Install A West Coast Choppers Air Cleaner

Motorcycles can be customized to fit their owners, but their basic maintenance remains the same.

West Coast Choppers is a brand of motorcycle parts. They make everything from decorative accessories down to the basic parts that are needed for the proper performance of any motorcycle. One of their products is the air cleaner. This piece filters the air passing through the motorcycle engine. West Coast Choppers offers this part in a variety of custom and designer styles. However, installing it is the same as any type of air cleaner.

Instructions

1. Loosen and remove the screws of the air filter cover by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the stock filter element that is now exposed. Turn the bolts counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

3. Loosen and remove the mounting screws that are located on the carburetor by turning them counterclockwise with the Allen wrench.

4. Remove the two bolts located on the stock head breather by turning them counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

5. Remove the backing plate from the carburetor by pulling it with your hands.

6. Insert and tighten three screws into the backing plate of the new air cleaner. Turn them clockwise with a screwdriver.

7. Place the carburetor on the backing place. Insert and tighten screws through the holes of the carburetor gasket and the backing plate with a screwdriver.

8. Apply Locktite to the backs of the screws that go through the carburetor gasket and backing plate and the breather head bolts.

9. Insert and tighten the breather head bolts into the remaining holes in the backing plate by turning them clockwise with an Allen wrench.

10. Torque the breather head bolts with a torque wrench to approximately 15 foot-pounds.

11. Slide the ends of the breather tubes over the breather head bolts with their opposite ends pointing toward the carburetor.

12. Position the air filter on the backing plate. Secure it in place by inserting and tightening bolts through the holes of the air filter and the backing plate with an adjustable wrench. Torque these bolts with a torque wrench to approximately 40 foot-pounds.

13. Slide the air cleaner cover over the West Coast Choppers air cleaner with your hands.

Tags: backing plate, breather head, breather head bolts, Coast Choppers, counterclockwise with, head bolts

Win32 Trojan Alureon Removal

The Alureon computer virus can cause untold trouble.

Computer viruses come in countless varieties, some more troublesome than others. The Alureon virus is what's known as a Trojan horse, a type of virus that sneaks its way onto your hard drive and unleashes untold havoc. Thankfully, there are ways to delete the unwanted intruder and restore your computer to optimum health.

Function

Once on your hard drive, the Alureon Trojan horse virus downloads adware, spyware and other malicious files onto your computer without your knowledge. Alureon also creates corrupt files within the Windows win directory, particularly win32 files, causing serious problems with the computer's overall performance. After infecting the system, Alureon will deposit harmful spher.dll files into temporary folders to remain active in the computer's memory, serving to perpetuate the insidious cycle. Unless removed, Alureon can lead to complete system corruption and eventual failure.

Identification

Computers infected with the Alureon virus may demonstrate a number of symptoms. For instance, the system's task manager may constantly run Alureon malware files accompanied by repeated beeps over the computer's speakers. Other common side effects include hijacked desktop properties, repeated pop-up ads, redirected Web searches, sluggish performance and attempted program use resulting in a blue screen.

Warning

While potentially devastating to your computer, the Alureon virus may also transmit log in names, passwords and even online banking information to computer hackers. Unless removed, Alureon could lead to identity theft and other such serious complications well beyond mere computer performance.

Automated Removal

Several computer programs, such as Adware Away, Hitman Pro, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and StopZilla, can scan your computer and eliminate the Alureon virus. While some such programs offer free trials, many require you to purchase the program before eradicating the virus. Despite the cost, automated virus removal programs can be a quick and easy solution to the problem, especially if you possess limited computer knowledge.

Manual Removal

You may manually remove Alureon by deleting all files, folders, Windows registry keys and registry values associated with the virus. This can be a tricky operation, as accidentally deleting a non-infected file from the registry may harm your computer. It's always wise to back up your registry before attempting any edits. And there are dozens and dozens of files, folders and registry values that have to be deleted to remove Alureon, so it may be best to leave manual removal to a professional computer technician.

Tags: your computer, Alureon virus, files folders, hard drive, onto your

Low Cost Motorcycle Gifts

Shopping for the motorcycle enthusiast can be done at any price point.

While any motorcycle enthusiast may dream of a new Harley-Davidson or Ducati, a new bike is out of the price range of the average gift giver. Fortunately for those on a budget, there are many great motorcycle gift ideas for almost every price range. Whether your budget is $50, $25 or $10, you can easily find a gift for the motorcycle lover in your life.

Motorcycle Gifts Under $50

If your budget is at least $50, there are several things you can give. An American Motorcycling Association membership can be given for only $39 and includes a subscription to American Motorcyclist, discounts on motorcycling accessories and gear and access to AMA events. A motorcycle fan with a sweet tooth may enjoy a bouquet of six motorcycle shaped cookies for only $47. The Condor Helmet Hanger gives your motorcyclist a place to hang his helmet for just $30. And for a gift a motorcycle fan can wear with his work clothes, consider cuff links designed to look like motorcycle fuel caps for $45.

Motorcycle Gifts Under $25

For $25 or less you can still find many inexpensive motorcycle gifts. Biker glasses, specially designed sunglasses that are shatterproof and block UV rays, retail for as little as $15. "Cafe Society," a documentary about cafe racers in England, can be purchased for $24.95. A digital tire gauge is an indispensable tool and can be found for $20. Motorcycle models retail for $25 at a 1:10 scale.

Motorcycle Gifts Under $10

Even at $10 or less, there are several novel motorcycle gifts to be found. 1:18 scale versions of your motorcycle lover's bike can be found for just $8. An iPhone app that reminds the receiver when it is time to perform bike maintenance is less than $3. And a subscription to Motorcyclist magazine can be given for only $10 and will be a gift that will continue to arrive every month.

Tags: Motorcycle Gifts, Gifts Under, Motorcycle Gifts Under, gift motorcycle, given only, motorcycle enthusiast, motorcycle gifts

Buy Auto Parts At A Discount

Auto parts can be very pricey, however there are several ways to buy them at discount. It doesn't mean going to a junkyard and taking your chances against a 90-pound pit bull, or risking you and your family's safety on some refurbished part scrapped from an old wreck. You can get high quality, low priced auto parts that are as good as factory parts and better than junkyard refurbished parts.

Instructions

1. Avoid going to the junkyard and haggling over parts that have been stripped from cars that are now being used to make recycled steel.

2. Log on to one of the Internet's many discount auto parts stores and search for the exact make and model of the part you need. These sell both factory OEM, refurbished, and brand new, top quality and brand name auto parts at a discount. Most online companies ship the parts out quickly, provide warranties and offer great customer service.

3. Choose your part and have it delivered to you in less than a week in most cases. Or, if you do not have time to wait for your part, go to step 4.

4. Visit your local Autozone store and talk to the salesperson about getting your part at a discount. Just ask for the price of the part you need as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part. Note the price and then ask for the refurbished or discount part price.

5. Wait and watch for sales on OEM parts and refurbished parts. Auto stores have big sales on parts during the summer and fall. You can buy parts at a big discount, plus save money on cheaper refurbished parts. The bonus is, the refurbished parts are usually high quality parts that have been returned by a customer for one reason or another and simply re-boxed.

6. Scour the Internet for coupons and discounts on auto parts. You can sign up for auto parts newsletters at some auto-focused online stores, or visit several websites and look for special savings on a range of parts.

Tags: auto parts, refurbished parts, parts that, your part, going junkyard, have been

Types Of Harleydavidson Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson offers a motorcycle for every kind of rider.

In its long history, Harley-Davidson has made its name producing motorcycles that take equal advantage of tradition and innovation to win the admiration of motorcycle enthusiasts. Between fully outfitted touring bikes, low-riding cruisers, flamboyant choppers or intimidating racers, Harley has offered something for everyone, and the multitude of models in the company's 2011 lineup exemplified that diversity.

Sportster

One of Harley-Davidson's legendary lines, the Sportster, offered seven models for 2011. The Sportster XL883L SuperLow and the Sportster XR1200X were entirely new for the model year. The SuperLow and the Iron 883 were entry-level Harleys, while the XR1200X, with adjustable suspension, all-over satin black finish and retro styling, sat at the top end of the Sportster line.

Dyna and Softail

The 2011 Softail line continued the Harley-Davidson tradition of making models with concealed rear shocks, giving them the look a rigid-frame bike without sacrificing the comfort of a rear suspension. The seven Softail models ranged from the Fat Boy cruiser to the Rocker C chopper. The Dyna line included four models equipped with the Twin Cam 96 engine, including the Street Bob, the Wide Glide chopper and the Fat Bob, a softail bike with hidden rear shocks.

