The charging system on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle consists of the battery, the voltage regulator and the alternator. The alternator, in turn, is made up of the rotor and the stator. Located within the primary chaincase on the left side of the engine, the alternator is difficult to visually inspect. Fortunately, it is quite simple to troubleshoot. The alternator's performance may be tested with a digital multimeter for both a grounded stator as well as correct AC output.
Instructions
Grounded Stator
1. Harley Crankcase
Turn off the motorcycle's ignition. Disconnect the plug leading from the voltage regulator to the crankcase.
2. Digital Multimeter
Measure the resistance between one hole on the stator plug and a known ground point on the motorcycle. Ensure that the meter is reading resistance on the Rx1 setting.
3. Verify that there is no continuity between the stator plug and ground. Any reading other than zero means that your stator is bad.
4. Measure the resistance in between both holes on the stator plug. The meter should indicate 0.1 to 0.2 ohms across the socket. A lower resistance means that the stator is bad.
AC Output
5. Start the motorcycle. Leave the plug from the voltage regulator to the crankcase disconnected. Run the engine at approximately 2,000 RPM. Measure the AC output from the stator plug with the digital multimeter set to read "Volts AC."
6. Check that the reading is between 32 to 40 volts AC.
7. Determine that the alternator is bad and must be replaced if the reading falls below 32 volts AC.
Tags: stator plug, voltage regulator, digital multimeter, from voltage, from voltage regulator, means that
According to the movies, only tough guys and idiots show off with burnouts. In real life, more often than not, sadly this motorcycle trick attracts many of the latter. If you have the guts to attempt this trick, make sure you do it with smarts and with style.
Instructions
Get to Know Your Clutch
1. Put the rear brake on, then pull in the clutch.
2. Switch into first gear and slowly let go of the clutch to find out when the clutch begins to engage.
3. Step off of the rear brake. Cruise at a low speed while pulling in the clutch until you hear the engine RPMs begin to rise. The total distance is your clutch action.
The Burnout
4. Find a safe location to perform the burnout, preferably in an area where no one, like policemen or angry neighbors, is around. Make sure that the space behind your bike is clear of people and objects.
5. Bring your motorcycle to your burnout location and mount your bike if you're not already on it. Place both feet firmly on the ground and hold the front brake tightly.
6. Pull the clutch lever completely in and shift to second gear. This allows you to burn your tire longer and prevents you from bouncing off the rev limiter, thus avoiding possible engine damage.
7. Let out the clutch slowly until the motor is about to engage. Rev the motor into the power band, about 80 percent of the motor's RPM capability, close to the red line.
8. Feed the clutch out aggressively but smoothly. At this point, the tire should be spinning. If it's not, give it slightly more power or let the clutch out faster. In the midst of the billowing smoke and bellowing engine, allow yourself to sit back and feel cool.
Computer freeze is one of the most common computer problems experienced and is typically easy to fix, particularly if it's an isolated problem. But if the computer locks up on a regular basis, your computer may have a more serious issue. Most often, simply uninstalling the problematic program, updating hardware and software or cleaning your drives will do the trick. But in more persistent cases of computer freeze, there are a few things you can try before giving up or bringing in the professionals.
Instructions
1. Relax and wait 5 to 10 minutes when your computer freezes. Sometimes a process will terminate and your computer will return to a normal state. If the computer is still unresponsive after 10 minutes, then you can move on.
2. Press the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" keys simultaneously to access the Windows Task Manager. The Task Manager dialog opens. From the "Applications" tab, view the list of running applications and look for the words "Not responding." From the "Processes" tab, highlight the process which is causing the computer to freeze. Click the "End Process" button. Wait a minute and see whether your computer returns to normal.
3. Turn off your computer manually by pressing the "Power" button. Perform this step as a last result if you've waited ten minutes and tried to access the Task Manager without success. Restart your computer and wait for it to boot-up completely. Do not open any programs. Instead, proceed to the next step to prevent the computer freezing again.
4. Perform a disc cleanup and defragment your hard drive. Select disc cleanup by navigating to the "Start" menu, selecting "Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Disk Cleanup."
Select the Disk Defragmenter by navigating to the "Start" menu, selecting "Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and Disk Defragmenter. If the computer freeze persists after running these applications, proceed to the next step.
5. Download the latest updates for your version of Windows, which can be found on the Microsoft website (windowsupdate.Microsoft.com) or through your Windows Updater. Perform a full virus-scan and make sure your virus software is up-to-date. Some nasty viruses and Trojans can cause computer freeze and other computer problems. If your machine still locks up, proceed to the next step.
6. Uninstall any programs that you no longer use or that you suspect might be causing the computer freeze, particularly if it often becomes unresponsive while running. Always remove programs by selecting the "Add/Remove programs" option from the Control Panel.
7. Upgrade your drivers for any hardware you have installed, such as video cards or sound cards. Visit the manufacturer's website or refer to your documentation to find out where to download driver upgrades. If the computer freeze still occurs, more drastic measures may have to be taken.
8. Take the side panel off of your computer using a screwdriver to remove the screws and spray the inside thoroughly with a can of compressed air. Dust often accumulates inside the hardware, causing freezing, crashing, overheating and even hardware failure. Clean your computer thoroughly, and then determine whether your computer runs more smoothly. If not, proceed to the next step.
9. Reinstall Windows. This is an absolute last ditch effort, and if it doesn't fix your computer-freezing problems. If the computer freeze still persists, you may have a faulty motherboard, processor or hard drive. Consult with a technician to replace the faulty part.
Tags: your computer, computer freeze, next step, proceed next, proceed next step, Task Manager
The Screamin' Eagle 110 V-Twin engine is a high-torque motor used to power the Harley Davidson custom vehicle operations (CVO) Softail convertible and Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Harley produced the 2010 and 2011 CVO Electra Glide and Softail as limited-edition models, limiting the Ultra Classic's production to 999 units.
Performance
The 110 generates 115 foot-pounds of torque and displaces 1,802.6 cc of volume during a combustion cycle. It has compression ratio of 9.151:1 and an overhead valve configuration.
Valvetrain
The Screamin' Eagle has a cylinder diameter of 4 inches, and its pistons move 4.38 inches each way between bottom dead center and top dead center. The four-stroke motor has four valves with two valves per cylinder.
Other Information
The 110 has a digitally encoded security system (DESS) engine immobilizer, which prevents it from starting, via microchip, unless the correct key is used. It uses an air-based cooling system and an electronic fuel injection system.
Tags: dead center, Electra Glide, Screamin Eagle, Ultra Classic
If you want to convert your standard definition video files into HD quality, you may need to download or purchase a program from the Internet--as your computer most likely doesn't come with the proper conversion software. There are many options, including SoThink HD Video Converter, AVS Video Converter and 4Media Video Converter--all of which include free trial offers. Each supports a number of popular video formats, including MOV, MP4, WMV and AVI, among others. Allow several minutes to several hours for HD conversion to complete.
Instructions
SoThink HD Converter
1. Download a free trial or purchase SoThink's HD Converter software (see the link in the Reference section below). Agree to the terms of use and launch the program.
2. Click the "Add Files" button at the top of the toolbar to enter a pop-up window and direct the program to the video file you want converted.
3. Press the "Target Profile" menu, revealing a list of options. Choose one of the HD video settings, based on your needs. If converting for use in another program or for viewing on a portable device, consult your user manual for its supported video format.
4. Make sure your video clip is checked off in the program's main screen and click the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.
AVS Video Converter
5. Launch AVS Video Converter after completing download and installation (see the link in the Resource section below).
Select the video you want to convert by clicking the "Browse..." button next to the input file name field. Direct AVS to your video using the Windows Explorer pop-up screen and open it in AVS.
6. Select one of the output formats at the top of the screen, depending on your needs. Wait for the presets to load in the "Profile" field.
7. Click "Edit Profile" and choose one of the "HD" presets.
8. Select a save location on your computer's hard drive by clicking the output file name "Browse..." button.
Click "Convert Now!" to begin the conversion.
