of its authenticity before buying.

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Dodge Ram Diesel Bluetec Service Requirements

Dodge's new Bluetec diesel engines are clean, quiet and efficient.

Dodge's Cummins diesel engines use an urea-injection system called Bluetec to reduce nitric oxide emissions. This Mercedes-sourced system doesn't make the Cummins motor any less reliable, but it does slightly alter the service requirements. Follow the "Schedule B" maintenance schedule if using your truck for frequent short trips, idling more than 10 minutes at a time, drive in dusty conditions, tow trailers, use your truck as a taxi, go off-roading or regularly run at more than 2,900 RPM. Most trucks fall under Schedule B maintenance for one or more of these reasons.

Once a Month

Once a month check tire pressure and look for unusual tire wear, inspect the batteries and terminals for loose connections or corrosion, check all fluid levels, check all lights and electrical items, drain water from the fuel filter and check the "Filter Minder" indicator. Replace the filter if the filter minder indicates clogging. Refill the Bluetec urea tank as needed.

Oil Change

At each oil change, change the oil filter, inspect the exhaust system for leaks, inspect the brake hose for kinking or chafing, inspect the driveshaft u-joints for looseness or clunking, grease the U-joints, check the transmission, engine and brake fluid levels and grease the outer tie rod ends.

Regular Maintenance

According to Dodge, grease the front driveshaft fittings every 3,750 miles (or twice for every one oil change. Every 7,500 miles, change the oil, rotate the tires, check the spare tire for proper pressure and stowage and lubricate the outer tie rod ends. Every 15,000 include all of the above, plus replace the fuel filter, change the front and rear axle fluids, inspect brake pads and adjust the parking brake if necessary. The main difference between Schedule A maintenance program, light duty use and Schedule B's heavy duty use program is that for Schedule A, change the oil every 15,000 miles as opposed to 7,500 for Schedule B, and skip the 3,750 mile service intervals.

Periodic Items

At 60,000 miles, perform a transmission filter and fluid change in addition to all the regularly scheduled items. From here on out, service the transmission every 30,000 miles. Flush engine coolant at 60,000 miles. At 90,000 miles, Dodge recommends replacing the accessory drive belt, checking the transfer case fluid level and inspecting the wheel bearings.

Flush and replace the engine coolant again at 101,000 miles, adjust the valve lash clearance at 135,000, best done by a qualified technician at the dealership, drain and replace the transfer case fluid and have the automatic transmission's bands adjusted at 120,000. These are the Schedule B requirements, but periodic service requirements for Schedule A and B are very similar. As it's better to err on the side of caution, you may want to just stick with the Schedule B requirements to ensure engine longevity.

Tags: every miles, Schedule maintenance, case fluid, diesel engines, engine coolant

Change Gear Oil In A 1992 Sportster

Replacing the primary and transmission fluid should be done with every motor oil change.

While the other members of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle line utilize separate fluids, the Sportster's transmission and primary drive systems share a common lubricating fluid. The primary, or gear, oil used by a 1992 Sportster reduces harmful friction and heat within the primary and transmission unit, preventing premature wear as it coats the unit's internal moving parts. Replacing the fluid regularly is a simple task that should be done whenever you change the motor oil, extending the job by only a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Start the motorcycle and let it idle for five minutes, allowing the transmission fluid to warm up and expand. Stop the motor after the primary fluid has warmed and place the motorcycle on a stand to support it in an upright position.

2. Locate the primary fluid drain plug on the bottom rear corner of the primary housing. Place an oil pan below the primary housing and remove the drain plug with a socket wrench. Allow the primary fluid to drain completely. Remove any debris present of the tip of the drain plug with a shop towel and replace its O-ring before reinserting it into the primary housing.

3. Remove the clutch adjustment plug from the center of the primary housing, using a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the pair of bolts that secure the plug. Using a funnel, pour up to 1 qt. of fresh primary fluid into the primary housing. Ideally, the fluid level should be just below the clutch diaphragm spring within the primary housing. Remove the funnel and wipe away any spilled primary fluid with a shop towel. Reinsert the clutch adjustment plug into the primary housing and tighten its bolts with a Phillips screwdriver.

Tags: primary housing, primary fluid, drain plug, into primary, into primary housing

Dispose Of A Projection Television

Dispose of a Projection Television

The switch to digital broadcast signals and Blu-ray technology may have combined to make your old projection TV obsolete. However, simply dumping your projection TV in an alley or trash dumpster is not an environmentally responsible act. Before taking this approach, ask family or friends if they may want to take the old projection set off your hands. Proper disposal of your projection TV will help keep the Earth free of access waste and clutter.

