Brembo is a brake manufacturer for all types of commercial, private and racing vehicles. The specifications of the brakes change depending on size and model, each type taking a different amount of heat and pressure without breaking or wearing down unevenly. Brembo also manufactures safety gear for motorcyclists.
Car Brakes
Brembo manufacturers two types of passenger vehicle brakes: traditional aluminium discs and ceramic discs for high powered engines. The aluminum discs and matching brake pads come in thousands of different combinations to fit different vehicles produced across the years world-wide. The aluminium discs weigh approximately 4 pounds each and measure 2 inches thick. The diameter of the disc depends on the make, model and year of the vehicle it is being installed on. These specifications are identical for the ceramic discs, though they weigh in 2 pounds heavier at 6 pounds.
Motorcycle Brakes
Brembo supplies many manufacturers of motorcycles with brake constructions for floor models and factory models, including BMW and Harley Davidson. Except for high-end motorcycles that require very specific parts, most Brembo motorcycle brakes are interchangable for discs and brake pads. A high-quality aluminium-ceramic alloy is used to make the discs. Pads are made of steel. The discs of these brakes are 8 inches in diameter, are 2 inches wide and weigh approximately 2 pounds each.
Commercial Brakes
Brembo manufacturers commercial truck brakes for vehicles as small as six-wheel trucks and as large as 18-wheeled trucks and trailers. Air brakes and traditional brakes are available, with emergency "run-away-truck" brakes available for installation on 18-wheeled trucks. Air braking system are usually used in a quick-stop situation and pump almost 100 pounds of force per square inch to try to slow and stop the vehicle. Traditional brakes for these vehicles come only in an aluminium-steel alloy disc and ceramic brake pads. These discs measure from 6 to 12 inches thick, with diameters of up to over a foot. These are very heavy braking discs, weighing at least 15 pounds each. Emergency brakes freeze the truck's driving wheels, forcing the vehicle to skid to a quick stop. These emergency brakes are solid steel clamps that are located within the wheel.
Racing Brakes
Racing brakes must be of high quality to withstand the severe heat and pressure that they endure during such high speeds. Brembo manufactures brake pads for racing purposes, which are made primarily of carbon, and which differ in size and thickness depending on the type of vehicle they are fitting.
Tags: brake pads, Brakes Brembo, pounds each, 18-wheeled trucks, aluminium discs, approximately pounds, approximately pounds each
Nature's stunning wonders provide opportunities for activities at Cape Hatteras.
According to the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a small, narrow strip of barrier islands off the eastern coast of North Carolina. N.C. Highway 12 runs down this fragile strip of islands. Mother Nature provides the most stunning attractions in Cape Hatteras; however, the area offers well-known sites and activities that will please both locals and visitors.
Major Attractions
The black-and-white, spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has long served as an icon of Hatteras Island. From mid-April to Columbus Day, visitors can climb 248 metal spiral stair steps to the top of the lighthouse. Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Hatteras and the town of Buxton reward visitors at the top. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center includes a bookstore, gift shop and educational exhibits.
The restored 1874 Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, located in Rodanthe, is the nation's most complete example of 19th-century lifesaving stations built to aid in shipwreck and rescue operations.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum lies at the end of Highway 12 at the Hatteras ferry terminal. Exhibits include shipwreck artifacts, pirate exhibits and the original 1854 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Fresnel lens.
Recreation
Cape Hatteras is a magnet for people who love ocean-related sports activities. Surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up and paddle-boarding enthusiasts find the area a mecca for their sports. Rental venues are available for these activities. Kitty Hawk Sports in Waves Village offers gear for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Lessons can be arranged. Rodanthe Surf Shop and OceanAir Sports provide access to personal watercraft, sailboats, body boards and skim boards, as does Hatteras Sailing Company in Hatteras Village. Various venues for boating, canoeing, parasailing, swimming, bicycling and simply roaming the miles of scenic beaches lie along the length of commercialized sections of Hatteras Island. Other activities include mini-golf, shopping, dining and watching movies.
Shipwrecks
Scuba divers can charter tours with expert guides to explore shipwrecks off the coast. Shipwrecks include Word War II vessels in the 70- to 110- foot-deep range. Scuba-diving and certification courses are offered by area businesses such as Outer Banks Diving and Dive Hatteras. Gear for snorkeling, diving and wetsuits for similar sports are available for rental.
Activities for Nature Lovers
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 13-mile stretch of pristine barrier island within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The visitor's center provides an introduction to the ecosystem and wildlife of the refuge and permissible activities, including shell-hunting, surf-fishing, photography, birding and other eco-friendly activities. A four-mile loop or smaller hiking trails are available.
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve in Buxton is the largest remaining maritime forest in the Southeast. It allows horseback riding on some of its trails.
Fishing
Cape Hatteras is a mecca for serious anglers. North Carolina fishermen have called it North Carolina's "sport-fishing capital." Charter boats head into the Gulf Stream from Hatteras docks in search of blue and white marlin, sailfish and giant bluefin tuna. Six Hatteras Village marinas welcome boats large and small. Near-shore shipwrecks provide excellent fishing destinations. Surf fishing and pier fishing reward anglers with red drum, sea mullet, flounder, trout, striped bass and pompano. Fishing guides are available to share the area's best fishing locations.
Tags: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, Cape Hatteras National, Hatteras National, Hatteras National Seashore
Bobbers became popular with soldiers after World War II.
Bobbers date back to the World War II era. They came along before choppers and were simply modified stock motorcycles. Some of the modifications were removing fenders, blinkers, the windshield and anything else that was not necessary for the motorcycle to perform correctly. Smaller gas tanks, smaller headlights and springer front ends were also installed. Solo seats with springs for comfort were all the rage, as well. Choppers are basically extended versions of bobbers.
Instructions
1. Remove the turn signals. Follow the wires to their respective plug-ins and disconnect. Check with your state laws about turn signals on motorcycles.
2. If you plan to use a Springer front end you will need to place the motorcycle on a lift. Remove the front tire and brake assembly. Remove the headlight, handlebars and handlebar components. Remove the handlebar risers and the steering neck nut and triple-tree. The front end should slide right out of the frame, and you can then replace it with your Springer front end. Install the brake assembly and front tire.
3. Install your new risers, handlebars and smaller mirror, and assemble your components. (If you plan on using ape hangers you will have to purchase longer brake and clutch cables, as well as extend the wires for any electrical components attached to the handlebars.)
4. Remove the seat and install the new solo seat with properly fitted hardware. (If you are installing a rigid hardtail, skip this step until the hardtail is installed.)
5. Install hardtail struts in place of the stock suspension. If you are using a bolt-on hardtail instead of struts you must remove the rear tire, brake assembly, exhaust, fender, suspension, and swingarm. Bolt on the hardtail with provided hardware. Install rear tire, brake assembly and exhaust.
6. Remove the brake light and license plate mount from the rear fender while it is off the motorcycle. Modify your fender as desired or go with no fender. Install the fender without the brake light or license plate mount.
7. Install the side license plate mount with the tail light to the rear wheel axle. Use the existing wiring to connect the new brake light.
Motorcycle clubs are all over the world from Texas to Amsterdam. Groups of bikers form the clubs, designate a name and participate in charity bike rides to benefit organizations such as Toys for Tots. Members wear identifying club patches on their jackets that are given to the riders when joining the clubs. Whether you are looking to join a bike club for women only or you are veteran that rides a Harley exclusively, there is a bike club waiting for you.
Instructions
1. Scan the bike club's logo or back patch into the computer. Print out the image onto a sheet of shrink plastic that is compatible with inkjet printers. Allow the ink to dry on the sheet for at least 10 minutes.
2. Cut around the design with scissors. Use manicure scissors if the club's logo has intricate details. Puncture a part of the design first if there are details on the inside; never bend the plastic to make a cut or it will crack. For example, if cutting out the eyes of a skull to make the eyes hollow, puncture directly in the middle of the circle of the eye and cut out toward the outer edges of the circle.
3. Punch a hole in the top of the design.The plastic is too hard to punch through after baking.
4. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the instructions included with your shrink plastic. Place the shrink plastic club design on a nonstick baking tray, with the artwork facing upwards. Place the tray in the oven. Bake the shrink plastic for one to two minutes.
5. Remove the tray from the oven using pot holders or oven mitts. Allow the tray and pendant to cool for several minutes. Spray the bike club logo with an acrylic sealer so the ink will not smear.
6. Attach a jump ring through the hole at the top and place on a chain. Do not punch a hole in the design to make a pin or ring of the logo. Glue the bike club logo to a pin back or blank ring form to create other forms of jewelry.