4Media Video Converter
9. Run the video converter software and wait for the main interface to load (see the download link in the Resource section below).
.
Select "Add File" from the "File" toolbar to find the video you want to convert. Open it in 4Media.
10. Click the "Profile" drop-down box and navigate to the "HD Video" sub-menu. Choose an HD format from the list of options.
11. Adjust the video quality in the right-side panel to the highest setting.
12. Click the destination "Browse..." button and set a file path for your HD video. Press "OK" to exit back to the main screen.
Press "Convert" at the top of the toolbar to begin converting your video to HD.
Tags: your video, Browse button, section below, Video Converter, want convert, 4Media Video
The alarm on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is very important. It keeps thieves from riding off on your bike, allowing you to walk away from it for a period of time worry-free. But if your lose your buttonless key fob, there is no way to start the bike without the alarm going off. Be prepared for an emergency by setting the PIN on your Harley alarm.
Instructions
1. Think of a five-digit PIN, and write it down. Think of this set of numbers as a password for starting your bike and disabling the alarm during those times when you don't have your fob.
2. Turn the ignition key on, then off, then on, then off, then on again. Then press the left turn-signal switch twice. Press the right turn-signal switch once, and the current PIN should appear in your odometer.
3. Be sure the first digit of the PIN is flashing. Enter the first digit of your new PIN by pressing the left turn signal to cycle through the numbers.
4. Press the right turn signal once to switch to the second digit, and select the correct number with the left turn signal. Repeat this process until your new PIN is entered correctly.
5. Press the right turn signal once, then turn the ignition key off to save the PIN you selected.
Tags: turn signal, Press right, then then, first digit, left turn, left turn signal
The PSP game portable uses a memory card for storing data and other files. Memory cards are limited in their size, making them less useful for storage than that of a portable hard drive. There are some portable external USB hard drives that are compatible with the PSP and will recognize and work with the game console once they are hooked up together. These hard drives include a graphic interface so that the files on them can be manipulated and transferred to the PSP for use. The PSP does not need to be opened up or modified to use with one of these external USB hard drives, and the warranty is not violated.
Instructions
1. Plug the PSP connector of the PSP to external USB hard drive connection cable to the PSP's USB port. Plug the other end of the PSP to external USB hard drive connection cable to the USB port on a PSP-compatible graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive such as the Archos 20 external USB hard drive (see link in "Resources" section).
2. Turn on the PSP. Turn on the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive.
3. Click on the icon of the PSP that is listed beneath the "Devices" tab. Click on the "+" button to reveal the "Music," "Video" and "Photos" folders beneath the icon of the PSP.
4. Navigate from the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive's menu to its music folder. Select a song from the music folder. Drag the song from the music folder into the "Music" folder beneath the icon of the PSP that is listed beneath the "Devices" tab. Wait as the song is copied from the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive to the PSP's music folder.
5. Navigate from the PSP's Home menu to the "Music" tab. Select the song that has been copied from the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive to the PSP. Highlight the song and press the "X" button to play it.
6. Repeat the procedure just completed, but navigate in the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive to its "Video" folder or "Photos" folder in order to copy a video file or photo to the PSP's "Video" or "Photos" folder beneath the icon of the PSP that is listed beneath the "Devices" tab.
7. Turn off the PSP and the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive when done. Disconnect the PSP to external USB hard drive connection cable from the PSP and from the graphics interface-driven external USB hard drive.
Rust is a motorcycle's perpetual enemy, creating unsightly brown spots that will eventually weaken the motorcycle's steel spokes. While the spokes could be removed and re-plated in chrome, or replaced entirely, budget-minded motorcyclists may opt to remove the rust on their own. Light rust spots can be removed easily enough, while larger rust formations are removed with a special cleaning product that converts and neutralizes rust. All of the necessary items can be obtained from a hardware store at minimal cost. Be warned: removing rust your wheel's spokes is a time-consuming task that may take more than one application.
Instructions
1. Place your motorcycle on a stand to elevate one wheel off of the ground at a time. This will allow you to spin the wheel freely as you work.
2. Remove the surface rust and dirt from the wheel's spokes, using a brass wire-bristled brush. Use a light, back-and forth motion along the entire length of the spoke. Blow the loosened rust and dirt particles off of the wheel's rim with compressed air.
3. Spray a generous coating of penetrating oil onto a fine-grit steel wool pad. Scour the rusted spokes with the steel wool pad, moving along the length of the spoke. Reapply the penetrating oil onto the steel wool pad, as needed, until the rusted spots have cleared. This step is intended to remove light rusting or pitting and may not affect heavily rusted spokes.
4. Apply a light coating of a rust-converting cleaning product onto the rusted spokes, using a paint brush. Use only enough of product to coat the spoke without dripping. Allow the product to set for a minimum of 10 minutes or as directed by the product's application instructions. Rinse the spokes with water once the rust-converting cleaning product has set.
5. Inspect the wheel's spokes for remaining rust spots. Reapply a second coat of rust-converting cleaning product, if heavy rust spots are still visible on the spokes' surface. Remove smaller rust spots, using a fine-grit steel wool pad and penetrating oil.
6. Wash the entire wheel with mild soap and water to remove loosened rust particles along the wheel's rim and any penetrating oil that may have come into contact with the tire. Blow dry the wheel with compressed air or a blow dryer to prevent flash rusting along the newly cleaned spokes.
7. Lift the remaining wheel off of the ground with your stand. Clean the wheel's spokes, using the method described above.
In 1991, Harley-Davidson introduced the Dyna Glide to the world. The follow-up to the FXR Super Glide II series, the Dyna Glide models offered a more vibration-resistant engine mount than the FXRs. The Wide Glide was introduced in 1993 and continued production up until 2008, when it was offered as a 105th Anniversary model and retired. The 2002 Wide Glide was a classic example of the Wide Glide's classic custom cruiser styling and trademark Harley-Davidson V-Twin rumble.
Engine
The 2002 Harley-Davidson FDXWG Dyna Wide Glide sports an air-cooled 1,449 cc four-stroke V-Twin, with pushrod-operated overhead valves and self-adjusting lifters. There are two valves per cylinder, for a total of four valves. The Wide Glide engine is equipped with a 40 mm constant velocity carburetor with an enrichener and an accelerator pump. This engine features internally mounted dry dump lubrication. The cylinder bore in this engine measures 95.3 mm and has a 101.6 mm stroke. The compression ratio is 8.8 to 1.
Transmission and Drive
The 2002 Harley-Davidson FDXWG Dyna Wide Glide is equipped with a five-speed constant mesh manual transmission, with a multi-plate clutch equipped with a diaphragm spring in an oil bath. Primary drive power is delivered using a double-row chain, with a mechanical tensioner and oil bath. Final drive power reaches the rear wheel through a fiber-reinforced poly chain belt.
Suspension and Brakes
The front wheel of the 2002 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide is equipped with a 49 mm polished aluminum fork triple clamp suspension with dual rate springs and 127 mm of wheel travel. The rear wheel is fitted with a coil-over shock suspension with 104 mm of wheel travel. The front wheel is also equipped with a single, 300 mm disc brake with four piston calipers, while the rear wheel features a single, 292 mm disc brake, with four piston calipers.
Dimensions and Capacities
The 2002 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide is 93.7 inches long, with a seat height of 26.8 inches. The wheelbase measures 65.6 inches and the Wide Glide clears the ground at 5.4 inches. The rake is set to 32 degrees and the trail measures 5.09 inches. The Wide Glide has a dry weight of 661.4 lbs. and has a maximum fuel capacity of 5.20 gallons of regular, unleaded gasoline. The Wide Glide also has a reserve fuel tank, with has a maximum capacity of 1.11 gallons.
A leaking master cylinder presents many hazards. The leak may result in diminished braking power, which can be especially critical on the rear brakes of your Harley. Brake fluid is also very corrosive and can cause serious damage to painted surfaces. In addition, brake fluid is hygroscopic (it attracts water), so a leak often introduces water into the braking system. This can cause internal corrosion of brake lines and components. Identifying and repairing a leak in the rear master cylinder is a somewhat involved but doable project for a DIY mechanic.