Instructions

Disposing of a Projection TV

1. Donate your old projection television to charitable organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill that could benefit from your donation. In fact, your projection TV may be picked up at your doorstep, depending on your location and the organization you're donating to.

2. Locate a recycling company that accepts projection TV sets. Gazelle.com and Wm.com are just two of the many waste management companies you can use to dispose of your projection TV. In some instances, companies like Gazelle.com will pay for your projection TV as opposed to recycling it. You may be required to bring your projection TV to the recycling company's facility, or they may send you a box to ship your TV in. Most recycling companies will handle the cost to have your TV shipped to their designated recycling facility

3. Join an organization like Freecycle. It's a nonprofit organization that allows members to give and receive electronics, and other items of use. Send an email offering your TV to other members of the Freecycle network. If you wish, you may specify that your projection TV go to a nonprofit organization instead of an individual. Otherwise, select the member whom you want to receive your TV . Schedule a pick up day and time. If there isn't any way to schedule a pick up, you and the receiver may need to work out shipping arrangements.

Tags: your projection, Dispose Projection, Dispose Projection Television, nonprofit organization, Projection Television

What Is Stack Randomization

Computer security becomes esoteric when dealing with security vulnerabilities at a hardware level. Even the basic execution structure of computers has holes that hackers can exploit. Engineers must continually develop techniques to circumvent hacker attacks. To address memory manipulation exploits such as buffer overruns, engineers developed stack, or address space layout, randomization. This technique makes traditional and repeatable attacks less effective, and protects computers from basic security flaws.

The Call Stack

The generic data structure defined as a "stack" represents a basic list of items in which each added item appends to the end of the list, and each removed item comes from the end of the list in a last-in, first-out order. The call stack of a running program functions much in the same way. Instead of simple data items, however, the call stack organizes references in memory to executing functions in the program.

Buffer Overruns and Memory Vulnerability

One of the disadvantages of using the stack data structure to organize programs is related to how memory is organized. While each running function in a program sits in the call stack, they often sit side-by-side in physical memory. Accordingly, if an attacker overruns a variable buffer by providing too much data for a data structure to handle, for example, then the extra information can overwrite data in adjacent physical memory locations, affecting the flow of program execution.

Stack Randomization

To address security concerns, engineers developed a memory allocation technique known as stack randomization, or address space layout randomization. Typically, memory is allocated sequentially during program execution. When a program starts, it is allocated the next available memory space in memory. When using stack randomization, the computer determines a pseudo-random location based on a predetermined offset. The frame pointers on the stack are placed by this offset as well. The offset is determined at boot time by the operating system.

Stack Randomization and Security

Because of stack randomization, program data does not reside entirely consecutively in the system's memory. This presents a problem for hackers attempting to use an attack such as a buffer overrun. While a buffer overrun can occur, the effects could not be predetermined. Before stack randomization, if a hacker knew how much data to use in a buffer overrun, he could use the same exploit on the same program, repeatedly. With randomization, no buffer attack is guaranteed success between each running instance of a program, even on the same computer.

Tags: buffer overrun, call stack, data structure, stack randomization, address space, address space layout

Align An Expressvu Dish

The Bell Expressvu satellite service uses the Expressvu antenna dish to deliver broadcast programming to its subscribers across Canada. Aligning the satellite dish is an integral part of the whole satellite installation process. Using the Expressvu satellite receiver, you can set up the dish antenna to the appropriate alignment to receive the strongest satellite signal possible for your area. The process of aligning an Expressvu dish antenna is fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1. Press the "Power" button on your Expressvu receiver remote control to turn the receiver on.

2. Press the "Program" button to open the "Program Settings" screen on your television; then use the "Up/Down" arrow buttons to scroll through the main menu to the "Satellite Setup" option. Press the "Enter" button.

3. Use the "Up/Down" arrow buttons to scroll to the "Satellite Scan" option; then press the "Enter" button. The receiver will run a satellite scan and the satellite position coordinates (in degree) will appear on the screen. Take note of the "Elevation" and "Azimuth" positions.

4. Loosen the adjustment nuts on the "Elevation" and "Azimuth" measurement rulers on the Expressvu dish assembly.

5. Move the dish assembly, up and down (elevation ruler) and left and right (azimuth), to adjust the Elevation and Azimuth rulers to match the measurements given by the satellite receiver.

6. Press the "Enter" button on the remote again to run the Satellite Scan once more. This time the scan will return the satellite strength. The screen should read "Strong" under "Satellite Signal." If the screen does not show that there is a strong signal, slowly move the dish assembly until the screen show a strong signal.