Tags: bike club, club logo, shrink plastic, bike club logo, club logo back, hole design
Car tracking devices make it possible for parents to monitor their teen drivers remotely. Most tracking systems are passive, meaning that they generally do not use GPS and simply store information about how and where the car has been driven. The most active systems can be programmed to send text messages to a parent's cell phone when her teen driver is speeding and can also be utilized to track a stolen vehicle.
Passive System Without GPS
In any car model year 1996 or later, the passenger glove compartment contains an on-board diagnostics (OBDII) connector. Davis manufactures the CarChip, which is a small black box that plugs into the OBDII. The box is capable of storing up to 300 hours of trip details, including time, date, distance, speed, acceleration and engine trouble diagnostic codes. This allows parents to review the driving activity of their teen and gives the ordinary person a diagnostic tool previously available only to automobile service professionals. As of 2009, the CarChip was available at WeatherConnection.com for $100, at Jegs.com for $76 and at AmbientWeather.com for $99.
Passive System With GPS
The 3100INT, launched by Land Air Sea Systems, can be plugged into your home computer to create a computerized analysis of driving behavior. Once a week, the USB data stick, a component included as part of the system, is removed from the car and used to generate not only data, but maps of routes driven, as well as personalized driving tips generated by the driver's own behavior behind the wheel. Although the system is passive, meaning it cannot generally be used to track a driver in real time, the GPS component of the system can be used by police to assist in the recovery of a stolen vehicle. As of 2009, the 3100INT was available on RfWel.com for $280, on Underbid.com for $257 and on Quantum-Wireless.com for $260.
Real-Time Tracking Device
STGPS recently introduced a tracking device named the TrimTrac Pro, which enables parents to track their teens in real time. A teen's position can be viewed online, as can his current speed and direction. If computer access is unavailable, the phone can be used, and an automated voice will report the car's current position, speed and direction. Parents can be alerted via cell phone or email if a teen crosses a certain speed threshold. In addition, up to 10 rectangular or circular boundaries can be predefined, and parents can be notified if teens move into these regions. Also, the device enables a remote lock-unlock from home if keys become locked in the car. The starter can also be disabled remotely in case the vehicle is stolen, and the system will also alert the user to other potential problems, such as a low battery. These systems are by far superior to passive systems in terms of both stolen vehicle recovery and remote monitoring capabilities. In 2009, the TrimTrac Pro real-time tracking device was available on RVFunProducts.com for $245, on CascadeGPS.com for $221 and on ConsumerSecurityProducts.com for $269.
Tags: stolen vehicle, Best Tracking, Best Tracking Devices, cell phone, passive meaning
More people are purchasing cable television now that the media has gone digital and most television sets come with high-definition screens. While companies such as RCN and Comcast will offer you the same basic features in their simplest cable packages, there are significant differences between the two in what channels they offer, how much HD programming they provide and how much their service will cost you.
The best cable package for you could be hard to find
Locations
Comcast is available in about 40 states from Alabama to Washington. But while it may be located in Texas, it only has coverage in a few Texas cities. RCN Cable is only available in a few cities, including Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and the metro D.C. area.
Features
The Comcast Digital Starter package offers over 80 digital cable channels to subscribers. This package also comes with access to On Demand programs and movies, many of which are free, as well as nearly four dozen digital music stations. The RCN Signature Digital Cable package offers over twice as many digital channels, with about 44 of them being HD. This cable package also offers access to On Demand programming and movies, as well as 45 digital music channels.
Channels
While the Comcast Starter package does provide local networks as well as basic cable offerings such as MTV, ABC Family and the Sci Fi Channel, there are some popular stations that aren't available. These include Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. The RCN Signature package, while a basic cable package, includes local networks, basic cable regulars, as well as news channels like C-SPAN and CNN, arts channels such as A&E and Bravo and popular favorites such as the Sci Fi channel and Animal Planet.
Upgrade Options
With Comcast you often have to choose an entirely different package in order to upgrade your available channels, add digital recording abilities or sign up for sports channel packages or movie channel packages. RCN offers a la carte style upgrade options, where you can add an HD/DVR converter box, sign up for movie channel or sports channel packages or sign up for special On Demand viewing packages.
Price
The Comcast Digital Starter package begins at $29.99 a month for new customers. After six months this jumps up to $57.45 a month. You may get another 20+ channels from Comcast when you begin paying their full monthly price. The RCN Signature Cable TV package begins at at $29.99 a month as well. After six months this cost will go up to $55.05 a month.
The Yamaha V-Star 650 is a beautiful bike. It is styled after the Harley Davidson Fatboy bikes with some added visual flair. If you are interested in learning to ride a Yamaha V-Star 650, the first thing you need to know do is change gears. This can be tricky at first, but once you get it down, it will become second nature. Here I will outline the proper way to shift your new Yamaha V-Star 650 in steps.
Instructions
1. The gears on a motorcycle run in this order: first, neutral, second, third, fourth and fifth. When you are moving, shifting up from first gear will skip over neutral and shift you right into second gear. The only time that shifting up from first will get you into neutral is when you are not moving.
2. Pull in the clutch lever and tap the gear lever down until it stops. This will signify first gear. Pressing the gear lever down will shift you down one step and pressing it up will shift up one step.
3. Tap the gear lever up one click while still holding in the clutch. This will put the bike into neutral.
4. Start the bike. The bike needs to be in neutral to start.
5. Hold in the clutch lever and tap the shifting lever down to shift to first gear.
6. Release the clutch slowly and give it just enough gas to get moving.
7. Listen to the motor to know when you need to shift. If the engine is making a low grumbling noise, then it will need to be shifted down. If it is making a high squealing noise, then it needs to be shifted up.
Tags: first gear, gear lever, lever down, Yamaha V-Star, clutch lever, down will, from first
When efforts to open or delete a file fail, usually it is because the file is corrupted. Files become corrupted from application failures or system crashes. If the problem persists even when no crashes have taken place, the cause could be due to a virus infection. File corruption can also result from flaws in the hard drive's file system sector or the hard drive itself. Fortunately, damaged files are almost always salvageable, even if they haven't been backed up automatically.
Instructions
Readily Available Solutions
1. Restore the lost file from a recent backup. Many programs create backups automatically. Microsoft Word, for example, backs up ".doc" files as ".wbk" files under the same folder. In this case, rename the ".wbk" file as ".doc" to open it.
2. Use the Windows Disk Utility. If you run Windows 98 or Millennium, click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools and Scan Disk. Select the appropriate drive. Click Thorough Check, Automatically Fix Errors and then press Start. If you run Windows 2000 or XP, open My Computer and right-click on the drive. Select Properties and then Tools. Check the "Now" option. Check both available options and click Start.
3. Utilize the System Restore tool after an installation or accidental disk format. A feature of Windows XP and Millennium, it rolls system files back to an earlier state when everything worked. Software installations, updates or removals sometimes make unwanted changes to the system.
Outside Sources
4. Use Partition Recovery or HDD Regenerator to recover or fix lost top-level folders that contain many file types. You can also utilize FAT Recovery or NTFS Recovery, if you are not certain of your file type.
5. Choose one of the following special-purpose recovery software. Each addresses a certain file type:
DOC Regenerator for Microsoft Word documents
XLS Regenerator for Microsoft Excel Files
Outlook Express Repair for emails from Outlook Express
Flash Recovery for image files
Music Recovery for audio files such as MP3, WMA and RA
CD & Recovery for files burned on one of those mediums
Partition Recovery or FAT Recovery for fixing corrupted files in removable memory such as flash drive, memory stick or pen memory having a FAT or FAT32 format
6. Hire a data recovery expert to match data fragments of corrupt files to fix data that software can't piece together. This should be the last resort after all attempts with software like those recommended above have failed. As the cost of hiring data recovery experts is very high, this measure is appropriate when the data is completely irreplaceable and its value is very high.
Tags: click Start, data recovery, file type, hard drive, Microsoft Word
Rims that look like rotors, also called spinning rims or spinners, are a way to spiff up your vehicle. Nowadays, they fit most newer cars. Many are chrome plated, so they catch the light as they spin and are sure to be noticed. But you can also get them in black and other colors.
Spinner Rim Attachments
If your car already rides on a set of custom wheels, spinner rim attachments are what you're looking for. If you have older wheels, you might have a negative offset, where the mounting surface of the wheel is too close to the disk/drum, the axle or behind the center-line of the wheel. In that case, you can't use spinners. However, modern custom wheels are designed deep enough that the spinning rim attachment safely sits inside the wheel.
Spinner Rim Kits
You can buy spinner rim kits specially designed for the wheels of certain makes of cars, like Ford wheels, Corvette wheels or other brands. Kits for rims that look like rotors are also available for SUVs and motorbikes. Such kits include the spinners, adapters, screws and the wrenches and other tools you need to attach them.
