Power Wheels Car Work

How Does a Power Wheels Car Work?

The Beginning

Power Wheels was established 24 years ago when Kransco, a company based in San Francisco, acquired another company by the name of Pines of America. Pines of America was in the business of manufacturing children's battery-powered vehicles. Two years after the acquisition, the name of vehicles was re-dubbed Power Wheels by Kransco. The number of battery-powered vehicle sales spiked in 1990, when sales were reported at 1,000,000 per year. Mattel then purchased Kransco and subsequently, the Power Wheels line in 1994. With that purchase in place, Fisher-Price Toys absorbed the Power Wheels line. The Power Wheels produced by Fisher-Price did well because of new vehicle licenses that were acquired. The line has been successful ever since.

Understanding Power Wheels

Power Wheels is a type of motorized toy that enables children to simulate driving when operated. Power Wheels run on battery power and are geared for children ages one- to seven-years-old. These toy vehicles are built with realistic features, such as FM radios, power lock brakes, forward and reverse motion and hoods and doors that close and open. The features vary depending on the model of vehicle purchased. Some of the vehicles available are a handful of mini versions of some of the more popular real vehicles on the market. They include the Cadillac Escalade EXT, Kawasaki KFX Quad, Jeep Wrangler, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Jeep Hurricane and Ford F-150, to name a few. Like all toys, there have been recalls over the years for various reasons.

Powering Power Wheels

Power Wheels vehicles are powered by a 12-volt rechargeable battery and are kind of built like real vehicles, save for the need for gasoline. The Power Wheels vehicles are wired to run on battery power. They contain wiring that runs from the battery through the vehicle, to the accelerator pedal. Once the pedal is depressed, the vehicle begins to move, just like a real car. The vehicles can go anywhere from two and a half miles to five miles and feature brakes, as well. Some Power Wheels are only able to go in a forward motion, however, there are some that have reverse features, as well. These vehicles' features work the same way that the accelerator works. There are electrical wires that run through the vehicle and all connect to the battery. The battery can run for a few hours and then must be plugged in to the charger to recharge. This can also take several hours to accomplish.

The battery compartments of the Power Wheels are hidden pretty well, so when the vehicle is in operation, they cannot be seen.

Tags: Power Wheels, real vehicles, battery power, like real, like real vehicles, Pines America, Power Wheels line

Drive A Motorcycle Trike

A classic trike.

Motorcycle trikes are fairly new on the highways and often draw interest and curiosity from fellow motorists. Simply, they are motorcycles with three wheels which significantly improve stability for the driver. Trikes are are typically Gold Wing motorcycles that have been converted to two wheels in the rear. A company called BRP also sells another version of a trike with two front wheels called the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. Safety is a primary reason people convert to trikes as they are safer to ride over uneven terrain, such as grates or railroad tracks, and they are more stable when riding with two people on a bike.

Instructions

1. Drive the trike around in a parking lot to get used to the turning radius. The driving controls on the trike are the same as a normal motorcycle so no change is needed there. Practice leaving the trike in first gear and, while cruising at low speeds, doing figure eights, one after the other. This routine will have you accustomed to the wider turning radius.

2. Steer the trike as you would a car. Use the push-pull steering technique with the handlebars. This means that if you want to turn right, pull the right handlegrip towards you and push the left away from you. Do the opposite for a left-hand turn. This technique helps with sharp turns as you will find it easier to push and pull at the same time when the tendency for motorcycle riders might be to just pull in the direction you want to turn.

3. Remember that you do not need to put your foot down when you stop the bike. The three wheels support the bike when stopped. If you put your foot down, you run the risk of running over your own foot.

4. Drive the trike in a traffic or freeway situation as you would a car. Never try to ride in between cars, often called "lane splits," as doing so runs the risk of serious injury or death due to the extra width of the trike, and it is illegal in every state except California.

5. Apply constant pressure on the handlebars for tight turns, such as on and off ramps on the freeway. As the turns decrease in radius and become sharper, the turning angle will become noticeably more difficult to maintain. Approach freeway exits and entrances with caution while becoming familiar with the trike.

Tags: your foot, Drive trike, foot down, three wheels, turning radius, want turn

Update Asus Bios

Update ASUS BIOS

Since its founding in 1989, ASUS has earned a reputation for producing top-quality motherboards and other components. By some estimates, as many as 1/3 of desktop computers sold today are based on an ASUS motherboard. They're built to perform. But even well-made gear can use some tweaking if and when compatibility problems arise. A BIOS update might be all a user needs resolve them. Though it's not without hazards, the process is fairly easy.

Instructions

Update Using AFUDOS.EXE

1. Insert bootable floppy disk or USB drive.

2. Copy the updated BIOS file to floppy disk or USB drive.

(Note: BIOS file and boot files should fit on a floppy disk. If the BIOS file is too large to fit with boot files, consider using the EZ Flash method described below.)

3. Insert the motherboard support CD into optical drive.

4. Copy AFUDOS.EXE from CD to a floppy disk or USB drive.

5. Reboot.

6. When the DOS prompt appears, type the following: afudos /i[name of BIOS file]For example, "p4c800b.rom" might be the name of the new BIOS file. "afudos

/ip4c800b.rom" is the command that will install it.

7. Wait. Your monitor will display the update's progress with a series of messages: "Reading file," then "Erasing flash," then "Writing flash." The "writing flash" message will be followed with a percentage counter that tells you how far the write has proceeded. The final message will be

"Verifying flash." DO NOT switch off or reboot at any point in this process or you will ruin your motherboard.

8. After the update is complete, the utility will return to the DOS prompt. Remove your floppy disk and reboot.

9. Enter the BIOS Menu and load "Setup Default."

10. Save and reboot. You're finished.

Update Using EZ Flash ASUS EZ Flash 2 > YES)

13. Wait for your system to check current BIOS information.

14. Insert your floppy or USB with the new BIOS file.

15. Select the drive letter with the BIOS update file, then select the file.

16. Wait for your system to check the update file.

17.After the file check is finished, click "Yes" to update your BIOS.

18. Wait. Let the update procedure run until it finishes. Do not switch off or reboot or you will ruin your motherboard.

19. When the update is finished, remove the floppy or USB drive and reboot.

20. Enter the BIOS Menu and load "Setup Default."

21. Reboot. You're finished.

Update Through the Internet

22. If it isn't installed already, install the ASUS Update utility. You can either download it or use the copy on your motherboard's support CD.

23. Close all Windows applications if any are running.

24. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking "Start>Programs>ASUS>ASUSUpdate>ASUSUpdate." The "ASUS Update" main window will then appear.

25. Select "Update BIOS" from the "Internet option" drop-down menu. Click "Next."

26

Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you, or choose "Auto Select." Click "Next."

27

From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click "Next."

28

Start the update. Wait for it to complete.

Tags: BIOS file, floppy disk, ASUS Update, Click Next, disk drive, floppy disk drive

Rebuild A Harley Seat With A Gel Insert

Learn rebuild a Harley seat with a gel insert.

A seat is an important part of a motorcycle because it directly affects the comfort of the rider. Motorcycles meant for long journeys, rather than quick, fast rides, need to have especially comfortable seats. Gel pads are a good way to improve the comfort of your seat without sacrificing the original style of your motorcycle. A polymer gel pad can easily be inserted into your seat where it will be practically invisible without losing its added comfort.

Instructions

1. Remove the seat from your Harley motorcycle by removing the screw or bolts that secure the seat bracket to the fender.

2. Use a flat head screwdriver to carefully detach the staples from the underside of the seat around its perimeter. Remove the old cover material. Measure the covering that you just removed and purchase the same measurements of new covering material, either in leather or vinyl, available at any Harley dealer.

3. Mark the location on the seat where you want to add gel padding with a felt tip pen

4. Cut a hole for the gel pad in the foam with an electric knife, following the marked outlines. Electric knives are available at most hardware or home improvement stores; these implements facilitate cutting via heat. Make sure the hole is deep enough to hold a new piece of foam since the gel needs to have a smooth surface as a support. Cut a piece of high-density foam in the shape of the hole and place it into the hole so the new foam is slightly lower than the surface of the rest of the seat. Shape the new piece of foam inside the hole with a Dremel tool to make it as smooth as possible.

5. Place the gel pad, available online or at a Harley parts dealer, onto the foam, then cover the gel pad with a thin layer of foam or simply cover the whole seat with a thin upholstery material of your choice. Before covering the seat, use the rotating brush to perfect the shape and the feel of the seat, then spray the entire seat with adhesive spray.