Touring

For 2011, the Touring line included eight models equipped with windscreens and saddlebags for riders who need a motorcycle suited for long-distance traveling. The Road King was equipped with the Twin Cam 96 engine, while the Road King Classic featured the Twin Cam 103, a new engine for 2011. The Street Glide occupied the low end of the Touring line, and the Electra Glide Ultra Limited was at the fully loaded end of the Touring spectrum.

VRSC, Trike and CVO

Harley-Davidson offered some specialty lines to satisfy the special needs of its most demanding customers. The VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) line for 2011 included the Night Rod Special, a cruiser with a drag-style handlebar, and the V-Rod Muscle. The Trike line included two three-wheeled models, the Street Glide and the Tri Glide Ultra Classic. Finally, the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) line offered four high-end models featuring upgraded powertrain, accessories and paint.

Tags: equipped with, line included, Twin engine, equipped with Twin, Glide Ultra, models equipped

Transport A Motorcycle In A Truck Bed

Transport a Motorcycle in a Truck Bed

You can ride a motorcycle just about anywhere, but sometimes you need to get it somewhere without riding it. For those occasions, you can transport your motorcycle in the bed of your pickup and take it wherever you need it to go, once it's properly secured. Transporting your motorcycle in the back of a pickup isn't something to take lightly, as the motorcycle and the truck could get severely damaged if the process isn't done correctly.

Instructions

1. Drop the pickup's tailgate and place the end of the 8-foot ramp on the end of the tailgate. Have your assistant hold one side of the motorcycle while you hold the other. Push the motorcycle up the ramp. You might have to get a running start up the ramp in order to make it all the way up.

2. Have your assistant hold the motorcycle in place, centered at the rear of the bed, while you secure the motorcycle to the truck. You'll need two tie-downs for this step. Wrap a tie-down strap around one post of the front fork of the motorcycle, and hook the strap end to the tie-down cleat in the pickup bed or to the bedrail stake pocket. Then connect the other end of the strap to the same tie-down cleat on the bed or the same bedrail stake pocket. This will secure the fork without damaging the fork. (Letting the tie-down strap hardware contact the fork might damage the fork.) Tighten the strap by ratcheting the tightening hardware, but leave the strap fairly loose. Repeat this process for the other post of the front fork, wrapping the strap around the other fork and securing the strap ends to the opposite tie-down cleat or bedrail stake pocket.

3. Prepare two more tie-down straps for the rear of the motorcycle. Wrap a tie-down strap around the rear frame of the motorcycle and work it to a tie-down cleat or bedrail stake pocket. Once again, put mild tension on the strap, then repeat the process for the other side of the frame.

4. Tighten all of the tie-down straps, ratcheting them down as firmly as possible. This will pull the straps against each other and keep the motorcycle upright while securing it to the truck itself. This is the key to transporting the motorcycle--making the motorcycle and the truck one unit. Make sure all of the straps are as tight as possible before driving the truck.

5. Drive the truck at a slow speed around the block with your assistant in the bed, making sure the motorcycle stays solidly in the bed. Once you return from your trip around the block, tighten the straps down again for good measure.

Tags: bedrail stake, bedrail stake pocket, stake pocket, tie-down cleat, strap around, tie-down strap

The Specifications & Fork Size For A 2007 Harleydavidson Street Bob

Harley-Davidson has been producing motorcycles since 1903.

The Harley-Davidson Street Bob is a "bobber"--a type of motorcycle that typically has no front fender, a shortened or "bobbed" rear fender, and no superfluous parts or luxury equipment. This makes the bike lighter so that it can move faster and maneuver more tightly. The Street Bob is part of the Dyna family of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It was released in 2006.

Engine

The 2007 Street Bob saw the introduction of a larger, 96-cubic-inch V-Twin four-stroke engine, up from 88 cubic inches in 2006. This motor provides 124.75 Nm of torque, or 92 ft.-lbs., at 3000 RPM. With a bore of 3.8 inches and a stroke of 4.4 inches, its compression ratio is 9:2:1. An ESPFI, or electronic sequential port fuel injection, and an air cooling system contributes to this motor's power. It sports a six-speed transmission, a multi-plate clutch with a diaphragm spring in an oil bath, and a chrome exhaust system. Its fuel consumption averages 53.1 mpg, and it emits an average of 102.8 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

Tires, Brakes and Fork Angle

A motorcycle's fork connects the bike's front wheel and axis with the frame. The 2007 Street Bob's fork angle is 29 degrees. This motorcycle uses single disc brakes in both front and back. Its front tire is a 100/90-H19, and its rear tire is a 160/70-B17.

Dimensions

Weighing 667 lbs. with all equipment, oil and fuel, the 2007 Street Bob measures 92.8 inches long and clears the ground by 5.6 inches. Its wheelbase is 64.2 inches long, and its seat rests 26.8 inches from the ground at the lowest setting. Its fuel tank holds 4.8 gallons.

Tags: 2007 Street, inches long

Italian Restaurants In Springfield Illinois

Italian restaurants offer delicious dishes for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the birthplace and residence of President Abraham Lincoln until he moved to Washington. Looking for things to do? Take a walk in Vredenburg Park or receive a relaxing massage at the BJ Grand Salon and Spa. Shop for a new Harley Davidson, or browse antiquities the Sangamon Antique Mall. At night, eat at a local restaurant before you bowl a few frames with family or friends at King Pin Lanes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Mariah's Restaurant

Mariah's Restaurant welcomes your family or group for lunch, dinner and parties. Walk into a warm log cabin setting with a casually elegant atmosphere. "Be prepared to enjoy excellence in dining, service and atmosphere" at this Italian restaurant in Springfield. Begin your meal with stuffed shrimp or toasted ravioli and the prime rib salad. Follow with an entree selection like baked mostaccioli, seafood stuffed chicken or the encrusted tilapia fillet. Diners simply wanting a steak will also find satisfaction. Walk here from Vredenburg Park or the BJ Grand Salon and Spa.

Mariah's Restaurant

3317 Robbins Road

Springfield, IL 62711

217-793-1900

mariahsrestaurant.com

The Spaghetti Shop

The motto at the Spaghetti Shop is "Fast, Fresh, Fabulous Italian." Currently with five locations in the Midwest, this new franchise that started in Terre Haute, Indiana, aims to please. Italian favorites are on the menu, and nutritional information on popular dishes is available on request. Spaghetti, fettuccine and ravioli swimming in Alfredo or marinara sauce, hot submarine sandwiches, irresistible garlic bread and family sized to-go pasta buckets are the stars of the show at this "good food fast" concept restaurant in Springfield, Illinois. The Spaghetti Shop is conveniently located across from Hall's Harley Davidson, the Sangamon Antique Mall and King Pin Lanes.

The Spaghetti Shop

1869 E. Sangamon Ave.

Springfield, IL 62702

217-788-0781

thespaghettishop.com

Bella Milano

Bella Milano offers patrons a location in Edwardsville and Springfield, Illinois. Anticipate the same artistically plated Italian menu items at both restaurants along with unique daily specials. Look forward to an ambiance made possible by mood lighting, music and an exposed brick wall along with an intimate seating plan. Your first courses could include bruschetta Capri, bagna cauda and the house Milano's mixed salad. Choose from an extensive list of entrees such as beef Marsala, stuffed orange roughy, spaghetti carbonara or linguine with clam sauce. Walk here from the American Lung Association or the Systemax Corporation.

Bella Milano

4525 Wabash Ave.

Springfield, IL 62711

217-547-0011

bellamilanos.com

Tags: Spaghetti Shop, Bella Milano, Mariah Restaurant, Springfield Illinois, along with, Antique Mall, Grand Salon

1950s Garagethemed Rooms

A 1950's garage style can liven up any room.

A retro 1950's garage theme can be a good decorating theme for any room. In general, look for furniture that has design elements from '50's cars like bright colors and shiny chrome. Hang 1950's style garage signs for gasoline, soda and other products. Many decor accessories like lamps and vases are available that have a 1950's theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Kitchen

For a 1950's garage-themed kitchen, choose kitchen appliances in bright colors with chrome accents. Chrome fixtures will also contribute to a garage feel. Plates printed with people in 1950's clothing or classic cars can be ideal design elements to contribute to your theme. If you are remodeling your kitchen, white ceramic tiles will create a classic backdrop for decor accessories and appliances. To tie in the garage theme, install a steel backsplash.

Dining Room

Furniture that has chrome and upholstery like 1950's cars will give your dining room a '50's feel. Upholstery choices include vinyl and faux leather, and colors range from baby blue to bright red. When shopping, look for '50's diner chairs or retro-style laminate and steel kitchen tables with chrome legs. Wall decorations that will give a garage feel include chrome hubcaps, toy cars or motorcycles and metal signs.