Spinner Rim Wheels
Spinner rim wheels come in many sizes. Find out what size wheels your car has and buy the spinner wheels to fit. When you buy the wheels and the spinner rims together, they are usually more expensive. However, most spinner rim wheels come already balanced, with the rotating spinners mounted and ready to go. Have your local mechanic install them, or do it yourself, and you're ready to go.
Tags: like rotors, look like, look like rotors, custom wheels, like rotors also
A Power Commander motorcycle is retrofit with a Power Commander III USB or Power Commander V, devices that allow the user to change the air/fuel ratio (AFR) at every throttle position.
Benefits
Installing a Power Commander can improve both mileage and performance. The user has the ability to optimize AFR to achieve maximum miles per gallon or to increase horsepower and general performance. On some models, the fuel injection timing can be adjusted as well.
Installation
Power Commanders can be installed in under 15 minutes by the owner by simply connecting the unit to the fuel injection port. A computer or USB-accepting screen is needed to display the fuel injection information, but changes can be made to the motorcycle's electronic control unit (ECU) without a computer. A 9-volt battery is required for power.
Mapping
Every stock motorcycle has an AFR set for factory defaults, usually at a high miles-per-gallon setting. Maps are specific programs that tune a motorcycle for its optimum performance.
Cost
Power Commander 3 USB and V, made by Dynojet Research, both cost from $300 to $500, depending on the make and model of the motorcycle. The average price is $360.
Dallas residents can properly dispose of their computers through many available resources.
The EPA estimates that more than 2 million tons of electronics were disposed of in 2005. And of that 2 million, almost 1.8 million tons ended up in landfills. Many of the components in electronic devices, including computers, contain toxic chemicals that leach into the ground. When you are ready to upgrade to a newer computer in Dallas, Texas, find a way to dispose of your old computer through one of the many recycling and donation centers.
Instructions
1. Visit the Earth911 website (see Resources).
2. Enter "computer" in the "Find recycling centers for" field.
3. Enter your address or zip code in the "Near" field.
4. Look through the search results for an appropriate location. Under the name of each location there is a list of what they accept; for example, computer donation, computer monitors and/or computer recycling.
5. Call the location and find out its computer disposal requirements. You may need to drop the computer off at the location. Some will pick up your computer for a fee depending upon your location.
Tags: Dallas Texas, million tons, through many, your computer
Start Your Own Party Bounce House Or Moonwalk Rental Business
Bounce houses, moonwalks, jump houses, air castles and slides are popular rentals at children's parties. Here is start your own lucrative party inflatable business.
Instructions
1. Determine your budget. You can start your own party inflatable rental business, offering moonwalks, bounce houses and air slides for just a few thousand dollars. There are many models of generic inflatable fun houses, slides, etc, for under $2000, including the blower system that keeps them inflated. Some however, are trademarked, such as inflatable Disney bounce houses. You will need to purchase a license for these products in order to offer them as party rentals. Most dealers of licensed inflatable party rentals will help walk you through the licensing process in your state.
2. Insure yourself to the maximum. To start your own business in inflatable party rentals such as moonwalks and bounce houses, you will need liability insurance. It is a must to operate and you should buy as much as you can afford. Your inflatable party rentals must be supervised by a qualified adult at all times. Some states, such as New Jersey, also require party rental companies to be licensed. You may also be required to have your party rental equipment inspected once a year and also be subject to surprise inspections. Contact you insurance agent and ask if they offer liability insurance for children's party rentals or if they can direct you to a local carrier of such insurance. You will also need a full sized pickup or panel van to carry your equipment.
3. Keep your equipment super clean to avoid lawsuits. When starting your own party inflatable bounce house business you will need to learn proper disinfecting procedures for your rentals. Now, with diseases such as swine flue going around, keeping your inflatable rentals safe is of the utmost priority. So is learning about keep kids safe in the party rentals. When looking to purchase inflatable bounce houses, etc, look for a feature called a safety step, that is sewn in around the bounce area, to protect kids from hitting the ground. Some dealers of inflatable party rental playscapes will offer training courses in operation and safety to buyers at a discount or for free. You should be familiar with quickly evacuate kids from a deflating bounce hose.
4. Think of a clever name for your bounce house business. When you start your own inflatable party rental company you usually have to file for a business or DBA name at your local county courthouse or city hall. In addition, you may be required to have a license to operate. Contact your county clerk for more information. Once you have your equipment you will want to set it up and test it rigorously before offering it as a party rental, so that you know the ins and outs of how it works. Items like spare blowers, hoses and patch kits are good to have should one part fail. You should be familiar with quickly patch leaks in your inflatable party rentals to keep them up and running. After you have your license, insurance, training and equipment you can begin to advertise locally. You may consider networking and handing out flyers and cards to parents, placing ads on Craigslist and in local classified papers such as the Thrifty Nickel or Pennysaver. Operating your own moonwalk or inflatable party rental business can be a fun way to earn a living. Keep in mind though, that outdoor inflatable party rentals are seasonal, unless you can find a suitable indoor venue that you can rent to during the winter months. In addition to inflatable playscapes you may consider adding items like popcorn and snow cone machines to your line of offerings for extra income.
Tags: inflatable party, party rentals, party rental, inflatable party rentals, bounce houses
There are several ways to print on 4-by-6 photo paper. This article explains the quickest way with Windows Vista and Microsoft Word 2007. When purchasing photo paper, be sure to verify that the type you buy will work with your printer. Some types of glossy photo paper may be able to work only with inkjet printers. If the printer paper is used on the wrong type of printer, it is possible the printer may be damaged.
Instructions
1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Add the picture or information that you want to print to the photo paper. To add a photo to Microsoft Word 2007, follow these steps; 1) Click the "Insert" tab; 2) Click the "Picture" option in the "Illustrations" section (the "Insert Picture" window will appear); and 3) Browse your computer for the picture you want to add. When you find the picture you want to add, click on the "Insert" button in the "Insert Picture" window. The picture will be added.
3. Click the "Office" button. Select the "Print" option.
4. Click on the "Properties" button.
5. Select the "Photo Printing-Borderless" option under the "Printing Shortcuts" tab.
6. Select the "Paper Sizes:" drop-down box and select the "Borderless 4x6in." tab option.
7. Click the "OK" button. This takes you back to the "Print" window. Click the"OK" button again. Your photo will print.
Tags: photo paper, Microsoft Word, button Select, Click button, Insert Picture, Insert Picture window, Microsoft Word 2007
Harley-Davidson has produced an array of engines to power its classically-styled motorcycles throughout the years, ranging from the original 25 cubic-inch single-cylinder engine built in 1903 to the massive 103 cubic-inch Twin Cam V-twin engine that powers all Harley Big-Twin models built in 2012. Determine your motorcycle's engine displacement -- or size -- by using the engine's bore and stroke specifications, the motorcycle's vehicle and engine identification numbers or simply through visual identification of the engine itself.
Bore and Stroke Specifications
The most accurate method to determine a Harley-Davidson's total displacement in cubic-inches is by using the engine's bore and stroke specifications; however, this can only be done if you can obtain these specifications through a service manual, magazine review or a spec sheet provided by the engine tuner. Bore and stroke refer to the inner diameter of an engine's combustion chamber within the cylinder head and the distance of the piston moves from top dead center to top dead center in a single movement, respectively.
The formula used to determine engine displacement appears as: B x B x p/4 x S x N = Displacement.
In this case, B would equal bore, p/4 is pi -- 3.14 -- divided by four, S equals stroke and N is the number of engine cylinders. Let's use a typical Twin-Cam 88 engine, which was used between 1998 to 2006, as an example. A TC88 had a 3.75-inch bore and a 4-inch stroke. Using the formula above, it would appear as: 3.75-inches x 3.75-inche x 0.785 x 4.00-inches x 2 cylinders = 88.3 cubic-inches. Likewise, the newer TC96 engine has an identical bore, but a longer 4.38-inch stroke. This results in a 96.7 cubic-inch displacement, using the same formula.
This formula is an extremely accurate method that can be useful when determining the displacement of a modified, high-performance engine, but is equally applicable to stock engines, as well.