6. Spray the backside of the covering material as well as the seat with adhesive spray to strengthen the connection between the two materials. Start with the top of the seat and wrap the material around the whole seat firmly, working your way around it, slightly stretching and pulling to achieve smoothness. Be sure to press it firmly a few seconds and wait for it to dry. Allow the seat to dry for at least 20 minutes.

7. Use the staple gun to secure the covering in its place to finish the seat.

Tags: seat with, adhesive spray, covering material, hole foam, piece foam, seat where

Turn Tapes Into Hd Dvds

You can convert old analog tapes into a digital format.

Over time, a tape running through VHS equipment begins to break down, scratch and not play correctly. If you have a box of old VHS tapes stored in your basement, it is best to convert the tapes to some sort of digital format. HD DVDs possess the capability of storing more information than a standard DVD, so even though the standard definition of the tape does not change, you are able to turn multiple VHS tapes into a single HD DVD.

Instructions

1. Install a video capture card on your computer. External capture cards connect to a computer through a USB cable. Once connected, insert the provided driver installation CD, then follow the prompts of the installation wizard to upload the driver.

2. Plug the RCA audio/video cables into the "Video Out" ports on the VCR, then connect the opposite ends of the cables into the "Video In" ports on the video capture card.

3. Launch Windows Movie Maker, then insert the first VHS tape and select "Capture" in the editing program. Choose the video capture card as the capture device you want to use, then press "Play" on the VCR and click "Record" in the program. The audio/video content from the tape now imports to the computer. Click "Stop" in the program at any time to stop the recording process. The video file now appears as a thumbnail on the side of the screen.

4. Click-and-drag the video file down to the timeline, then click "File" and "Export." Title the video, choose a save location and click "OK" to create the digital video file. Repeat the process with the other VHS tapes you have.

5. Insert a blank HD DVD into the burner of your computer and launch the burning software you have installed (typically Nero, Ulead DVD or Roxio). Choose "Video DVD" as the format option, then click-and-drag the created video files into the display window. Select "Burn" and the VHS tapes are placed onto the blank HD DVD.

Tags: capture card, video capture, video capture card, video file, audio video, cables into, cables into Video

Buying A Camcorder With Night Vision

Night-vision mode is a popular feature on many camcorders. With night vision, the camcorder can record in low light to complete darkness, depending on the quality of the night-vision features, and without use of a light. Consumers also should determine the type of camera, prices and other features before making a purchase.

Instructions

1. Determine for what purpose you want you night-vision video camera and what type of video the camera takes. For example, if you're filming at night for personal use and you don't need a high quality picture, you should consider an high-definition DVD video camera with a decent night-vision mode. If you're filming for professional purposes, however, you'll want a camera that is high in megapixels and has the best picture quality.

2. Read customer reviews for night-vision cameras (i.e. Sony DCR-TRV17, which is specific for filming at night--see Resources). Consider what users say about the video quality and user-friendliness of the night-vision cameras. For example, consider what kind of battery the camera uses, whether it takes still pictures, if the colors of the picture can be adjusted, and whether the camera connects to your TV or computer. Also, read all technical specs for each camera to make sure they meet your preferences and needs.

3. Consider how the features of the camera will effect the night vision. For example, the camcorder could have great night vision but a zoom that is less than a 10x optical zoom. You'll also want to know if you'll be able to see the night vision through the viewfinder or an LCD screen. Some night-vision camcorders may not be compatible with how the video is filmed compared to what you see in the viewfinder.

4. Consider a camera that utilizes infrared technology, which senses heat radiating from a person or object. For example, some night-vision modes will include an infrared night-vision mode and a regular night-vision mode. Having both modes can come in handy if you're filming in a wooded area and looking for deer or other animals. You can find the moving animal easily with the infrared mode and then quickly switch over capture the animal on video after you have them framed.

5. Consider night-vision scopes that can be compatible with camcorders, like the Meade night-vision scope (see References below). Scopes that attach to video cameras can add more night-vision effect than most camcorders, such as the option to have green, red or neutral contrasts.

Tags: night-vision mode, video camera, camera that, compatible with, night vision, night vision

Parts Of A Harley

Parts of a Harley

Harley-Davidson. The name alone conjures images of freedom and the open road. America's greatest motorcycle has been around since William Harley and the Davidson Brothers opened the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903. The Motor Company's signature V-twin-powered motorcycles have become an American icon since then.

The Motor

Part for part, the motor is the heart and soul of a Harley-Davidson. Since the very beginning, Harley-Davidson has used an air-cooled 45-degree vertical twin cylinder motor. The signature motor design employs a shared crankpin to actuate both cylinders pushrods. Harley-Davidson engines have changed little, undergoing only seven revisions since the Company's inception. Motor types included the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution and Twin Cam 88 motors. The seventh motor, called the Revolution, is a departure from Harley-Davidson's original designs. The Revolution motor is a liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, 60-degree V-twin engine that was developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering for the VRSCA (V-Rod).

Ignition and Fuel Delivery

Over the years, Harley-Davidson has employed a variety of ignition systems to start its motorcycles. Earlier models used either a points and condenser or a magneto ignition type system, with electronic ignition module systems being equipped on all present models as far back as 1980. Fuel is delivered via electronic fuel injection on all Harley-Davidson models as of 2007; however, earlier models employed a butterfly-type carburetor that was replaced in 1989 by a Constant Velocity carburetor based on Mikuni CV carburetor designs. Exhaust gases are typically expelled via a two into two exhaust system.

The Frame

Supporting the torque producing Harley-Davidson V-twin motor requires a strong frame, which vary by model family. Although most frames are similar, each model has slight variations that separate them. For example: Although touring frames use twin coil-over air suspension in the rear, similar to the Dyna series, they are built to support the additional weight of saddlebags and can be distinguished by the location of the steering head, which is forward of the front fork assembly. Softail frames do not use coil-over suspension, instead relying on a hidden rear suspension system to maintain a rigid tail image while providing comfort and performance.

Suspension

Harley-Davidson uses a system that specifies the type of suspension used by a model type by the motorcycle's designation. The designation FL is a code for the Touring line, which uses a wider, large-diameter telescopic fork with FX denoting a model equipped with a smaller-diameter fork. For example, the Road King is known as the FLHR, while smaller forks are used on the Dyna Wide Glide (FXDWG) and Softail Deuce (FXSTD).

Accessories

The aftermarket is filled with a variety of accessories, intended to either dress-up a motorcycle or to increase its performance. Fuel systems can be upgraded with the addition of the Screamin' Eagle Race Fueler EFI system, air cleaners and exhaust systems. Handlebars are often changed for comfort or performance, either to a taller ape-hanger or a low drag style handlebar.

Tags: coil-over suspension, comfort performance, Motor Company, Parts Harley

Check The Oil On A Harley Road Glide

The Harley Road Glide is a full-size touring-style motorcycle and comes with a few different engine sizes. The Road Glide uses 3 qt Harley motorcycle oil which is housed inside the crankcase. On the side of the crankcase, there is a metal cap with a thick raised edge. This cap is the dipstick that you will use to check the amount of oil inside the crankcase.

Instructions

1. Park the Harley Road Glide on flat, level ground. Allow the engine to run so that the oil inside the crankcase warms up. The engine should run for about 10 minutes.

2. Twist the oil cap counterclockwise and pull it off the engine. Wipe the oil off the dipstick connected to the inside of the cap using the paper towel.

3. Insert the dipstick into the engine and pull it back out. Look at the dipstick: If the oil level is below the hole at the top of the dipstick, add oil until the oil level is at that hole. If the oil level is at the top hole, no oil is needed.

Tags: Road Glide, Harley Road, Harley Road Glide, inside crankcase

Drill A Hole In A Muffler

Drilling a hole in a muffler is often done to change the sound of the muffler. Baffles inside the muffler act to reduce noise and improve airflow. However, if you'd like to drill a hole in your muffler to alter the airflow dynamics of your muffler and to make the car louder, you'll need to know do this.

Instructions

1. Slide the 3/8-inch drill bit into the drill chuck and tighten the chuck by turning it counterclockwise.

2. Set the drill bit against the bottom of the muffler. It really doesn't matter where you drill the hole, but if you want to make sure that moisture does not collect inside the muffler, drill on the bottom of the muffler.

3. Set the drill speed to "slow" and begin drilling. Once you have started a groove in the muffler bottom, increase speed until the bit punches through the muffler. You can drill more than one hole in your muffler, but using a smaller drill bit allows you to control how loud the muffler will get. If you want a louder muffler, simply drill more holes.