Instructions
Finding the Leak
1. Wipe the entire area around the master cylinder clean. Have someone pump the brake pedal a couple of times while you watch carefully. If the fluid is coming from where the brake line connects to the cylinder, it may just be leaking from one of the copper washers on either side of the banjo connection. Make sure that the bolt holding the brake line on is tight, and check again.
2. Check whether the fluid is leaking around the lid of the master cylinder. This indicates a faulty or improperly seated gasket. Remove the lid and inspect the gasket. Make sure that the gasket fits evenly inside the lip of the lid and there are no gaps. Over time the gasket may become distorted, especially if the bike is stored for long periods. If the gasket is warped or misshaped, replace the gasket and test again.
3. Rebuild the master cylinder if it is leaking where the plunger from the pedal enters the master cylinder. To rebuild the master cylinder, you will need a kit from the manufacturer. At a minimum, you need to know the bore, or inside diameter, of the master cylinder to obtain replacement parts.
Rebuilding the Master Cylinder
4. Remove the brake line, using a drain pan or a cup to catch the brake fluid. If you have a painted frame, protect it with plastic carefully taped to the frame to prevent damage. Remove the master cylinder from the frame. Remove the lid and turn the master cylinder over, draining the fluid into the drain pan. Discard the old brake fluid.
5. Clear a work area and cover it with a towel or a shop rag. Push in the end of the plunger on the master cylinder with a drift, and remove the clip that holds it in place, using circlip pliers. Set the circlip aside and let the piston slide out gently. Remove the spring and the two rubber "cups" behind the piston. Inspect the bore of the master cylinder for pitted areas and dirt. Clean the entire master cylinder thoroughly using solvent or brake parts cleaner.
6. Replace the spring and the two cups with those provided in the master cylinder kit. Slide the piston back in, and holding it in with the drift, replace the circlip. Pump the piston in and out with the drift to ensure that the circlip is seated properly. Refill the master cylinder with brake fluid specified by the manufacturer. Using a bench bleeding kit, pump the piston slowly in and out using the drift, ensuring that it does not leak. Follow the bench bleeding instructions included with the master cylinder kit until you see no air bubbles in the brake fluid.
7. Reinstall the master cylinder to the frame of the motorcycle and reattach the brake hose. Bleed the rear brakes, using the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that bleeder bolts and brake line bolts are tight, and that there are no more leaks.
8. Test the brakes. Before taking the bike for a test ride, roll it back and forth, using only the rear brakes to stop. If the bike passes this test, take it for a test ride. Proceed slowly at first, using both front and rear brakes to stop the Harley. If the brakes feel soft and spongy, try bleeding them again, then attempt another test ride. Make sure that the brakes feel firm and stop the motorcycle securely before riding normally again.
Modern fuel pumps contain vapor returns to capture and reclaim vaporized gasoline.
A car's gas tank will build pressure under normal operating conditions. High pressure in a car's gas tank may cause dangerous conditions. High gas tank pressures in a car may cause gas tank bulging, fuel line leaks, fuel pump problems, lack of fuel to the engine for combustion, dangerous conditions when opening the gas tank filler cap and potentially create fire hazards.
Gasoline Vaporizes During Movement
Vehicle gasoline is not a singular substance. It contains a mixture of over 500 hyrdocarbons. Because of the volatile nature of many of the compounds, the movement of the car allows gasoline to vaporize in the gas tank. Vaporized fuel builds pressure in the tank.
Vapor Pressure Builds From Heat
The gasses released from liquid gasoline in a sealed container (the gas tank) are directly affected by the temperature of the gasoline; the higher the temperature is, the more pressure builds in the container. Reducing the temperature of the gasoline and car's gas tank has the opposite affect. Vaporized molecules will condense and pressure will reduce.
Failed EVAP Systems Build Pressure
Normal pressure in a fuel tank is kept stable through the evaporative emission control system (EVAP) system. High pressure can occur if any part of the EVAP system fails, becomes clogged or is restricted. The most common points of failure are a kinked fuel vapor line, a clogged EVAP canister or a failure in the purge control or vent solenoid. Failure to allow vapor pressure to move appropriately through the EVAP system raises the overall car gas tank pressure.
Evaporation of Gasoline Creates Vapor Pressure
Evaporated gasoline is contained in the air above the stored fuel in the car gas tank. Because vapors create more pressure than liquid gasoline, pressure builds as the gas tank becomes less full.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner may replace his cam chain and gears with a gear drive. This option makes the Harley a more reliable investment. The original cam chain and gears work in much the same way as the gear drive. However, slack in the chains -- otherwise known as lash -- leaves room for breakage and wear. The life of the gear drive is much longer than that of the chain and gear combination. The gear drive also alleviates the troublesome cam chain tensioners, which wear easily.
Instructions
1. Cut the original pushrods in two with bolt cutters. They will fall out of place once you cut them.
2. Remove the outer cam cover by removing the 10 bolts holding it in place with a wrench.
3. Place the motorcycle in 4th or 5th gear and remove the spark plugs, ensuring no there is no resistance from the compression pressure. To simplify the installation of the new cams, turn the rear wheel so the timing marks on the gears align with each other.
4. Remove the outer chain tension shoe with a cam chain arm tool. Remove the retaining bolts holding the crankshaft sprocket and rear camshaft sprockets in place with a crankshaft/camshaft sprocket locking tool. Remove, with a wrench, the cam support plate and the oil pump retaining bolts that hold it in place. Because the new gear drive does not require the existing cam chain tension arms and springs, remove and discard them.
5. Press the new drive gears onto the front and rear camshafts with an arbor press. Install the camshafts into the cam support plate, ensuring alignment of the cam drive gears.
6. Check the cam gears for backlash. Hold the front cam -- with a wooden rod or brass punch -- to keep it from rotating while you turn the rear cam. Using a dial indicator, note the amount of backlash. Recommended backlash is between 0.0005 and 0.001.
7. Install the rear cam drive and the crankshaft drive gear. Secure them in place with the retaining cap screws. Tighten them to 25 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
8. Check the crankshaft and rear cam drive gears for backlash. Using a dial indicator, note the backlash. Recommended backlash is between 0.0005 and 0.001. Rotate the gears 90 degrees and recheck the backlash. Repeat until you have checked the backlash at four positions.
9. Reinstall the outer cam cover and the 10 cover bolts holding it in place. Tighten the bolts to 90 to 120 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.
10. Install new adjustable pushrods. Install the two longer exhaust pushrods plus the two shorter intake pushrods into their respective positions in the valve train.
Tags: gear drive, bolts holding, drive gears, place with, backlash between, backlash between 0005, backlash Recommended
Next-generation video game systems, such as the Sony PlayStation 3, are designed for high-definition televisions. This does not mean you can't connect the PS3 to a standard-definition TV, though. When hooked up, however, you just aren't going to experience the HD video and audio quality. To ensure you receive the best video quality possible you need to use the component cables provided with the PS3. This is the highest quality cable connection available for SD television screens.
Instructions
1. Plug the single, rectangular end of the component audio/video cables into the "Audio/Video Out" port on the PS3. The port is marked "A/V" and is found on the rear of the gaming device. The provided component audio/video cable (provided with your Sony PS3) has a single end that connects to the PS3. The opposite side of the cable has five connections, all of which hook up to the television.
2. Insert the green, black and red cables into the "Component In" ports on the television. These ports are typically on the rear of the TV and marked "Component." Many televisions have a green, blue and red connection port. If this is the case for your TV, plug the black cable into the blue port. The component audio/video cables do have two red cables. One is marked "Audio" near the tip of the connection and the other "Video." Use the red "Video" connection for this step.
3. Insert the red and white audio connections of the component audio/video cables into the "Audio In" ports on the TV. These ports are also located on the rear of the set and situated near the component connections. If the rear of your television is hard to see, use a flashlight or even your cell phone to illuminate the connection ports in order to see the correct inputs.