Living Room

When decorating a larger room like a living room, you can use larger decor items like antique gas pumps or even motorcycle parts. When remodeling, think of the materials that would be in a retro garage. Concrete floors will instantly give a garage look, but you can also use tiles in a black and white pattern or a concrete gray color. Choose couches and chairs that have a similar look to seats in classic cars, including features like piping and upholstery channels. Vinyl or faux leather upholstery also makes for easy cleanup. Hang wall art with pictures of classic cars or 1950's pinup models with cars.

Bedroom

A 1950's style garage can also be a fun theme for a bedroom. You can achieve this look by simple changes like bed linens and wall decorations, or you can completely remodel your room. Wall decorations with classic cars, hubcaps or pinups can create a theme, and you should look for curtains and bed linens in '50's patterns and colors or printed with '50's cars. Materials like diamond-patterned steel, black lacquer and bright paint colors can transform walls and floors.

Bathroom

Since bathrooms are often smaller than other rooms, work your 1950's garage theme into functional items like shower curtains, towels or bathroom accessories like soap holders. Shower curtains printed with classic cars and towels with bright matching colors can help create the theme, and you can also find accessories featuring car wheels, classic cars or motorcycles. One or two retro garage signs can also look good in a bathroom. As in the kitchen, fixtures should be chrome.

Tags: classic cars, 1950 garage, garage theme, printed with, 1950 garage theme

Start A Motorcycle Franchise

Start a Motorcycle Franchise

When you want to run a business but you need a little help getting the groundwork established, consider opening a franchise. With suppliers lined up, marketing plans in place and demographic studies completed, you're ready for customers right away. Here is start your franchise.

Instructions

1. Start a filing system to record your notes and observations. Before you choose a franchise, a thorough examination of each business is necessary. You will invest a substantial amount of money in the venture so protect the integrity of your investment by doing your research.

2. Narrow down your choices in motorcycle franchises by focusing on providing a service to the community that is not currently offered.

3. Make contact with the franchise marketers of each store you are considering. Ask about their support procedure, their training package and their marketing concept. Every franchise is different; some will allow you to run your own ads and some insist that you follow their plan, exclusively.

4. Compare your investment with your projected earnings in each franchise choice. Each business opportunity will supply you with its financial reports that detail costs and profit margins for the last few years. Study these carefully because they reflect what you can expect in your own franchise.

5. Decide how you will finance the franchise. With larger franchises, you may have an option of investing a specified amount of money and letting the company finance the balance. Before you go that route, check with local lenders who might be able to beat those rates and save you some money.

6. Locate an existing building or a lot where you can construct a new building to start your motorcycle franchise.

Tags: amount money, franchise With, Motorcycle Franchise, Start Motorcycle, Start Motorcycle Franchise, start your

Mount Foot Pegs On A Harleydavidson Motorcycle

Adding a set of forward foot pegs on your Harley Davidson is a great way to reduce leg fatigue and increase rider comfort on long hauls. Foot pegs are available in a variety of designs, colors and finishes and they mount on the engine guards for easy installation. Read on to learn mount foot pegs on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Instructions

1. Determine the diameter of your engine guard tubing. If you don't know the diameter, you can use a dial gauge or, if one isn't handy, a piece of stiff cardboard with cuts made in the edge at intervals of one-eighth of an inch. Simply fold the flaps down on the cardboard until you find a gap that fits around your tubing.

2. Find a set of foot pegs that will fit the diameter of your engine guard. These are readily available from Harley Davidson retailers and many online stores. Kuryakyn and JP Cycles are excellent online retailers and carry a wide variety of foot pegs.

3. Decide where you are going to mount your foot pegs. The most common placement is just above the lower bend on the outside of the engine guard, but the length of your legs will ultimately determine where you need to put them.

4. Unscrew the bolt in the hinged clamp. Open the clamp and place it around the engine guard tubing. The foot peg should be perpendicular to the engine guard now.

5. Replace the bolt through the clamp and tighten it. Take a seat and see how it feels. If it feels awkward, try a few other positions until you find one that feels natural.

Tags: engine guard, foot pegs, diameter your, diameter your engine, engine guard tubing

Finance A Motorcycle With Bad Credit

Finance a Motorcycle With Bad Credit

You want to buy a motorcycle, but you've had some problems in the past and your credit report is not good. You may have late payments or even a bankruptcy or reposession, and your bad credit is getting in the way of financing a motorcycle. It's not easy to make credit purchases when you have bad credit, but there are a few steps you can take to boost your chances of approval. If you are willing to take them, you may be able to finance a motorcyle despite your bad credit.

Instructions

1. Make sure your credit is in the best shape possible. Even if your credit is bad, you should still make sure there are no erroneous negative items. Get a copy of your credit reports from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Transunion and Experian). You are entitled to a free copy from each bureau every year. If there are any incorrect negative items, file a dispute. If they cannot be verified, the credit bureaus must remove them.

2. Before applying for a motorcycle loan, save up a large down payment. This will save you money in the long run because your loan will be smaller, meaning that you will pay less interest. This is especially important for motorcycle buyers will bad credit because they typically have a very high interest rate. A large down payment will also help you to get a loan more easily, since lenders prefer to loan smaller amounts to borrowers with bad credit.

3. Try to find a loan before you go to the motorcycle dealer. When you have bad credit, you're almost guaranteed to pay a higher interest rate because lenders are taking a bigger risk on you. Dealers tend to take advantage of this. You're better off talking to your own bank or credit union. Even though you have bad credit, if you have been dealing with a financial institution for a long time, they may still be willing to give you a motorcycle loan. You can also search for loans online.

4. If you cannot get a motorcycle loan on your own, go to a dealer who has experience working with buyers with bad credit. Be alert because some dealers will steer you towards high interest loans and pocket part of the extra cost as additional profit. Even though you can expect to pay a higher interest rate because lenders see you as a higher risk due to your bad credit, it should still be within reason.

5. If you cannot get a motorcycle loan on your own, try to get someone with good credit to act as a co-signer. This should be a last resort, as your co-signer will basically be agreeing to be fully responsible for the loan if you default. This can cause bad will if you are unable to pay the loan and your co-signer ends up paying and having his own credit ruined. Weigh the benefits and risks before you ask someone else to take on this responsibility.

Tags: your credit, motorcycle loan, have credit, interest rate, loan your, because lenders

Harley Davidson 1450cc'S Engine Specifications

Harley Davidson introduced the Twin Cam 88 in 1999 to replace earlier engines.

The 1,450 cc Harley Davidson Engine, also known as the Twin Cam 88, was a breakthrough in motorcycle history when it came out. The engine was made and used on many different Harley Davidson bikes from 1999 to 2006. This engine has recently been retired and a new engine based on the 1,450 cc is being used in new Harley Models. The 1,450 cc remains a favorite engine for Harley riders to this day.

Type of Engine

The 1,450 cc is equivalent to an 88 cubic inch block, and is is a twin-camshaft engine. The twin camshaft was also released as a Twin Cam 88B which was quite a bit bigger at 96 cubic inches. The bore of this engine is 3.75 inches and the stroke is four inches. It pushes 80 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. The torque of this engine is 82 ft-lb at 3,500 rpm. The engine can have different bore and strokes as well as horsepower and torque ratings depending on what motorcycle it is in.

Unique Features

This Harley Davidson engine has a dual coil system which ensures that spark can't be wasted. It also has a uniquely shaped combustion chamber. This chamber is shaped like a bathtub and allows for higher engine compression levels. This improves engine efficiency.

Camshaft

The camshafts in the 1,450 cc engine are what give it the name Twin Cam. As its title insinuates, there are two camshafts in this engine, one for each of the engine's cylinders. These camshafts then align easily with other engine components with their two cam lobes. A chain, that is silent, drives the camshafts' operation. Although the lack of noise from the chain can be nice, this chain causes timing issues. To correct the problem, many Harley owners put in after-market camshaft drives.

Bikes

Many bikes were made from 1999 to 2006 with the 1,450 cc. These included Dyna-Glide bikes such as the FXD, FXDX, FXDL, FXDWD and the FXDs-CONV. Softail bikes were also made with the 1,450 cc Twin Cam such as the FXST/FXSTI Softail Standard and theFXSTB/FXSTBI Night Train. Harley's FLHT Electra Glide Standard and FLHR/FLHRI Road King are just a couple of touring bikes that came with the 1,450 cc engine.