Tags: muffler drill, your muffler, bottom muffler, drill hole, drill more, hole your

Stock Symbol Information

When a company is listed on a stock exchange, it is given a symbol that's used in the stock's trading. Customers, brokers, mutual fund companies and others use this symbol to identify a company when buying or selling shares of stock.

Symbol Lookup

Many financial websites have tools you can use to look up a company's symbol (see Resources).

Quotes

The current trading price of a company and other related information is accessed by using the company's stock symbol. A quote gives you the current price, the bid, the ask, the volume, the high and low of the day and the most recent sale. More detailed quotes supply beta (risk), price-to-earnings ratio and dividend information.

Nicknames

Many companies have very recognizable symbols based on their company's business. For example, Harley Davidson's symbol is HOG and Cheesecake Factory's symbol is CAKE.

Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange stock symbols traditionally contained only one to three letters, while NASDAQ and over-the-counter market symbols usually had four letter. This is no longer standard.

Options Symbols

If a stock has options (a trading vehicle on the underlying stock), the option root symbol may be different from the stock symbol. Many financial websites also provide option symbols.

Fun Fact

The first listed company on the New York Stock Exchange was Bank of New York (BK). The longest listed company on the New York Stock Exchange is Con Edison (ED), first listed as the New York Gas Light Company.

Tags: York Stock Exchange, Stock Exchange, York Stock, company York, company York Stock, financial websites, first listed

Dress Emo (Male)

Dress Emo (Male)

be emo? It's the fashion that makes the first impression. They live amongst us, and you've probably seen them growing in numbers. With their unique taste for skulls and broken hearts, new wave inspired hipster sense, and one of a kind hair style, the emo boys are making an impact in our youth culture. Here's a sure fire way to live amongst them without being noticed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. In order to dissect the intricate details of dressing emo, let's start from the head and direct downwards to the toes. If you ever seen an emo haircut, you'll know how the emo boys are very particular about their hairstyle. The picture on the left is a good reference. The way they style their hair is almost artsy-fartsy, and the standard motif they go for is short in the back and long in the front.

2. Head accesory is not required, but some emo boys actually have ear piercings; such as studs on both ears. Other emo boys actually wear black rimmed glasses to accentuate their style or who knows, maybe they are just really blind . Bottom line is you can wear one or the other, or even better BOTH!

3. Some go far and beyond with their mug, and just so that their face is not amiss they will accentuate their eyes with some make-up. Eyeliners and eye shadow is a way to step up in this game of emo style. If going with the eye shadow approach, make sure you choose a cranberry red color. A good example of someone who embraced this technique is the lead singer of My Chemical Romance.

4. Black t-shirts are your friend. Make sure you wear slim fitted tees and never pass up on an opportunity to find a shirt with a ghoulish and self depricating design on it. Common iconic symbols of emo are the broken heart, the bleeding heart, and the every so popular skull.

5. The term "slim fitted" is key to dressing emo, and you've got to make sure to hook yourself up with some dark, black skin tight jeans.

6. Know which belt to pick. Just any belt won't do. Be sure to pick a belt that stands out, and the color white is perfect to offset the continual black attire that defines emo fashion. Just for extra measure, make sure your belt has some studs on the sides to give you that extra edge.

7. Finally, shoes. Shoes do not necessarily have to be anything particulary fancy. The typical kicks the emo-sapiens go for are black Converse shoes. I mean why not? Converse goes pretty much with everything you wear; especially black ones.

8. You're all set to step in the world of emo and the lifestyle it carries on. Have fun gravitating towards your fellow emo friends, but please do not cut yourself. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Live long and prosper!

Tags: accentuate their, boys actually, Dress Male, live amongst, make sure

1999 Harleydavidson 1200c Specs

Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster, a V-twin cruiser built for long range street cruising, in 1957. The company continued to produce a V-twin Sportster in 1999, offering the 1200 cc models in base, Sport and 1200C, or Sportster Custom, configuration. This motorcycle featured a setback low seat, wide grip handlebars and chrome plated exhaust and engine fittings.

Engine

Harley equipped the 1200 Sportster line with an air-cooled 1200 cc four-stroke V-twin engine. The V-twin engine had two cylinders set at a 45-degree angle to one another. This engine used electronic fuel injection in an overhead valve configuration with two valves per cylinder and four valves total. It had a bore measurement of 3.5 inches and a stroke measuring 3.81 inches. It had a 9.7-to-1 compression ratio.

The 1999 Sportster Custom's engine produces 58 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 72 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. A dry sump oil system keeps the engine lubricated and the Sportster Custom relies on the air flow during riding to cool the engine. Riders can start the 1200 C with an electric starter; a CDI, or digital capacitor discharge ignition controls the firing in each cylinder.

Drivetrain

The 1999 Sportster Custom transferred power to the rear wheel via a belt drive. Riders could shift through the gears of the Sportster's five-speed manual transmission by using the hydraulic clutch.

Performance

Harley-Davidson's 1200C Sportster could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This motorcycle could hit a top speed of 96 mph.

Dimensions

The 1999 Sportster Custom spanned a length of 89.6 inches with a 59.8-inch wheelbase. This motorcycle stood 45.9 inches tall with a ground clearance of 4.41 inches. Riders could lower the variable height seat to a minimum setting of 26.5 inches. Without any fuel or oil, these motorcycles weighed 562.2 pounds. Harley equipped the Sportster Custom with a 4.49-gallon fuel tank.

Wheels & Suspension

Harley Davidson equipped the 1999 Sportster 1200C with a size 90/90 R21 54H front tire and a size 150/80 R16 71H rear tire. Both the front and rear wheels use a single disc braking system with an 11.5-inch diameter disc. The front featured a cartridge suspension with 5.55 inches of travel; the rear suspension was a swingarm with twin shocks and 2.4 inches of travel.

Tags: Sportster Custom, 1999 Sportster, 1999 Sportster Custom, This motorcycle, 1200C Sportster, Harley equipped

How Does Harley Davidson Break In New Motors

A new Harley-Davidson motorcycle begs to be ridden, but simply jumping on a new bike and riding without a plan for properly breaking in the new engine can lead to long-term mechanical problems. An engine that is not correctly broken in can be subject to premature component failure, excessive oil consumption and inadequate power production. Harley-Davidson provides guidance for optimal break-in procedures, and its dealers get the process started, but the bulk of the responsibility for a new engine's break-in lies with the bike's owner.

Reasons for Break-In

Breaking in a new engine is a critical process that ensures that the engine will operate efficiently over its entire lifetime and that vital engine components will last as long as they should. Running the engine properly and following the correct break-in procedures during the initial stages of the engine's operational life will make sure that valvetrain components and bearings will fit together properly and wear acceptably as the engine ages. The most important function of the break-in process, however, is the proper seating of the piston rings against the cylinder walls. Properly broken in rings will prevent combustion gases from escaping into the cylinder and crankcase, and properly seated rings will ensure that the cylinder walls remain coated with the optimum amount of oil.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Harley-Davidson recommends a conservative break-in process for its engines over the first 500 miles of their operation. The manufacturer suggests that engines not be run faster than 3,000 rpm during the first 50 miles of operation, with no running at extremely high or low rpm for extended periods. Between 50 and 500 miles, Harley-Davidson recommends running the engine at varying speeds and avoiding prolonged operation at any one speed; engine rpm up to 3,500 are acceptable during this period. The manufacturer warns against "lugging" the engine -- operating at very low rpm in high gears -- or subjecting a cold engine to fast starts with a wide open throttle during the break-in period.

Pre-Delivery Inspection

Authorized Harley-Davidson dealers typically will take care of the crucial first steps of a new engine's break-in process during a pre-delivery inspection, or "PDI." The PDI is an inspection during which technicians perform final assembly tasks, adjust components such as handlebars and mirrors and check for defects in assembly and finishing. The dealer will also usually prepare the engine for operation by checking fluid levels, inspecting electrical components and ensuring proper oil pressure. Technicians will then start the engine and take the bike on an initial ride, checking for proper engine operation and beginning the break-in process.

Differences of Opinion

Technicians and mechanics don't always agree on the best procedure for breaking in a new engine. Technicians generally agree that properly warming up the engine is vital, no matter how the engine is run after the warmup, and that in the early stages of break-in, cycling the engine temperature several times by allowing the engine to heat up and then cool again before restarting is important. Lugging is also generally considered to be harmful to a new engine. However, some mechanics feel that the manufacturer's suggestion that new engines be run conservatively during the first miles of operation does not allow for proper break-in; these mechanics argue that running an engine hard during its initial operation causes the piston rings to wear more effectively than an easy break-in does.

Tags: break-in process, first miles, break-in procedures, breaking engine, cylinder walls

Activate Custom Wallpaper On An Ipad

iPads are used just like MacBooks.