Visual Identification
Harley-Davidson's engines are well-known by their appearance, many of which are nicknamed after the shape of their cylinder heads or other engine components. These design elements can help you determine the displacement of a particular engine; however, some engine types were available in a range of displacements, making it a bit more difficult to determine the exact size of the engine by visual clues alone. For example, the 45 cubic-inch Flathead engine -- produced between 1929 and 1947 -- had flat-topped cylinder heads and placed its valves along the sides of the cylinders. Likewise, the 1966 to 1984 Shovelhead engine was identified by its shovel-shaped rocker box covers on top of the cylinder heads. However, both engine types came in a range of engine displacements throughout their production runs. Determining the exact displacement for any particular engine often comes down to being able to decode the engine number or by identifying the type of motorcycle it belonged to. Newer Twin-Cam engines, however, often have a decal over the timing cover on the right side of the crankcase denoting its engine type.
Vehicle and Engine Identification Numbers
Nearly all Harley-Davidson motorcycles built have some sort of identification number, imprinted either on the engine, frame or both, that allow technicians to quickly identify the motorcycle's model and engine type. Unfortunately, older Harley-Davidson identification numbers ran through a series of constant changes throughout the years, making it difficult to identify early engine models.
Harley-Davidson used as many as four Big-Twin engines between 1929 and 1968, ranging from the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead and Shovelhead engines. Engines built before 1969 typically use a 10- or 11-digit identification number, starting with a two-digit production date, followed by a two- or four-character model type and a four- or five-digit production run number. Using the model type as a guide, you can determine the size of the engine that was equipped with the motorcycle.
Shovelhead engines built between 1970 and 1980 were available with 45, 55, 74 or 80 cubic-inch displacement and used a similar coding system as the previous engine types. However, the model type is indicated by the first two characters, while the next five digits indicate the production run, followed by a two-digit model year identifier. It should be noted that the 80 cubic-inch engines were only available after 1978.
All engines built after 1980, including the 74 and 80 cubic-inch Evolution Big-Twin engines, 883 cc and 1,200 cc Sportster engines, and the Twin Cam 88, 96 and 103 engines, follow the same method as the Shovelhead engine codes.
Current Engine Types
Current model Harley-Davidson motorcycle use three engine types in its motorcycle line: the Twin Cam, Evolution and Revolution engines. Engine displacement is fairly consistent throughout these engines, making it easier to determine engine size by identifying the motorcycle's model and production year. The Twin-Cam 88 engine was equipped on most of Harley-Davidson's motorcycles starting from 1998, excluding only the Evolution-engined Sportster models. The Evolution engine was available with either an 883 or 1,200 cc -- 45 and 74 cubic-inches, respectively -- displacement for the Sportster series. The displacement of the Twin Cam engine was increased to 96 cubic-inches in 2007, followed by a subsequent increase to 103 cubic-inches for most of the 2012 model lineup. The final engine type, the 69 cubic-inch Revolution engine, was introduced in 2001 to power Harley-Davidson's radically different VRSC V-Rod. Harley's sole liquid-cooled engine has remained unchanged through 2012 as is only found in the V-Rod family.
Tags: cylinder heads, engine type, engine types, model type, accurate method, available with, between 1929
Rebuilding a V-Twin engine is not difficult and can be done at home for the most part. This is the procedure for a Harley Davidson with high mileage or a cylinder upgrade to a bigger bore. The gas tank, horn, exhaust manifold and intake manifold should be off to start this procedure. Put the bike on a bike stand so the bike is level while you are working on it.
Instructions
1. Remove the spark plugs. The push rod covers and push rods will be labeled A, B, C and D. The labels can be seen as you are looking at the push rod side of the engine with A being the farthest left pushrod on the rear cylinder. Pry out the spring lock retainer on push rod A with a screwdriver and lift the bottom of the push rod cover up and hold it up with a piece of coat hanger. This will make it easier to work on the lifter.
2. Rotate the engine so that the A push rod tappet moves down completely in its bore. Using a wrench on the top adjusting screw to hold it, loosen the bottom lock nut and spin it with the fingers up to the base of the adjusting screw. Turn the adjusting screw all the way down into the bore.
3. Remove the coat hanger and lift the push rod and cover out of the tappet and head. Mark it so that it goes in the same hole. That is important because the push rod has a wear pattern for that tappet and rocker assembly. If it is moved to another cylinder, it could cause rapid wear. Remove the oil lines on both cylinders.
4. Remove the other push rods and covers the same way. Make sure the tappet, or lifter, is all the way down in the bore as far as it will go by turning the engine. Make sure the piston in the front cylinder is all the way down and remove the nuts holding the cylinder at the base. Use a rubber mallet and lightly tap the cylinder to break it loose and lift it straight up and off of the piston. Stuff rags into the hole around the connecting rod so nothing can fall inside and keep the rod from contacting the case.
5. Move the piston all the way down in the next cylinder and do the same thing.
6. Remove the snap rings holding the piston pin in (use the snap ring pliers). Using the piston pin remover, pull the pin from the pistons. Remove the bolts from the cylinder head and remove the cylinder head.
7. Clean the combustion chamber with a wire brush, taking care not to touch the valve seats. Any scratches or marks on the valve seats will cause the valves to leak, which is not good. The valves would definitely need to be reseated if they got scratched.
8. Pour water into the intake port and, while holding the cylinder head sideways, watch for water to pass the intake valve and drip out. If no water shows than that valve has a good seat. Do the exhaust valve the same way. If there are no leaks, the cylinder head should be alright, however make sure all the carbon is off the combustion chamber and look very close for cracks in the chamber, especially between the intake and exhaust valve. Lay a straight edge across the cylinder head and check for warpage. Check in several directions. Use a feeler gauge; as long as there is no more than .005 thousandth's warpage, it is okay.
9. Take the cylinders to the Harley shop. Have a mechanic look at the cylinders and measure the inside diameter and the taper as well as wear on the cylinder walls and determine if the cylinders need to be bored or honed. They will match a new set of pistons to the bores and give you a new set of rings as well as cylinder bore gaskets and head gaskets. Have them inspect the head for cracks and the valves for seats and guide wear.
10. Install the rings on the pistons, keeping the gaps 180 degrees apart. Hold the new pistons over the rods and push-start the piston pins into the rods. Install the piston pin tool and pull the pin through the rod and into the center of the piston. Replace the cir clips or snap rings in both sides of the piston.
11. Oil the piston rings and install the hose clamp over the rings and tighten just enough to compress the rings. Do not make them too tight since they must slip easily out into the cylinder. Turn the engine and raise the piston as high as it will go.
12. Install the new cylinder base gasket. Make sure it is clean so there isn't anything to get compressed between it and the cylinder bore. Hold the cylinder over the piston and carefully lower it down on the piston and over the rings. Push it down where there is still room to take the hose clamps out and do so.
13. Rotate the cylinder as necessary and push it down onto the studs. Install the nuts and tighten them in segments as you circle the jug. Tighten each nut a little more and then the next until they are down. Torque them to specifications. Raise the next piston as high as it will go and repeat the process.
14. Make sure the cylinder heads are polished and ready to go and install the head gasket with a little oil on both sides of it. Install the cylinder heads and tighten the bolts in an X pattern a little at a time to seat it evenly. Torque to specifications. Wipe off all fingerprints.
15. Start at push rod A to the far left on the rear cylinder and turn the engine until the tappet is all the way down in its bore. Put two new o-rings on the push rod tube --- one on the top and one on the bottom. Insert the push rod into the tube and carefully install the tube and rod into the top of the cylinder head. Make sure the o-ring is in place and feel for the push rod to fit into the upper rocker arm. While holding the push rod up, turn the adjusting screw up with a wrench to touch the push rod. Use the coat hanger and hold the tube up to make it easier to set the tappet clearance.
16. Tighten the adjuster screw just enough that there is a very slight play up and down in the push rod and the rod can be turned with the fingers easily. Use a wrench to hold the adjuster screw and another wrench to tighten the lock nut. Remove the coat hanger and lower the bottom of the push rod cover and make sure the bottom o-ring is in place. Insert the push rod spring clip holder.
17.Make sure the next tappet is all the way down and repeat the process. Install the oil lines with Teflon tape and Loctite on the threads. Install the intake manifold with new gaskets and tighten. Install all the remaining parts in reverse order of their removal. Before the engine is started, it is wise to leave the plugs out and, using the starter, turn the engine over for 20 seconds at five-second intervals to get oil to the valve train.
Tags: cylinder head, adjusting screw, coat hanger, Make sure, push cover, adjuster screw, both sides
Motorcycle repairmen also work on mopeds and all-terrain vehicles.
As of 2009, over 16,000 motorcycle mechanics and technicians were employed in the United States. Job growth for these technicians is expected to be at least average, and opportunities for those who are formally trained are excellent. Motorcycle technicians also work on mopeds, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles. Common tasks performed include repairing engines, transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems, and making minor body repairs.