Tags: Harley Davidson, this engine, 1999 2006, bikes were, engine Harley, from 1999, from 1999 2006

Buy A High Definition Video Camera

Canon's HV20

At first it seems simple. You just got a high definition television. You notice that the image quality of your home videos seems to have declined, so you go shopping for an HD camcorder, only to be confronted with a plethora of confusing choices. To set your mind at ease, your home videos are just as good as they've always been, so there is no urgency to get saddled with a half understood piece of equipment today. It's simply that your standards have changed.

Instructions

1. Begin with a realistic budget. You can literally spend as much on a high definition video camera as on a house. Top end cameras produce images that are often indistinguishable from film. The good news is that low end HD cameras, such as Canon's HV20, can be had for less than $900. If your budget is limited, then consider shooting in the HDV format. HDV was created by a working agreement between Sony, Canon, Sharp and JVC. HDV records in MPEG-2 a compression scheme developed by the Motion Picture Experts on mini-DV cassettes. MPEG-2 is the same compression scheme used on DVD. Compressing video is as essential for digital broadcasting. Without it, we simply wouldn't have enough bandwidth to transmit all the information needed to make 30 full frame images every single second. The HDV aspect ratio is wide screen 16:9, while the format's output is 1080i (interlaced) or 720p (progressive.) The tape run time for HDV is the same as for mini-DV. Since all HDV is limited by the top data rate of DV tape, video can be readily loaded to your computer for editing in real time through Fire Wire. However, there are differences in HDV. HDV1 from JVC records at 19 megabits per second in MPEG-2 with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. HDV2 from Sony and Canon records in MPEG-2 at 25 megabits per second with a higher resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080. If you shoot JVC's HDV1 you won't be able to transfer through Fire Wire from a Sony HDV2 deck or camcorder. Sony's HDV doesn't play back on JVC either. Canon further clouds compatibility with an "F" setting to simulate24P on some of its camcorders that won't play back on either a JVC or Sony deck. In practical terms this means that if you do plan to edit, you'll be digitizing directly from your camcorder. When you do buy an HD camcorder, it will be a lot simpler to commit to one manufacturer for all your High Definition video needs.

2. Decide on the number of chips you need. HD camcorders use either CCD, charge-coupled device or CMOS, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensors. Each device has strengths and weaknesses. CMOS is catching up to CCD's in image quality. Today, I'd choose a camera not on the basis of the image sensor type, but on how good a picture it produces.

As you learned in grade school, all colors can be made from three primaries. In your paint box, they were red, blue and yellow. With light they are red green and blue. By recording all of the color information separately on three separate chips you'll keep the color information discrete through processing which will give you a cleaner image. If you record on a single chip, you'll still get acceptable quality, but it won't be as good. Be sure to compare the resolution capability of chips from rival cameras, generally the more lines the better.

3. Don't get seduced unnecessarily by 24P. Film's look is a combination of lighting, low depth of field, wide exposure latitude, moving a camera with a fixed focal length instead of zooming, and finally 24 progressive frames. Unless you are planning to use your camcorder to shoot a feature length movie that will ultimately be transferred to film and projected in a theater, there is really no need to shoot in 24 P.

4. If possible, choose an HD camcorder with assisted focus. There is less tolerance for bad focus in high definition because the image is noticeably sharper than standard def. You'd like either peaking enhancement in black and white viewfinder mode so that in focus elements are tinged with color or an option that allows a camera operator to temporarily double the center of the image for a focus check. I used this feature on a Panasonic AG-HVX200 HD camcorder to shoot a television interview last Saturday.

5. Anticipate editing. Cutting HDV footage is more problematic than cutting DV. In DV the video-compression is purely intraframe, that is within each individual image. Since every DV frame is compressed independently, the footage can be cut at any frame without affecting those next to it. Because HDV is MPEG-2, it uses both intraframe and interframe compression. In HDV, the so called "I-frame," the only truly intact frame, is typically recorded once every half second. The rest are extrapolated across a fifteen frame Group of Pictures, or GOP. Practically speaking this means that when it comes to editing, you will be cutting on virtual frames that are extracted from the surrounding images by your editing software. Any transition while editing, even a simple cut, requires an entire decompression then recompression of every frame in the GOP. With HDV you won't be able to layer a lot of complex effects without artifacts. It's better to stick with tried and true film style transitions such as cuts, dissolves and the rare wipe. Sony also recommends using its better quality HDV vs. DV tape. If you're unlucky enough to have a drop out on a recorded I-frame, you have no back up immediately fore and aft. The glitch will affect everything in your GOP.

Tags: back either, camcorder shoot, Canon HV20, color information, compression scheme

How Do You Get Album Art For A Wd Hdtv

Western Digital makes a type of hard disk drive that is designed to connect to your television and allow you to play content, such as videos and songs, from your computer. If you want to display album art for the songs you play on your Western Digital unit, you'll have to add that album art to the songs before you transfer them to the hard drive. This can be accomplished in Windows Media Player.

Instructions

1. Right-click on one of the audio files that you want to transfer to your Western Digital HD media playing device. Click "Open With" and "Windows Media Player." This will open the song in Windows Media Player and immediately begin to play it. This will also add the song to your Windows Media Player media library.

2. Click "Stop" to stop the song that is playing in Windows Media Player.

3. Click "Music" on the left side of the screen. Locate the song that you just added to your media library. Right-click on it.

4. Click "Find Album Info." The program will connect to the Web and download the appropriate album art onto the song file based on its track and artist names. The album art will be permanently added to the song file and will be available in any program in which you play the song.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for all additional songs you plan to play through your TV with your Western Digital TV media player. This will add album art to all the songs, making that artwork available to the Western Digital unit.

Tags: Media Player, Western Digital, Windows Media, Windows Media Player, album songs, This will, your Western

Create A Recovery Environment On A Hard Drive With Norton Ghost

When your computer crashes, you can lose important documents and information. At the least, you will lose the time invested in the file creation and cataloging; at the most, you could lose financially sensitive information if you store work-related material on your computer. A popular software application to guard against data loss is Norton Ghost. The software lets you restore all of your files after a system crash as long as you have created a recovery environment on your hard drive.

Instructions

1. Launch the Norton Ghost program by double clicking the program icon on your computer's desktop. When the program loads, you will be presented with default system configuration options that Symantec provides. If you are not a "Power Computer User," you can accept the default configuration settings of Norton Ghost without adversely affecting your computer or your ability to recover files.

2. Select the "Local" file menu option, then choose "Partition," followed by "Partition Options." You will then select the "To Image" menu choice to designate the storage location for the Norton Ghost image.

3. Select your "Local Source Drive" from the list of drives that will appear in the window. It will appear at or near the top of the list and is normally labeled the "C" or "D" drive. This will be the drive that contains the majority of your software programs and data storage. Click the "OK" button.

4. Choose the partition you want as your "Source Partition" from the list that appears. This should be a partition with "Primary" in the "Type" column. Click "OK" when finished. Select from the list of files the one you want to have as your image destination. Name your image file and click the "OK" button.

5. Click the "Fast" button when the program asks to compress the image. Next, click "Yes." The recovery environment will now be set up on your hard drive with Norton Ghost.

Tags: Norton Ghost, your computer, from list, hard drive, will appear, your hard, your hard drive

Rebuild A Wire Wheel Motorcycle

Motorcycle wheels can withstand an astonishing level of weight and stress. This can sometimes cause problems like out-of-true and out-of-alignment rims. Unlike aluminum or carbon fiber wheels, a wire wheel may be taken apart and rebuilt to solve these issues.

Instructions

Dismantle The Wheel

1. Using the correct size spoke wrench, loosen the spokes evenly. Do not loosen any spokes more then two turns at a time. This will add undue stress to the rim and potentially bend it.

2. Remove the spoke nipples from the spoke ends. Set the rim aside.

3. Remove the spokes from the hub. Pay special attention if you have a dished wheel (such as one with a disk brake) and separate the spokes by size.

Build The Wheel

4. Lay out your materials. Check for spokes and nipples damaged during removal. Replace them if necessary.

5. Insert the first leading spoke into a hole on the flange of the hub from the outside.

6. Skip one flange hole between leading spokes until every other flange hole has a spoke in it. Be sure these spokes face inward. Insert a leading spoke into every other hole on the other side of the hub.

7. Insert the trailing spokes into the empty flange holes from the inside of the hub. Check that every spoke was inserted the opposite direction of those on either side of it. A misplaced leading or trailing spoke will create a hop in the rim.

8. Insert the end of an inward-facing spoke (leading spoke) into the correct hole on the rim. Thread a spoke nipple onto the spoke until you can no longer see the threading. Leave three rim holes empty and attach the remaining leading spokes in a similar pattern.