To use an iPad to view the Internet, you must remember that it works just like a computer does. Similar to any Mac desktop or laptop computer, the iPad uses Safari as its main web browser. Through Safari, you can add bookmarks and favorites and view webpages just as you would on a regular computer, whether it's a Mac or a PC. Since the iPad is acting as a computer for users, the ability to customize features and settings goes a long way in terms of its functionality. For example, you can create a custom wallpaper by completing a few straightforward steps.

Instructions

1. Open Safari.

2. Search for images through the search engine of your choice. The InterfaceLIFT site contains images that are appropriately sized for iPads (see Resources section).

3. Open the image as large as it can be viewed.

4. Press and hold the screen until an icon pops up that says "Save Image" or "Copy."

5. Select "Save Image" from the menu that pops up.

6. Go to "Settings," "Brightness & Wallpaper" and "Saved Photos." It is a good idea to keep all saved photos in this folder so you don't lose track of where they are. Copy images to other folders if you wish to use it for something else.

7. Press "Set Lock Screen" or "Set Home Screen" to activate this image and set it as your wallpaper.

Tags: just like, Save Image

Apply Metal Tank Emblems To A Harley

Metal tank emblems are an easy way to customize your Harley.

Adding a metal emblem to the gas tank is a relatively easy way to add a little kick to your Harley, whether you're going for an authentic, vintage look or simply customizing your bike to your own liking. Metal gas tank emblems are available in a wide variety of motifs. Add one of the various Harley Davidson logos, or personalize your bike with a sports team logo, your name, a meaningful symbol, or a custom-made design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Remove the Old Emblem

1. Soften the existing emblem's adhesive, if there is one that you want to remove, by running a blow dryer on high heat over it for a few minutes. Parking your Harley outside in the sun on a warm day can have the same effect. Heat guns are not recommended as their high heat can damage your motorcycle's paint.

2. Slip a length of dental floss behind the emblem. Hold the floss tightly on each end and use a sawing motion to cut through the emblem's adhesive.

3. Spray goo remover onto any adhesive that remains on the gas tank. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe the adhesive off with a soft rag. This step may need to be repeated several times before all traces of adhesive have been removed.

4. Remove all traces of the goo remover with rubbing alcohol.

Attach the New Emblem

5. Position the new emblem on your gas tank, without using any adhesive. Hold it up to your gas tank and try it out in different positions until you have it right where you'd like it.

6. Wipe that area clean with rubbing alcohol, then use a pencil or blue painter's tape to mark the correct spot. Make sure there is no wax, dirt, grease or goo remover where you want to place the emblem, as any of these will cause the new emblem's adhesive to not adhere properly.

7. Apply a moderate amount of adhesive to the back of the emblem. Use enough so that the emblem is held on securely, but not so much that adhesive oozes out from under the emblem and makes a mess.

Some emblems come with adhesive already applied under a peel-off backing. If this is the case with your new emblem, simply peel the backing off at this point, being careful not to touch the adhesive.

8. Position the emblem in the correct spot and press firmly. Hold in place for about ten minutes. Apply blue painter's tape over the emblem to hold it in place on the gas tank for at least another 20 minutes while the adhesive cures.

For peel-off, self-stick emblems, ensure you have the emblem placed exactly where you want it, as you only have one chance to apply it. Press firmly and hold in place for 30 seconds.

9. Gently remove the blue painter's tape after about 20 minutes. If any adhesive has oozed out onto your gas tank, use adhesive remover to carefully clean it off.

Tags: blue painter, blue painter tape, emblem adhesive, painter tape, your Harley

Make A Paper Electra

Made up of three or more pieces of origami paper, the paper electra's shape can never end. Finish multiple pieces, and connect the ends of the electra origami paper to form a large three-dimensional shape called electra Icosidodecahedron. Make paper electras, along with other origami paper shapes, to help you recuperate from hand surgery or heal from arthritis by re-strengthening your fingers and hands.

Instructions

1. Fold one corner of the origami paper to the adjacent corner, open it up, and then repeat with a different corner. When you open the paper, the creases should resemble a cross. Push the four corners together to form two triangles.

2. Open the origami paper, and then bring the right edge of the paper to the middle. Crease the middle of the edges, and then repeat on the opposite side of the paper.

3. Bring the bottom-left corner to the middle, and then crease. Repeat by bringing the three remaining corners to the center. Open the paper so two diamonds and two triangles are showing. The diamonds will be on the outside, while the triangles will be in the middle.

4. Bring the two outer corners of the diamond together to form a diamond-like shape where the top half of the diamond looks like a complete triangle and the bottom half has a cut down the middle.

5. Fold the right corner to the middle crease of the edge that you made in Step 2. Reverse-fold the right corner so it will tuck into the paper. You may have to force the paper in.

6. Turn the paper around, and repeat Step 5. Take the right part of the cut-through bottom diamond shape, fold it, and then tuck it into the shape. This step will make 3/4 of a square.

7. Repeat Step 6 to form a shape that looks like two perpendicular lines, or an electra. Recreate this shape three more times with three more pieces of origami paper. Push the corner of one electra into the flat open edge of another to create a larger electra.

Tags: origami paper, three more, corner middle, looks like, more pieces, more pieces origami, pieces origami

Naples Florida Car Shows

Local car shows in Naples are the perfect place for a car enthusiast to show off his classic car.

If you love strolling through rows of classic and muscle cars, then Naples, Florida, is the place to go. Several car clubs in the area, including the West Coast Muscle Car Club and Corvettes of Naples, gather together to show off some of the best cars they have. Cars on display include those that have been built from scratch, refurbished and kept in mind condition. Many of these clubs and other local organizations use the cars shows as a way to raise funds for local charities.

Cars on Fifth

Stop by the annual Cars on Fifth event where avid collectors of exotic and classic cars get together to show off their collections. Each year there is approximately 400 cars available for the thousands of enthusiasts to check out. Everything from muscle cars, classics, exotics and Ferraris are on display during this car show. This fund-raising event, sponsored by the Naples Ferrari Club, is to benefit Eden of Florida, a nonprofit organization to help those with autism. The event happens annually in February along Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples.

Corvettes of Naples

The members of the nonprofit organization, Corvettes of Naples, puts on an annual fundraiser car sbenefit the Gabriel House for abandoned and displaced children. The event happens at the beginning of January and has been held in various locations such as Riverview Corporate Center and the Harley Davidson of Fort Myers Beach. More than 100 Corvette owners gather to show off their classic corvettes and to share stories about buying and refurbishing their cars.

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island Car Show

Every year in early February, the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island holds a fund-raising car show filled with fun for the entire family. More than 100 cars are on display at the event, plus there is live music, refreshments and activities. All proceeds are to benefit programs for the children of Marco Island.

West Coast Muscle Car Show

Local car enthusiasts gather with their muscle cars the week of Thanksgiving at the Annunciation Circle in La Piazza, Ava Maria in Naples. Stop by to check out some locally owned cruisers and street rods, including T-buckets. Cars featured include Camaros, Corvettes, GTO Judge, Chevelles and Chevy Bel Air. The event is hosted by the West Coast Muscle Car Club, which also hosts an annual Car, Truck and Bike Show in March.

Tags: Coast Muscle, Corvettes Naples, Marco Island, muscle cars, West Coast, West Coast Muscle

Install A Rearview Camera In Your Car

Rear-view cameras are especially useful in tight parking lots, dark areas or in places where children might be running around. You can install as many of these cameras as you want, though one or two is usually enough.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery. Check the vehicle's repair manual to find out what size wrench to use. Leave the disconnected cables a safe distance from the battery posts.

2. Decide where you want to install the rear-view camera. Most people put them in the plastic bumper so they don't have to drill into the car's sheet metal.

3. Drill a hole for the camera. Check the installation instructions to see what size drill bit to use. Don't make the hole too large or the camera will fall out.

4. Place the camera in the hole using the rubber grommet supplied with the camera. Make sure the camera and grommet are tight.

5. Attach the camera's power wire to the backup-light power wire on your car. You'll have to splice the wires together. Use wire cutters to cut the wires, leaving enough excess wire to reconnect. Strip the ends of the wire to expose the bare wire using wire strippers. Splice the wires together using a two-into-one connector. This will give the rear-view camera power when you put the car in reverse.

6. Route the camera's output wire to the rear-view monitor and connect the wire to the monitor's input. For installation of the monitor, see the monitor's installation instructions.

7. Reconnect the battery, start the car and put the car in reverse. The rear-view monitor should turn on and give you a view of what's behind you.