7. Tighten the adjustment nut on the dish assembly.

Tags: dish assembly, Elevation Azimuth, Enter button, arrow buttons, arrow buttons scroll, buttons scroll, dish antenna

Use A Monitor With A Macbook

Connecting a monitor to your MacBook gives you more screen space to work on. A function called mirroring lets you use a common mouse and keyboard for both screens. Here is how you do it.

Instructions

Connecting the Monitor

1. Select a VGA-equipped monitor to connect to your MacBook. It is recommended that you use a monitor of the same brand as your laptop (Apple).

2. Connect the monitor to your MacBook with a mini DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or mini DVI-VGA (Video Graphic Array) adapter.

3. Press F7 or Function+F7 on your MacBook. This turns on the mirroring mode.

4. Adjust the resolution on the monitor through the System Preferences or the Display status in the menu bar.

5. Put the MacBook in sleep mode to get full resolution on the attached monitor.

6. Keep the lid of the laptop open to access the keypad and track pad.

7. To boot the computer using the external monitor, open the laptop, switch the power on and close the laptop at once.

Using Both Screens Simultaneously

8. Use both screens simultaneously for different functions. For example, work on files on the larger monitor and at the same time access e-mails on the laptop.

9. Move the mouse to the end of the laptop screen, and it will appear on the attached monitor.

10. Drag and save a file on the monitor. Drag the file over the menu bar and keep dragging until it enters the monitor. Alternatively, drag the files from the corner of the screen.

Tags: your MacBook, attached monitor, both screens, monitor Drag, monitor same, monitor your

Finance A Home With Bad Credit

Finance a home with bad credit.

Although it is easier to take out a loan if you have good credit, you can finance a home with bad credit. Mortgage lenders who give loan money to risky individuals are called subprime lenders, and there are two groups of these lenders---reasonable and unreasonable. It is important to do plenty of research before picking a lender, because if you choose an unreasonable subprime lender, your interest rates are going to be much higher than is fair.

Instructions

1. Verify your credit ratings. Your credit rating is an evalution of your past loan history. This will determine your capability to pay your loans in the future. Examples of bad credit entries are charge-offs and past mortgages you have on your house.

2. Compare loan quotes, interest rates and title insurance policies from different mortgage lenders. Go online to lender websites. The search will give you quotes from a number of mortgage lenders. These are rough estimates, but they will help you see what lenders will offer you. Then search for a more in depth quote by getting a real mortgage quote online. Enter all the information that they ask for, including your income, the loan amount, your house's location and other information. Once you are given your quotes, you can request additional information from a few of the lenders.

3. Pick a mortgage lender with the best interest rates. Weigh the interest rates and the duration of the mortgage. Make sure you will be able to afford monthly payments of whatever loan you choose.

4. Apply for the mortgage loan online through the lender's site. The lender will send you final paperwork in the mail. Sign and notarize the forms. Send them back to the lender to be processed.

5. Apply for refinancing. If you improve your credit, you can lower your interest rate by refinancing. You can improve your credit by paying your mortgage payments and your other bills on time for three years. This will increase your chances of getting approved for refinancing.

Tags: interest rates, your credit, home with credit, improve your, improve your credit, mortgage lenders

Festivals On The Outerbanks Of North Carolina

Kitty Hawk Kites puts on two different festivals each year that celebrate the invention of the kite.

The Outer Banks is a popular vacation destination, but it has much more to offer than just sand and sun. Visitors and residents of the Outer Banks can enjoy a variety of festivals year round. If you are interested in music, art or sports, there are festivals to delight every member of your family.

First Friday on Roanoke Island

First Friday on Roanoke Island is a family-oriented street festival that occurs the first Friday of each month, April through December. Taking place on the Downtown Manteo Waterfront, the sidewalks are lined with live music, magic, artists and period-dressed actors. Other activities include wine tasting, a Historic Inn Crawl, a rock climbing wall, as well as arts and crafts. Many of the shops and restaurants do individual celebrations for First Friday, including live music, discounts, and special sales.

First Friday

Manteo, NC 27954

252-202-6666

firstfriday-roanokeisland.com

Under The Oaks Art Festival

The annual Under The Oaks Art Festival takes place in June on the waterfront grounds of Currituck Heritage Park. During the festival the works of over 100 artists will be on display and for sale. The festival also features live entertainment, an art auction, children's activities, and local food vendors. Admission to the festival is free and parking is available on-site for a small fee.