9. Attach the trailing spokes to the rim so that they cross over the the leading spokes. This "cross-lacing" is what makes the wheel strong enough for the weight and stress of a motorcycle.

True The Wheel

10. Attach the wheel to the motorcycle.

11. Put a zip tie around each fork or swing-arm leg at the same height as the edge of the rim. Trim them to the same length.

12. Spin the wheel slowly and notice where the wheel rubs only one of the zip ties In these spots, tighten the spoke on the other side of the rim with a spoke wrench until the wheel is true.

13. Install a tire and tube to your wheel. Test ride the motorcycle and observe any unwanted handling behavior. Park the motorcycle and check the wheel.

14. Make any adjustments necessary until the wheel is true and evenly tensioned.

Tags: leading spoke, leading spoke into, leading spokes, spoke into, every other, flange hole

Samsung Series 7 Vs Series 6

Samsung's Series 7 is an upgraded version of the Series 6.

Samsung makes LED, LCD and plasma televisions in two groups: Series 6 and Series 7. The Series 7 is an upgraded version of the Series 6, with new features such as 3-D technology.

Function

The Samsung Series 6 offers a multimedia experience with Web-connected applications so you can stream videos, watch movies, play games and view social networking sites while watching a show. The Samsung Series 7 has the same capabilities as the Series 6, but with upgraded specifications and 3-D technology. Samsung's 3D Active Glasses produce 3-D images for not only content that is specifically designed to be in 3-D but also for that made for 2-D.

Size

The Series 6 is available in a 40-inch, 46-inch, 55-inch or 60-inch screen. The Samsung Series 7 is only available in a 46-inch display.

Motion Plus Technology

While both the Series 6 and 7 have Samsung's Motion Plus technology, the Series 6 offers the technology in 120Hz and the Series 7 in 240Hz. Motion Plus technology depicts moving objects with less blurring.

Price

As of summer 2010, the 46-inch Samsung 750 is available for about $1,700, while the 46-inch Samsung 650 is approximately $1,300. The slight price difference may make the Series 7 suitable if you are seeking an upgraded multimedia experience.

Tags: Samsung Series, Motion Plus, Series Series, 46-inch Samsung, Motion Plus technology, multimedia experience

Make Cell Phone Wallpaper For Free

Put a custom wallpaper image on your cell phone for free.

A cell phone wallpaper is a digital image file that is correctly sized to fit on a cell phone background. Wallpaper image size differs with each type of cell phone. Many mobile phone providers offer various downloadable wallpaper images, but they usually charge money for them. Free Mobile Fun, Pix2Fone and Phonezoo are three websites that allow users to create and send free cell phone wallpapers to their cellular phone.

Instructions

Free Mobile Fun

1. Use Free Mobile Fun's online wallpaper creator. Select your mobile phone brand and your phone model number from the drop down menu boxes, or select a wallpaper size from the list of preset wallpaper sizes. Click the "Submit" button to continue.

2. Click the "Browse" button from the "Upload an Image" box and select an image file from the hard drive to use for the wallpaper. Or enter an image URL to use an online image file for the wallpaper. Click the "Submit" button to continue.

3. Click and drag the image to reposition it on the onscreen cell phone. This is how it will appear on your phone when finished. Click the "+" and "-" buttons or scroll the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the image site. Click the "Save" button to save the current wallpaper image.

4. Click on the wallpaper image file that appears under the "Your Phone Wallpapers" heading at the top right of the page. Right-click the image and select "Save image as..." to download the wallpaper image file to the hard drive. Or write down the wallpaper image's code and visit wap.freemobilefun.net from your cell phone, then enter the code into the "code nr" box to download the wallpaper image directly to your cell phone.

Pix2Fone

5. Download and install the Pix2Fone browser add-on, available for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Restart your browser.

6. Find an image file on a web page to use for a cell phone wallpaper. Right-click the image and choose "Save Picture to Mobile Phone" from the menu. Click the "Change My Phone" button to select your phone model.

7. Write down your image code and visit wap.pix2fone.com on your cell phone to download the wallpaper to your phone. Or select your cell phone carrier from the "Download Link as SMS" box, and enter your phone number into the text box. Click the "Send SMS" button to send the wallpaper to your cell phone.

Phonezoo

8. Use the free wallpaper creator from Phonezoo. Sign up for a free Phonezoo account. Check your email account and click on the account verification link, then log in to your new Phonezoo account.

9. Click the "Photos" button at the top of the Phonezoo website, and then select the "Create From File" button. Click the "Browse" button, and select an image file from the hard drive to use as a wallpaper.

10. Use the drop down menu boxes to change the wallpaper image size, or click and drag the square button on the image. Save the wallpaper image to your hard drive or enter your phone number to send the wallpaper image to your phone.

Tags: cell phone, image file, your phone, your cell, your cell phone, wallpaper image, hard drive

Seal A Tire Valve Stem

A valve sandwiches the rim between two sections of rubber on the valve to create the seal.

Most tire leaks come from damage due to a road hazard, such as a nail. Those leaks are readily identified. Often, cause of unidentified leaks is your valve stem. The valve stem creates a seal, using the rubber base of the valve stem that presses against the rim. The base of the valve stem, when fully sealed, should be ample to maintain the seal, but a damaged hole on the rim will cause the valve stem to fail to create a seal. Sealing the valve stem is simple.

Instructions

1. Remove the tire from the vehicle. Raise the wheel with a jack, and remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Set the lug nuts to the side, and place the tire on a flat surface.

2. Release the air pressure in the tire by removing the valve core.

3. Break the seal between the bead and rim by placing a pry bar between the rim and bead and applying substantial downward pressure. Push the bead down, until you have sufficient access to the inside of the rim, where the valve stem is located.

4. Remove the valve stem by screwing a valve stem mounting tool onto it and tapping the tool with a rubber mallet, until the valve stem is forced back through the hole.

5. Apply a small amount of bead seal to the hole, and reinstall the valve stem in the reverse order of how you removed it. You can, instead, install bolt-on valve stems by inserting the bolt-on valve through the hole and bolting the unit from inside the rim. Tighten both retaining bolts, using a wrench on the inside of the rim, until the bolt-on valve stem is secure. Bolt-on valve stems provide a much stronger seal than bead seal can create. However, both options will allow the valve stem to fully seal.

6. Stand the tire up, and lean on it, to create some inward pressure. Slowly air the tire, making sure the bead seals all the way around. Reinstall the valve core, and raise the tire pressure to factory recommendations. Spray some window cleaner around the valve stem to ensure it is no longer leaking.

7. Install the tire onto the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to factory recommendations with the lug wrench.

Tags: valve stem, valve stem, bolt-on valve, base valve, base valve stem, bead seal, between bead

Ideas For Decorating A Harleydavidson Room

Create a room with a Harley Davidson theme

From 1903 to today, Harley-Davidson has made motorcycles that have become part of popular culture. Riders worldwide enjoy the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie found in the many Harley owners clubs. Bring the fascination with all things Harley into your home by creating a room designed specifically with the Harley motorcycle in mind. With a wide variety of accessories available, it is easy to decorate a room with Harley merchandise and memorabilia. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Look to the Harley logo to provide inspiration for color in your room. While the majority of accessories are created in the basic black that is prevalent in motorcycle apparel, red, orange, tan and brown are also featured widely in many items. Consider starting with a light tan color for walls that will allow you to accessorize with many different items. Black and red pillows with splashes of gold will make excellent accent colors.

Black leather furniture accented with steel studs will work well with the clean chrome lines of a modern metal table or chair. Keep the feeling industrial by adding chrome hubcaps, gas tank covers or handlebars to the walls as art.

Eagles

A widely used icon in Harley gear and accessories is the American eagle. Starting with the winged logo, look for eagle items that represent freedom to add to the room. From statues to wall art, this high-flying bird will allow your room to soar to new heights.

Flames

Flames represent speed and are widely used on Harley merchandise. Consider a black bedspread highlighted with flames and a motorcycle or flames painted or applied on a wall leading to a door or window. Go one step further and create a sunset-like scene with a flame colored sky on the wall behind a bed or sofa. Harley-Davidson replicas with flames painted on the chrome can line bookshelves

Accessories

There is a great deal of Harley decorative merchandise available. Choosing the items to add to your room may be difficult. Consider carefully what you want to include. For example, go retro with old Harley posters, decals and replicas of the first motorcycles. With more than 100 years of company history and merchandise available, check the antique stores, thrift shops or even a Harley Owner's Group rally to find authentic Harley-Davidson accessories.

Tags: with Harley, your room, flames painted, Harley merchandise, merchandise available, room with

How Buy A Motorcycle With Bad Credit

A large down-payment can be beneficial in purchasing a motorcycle if you have bad credit.