4. Power on the Sony PS3 and the SDTV. Choose "Component Video" as the input option. The Sony PS3 main menu should load onto the television screen. Using the wireless remote, scroll down and select the Settings icons, select Display Settings, then select Video Output Settings, where you can configure your video settings to get the best possible picture for your particular television.
Tags: component audio, component audio video, audio video, audio video cables, cables into, video cables, cables into Audio
The VIN on a Harley is useful for identification and description of the featrues
Just like cars, motorcycles use vehicle identification numbers (VIN) for identification and description purposes. A VIN on a Harley Davidson motorcycle consists of 17 alpha or numberic characters that meet the standards set in place by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Not only is the VIN used as a unique identifier for the motorcycle, it can also be used to provide detailed information about the features on the motorcycle.
VIN Location & Identification
Locate the VIN, which is engraved onto the frame of the motorcycle on the front left side. If this is not readily visible, check the Certificate of Title which has your VIN listed on it as well. Find the first three digits, which represent the World Manufacturer Identification number. Harley Davidson motorcycles always begin with "1HD," with the "1 indicating it was manufactured in the United States and "HD" being the unique identifier for Harley Davidson.
Characters 4 through 6
The fourth digit of the VIN represents the weight class. For Harley Davidson, the heavyweight motorcycles will use the number 1 while the lightweight motorcycles use the number 4. The fifth and sixth characters designate the line and model of the motorcycle. For example, the letter E stands for the FXR (Dyna) line and when combined with the sixth character, the letters EC stand for an FXRT (Sports Glide).
The 7th & 8th character
The seventh digit of the VIN on Harley Davidson motorcycles represents the engine displacement, or cubic centimeters (cc) of the engine. For example, the letter K represents a 1340 shovelhead motor and the letter M represents an 883 evolution XL motor. The eighth character of the VIN on a Harley Davidson provides an indication of the introduction date. There are only four available numbers for this character, which are as follows:
1: regular (September Introduction)
2: mid-year (January Introduction)
3: California Special Introduction
4: Daytona (March Introduction)
Check Digit
As a standard practice for all vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trailers, etc), the ninth digit of the VIN is the check digit, which is used by the Department of Transportation for VIN validation. There is a special calculation that is performed to ensure the VIN is accurate and not a fabrication.
The 10th & 11th digit
The 10th digit of the VIN is a letter that represents a vehicle model year. The 11th represents the plant where the car was manufactured (for example, the letter J represents Milwaukee, Wisconsin; T represents Tomahawk, Wisconsin; and Y represents York, Pennsylvania)
The final six digits
The final six digits of the VIN stand for the motorcycle's serial number, which is used as a unique identifier for each motorcycle that is manufactured. The numbers are assigned in the order the motorcycle manufacturing process is completed for each motorcycle of the same type.
Tags: Harley Davidson, example letter, letter represents, unique identifier, cars motorcycles, Davidson motorcycles, each motorcycle
Replacing the tires on a Harley is more challenging than on a car
Over time, the tires on a Harley Davidson can square off, or become flat around the middle, causing ridges to form on the tire. The rear tire is more susceptible to this as it carries much of the weight and drives the bike. The rear tire is designed to be easier to remove as it does not involve removing the brake callipers or disconnecting the speedometer cable as with the front wheel. If you have a motorcycle jack, this can be done by yourself in about an hour. If not, it may require two people to lift up and steady the bike during wheel removal.
Instructions
Removing the Front Wheel
1. Place the motorcycle jack underneath the center of the bike and raise it up, making sure the bike is balanced.
2. Take off the axle cap nuts and brake callipers from the front wheel using a screwdriver and hex key. Detach the front forks, or the speedo cables, from the wheel.
3. Unscrew the wheel nuts form the axle and, while supporting the wheel, tap out the axle itself. Take away the wheel.
Removing the Rear Wheel
4. Remove the exhaust muffler by detaching the hose clips and mounting bolt.
5. Unscrew the axle nuts.
6. Support the rear wheel while tapping out the rear wheel axle. Take the wheel away.
Removing the Old Tires
7. Deflate the tires by pushing a biro into the air valve stem.
8. Squirt some liquid soap on the tire wall and rim so it acts as a lubricant. Force the pry bar between the tire and lip, or bead of the rim.
9. Work the pry bar all the way round, applying soap as required until the whole tire wall is off the rim. Repeat these steps for the other tire wall and other tire.
Fitting the New Tires
10. Lubricate the new tire wall and rim with liquid soap.
11. Force the tire wall onto the rim using the pry bar. Work it all the way round so one tire wall is completely on the rim.
12. Replace the inner tube, if required, by pushing it in-between the attached tire wall and rim, ensuring the valve is accessible to pump it up again. Repeat these steps for the other tire wall, and the other tire.
Attaching the wheels
13. Put the rear wheel back into its original position and push the axle back through the wheel.
14. Reattach the wheel nuts and muffler using the spanner and hex key.
15. Place the front wheel in place and replace the axle and axle nuts. Reattach the front forks, brake callipers and speedo cables.
16. Inflate the tires using the foot pump and remove the motorcycle jack.
Tags: tire wall, other tire, axle nuts, brake callipers, front wheel
With no restrictions on the design, you can choose something personal to you.
There are many different ways to customize a Harley motorcycle. Although there are no limitations to the design when it comes to art work on the bike, this form of customization is limited to the front and rear fenders, and the gas tank. If you want to ensure that your bike stands out from the rest, especially at custom bike shows, then painting the gas tank--the most prominent part of the motorcycle--is one way to achieve this personalized look.
Instructions
1. Empty the gas tank of fuel and remove it from the bike.
2. Mask areas like the fuel cap that you do not want sprayed with masking tape. If you are using more than one color for the base coat, mask the areas that are going to be a different color.
3. Spray the paint evenly, in thin coats, back and forth across the tank. Apply a minimum of three to four coats, allowing the paint to dry in between.
4. Remove the masking tape. If you are using more than one color, apply masking tape over the areas you have just sprayed, and repeat Step 3 with a different color paint. (At this stage, areas like the fuel cap that are not being painted at all should remain masked.)
5. Allow paint to harden for 24 hours. Spray the tank again as described in Step 3; this time using the clear varnish. A minimum of four to five coats is required. Allow to harden for 24 hours.
6. Wet the sandpaper and sand the tank, keeping the sandpaper wet at all times. Begin with the most course sandpaper, then gradually use finer sandpaper, until you are using the finest grain possible. This is what creates a high gloss finish. Finally, apply polish to the tank with a soft cloth.
Tags: masking tape, areas like, areas like fuel, different color, fuel that
William S. Harley and Walter and Arthur Davidson founded the Harley Davidson Company in 1903. This company has manufactured motorcycles in a number of styles and product lines and continues to manufacture motorcycles at a number of plants in the United States. Although HD has experienced periods of stagnation and even decline, the company has returned to a position of leadership in its field, and as of this writing, displays a number of strengths.
Product
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the market for HD motorcycles suffered because the company no longer produced a quality line of motorcycles. HD has since reversed that trend and today leads the world in the over-850-cc class. HD also ensures quality customer service through its network of more than 1,300 dealers worldwide. These dealers receive guidance from HD on tailor and customize the motorcycles to suit the needs of local consumers.
Image
While HD once symbolized an outlaw biker culture for many, it has since attracted a wide range of followers and consumers. Individuals of all ages, ethnicities, educational and income levels purchase HD motorcycles. The company's quality line of bikes and their attendant high price encourages consumers to see HD as a premier brand meant for the serious motorcycle enthusiast. HD has transformed into a company whose products represent the freedom of the open road, offering a vision of escape and adventure. HD has become ubiquitous in popular culture through more than 100 other companies that purchase licenses from HD to affix the HD label to toys, videogames and shoes.
Brand Loyalty
The company generates an inclusive community by selling a wide range of equipment, clothing and accessories that bike owners can use or wear; these include special-edition saddlebags and decals, t-shirts, leather jackets and helmets. HD started H.O.G., the Harley Owners Group in 1983 to host rallies and partner with local dealers. Motorcycle owners also form clubs and organizations devoted to their shared interest in HD motorcycles. Even those that do not ride or own an HD motorcycle wear the clothing in the expectation of one day joining HD's community of riders.