Tags: camera power, from battery, installation instructions, power wire, rear-view camera

Proper Patch Layout For A Leather Biker Vest

If you ride a motorcycle, you must have a leather vest to wear. The vest will not only protect you from road debris, rocks and bugs, it will be like an immediate introduction to those you meet, by the patches on it. The patches will tell others what organizations you are affiliated with, people you know and where you have been. Proper patch layout, for the most part, is a matter of taste.

Club and Organization Patches

If you are a member of a motorcycle club or organization, you will have a large patch with the club or organization name and logo on it. This patch should be centered on the back of the leather vest. Lay the patch on the vest and center it just below the shoulder blades.

If your club or organization issues small patches on a yearly basis that announce how long you have been a member, these need to be arranged close to your affiliation patch. These are usually small rectangle patches that simply have the year on them. Make sure you have plenty of room to continue adding these if you plan to be a long-time member.

Name or Title Patches

If you want your name or nickname made into a patch to wear on your leather vest, it should be placed on the left side front of the leather vest, right over the heart. This will be the first place other bikers will look to see what your name is. If you hold an office in your club or organization, the proper place to put that patch is right under your name.

Memorial Patches

A lot of clubs and organizations offer memorial patches for deceased members. There is no proper layout for these patches. It is a matter of personal preference as to where you place these. Some bikers will start a row along the bottom of their vest and add to the row when another patch is necessary. Other bikers choose to scatter the patches around on their vest.

Event or Travel Patches

A leather vest can become a colorful road map to places you have been or events you have attended. All motorcycle events have vendors that sell patches of any kind you want. Most events sell their own event patch so that bikers can advertise the event for them by wearing the patch on their vest.

These patches have no proper placement either. You can have them sewn on in any fashion you like, or in any space left on your vest. Some biker events have vendors that not only sell the patches, they also sew them on for you right there.

Tags: leather vest, club organization, events have, have been, their vest, your name

Craft Shows In Greendale Wisconsin

You can find crafts at several shows in Greendale, Wisconsin.

Greendale, Wis., is a small historic town just Southwest of Milwaukee. The downtown that originated in 1936 offers a number of boutiques, restaurants and historic buildings. It also serves as a backdrop for a variety of festivals and shows, including craft shows featuring everything from artwork to fine furnishings.

Heartland Creative

Heartland Creative puts on a variety of craft shows throughout the state of Wisconsin, including an annual craft show in Greendale. The show is held for three days in mid to late March at the South Ridge Mall. The traditional indoor show features a variety of arts and crafts vendors, who sign up for a fee of $198 per vendor as of January 2011. As a show guest, you'll find everything from calligraphy to crocheting to woodworking and jewelry making. If you miss the show, visit one of the other Heartland Creative shows that are offered throughout the year at 22 different Wisconsin locations.

Greendale Open Market

Visit the Greendale Open Market to get a glimpse of crafts every Saturday from June through October. The farmers market-style show offers everything from fresh produce to arts and crafts. Vendors can sign up to display their crafts through the Greendale Park and Recreation Department. Free and open to the public, the market provides a one-stop shopping weekend activity for families and visitors of the Greendale area.

Trimborn Farm Harvest of Art and Crafts

Trimborn Farm is a Civil War era historic site in Greendale that is marked on the national historic registry. The Milwaukee County Historical Society runs the farm and the historic buildings that sit on the land. Each year, the society holds an arts and crafts show called the Trimborn Farm Harvest of Arts and Crafts. The show features exhibitor booths, raffles, live music, food and activities. Dates and times vary from year to year. As of 2011, admission is $4 for adults and free for children under 12 years old.

Fine Furnishings and Fine Crafts Show

Travel just 18 minutes northeast to Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee where the Fine Furnishings and Fine Crafts Show is featured. The show is held for three days from September 30 to October 1 as of January 2011. It attracts exhibitors such as woodworkers and craft specialists from across the country on an invitation-only basis. The Fine Furnishings and Fine Crafts Show is particularly popular among interior designers and architects. Admission is $10 per person as of January 2011.

Tags: arts crafts, everything from, Fine Crafts, Fine Crafts Show, Fine Furnishings, Fine Furnishings Fine

Money Management & Ad/Hd

Money management issues are common among ADHD adults.

Money management issues frequently accompany Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). AD/HD characteristics of disorganization, impulsivity and procrastination frequently manifest in many areas, including the management of finances. Awareness of the issues and the use of simple systems can make finances manageable.

Effects

AD/HD in adults is associated with a number of money management problems. Effects of the disorder on finances include impulsive purchasing, lack of savings, high credit card balances, and disorganization leading to bounced checks and unpaid bills.

Time Frame

According to the National Resource Center on AD/HD, establishing goals for short-, medium- and long-term time frames is the first step for an AD/HD adult to begin gaining control of his finances.

Prevention/Solution

Curbing impulsive purchases is a major problem for AD/HD adults. Reduce impulsive spending by not carrying credit cards or large amounts of cash. AD/HD adults need to force a time gap between the impulsive desire to purchase and an actual purchase. This time gap allows them to think the purchase through.

Considerations

A budget or other system for managing the flow of money is a major consideration. AD/HD adults need to have a process to prevent procrastination and disorganization out of financial management.

Misconceptions

AD/HD does not need to spell financial doom. Many AD/HD adults manage money successfully through awareness of the difficulties the disorder presents, and establishing systems to work around their specific issues. AD/HD does not present the same challenges to everyone with it effects.

Famous Ties

AD/HD adults are noted for there creativity, not just their challenges. Successful AD/HD adults include Albert Einstein and Walt Disney.

Tags: adults need, management issues, Money management, Money management issues

Tools To Work On An Old Harleydavidson

Working on an older model Harley-Davidson is a hobby picked up by motorcycle enthusiasts around the United States. The thrill of transforming a vintage Harley-Davidson from a rusty, non-operational hunk of metal to a fully restored and high-performance street machine keeps the hobbyists motivated and the rest of the motorcycle culture in awe. Having the right tools to accomplish a rebuild or restoration of an older Harley-Davidson is paramount for getting the job done correctly.

Wrenches

Combination wrenches are essential to working on older Harley-Davidsons. The bikes use a mix of metric and standard sizes, though at the time when Harley-Davidson parts were strictly American-made, standard was the only measuring system used. A complete set of combination wrenches, from ¼ to 1 inch standard, and a metric set from 7 to 36 millimeters would be ideal.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are essential for the removal of some parts on the motorcycle. Both flat-head and cross-head screwdrivers are used in all sizes. A cross-head screwdriver is used for the removal of the seat while a flat-head screwdriver can be used to pry open the battery cover. Screwdrivers are also used for tightening the throttle cable or with any plastic piece on the bike.

Torx Drivers

Torx bits are star-shaped drivers that fit onto a ratchet wrench. Torx head bolts are used on the motorcycle where vibration occurs more frequently. Torx head bolts are used throughout the motorcycle, from the derby cover to the belt guard. A complete set of Torx head bits should have sizes between T5 and T55.

Allen Bits

Allen-head bolts are the most frequently used on Harley-Davidsons. They are used in the mirror mounting, the cylinder head and the mounting of the handlebars. The Allen-head sockets fit onto a ½- or 3/8-inch ratchet wrench. Allen-head sockets come in both standard and metric, and both may be required for bike repairs.

Tags: Torx head, Allen-head sockets, bolts used, head bolts, head bolts used, ratchet wrench, screwdriver used

Transfer A Sony Hd Video To A Mac Leopard

Apple launched version 10.5 of its popular OSX operating system, dubbed "Leopard," in 2007. IMovie, part of the iLife package, is Apple's proprietary video-editing system that is included with Leopard and other OSX releases. Take advantage of the HD editing capabilities of the iMovie package by transferring your Sony HD video to your Mac Leopard.

Instructions

1. Set the Sony next to the Mac running Leopard.

2. Connect one end of the USB cable to the Sony HD video camera. Connect the other end to the Leopard computer. Plug in the AC adapter for the camera and connect it to the camera's power supply jack.

3. Start up iMovie. Select "File->Import from Camera" from the main menu.

4. Enter a name for your project. Select a screen ratio. Ensure that the "HD" option is selected.

5. Switch the record selector on the left side of the screen from the movie film icon to the camera icon to enable the record mode.

6. Use the camera controls in iMovie to select the scenes that you want to import. The controls work similar to those on a VCR. When you have marked the video, click "Import." Also use the "Capture Tape" function to capture the whole tape.

Tags: Sony video

Identify Harley Davidson Engine Numbers On A 1966 Sportster

Newer Harley-Davidsons carry VINs on the frame and engine.