Under The Oaks Art Festival

The Whalehead Club

1100 Club Road, Rt. 12

Corolla, NC 27927

252-453-9040

whaleheadclub.org

Rogallo Kite Festival

During June, Kitty Hawk Kites hosts the annual Rogallo Kite Festival at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head. The festival has been happening annually for over 28 years. It is free and open to the public. The Rogallo Kite Festival features two days of kite flying in honor of Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing and a NASA scientist. His inventions and designs can be seen in hang gliders, stunt kites, and power kites that fly today. Visitors can enjoy large kite displays, stunt and power kite lessons, live music, parachute races, as well as free kite making and face painting. Kitty Hawk Kites also hosts the Wright Kite Festival which takes place each July at the Wright Brother's Memorial.

Rogallo Kite Festival

P.O. Box 1839

Nags Head, NC 27959

252-449-2210

kittyhawkkites.com

Outer Banks Sand Sculpture Festival

The end of June marks the dates for the annual Outer Banks Sand Sculpture Festival. The festival runs three days and takes place at Kitty Hawk Sports at Jockey's Ridge Crossing. Some of the events include entertainment, sand sculpting competitions, professional sand sculptors demonstrations, and raffles. This proceeds from the event benefit the prevention of skin cancer. Outer Banks Hospital, an annual sponsor, also provides free on-site skin cancer screening to interested patrons.

Outer Banks Sand Sculpture Festival

P.O. Box 1839

Nags Head, NC 27959

252-449-2210

kittyhawkkites.com

Brew Thru's Bluez'n Brewz Festival

Brew Thru's Bluez'n Brewz Festival takes place at The Promenade in Kitty Hawk during late August. The festival features live blues music, food, and over 80 different types of beer on tap. Tickets to the music festival and beer tasting may be purchased online or at the event. Attendees to the beer tasting must be 21 years of age or older and will receive unlimited two-ounce pours of the beers on tap.

Brew Thru's Bluez'n Brewz Festival

P.O. Box 3581

Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

252-384-3494

bluezandbrewz.com

Outer Banks Bike Fest

Motorcycle enthusiasts will not want to miss the Outer Banks Bike Fest. The three-day bike rally takes place each October. Participants are welcome to enjoy a guided tour of the Outer Banks, lighthouse tours, a bike show, a poker run, bike games, vendors, and official parties at local spots. Classes for the bike show include touring, custom, sport, cruiser, and antique. Most of the events happen at the Harley-Davidson dealerships in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.

Outer Banks Bike Fest

4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail

Nags Head, NC 27959

757-397-5500

outerbanksbikefest.com

Duck Jazz Festival

October also brings the annual Duck Jazz Festival to Duck Town Park. The one-day event introduces attendees to a line-up of national jazz artists. Music starts at 11 am and runs through dusk. Admission to the festival is free. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, coolers, and pets.

Duck Jazz Festival

1240 Duck Road, Suite 106

Duck, NC 27949

252-255-1234

duckjazz.com

Tags: Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk, Kite Festival, Nags Head, takes place, Rogallo Kite, Rogallo Kite Festival

Change The Choke Cable On A Harley Davidson Sportster 883

The enrichener (choke) provides essential fuel at start-up.

When open, the fuel enrichener (choke) feeds fuel into the float bowl of the carburetor. Air entering the carburetor creates a vacuum that takes the fuel past the enrichener into the throat of the carburetor. The fuel enrichener should open, remain open, and close without binding. A plastic nut next to the enrichener knob controls the sliding resistance of the enrichener control cable (choke cable) within the cable conduit. The enrichener knob is located next to the ignition switch.

Instructions

1. Loosen the hex nut at the back side of the mounting bracket.

2. Move the cable assembly free of the slot in the mounting bracket.

3. Follow the cable to where it is connected to the left side of the carburetor. Turn the cable sealing cap counterclockwise to remove it. Inside the carburetor are a spring and the enrichener valve. Remove and replace them if needed. Note: the spring and enrichener valve may stay connected to the cable assembly when removed.

4. Follow the steps in reverse order to install the new enrichener cable.

Tags: cable assembly, enrichener choke, enrichener knob, enrichener valve, fuel enrichener, mounting bracket

Enable Vmware To See My Usb Drive

The VMware Fusion program provides a PC-like window on the screen of the Macintosh computer it has been installed on. You can enable the PC-like computer that is now running on your Mac to see any USB drive attached to it in the same manner as if the drive were directly plugged into a PC. You will need to adjust a few settings but otherwise no special skills are needed. The PC-like computer that is now running on your Mac through VMware Fusion can use the USB hard drive in the same way as that of any PC running Windows.

Instructions

1. Double-click on the icon of the VMware program inside of the "Applications" folder to launch it. Click on the ">" arrow that is next to the Windows operating system inside of the VMware Fusion start-up window that appears on the Mac desktop. Wait as the Windows operating system starts up inside a window on the Mac's screen.