Fiscal Health
HD began trading publicly in 1965. The stock has split several times since then and has performed consistently well on the S&P 500 index. Sales have increased throughout 2011 and provided returns for shareholders. HD sold nearly 50,000 motorcycles worldwide in the first quarter of 2011; these sales provided $833.4 million in revenue. In addition to revenue earned from the sales of new motorcycles, HD also derives income from its licenses, selling parts, its own line of merchandise and a financial services arm that provides loans and motorcycle insurance.
Tags: Davidson Company, Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson Company, more than, motorcycles number, quality line
Owning a Harley-Davidson dealership comes with a financial price tag and a basic requirement --- a dealer must love and participate in the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. Harley-Davidson is looking for dealers with the right combination of financial backing, understanding of retail management and verifiable business skills. Passion and general knowledge about motorcycles are also a must. Dealers must understand customers' loyalty to the Harley-Davidson product and be willing to develop and nurture the relationship between customer and the dealer.
Instructions
1. Visit the Harley-Davidson "Inquiry" page at the Harley-Davidson website. The "Inquiry" page is designed to answer your questions before you apply to be a dealer. Find out about minimum financial requirements, how dealership locations are chosen and how long the evaluation process may take.
2. View the available locations for dealer opportunities in the U.S. The Harley-Davidson website includes a list of opportunities organized by region. Dealerships are either new or the sellout of a pre-owned dealership.
3. Fill out a dealer application. Applications are available for download from the Inquiry page or from the link provided in the Resources section.
4. Wait for a contract from Harley-Davidson. Until a contract is signed, a dealership is not assured. The evaluation process can take up to 45 days or more to complete.
Tags: Inquiry page, evaluation process, evaluation process take, Harley-Davidson website, process take
A great way to enjoy California's scenery is to travel to your destination by train. The train ride from San Francisco to Sacramento takes only two hours, so spare yourself the traffic and make your reservation now.
Instructions
Book Your Ticket in Advance to Sacramento
1. Book your ticket at least several days before you plan to travel. The route to Sacramento is heavily traveled, so the earlier you reserve your ticket, the better.
2. Take the BART to Oakland or Emeryville. There are no Amtrak train stations in San Francisco, so if you can, using BART will save time and money.
3. Take advantage of the California Rail Pass. If you plan to travel to multiple destinations within the state, you can purchase a California Rail Pass, which gives you unlimited travel on all California Amtrak trains and motor coaches.
4. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device.
5. Select the departing train station. The train station in Emeryville is the closest Amtrak station to San Francisco; you can easily catch connecting buses to San Francisco.
6. Select a station to get to the train station. The Bay Area Rapid Transit, better known as BART, offers 43 stops in the San Francisco bay area. You can easily catch a BART train to the Amtrak station.
7. If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found at many Amtrak locations (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.
Tags: train station, Amtrak station, California Rail, California Rail Pass, easily catch, Francisco Sacramento, plan travel
Finding original tires for your motorcyle will help complete your bike.
Older or classic motorcycles came equipped with motorcycle tires that are now scarce or out of production. You will want to find original motorcycle tires if you are rebuilding or restoring an older bike. You may also just want to replace your current tires with the originals. Finding original motorcycle tires will add new life to your motorcycle.
Instructions
1. Go to a website that provides listings of motorcycle parts and accessories for sale like Craigslist. Click on "Motorcycles" under the "For Sale" section. Type the pertinent information regarding your brand of motorcycle and its tires in the search field. Click "Search."
2. Go to a website that sells original motorcycle tires. Go to the custom or classics section. Click on the appropriate brand of tire. Select the right model and size. Place an order.
3. Contact the nearest dealer of your motorcycle brand either by phone or in person. Speak with an employee about the tires you are interested in acquiring. He will inform you if the business still carries the tires. If he does not have the tires in stock or the company is no longer carrying them, he can appoint you to a third party who might assist you.
4. Visit a motorcycle salvage facility. Ask an employee to direct you to the tire section. Most salvage locations require you to search for the tires yourself. Look through the various brands of tires to see if you can locate the original motorcycle tires for your bike.
Tags: motorcycle tires, original motorcycle, Finding original, original motorcycle tires, original motorcycle tires, tires your, website that
Honda's flagship sport bike, the CBR, has excited riders since the mid-'80s with its incredible blend of speed, maneuverability, and style. The CBR has gone through many changes over the years, resulting in the current CBR1000RR, but has one last toe stuck firmly in the past. The big, bulbous orange turn signal assemblies that are mounted on all but the newest CBR models have been present since 1986 and can make this high-speed predator look a bit goofy. Luckily, installing aftermarket turn signals can restore the lines and attitude of the CBR with just a few hand tools.
Instructions
Front Turn Signal Installation
1. Remove the middle fairing's mounting bolts with a 4-millimeter Allen key or socket, taking note of the location the bolts were removed from. Place the bolts in a safe place.
2. Remove the snap rivets that secure the middle fairing to the inner fair by turning the Phillips-head counterclockwise until the head pops up, then gently pull the entire rivet from the fairing.
3. Pull the middle fairing off of the frame and disconnect the original turn signal assembly from the wiring harness.
4. Remove the original turn signal assembly from the fairing by unscrewing the Phillips screws on the inside of the fairing.
5. Slide the new turn signal assembly in from the exterior of the fairing and tighten the mounting bolt(s) included with the assembly.
6. Connect the new turn signal to the wiring harness and re-install the middle fairing, placing the mounting bolts in the correct position. Attach the pop rivets to the inner fairing by turning the Phillips head clockwise.
7. Repeat on the opposite side of the motorcycle.
Rear Turn Signal Installation
8. Remove the rider seat mounting bolts with a 6-millimeter Allen key or socket.
9. Remove the passenger seat pad to gain access to the tail cowl's storage compartment, and then remove the two mounting bolts.
10. Remove the bolts that attach the tail cowl to the sub-frame.
11. Remove the tail cowl by gently pulling it up and sliding it to the rear of the motorcycle.
12. Locate the wiring harness and disconnect one of the turn signals.
13. Follow the disconnected wiring to the turn signal and unscrew the mounting screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the original turn signal assembly.
14. Insert the new turn signal assembly and connect the wiring to the harness.
15. Adjust the angle of the turn signal up or down to maximize visibility, and then tighten the mounting nut.
16. Repeat process for the other turn signal.
17.Slide the tail cowl onto the sub-frame and re-attach all four mounting bolts.
18. Replace the passenger seat and secure the rider's seat.
Tags: turn signal, mounting bolts, signal assembly, turn signal assembly, middle fairing
You can increase the power in your 2008 Harley-Davidson Ford F-150 by installing a performance chip. The chip plugs into the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. There are no special tools required to complete the installation. The chip re-programs the computer to increase the timing and the amount of fuel that is delivered to the engine. This increases throttle response and horsepower, allowing you to accelerate faster and pull heavier loads.
Instructions
1. Open the hood by pulling the release lever located inside the cab.
2. Loosen the nut that secures the negative battery terminal to the battery post with a wrench. Remove the battery cable from the battery.
3. Locate the ECU under the hood on the passenger's side of the firewall. The ECU has three wiring harnesses.
4. Remove the harness on the left side of the ECU by pressing the release lever and pulling the harness away from the ECU.
5. Press the performance chip into the ECU.
6. Plug the stock wiring harness into the performance chip. Check to see that all the connections are tight and secure.
7. Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut with the wrench.
How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate High School?
Most students earn credits in high school called Carnegie Units. Each unit represents one year of completed coursework in a specific subject. There are no national standards--every state has its own minimum requirements--but the average number of credits needed to graduate is 20. Credits have to be distributed among math, science, languages, social studies and electives that include technology, physical education and art or music (see Reference below).
Math
Most students have to earn four credits in math during high school. These credits are most commonly earned for algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. Other math courses like business math, statistics and calculus also count toward the requirement.