Whether a Harley-Davidson Sportster is right off the showroom floor or a 1966 Classic model, having the vehicle identification number is mandatory in the United States if buying or selling the bike. Because VINs were not also stamped on frames until 1970, there's no sure way to prove the engine on an older Harley is original to the bike. However, identifying an authentic '66 Sporty engine is pretty straightforward, as the VIN is easily accessed and contains only eight or nine characters. The only real effort may be to give it a quick wipe with a shop rag.

Instructions

1. Locate the VIN on the left side of the engine. It is stamped on the case where the cylinders meet at the bottom of the "V."

2. Verify the year the model was manufactured by checking to make sure the first two numbers are "66."

3. The year will be followed by XLH or XLCH, the actual model of the bike. Each model had 55ci (883cc) V-Twin "Ironheads," so named because the cylinder heads on these models were cast iron. Other models of the era were made of aluminum.

4. Check the last four to five numbers of the series, which identify the manufacturing run. The first of these numbers should be an even number, as the bike was built in 1966. In the case of a five-number production run, the first two numbers should be even numbers.

Tags: first numbers, models were, numbers should, numbers should even, should even

Install Iso Grips On A Sportster

The grips on your Harley-Davidson Sportster are an essential part of your comfort on the motorcycle. As your primary means of reading the road beneath you, the type and condition of the grips on your bike can have a huge impact on your confidence on the bike. Rather than put up with old or tattered grips that don't give you the tactile feedback you need, learn install a pair of ISO grips on your Sportster.

Instructions

1. Remove the bar end weights on the handlebars of your Sportster using a Phillips screwdriver. The weights should fall away from the bars fairly easily when the main bolt has been removed.

2. Attach the included straw to the nozzle of a can of water-displacement agent. Slide this straw between the left handlebar grip and the handlebar and spray a liberal amount in between them. Twist the left handlebar grip off of the bars by hand. Repeat this procedure on the right side of the handlebars to remove the right-side grip from the plastic throttle sleeve.

3. Remove any grip adhesive residue on the handlebar or throttle sleeve using the small piece of sandpaper included with your ISO grips.

4. Wipe off your handlebar and throttle sleeve with a clean rag. Uncap the included grip adhesive and apply a liberal amount to the inside of the left handlebar grip (the grip with the smaller opening). Slide the left-side handlebar grip into place on the bars. Allow the grip adhesive to dry for up to one hour.

5. Apply a liberal amount of grip adhesive to the inside of the right-side handlebar grip (the grip with the larger opening). Slide the grip into place over the plastic throttle sleeve. Be sure to align the throttle boss the way you want it, as you will not be able to reset the grip once the adhesive dries. Allow up to one hour for the adhesive to dry, then take your Sportster out for a ride and feel the difference a nice new set of grips makes to your ride.

Tags: handlebar grip, grip adhesive, throttle sleeve, grips your, left handlebar

Raise The Seat On A 2006 Harley Deluxe

Although the two-piece seats used by Harley-Davidson's Softail Deluxe motorcycles are rarely removed from the motorcycle, many of the maintenance procedures required by the Softail Deluxe's electrical system call for the seat's removal. Unlike some motorcycles, which used a hinged mounting mechanism that lifts the seat off the motorcycle's frame, the Softail Deluxe's seats are bolted directly to the frame and are easily removed within a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Insert the tip of a Phillips screwdriver through the luggage rack bars at the rear of the passenger seat, then unscrew the seat's mounting bolt from the rear fender.

2. Grasp the rear of the passenger seat and lift it off the rear fender, then pull it away from the rider's seat. Set the passenger's seat aside.

3. Unscrew the knurled bolts from the mounting bracket on the back of the rider's seat by hand.

4. Lift the rear of the seat up and pull it back to free the tabs under the nose of the seat from the catch slots built into the motorcycle's frame. Set the rider's seat aside.

Tags: passenger seat, rider seat, Softail Deluxe, motorcycle frame, rear fender

Troubleshoot The Cooling System In A Jeep Grand Cherokee

Learn how your cooling system works to find problems in a faulty system. Briefly speaking, coolant picks up heat when going through the engine and releases it when passing in the radiator. Your cooling system's role includes circulating coolant, containing it or controlling its temperature. Troubleshoot the cooling system in a Jeep Grand Cherokee by checking cooling system devices. Use these steps with most model years.

Instructions

1. Inspect the water pump for leakage. Your water pump circulates coolant through the radiator, heater core and engine. A slight antifreeze smell or spots of coolant under your Grand Cherokee when parked for a short duration are signs of a damaged water pump.

2. Check hoses for cracks, collapses, leaks or dry appearance. When checking, look at upper and lower radiator hoses, heater and bypass hoses and manifold coolant hoses. The upper hoses measure some 2 inches wide and transport coolant between the radiator and engine. Cooling system problems could stem from damaged hoses.

3. Examine your coolant level. Low antifreeze can cause overheating. With low levels, add antifreeze to the coolant tank reservoir. Use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 year, 100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) and low mineral content water. This applies to the V6 and V8 engines.

4. Drain the coolant and flush the system when diagnosing problems.

5. Look at your radiator cap for signs of damage. For example, a worn out cap could contain corrosion. Find a mechanic with a pressure tester or an adapter to test the cap's pressure rating and operation. Quickly replace a defective cap.

6. Wash and rinse the front of your radiator. Dirt, rocks, leaves and other debris pull into the radiator fins when you drive which results in overheating. Get a soft nylon brush, soapy water and a yard hose to clean your radiator front.

7. See if the thermostat is stuck. One way to identify a sticking thermostat is constant low temperature readings or peaks between high and normal temperatures. Usually, the thermostat, the spring-loaded valve that reacts to coolant temperatures, sits inside the housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose.

Tags: Grand Cherokee, water pump, your radiator, cooling system, cooling system, Jeep Grand, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Hairstyles For Helmets

There are many hairstyles to wear with helmets.

Whether you ride a bike or motorcycle, protecting your head each time you go out is vital to reduce chances of death or traumatic brain injuries in the event of an accident or falling over. For those who ride their bikes to work, the thought of putting a helmet on and then showing up with the dreaded "helmet head," which is when the hair is flat against the skull, or having a sweaty head is enough to put some people off from being safe. Does this Spark an idea?

Ponytail

If you have long hair, one of the most practical hairstyles you can have when wearing a helmet is a low ponytail at the base of the neck. This keeps the hair from blowing around while riding on the bike or motorcycle, but does not cause the hair to become messy under the helmet. If you wear your hair simple and do not style it, simply remove the hair band when you get to your destination and shake out your hair to give it some volume.

Braided

If you are worried about how your hair will look when you get to work, think about putting it either into a single braid down the length of the back, or into two braids pigtail-style. Keeping the hair in braids will allow the hair to remain sleek as you ride to work, and then when you get to your office untie the braids to have a subtle wavy look. Don't braid the hair when it is wet, but rather do it after blow-drying the hair. That will keep the hair from getting frizzy after a ride to work. The look is ideal for summer. A similar look could be achieved for women by twisting the hair into a low ponytail and wrapping it around the hair band to create a bun. When you get to work, untie the bun for some subtle ringlets.

Bandana

For those who have long hair, protecting it from the sun and wind is important to prevent damage to ends. If you like to take long trips on a motorcycle, use a hair oil to add extra moisture into the hair to protect it from the elements and think about using a bandana to protect the scalp from the helmet. Take a square bandana and fold it in half from opposite corners and then place over the hair. Tie the two corners under the braid or ponytail to protect it from the helmet, but the look will also be suitable for when you take the helmet off.

Tags: your hair, bike motorcycle, from helmet, hair band, hair from, have long

Use A Waveform Monitor

Use a Waveform Monitor

A waveform monitor is an oscilloscope calibrated to measure a video signal. It graphs the voltage vertically and traces the scan lines horizontally. A waveform monitor has an essential role in video production. Here's use it to adjust exposure of cameras or monitor the luminance output of graphics.

Instructions

1. Make sure that you are matching your waveform monitor to the signal you are generating. Video today comes in 4 basic flavors, NTSC, National Television Standards Committee, the broadcast video signal used in the United States; PAL, Phase Alternation Line, used in most of the world; SECAM, used for broadcasting in France, and multiple formats of high definition. To further confuse the issue, there are waveform monitors that also look at component and YC signals. For the purposes of this article we'll look at composite NTSC.