2. Plug the USB cable of a USB hard drive into a USB port on the Mac once the Windows desktop appears inside of the VMware Fusion window. Click on the "Windows has discovered new hardware" pop-up window on the Toolbar menu at the bottom of the desktop.

3. Follow the menu commands on the "Wizard" screens that appear to add the USB hard drive to the Windows operating system. Click the "Finished" button on the "Wizard" screen to make the screen disappear.

4. Double-click on the icon of the USB hard drive that is now on the desktop. Drag files in or out of the USB hard drive's window that appears on the desktop to copy files to or from the drive.

5. Right-click on the icon of the USB hard drive when you are done using it. Select "Eject" from the pop-up menu. Disconnect the USB hard drive's cable from the USB port of the Mac. Suspend or quit the VMware Fusion program by clicking the appropriate button in the VMware Fusion start-up window.

Tags: hard drive, VMware Fusion, operating system, that running, Windows operating, Windows operating system, appears desktop

Build A Seat Pan For A Harley Davidson Motorcycle

Build a custom seat pan for your Harley.

The project of building a seat pan begins the day the design is chosen. From this point forward, it's time to gather the materials and start the two-day project. Having a bit of knowledge about custom work, shaping and tools will enrich the project. However, being patient with the materials and working at a steady pace will garner the best overall results regardless of your prior custom work knowledge.

Instructions

Design, Shape and Mount a Motorcycle Seat Pan

1. Wrap the frame with paint masking tape to create a base.

2. Apply cardboard over large open spaces to smooth out the bottom.

3. Finish taping off all sections where the seat pan will go. If it is not a project bike, tape off all exposed paint to protect it during the fiberglass stages to come.

4. Add sheets of cardboard to flatten out the area around the fender bolts. Tape over the masking tape carefully with duct tape.

5. Cover the entire bike with plastic, leaving the duct tape exposed. Be safe, not sorry, and wrap the bike to protect it from resin splatter.

6. Put on gloves and wax the area with four coats of mold release wax. The more wax added, the easier removal will be.

7. Put on gloves, mask and eye protection, then mix the resin according to directions. Do this in the shade because resin is highly flammable.

8. Apply the resin onto the tape using a 2-inch brush spreading an evenly thin coat.

9. Set one layer of fiberglass mat down then apply a thin even coat of resin over the top. Use the 2-inch brush to move excessive resin and/or air bubbles to the side. Add a second layer of fiberglass mat and another thin, even coat of resin. Repeat two more times.

10. Add a layer of cotton, fiber, fleece or wool to add durability and strength to the seat pan. Once the layers of fiberglass and roving have been set. Let it dry overnight.

11. Put on thick gloves, then pull up one end carefully lifting the pan off the sub-frame.

12. Mark the pan with a black felt pen to know where you want to trim.

13. Using the band saw, begin slowly trimming the pan. Once trimmed, install on the frame. If the pan is not the shape you want on the frame, then trim again. Repeat until you have the desired pan shape on the frame.

14. Check the fit on the frame and try getting it as symmetrical as possible. When you are happy with how it conforms to the frame, sand all edges until they are smooth.

15. Add fasteners to do a dry run, making sure the fastening system works before getting the seat upholstered.

16. Take the seat pan to an upholstering shop. Upon its return, attach it to the bike frame using fasteners.

Tags: 2-inch brush, coat resin, custom work, duct tape, even coat, even coat resin

Make Runescape Faster On A Computer

Computer gaming is becoming more and more popular with every passing minute. RuneScape is an online 3-D adventure game developed by Jagex Ltd. This videogame is loaded with multiple levels, different characters and special effects on a large 3-D canvas. All of these features and effects require powerful Windows hardware enhancements and troubleshooting to run optimally.

Using some simple PC-troubleshooting steps to improve your Windows speed and performance will enhance your RuneScape game play.

Instructions

Increase PC Speed to Play RuneScape

1. Increase the RAM (memory) on your computer. The more memory your computer has, the more efficient your computer will perform when playing RuneScape. Contact your manufacturer to determine what memory cards and sizes will work on your particular computer.

2. Upgrade to a powerful games graphics card. Check out ATI graphics cards for the best in graphic performance. Different models may support different cards. Contact your manufacturer for help.

3. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop to defragment your computer. Right-click your hard disk, which generally is the C: drive.

4. Scroll down and click on Properties. Click the Tools tab in the Properties window. Click Defragment Now, then click Defragment in the new window. Defragmenting your system increases computer speed by allocating scattered files which takes your computer time to find.

5. Uninstall programs you don't need, especially large programs that use a great deal of computer memory. Click Start, then click Control Panel. Double-click the Add or Remove Programs button, then scroll through and select the programs that you want to uninstall. Click the Uninstall button to complete.