Qualifications
Technically there are no formal requirements to become a motorcycle technician and many learn on the job or growing up. However, as technology develops and motorcycles become more complex, many employers prefer mechanics and technicians who have graduated from formal training institutions. Courses during this training or in high school that apply to the job include engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and math. Experience often becomes the greatest factor in obtaining higher-level and higher-paying positions as a motorcycle mechanic.
Location
The location where a motorcycle technician works may have an influence on his or her salary. The primary reason for this is cost of living as well as level of demand for the skill. For example, Wyoming has the highest concentration of motorcycle technicians and mechanics in the United States as well as a relatively low cost of living. A technician here can expect an average salary of $32,590 a year. However, in California, where the cost of living is high and the concentration of motorcycle technicians is about one fourth the rate of Wyoming, the average salary is $41,590 annually. The national average wage for motorcycle mechanics in the U.S. is $33,870 a year, according to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics.
Type of Employer
The vast majority of motorcycle technicians are employed by motor vehicle dealers and make a national average salary of $33,810 a year. However, other working environments are available and have varying wages. On the low end of the scale are those employed by automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores, providing an average of $25,350 a year. The highest-paying employers in the country are motor vehicle and parts and supplies merchant wholesalers. There are less than 100 positions in this industry in the country, but motorcycle technicians employed in this area can expect a national average salary of $49,190 a year.
Experience and High Paying Jobs
Like virtually all jobs, career experience will usually bring higher salaries. Starting wages, representing the bottom 10th percentile, are around $20,730 annually. However, the top 25% of motorcycle technicians can average $40,230 a year, and the most experienced or talented mechanics earning the 90th percentile in wages will average $51,050 a year.
Tags: motorcycle technicians, average salary, average salary year, average year, cost living
Harley-Davidson's 1996 Sportster 883 and 1200 models relied on a combined primary chain and transmission to convert the power generated by its Evolution engine into forward motion. The primary itself is filled with a lubricating oil to reduce heat and friction buildup with the transmission and clutch. As part of a regular maintenance routine, the primary oil should be drained and refilled every 10,000 miles to prevent a mechanical failure as the aging oil loses its lubricating properties.
Instructions
1. Park the Sportster on a flat, level work area with good ventilation. Start the Sportster and let it idle in place for three to five minutes. Stop the engine and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
2. Mount the Sportster on a service stand to support it in a level, upright position. Place a drain pan beneath the larger portion of the primary cover on the left side of the motorcycle.
3. Loosen the drain bolt from the bottom of the primary cover, below the round derby cover, using a 5/8-inch socket and a socket wrench. Unscrew the drain bolt slowly by hand until primary oil begins to seep out from around the drain bolt threads. Pull the drain bolt away from the primary cover at an angle towards you to avoid being splashed by the draining primary oil. Allow at least five minutes for the oil to drain.
4. Pull the O-ring off the drain bolt and wipe the drain bolt threads and tip with a show towel to remove any debris. Screw the drain bolt into the primary cover by hand once the oil has drained completely. Tighten the drain bolt to 21 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and a 5/8-inch socket.
5. Unscrew all five bolts attaching the round derby cover to the primary cover, using a T27 Torx socket and a socket wrench. Pull the derby cover and gasket off of the primary cover to expose the clutch assembly.
6. Pour 32 ounces of Harley-Davidson primary fluid directly into the primary. Stop filling when the fluid level is near the spring on the bottom of the clutch assembly. Wipe up any spilled primary fluid with a shop towel.
7. Reinstall the derby cover and gasket onto the primary cover. Screw the derby cover bolts into place until they touch the derby cover, using a handheld T27 Torx socket . Tighten the derby cover bolts in a crisscross pattern to 84 inch-pounds, using a torque wrench and a T27 Torx socket.
8. Remove the Sportster from the service stand, then lower it onto its side stand.
Air intake boots connect between the carburetor and air filter.
Motorcycle air intake boots are short sections of rubber or composite duct that connect between the carburetor intake and the air filter. Like a lot of parts on a motorcycle, air intake boots are subject to the effects of heat, oil, water and dirt. Cracks or punctures in a boot can affect the volume of intake air to the carburetor, resulting in performance problems. Many riders overlook the boot and replace the air filter or attempt to adjust the carburetor to correct performance issues. Troubleshooting the air intake boot on your motorcycle helps to isolate the source of problems.
Instructions
1. Locate the clamps that secure the boot to the carburetor intake and the air filter. Depending on the motorcycle, it may be necessary to remove the seat to access each end of the boot and the clamps. Your repair manual should have carburetor and air cleaner service procedures that include this information.
2. Tighten the boot clamp at the carburetor and the air filter by turning the clamp screws clockwise with a metric nut driver or screwdriver.
3. Start the motorcycle and let it warm up for two minutes. Minor air-volume problems are harder to isolate when heavier, cool air is drawn into the system.
4. Twist the throttle handgrip several times when the engine is warmed up. A crisp response suggests one or both of the clamps were loose. Any delay or stumble in acceleration indicates another problem.
5. Turn the engine off. Loosen both clamp screws counterclockwise with the nut driver. Work each end of the boot off the air cleaner and carburetor by hand and remove the boot.
6. Inspect the boot thoroughly for cracks or punctures. Put one or two tablespoons of water in the boot and roll the boot by hand as you look for small leaks. Replace the boot if you find a leak or crack. When no damages are found, set the boot aside.
7. Start the motorcycle and twist the throttle several times. A crisp response indicates a clogged or dirty air filter is inhibiting the volume of air-flow. A poor throttle response indicates a problem with the carburetor.
Tags: intake boots, between carburetor, carburetor filter, carburetor intake, carburetor intake filter, clamp screws, connect between
Space satellites send SiriusXM signals to your radio.
Under the terms of agreement reached in 2006 between XM Satellite radio and General Motors, all GM cars received factory installed XM radios. In July 2008, Sirius, at the time XM's rival, merged with XM. Under the merger, the satellite radio companies maintain their services, but now offer each other's channels on a personal subscription plan. However, if you have an XM radio in your GM car, you can convert it to Sirius.
Instructions
Purchase a Sirius Radio for Your GM Vehicle
1. Purchase a Sirius radio from a retail store or online. Compare prices at Best Buy and Radio Shack or Amazon and eBay. Sirius sells several models of radio receivers. Three popular models are the Starmate 5, Sportster 5 and Status 6. The Starmate 5 radio has a blue wide-screen display, black finish, push button navigation and advanced features, according to the SiriusXM website. The Sportster 5 boasts a multi-color screen and the Sirius Stratus 6 was designed for cars, featuring push button navigation as well as an easy-to-read blue screen.
2. Set up your new Sirius satellite radio in your GM automobile. Remove the factory-installed radio from the dashboard panel, and replace it with your new Sirius radio.
3. Activate your radio and receive all the Sirius channels. Contact a customer representative (See Resources). Provide the 12-digit ID code that is on the back of the Sirius radio.
Sirius GM converter
4. Locate your factory installed XM satellite radio tuner.
5. Remove the XM satellite radio tuner completely from the vehicle. This may require unbolting a bracket to gain access to and remove the tuner.
6. Replace with the SIR-GM2L Sirius satellite radio tuner. If you purchased the XM to Sirius antenna adapter, place it on the factory XM antenna connection (built into the vehicle). If you did not purchase the XM to Sirius antenna adapter, run the magnetic Sirius satellite radio antenna as you would in a standard installation.
7. Replace any dash pieces, then test the SIR-GM2L tuner by turning the ignition switch.
8. Confirm that your radio receiver works by turning to channel 184, call Sirius satellite radio to activate the SIR-GM2.
Contact SiriusXM
9. Contact SiriusXM customer service by phone.
SiriusXM
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
888-539-7474
siriusxm.com
10. Make sure to ask the SiriusXM customer services representative that you want the A La Carte package, which allows you to select various premium Sirius channels, which will be included on your radio without having to purchase a regular subscription. As of January 2011, the A La Carte Package cost: A La Carte + Howard Stern $12.95 / month, A La Carte + Sports starting at $11.99 / month and A La Carte + Howard Stern + Sports $12.95 / month, according to the SiriusXm website. Additionally, premium channels such as NFL radio, Martha Stewart and Howard Stern will cost extra 25 cents a month. No matter the amount of channels you purchase, the regular monthly subscription fee will not go any higher than $12.95.
11. Use your credit card and submit a payment of $12.95 for one month or $155.40 for a year, as of January 2011. Once you submitting your payment the Sirius-XM representative will immediately send the Sirius channels to your XM receiver radio.