2. Hook your video source into the waveform monitor making sure that it is terminated, which is the process of putting a 75 ohm resistor at the terminus of the line, either a terminator that locks on with a BNC connector, or a simple switch, usually found on a monitor with the position marked 75 or on. The standard NTSC signal is 1 volt peak to peak, from the bottom of the signal to the top across 75 ohms. Make sure that your calibration switch is set to default. If you have signal that seems so big that it wants to leap off the bottom and top of your box, chances are your signal isn't terminated. If the signal appears shrunken, it is double terminated. Make sure that you haven't flipped 2 termination switches on, or used both a switch and twist on terminator.

3. Check these switches: Make sure that your input switch is set appropriately to either the A or B side. Switch to 2H mode, which stands for 2 horizontal lines. Remember, an NTSC television picture consists of 525 horizontal lines, split into 2 fields. You are now looking at a display of half of all the lines laid on top of each other with one field on the left side of the screen, and the other on the right. The center displays horizontal blanking. This waveform consists of a brightness signal, called luminance and a color signal, called chrominance, which is a sine wave piggybacking on the brightness signal. The IRE switch displays the luminance portion alone of the video signal. Flat displays the chrominance plus luminance. Some waveform monitors have a chroma only switch as well. Use flat to get the full picture.

4. Before measuring your video inputs, it's essential to calibrate your waveform monitor. Most have a REF button that will generate a 1 volt peak to peak square wave. Switch it on. Use your vertical positioning knob to put the bottom of the signal, horizontal synch at -40 IRE. Your top should be 100 IRE. If it isn't you can click your vertical display knob into adjustable mode to expand or contract the signal, until it covers the full range of 140 IRE.

5. Take the waveform monitor off REF. Look at your video source. The color bars should match up. If they don't it's time to call in a tech to adjust your source. If they do, then take your source off bars and start making video to monitor its output on your waveform monitor.

6. By adjusting different video sources whether they be cameras or graphics generators so that their output matches as seen on this scale, relative brightness and color saturation will also match. Keep in mind that the NTSC color bars signal is designed to cover the entire range of video from darkest black to peak white. Not all video signals will have span this spread. If you're using a camera, open its iris, until the waveform peaks at 100 IRE. It's okay if spikes go past. They'll be clipped off in broadcast going to white. Most faces should be at about 80 IRE. If your scene has vast areas that are too dark when you're already at 100 IRE, add more light rather than opening iris up further. If a large portion of your signal is over 100 IRE, iris down. Experiment with different looks as you shoot. That upper end is not absolute, but too much brightness can leak into your audio, causing noise there when your video is broadcast. A waveform monitor is invaluable and gives you far more exposure control than either auto iris or zebra stripes in your viewfinder.

Tags: sure that, Make sure, Make sure that, waveform monitor, waveform monitor, your video

2005 Hd Sportster 883 Specs

The 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 V-twin engine.

Introduced in 1957, the XL Sportster 883 -- a member of the longest-running family in the Harley-Davidson lineup -- has evolved technologically from its early days yet somehow managed to stay the same, earning respect from performance enthusiasts the world over.

With the same lean, raw, light-weight appeal of the original, the 2005 Sportster 883 emerges a more powerful performer. Harley-Davidson carefully nurtured the Sportster's progress throughout the decades, preserving the low-end torque and agile handling with updates from 2004 of a rubber-mounted powertrain and stronger rigid frame than previous models.

Engine and Performance

Harley-Davidson's renaissance began in 1983 with the official introduction of the Evolution engine, the heart of the 2005 Sportster 883. With its 53.86 cubic-inch (883 cc) displacement, the silver powder-coated engine provides 51 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,300 rpm, making the 553-lb. bike nimble and quick.

The Sportster 883 has a 3.3-gallon fuel capacity and fuel economy of 57 highway miles per gallon and 48 city mpg.

Styling, Instrumentation and Colors

Completely redesigned in 2004 the Sportster 883 sees increased performance continuing into 2005 and is more comfortable for the rider, with decreased vibration from the rubber-mounted engine. Among other modifications for the 2005 model are significantly reduced clutch lever effort and a lower seat height of only 27.3 inches. Unique to the model is the classic solo seat, mid-mount foot controls and low-rise handlebar.

The 2005 Sportster 883 has an electronic speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and a diagnostic readout.

Pearlized paint colors dominate the 2005 model year: it was available in vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl and chopper blue pearl.

Dimensions

At 90.1 inches long with a 60-inch wheelbase and 5.6-inch ground clearance, the 2005 Sportster 883 is equally adept at maneuvering around town or navigating highway curves.

Tags: 2005 Sportster, 2005 model

Motorcycle Training Courses In North Carolina

Learn to ride safely.

Motorcycles are fast, exciting, and dangerous. Learn to ride safely, singly and in groups, by taking a motorcycle training course. Several schools in North Carolina offer classes both for people new to the sport and for riders wanting to brush up on safety skills. Courses range from one day to an entire weekend, depending on the school and rider skill level.

MotoMark1 LLC

MotoMark1 has training schools all over the state, offering day-long motorcycle training courses for beginner and advanced riders. Street skills classes include the Strategic Rider, which focuses on preventing motorcycle fatalities. It includes group riding skills, and an annual class just for women is available. The MotoMark1 precision maneuvering school is an eight-hour class combining recreational driving with police officer motorcycle skills. Emphasis includes urban driving, emergency stops at high and low speed, and close-quarters riding. Students ride their own motorcycles in all classes, but rental provisions can be made in advance.

MotoMark1, LLC

200 Caristonia Way

Apex, NC 27502

919-637-0947

motomark1.com

Southwestern Community College

This community college offers motorcycle safety training courses for beginners and experienced riders. All students must be age 18 or over. Beginner courses are held over two days, while advanced courses last one day. For those who can't provide their own motorcycle, the college will rent out one for a fee. Courses include classroom and hands-on work. Students must wear helmets, eye protection, gloves, long pants, and shoes or boots that cover the ankles.

Southwestern Community College

447 College Dr.

Sylva, NC 28779

828-586-4091

southwesterncc.edu

Durham Technical Community College

Durham Technical Community College features a basic skills motorcycle course for new riders. Motorcycles are provided for students. While helmets are required, the college will provide them for those without a helmet of their own. Shoes or boots must cover the ankles. Also necessary are eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and full-fingered gloves. Courses start on Friday evenings and continue over Saturday and Sunday.

Durham Technical Community College

1637 Lawson St.

Durham, NC 27703

919-536-7200

durhamtech.edu

Tags: Community College, Durham Technical, Durham Technical Community, Technical Community, Technical Community College

Interpret A Harley Vin Number

If it looks like a Harley, checking the VIN is a way to make sure..

Since its founding in 1903 Harley-Davidson motorcycles have established an image of mystique and lore; bold revving engines, leather-clad bikers in sunglasses and chrome engines glistening in the sun. Beyond the surface however, Harley-Davidson is known for maintaining a high standard of quality for all its products. The vehicle identification number (VIN) on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is not only an important part of registering legal ownership but also a way of verifying that the engine and frame are genuine Harley-Davidson items.

Instructions

Before 1970

1. Locate the VIN. For bikes manufactured up to 1969, the identification is found on the left side of the engine case. There is no number on the frame.

2. Read the first two digits. This is the model year.

For example: 59FLH1234, is the year 1959.

3. Read the letters. The VIN on a Harley will have up to four of them. The letters represent the model.

4. Read the last four numbers. This number is the production number of the bike.

1970 - 1980

5. Locate the VIN. Beginning in 1970 Harley-Davidson began stamping the number on both the engine and the frame, with the exception of those bikes dating 1979. The number for legal registration is on the frame.

6. Read the first two digits. This is the model code.

For example: 2C12345H5, the model code would be 2C.

7. Read the next five numbers. This group of five numbers is the production number.

8. Read the last two digits. These two digits stand for the last two digits of the model year with "H" meaning "7" and the last digit matching that of the year.

1981 - present

9. Locate the VIN. The number on the frame is 17 digits long, while that on the engine is abbreviated. The number necessary for legal registration is on the frame.

10. Read the first number of the VIN on the frame. This indicates the country of origin code. A "1" means the bike was made in the United States.

For example: 1HD4BFH1XNY123456

11. Read the following two letters. "HD" means the bike is a genuine Harley-Davidson.

12. Read the next number. This is the weight class for the bike.

13. Read the two letters. These designate the model code.

14. Read the next single letter. This is the engine model code.

15. Read the following number. This is the introduction date.

16. Read the next letter. This is the check digit.

17.Read the next letter. This is the model year code.