6. Run virus and spyware checks daily to remove malicious programs that slow down your computer performance. RuneScape will perform better if you do this.

7. Clean your hard disk frequently to remove temporary and useless files that use memory and hard disk space.

Tags: your computer, hard disk, programs that, computer more, Contact your, Contact your manufacturer, memory your

Motorcycle Trike Vacations

Motorcycle trikes may be a safer alternative to two-wheeled motorcycles.

Motorcycle trikes are increasingly popular, especially for touring and sightseeing. These motorcycles--with two wheels in the back instead of one--provide a more stable ride, especially with a passenger car and they handle dirt and gravel without a problem. Plus, they are easier to drive in stop-and-go traffic. Whether you are renting or own a motorcycle trike, there are some great vacations you can take that allow you the fun of riding in the open while enjoying wonderful scenery.

Smoky Mountains

The area in the western end of North Carolina and the eastern end of Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, a haven for great motorcycle trike rides. Take a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, tool through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take in native American culture and crafts in Cherokee, N.C., visit the famous Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C. or enjoy a stay in a rustic lodge in Franklin, North Carolina. The entire area is full of scenic drives and comfortable accommodations, as rustic or refined as the driver could want. Knoxville, Tennessee, is home to the annual Honda Hoot rally in June, so visitors can combine mountain scenery with a great rally. Bikers will appreciate the stability of the motorcycle trike on the twisting mountain roads as well.

Southwest

There are a number of rallies as well as some great scenery in the southwest deserts of the U.S., and motorcycle trikes are a great way to see them all. Begin in New Mexico, with its interesting cultures and mild climate. Grants is an hour west of Albuquerque, and hosts the Fire and Ice bike Rally annually. Another great place for a ride is to to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, where you can enjoy the amazing rock formations and desert mesas.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a great place for a road trip, and motorcycle trikes make the trip even better. Whether staying in a lodge or at one of the campsites, driving through the scenery and watching the wildlife on an open motorcycle trike makes the trip more intense. Traveling in Yellowstone means passing through prairies, forests, mile-high mountain passes and, of course, large fields of hot springs and geysers.

California

California offers a wide variety of scenery for the motorcycle trike rider. The Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a perennial favorite. The winding road with the Pacific on one side and wooded hills and rolling farms on the other is striking. The Santa Barbara-Ventura County Loop takes a trike rider through every kind of terrain: coastal, farm, mountain, fields, gorges and rivers. California Highway 36 in the northern part of the state has miles of twisty roads, elevation changes and views of giant redwoods.

Tags: motorcycle trike, Smoky Mountains, great place, Great Smoky, Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, some great

Refinish Your Mag Wheels

If you've enhanced your utility vehicle's function and appearance by adding mag wheels, go one step further by accenting them with a touch of color. You can accomplish this goal by refinishing each wheel with an oil-based enamel. Before you start painting, understand one critical point: mag wheels are metallic. This characteristic makes them poor candidates for enamel adhesion. Fortunately, you can condition the wheels to accept a new finish by applying a special primer with an acid base. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrub the mag wheels with a heavy-duty trisodium phosphate cleansing agent, using a coarse brush. Rinse each wheel, using a pressure washer and wait two to three hours until they dry.

2. Drive the vehicle onto heavy-duty fabric drop cloths. Skip this step if the mag wheels are not on the vehicle.

3. Cover the tires with masking paper, using painter's tape. Skip this step if the mag wheels lack tires.

4. Coat the mag wheels with a thin coat of metal self-etching primer. Maintain an 8-inch distance between the mag wheels and the spray nozzle as you apply. Wait a minimum of four hours for the self-etching primer to dry.

5. Coat the mag wheels with two thin coats of gloss enamel. Maintain an 8-inch distance between the mag wheels and the spray nozzle as you apply. Wait two hours between coats. Wait four hours before driving the vehicle.

Tags: wheels with, 8-inch distance, 8-inch distance between, apply Wait, between wheels, between wheels spray

Calculate Value Add Lean

Increasing the efficiency in manufacturing is crucial in today's business environment.

Lean manufacturing is a concept all companies take seriously in today's marketplace. In order to be competitive, companies must become optimized in every sense and stay on the cutting edge of their specific industry. Lean manufacturing dates back to Venice in the 1450s, but Henry Ford is credited with being the first person to integrate an entire production process. The assembly line as we know it was his brainchild. He combined interchangeable parts with repetitive work in conjunction with a moving conveyance to revolutionize the manufacturing process; he called this flow production. In the 1940s, just after WWII, Kiichiro Toyoda, Taiichi Ohno and others at Toyota revisited Ford's original thinking, and invented the Toyota Production System.

