Adjust The Clutch On A 2008 Harley Davidson

The clutch, clutch cable and lever are all on the rider's left side.

Harley-Davidson recommends that the clutch be adjusted on all 2008 models during the initial service at 1,000 miles, again at the first 5,000-mile minor service and every 5,000 miles after that. The entire process takes the novice mechanic about an hour. After you have done it a few times, the chore will generally take less than 20 minutes to accomplish. Performing this service at regular and frequent intervals will prolong the life of your clutch and clutch cable. It will lessen the effort you must use to squeeze your clutch lever, and it might save your life.

Instructions

1. Elevate your 2008 Harley-Davidson on a motorcycle jack just high enough so that the bike sits upright and level on the jack, rather than leaning left on the jiffy stand.

2. Spray cable lubricant into the boot that covers the cable adjustment assembly. This assembly is covered by a black, rubber boot in approximately the middle of your clutch cable. Pull the rubber boot up to uncover the cable adjuster lock nut and the cable adjuster nut.

3. Loosen both the cable adjuster lock nut and the cable adjuster nut. The lock nut is the larger of the two. When the two nuts are completely loosened, the clutch lever will be almost completely slack.

4. Pull the rubber sleeve away from clutch lever to expose the top of the clutch cable. Spray or drip cable lubricant into the sleeve and down the cable. Wait 30 seconds, then repeat.

5. Remove the three Allen screws that secure the derby cover to the primary chain case. Mark the exact location of the derby cover with a marker.

6. Remove the three Allen screws that secure the derby cover to the primary chain case. Mark the exact location of the derby cover with a marker.

7. Loosen the locking nut in the center of the clutch with a socket wrench. Separate the clutch plates by tightening the center adjusting screw with an Allen wrench.

8. Loosen and re-tighten the adjusting screw. Back out the center adjusting screw one full turn.

9. Hold the adjustment nut in place with your fingers while you tighten the locking nut.

10. Adjust the cable adjuster nut until there is no more than 1/8-inch of free play in the clutch lever. Re-seat the boot at the top of the clutch cable where the cable meets the lever.

11. Immobilize the cable adjuster nut while you tighten the cable adjuster lock nut. Re-cover the adjustment assembly with the cable adjuster boot.

12. Check the level of the primary fluid in the primary case. The fluid should just touch the bottom of the clutch plates. Add fluid as needed.

13. Smear Teflon paste on the threads of the derby cover screws. Reinstall the derby cover with a new derby cover gasket.

Tags: cable adjuster, derby cover, clutch cable, adjuster lock, cable adjuster lock, clutch lever

Make Your Own Solo Motorcycle Seat

Don't resort to a cookie-cutter seat. Build your own for less!

The custom motorcycle scene has grown significantly since the heyday of the custom choppers and bobbers in the late '60s and '70s. While there is a huge supply of custom parts for today's custom machines, many bike builders prefer to fabricate their own parts in order to stand out from the crowd. The solo seat used by almost every bobber or chopper is just one of these parts. A fully-finished seat can be bought for anywhere between $60 to $300. But, with a little hard work and planning, you could make your own unique, custom seat for far less.

Instructions

1. Select a sheet of paper that is large enough to accommodate the full size of your intended seat pan. Fold the sheet in half, lengthwise. Sketch the basic design of your seat pan onto one side of the paper. If you like the design, cut the sketched portion out of the paper with scissors. Unfold the paper design for use as a template.

2. Select a sheet of 12 gauge metal and lay your paper template over it. Trace the outline of the template onto your sheet metal with a permanent marker. Remove the template and cut the traced shape out of the metal sheet, using metal shears or an electric nibbler. Deburr the edges of your freshly-cut seat pan with a metal file and sandpaper to remove any jagged edges.

3. Drill several holes along the perimeter of your seat pan, using an electric drill fitted with a 3/16 inch drill bit. Space the holes around a half inch away from the edge of the seat pan and about 2 inches apart. These holes will be used to fasten the seat pan's upholstery.

4. Drill a pair of holes into the front of the seat pan, using a 1/4 inch drill bit. Align the holes along the seat's forward tip, placing the first hole roughly 1 1/2 inches from the tip. Drill the second hole 3 1/2 inches away from the tip. These holes will be used to attach the seat pan's mounting bracket. Insert two 1/4 inch bolts and washers through these holes. Place another washer, followed by a 1/4 inch nut, over the ends of the bolts. Tighten the nuts with a 1/4 inch wrench.

5. Place the seat pan into a vice. Push on the seat pan to bend it to your desired shape. Most solo seats have a slight rise towards the rear and forward tips of the seat pan.

6. Cover the edge of the seat pan with thin strips of duct tape. Lay the tape over the top of the pan, then bend it around the edge and press it onto the bottom of the pan. Cover the entire edge of the pan with tape until the edge has a slightly rounded profile. This will prevent the edge of the seat pan from cutting through the upholstery.

7. Lay your paper template over a sheet of high-density foam. Trace the template's outline onto the foam with a permanent marker, then cut the shape our of the foam with scissors or a razor blade. The foam will act as your seat pan's cushion.

8. Spray the top of the seat pan and the bottom of your foam cushion with a craft spray adhesive. Let the adhesive set for 1 minute, then lay the cushion onto the seat pan. Press down on the cushion for 30 seconds to create a strong bond. Trim away any foam material that extends past the edge of the seat pan with a razor blade.

9. Trace your paper template onto the back -- the white side -- of a piece of marine-grade vinyl. Extend the template's outline by at least 1 1/2 inches to allow the vinyl to wrap around the foam cushion and reach the holes drilled into the seat pan. Cut the shape out of the vinyl sheet with scissors. Place the vinyl in a clothes dryer, set to medium heat, for 10 minutes.

10. Spray the top of the foam cushion with craft spray adhesive, then lay the vinyl over it. Starting at the front of the seat pan, pull the vinyl tightly around the foam and the pan. Press a rivet through the vinyl and into the seat pan's holes. Rivet the vinyl in place with a rivet gun. Repeat until the entire seat is covered tightly with the vinyl sheet. Trim away the excess vinyl with scissors.

11. Install the seat's mounting bracket, placing the bracket's slots over the exposed ends of the 1/4 inch bolts installed earlier. Place a washer and another 1/4 inch bolt over the bracket and the bolts. Tighten the nuts with a 1/4 wrench. Install the seat onto your motorcycle.

Tags: edge seat, with scissors, foam cushion, paper template, seat with

Start A Scooter Business

Start a Scooter Business

The scooter industry has grown in the early 21st century as American consumers see the virtues of these light bikes. Scooters are used frequently in downtown districts and college campuses that are difficult to navigate by car or bus. The success of scooter manufacturers like Vespa along with scooter divisions at Honda and Harley Davidson have led entrepreneurs to start their own scooter businesses. The ideal entry point into this business is a small retail store that caters to young professionals motivated to buy these diminutive vehicles.

Instructions

Open a Scooter Store

1. Complete a business plan for your scooter store that highlights your target market and five-year goals. Conduct your own market research by looking at the number of scooter stores in your area and concentrations of potential customers like college students and young professionals. Convince lenders and investors about your scooter company's viability with modest profit goals and transparency about initial expenses.

2. Search for a retail storefront within minutes of a college campus or downtown district to maximize foot traffic. Your storefront should be relatively small with a counter area, back room and workshop for repairs. Look for retail space with sidewalk space in the front and customer parking in the rear.

3. Start a website for your scooter business that is updated regularly with available inventory. Your scooter website should be filled with photos, pricing and service information to encourage consumers to choose your shop over others. The main page should feature a contact form for prospective buyers looking for answers about pricing, availability and store location.

4. Register for a business license with local and state agencies to start your scooter business. In addition to a general operating license, your scooter business must register with the state revenue department to handle income and sales tax deductions.

5. Consult with a loan officer at your bank about financing options for future customers. Your loan officer may be able to arrange slightly discounted interest rates for scooter renters and lessees with excellent credit. Work through the same bank used for your business startup loan to take advantage of this pre-existing relationship.

6. Research scooter wholesalers like X-Treme Scooters for floor models and ordering information. Since your first storefront will have little space for displays, you should order one or two units of each model to show your selection to buyers. Your shop can order scooters on demand with a small down payment to avoid acquiring unnecessary units and cluttering your backroom.

7. Limit your scooter store's staff in the early months to keep monthly expenses low. Hire a motorcycle or auto mechanic to handle scooter repairs and maintenance if you have little experience with vehicle repair. Train one to two sales people on filling out order forms, contacting suppliers and handling customer requests to ease your daily workload.