Science
Students have to earn three or four credits in science. Courses that meet this requirement are biology I and II, chemistry, physics and earth and space science. Students might earn additional credits for science lab classes.
Language
High school seniors must earn four credits in English. Each credit represents one year of study in English grammar and literature in grades 9 through 12.
Foreign language requirements vary. Students earn one credit for each year of study of a foreign language.
Social Studies
Students usually graduate with four credits earned in social studies courses. These include American and world history, civics, state history and geography. Some schools have additional courses such as anthropology and sociology that can be used toward fulfilling this requirement.
Electives
Students can earn credits for elective courses that will count toward the overall number required. These include classes such as art or music appreciation, keyboarding, accounting, technology and physical education. Students earn a half-credit for classes that last one semester.
Tags: four credits, count toward, Credits Need, Credits Need Graduate, credits science
The utility of pickup truck nerf bar is similar to the step equipped to the driver and passenger side of a semi truck.
Chrome finish nerf bar sets are very common but don't necessarily match the style and color of a particular F-150 truck. A stylish set of black F-150 nerf bars however, may add the functionality, design and lift needed in your step.
Smittybilt Nerf Steps
Designed for a wheel-to-wheel custom fit for each F-150 model, Smittybilt makes a popular high-gloss powdercoat black F-150 nerf bar set. Featuring a 450-pound weight rating and a drop-down step with steel pad, no modification is necessary for long-bed vehicle models or lifted vehicles as well.
RBP Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars
The RBP company makes a solid steel zinc primer coated with textured black finish wheel-to-wheel nerf bar set. The bars run the entire length of the truck's cab, are custom-made, offer textured no-slip protruding steps, come with a 5-year corrosion protection warranty and a lifetime warranty against defects.
Iron Cross Heavy Duty Nerf Bars
Designed to compliment the look of Iron Cross bumpers and featuring a textured black powder finish, the Iron Cross nerf bars provides a unique, rugged look and durable performance. The body of the Heavy Duty nerf bar is built from a polygonal main tube and external steps extend from the main bar. No drilling is necessary for installation.
Tags: Iron Cross, nerf bars, Nerf Bars, black F-150, black F-150 nerf
Big Horn Cinemas is a movie theater multiplex serving the whole of Cody, Wyoming. The Big Horn was preceded by the Cody Theatre, which is an art deco-styled building and was a vintage movie theater with a single screen. It showed movies from 1936 until 2008. The Cody Theatre was renovated and is now a live theater.
The Multiplex
Big Horn Cinemas is on Big Horn Avenue, in the northeast region of Cody. It has four big screens to show a choice of movies in Dolby Digital sound. It seats 600 moviegoers. The cinema is owned by an independent film chain. The box office opens daily 30 minutes before the first screening.
The Screenings
The Big Horn offers first-run movies to provide Cody with a popular selection of Hollywood's latest. Movie trailers can be viewed on the cinema's website, which gives a taste of the films coming soon to the movie theater. On average, two to four screenings are scheduled each day per movie.
The Prices
Staggered prices are available. Adult tickets are $7 for matinees and priced at a dollar extra for peak time movies as of 2011. Children ages 11 and under and customers over 60 pay $6. Tickets for 3-D movies are an additional $3.
The Extras
Refreshments of soda, candy and popcorn are served at the movie theater with prices ranging from $2.50 to $4. The minimum gift card available is $10. All gift cards can be redeemed for cinema tickets and refreshments.
Tags: movie theater, choice movies, Cody Theatre, Cody Wyoming, Horn Cinemas, movie theater with, show choice
A motorcycle can add a little edge to your married lifestyle.
When William Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle in 1903, it probably wasn't with the intention of it being an anniversary gift. But given the brand's popularity and the number of women who ride, it could be a gift for either spouse. A matted Harley-Davidson lets you customize a gift just for your loved one.
Matted Paint
Matted paint jobs are those that have a dull finish. Though some people prefer the gleam of a polished bike with a normal paint job, others prefer the more subdued look of a matte finish. This kind of solid finish is monochrome, or a single color, and looks like the car has been primed for a final paint job that never came. The preference for a matte paint job may come from a simple desire not to maintain wax or polish or could be from the desire to emulate the look that Wall Street Journal blogger Jonathan Welsh described as "edgy." The matte look became increasingly popular in cars and motorcycles around 2010, so Harley-Davidson responded to market demands by offering a number of bikes with that finish.
Dual Seats
Because this is a anniversary gift, you might want it to be a ride that both of you can take rides on together. Though many Harley-Davidson Dyna and Soft tail model lines come with seats that accommodate the rider and a passenger as a standard feature, some of the smaller models, such as the Sportster line, come with a single rider seat. You can always swap out the standard seat for a two-seater.
Engine
When selecting the model you want for your matte paint job, consider what your significant other will do with the bike. If she will just be riding around town, the smaller bikes of the Sportster line, such as the Iron, will fit the bill and cost less. However, if she's the kind of person who will want to go for long rides with you on back, the bikes of the Dyna line will give her the extra engine power to maintain freeway cruising speeds with the extra weight.
Accessories
Choose from a variety of accessories to put on your significant other's bike. These can include matted black exhaust pipes to go with the matted paint job, instead of the usual chrome-plated ones; brown leather seat pads instead of the usual black, and a variety of custom pedals or handlebars to personalize your spouse's Harley. Depending on how skilled your spouse is on a motorcycle, you may also consider putting a pair of engine guards on the front of the bike. These mount in front of the engine so that if your spouse drops the bike, the weight of the bike will fall on the engine and leave space between the asphalt and the engine. Without these bars, inadvertent drops could lead to serious and costly engine repairs if the engine takes the brunt of the fall.
Tags: your spouse, anniversary gift, bike These, bike will, come with, instead usual, matte paint
Motorcycle wheels can sometimes become damaged in the course of normal use. Pot holes, curbs and speed bumps have the potential to bend a wheel out of round. A bent wheel may cause uneven tire wear and degrade the ride performance of the motorcycle. Spoked wheels that are bent out of round can usually be repaired with only a few common tools and often without the need to remove the wheel from the bike. A bent alloy or magnesium wheel requires specialized equipment not available to the average mechanic and should be worked on only by a qualified professional.
Instructions
Straightening a Wheel On the Motorcycle
1. Raise the motorcycle, using the motorcycle lift. Secure the motorcycle, using the tie-down straps or chains supplied with the stand. Some motorcycles are equipped with an integrated center stand. If the bike is so equipped, then there is no need for a motorcycle lift; the installed center stand is adequate for the task.
2. Attach the dial indicator to a fixed point of the motorcycle, using the magnetic base. For a front wheel, the fork tubes make an ideal mounting point. For a rear wheel, the swing arm or main frame makes a solid attachment point. Center the dial indicator arm on the wheel rim midway between the tire bead and the spokes. Set the dial indicator pointer to the zero mark on the face.
3. Turn the wheel slowly while observing the reading on the dial indicator. The actual numbers on the indicator are not important. Observe the deflection of the indicator needle as the wheel turns. Mark on the rim where the indicator needle shows a deflection of more than 0.01 inch to either side of the zero mark.
4. Tighten the spokes with a spoke wrench that are located near any part of the rim that shows a negative relative-to-zero reading on the dial indicator.
Loosen any spokes that are located near any part of the rim that shows a positive relative-to-zero reading on the dial indicator.
Tap the rim gently with a dead-blow hammer as required. Some rims require more effort to straighten than can be gained by spoke tightening. Striking the rim with a dead-blow hammer reduces the risk of breaking a spoke.
5. Repeat steps three and four until the dial indicator shows the entire wheel to be within +/- 0.01 inch relative to zero.
Straightening a Wheel Off the Motorcycle
6. Conduct step one from the previous section.
7. Disconnect any brakes, chains or control cables from the wheel hub. Loosen and remove the axle nuts or clamps. Remove the wheel from the motorcycle.
8. Determine whether the wheel requires replacement of the spokes, rim or hub. A badly bent wheel will display broken or visibly bent spokes. Repair or replace any broken spokes or other components as required.