Buying a motorcycle with bad credit is possible if you take advantage of the right resources. A motorcycle is challenging to finance with bad credit--even more so than a car--because they are considered recreational vehicles by lenders. It is not uncommon to have a difficult time financing a motorcycle even with a poor or fair score. Improving your credit enough to find a lender can be time consuming, but there are certain tactics you can take advantage of to make the process go more quickly.

Instructions

1. Order your credit report to ensure that there are no errors that are negatively affecting your credit score. Pay off any outstanding debts listed on your credit report. Clearing up old debts can positively impact your credit score quickly.

2. Talk openly with the motorcycle dealership about your credit score and situation. The dealer is just as eager to make a sale as you are to buy a new motorcycle and they will often go to great lengths to find a lender that is willing to finance your motorcycle. The downside to using the dealer's lenders is that they will often have higher rates than a lender you procure yourself.

3. Call local credit unions and small banks. If you have a bank account that has been in good standing call your bank to see if they offer motorcycle financing and would be willing to work with you.

4. Save money so that you can make a larger down-payment. Offering more money up front makes lenders feel more secure loaning you money. It is also helpful in the future because it will lower your monthly payment amount.

5. Ask a close friend or relative with good credit to co-sign the loan for you.

6. Save enough money to buy a motorcycle outright so that you do not need financing. Buying a used motorcycle from an owner is almost always cheaper than buying a new motorcycle from a dealership. You will avoid the hassle of finding a lender and you will own your motorcycle immediately instead of making monthly payments.

Tags: your credit, credit score, your credit score, credit report, find lender

Make An Hd Dvd Work

HD DVDs are known for providing better-quality pictures than traditional DVDs. If you purchase an HD DVD, make sure you have all of the necessary items for it to work. Otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the full benefits of an HD DVD.

Instructions

1. Purchase a DVD player that is made especially for HD DVDs. If you do not have a DVD player made for HD DVDs, your DVDs will not work properly. There are also some gaming consoles that play HD DVDs. Look for the HD DVD logo on the equipment.

2. Purchase a television that is an HDTV. You will need this type of television to display the DVD properly.

3. Purchase HDMI cables. HDMI cables provide all-digital audio and video links which offer the highest-quality connection. This means you are getting the best picture you can from your HD DVD and HDTV.

4. Hook your HD DVD player to your HDTV with the HDMI cables. This will transfer the high-quality HD signal from your DVD through your DVD player for display on your HDTV.

5. Tweak the settings on your HDTV to get the color settings that you like the best for enjoying your HV DVD. You can access these color controls from the "Settings" menu on your HDTV.

Tags: your HDTV, HDMI cables, from your, your player

2009 Police Road King Specs

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King Police is powered by a 103-cubic-inch engine.

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King Police (FLHP) features 50-percent fewer parts and welds than earlier models. The new, improved chassis accommodates a wider rear tire for increased load capacity and longer tread life. Advanced components like ABS brakes and low-maintenance belt final drive exceed professional duty requirements. The Road King Police features the same distinctive windshield and colossal chrome headlight as its citizen siblings, the Road King and Road King Classic, making it a stylish and functional choice for law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The Road King Police features an isolation-mounteded, 103-cubic-inch -- or 1,690 cc -- air-cooled, twin-cam V-twin engine with electronic sequential port fuel injection, producing 102 foot-pounds of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine has an Engine Idle Temperature Management System, which reduces heat by disabling the rear cylinder when not needed. The bike has Harley's six-speed Cruise Drive transmission. Fuel capacity is 6 gallons, and the fuel economy is 35 mpg city and 54 mpg highway.

Chassis, Wheels and Tires

The Road King Police features four-piston fixed disc front and rear brakes, with an optional anti-locking brake system. Maximum lean angle is 31 degrees left and 33 degrees right. The exhaust system is chrome cross-over with dual mufflers featuring tapered end caps. The swing arm is maintenance-free for the life of the motorcycle and features air-adjustable shocks. The front suspension uses 41.3 mm telescopic forks. The Road King Police is equipped with tubeless, four-ply tires on slotted-disc cast aluminum wheels.

Electrical and Dimensions

The tank-mounted electronic speedometer pod features an odometer and a tachometer. There are 10 indicator lamps on the FLHP: police emergency light activation, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel, gear indicator, hazard signals, turn signals and optional ABS light.

The 2009 Road King is 95.14 inches long with a laden seat height of 27.3 inches. Ground clearance is 5.10 inches.The wheelbase is 63.5 inches. It weighs 791 lbs. dry, and 828 lbs. in running trim.

Paint Color Schemes

The 2009 Road King Police is designed to be durable, functional and beautiful. No other Harley-Davidson police model features as many color choices as the 2009 FLHP. Available paint color schemes include Vivid Black, Arctic White, Luxury Blue Pearl and Birch White, Birch White with Vivid Black bags, Mystique Green and light gray, and black with Birch White panels.

Tags: Road King, King Police, Road King Police, Birch White, King Police features, Police features, 2009 Harley-Davidson

Make Games Play Faster On A Pc

Sometimes you feel like your computer runs as slow as a snail...

Windows PC games are among the most system-intensive applications available on the market today. Even if you have a computer loaded with the latest hardware, you may experience low graphical frame rates and system hiccups when you are playing Windows PC games. Here are pointers on how you can improve your system's overall performance so that your Windows PC games will run faster and smoother.

Instructions

1. Close any nonessential active programs before you run your PC game. Common programs, such as web browsers, word processing programs and instant messenger programs, consume valuable memory space and CPU cycles. The one exception to this rule is firewall and anti-virus programs, which should always be running when your computer is connected to the Internet.

2. Turn off any screen savers that may activate when your desktop is idle. Not only do screen savers interfere with PC games that are played Full Screen, they may consume valuable memory space and CPU cycles when running. In Windows XP, right-click on the desktop and then on "Display Settings" in the menu. Then click on the "Screen Saver" tab and select "(none)" from the pull-down menu. In Windows Vista or Windows 7, right-click on the desktop and then on "Personalize" in the menu. Then click on the "Screen Savers" option, and select "(none)" from the pull-down menu.

3. Run Disk Defragmenter on the hard drive where your PC game is installed. According to Windows Help and Support, Disk Defragmenter "rearranges fragmented data so your hard disk can work more efficiently." To access this program in Windows XP, go to your desktop and double-click "My Computer." Right-click the drive where your PC game is installed, and select "Properties." Select the "Tools" tab, and click on the "Defragment Now" button. Select the relevant hard drive, and click the "Defragment" button. To access this program in Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the Start menu and type "Disk Defragmenter" in the search box. Click on the "Defragment Now" button. Note that this process make take up to several hours depending on the size and the current state of the hard drive.

4. Update and run your anti-virus program to ensure that malware and other harmful programs are not consuming your PC's memory space or CPU cycles. Although anti-virus programs differ in the arrangement of their interface, you can usually find the options to update and run your anti-virus programs by right-clicking on the program's icon in the right-hand corner of the Windows taskbar.

5. Update the software driver of your graphics card to the latest version. The latest graphics drivers often fix performance issues and may help improve the overall performance of your system. If you do not know the manufacturer and model of your graphics card, check in any version of Windows by going to the Start menu, clicking on the "Run" option, and typing "dxdiag," Click on the "Display" tab once the DirectX Diagnostic Tool runs, and note the name and manufacturer of your graphics card. Visit the website of the manufacturer and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.

Tags: graphics card, your graphics, your graphics card, anti-virus programs, Defragment button, Disk Defragmenter

Harley Gifts For Valentine'S Day

Harley lovers tend to be passionate about their hobby.

People who ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles are an elite club and they have a lot of pride in their hogs. Harley-related gifts are perfect for Valentine's Day or any other celebration. You can visit one of the many Harley-Davidson dealerships or select a gift online to present to that special person on Valentine's Day. Valentine's gifts are always more meaningful if they involve a person's hobby or interests.

Museum Trip

Treat your soul mate to a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum. According to the Harley-Davidson website in March 2010, the price for adult tickets starts at $16. The self-guided tour through the 130,000 square foot museum includes the history of the bikes, and provides vintage Harleys to admire and many other exhibits that Harley lovers will enjoy. You can take more in-depth tours, such as back roads tours, or audio or guided tours for an additional fee. After viewing the museum you can sit back and people watch along the waterfront, or take a stroll along the river walk.