8. Design lease and rental forms for your scooter business for consumers who are not yet ready to buy your inventory. Your lease forms should feature the number of months or miles in the lease term, monthly payments and charges applied for damage after the leased scooter is returned. The rental form should feature a vehicle inventory sheet, provisions for charging customer credit cards for scooter damage and a release of liability for illegal use of the vehicle by the renter.

9. Advertise your scooter business on college campuses, sporting-goods stores and other venues where your target demographic shops. Print leaflets, simple posters and table tents that can be distributed ahead of your company's grand opening. Include your street address, website address and a clever slogan on each advertisement to attract motivated scooter fans.

10. Generate revenue after scooters are purchased with basic maintenance packages available to new owners. Your maintenance package should be priced slightly lower than the typical costs of oil changes, tire changes and vehicle inspections. As scooter owners return to redeem maintenance coupons, tell your salespeople to up-sell your customers on comprehensive maintenance services.

11. Protect each scooter sold by your business by honoring manufacturer warranties and offering your own guarantee. Stock wheels, spark plugs and other parts produced by scooter manufacturers to handle warranty requests. Your guarantee can cover parts and labor from your shop that prove to be defective within a certain number of miles.

Tags: your scooter, your scooter business, scooter business, should feature, college campuses

Torsion Key Leveling Kit Instructions For A Chevy Silverado Hd 2500

Torsion Key Leveling Kit Instructions for a Chevy Silverado HD 2500

The front suspension on a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD sits slightly lower than the rear of the truck. This is to ensure that when the bed of the truck is weighed down, it doesn't sag lower than the front end and make the truck difficult to drive. But if you want the truck to sit higher in the front, you can install a torsion key leveling kit to the front end to raise the suspension anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches. This takes about four hours to do.

Instructions

1. Park the truck and put on the parking brake. Lift the front end on the 2500HD with the jack and put jack stands underneath the frame.

2. Locate the torsion bar cross member, which runs the width of the truck and sits under the cab. Install the torsion bar removal tool onto the torsion bar key, just outside of the torsion bar adjuster bolt on the cross member. Tighten the tool with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket.

3. Make a vertical line across the torsion key and the torsion bar with the paint marker. Remove the torsion bar bolt with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Slowly loosen the torsion bar removal tool with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Push the torsion bar towards the back of the truck to remove the bar from the lower control arm, then push it forward and under the lower control arm to remove the torsion key from the torsion bar.

4. Transfer the mark you made in step 3 to the replacement torsion key in the torsion key leveling kit using a paint marker. Install the replacement torsion key onto the torsion bar, lining up the marks in the process.

5. Install the torsion bar removal tool and tighten it in place with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the torsion bar bolt with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket, then remove the torsion bar tool with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Lower the truck off of the jack stands using a jack.

Tags: 2-inch ratchet, 2-inch ratchet socket, ratchet socket, with 2-inch, with 2-inch ratchet, removal tool, tool with

Locate Shocks For A Yamaha Motorcycle

Shocks help your Yamaha motorcycle move smoothly over the road.

When the ride on your Yamaha motorcycle is less than smooth, you may need to replace the shocks. The shocks on your bike absorb the impact as the bike moves over uneven roads. Several retail options are available where you can purchase the right shocks. It's best to shop for the best price.

Instructions

1. Purchase parts directly from the source, especially if you have a Yamaha warranty on your shocks. You can find a local Yamaha dealer on the Yamaha Dealer Locator. Tell them which shocks you need. If you aren't sure, they'll be able to help you.

2. Go to a local motorcycle retailer, even if they don't specifically stock Yamahas. They should have access to the type of shocks you need and can help you find the correct part if you give them the model and year of your Yamaha.

3. Purchase parts online. There are hundreds of retailers who sell Yamaha parts over the Internet, including jcwhitney.com, bikebandit.com and motorcycle-superstore.com. If you have the product information for your shocks, you can find them on an online site and have them sent to you. You will have to pay shipping if you order your shocks online.

Tags: your shocks, your Yamaha, Purchase parts, shocks find, shocks need, Yamaha motorcycle, your shocks find

Harley Davidson Rubber Vs Rigid Mount

The majority of Harleys now have rubber engine mounts.

One of the changes Harley Davidson introduced to its bikes in the 1980s involved the way that engines were mounted on the frames. Before this time, all models had the engines rigidly bolted directly to the frame. The company then started to experiment with rubber isolation mounts between the engine and the frame. What started as a limited experiment on the touring models grew to a method used for mounting the majority of Harley engines.

Rigid Mounts

The rigid mount was the traditional method of mounting an engine to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Several engines in the lineup are still mounted in this fashion. The Softail's engine is notably still rigid mounted to the frame of the bike. This has been a part of the Softail's heritage for generations and continues to be a feature of the bike with the new 103B engine introduced for 2012.

Rubber Mounting

Rubber engine mounts first came into use at Harley-Davidson in 1980. Prior to that time, rigid mounting had been the norm. The FLT TourGlide was the first bike to feature the new mounting system, but it spread over time. The Dyna line up appeared in 1990 and featured rubber mounted engines. In 2004, even the Sportster would get rubber mounts so that the Touring, Dyna and Sportster models all had rubber mounted motors, leaving the rigid Softails in the minority.

Vibrations

The primary reason that rubber mounts were introduced was to help reduce the amount of vibrations felt by the rider. Harleys for many years were notorious for the amount of vibration and shaking that they transmitted to the rider, making for what some felt was an uncomfortable ride, while others felt it was part of the authentic Harley experience. Rubber mounts isolate the motor from the frame. On a traditional old-style Harley rigid mount, every movement of the motor is transmitted directly into the frame, which creates a constant vibrating feeling for the rider. In newer bikes, this is combatted through the user of the internal counter-balancer.

Compensation

The lack of rubber mounts on the Softail models was compensated for with the development of the "B" designated Twin Cam engines, introduced with the 88B Twin Cam engine and carried through to the current 103B. The "B" in the designation stands for "balanced." These softail engines have a special balancing mechanism that spins in opposition to the vibrations of the engine in order to smooth out the ride even in the absence of rubber mounts.

Tags: engine mounts, Harley Davidson, rubber mounted, rubber mounts, rubber mounts

Top Law Firms In New Zealand

Auckland TV tower

Popularly referred to as the "Big Three" by a range of publications--including the National Business Review, ALB Legal News, LawFuel.com and the Legal 500--Bell Gully, Russell McVeagh and Chapman Tripp are New Zealand's premier law firms for commercial law.

Chapman Tripp

Chosen in March 2010 by Chambers Global 2010 as the "pre-eminent" law firm in New Zealand, Chapman Tripp is a 175-attorney office that offers a full range of corporate and business law services including restructuring and insolvency, tax and its award-winning finance practice. Chapman Tripp has advised some of the most well-known firms in the world, such as representing 20th Century Fox Film Corp.'s production of blockbuster films "Avatar," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Chapman Tripp

23 Albert St.

PO Box 2206, Auckland, New Zealand 1140

+64 9-357-9000

chapmantripp.com

Russell McVeagh

Picked as the top firm in 2009 by the International Financial Law Review, Russell McVeagh is not only one of the top firms, but with more than 250 attorneys, it is also has one of the nation's largest law practices. While Russell offers a full range of commercial legal services, it specializing in providing legal counsel in the areas of competition, employment, property and regulatory law. Russell McVeah's clients include Quantas Airlines and New Zealand Oil and Gas.

Russell McVeagh

Vero Centre

48 Shortland St.

PO Box 8

Auckland 1140, New Zealand

+64 9-367-8000

russellmcveagh.com

Bell Gully

Founded in 1840, Bell Gully is one of New Zealand's oldest continuing law firms. The experience and expertise that the firm has obtained in long history has played an important factor in its being chosen for three years in a row as New Zealand's top law firm by Who's Who Legal as well as being named the top firm for 2010 by the IFLR. Bell Gully offers a wide range of services with particular expertise in technology, litigation and intellectual property law. Bell Gully's clients include ANZ Bank, TelstraClear Communications and Alcatel-Lucent NZ.

Bell Gully

Vero Centre

48 Shortland St.

PO Box 4199

Auckland, New Zealand 1140

+64 9-916-8800

bellgully.com

Tags: Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh, Auckland Zealand, Auckland Zealand 1140

How Does The Heel & Toe Shifter Work On A Motorcycle

Heel-to shifters and floorboards almost always go together.

Motorcycles equipped with rider foot pegs, as opposed to floorboards, generally have a toe shift lever, situated in front of and a little higher than the left foot peg. Bikes with floorboards are usually equipped with a heel-toe shifter -- two shift levers that are connected in the shape of "V." The levers are situated at the front and back of the left floorboard. The action of the heel-toe shifter somewhat resembles the movement of a see-saw: When one side goes up, the other side goes down. The principle and integration with the movement of the clutch is the same for both types of shifters. With the heel-toe shifter, the rider has the option of always using downward movement to shift gears.