Instructions

1. List all steps in the process from beginning to end.

2. Calculate the time required to complete each step of the process and add them to yield the total cycle time.

3. Identify the steps that do not add value to the process. These may include such operations as setup, test, inspection and rework.

4. Separate the value-added steps from the non-value-added steps.

5. Add the time of all the non-value processes to get the non-value added cycle time.

6. Add the time of each value-added step to get the value-added cycle time.

7. Calculate the percentage of the total cycle time as a function of the value-added operations. For example, if the total process time is 14400 seconds and the value-added process time is 1800 seconds, the percentage of the total cycle time of the value-added operations would be (1800/14400) * 100, or 12.5 percent.

Tags: cycle time, total cycle, total cycle time, Lean manufacturing, percentage total

Ideas For A Dirt Bike Themed Bedroom

Ideas for a Dirt Bike Themed Bedroom

A dirt bike themed bedroom is ideal for the young or teenage boy who is infatuated with dirt biking so he can enjoy himself in the place where he spends the most time. Materials can be easily located to complete the room renovation through your own garage, yard sales, junk yards and department stores. Many websites also feature dirt bike themed bedding and curtains for this purpose. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Markings

Use a clean tire dipped in black or brown paint to create tire treads either as a border and criss-cross haphazardly across the walls. Once the tread is covered in paint, roll it carefully over the wall in the designated area. Even if the design becomes smudged or messy, this will correlate with the dirt bike theme. Use a sponge dipped in brown paint to create mounds of dirt on the walls, or flick a paint-covered brush to create splatters of mud on the walls.

Hardware

Use bike hardware such as handles to add dirt bike touches to the room. Use them on the ends of curtain rods, mounted on doors or dresser drawers, or on a bed post for a biker touch. Purchase toy tires and hang them from a ceiling fan or tack them to walls.

Murals and Collages

Print out pictures of dirt bikes and bike racing scenes. Mix in photos of the bedroom occupant riding and create a large dirt bike collage on the wall. If desired, outline it in the tire tread or with patches of painted dirt or mud. If you or a family member are artistically talented, create a life-sized mural of a dirt bike on one wall.

Tags: dirt bike, bike themed, Bike Themed, Bike Themed Bedroom, brown paint, brown paint create

Clean A Screaming Eagle Air Filter

Clean a Screaming Eagle Air Filter

Harley-Davidson has been making motorcycles for more than 100 years, and racing has been part of that heritage since 1905. Harley-Davidson's line of Screamin' Eagle (or Screaming Eagle) engine parts can help propel a motorcycle to 200 miles per hour. A high-flow Screamin' Eagle air filter kit offers improved engine performance over the stock air cleaner. Because the air filter element is exposed, it will need regular cleaning for maximum performance.

Instructions

1. Locate the air filter on the right side of the motorcycle just below the fuel tank. Loosen the clamp holding the filter with a Philips screwdriver in a counter-clockwise direction. Pull the air filter out of the air tube by hand.

2. Rap the air filter on a hard surface to loosen dirt particles. Brush the filter with a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt.

3. Spray the filter pleats generously with air filter cleaner (available at a Harley-Davidson dealer) and allow it to soak it for 10 minutes before continuing.

4. Rinse the filter with a low-pressure garden hose from the inside out. Shake the excess water out of the filter by hand and allow it to air dry completely before continuing.

5. Spray each air filter pleat with air filter oil (available at your Harley-Davidson dealer). Hold the sprayer 3 inches from the filter while spraying. Let the oil soak in for 20 minutes before continuing.

6. Inspect the filter and apply air filter oil to any spaces that were missed with a squeeze bottle (identified by white spots on the pleats). Allow the oil to absorb for several minutes.

7. Push the air filter -- with the logo facing up -- onto the air tube approximately 5/8 of an inch. Tighten the clamp with a Philips screwdriver in a clockwise direction. Use a torque wrench with a Philips head attachment and make sure the clamp screw is tightened to 30-40 inch pounds.

Tags: filter with, before continuing, Screaming Eagle, with Philips, Clean Screaming, Clean Screaming Eagle, Harley-Davidson dealer

Tire & Rim Options For The 2006 Sportster

There are several aftermarket tire and rim options for 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportsters.

The stock 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster features Dunlop tires, a 21-inch front laced wheel and cast aluminum disc rear wheel. While this is an aesthetically pleasing combination that provides optimum performance right from the factory, there are several options available for aftermarket tires and Harley-Davidson rims.