18. Read the next letter (the last letter of the sequence). This is the location of manufacture code.

19. Read the last six numbers. This is the bike's serial number.

Tags: Read next, code Read, model code, frame Read, frame Read first, letter This

Hd Sportster Xl 883 Vs Hd Sportster 1200

In the late 1950s, as British and Japanese motorcycles began to flood the U.S. market, engineers at The Harley-Davidson Motor Company revised the side-valve engine that had been standard on its K- and KH-model motorcycles since 1952, giving it overhead valves and calling it the Ironhead. The resulting motorcycle was the Sportster, a model crediting with saving Harley-Davidson during the era after World War II. In 1986, Harley-Davidson introduced new engines, the Evolution series, which were available on Sportsters with displacement of 883 cubic centimeters or 1,100 cubic centimeters. Two years later, Harley dropped the 1,100cc engine in favor of a 1,200cc engine, still an Evolution engine. In 2011, Sportsters were still being delivered as either 883s or 1200s.

Early Sportster Models

The first Sportster, the 1957 XL, sported a 55-cubic-inch engine and four-speed transmission. By 1958 the Sportster was being called the first of the "Superbikes". Harley-Davidson introduced the XLH Sportster in 1958, with larger valves and higher compression. Harley continued to revise the Sportster through the 1960s and 1970s. For instance, in 1967 the Sportster models got electric starters. The Sportster engine was beefed up for the 1972 model year with the introduction of the 1,000cc (61-cubic-nch) XLH. In 1977 three more models were added to the Sportster lineup, the FXS Low Rider, the XLCR Sportster Cafe Racer and the XLT touring version of the Sportster.

The 1986 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

Harley-Davidson had introduced a new engine, the Evolution, in 1984. For the 1986 model year Harley added the Evolution engine to the Sportster line, introducing the Sportster 883 and XLH 1100 models. The 1986 Sporster 883 came with a solo seat, cast aluminum wheels and optional special paint and trim. That first Sportster 883 had the 883cc air-cooled Evolution engine and generated a reported 46 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Top speed was 92.6 mph. The Sportster had chain final drive and a four-speed transmission.

The 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200

Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster 1200, dropping the Sportster 1100, in 1988. The 1988 XLH Sportster 1200 was equipped with a 1,198cc air-cooled Evolution engine. It generated 58 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and had a four-speed transmission with a chain final drive.

Late-Model Sportsters

Since the introduction of the Sportster 1200 in 1988, Harley-Davidson has offered Sportster models with two engine sizes, 883cc and 1200cc. Through the years, though, the Sportsters have undergone a number of revisions and improvements. In 1991 all Sportster models got belt final drive and five-speed transmissions. Harley-Davidson upgraded the frame on Sportster models and rubber-mounted the engines in 2004. A number of Sportster models with specific features have been marketed, including the 883 Custom, the 883 Hugger and the 883L Low. Fuel injection replaced carburetors on all Harley-Davidson models, including the Sportsters, in 2007. And that same year the XL 1200N Nightster debuted featuring black rims and fork gaiters. Another model was added to the Sportster family in 2010, the Sportster Forty-Eight XL1200X. The Forty-Eight takes it name from its classic peanut fuel tank that was featured on Harleys in 1948.

The 883 Vs. the 1200

The Sportster is Harley-Davidson's longest continuously produced model. The Sportster 883 is known as an entry-level motorcycle or a bike for smaller riders. Its midsize engine and low sticker price make it an ideal bike for a beginning rider eager to own a Harley-Davidson. The Sportster 1200 models provide more power with a slightly higher sticker price. Both models maintain their value for years. For 2011 Harley-Davidson offered seven versions of Sportster: two 883 models -- the 883 SuperLow and the Iron 883 -- and five 1200 models, the 1200 Low, the Custom, the Nighster, the Forty-Eight and the XR1200X. Both 883 base models had a suggested retail price of $7,999. Suggested prices for the 1200 base models ranged from $9,899 for the 1200 Low to $11,799 for the XR1200X. All of the Sportster models except the 1200 Low were listed on the Harley-Davidson website for the 2012 model year.

Tags: Sportster models, Sportster 1200, Evolution engine, Harley-Davidson introduced, final drive, four-speed transmission, Harley-Davidson Sportster

Change The Oil In A 1999 Harley Softail

Harley-Davidson's Softail series hides more than just its suspension, the engine's oil drain plug can be just as hard to find.

Harley-Davidson's Softail motorcycles evoke the image of the rigid-framed motorcycles of yesteryear, but provide the comfort and performance of a modern suspension through the use of hidden shock absorbers. The 1999 Softail series uses the same Twin-Cam 88 motor used in recent models, lubricated by three separate fluids for the engine, transmission, and primary. However, many riders are uncertain of to change the motorcycle's engine oil, due mostly to the apparent absence of an oil drain plug. Once the drain plug is located, changing the oil can be done quickly and easily.

Instructions

1. Level your bike. Locate the drain plug by following the oil line from the right side of the oil tank to the frame. The oil line is plugged by the drain plug on the underside of the frame between rear shocks. Place an oil drain pan directly beneath the drain plug and remove it with a socket wrench. Pull the dipstick to allow the oil to drain more quickly. Allow the oil to drain completely.

2. Remove the old o-ring from the drain plug and slip a new o-ring over the plug. Reinstall the drain plug--do not over-tighten--and wipe away any remaining oil from the area around drain plug with a shop towel.

3. Place the drain pan under the filter. Using the oil-filter wrench, remove and discard the old oil filter. Fill the new oil filter with oil and loosely screw it onto the motor by hand.

4. Remove the oil tank filler cap and add up to three quarts of oil into the tank. Replace the filler cap and wipe way any oil spills with a shop towel.

5. Start the motor and loosen the oil filter until a thin bead of oil begins to seep out from between the motor and the filter. Tighten the filter by hand and stop the motor. Wipe away any oil spills with a shop towel.

Tags: drain plug, shop towel, with shop, with shop towel, Harley-Davidson Softail, Place drain

Hotels In Rivermont Virginia

The Rivermont area has many Civil War sites.

Rivermont, Virginia is a small town in Covington County and there are no hotels in Rivermont. The closest city with a varied choice of hotels is Chester, Virginia, located in Chesterfield County, approximately 15 minutes away. Chester and Chesterfield County are known for their many Civil War battlefields, such as the Battery Dantzler Civil War Site, Fort Wead Civil War Site, and the Howlett Line Park Civil War Site. Rivermont is southeast of Richmond near Interstate 295.

Courtyard Richmond Center

The Courtyard Richmond Center offers flexibility for the Richmond-bound business traveler and for tourists. Chester is 20 miles south of Richmond, and Richmond International Airport is easily accessible by taxi, train or bus.

The hotel has many amenities, such as high-speed Internet in public areas and guest rooms, complimentary on-site parking and two meeting rooms. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Richmond-Chester

Like the Courtyard, Homewood Suites is well situated to give flexibility to the business traveler and comfort and amenities to the visiting tourist. Homewood Suites offers both short-term and extended-stay arrangements.

Separate living and sleeping areas are available in studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Also provided in every suite are a kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, stove and dishwasher. High-speed Internet is complimentary, as are two phones with voicemail.

Hyatt Place Richmond/Chester

Also near to Richmond, this hotel is located between Richmond and Fort Lee. A 24 hour Guest Kitchen is available for made-to-order meals and snacks. Each room has the Hyatt "Grand Bed" and a 42-inch flat panel HD TV. Complementary Wi-Fi is offered throughout the hotel and there is a free continental breakfast every morning.

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express is ideally situated for tourists, being close to many local attractions. The River Bend Golf Club, named the top public course in Chester, is near the hotel and special golf packages are available. Fresh-baked cookies are served to guests upon arrival. Other amenities include complimentary high-speed Internet and a health and fitness center.

Comfort Inn Chester

The Comfort Inn is conveniently located near the James River Plantations and Virginia Motorsports Park. Amenities include free breakfasts with hot waffles, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet, free "USA Today," free local calls, and free use of the business center.

Guest rooms are spacious and come with refrigerators, microwaves and cable television with free HBO.

Hampton Inn Chester

Also conveniently located to many historic areas and local attractions, the Hampton Inn offers rooms equipped with microwaves and refrigerators. Some other personal touches are a free beverage and breakfast area, safety deposit box, newsstand, luggage hold and multi-lingual staff.

Business visitors will also enjoy amenities such as a business center and complimentary printing and fax service.

Quality Inn

The Quality Inn is also convenient to Richmond and Richmond International Airport. Close by are the Pamplin Historical Park and Richmond International Raceway. Free amenities include a hot breakfast buffet, weekday newspaper and an exercise room. This property also has an indoor heated pool.

Tags: Civil Site, Homewood Suites, Richmond International, amenities such, business center, business traveler, Chester Also