Shifting Up

With a standard toe shifter, the rider must place his left foot under the lever and lift to shift into the next higher gear. When using a heel-toe shifter, the rider presses downward with his heel on the rear lever to shift into the next higher gear. The lever is then released so it will reset and be ready for the next shift.

Downshifting

On both standard toe shift and heel-toe shifter-equipped motorcycles, shifting into a lower gear is accomplished by pressing down on the forward shift lever with the ball of the left foot. Once the rider has re-engaged the clutch, the shift lever is released so it can reset for the next shift.

Advantages to the Heel-Toe Shifter

Many riders who become accustomed to using a heel-toe shifter find it much easier to always use a downward motion to shift gears. To shift into a higher gear, the rider presses downward with his heel on the rear shift lever. To shift into a lower gear, the rider presses downward with the ball of his foot on the front shift lever. Because a rider isn't wedging the toe of the boot under the shift lever to shift up, there is less chance of marring the surface of the boot. Riders with certain handicaps also find a heel-toe shifter easier to manipulate, especially those with limited mobility in their ankles.

Disadvantages to the Heel-Toe Shifter

Using a heel-toe shifter does take some getting used to, especially for riders who have used a traditional toe shifter for many years. While it is possible to use the front lever of a heel-toe shifter to shift into higher gears, just as a rider would on a traditional toe shifter, there is usually much less space between the floorboard and the underside of the forward shift lever. This makes it more difficult to properly position the left foot to shift into a higher gear. Heel-toe shifters are almost always found on motorcycles with floorboards. Floorboards stick out further than foot pegs, giving the rider less room to lean in a turn before coming into contact with the road surface.

Tags: shift lever, shift into, heel-toe shifter, higher gear, left foot

Triumph Spitfire Specs

The Triumph Spitfire was a sports car from Great Britain produced from 1962 to 1980. Despite the fact that these automobiles are no longer in production, there is still a devoted fan base for this two-seater convertible. There's even a magazine dedicated to the many individuals who follow the history of this driving machine.

Engine

The engine in the Triumph Spitfire is a four-cylinder. The bore (diameter) of these cylinders is 2.9 inches, while the stroke (length of the piston's movement inside the cylinder) is 3.44 inches. The total capacity of the engine is 91 cubic inches. It has a compression ratio of 7.5 to 1 and is rated 53 horsepower (hp) at 5,000 rotations per minute (rpm). The engine's maximum torque is 839 foot-pounds (pounds of force through one foot of space) at 2,500 rpm. It uses high octane fuel -- 91 or 100 grade, depending on the car's specifics.

Physical Dimensions

The Spitfire has a wheelbase of 83 inches with a front track width of 49 inches and a rear track width of 50 inches. Ground clearance is five inches, while the total length of the car is 155.25 inches and overall width is 58.5 inches. The Spitfire's height is 43.7 inches and its maximum possible weight is 2,339 pounds. The car weighs only 1,900 pounds, however, when fully fueled and carrying standard equipment and fluids. The diameter of the steering wheel is 14.5 inches.

Fluid Capacities and Cooling System

The fuel tank for the Spitfire is 9.9 gallons, but some later models limit the amount of fuel to 8.7 gallons. The engine can hold 4.75 quarts of oil -- 4.25 without a filter change. The "No-Loss" capacity rotor cooling system -- a marketing term meant to imply that no water was lost after being pumped through the system -- holds 4.75 quarts of water and uses a belt-driven pump, which opens up when the engine reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. There's also a 12.5 inch diameter fan with 13 blades.

Other Specifications

The Spitfire uses a 12-volt electrical system, with only three fuses in use at any given time. The car also features front and rear brakes, which are operated independently with the hand brake only activating the rear brakes. The front brakes are caliper disc-based, while the rear brakes use a drum. The Spitfire's turning radius is 24 feet. The rear final drive ratio on the Spitfire is 3.63 to 1, meaning the engine turns 3.63 times for every full rotation of the rear tires. The car travels at approximately 22 miles per hour (mph) when the engine turns at 1,000 rpm, but actual driving speed depends on tire and road conditions.

Tags: rear brakes, Triumph Spitfire, width inches, engine turns, inches while, track width, track width inches

2003 Ford F150 Harley Edition Specifications

Ford trucks have been around for decades.

Ford began producing the F Series of trucks in 1948. The truck has seen many changes over the years. The 2003 F-150 came in 40 possible trims, including the Harley-Davidson SuperCrew---one of the most powerful trucks of the 2003 line.

Performance

The 2003 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson SuperCrew included a 5.4-liter, V-8 engine that provides 340 horsepower at 4,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 425 foot-lbs. of torque at 3,250 rpm. The truck came with a four-speed automatic transmission and antilock brakes. With a 25-gallon fuel tank, the 2003 F-150 Harley-Davidson delivers an estimated 12 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 16 mpg on the highway.

Exterior

The four-door Harley-Davidson edition came equipped with alloy wheels, tinted cabin glass, automatic headlights and fog lights. The 2003 F-150 Harley-Davidson edition measures 225.9 inches long and 79.1 inches wide, with a cargo bed length of 67.2 inches.

Interior

The F-150 Harley-Davidson edition has leather seats that can accommodate up to four passengers; it also has a leather steering wheel. A radio with a CD changer, cruise control and adjustable foot pedals also came standard. The 2003 F-150 offers 39.8 inches of front and rear headroom, as well as airbags for both front passengers.

Tags: 2003 F-150, F-150 Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson edition, 2003 F-150 Harley-Davidson, 2003 Ford, F-150 Harley-Davidson edition

Put A Harley Seat On An Xj Motorcycle

Yamaha's XJ series motorcycles were produced during the early 1980s in several different body styles. While the majority of the XJ-series were sport-focused machines, the Maxim 550 and 650 models drew heavily upon the cruiser-styling made popular by Harley-Davidson. The Maxims were fitted with a stepped one-piece seat that was large, but looked right at the time. Today's Maxim owners, however, often prefer something sleeker and more modern, such as a seat from Harley-Davidson's Sportsters. Both seats use a mounting tab under the nose of the seat, allowing you to mount the seat onto your Maxim with some minor modifications.

Instructions

1. Unlock your Maxim's seat latch with the ignition key, then lift the seat up and off of the frame.

2. Set the seat down next to the Sportster seat. Flip both seats upside down and compare the width of the mounting tabs under the front of the seats. Trim the Sportster seat's tab with a cut-off wheel attached to a rotary tool, if needed, to match the width and length of the Maxim seat's tab.

3. Place the Sportster seat onto your Maxim's frame. Slip the seat's tab into the catch below your Maxim's gas tank. Take note of how the seat sits along the frame's seat rails and fender, then remove the seat. Trim away any mounting posts under the bottom of the seat with your rotary tool, if the seat does not rest against the seat rails.

4. Cover the rear fender with blue Painter's tape. Reinstall the Sportster seat onto your Maxim. Mark the point that the seat's rear mounting tab touches the top of the rear fender with a permanent marker. Remove the seat again.

5. Drill a mounting hole through the rear fender at the point marked in the previous step, using a 1/4-inch drill bit and an electric drill. Peel away the Painter's tape.

6. Reinstall the Sportster seat again. Insert a 1/4-inch bolt and washer through the seat's rear mounting bracket and the rear fender. Screw a nut onto the bolt's threads under the fender and tighten it with a socket wrench.

Tags: Sportster seat, your Maxim, rear fender, onto your, onto your Maxim, seat onto

Ideas For 50th Gag Gifts For A Biker

For most bikers, it's not just a pastime, it's a way of life.

Motorcycle enthusiasts can be obsessive about their passion, particularly Harley drivers. It's not just a hobby or a mode of transportation, it's a way of life. Not many realize that most folks don't get into motorcycles until later in life. Statistics show 30 percent of all new U.S. bikers are between the ages of 41 and 50. If you have a biker in your life who is turning 50, look to the lighter side of their favorite pastime and poke a little fun with a gag gift. Does this Spark an idea?

T-shirts and Caps

Biker t-shirts and baseball caps in custom designs, personalized or pre-made offer a wide variety of options for 50th birthday gag gifts. T-shirts with mottoes such as "Old Biker Hang Out" suit those with "extra baggage" in the stomach area and caps with "Old Bikers Never Die, They Just Add Another Wheel," refer to the practice of switching from two-wheel motorcycles to three-wheel trikes, as their balance becomes less reliable. Other appropriate designs include tees such as those proclaiming membership of the "Sons of Arthritis" club, a dig at the aches and pains resulting from years of biking.