Tags: satellite radio, Sirius satellite, Sirius satellite radio, your radio, Howard Stern
A chain case and the oil that it is filled with are found on many all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. It is essentially a chain oil reservoir that constantly lubricates a drive chain that transfers power to the wheels of the vehicle. There are several types of chain cases, and each manufacturer will have a specific way to check the oil level in its chain case. But there are a couple of generic ways to check the oil that will apply to virtually all chain case applications. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface. Accuracy depends on this.
2. Remove the chain case oil filler plug. On some all-terrain vehicles, there may be a small dipstick, much like an engine oil dipstick attached to the cap. Wipe it off, then reinsert the filler plug and pull it out to check the oil.
3. Check the bottom of the threads on your filler plug if there is no dipstick attached. First, wipe off the threads and reinsert the plug, then pull it out again. A full chain case of oil will leave a bit of chain oil on the bottom thread.
4. Measure approximately 1 inch down on a piece of wire and make a slight bend to act as a mark. Insert this into the filler plug hole and stop when the bent mark reaches the bottom of the filler hole. This wire will be used as a dipstick, and you will be able to see if there is any oil on the bottom 1 inch of the wire.
5. If any of the above methods show that your chain case oil is low, add chain oil as needed.
Empowerment is about putting employees in the driver's seat.
Employee empowerment went from being a buzzword among managers during the 1990s to a sought-after part of quality management among service industries by the early 21st century. Such professional organizations as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) cite employee empowerment as one of the "critical drivers of business success in the global marketplace." Commonly defined as giving employees the power and authority to take control of workplace situations that would normally be handled by line managers, research published in such trade journals as IndustryWeek as well as from professional organizations like SHRM show there are several advantages for implementing employee empowerment as a practice in human resources management.
Gain Competitive Advantage
In a research journal published by Indiana University South Bend, Heloisa Fragosa discusses employee empowerment dos and don'ts, but also documents how many of the world's well-known companies have incorporated employee empowerment programs. A short list of such corporations include: Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Eastman Kodak, General Electric, Intel, Ford, Saturn, Harley-Davidson and Goodyear.
Having an employee empowerment program enables companies to keep up with a competitor or gain a competitive advantage. A census of manufacturers conducted in 2000 by the magazine IndustryWeek along with the PricewaterhouseCoopers consulting firm, found that international manufacturers were twice as likely to have at least 50 percent of its workforce participating in self-directed or empowered teams.
Respond Quickly to Business Problems
A 1998 study by international management consultant, trainer and author Dr. Connie Sitterly found that employees who are empowered make decisions that save companies money, time and, in some cases, prevent potential disputes. Decentralizing the decision-making process can improve the performance of support and service departments by giving customers more confidence in the process of being helped, especially since the empowered employee does not have to check with her supervisor to make minor decisions.
Better Job Satisfaction, Retention and Motivation
CiteHr.com, a resource for human resource professionals, describes employee empowerment as one of the factors behind increased employee education and training; lower absenteeism, and less conflict with administration and managers related to change because employees are able to participate in decision making. The Society of Human Resource Management found in a 2007 study of employee empowerment trends that there is a link between engagement and organizational performance, saying that "employees with the highest levels of commitment perform 20 percent better and are 87 percent less likely to leave the organization."
Increased Productivity, Efficiency and Effectiveness
When managers are freed up to be coaches, mentors and advisers instead of management firemen who have to put out mini-situational fires, the company or organization benefits. "Teams Work," a case study about the success of workplace teams in Sparks, Nevada, showed how the use of teams increased annual productivity by 55 percent and reduced costs by 5 percent each year during the 1990s. "Introducing teaming was vital in the conversion of the plant from a pet-food processing facility to a cereal-making plant," the report said.
Reduce Costs
Sitterly also noted that empowered employees are able to improve service delivery within their sphere of operations, thus enabling cost savings. Empowering employees can also decrease the need for middle management positions, which conserves labor costs. Employees who take ownership of their work can also yield major savings in the form of workplace safety. A report by the Society of Human Resource Management cited a beverage company that found that engaged employees were "five times less likely than non-engaged employees to have a safety incident and seven times less likely to have a lost-time safety incident."
With the average cost of a safety incident for an engaged employee at $63, versus an average of $392 for a non-engaged employee, strengthening employee engagement saved the company $1.7 million in safety costs in 2002, the report said.
Tags: employee empowerment, found that, Human Resource, Human Resource Management, less likely
Advertising and promotions can create eye-catching neon signs to sell a product.
Those in advertising and promotions careers create marketing campaigns and prepare advertisements to sell goods and services, or promote the interests of their clients. Clients may range from celebrities seeking to improve their image, to more commonly, large organizations, manufacturers or retailers. Hours of work may be long, including evenings and weekends, with less part-time work available than in other industries. Salaries depend on job type and employer.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Advertising and promotions managers plan and coordinate promotions campaigns, and are ultimately responsible for their success. In smaller offices, they may work by themselves, while in large organizations, they can manage a staff of marketing specialists, copywriters, artists and sales agents. Their median salary is $82,370 per year, with a range of $40,990 to over $166,400 per year. This breaks down to $39.60 per hour, with a range of $19.71 to over $80 per hour. Their biggest employers are advertising and public relations services, with almost 23 percent of the 35,760 positions. They pay more than the median at $59.85 per hour or $124,490 per year. The highest-paying employers are electrical goods wholesalers with compensation at $62.73 per hour or $130,480 per year, but with only 60 jobs. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2009.
Graphic Designers
Graphic designers create the advertisements that promote products and services. They combine typography, layouts, art and photography to create eye-catching graphics. They earn a median $43,180 per year, with a range of $26,440 to $76,450. This is equal to $20.76 per hour, with a range of $12.71 to $36.75. Their biggest employers are specialized design services such as graphic design firms. They comprise 14 percent of the available 200,870 positions and pay better than the median at $24.17 per hour or $50,280 per year. Their highest-paying employer is the federal government with compensation at $35.59 per hour or $74,030 per year and offering 1,640 jobs.
Advertising Sales Agents
Advertising sales agents solicit advertising for printed publications, online websites, TV, radio and signs. They typically receive a base salary as well as a commission on each sale. They make a median $43,360 per year with a range of $22,610 to $94,100. This breaks down to a median $20.85 per hour with a range of $10.87 to $45.24. Their biggest employers are advertising and public relations services with over a third of the available 152,420 positions. They pay better than the median at $27.88 per hour or $57,980 per year. Their highest-paying employers are printing activities with compensation at $34.30 per hour or $71,350 per year, but with only 1,120 positions.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts study local trends and gather information about people's wants and buying habits through surveys, discussions and focus groups. They help determine the target audience for a promotional campaign, and may help design advertising materials. They receive a median $61,580 per year, with a range of $34,260 to $111,900. This translates to $29.61 per hour with a range of $16.47 to $53.80. Their biggest employers are management, scientific and technical consultants, which pay better than the median at $30.94 per hour or $64,360. They also comprise over 10 percent of the available positions. Their highest-paying employers are computer and peripheral equipment manufacturers with compensation at $48.66 per hour or $101,210 per year and with 2,150 positions.
Tags: with range, hour year, year with, median hour, year with range, biggest employers
Harley Davidson motorcycles are famous for being one of America's oldest motorcycle manufacturers, as well as one if the most highly modified. Taking apart your Harley to modify it in one way or another is fairly commonplace; when it comes to the front fairings, taking them off for paint or modification is fairly easy to do. The main issue is to protect your surrounding equipment, that way you can keep everything in good shape.
Instructions
1. Place the microfiber towels over the spot lights and front fender so that you can keep them from getting damaged. Loosen the three bolts that hold the windshield to the front fairing using a torx-head screwdriver.
2. Sit in the seat and turn the handlebars to the right. Disconnect the screws on the left side of the fairing using a torx-head screwdriver. Turn the handlebars to the left side and repeat the process.
3. Stand in front of the fairing and unbolt the windshield bolts using the torx-head screwdriver, but hold the fairing steady with your free hand. Once the screw is out, pull out the fairing carefully, exposing the back of the headlight.
4. Unclip the wiring harness to the headlight. Pull out the fairing.
Tags: Harley Davidson, torx-head screwdriver, using torx-head, using torx-head screwdriver, Fairing From
Change the Fluids in a 2003 Harley Davidson Road King
The three most critical fluids used by a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King are housed within the the motor, primary drive and transmission. These fluids must be drained and refilled regularly - Harley-Davidson recommends 2,500 mile intervals - to ensure that your Road King's power train components receive their required lubrication. Doing so is straightforward enough for most Road King owners to tackle with little trouble using only a few tools.
Instructions
1. Warm the motor up for 3 to 5 minutes, letting it idle in place or by taking the Road King for a short ride. Stop the motor once it has warmed and mount the motorcycle on a service stand to support it in an upright position.