Dunlop Tires

Since 1991, Harley-Davidson equips all its stock models exclusively with Dunlop D401 Elite S/T series tires. The 2006 Sportsters wear D401F tires that feature advanced front and rear tread patterns to give superior wet road traction through a range of lean angles. If you are upgrading from stock, the K591 compound tire -- originally designed for racing -- incorporates refinements to meet the demands of sport and sport-touring riders. It is the only tire approved by Harley-Davidson for its sport models and carries a V speed rating. Its directional tread pattern delivers optimum grip in wet or dry conditions for confident cornering.

Avon Tires

Avon's Venom tires represent the British manufacturer's premium line of cruising and high-load touring tires. Exceptional cornering stability is the benchmark of the Venom and its multi-arc tread contour provides a light, neutral turn-in. According to Avon, the Venom is highly resistant to cupping and the sequential pattern of the tread design offers stability over bridge grates and rain grooves. A low rolling resistance keeps the casing cool for a long life, yet soft enough to yield to high levels of grip.

Metzeler Tires

The Metzeler Lasertec tire is made with advanced silica compounds that reduce rolling resistance, which in turn increases mileage. Designed for exceptional braking performance, the Lasertec tread pattern provides optimal water drainage thus reducing the occurrence of hydroplaning. The Lasertec tire handles wet and dry surfaces equally well.

Harley-Davidson Rims

Few things enhance a motorcycle like custom wheels. Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories offers several dramatic upgrades to the 2006 Sportster stock wheels. There are billet chrome or black spoke wheels in many configurations and sizes to accommodate the 2006 Sportster Low, Roadster and Custom.

From the Slotted Six-Spoke Collection, the six-spoke wheel is available in black or chrome. Its textured finger-like slots radiate from the center giving the illusion of more spokes. Its cast aluminum construction substantially reduces weight without compromising strength. Matching brake rotors and sprockets are available.

The ThunderStar Collection combines style and performance in a five-spoke wheel made of cast aluminum. Available in mirror chrome, textured chrome and textured black, these wheels are branded with Harley-Davidson's signature bar and shield logo. Matching brake rotors and sprockets are available.

Tags: 2006 Sportster, cast aluminum, chrome textured, 2006 Harley-Davidson, Avon Venom

Tanita Bathroom Scale Information

Tanita has been producing precision scales for 40 of its 63 years in business and is known worldwide. As of January 2011, there are seven digital bathroom scales sold by Tanita. Selecting a bathroom scale will depend on your budget and the functions offered on individual scales. Does this Spark an idea?

HD-366 Digital

The HD-366 has a large base to support a weight capacity of 440 lb. Weight totals are displayed in 0.2-lb. increments on a single line measuring 2 1/2 inches by nearly 4 inches. The scale operates on four AAA batteries (included). The display glass is 8mm thick and is made from black tempered glass. It has blue liquid crystal display numbers for easy viewing. As of 2011, the scale is priced at $69.99.

HD-351 Digital

The HD-351 model is priced at $71.99 as of 2011 and is available in a cream color. The HD-351's maximum weight capacity is 440 lb., and it has a large floor base. The LCD numbers display is slightly more than 1 1/2 inches. Five users can program the scale to hold previous and current weights. Weights are measured in 0.2-lb. increases, and the scale is powered with four AA batteries (included).

HD-351BT Bluetooth Wireless

Priced at $209.99, the HD-351BT has the capability to transmit data wirelessly to your home computer. This technology helps you record your weight trends for longer periods and keep track of personal weight goals. Numbers are displayed on two lines on a window that is slightly larger than 1 1/2-inches. The maximum weight for this model is 440 lb., and it will hold previous and current weight for four users. The scale is available in nickel and uses four AA batteries (included).

HD-357 Digital

The HD-357 has a built-in handle and is just over one-half inch thick. Maximum weight capacity is 330 lb., and it calibrates weight measurements in 0.2-lb. increases. The HD-357 is powered by two CR2032 lithium batteries that are included. This model is available in candy-apple red and costs $64.99.

HS-301GL Iron Girl

The Iron Girl is powered by solar cells and works under natural or artificial light. The HS-301G is available in two weight capacities, 4.4-to-200-lb. and 200-to-330-lb. versions. The latter version measures in increments of 1 lb. The Iron Girl is available in white.

HD-314 Digital and HD-313 Digital

Both of these models have a weight capacity of 330 lb. and run on four AA batteries (included). The HD-314 has a screen slightly larger than 1 1/2 inches while the HD-313 screen is slightly less than 1 1/2 inches. The HD-314 is priced at $35.99, and the HD-313 is the least expensive at $32.29. Both models come in white.

Tags: batteries included, four batteries, four batteries included, weight capacity, Iron Girl, than inches, 2-lb increases