Jethro Tull's 'Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll, Too Young To Die' CD

Remind him of his youth with a copy of Jethro Tull's 1976 album, "Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll, Too Young To Die." The title track includes references to owning, "a Harley Davidson and a Triumph Bonneville," and the last chorus finishes with the words, "You're never too old to rock 'n' roll if you're too young to die,"--perfect for 50th birthday celebrations at the local motorcycle club. This recording was originally designed as the soundtrack for a stage musical about Ray Lomas, an imaginary biker in his 50s, who is featured in the cartoon inside the album. It includes classic tracks like "From A Dead Beat To An Old Greaser," "Taxi Grab," "Pied Piper" and "The Chequered Flag." T

Gag Bottle Openers

An extra bottle opener is always a useful gift; combine that with gag styles suitable for older bikers and you have a winning formula. Models include a version for the reluctant home improver called the beer hammer. It's designed with a regular hammerhead at one end and a bottle opener at the other end. For earth-friendly bikers celebrating their 50th birthday, select one of the bottle openers made from recycled bike parts. Chains, sprockets and forks are all used to create these bottle openers.

Tags: 50th birthday, bottle opener, bottle openers, Jethro Tull, Rock Roll, Rock Roll Young

Tell If A Sportster 883 Has Been Converted To A 1200

At a glance, 883 and 1200 Sportsters look the same.

There are multiple ways to convert a Sportster with an engine displacement of 883 cubic centimeters into one with an engine displacement of 1200 cubic centimeters. As a result, there are several potential clues to interpret. One infallible test is the removal of the motorcycle heads, which takes a skilled mechanic at least four hours. The cylinders on an 883 are 3 inches in diameter. The cylinder interiors on a 1200 are a full half inch bigger. If you do not feel like rebuilding the whole top end of the motor, though, there are still a few options.

Instructions

1. Look at the heads. If the heads were manufactured by Edelbrock, S&S, Harley-Davidson's own Screamin' Eagle performance line or any manufacturer other than Harley-Davidson they were installed as part of an aftermarket conversion package so the Sportster is a 1200 not an 883.

2. Examine the base of the cylinders. The most common conversion procedure replaces the cylinders but not the heads. If the cylinders are engraved "1200" at their bases the Sportster is a 1200.

3. Ride a known 883 Sportster hard. Ride the 883 on a freeway or interstate and uphill and note the acceleration and torque of that motorcycle.

4. Ride the motorcycle in question. A 1200 Sportster has at least 40 percent more horsepower than an 883. The difference is unmistakable and it is a fool-proof test.

Tags: with engine displacement, cubic centimeters, engine displacement, Sportster 1200, with engine

Straighten A Motorcycle Frame

Straighten minor damages to motorcycle frames in a workshop.

Motorcycle frames are fabricated from tube steel or aluminum alloy tubing, and either type is vulnerable to bending as a result of impact. Frame shops use metal jigs when straightening frames, and each shop has its own method of straightening. In the event your motorcycle frame is seriously bent in more than one place or at the steering headset, a frame shop is the best solution. However, you can correct minor frame damage in your workshop using basic shop tools. Straightening a motorcycle frame is done with the engine, gas tank, wheels, suspension and all accessories removed from the bare frame.

Instructions

Evaluation

1. Secure the motorcycle frame in an upright position on a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood using pipe brackets. Put a bracket over each of the lowest frame tubes and fasten the brackets to the plywood with 3/4-inch wood screws. Drive the screws using a cordless drill with a screw tip attachment. In the event a lower frame tube needs straightening, secure the frame on its side.

2. Inspect the welds at each end of the bent section of the frame. A cracked or broken weld must be repaired before the section can be straightened. Repair any damaged welds before proceeding.

3. Attach a length of nylon string line at each end of the section of the frame tube that needs to be straightened. Tape one end of the line with duct tape at one end of the bent section, then string the line to the opposite end of the section. Pull the line so it is straight and secure the other end with duct tape.

4. Measure the distance from the string line to the center-most portion of the bend. In most cases, a bend that does not exceed 1/4-inch from the string line can be straightened without the services of a frame shop.

Straightening

5. Remove the screws that secure the pipe brackets to the plywood using the cordless drill and screw tip attachment. Set the pipe brackets and screws aside.

6. Lay the motorcycle frame on the plywood with the bent section of the frame atop the plywood. Secure the motorcycle frame to the plywood using the saved pipe brackets and wood screws. Place a strip of duct tape along the upper side of the bent frame tube to prevent scarring or scratching the metal during the straightening.

7. Measure a length of 1 1/4-inch half-round steel pipe long enough to span the bent section and afford you a hand-hold at one end. Cut the piece to length with a hacksaw.

8. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Position the length of half-round steel pipe over the bend. Stabilize one end of the half-round pipe with one hand. Straighten the bend by striking the half-round steel pipe with a steel mallet. Inspect the straightening as you go by checking the gap between the bend and the plywood.

9. Remove the pipe brackets and stand the motorcycle frame on the plywood. Attach a length of string line alongside the straightened frame tube using duct tape.

Repeat the straightening procedure until the distance between the string line and the center-most portion of the bend is no more than 1/32 of an inch.

Tags: motorcycle frame, string line, pipe brackets, bent section, duct tape, frame tube

Run A Computer On An Hd Tv

High definition TVs give consumers access to HD content in the form of Blu-ray discs, broadcast TV and cable TV. You can also use your HDTV as a computer monitor to run your computer. The larger size of an HDTV would be great benefit for a graphic artist, video editor or someone who prefers to have several windows open and visible at the same time.

Instructions

1. Connect the VGA cable to your computer just as you would if you were using a regular computer monitor.

2. Connect the other end of the VGA cable to the "VGA" or "PC Input" on the back of your HDTV. If your TV has a DVI PC input instead of VGA, then use a DVI cable to connect your computer.

3. Turn on your computer, right-click the desktop and select "Properties."

4. Go to the "Settings" tab and adjust your computer's resolution to one that your TV supports. Refer to your HDTV's manual for resolutions that are supported. Your HDTV's native resolution will either be 1280-by-720 or 1920-by-1080, so you should set your computer to one of those.

Tags: your computer, computer monitor, your HDTV

Trim A Male Dog'S Penis Hair

Male dogs need a bikini trim for health reasons.

While clipping your dog's hair is not necessary, trimming the fur around your dog's anus and genitals, as well as the face and paws, is essential for health reasons, according to the Pup Dog Training website. These areas tend to accumulate the most dirt, including urine and fecal matter, and can be sites of possible infection. Teaching yourself trim the long hairs on your male dog's sensitive prepuce (the skin covering his penis) keeps him cleaner, and can save you money on professional grooming.

Instructions

1. Place a towel a little larger than your dog on a table or the ground, depending on the size of your dog.

2. Place your male dog on his side on the towel with his belly facing you and his back legs open so you can see his prepuce. You may need a helper to hold your dog and keep him still during the trimming.

3. Place one hand directly in front of the prepuce, and, holding the clippers or grooming scissors with the other, begin trimming the hair of the prepuce without touching the skin.

4. Trim just enough of the hair to be esthetically pleasing. Cutting off all the hair can cause razor burn and/or skin irritations that can lead to skin infections.

Tags: health reasons, your male

Refinance A Motorcycle

There are generally two reasons why people chose to refinance a motorcycle loan: Interest rates are lower than at the time of the original loan; or a reduced interest rate will result in a savings on the monthly payment, making a refinance more desirable. Personal financial circumstances may have changed such as a need for a lowered payment or a better credit score triggers lowered interest rates and smaller payments for the life of the loan.

Instructions

1. Identify the amount that is outstanding on your existing loan. Most loans, especially vehicle loans, have the interest paid off before the principal.

2. Gather personal and motorcycle information such as registration number, driver's license, insurance documentation and documentation of the current loan.

3. Investigate lending companies. Be sure that they will refinance the loan as some lenders will not offer loans for motorcycles. Get refinancing quotes from at least three different lenders. Compare interest rates, and terms to help make the best decision.

4. Obtain an appraisal of the motorcycle. Refinancing will be restricted to the current market value of the motorcycle. If the bike has depreciated significantly it may reduce the amount of money you can receive for the loan.

5. Purchase a copy of your FICO credit score to ascertain if you are in line for the best interest rates due to good credit standings.

6. Apply for the loan with the lender of your choice and follow proper procedures for loan application per the lender's direction.

Tags: interest rates, credit score

Replace The Tie Rod End On A Sedan

Tie rods are a critical component of steering systems.

A loose steering system that prevents your sedan from tracking in a straight line or causes it to wander when traveling over irregular surfaces is a symptom of worn or damaged steering components. Tie rod ends are one of the steering components most likely to produce these symptoms when worn out. Tie rod ends should be replaced at the first sign of wear or damage to prevent excessive tire wear and possible failure of the steering system.