Living the Legend Rivet

Purchase a Living Legend Rivet to be displayed at the plaza on the grounds or on a special wall in the Museum for your loved one. The rivets come in 3 to 6-inch circles of stainless steel, according to the Harley-Davidson website. You can have your full name engraved on it and a quote. This is sure to be a hit with your significant other if he is obsessed with everything dealing with Harley-Davidson bikes. The prices in March 2010 ranged from $250 to $1500.

Harley-Davidson Collectibles

Purchase a Harley-Davidson collectible at a store or by shopping online. The collectibles come in a wide range of prices and include gifts, such as travel mugs, alarm clocks, business card holders, coasters, picture frames and wall art. A collectible item is always a thoughtful gift on Valentine's Day and it will likely increase in value.

Clothing and Accessories

Harley-Davidson has accessories for every gift need. You can find jewelry, key fobs, wallets, belts and belt buckles that would make a treasured Valentine's gift. Clothing for the Harley lover is widely available, such as rain gear, eyewear, purses, backpacks and even boxer shorts. .

Tags: Harley lovers, Harley-Davidson website, Legend Rivet, Living Legend, Living Legend Rivet

Safely Pack A Flat Panel Tv For Moving

Flat-panel televisions have delicate screens and can be damaged easily.

Taking the time to properly pack your fragile possessions, including your flat-panel television, can prevent them from being damaged during a move. Whether you are packing up a plasma or LCD television, you must wrap it carefully and make sure that the screen is protected. If you kept your TV's original packaging, you can re-use these materials. Otherwise, you can purchase packing materials from a moving company or any office supply store. When you pack your flat-panel television, keep it upright at all times.

Instructions

1. Disconnect all cables attached to the back panel of your flat-screen TV. Removing the cables will protect your television from damage while it is being moved. After disconnecting the cables, wrap the power cord that is still attached to the television and secure it with a twist tie or Velcro strap.

2. Wrap the television in one or two layers of thin foam to protect the screen from damage. Keep the unit in an upright position. Wrap an additional layer or two of bubble wrap on top of the thin foam layer. Bubble wrap will afford the screen additional protection. Foam sheeting and bubble wrap can be purchased at any office supply store.

3. Go to one side of the television and have a helper stand on the other side. Lift the TV so that both sides remain level and slide it into the original box or a packing container that you've purchased from a moving company such as U-Haul or a moving supply company.

4. Close the top lid and seal it with heavy-duty packing tape. Reinforce the sides of the box with packing tape. After securing the box, mark each side with "Fragile" and "Keep Upright."

Tags: bubble wrap, flat-panel television, from damage, from moving, from moving company, moving company, office supply

Watch Nba Games Online For Free

Watch NBA Games Online For Free

Many different NBA games can be found on cable TV throughout the week. However, what can you do if your favorite NBA team isn't on? Going to the bar to watch every game can be expensive. Here is a way that you can watch NBA games online for free.

Instructions

1. Start by downloading and installing TV Ants, Sopcast and the TVU Player (see Resources below). All three of these programs are needed in order to watch NBA games online for free.

2. Log onto the My P2P Forum (see Resources below) once you have downloaded and installed the three programs listed in step 1.

3. Click the "NBA + Basketball" link found in the My P2P Forum.

4. Search for and click the "Basketball Today" link at the top of the next page. This page will contain links that will allow you to watch NBA games online for free.

5. Find the NBA game you want to watch online on the next Web page. Next to that game will be a link for a stream for that particular NBA game.

6. Click on the link for the NBA game you want to watch. Once you do, the stream will automatically begin playing in one of the media players you downloaded or in your Web browser.

Tags: games online free, online free, game want, game want watch, games online

About Harley Davidson Maintenance

A Harley Davidson motorcycle is a major source of pride among its owners and performing maintenance is an aspect of their bonding experience with the bike. It's also necessary to get the most out of your investment and give yourself the safest ride. Listed are some primary points of reference for bike maintenance.

Standard Maintenance Schedule

The oil and filter should be changed at the first 1,000 miles, then 5,000 miles, then every 5,000 miles thereafter. The transmission lubricant should also be changed with the first 1,000 miles, then every 10,000 miles, along with the spark plugs. The following should also be tended to:

* At 10,000 miles, the steering head bearings need lubricating.

* At 20,000 miles, lubricate the steering head bearings again and adjust them if necessary. Also, change the front fork oil.

* At 25,000 miles, lubricate the master cylinder pistons, the front brake lever pin and the brake caliper pins. Replace the brake caliper boots, bushings and the rubber components in the master cylinders and calipers.

* At 30,000 miles, replace the rear fork bearings.

Maintenance for Winter Storage

Putting your bike away for the winter entails more than parking it in the garage. You want to store it in prime condition so that it runs properly when you restart it. Storing your machine for the winter entails:

* Changing the oil and filter.

* Adding fuel stabilizer and running the bike so the fluid flow through the fuel system.

* Remove the battery and plug it into a battery tender that will keep it charged through the winter or run your bike for a few minutes every few weeks to keep the battery charged.

* Properly inflate the tires and move the bike occasionally to even out the tire pressure.

* Clean the bike, polish your chrome and aluminum surfaces, wash the windshield and treat the leather surfaces with a protector.

* Store it indoors, or cover the Harley with a motorcycle cover, to protect it from the elements.

Pre-Ride Check List

Inspecting your Harley whenever you ride is a good idea, but it should always be done before you go on a long trip. A pre-ride review should consist of the following check points:

* Your fluids.

* Your controls, such as the brakes, throttle and steering.

* Your tire pressure.

* Your breaks.

* Your lights, like your signals, headlights and tail lights.

* Your mirrors, to make sure they are properly adjusted.

* Your battery.

* Inspect for leaks related to oil, fuel and hydraulics.

* Examine the drive belt and sprockets.

Tires

Make sure the tires are inflated so they wear properly and the bike handles normally. Check that both tires have their valve stems and they are in good condition. Test that your wheel spokes are tight by lightly running a screwdriver tip over them. A loose spoke sounds different than those with the correct tension.

Battery

A battery's terminals and connectors should be kept clean. Test that the clamps and cables are tight since loose connections are usually the culprit when it comes to sudden battery failure. Keep the vent tube clear of any kinks and/or blockages.

Brakes

The rotors to your brakes need to have a smooth surface that's free of debris. Examine where the brake pads come in contact with the rotors to see if there's any discoloration. Check your manual to verify the proper thickness of your brake pads.

Lights

It's a good idea to have a friend look at your lights--front, back, brake and blinkers--while you flip the switches. You can use a wall or window for a reflection if you are testing them alone.

Tags: miles then, brake caliper, brake pads, every miles, first miles, first miles then

Fix Slow Pdf Files

Optimize the images in slow PDFs

Acrobat's Portable Document Format (PDF) is designed to create multi-purpose documents---documents designed for printing and for displaying on computers. An inherent problem in this approach to rendering PDFs is that documents designed for printing require images with much higher resolutions than documents designed for display on computer monitors. High-resolution images in PDFs create large files, often making downloading them from the Internet and navigating them in Acrobat Reader slow and cumbersome. You can fix large, slow PDFs with Acrobat Pro's PDF Optimizer.

Instructions

1. Open the slow PDF in Acrobat Pro. Click "File" on the menu bar and choose "Open." This displays the Open dialog box. Navigate to the file, select it and then click "Open."

2. Click "Advanced" on the menu bar and choose "PDF Optimizer." This opens the PDF Optimizer dialog box.

3. Click the "Audit space usage" button to open the Audit Space Usage dialog box. This is an informational dialog box. It displays the overall size (in bytes) of the elements making up the PDF and the percentage of the file size each type of element uses. For example, notice that "Images" takes up the largest percentage of the file, sometimes up to 80 percent or more of the overall PDF size. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.

4. Examine the "Color Images" portion of the "Image Settings" section (the first section) of the PDF Optimizer dialog box. Notice the field next to the "Downsample" drop-down. This is the resolution of the color images in your PDF, measured in dots per inch (DPI). Computer monitors can display only 72 DPI or 96 DPI on High Definition (HD) monitors. If the value in the Resolution field is higher than 72 (or 96 for HD displays), change this number to optimize the images for display on computers. You can also make the images smaller by adjusting the compress quality (the "Quality" drop-down). Be careful though, setting this drop-down to a setting lower than "Medium" can greatly degrade your image quality.

5. Examine the "Grayscale Images" portion of the "Image Settings" section (the second section) of the PDF Optimizer dialog box. Notice the field next to the "Downsample" drop-down. This is the resolution of the grayscale images in your PDF. If the value in the Resolution field is higher than 72 (or 96 for HD displays), change this number to optimize the images for display on computers. You can also make the images smaller by adjusting the compress quality (the "Quality" drop-down). Setting this drop-down to a setting lower than "Medium" can also degrade your image quality.