9. Fasten the wheel into a wheel truing stand. Install a dial indicator on a secure area of the wheel stand. Some truing stands have a dial indicator already built in and ready for use.
10. Turn the wheel slowly while observing the reading on the dial indicator. The actual numbers on the indicator are not important. Observe the deflection of the indicator needle as the wheel turns. Mark on the rim where the indicator needle shows a deflection of more than 0.01 inches to either side of the zero mark.
11. Perform steps four and five from the previous section.
12. Replace the wheel on the motorcycle in the reverse order of disassembly. Double-check all brakes, chains and control cables for secure mounting and operation.
Tags: dial indicator, indicator needle, reading dial, reading dial indicator, motorcycle using, zero mark
The exhaust baffle is a chamber inside a muffler or resonator that is designed to muffle or silence the otherwise loud exhaust system. Ingeniously, the muffler uses the baffle chamber to increase the amount of internal sound inside the chamber so by the time it exits the muffler, the sound cancels itself out. Exhaust is spent fuel and air of an internal combustion engine and is extremely loud coming from the cylinders of the engine. An exhaust system controls the sound through a manifold and a series of pipes, a catalytic converter (on vehicles) and the muffler. In some applications, resonators are present in the exhaust pipes that act as a second (or more) muffler on the system. Inside the muffler or resonator is a sealed chamber with two or more perforated tubes. The inlet perforated tube allows the exhaust to emit into the baffle chamber, bounce off the interior walls and enter into the outlet perforated tube where it is then directed by back pressure through the tailpipe of the muffler. The perforated tubes in the baffle chamber create a nondirectional interference with the flow of the back pressured exhaust and assist in silencing the exhaust.
Perforated Tubes
There are adjustable or do-it-yourself baffle kits that can be manipulated and inserted into the exhaust system muffler (most common on motorcycle mufflers) to change the pitch of an exhaust to either intensify or decrease the amount of sound the exhaust system emits. By doing so, these baffles can increase the horsepower of the engine (for racing), which subsequently decreases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Conversely, a quieter, more controlled sound can be achieved.
Wear and Tear
After time, wear and tear and exposure, exhaust systems deteriorate. Due to condensation of heating and cooling, muffler and internal baffles can fail internally. Even if the muffler is not leaking, a deteriorated perforated tube in the baffled chamber of a muffler can create an annoying rattle during normal operation of the vehicle. Damage to the tube in the baffled chamber would require the replacement of the muffler and or attaching new pipes to restore the system.
Buying a Harley-Davidson is high on the list of many motorcycle enthusiasts, and the exhaust pipes are high on the list of things to be immediately replaced. Stock pipes are manufactured specifically for each model, but drag pipes are sleek, loud and -- let's face it -- cool. There is a trade-off between performance and good looks, however, so consider some tech tips to ensure performance is not a casualty of the new drag pipes.
Torque Cones
Intalling torque cones in the head pipes will help performance.
Bolting torque cones inside the head pipes of the exhaust system will lessen some of the performance loss caused by drag pipes. The cones act as anti-reversion units that repel spent gas fumes while allowing less unburned gas to escape. Exhaust gaskets in the heads are first removed, the torque cones are inserted, then new gaskets are installed.
"Lollipop" Baffles
A home-made drag pipe baffle will lessen performance problems.
One way to enhance performance while not cutting too far into the sound levels of Harley drag pipes is to construct a "lollipop" pipe baffle. Instead of paying up to $80 for the part, this can be made at home for about $10. Weld a 3/4-inch washer onto the end of a 1/4-inch threaded rod or bolt and wind a nut onto it. Drill a 1/4-inch hole in each pipe about 1 inch from the end, insert the lollipop into the hole from inside the pipe, and put another nut onto the protruding end of the bolt. Set the lollipop at about 90-degrees in the pipe and tighten both nuts.
Carburetor Re-Jetting
Having a carburetor fine tuned and re-jetted will improve performance.
Always have the motorcycle's carburetor fine-tuned when installing a new exhaust system. Although adding drag pipes can cost up to 10 percent of a Harley's performance level, having the carburetor fine-tuned and re-jetted will considerably lower that percentage. Carburetor tuning can be done at home, although many motorcycle owners choose to have it done professionally. Jetting the carburetor is a simpler process, using screwdrivers and a purchased jetting kit.
To identify a Harley gas tank without badges requires a closer look.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are some of the most popular bikes to customize and restore. Often, those who wish to restore an older Harley to its original condition will want only Harley-Davidson parts on the bike so that it is as close to factory-shape as possible. In order to know what to look for to identify a Harley gas tank, you will need to be able to see around the tank and inspect it.
Instructions
1. Look to see if one or two tanks are above the motor. If two are above the motor, then the motorcycle was built before 1936. Check inside the right tank. It should have gas only in it, while the left one held gas and oil.
2. Look for a large bubble shape on the frame side of the tank. If it has one, and it has a matching cavity on the oil tank adjacent to it, it is a 45 model engine and was produced between 1937 and 1973.
3. If it has no bubble, but has a recess to match the frame, this indicates a Big Twin SV. If both the right and left tanks have deep recesses in the bottom to clear the heads, as well as recesses for the frame, then it is an OHV motor. These motors have been used in a variety of model years since 1937.
Tags: above motor, Harley tank, identify Harley, identify Harley tank
Consumers may purchase motorcycle parts for customization or repairs.
Motorcycles are not only a cost-effective way of saving gas and effortlessly maneuvering through traffic, but they also also offer motorcycle enthusiasts a way to customize their vehicle according to their tastes. Starting a motorcycle parts business online allows your customers to purchase motorcycle parts that are typically cheaper. An online business offers customers more variety than a physical motorcycle parts shop. In addition to selling motorcycle parts, you can establish an online forum for motorcycle enthusiasts to meet one another and discuss motorcycle topics.
Instructions
1. Properly structure your business by obtaining a federal tax ID number and either incorporating with your Secretary of State or obtaining a business license. In order to receive motorcycle parts at wholesale prices, wholesalers may need you to prove that you are in business. Usually, a tax ID number is required in order to check your business credit. Obtain your tax ID number by going to the Secretary of State's website or contacting an IRS agent over the phone. There is no cost for receiving a tax ID number.
2. Find a supplier for your motorcycle parts. Locate suppliers that can offer you motorcycle parts at the the best wholesale pricing so you can maximize profit when you sell at retail prices. Consider selecting motorcycle parts suppliers that operate overseas. Use overseas import export sites like tradekey.com and EC21.com. To check for quality and shipping times, request a sample of each motorcycle part from your potential wholesale supplier. Contact motorcycle suppliers like Kawasaki, Honda and Harley Davidson directly to determine if you can be an authorized dealer for their parts.
3. Select a domain name for your motorcycle parts business. A domain name is the web address that users will type into their Internet browser to reach your parts business. Domain registration typically costs as little as $1 to over $14 per year. Choose a domain name that is memorable, catchy and easy to spell.
4. Purchase web hosting for your website. Web hosts maintain the content and the traffic that come to your website. Web hosts are highly competitive so expect prices to be as low as $3 to over $100 per month. Start with an inexpensive web hosting package, and if your business grows, your web host may require you to upgrade to a more expensive package.
5. Sketch out the content, colors and style of your website. If possible, use word processing software so you can perform a spell check for grammatical and spelling errors.
6. Design your motorcycle website either by using website templates or by hiring a freelance web designer. You may find it more challenging to use web templates to design a motorcycle parts website since it is an e-commerce website. Consider hiring a freelance web designer by going to sites like getafreelancer.com, guru.com and Elance.com.
7. Advertise your motorcycle business by targeting online forums where motorcycle enthusiasts may discuss motorcycles. Consider setting up an eBay store that links to your motorcycle parts website, as well as search engine optimization and Google AdWords.
Tags: motorcycle parts, your motorcycle, domain name, motorcycle enthusiasts, your business, your motorcycle parts, your website
Many car enthusiasts enjoy adding gleaming details to a vehicle for aesthetics, such as using chrome on the wheels. But, some wheel materials, like those used for a mag wheel, need special chroming techniques to adhere the substance correctly.