Instructions

1. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the sedan. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the wheel, but do not remove them.

2. Use the floor jack to raise the vehicle. Place a jack stand underneath the vehicle beneath the frame or a designated lift point and lower the vehicle onto the jack stand. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and remove the wheel from the vehicle.

3. Mark the position of the tie rod end where it enters the tie rod assembly with the yellow marking pencil. This will be the reference point for installing the new tie rod end. Use a box end wrench to loosen the pinch clamp bolts on the tie rod assembly, but do not remove them.

4. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cotter pin from the castle nut on the tie rod end. Use a box end wrench to loosen the castle nut. Unscrew the castle nut, but leave it threaded halfway onto the tie rod end.

5. Use the two jaw puller to remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle by bringing the puller up from underneath the tie rod end and hooking the claw ends over the edges of the steering knuckle. Slowly tighten the screw on the puller until the tie rod is freed from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut and drop the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Unscrew the castle nut and remove the tie rod end from the rod.

6. Unscrew the tie rod end from the tie rod. Compare the old tie rod end with the new tie rod end and make matching marks on the new tie rod end with the yellow marking pencil, then screw the new tie rod end into the tie rod until it reaches the marks you made with the pencil.

7. Insert the tie rod end spindle into the steering knuckle and install the castle nut onto the tie rod end. Tighten the nut with a box end wrench to the manufacturer's recommended torque. Slide the new cotter pin into the tie rod end and bend it around the spindle with needle-nose pliers.

8. Tighten the pinch clamps firmly on the tie rod assembly with a box end wrench. Install the wheel onto the vehicle and install the lug nuts finger tight.

9. Lift the sedan off the jack stand with the floor jack. Remove the jack stand, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Take the vehicle to a mechanic and have the front-end alignment adjusted.

Tags: steering knuckle, jack stand, from steering, from steering knuckle, with wrench

Harleydavidson Hummer History

Harley-Davidson is best known for its big V-twin engine powered motorcycles. Harleys ooze attitude with their unmistakable exhaust sound. But for nearly 20 years, from 1948 until 1966, Harley-Davidson manufactured a series of two-stroke, single-cylinder lightweight motorcycles with engine displacements between 125 cc and 175 cc. These lightweight bikes have come to be referred to as Hummers, though that name was only properly applied to one particular model manufactured from 1955 until 1959.

Early Harley-Davidson Lightweight Motorcycles

As part of war reparations following World War II, the German DKW motorcycle company turned over its designs to the Allies. The British BSA company used these plans to develop the Bantam. In the U.S.S.R. the Mockba M1A was based on the German design. Harley-Davidson modeled their Model S-125 motorcycle on the DKW plans, and produced it from 1948 through 1952. It had a 125 cc engine attached to a rigid, or hard-tail frame and produced three horsepower. Through 1950, the Model S-125 had a girder-type front suspension that used five large rubber bands. The suggested retail price on the Model S-125 was $325 until the front suspension was changed to a "Tele-Glide" hydraulic front fork system. With the addition of the new front suspension the price on the Model S-125 went up to $365 in 1951. In 1953 Harley-Davidson replaced the Model S-125 with the larger Model ST-165. The 165 cc model was in production through 1959.

The Real Harley-Davidson Hummer

By 1954, sales of the Harley-Davidson Model ST-165 were declining, due in large part to competition from Japanese imports. The exception to low sales of the Harley lightweights was Omaha, Nebraska. The Harley-Davidson dealership in Omaha was selling more lightweight motorcycles than any other dealership in the country. That dealership was owned by Dean Hummer. In 1955, Harley-Davidson introduced the Hummer, a 125 cc motorcycle named after the owner of its Omaha dealership. The Hummer was manufactured through 1959. It was a stripped down bike, with a peanut-shaped fuel tank, Tele-Glide front suspension, a seat, headlight, rear brake, squeeze-bulb horn and little else. The Hummer had no speedometer, no front brake, no brake lights or turn signals. It didn't even have a battery; the spark plug and headlight were powered by a magneto.

Harley-Davidson 1960s Lightweight Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson discontinued both the Hummer and Model ST-165 after 1959 and introduced the Super-10. The Super-10 featured a redesigned 165 cc engine and was in production through 1961. Harley-Davidson discontinued the Super-10 and replaced it in 1962 with the stripped down 165 cc Ranger, which had only one production year. Two new 175 cc models were introduced in 1962, the Pacer and the Scat. In 1963, the 175 cc models got a new frame with the Glide-Ride rear suspension, two horizontally-mounted shocks. The Pacer and Scat were produced through 1965. The last model of the American-made lightweights Harley-Davidson offered was the 1966 Bobcat. The Bobcat had a 175 cc engine and one-piece fiberglass bodywork.

The Harley Hummer Club

Harley-Davidson ceased production of its lightweight motorcycles with the 1966 Bobcat. And though the Hummer was only manufactured from 1955 through 1959, the name Hummer has come to be used generically for all the Harley lightweights made from 1948 through 1966. In 1979, Dave Hennessey bought a rust covered Harley-Davidson Hummer for $10. He began looking for other Hummer owners, primarily to share information and locate parts. In 1982, Hennessey began distributing a newsletter, "HummerNews," and officially started the Harley Hummer Club with a membership of 120. The club was incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit organization and began appearing at Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) events. The club still maintains an active website and presence at AMCA events.

Tags: Model S-125, front suspension, from 1948, Model ST-165, through 1959, 1948 through

Appraise Used Honda Cars

If you have a used Honda car, you might be ready to trade it in on a new vehicle or sell it to make some extra money towards buying a new car. Before selling or trading your car, though, you'll want to get an appraisal to make sure you're getting the best price.

Instructions

1. Purchase a copy of the NADA Guide from your nearest bookstore or auto parts store. These books contain the value of almost every car and it can give you a basic idea of the value on your Honda.

2. Visit the Kelley Blue Book website to get information on what your car is worth both as a trade in or a private sale. You can search for the exact make, model and year of your used Honda.

3. Complete a free online appraisal at Cars Direct. They take you through a step-by-step process to determine the exact worth of your car based on the condition, mileage and a number of other factors.

4. Search the Auto Appraisal website to find an agent in your area. The company has agents in nearly all 50 states with field agents working in multiple cities in each area.

5. Schedule an appointment with one of the Auto Appraisal field agents simply by filling out the online form. One of the agents in your area will then contact you about setting up an appointment time when it's convenient for you.

6. Check your phone book to see if there are any appraisers in your general area. These appraisers often work for auction houses and insurance companies, but they also offer appraisals on private cars.

Tags: Auto Appraisal, field agents, used Honda, your area

Recycle Electrical Cable

Some recycling centers strip the rubber from the cords to reveal the precious metal underneath.

Those boxes of old Christmas lights, phone and extension cords finally have a purpose. Used electrical cords are accepted at specific recycling sites and some major retailers throughout the U.S. Recycling cables and cords is one more way to increase your environmental consciousness, along with recycling plastics, paper products and metals. Electrical cables are often constructed of many commonly recycled materials, such as metal and plastics, that are broken down and reused. (see ref 1) Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the lights from Christmas light cords. The electrical cables are recyclable but the lights are not.

2. Wrap the cords. Place the end of the cord in your non-dominant hand. Wrap the cord around your elbow and back into the non-dominant hand. Continue wrapping until you reach the end of the cord. Tie off the cord by looping one of the ends around the girth of the wrapped cord. Slip the free end of the cord through the looping to secure.

3. Locate a recycling center near you that accepts electrical cables. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of recommended resources for electronics recycling. See the resources section for details. Cables that contain metal wiring can be sold at scrap metal centers; however cables must be stripped prior to drop off. Use a wire stripping tool to strip the protective rubber or plastic covering from the wire. The tool is clamped onto one end of the wire. Grip the handle firmly while wiggling the stripper. When you break through the protective covering pull the stripper down the cable with one fast movement.(see ref 2)

4. Drop off your cables. Most electronic recycling must be dropped as pick up recycling services do not have the resources to sort recycled electronics.

Tags: non-dominant hand

The Top Ten V8 Trucks Of 2010

Ford's F-150 may have held the crown for decades, but a whole new crop of condenders have risen to unseat the King.

Defining the word "best" is no less difficult or subjective a thing than defining beauty or perfection. Today's consumers are more discerning and realistic about their needs than ever before, generally opting for function over brand loyalty. Whether you define perfection as a high-speed blast through the desert or beauty as a 10,000-pound towing capacity, the "best" truck of 2010 is probably the one that's best for you.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

The Ram HD has to top this list, if only because it won Motor Trend's prestigious Pickup Truck of the Year award in 2010. The Ram's base 400-horsepower Hemi engine is one of the most powerful available for any truck or SUV, and its optional 350-horsepower Cummins diesel serves up a whopping 650 foot-pounds of torque.