2. Place a large drain pan below the Road King's oil sump, positioned under the motor. Unscrew the oil tank and transmission filler caps from the right side of the Road King.
3. Remove the motor oil drain plug from the side of the oil pan, facing the front of the motorcycle, using an Allen wrench. Unscrew the transmission oil drain plug from the bottom of the oil sump, using an Allen wrench. Unscrew the drain plug from the outer primary cover, positioned just below the round derby cover, using a Torx driver. Allow all three fluids to drain completely.
4. Clean all three drain plugs, using a shop towel, to remove any buildup or debris from the plugs' magnetic tips. Pull off the metal O-rings from the drain plugs, and replace them with new O-rings.
5. Screw the drain plugs into their respective locations, using an Allen wrench and a Torx driver. Tighten the drain plugs to 14 pound-feet, using a torque wrench.
6. Unscrew the oil filter from the front of the motor using a strap wrench. Catch any oil remaining in the oil pump to drain. Fill a new oil filter with 20W-50 motor oil, and screw it into place on the motor. Tighten the oil filter by hand until it is seated snugly against the motor.
7. Fill the oil tank with three quarts of 20W-50 motor oil, and the transmission with one quart of Harley-Davidson transmission oil. Screw the oil tank and transmission filler caps into place.
8. Unscrew the derby cover bolts, using a Torx driver, and pull the cover away from the outer primary cover. Fill the primary with up to one quart of Harley-Davidson primary fluid, stopping when the fluid is level with the bottom of the clutch assembly held within the primary cover. Screw the derby cover bolts in place, using a Torx driver.
9. Wipe away any spilled oil from the motor, primary or transmission before starting the Road King, using a shop towel.
Tags: Road King, drain plugs, Torx driver, Allen wrench, derby cover, drain plug, drain plug from
Harley-Davidson is well known for its big V-twin motorcycles, but between 1960 and 1974, the company made a foray into the production of smaller bikes aimed at racers and younger riders, including a few years of a Harley-made scooter. Some of the small Harleys were made in Milwaukee, while others were imported and rebadged with the Harley name.
Hummer
The small two-stroke motorcycles that Harley-Davidson manufactured in Milwaukee between 1948 and 1966 are often collectively (though inaccurately) referred to as Harley "Hummers." There was actually only one "Hummer" model -- a 125 cc bike made from 1955 to 1959. Other models included the Scat, Pacer, Ranger, Super 10, 125 and 165. The 125, with a 125 cc, three-horsepower engine, was introduced in 1948, and through the next two decades, improvements such as hydraulic front suspension and sprung rear suspension, along with a larger 165 cc engine, were added to the line. The Ranger and Pacer were equipped with a 175 cc engine and were produced through 1965.
Topper
The Topper was a motorscooter produced by Harley-Davidson between 1960 and 1965. It featured either a 5-horsepower engine designed to meet legal restrictions for younger riders, or a 9-horsepower engine; both engines were 165 cc two-strokes. The Topper featured a continuously variable transmission with belt drive and a rope-pull starter. The body and engine cover were made of fiberglass, and the floorboards and front fender were made of stamped steel.
Sprint
In 1960, Harley-Davidson bought a controlling stake in the Italian company Aermacchi, and began importing the company's 250 cc motorcycles in 1961. The Aermacchi bikes were given Harley badges and called the Sprint. The Sprint acquired a 350 cc engine in 1969, which it kept until the line was discontinued in 1974. Harley ceased production of the American-built small bikes in favor of the Italian models in 1967.
Bobcat
The Bobcat was the last of Harley's American-made motorcycles and the end of the line of small bikes that began in 1948 with the Model 125. The Bobcat featured a 175 cc engine and a one-piece ABS plastic body. The Bobcat was a unique, modern design, but it wasn't enough to convince Harley to continue to make its own small bikes. It was produced only for the 1966 model year.
Tags: small bikes, were made, between 1960, engine were, younger riders
The Harley-Davidson FXDB is a member of the company's Dyna family. The Dyna family is known for its distinctive styling; exposed dual rear shocks, "Fat Bob" fuel tank, under-seat battery and console mounted on the gas tank. Harley-Davidson introduced the Dyna family in 1991 with the first FXDB, dubbed the Sturgis. Since 2006, the FXDB has been called the Street Bob.
Bobber Heritage
During the 1940s, most Harley-Davidson motorcycles were manufactured for the U.S. military and its allies. After World War II, returning servicemen and civilians bought up surplus military Harleys. Most of the military models had been equipped with items such as ammo boxes and rifle mounts. The new owners removed these no longer needed accessories, and anything else that didn't add to performance. Many cut or "bobbed" the fenders, and these types of customized bikes began being called bobbers.
Introduction of the FXDB Street Bob
For the 2006 model year, Harley-Davidson made major revisions to the entire Dyna line. Peter-Michael Keppler, Harley-Davidson's Marketing and Product Planning Director at the time, said, "We re-engineered the complete platform from the ground up."
The changes included new chassis with stiffer frames and swingarms. All of the Dyna models received electronic fuel injection systems. Also, the 2006 Dynas were the first Harleys with six-speed transmissions.
Amidst the changes to the Dyna family, Harley-Davidson introduced a new Dyna model for 2006, the FXDB Street Bob. The Street Bob included all the upgrades the rest of the Dynas got, and a mini ape-hanger handlebar, mid-mount foot controls, and solo seat. The Street Bob had the same 1442 cc engine as the rest of the Dyna family.
FXDB Street Bob Revisions
Harley-Davidson increased the engine size on the Street Bob for 2007, taking it to 1584 cc. Harley made more changes to the Dyna family, and specifically the Street Bob, for the 2009 model year. All the Dynas got a new speedometer with fuel range readout, and a low-profile front fender. In addition to those revisions, the Street Bob got a new LED taillight, exposed fender supports and a 19-inch front wheel.
Limited Edition FXDB Models
Harley-Davidson launched the Dyna line for the 1991 model year with the limited production FXDB Sturgis, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Only 1,546 units of the Sturgis were manufactured. For the 1992 model year, Harley-Davidson commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Daytona Bike Week in a similar fashion, with the limited edition FXDB Daytona.
The HD workflow is is not as ominous as people make it out to be, and as with anything else in filmmaking, a little planning goes a long way. Although this article is meant to concentrate on postproduction, there are decisions that must be made in preproduction that will impact your every step along the way. You must take the time to understand and address these points, or you simply are not ready to shoot.This article will prepare you to create an HD workflow for a television series.
Instructions
1. Understand your terminology. Many people make the assumption that 24P is always a HD format, and this is simply not true. The term "high definition" refers to the number of lines of resolution contained in the image you are capturing--which bears no correlation to the frame rate, which is what the "P" in 24P refers to. There are many different types of HD resolutions, the most common of which is 1920x1080, which is also referred to as 1080p or 1080i(interlaced). Simply put, interlaced makes the image look more like " standard" video, whereas 24 progressive is the video equivalent of film and gives the image a softer or " film" look. The reason it gives that " film look" look is because it eliminates the artifacting caused by the interlaced frames. So, again, 24P DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN HD. Please realize that many camera models on the market today are capable of filming in 24P yet are NOT high-definition cameras. These are mostly "prosumer" MiniDV cameras, which shoot at a 720x480 (a.k.a 480p or 480i) resolution.
2. Choose your postproduction facility. It is important to know where you will be posting your project way ahead of time. You will more than likely get a better deal if you make your deal prior to shooting; more importantly, the post house will have someone on board who can cross-check your workflow and make sure it is accurate and within your budget. More than likely, you will be cutting in your own office space, and the post house will have a complete package they can offer you in the way of offline system rental and the online, mix and delivery process. Be very attentive to their specs and requirements, especially if you are cutting your own offline in-house. Not following their guidelines will impact the success of your online and audio mix.
3. If you are cutting your offline in-house, hire your editor(s) Although you will probably go for the full package deal with the rental house, if you want to use an independent editor who owns his own system, make sure that system will work with your 24P material. An editor who really wants the job will undoubtedly say his rig can cut your show without a problem--however, the post house has to agree. To eliminate any speculation, check with the tech at the house, as there are certain programs that do not handle the timecode properly and subsequently cannot be used to cut HD. These include Premiere, versions of Final Cut under 4.0 and Avid Media Composer.
4. Select your frame rate. Remember, HD doesn't always mean 24P. So first check with your post house, because although all HD cameras do have a setting to shoot exactly 24 frames per second, most post houses will request that your camera be set to 23.976 frames per second, a.k.a 23.98.