Identification
A mag wheel is made of a metal called magnesium alloy. It is a lightweight substance that has the strength to hold a vehicle's weight with various spaces and spokes within the wheel's interior.
Features
Mag wheels can be chromed, but the process involves a very expensive jig, or application and holding device, designed specifically for the wheel shape. If a mag wheel is chromed at the factory with the necessary jig, the cost of the wheel does not skyrocket. If a consumer would like to chrome their wheels after they purchase basic mag wheels, the cost could be as much as $3,000 for chroming only (as of February 2011).
Considerations
Some cheaply advertised chrome mag wheels are not chrome-plated at all. Reflective paint is used to make the wheel shiny, but it is not actually chromed.
If you like to keep up with the latest technology when it comes to computers, you probably have a stash of older computers in your garage collecting dust, not to mention monitors, keyboards, printers and other peripherals. These computers may still work or be destined for the junk pile, but because of the non-biodegradable and potentially hazardous metals, it's best to find a place for these old machines other than a landfill.
Recycling, reusing or giving these old pieces of technology to non-profit organizations keeps landfills free of harmful materials. In Georgia there are several options to help you get rid of your old computers, from donating the old hardware to complete recycling.
Instructions
1. Delete all sensitive information from your computer. It's rarely enough these days to just hit "Delete" and empty the recycle bin or trash. Run a program like Darik's Boot and Nuke to completely erase your hard drive. See "Resources" below for more programs like this.
2. Call the local schools and see if they're in need of any computer equipment. Make sure everything is in working order before you drop it all off, including a functional operating system installation.
3. Contact your area not-for-profit organizations such as places of worship or other non-profits. There are some organizations that refurbish and donate computers to those who can't afford them.
Georgia's Computer Recycling Program, ReBoot, refurbishes old computers and donates them to people with disabilities. They also accept software, telephones, cell phones, office furniture, copiers and other equipment. See "Resources" below for a link to ReBoot.
4. Locate a Computer Recycling Site near you. If your computer hardware and other peripherals are beyond repair, it's time for recycling. Major office supply stores may also offer computer recycling. As an added bonus for the busy folks out there, some businesses will even pick up your old hardware for a fee. See the "Resources" below for the Computer Recycling Center Locater.
Tags: Computer Recycling, Resources below, Computer Georgia, other peripherals, Recycle Used
A computer virus can block access to many websites.
Computer viruses prevent you from accessing most websites on an infected machine. If you haven't already installed an anti-virus software program, it's not easy to find one online while a virus redirects you to other web pages or constantly opens popup ads. To protect your computer once a virus hits, download and transfer an anti-virus software program from a clean computer to run a virus scan on the infected computer.
Instructions
1. Find an effective and reliable anti-virus software program.
Connect a USB flash drive to a virus-free computer. Using the same computer, visit the website of an anti-virus software manufacturer. Choose one that is well-known and reliable.
2. Find the anti-virus software that matches the system requirements of the infected computer. Download the software and save it to the USB flash drive.
3. Save the anti-virus software in the USB flash drive.
Move the mouse pointer over the icons on the bottom right of the computer screen. Left-click on the icon that says "Safely Remove Hardware." Click on "Safely Remove USB Mass Storage Device," then remove the USB flash drive from the USB port. Now you can transfer the anti-virus software to another computer.
4. Connect the flash drive to a USB port on the infected computer. When the new window pops up, left-click on "Open Folder and View Files."
5. Anti-virus software can be transferred with just a few mouse clicks
Right-click on the anti-virus software; choose "Copy" and left-click it. Minimize all open windows.
6. Right-click on any empty space on the desktop screen. Choose "Paste" and left-click it to save a copy of the software on the desktop. Double-left-click on the anti-virus software icon.
7. Regularly scan your computer for viruses.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the software, then scan your infected computer for viruses.
Change your Harley's fuel strainer for optimal performance.
To properly maintain your Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide, it is recommended that you replace the fuel strainer (also called the fuel filter) every 25,000-30,000 miles. You can save money by performing this process yourself. You can purchase a new make-specific fuel strainer at an auto parts store or online. Keeping your fuel strainer fresh will help to get the most out of your Harley and will ensure its longevity.
Instructions
1. Remove the fuel tank console by removing the nut underneath the speedometer and the screw above the seat. Lift the console from the frame of the bike by pressing down on the top left part of the fuel tank (this releases the console from the fuel tank).
2. Remove the fuel tank vent tube with your hands and then remove the canopy screws from the top of the fuel tank. You will then be able to lift up the canopy from the fuel tank. Twist it in a counter-clockwise direction and pull it away from the fuel tank to remove the old fuel strainer.
3. Install the new fuel strainer and gasket in the canopy and then twist the canopy in a clockwise direction and slide it back into the fuel tank.
4. Tighten the canopy screws and re-install the vent tube into the tank. Press the fuel tank console back onto the fuel tank and secure it with the screw and bolt that you removed in step 1.
Tags: fuel tank, fuel strainer, from fuel, from fuel tank, canopy screws, console from, Dyna Wide
Importing bank statements into Quicken is a great way to keep track of your income and expenses without having to enter all the information manually. Most banks now deal with online financial management, making it easy for their clients to view statements electronically. If you are already a Quicken user, choosing to import your bank statements makes sense.
Instructions
Import Bank Statements Into Quicken
1. Check with your bank to make sure it offers statement downloading and support for Quicken. You need to know this in advance of installing the program.
2. Ask what version of Quicken your bank requires. Most banks will only work with either the current year or the last 2 years of the software.
3. Log on to your Quicken account and open the summary page for your bank. You should have the data for your bank already saved in your Quicken account. If you don't, you will have to save it before you can proceed to importing statements.
4. Make sure you are connected to the Internet, and then choose the "Download" option to get the last statement from your bank to your computer. If you want previous statements as well, you can select a different date. Keep in mind, however, that most banks will only allow you to download a period at a time, so you may have to repeat the procedure until you get all the information you need.
5. Open the "Account Detail" file, and a window should pop up after the download finishes in Quicken versions 2007 or later.
6. Go to "File," and then "Import" to get the downloaded statements into Quicken. If you don't do this, the bank statements will remain in your hard drive, but won't show up when you open Quicken to work on them.
7. Check that you have the right information. The file should be complete, with no missing text. It should include the total monthly balance.
8. Choose the name of the file you want to upload into Quicken, and then click "Save."
Tags: your bank, your Quicken account, bank statements, Bank Statements Into, banks will
Transferring your Hi8 videos to DVD will enable you to view them easily.
Hi8 was at one time a popular format for videotape recorders. Now that the world has gone digital, many people find themselves with stacks of Hi8 tapes they can't easily view. You have several options to choose from when converting.
Instructions
1. Connect cables from the Hi8 output to the DVD recorder input to transfer Hi8 tapes to DVD with a DVD burner. Play your Hi8 tapes on your camera and press "Record" on the DVD recorder. You'll get a DVD in real time.
2. Use a Digital 8 camcorder to convert your Hi8 tapes to digital. This option gives you higher-quality copies. Play the analog tapes on the Digital 8 camcorder and send the information to your computer through a "firewire" cable. The Digital 8 camcorder will convert the Hi8 tapes to digital. You can then burn the information to a DVD on your computer.
3. Use a capture device that converts Hi8 tapes to MPEG2 files. This process is a bit more cumbersome than the previous two. You have to buy a piece of hardware that you may not use more than a few times. Connect your analog Hi8 camera to the digital MPEG2 converter box, then press "Play" and "Record." The device will burn your DVD.
4. Go through your computer if you want to edit your video before burning it to a DVD. You can do this if your computer's editing software converts analog to DV. Connect your Hi8 camera to your computer. The result will be MPEG2 files of your Hi8 video. This will take quite a bit of time and fill up a lot of memory, but you will have the flexibility of editing your video before burning it to a DVD on your computer.
Tags: your computer, Digital camcorder, your video, before burning, Connect your, information your, information your computer