Ford SVT Raptor

This isn't your Dad's F-150. The SVT Raptor is to the F-150 what the Cobra is to the Mustang. Race-ready and Baja-tough from the factory, this off-roader would be more comfortable running the Paris-to-Dakar than circling the Nuremburgring. With a 400-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8, Raptor is the big-kid's toy of this bunch.

Toyota Tundra

Toyota isn't new to the pickup truck market; its near-indestructible Hilux pickup drunk has the dubious distinction of being one of the most popular vehicles amongst certain Middle-Eastern organizations. The Tundra is Toyota's first V-8 powered truck, making good use of its 4.6 liters to produce 310 horsepower and 0-60 times of just under seven seconds.

Chevy Silverado

Sitting on GM's newest GMT900 platform, the Silverado comes with a choice of V-8 engines ranging from 295 horsepower to 400 horsepower. The Silverado won MT's Truck of the Year and North American Truck of the Year, losing out to some others in 2010 only because it was a bit older at the time. The Silverado also comes with a hybrid drive system that helps to boost fuel economy, but is primarily designed to serve as an on-board generator.

GMT900 SUVs

This includes all of GM's SUVs and semi-trucks built on the GMT900 platform. Vehicles built on this chassis include the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Avalanche (essentially a Yukon with a small truck bed on the back). These four SUVs are almost mechanically identical; all but the 6.2-liter-only Cadillac come with the same engine options as the Silverado. Choosing between any of these comes down to a matter of budget and personal preference in terms of style and options.

Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover is Cadillac's primary competitor in the high-powered, high-dollar SUV game. This is particularly true in Europe, where bling-heavy Escalades are generally associated with the classless and nouveau riche. A fully-loaded 400-horsepower supercharged Sport model cost about $10,000 less than a similarly-equipped Caddy, but offered comparable levels of luxury and off-road capability that the diamond-studded Escalade could only dream of.

Tags: Truck Year, comes with, GMT900 platform, only because, Range Rover, Tundra Toyota

The Top 10 Surround Sound Systems

Opinions vary when it comes to listing the top 10 surround-sound systems.

The technological leaps and bounds of the past decade have led to an array of digital home-entertainment systems that can rival the audio and picture of a movie theater. Sound plays a crucial role in the movie-viewing experience, and the only way to fully experience a movie at home in the way the filmmaker intended is through a surround-sound system. If you are looking for the best system to suit your needs, a number of online resources have compiled their own lists of the top 10 surround-sound systems.

Brash Top 10

The Brash website bills itself as a "premium men's lifestyle site" offering content in lifestyle, entertainment, sports and technology. With respect to the latter, Brash has compiled its list of the top 10 home-theater systems. Beginning with the "entry-level" Panasonic SC-PT660, the list also includes the ZVOX 425 Speaker System, the Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theatre System, the Sony DAV-X1, the Bose 3-2-1 Series II, the Samsung HT-BD2, the Onkyo HT-S990THX, the Sony BDV-IT1000ES and the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System.

Home Audio's Top 10 Surround Sounf Systems

Home Audio is a website devoted to home-entertainment sound systems. Home Audio likewise put together its list of "home-theater-in-a-box systems" and its top 10 list of surround-sound systems includes the Sony DAV-FX100W, the Yamaha YHT-160, the Samsung HT-P38, the Sony DAV-FX80, the Onkyo HT-S780, the Sony HT-6900DP, the Harman Kardon CP 15, the Samsung HT-WP38, the Kenwood HTB-204 and the Bose Lifestyle 38 Home Entertainment System.

AudioShopping's Top 10 Best Buy Home Surround Systems

The YouTube channel AudioShopping features a short video presentation highlighting its picks for the top 10 surround-sound systems. They are: the Harman Kardon HKTS 20BQ 5.1, the Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater, the Panasonic SC-HTB500 2.1-Channel SoundBar system, the Bose CineMate Series II Digital Home Theater System, the Onkyo SKS-HT870, the Mirage MX 5.1-Channel Miniature Home Theater, the Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System, the Bose CineMate GS Series II Digital Home Theater, the Polk Audio SurroundBar 50 Surround System and the Klipsch HD Theater 1000.

Top 10 Planet

The website Top 10 Planet is devoted to producing top 10 lists relating to a wide variety of products and topics. Its list of the top 10 home theater systems includes the Panasonic SC-PT660, the ZVOX 425 Speaker System, the Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theatre System, the Sony DAV-X1, the Bose 3-2-1 Series II, the Samsung HT-BD2, the Harmon/Kardon HS 300, the Onkyo HT-S990THX, the Sony BDV-IT1000ES, and the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System.

Tags: surround-sound systems, Bose Lifestyle, Bose Lifestyle Home, Entertainment System, Home Audio

Restore A Dell Intel Pentium Computer To Factory Settings

How Do I Restore a Dell Intel Pentium Computer to Factory Settings?

Restoring a computer to its factory settings returns the computer to the original operating condition. The restoration can be helpful for users experiencing a critical system malfunction because of a virus, accidental deletion of files, corrupted hard drive or system error. For Dell Intel Pentium owners, the manufacturer includes a built-in recovery partition to guide the user through the restore process. Restoring a computer also is useful for wiping the hard drive clean before it changes users.

Instructions

1. Close any programs running on the computer and shut it down. Restart the computer and press the "F8" key when the Dell logo appears on the screen. This will open the "Advanced Boot Options Menu."

2. Disconnect printers, scanners, MP3 players, smart phones, external hard drives or any other hardware device from the computer. Their operating systems can be damaged by the computer's restore process. Keep the mouse and keyboard connected as well as the power supply.

3. Navigate with the arrow keys to the "Repair Your Computer" option. Press the "Enter" button. Select your desired language settings and click "Next." Log-in with the administrator account and click "OK."

4. Click the "Dell Factory Image Restore" icon and click "Next" on the restore program's welcome screen.

5. Click the check box for "Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition." Click the "Next" button to begin the restore process.

6. Click "Finish" once the restore process is completed to restart the computer with the factory settings in place.

Tags: restore process, Dell Intel, Dell Intel Pentium, hard drive, Intel Pentium, Computer Factory, Intel Pentium Computer

Determine If A Tv Is Hd

Determine if your TV is HD or SD.

High definition is set apart from standard definition because of the overall resolution of the image. While standard definition video has 480 lines of horizontal resolution, high definition comes in either 720 or 1080 lines of horizontal resolution. This provides you with over twice the image quality of standard definition (if using the highest quality HD picture). To determine the definition of the video on the television, there are several locations and documents you are able to use as reference points.

Instructions

1. Check the packaging of the television. It is going to state the screen resolution of the TV right there on the box. Additionally, most HD televisions indicated it is "HD" in large font, as the manufacturer wants the consumer to know the TV provides improved video quality.

2. Look into the user manual of the TV. The user manual indicates the specifications of the television, including the image resolution.

3. Check the rear of the television. On the back of the TV, near the connection ports, there is a panel with hardware information regarding the television. This includes the screen resolution of the TV set.

4. Power on the TV, press the "Menu" button and choose "Picture." Displayed in the picture options is the settings of the TV, including the screen resolution. If the resolution is 720 or higher you know the television is high definition.

Tags: screen resolution, standard definition, definition video, high definition, horizontal resolution, lines horizontal, lines horizontal resolution

The Specs For The Harley Fatboy

For 2011, Harley-Davidson offers two types of Fat Boy motorcycles. The Fat Boy Lo differs from the Fat Boy in that the bike has a lower seat. They both share engine and basic chassis details, but the Fat Boy Lo is visibly lower to the ground.

Engine

The 2011 Fat Boys have a twin cam 96B engine of 96 cubic inches displacement that is air-cooled and has a bore and stroke of 3.75 inches by 4.38 inches. The compression ratio is 9.2 to one. The fuel system uses electronic sequential-port fuel injection.

Dimensions

The Fat Boy is 94.3 inches in length, has a wheelbase of 64.5 inches and a trail of 5.8 inches. The fuel tank holds 5 gallons and the oil capacity is 3.5 quarts. The Fat Boy Lo has a ground clearance of 4.8 inches compared to the usual 5.1 inches. The Lo also weighs six pounds more, at 700 pounds, than the Fat Boy does. The Lo's seat height is at 26.35 inches compared to the Fat Boy's 27.5 inches.

Performance

The Fat Boys have a fuel economy of 35 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. The engine produces 93.7 foot-pounds of torque for this classic cruiser.