5. Now select your aspect ratio. The HD spec produces a 16:9 image, which is a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This is almost identical to the traditional aspect ratio of spherical 35mm prints (1.85:1), and is by far the most common aspect ratio of HD material. But what if your story begs a wider picture? To mimic the 2.35:1 aspect ratio produced by anamorphic 35mm, you must crop the top and bottom of your 16:9 HD image. (Camera rental houses can provide viewfinders with these markings.) Realize, however, that this will result in a small resolution loss, which some may consider undesirable for projection. When shooting 2.35, it is still advisable to maintain a "16:9-safe" frame, i.e. to not have any flags, equipment, etc. in the entire viewable area of your monitor.
6. Hire a crew with HD experience. Remember that HD is a totally different medium than film. Although many DPs will elect to light HD the same way as they would film, it is important that they have a thorough technical understanding of the format as well. There are many camera settings and functions that even the most accomplished filmDP cannot simply learn and guess at on the fly. After all, would you hire an expert electrician to repair your computer? In addition, having an AC who is very experienced with HD--and the particular camera you select--is of paramount importance. If both your DP and AC are HD-proficient, you probably do not need to hire a DIT (Digital Imaging Technician), who is good to have around but costs big bucks. I also recommend using a sound recordist who has HD experience and will understand the timecode issues, including your need for a lockit box in order to keep the timecode on yourbackup DATs (a must!) in sync with the timecode on your camera tapes. Last, it is a good idea even for projects on a tight budget to hire a post-production supervisor experienced in HD. Depending on the complexity of the project, you might only need to retain this person on a part-time basis, yet you will still reap the benefit of a smooth and timely post process. As with everything else, be sure to consult your post supervisor in the planning phases in order to foster good communication between all parties involved.
7. Downconvert your camera rolls. The downconversion process in HD is the equivalent to a telecine in film, with the added bonus of having everything already in sync. It will provide you with video dailies of all your footage on a standard-definition format (DigiBeta, Betacam or DVCAM) that you will then digitize into your NLE system for offline editing. Some post houses can even deliver your downconverted footage on a hard drive to be directly imported into your NLE system, thus sparing your editing team the hassle of digitizing all the material. Downconversion is necessary because digitizing directly from an HD source would produce file sizes far too cumbersome to work with, and the boost in image quality is completely unnecessary for an offline edit. Make sure to ask for a burn-in of both your 24- and 30-frame timecodes in the letterbox portion of your downconversions, so that you will always have a visual reference between the two. And be certain your downconverted timecode is "non-drop frame."
8. Now offline edit your project. Once your downconverted footage is loaded into your NLE system, your editor can get to work. When the time comes that you are satisfied with your edit, the picture is locked. Movies shot on film would now have their EDL taken to the negative cutter to conform the neg. Instead, you will take your project file to your post house.And don't forget about sound! Once picture lock occurs, it is your sound designer's turn at bat. He will probably request the OMF file that your NLE system will generate. And he will also need your backup DATs, as there is likely to be room tone and wild lines on them that did not make it onto the camera tapes. (He may also detect a quality difference between the two sources and wish to redigitize some of the tracks.)
9. Now begin your online process. Your post house will import your project file into their system. These days, most Final Cut files can be converted to Avid and vice versa without a problem, but you should have had a discussion with your post house and post supervisor long before this step to be certain everything you are expecting is doable. Their online editor will then recreate your show from your HD camera masters. This assembly, called a VAM (Video Assembly Master), should be performed to D5 stock, which lacks the compression of HDCAM. If you are planning on using a post house that does not have D5 capability, you should be wary, as this is likely a startup operation that may not have the technical expertise and experience for a show like yours. There is no reason for you to be present during your assembly. When your online editor is done, you should have the exact same picture you had in your offline edit, except in uncompressed high definition. REVIEW THE VAM WITH A FINE-TOOTH COMB. Any reputable post facility will fix any problems in the VAM at no cost to you. Are there any black frames? Missed edits? Artifacts or dropouts? Speed adjustments or picture resizings that didn't transfer properly? Any error not spotted now will be difficult, and potentially expensive, to fix later on in the process.
10. Now downconvert your VAM. The length of every shot in your VAM is accurate to the frame, and once approved should now be the only version of the film used by your sound designer and composer for their work. You can make downconversions to whatever stock they request, and be sure to include a timecode window burn.
11. Colo- correct your project. This next step is the prime creative advantage of shooting HD--so much so that many films shot on 35mm are now employing "Digital Intermediates" in order to utilize the limitless possibilities available in digital color timing that are simply unattainable photochemically. But this can be as much of a curse as a blessing. The last thing you want is for your director and DP to be overwhelmed by the options and never be able to make up their minds. Simply stated, time is not cheap in these high end tape-to-tape rooms. Your colorist is the last of your key collaborators, as important a creative contributor as your other crew members but often unheralded as such. His expertise with the tools at his disposal should enable him to achieve (and focus) your director and DP's vision in a reasonable amount of time.For all but the most ambitious of looks, I think 24 hours is a fair amount to allow everyone. But this doesn't mean your director and/or DP will have to supervise the whole time. A good rule of thumb is that as much gets completed in one hour of supervised color correction as in three hours of unsupervised color correction. I feel the best way to plan your timing sessions is the following: Have your director and DP first meet with the colorist for 2 to 3 hours and walk through the film, defining the overall palette and showing in detail what they're looking to achieve in a few key scenes. Then the colorist should work alone for 10 to 12 hours and rough in the whole movie. Your guys then come back for 3 to 4 hours of notes and tweaks, the colorist does his thing for 3 to 4 more hours alone, and after another 2 to 4 hours of fine-tuning as a group you agree upon the final.
12. Create your titles. The above step gives you a completely finished picture on D5, sans text. You will provide your post house with a digital file (usually a Word document) containing all of your credits, and they will lay in HD-resolution titles in whatever font, positioning and dissolve rate you choose. For your end titles, be aware that crawls of HD text are typically a bit slower than those in film, in order to prevent artifacting. This is important to keep in mind if you are composing or selecting end-title music before this step is complete. Titles are done as a separate final step for two reasons. For one, if you add text over an image and then color correct the image, you will alter the color of the text as well. And two, you are hopefully going to sell your film in different foreign markets, so you want to master your film in a manner that will make it easy to add titles later on in whatever languages your distributor chooses. That said, be sure your post house provides you with what is known as a "textless background" of your opening title sequence, usually laid in at the tail of the D5 color-corrected master you just completed.
13. Now marry the sound to the picture. More than likely, your sound will be delivered to you on DA-88 or DA-98 tape. Your post house will then lay that back over your D5 color-corrected master. Ideally, since the format allows eight channels of audio, you will want to include not only your mix, but also the separate music and effects tracks ("M&E") for potential distributors, much the same as your textless background. Once the sound is married to the picture, you are finished and ready for dubs and conversions. This will be determined by the delivery requirements of the company to whom you are delivering your final product.
14. Make your dubs. You should definitely make an HDCAM copy--and preferably a letterboxed DigiBeta, too--in order to have a standard definition source. You can then make as many VHS and DVD screeners from those as you think you'll need to sell your film. Keep in mind, at this point you probably don't want to invest in authoring a DVD with fancy menus, chapter stops, etc. because your distributor will pay for that when the time comes.
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BMW, known as a maker of impressive cars, is also a well-respected manufacturer of motorcycles. Their bikes are known for ingenuity and engineering. BMW motorcycles wear the distinctive BMW emblem or Roundel. The motorcycle's gas tank mounted emblems are glued into place, and removing and replacing an old emblem with a new one is a relatively straightforward task.
Instructions
1. Clean the emblem and the area around it with a lint-free rag and a mild cleaner. This will minimize the chances of scratching the paint during the removal of the emblem.
2. Use a heat gun to help soften the glue by turning the heat gun on and then running it around the emblem. This is not absolutely necessary but will make removing the emblem a little easier. If you do not have a heat gun you may skip this step.
3. Remove a length of dental floss that is long enough that you can hold onto each end tightly and leave about six to eight inches in the middle.
4. Beginning at the top of the emblem, carefully slide the dental floss between the emblem and the gas tank. Pull the dental floss down behind the emblem, working it back and forth in a cutting motion to release the adhesive used to fasten the emblem in place from the tank.
5. Set the emblem aside once you have pulled the floss all the way down the surface behind the emblem.
6. Wipe the area under the emblem with a lint-free rag and a cleaner such as Goof Off, which will remove residue left on the tank from the adhesive.
7. Install the new emblem if you are replacing the old one. Apply a layer of emblem adhesive to the back of the emblem and then hold the emblem against the gas tank in the proper position until the glue has dried.