6. Examine the "Monochrome Images" portion of the "Image Settings" section (the third section) of the PDF Optimizer dialog box. Notice the field next to the "Downsample" drop-down. This is the resolution of the monochrome images in your PDF. If the value in the Resolution field is higher than 72 (or 96 for HD displays), change this number to optimize the images for display on computers.

7. Click "OK" to apply the settings. Acrobat Pro displays the "Save Optimized As" dialog box. This is a safeguard, so that you don't inadvertently save over the original print-quality PDF. Rename the file in the "File name" field and click "Save." You now have a PDF optimized for the Internet.

Tags: Optimizer dialog, change this, change this number, dialog Notice, dialog Notice field

Charitable Organizations That Pick Up Furniture In San Diego

Donating furniture can be a convenient and altruistic way of getting rid of unwanted pieces. In San Diego, donated furniture is often sold at a thrift store to fund social service programs. In some cases, the furniture is given directly to someone in need. San Diegans who want to give away furniture can have it picked up from their home by several local charities. Does this Spark an idea?

Goodwill Industries of San Diego County

Goodwill Industries of San Diego County does not conduct traditional fundraising; the organization gains all of its revenue from the sale of donated items and reuse and recycling activities. It uses its revenue to help San Diegans with disabilities or other barriers to employment get trained for the work force. Among the donations accepted by Goodwill Industries of San Diego County are clothing, computers and furniture. Most donations must be dropped off, but furniture donations are eligible for free pick-up. Both wooden and upholstered furniture is accepted.

Jewish Family Service

Jewish Family Service, in operation since 1918, is an organization that offers more than 50 programs to people of all faiths in San Diego. Among the services offered are counseling and family support, refugee resettlement and older adult services. Donations to Jewish Family service are tax deductible and the proceeds of donations go towards the funding of all of the organization's programs. Furniture donations can be picked up; scheduling can be done over the phone or through the organization's website. Gently used furniture is accepted, including sofas, framed art, chairs and appliances.

San Diego Rescue Mission

San Diego Rescue Mission is a Christian-based charity that offers programs for men, women and children. An emergency shelter is available for women and children, and 12-month rehabilitation programs are offered for adult men and women. San Diego Rescue Mission also collects food and distributes it to those in need at no charge. Donated furniture is given to clients or sold in one of the organization's thrift stores. Gently used furniture is accepted; San Diego Rescue Mission allows donation pick-ups to be scheduled over the phone or through its website.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides a number of social services to San Diego County residents, including programs that assist pregnant teens, the homeless and people struggling with drug addiction. Donations are sold at retail stores, and the proceeds are used to fund the organization's programs. Among the items accepted for donations are appliances, household goods and furniture. Furniture can be dropped off at more than 10 locations across the city or picked up by appointment.

Tags: Diego County, Diego Rescue, Diego Rescue Mission, Rescue Mission, furniture accepted, Goodwill Industries, Goodwill Industries Diego

Change The Drive Belt On A Harleydavidson

Change the Drive Belt on a Harley-Davidson

The Harley-Davidson drive belt is what feeds the rear wheel power from the transmission. Harley drive belts are very strong and durable and only need replacement after thousands of miles of riding. Unless you have a warranty, a replacement will cost a few hundred dollars at your Harley dealer. Do it yourself in about 30 minutes, for less than $50.

Instructions

1. Place the Harley onto a motorcycle stand to get the rear wheel off the ground. Use a wrench to remove the rear wheel axle. Push the rear wheel forward to give slack to the drive belt.

2. Remove the belt guards with the ratchet set. Pull the drive belt off the transmission sprocket and rear wheel sprocket.

3. Place the new drive belt on the transmission and rear wheel sprocket. Pull the rear wheel back toward the rear end of the Harley to tighten the new drive belt. Replace the rear wheel axle and tighten sightly.

4. Tighten the new drive belt according to the specifications for your Harley model. Reconnect the belt guards. Use an alignment tool on the rear tire according to the owner's manual.

Tags: rear wheel, drive belt, belt guards, belt transmission, Change Drive, Change Drive Belt, drive belt

Replace The Fuses On A Harley Road Glide

One of the best-kept secrets about the Harley-Davidson Road Glide would appear to be where the fuse block is located. If your Road Glide did not come with a manual, and because there is so much fairing attached to the frame, the idea of just removing everything until you find the fuses may be overwhelming. Once you know where the fuse block is, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to replace the fuses on a Harley Road Glide.

Instructions

1. Remove the left side cover from your Road Glide. Depending on your year of Road Glide, this cover may pull off (being held in place by tension clips) or you may need to use a socket set to remove the small fairing bolts that hold it in place.

2. Pull the two fuse blocks out of their holder. You need no special tool to do this, as they are held in place by a tension clip only.

3. Use a blade-style fuse puller to remove the fuses. Blade-style pullers allow you to reach into the tight space between the fuses and pinch the fuse with the puller before pulling it out of the fuse block.

4. Install the new fuses by pushing them into the block.

Tags: Road Glide, fuse block, Harley Road, Harley Road Glide, held place, held place tension, place tension

Play Hd On A Laptop

Software and hardware add-ins are available that allow HD to play on a laptop.

HD (Hi Definition) movies and television are a popular style of video footage that boasts a clear, crisp visual for viewers. Hand-held home video cameras also come in HD for families who wish to secure the best looking memories possible for their families. You will need to eventually import this footage into your computer, however, to begin editing your videos to create a DVD. HD videos and cameras require special equipment to playback on a laptop computer. Once your equipment is installed, however, your laptop will be able to read all HD DVDs and camcorders with ease.

Instructions

1. Upgrade your laptop's graphics card to an ATI Radeon HD 4000, Nvidia GeForce 9 or other HD compatible graphics card. These graphics cards will allow your laptop to read HD DVDs and camcorder footage with ease.

2. Install the graphics card by removing the panel on the base of your computer. If you do not see the port for the graphics card, your machine required extensive dissembling before you can install your card. If this is the case, skip the remaining steps.

3. Loosen the screws holding your graphics card in place and remove the old card from your computer. Insert your new HD graphics card and replace the screws.

4. Replace the panel on the bottom of your laptop. Power on your computer and the software for the graphics card will begin its immediate download. You can play HD movies on your computer.

Tags: graphics card, your computer, your laptop, read DVDs, with ease, your graphics, your graphics card

Types Of Satellite Dishes For Direct Tv

Types of Satellite Dishes for Direct TV

Over the years, DirecTV has used a number of different satellite dishes for their service. These come in three basic sizes, paired with a variety of LNB (low-noise block converter) configurations. Originally, when DirecTV did not yet offer local programming, they still used the simple 18-inch round dish with a single LNB. This is no longer used today for new installs, though it is possible to pick up a signal using this obsolete hardware.

18- by 24-inch Dish

This is the original "oval" dish that DirecTV produced. It is no longer being used in new installations, but can still be found in many locations. It was the first dish that supported multiple satellites. It originally came in a dual-LNB arrangement. Some versions use two separate LNBs rather than a single unit. It used a combining device to merge the signals for the cable run. Other versions use a dual, triple or a triple with a 2-LNB "sidecar."

18- by 20-inch Dish

This is the dish in common usage today. All new installs use it. Depending on the programming ordered, and on which satellite the programming was broadcast on, it might use a dual, triple or even a five-head LNB. In cases where a dish was shipped with three LNBs, a dual-LNB "sidecar" could be added to allow the already installed dish to access another two satellites.

Slimline 3

With DirecTV's newest satellite, "DirecTV 11," going into service at the end of 2009, most of the five-LNB installations will no longer be necessary, as the new satellite allows DirecTV to broadcast almost all of their content from three satellites. Because of this, DirecTV is introducing a new triple-LNB dish called the "Slimline 3" for use with new installations. This should not be confused with the earlier 5-LNB dish that was also referred to as the "Slimline."

DirecTV Sat-Go

DirecTV also offers a portable satellite receiver with a built-in screen. All of the hardware is built into the device, and requires no external dish. It only needs a view of the southern sky. It isn't totally portable, as it doesn't have any batteries, and requires a power source. Interestingly, it doesn't have any visible LNBs, which implies the LNB hardware is built directly into the receiver.

18-inch Round Dish

This is no longer used for new installs, though it is possible to pick up a signal using this obsolete hardware. In some markets, it's even possible to pick up local channels, especially in the larger cities on North America's coasts. However, since high definition programming uses a different frequency, it's impossible to get such programs with this dish.

Tags: dish that, Dish This, possible pick, Dishes Direct, doesn have, dual triple, hardware built