Tags: Boys have, inches compared

Replace A Head Gasket On A Motorcycle

Replace a Head Gasket on a Motorcycle

While smaller and seemingly less complicated than an automobile's engine, a motorcycle engine is still a complex arrangement of components. Where these components meet, gaskets are used to create seals to prevent the leakage of lubricants, coolants and gases. Due to a number of factors such as age, frequency of use, overpressure and the constant heating and cooling cycles of normal use, gaskets can and will eventually fail. A failed gasket can cause a minor oil leak or a catastrophic coolant leak, and any gasket that has failed should be immediately replaced to ensure the longevity of your motorcycle engine.

Instructions

1. Remove the exhaust headers, fuel tank and any fairings or obstructions per the instructions in your shop manual. For liquid-cooled motorcycles, drain coolant per the instructions in your shop manual. Set parts aside in a safe place to prevent damage.

2. Loosen the cylinder head bolts and gently remove the cylinder head. Remove the old gasket and use the gasket scraper to remove any gasket remnants from the cylinder and cylinder-head gasket surfaces.

3. Lightly coat the new gasket with gasket dressing and place it on the gasket surface of the cylinder. Carefully replace the cylinder head and cylinder head bolts. Tighten the cylinder head bolts to the torque specs outlined in your shop manual.

4. Replace the exhaust headers, fuel tank, fairing and any other part you removed to access the cylinder head. For liquid-cooled motorcycles, refill the cooling system with fresh coolant per the instructions in your shop manual.

Tags: cylinder head, your shop manual, shop manual, your shop, cylinder head bolts, head bolts, instructions your

Build Digital Cars Online

Build your own car online.

If you don't have the luxury of going out to buy your own dream car at the moment, some services allow you to build one online. You can add the finished picture to a bulletin board for motivation or to your computer screen saver as an image. You can also take the online car design to a dealership to see if you can have one built according to your concept.

Instructions

1. Use the Red Custom Car Shop to build a digital car. This allows you to create a concept car, from hot rods to motorcycles, and is best for recreational use. Choose from a list of body styles and set custom exterior and interior options, including wheels and special accessories like body kits for the digital car. You need to have Shockwave plugin installed on your browser to use this free tool.

2. Use Aston Martin's website to build a car online. Choose a model to start the process--a browser-based tool will load. The tool allows you to modify the exterior (including car color, wheel type, and even brakes) as well as the interior (seat colors and hand drive options). This tool only works for Internet Explorer users and you may have to download additional plug-ins. Even if you don't want an Aston Martin, this option will give you an idea of the various options for building a car digitally.

3. Use the Vehix Build a Car tool to create a car online. This option is ideal if you plan to actually purchase a car in the near future and want to build it in advance. Choose from a variety of real car models and choose the "Build this car" option. Choose the trim type, then a color for the car exterior and interior from manufacturer options. Check the type of rims you want for the car and additional options, such as rear spoilers and special seat stitching. When done you're presented with a listing of your options and in some cases an image to view.

Tags: Aston Martin, build online, Choose from, exterior interior, this option

The Specifications Of A Custom Harley Davidson 883xl

Harley-Davidson has been producing the Sportster line of cruisers since 1957.

Harley-Davidson has been producing Sportster cruisers since 1957, the longest in Harley history. The Sportser 883 Custom was introduced in 1999. The Sportster 883 line of cruisers are entry-level Harley-Davidsons, but the New York Times calls the Sportser "the Harley for people who want a stylish ride that gets 60 miles a gallon on the highway." Harley-Davidson dropped the 883 Custom from their lineup for the 2010 model year.

Engine Specs

The Harley Sportster 883 Custom had an 883 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, V-twin-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder. Harley-Davidson called this engine the Evolution. Bore and stroke were 76.2 mm by 96.8 mm and the compression ratio was 8.9:1. The Evolution engine generated 53 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and had a maximum torque of 55 ft.-lbs. at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission Specs

The 883 Custom had a six-speed (one down, five up) transmission. A belt final drive transferred power from the engine to the rear wheel.

Body

Harley-Davidson built the 883 Custom around a stiff, narrow steel frame to improve handling. The telescopic front fork and two rear shock absorbers provided suspension. A single 292-mm hydraulic disc with a twin-piston caliper in the front and a 292-mm hydraulic disc with a single-piston caliper in the rear handled braking. The looks of the 883 Custom were enhanced by the one-piece rider/passenger seat, forward-mounted foot controls, a chrome headlight, shorty-styled chrome mufflers and low-rise handlebars. Instrumentation on the 883 Custom included a speedometer, odometer, clock and dual tripmeter. There were also indicator lights for low fuel, low oil pressure, low battery level, neutral, high beam and turn indicators.

Dimensions

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom was 90.3 inches long with a wheelbase of 60.4 inches. Seat height on the Custom was 28 inches with a ground clearance of 4.4 inches. The dry weight of the cruiser was 565 lbs. and fuel capacity was 4.5 gallons. Harley-Davidson claimed the Custom got 60 mpg under highway conditions and 45 mpg in city riding. For 2009 the Custom was available in four solid colors or five two-tone color combinations. The suggested retail price for a new 2009 Sportster 883 Custom was $7,999 in black, $8,279 in color, $8,444 in two-tone and $8,644 in a custom color.

Tags: Sportster Custom, 292-mm hydraulic, 292-mm hydraulic disc, been producing, been producing Sportster, cruisers since, cruisers since 1957

Edit A Wedding Video

You've captured the romantic moments, sights and sounds of a wedding, a once in a lifetime event for the newlyweds. Once you have the footage you need, it is time to edit the wedding video. If you shot your video well, editing will be fairly straightforward. Adding in special effects, music and animations and rearranging scenes into a different order is not difficult for the average videographer but it can be time consuming.

Instructions

1. Ask the bride and groom how they want their wedding presented. Most couples choose the uncut version of the ceremony with the reception video cut down to the highlights. You may also create a video montage or set some clips to music.

2. Allow enough time to edit the wedding video. A typical wedding video can take 40 to 50 hours to edit. This includes dumping the tapes, creating titles, shooting baby pictures and cropping them as necessary and editing the actual footage.

3. Add extra hours if you plan to print labels for the tapes or DVDs or create animations to use in the video. You will also have to create a master tape and copies, as well as ship them to the newlyweds.

4. Use B roll to smooth transitions between scenes. You can also use it to cover any cuts. B roll is video that adds to the story of the wedding, such as shots of the church and of guests arriving at the wedding.

5. Match up elements in your shots to smoothly join clips that have been taken out of order. For instance, if your subject is sitting cross-legged in one shot, don't cut directly to a shot of them sitting with their legs uncrossed without adding a transition in between.

6. Add wipes. They allow you to cut to a different scene without startling your viewers.

7. Create or capture musical selections to include in your video. This capability might be bundled in with your editing software or you might require a separate program.

Tags: wedding video, edit wedding, edit wedding video, time edit, time edit wedding

Check A Crankshaft Position Sensor

The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor monitors crankshaft position and speed. Your vehicle computer uses this information, along with data from other vehicle sensors, to maintain ignition timing. As a result, problems with the crank sensor or circuit will prevent the engine from starting. If you suspect a bad CKP on your car, follow this guide to test the unit and, if necessary, replace it.

Testing

With your CKP sensor, you can test for voltage output and compare the results to manufacturer specifications. If your voltmeter comes with needle probes, back probe the wires at the sensor connector. If this is not possible, unplug the sensor electrical connector and plug the two halves to a test connector or a couple of jumper wires. Then plug back the connector.

Set your digital multimeter to AC milivolts range and have a helper crank the engine. A typical sensor will have an output above 200 mV. However, you should compare your results with the specifications listed in the service manual for your particular vehicle.

If your service manual gives a resistance value, you can test the sensor without having to crank up the engine. Unplug the sensor and connect the meter probes to each sensor wire connector. Set your meter to Ohms and compare your reading to the resistance value specified in your service manual. If your voltage or resistance values are out of specifications, replace the sensor.

If your test results are within specifications, check the sensor electrical connector and wiring harness. It is common for loose connectors or broken wires to keep the sensor from communicating with the Engine Management System (EMS). Also, make sure to check the trigger wheel. The wheel, located on the crankshaft or damper, may have missing or damaged teeth. Any of these parts or components may trigger a CKP sensor or circuit trouble code.

Replacing the Sensor

Look for the CKP sensor at the front or side of the engine (see Resources). It is usually held in place by a single bolt. Lift the front of your vehicle using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands. Then unplug the sensor electrical connector and remove the bolt with a ratchet and socket.

When installing the new unit, make sure the mounting surface is completely clean to keep the exact distance from the tip of the sensor to the trigger wheel. On some particular models, you might need to adjust the sensor air gap, or its distance from the wheel, before locking the unit in place. If necessary, follow the instructions on your particular vehicle manual for this adjustment.

Tags: electrical connector, sensor electrical, sensor electrical connector, service manual, compare your

Florida Panhandle Colleges

Three prominent universities are in the Florida panhandle.

With its magnolia trees and forested campgrounds, the panhandle in western Florida resembles the bordering states of Alabama and Georgia more than it resembles the tropical paradise of southern Florida. Many of the higher education institutions in the Florida panhandle are community colleges or schools with branch campuses in the panhandle that are primarily based somewhere else. Three major universities are based in the Florida panhandle.

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida began offering classes in 1967 and now enrolls more than 11,000 students from nearly all 50 states and almost 90 foreign countries. The campus covers 1,600 acres and contains plenty of water and trees to provide a comfortable refuge from the Florida sun. The Pensacola school boasts 13 athletic teams competing in the Gulf South Conference of NCAA Division II. Students at West Florida have the opportunity to join more than 150 clubs and organizations. The school is just a 20-minute drive from the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

University of West Florida

11000 University Pkwy.

Pensacola, FL 32514

850-474-2000

uwf.edu

Florida State University

Based in Florida's capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University enrolls about 40,000 students. Florida State is a diverse university, with minorities making up 30 percent and women composing 57 percent of the student body. The university offers more than 275 degree programs, including physics, criminology, medicine and law, as well as Ph.D. programs in such fields as molecular biophysics and neuroscience. Florida State is also known for its success in athletics. The Seminoles' football team is an annual contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference and captured national championships in 1993 and 1999. The school has won national titles in both men's and women's track and field, with the men's team capturing three consecutive championships from 2006 to 2008.

Florida State University

600 W. College Ave.

Tallahassee, FL 32306

850-644-2525

fsu.edu

Florida A&M University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University began in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students. The college began with one building and two instructors. By 1910 the college had 317 students and began awarding its first degrees. The school became a university in 1953 and has continued to grow ever since, becoming one of the nation's most prominent historically black colleges. Florida A&M's academics have received accolades from magazines, such as Time, BusinessWeek and Black Enterprise. Notable Florida A&M graduates include Wimbledon champion Althea Gibson, former American Cancer Society president Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., actress T'Keyah Keymah and sports reporter Pam Oliver.

Florida A&M University

Tallahassee, FL 32307

850-599-3000

famu.edu

Tags: Florida State, more than, West Florida, Florida panhandle, Florida State University, Florida University, State University

Boost A Motorcycle Battery

Boost a motorcycle's battery with a charger.

A charged battery is imperative to a working motorcycle. Even the newest and most expensive motorcycle will not operate without a battery that has enough charge in it. As motorcycle batteries age, they tend to lose their charge at a faster pace. Boosting a motorcycle's battery is an important part of proper maintenance. This can be done with a minimal amount of effort, when using the right tools.

Instructions

1. Review motorcycle battery chargers on motorcycle parts and service web sites. One such site is JP Cycles (see Resources.) Some things to look for are the amount of time it takes to charge and the cost. A popular battery charger is the Battery Tender JR. This will not only boost the battery's charge, but also keep it at the required level.

2. Read in the owners manual properly access the motorcycle battery for your specific bike. In many cases, the battery is under the seat, or it may be located behind a cover on the side of the bike. Unscrew the screws that hold the positive and negative wires, and gently take the battery out of its compartment. There may be a rubber strap that needs to be unhooked as well.

3. Plug the charger's electrical cord into an electric socket. Clamp the red jumper cable onto the battery's positive terminal and the black cable onto the battery's negative terminal. The positive terminal is labeled with a "+" and the negative is labeled with a "-" (plus and minus.) The light on the charger will be red while it is charging and turn green when fully charged (as is the case with the Battery Tender JR.)

4. Unclamp the clamps from the battery. Place the battery back into its compartment and screw the positive and negative wires into their respective terminals. Replace the cover and/or seat according to the motorcycle's owner manual. Start your bike and ride with the confidence of knowing you have a full battery again.

Tags: motorcycle battery, Battery Tender, cable onto, cable onto battery, labeled with

Transfer A Video From A Panasonic Hd Camcorder

Your camcorder lets you enjoy HD home videos in your own entertainment center.

Your Panasonic camcorder lets you capture all kinds of events as high-quality videos that you can later enjoy on your computer or TV. A couple of ways you can get the videos to these devices is by copying them directly to a computer or directly onto a DVD using an external DVD burner drive. The only current models that don't support directly burning to DVDs are the HDC-SD40P, the HDC-TM40P and the HDC-TM41P, but you can still transfer videos from those to your computer.

Instructions

PC Transfer

1. Turn on your camcorder and PC.

2. Connect your camcorder to a free USB port on your computer using the camcorder's provided cord.

3. Touch the "PC" option on the camcorder's screen.

4. Click the "Start" button on your PC and then click "Computer" in the resulting menu. In the new window that appears you can double-click on your camera, which will be displayed as a drive. You may need to wait for a moment or two for the drive to appear. If you have an SD card in your camera in addition to internal memory, two drives will appear, one with the term "SD" in the drive name and the other with the term "MEM" in the drive name.

5. Double-click the drive you want to open to view its contents. If you opened the "SD" drive, you need to double-click "Private" next.

6. Double-click "AVCHD" to display the folders with your video data.

7. Double-click "BDMV" to view your videos. You can drag and drop them to your computer to transfer them. The other folder in "AVCHD" is "AVCHDTN," which only contains the video thumbnails, which you do not need to transfer.

8. Click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon on your computer when you're done transferring videos. This icon is in the System Tray, which is in the lower right corner of the screen, and it looks like a USB cord. If you don't see it, click the arrow icon in the System Tray to reveal hidden items.

9. Click your camcorder in the list of connected devices, and in a moment Windows will inform you that you may safely remove it.

10. Remove the USB cord from your computer and camcorder.

DVD Burning

11. Plug in your DVD burner and your Panasonic camcorder to a wall outlet.

12. Turn on the camcorder and the burner, if necessary.

13. Change the camcorder's mode to "Playback" by sliding the switch on the back of the camera to the option with the play arrow icon.

14. Connect the burner to your camcorder using the burner's provided USB cord. Some camcorders, like the HDC-SD10PP and HDC-AM15P models, use a mini USB port instead of a standard USB port. Regardless, the cord you need is available with many DVD burners or as a stand-alone purchase; it is not provided with your camcorder.

15. Select the storage location, media type and video quality, if necessary. Only certain Panasonic camcorders will prompt you for this information, so if you don't see any prompts, you don't need to do anything. You'll select either the SD card or built-in memory for storage, the media type ("Video") and the video quality you want to burn ("High definition" or "Standard").

16. Open the burner tray and insert a blank writable DVD.

17.Touch the "Burn disc" option on the camcorder's display screen.

18. Touch "Select scenes" or "Select date" to choose the video you want to transfer. You will then be able to select one or multiple videos to burn to the DVD.

19. Touch "Start" to begin burning the DVD.

20. Eject the DVD when your camcorder display informs you that the burn process is complete.

Tags: your computer, your camcorder, your camcorder, arrow icon, burner your, camcorder display

Adjust A Harley Cv Carburetor

Harley-Davidson V-twin engine

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. used the constant velocity (CV) carburetor in the 1988 Sportsters, 1990 Big Twins (EVO and TC88) until 2006. Since then, all Harley-Davidson motorcycles make use of fuel injection. The CV carburetor may show signs of needing to be tuned. These signs include a drastic decrease in fuel economy, black smoke appearing from the exhaust, sluggish acceleration, the engine spitting back through the carburetor, or hesitating upon acceleration. A low-speed circuit adjustment to the carburetor can be made in minimal time

.

Instructions

1. CV carburetor mounted to a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine

Check spark plug for light-brown glassy deposits which may be accompanied by cracks in the insulator or erosion of the electrode, which indicates a lean air-fuel mixture. Dry, fluffy or sooty black deposits indicate a rich carburetor air-fuel mixture.

2. Locate the idle mixture screw on the bottom outlet side of the carburetor, in a passageway next to the float bowl. Turning the idle mixture screw in, or clockwise, will lean the idle mixture and turning it out, or counterclockwise, will enrich it.

3. Drill out the metal plug covering the idle mixture screw. Do not drill too far into the plug; wrap the drill bit with tape or string to prevent you from drilling too far and damaging the screw.

4. Pry out the plug with a small pick.

5. Turn the idle mixture screw in (clockwise) until it stops. Do not over-tighten the idle mixture screw. Damage to the screw and its seat may result.

6. Turn idle mixture screw two turns out (counterclockwise) to an idle speed of 1,000 rpm.

7. Adjust the screw 1/2 turn at a time. After each adjustment, reset the idle speed to 1,000 rpm. The maximum adjustment range is 1/2 to 3-1/2 turns.

Tags: idle mixture, idle mixture screw, mixture screw, air-fuel mixture, idle speed