Owing a Harley-Davidson appeals to a lot of people. There's often quite a bond between bike and owner, something they say car owners aren't able to understand. This bond can, of course, be developed for buyers of used Harleys as well. However, there are some things to look for when buying used.
Know What You Want
Harleys come in a multitude of flavors, so it's important to match up yourself up with the right bike. Harley-Davidson is more of a cruising or custom-type motorcycle. So if your style of riding is geared toward sports or racing, even a used Harley "Sportster" may not be right for you.
Make sure you choose a bike you can handle. Harleys can be big and powerful, so it may be better to set your sights on some moderate horsepower and graduate to a stronger bike down the line. Being able to handle and maneuver your bike is far more important than starting with a heavier bike. By purchasing used, you can avoid the buying pressure that comes with the longer-term commitment of a new bike. Additionally, Harleys are extremely durable and engineered to last -- important for a used bike.
You may want to consider renting a motorcycle before buying even a used bike to make sure ownership is right for you. Harley-Davidson dealers offer rentals.
Where to Buy
Obviously, buying any vehicle used comes with some risks. One of the safer ways is to buy a used Harley directly from a dealer. Most offer some sort of pre-owned assurance program complete with financing and limited warranty. Their reputation as a dealer is on the line with any product they sell. Buying from a dealer may be a good way to limit your chances of "buying someone else's problem."
If you consider buying from an owner, check to see if a vehicle history report is available via the VIN number. Ask if he's the original owner and why he's selling. Make sure to get a good feel for how he cared for and stored the bike. Most Harley-Davidson owners maintain their bikes very well and may be looking to simply trade up for a newer or bigger model. If he seems like he is parting with an old friend, this is probably a good sign.
If you use Internet resources such as eBay, try to remain within driving distance of the cycle owner. This can eliminate some of the ambiguity about an online seller and any overhyped claims of an unseen bike. Be sure to follow the guidelines, including doing due diligence on the seller's transaction history. Another idea is to ask the seller if he can provide written service receipts.
The bike
When you go to meet your potential new hog, see if you can bring along someone who really knows bikes to check it out thoroughly. Scratched paint can mean the bike was mishandled. Also be on the lookout for rust to see if the bike was repeatedly left out in the rain. Check the tires and pedals as well and be sure often overlooked items such as blinkers are still working.
When you start the engine, make sure it sounds right and check for dark smoke from the exhaust, a sign that the engine is worn. Make sure it's not leaking oil.
Tags: comes with, even used, from dealer, Make sure, used bike
Before Harley-Davidson's first Fat Boy motorcycle rolled off the assembly line in York, Pennsylvania, in 1990, a growing rumor about its name said the new bike---and its fans---had a bad attitude about foreign competition.
Harley's Take
The Fat Boy name came out of a "brainstorming session" of Harley employees, according to Martin Jack Rosenblum, historian emeritus for Harley-Davidson. The bike had a "massive appearance" and the name was a "poetic way to describe the enormity of the machine." Harley made a bike with a similar name, Fat Bob, from 1979 to 1982.
The rumor
According to some, "Fat Boy" is the alleged combination of "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," names of the atomic bombs dropped by United States on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, bringing an end to World War II.
Background
The Fat Boy came to market in an era when Harley-Davidson faced stiff competition from Japanese rivals. Patriotism ran high among loyal Harley owners. The Fat Boys' retro style satisfied a growing taste for nostalgic motorcycle design.
Details
Believers of the bomb story point to the appearance of the first Fat Boy---medium-gray gas tank and fenders, school-bus-yellow trim and a winged logo suggesting a pilot's insignia. The Enola Gay, a B29 bomber that dropped Little Boy on Hiroshima, was a silver plane with yellow tips on its black propellers.
Eyewitness denial
Saying the Fat Boy was designed to diss Japanese competitors is "one of those urban legends, completely false," says Rosenblum. When the legend came to light, Rosenblum says, "everyone (in the corporate office) was shocked."
One cardinal rule that is touted by fashionistas is that women should never wear pantyhose with open-toed shoes, including strappy sandals. However, not everyone wants to or is able to subscribe to that particular fashion rule. This is especially true if you need the support of pantyhose and would like to wear a skirt and strappy sandals during the summer. If you plan on wearing strappy sandals, you can still wear pantyhose with them by implementing a few strategies. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Purchase pantyhose that are an exact match for your skin color. The closer they are to your skin tone, the less likely it will be that people will notice them. Make sure that the pantyhose are as sheer as possible.
2. Wear pantyhose that have sheer toes. Do not wear pantyhose with strappy sandals if they have a reinforced, darker toe. It will be obvious that you are wearing pantyhose.
3. Try wearing toe-less pantyhose. Make sure that they are an almost exact match to your own skin or else your toes will be an obviously different color than the pantyhose. Toe-less pantyhose have binding between the base of the big toe and the other toes, like a thong, to keep them in place. Toe-less pantyhose can be found in many stores and also can be purchased online.
4. Cut the feet off of your pantyhose. This works when you are wearing strappy sandals with pants, rather than with skirts or a dress. Using sharp scissors, cut off the feet just above the hem of your pants. While they may ride up a bit during the day, they will provide the control that you may desire, while not being visible to others.
Tags: pantyhose with, strappy sandals, wear pantyhose, wear pantyhose with, your skin, exact match
Whether you are looking for an after-school job or a second job to bring in some extra income, you may want to consider newspaper delivery. City deliveries can be done by foot or bicycle, depending on the size of the route, while rural deliveries typically require motorized transportation to cover the large routes.
Instructions
1. Determine your availability before starting your search. Can you work part time, full time, evenings or weekends? Knowing your schedule beforehand will help you weed out the delivery jobs that won't fit into your schedule.
2. Make sure that your driver's license, registration and auto insurance are all current, if you are seeking a delivery job which includes routes to be delivered by car. While you will be responsible for carrying your own insurance, employers need to know that you are adhering to all motor vehicle rules and regulations.
3. Start looking for delivery jobs in the local newspapers. If you live in a very small community, you may want to seek newspaper delivery jobs in a neighboring city. Most larger city newspapers have subscribers in rural areas and surrounding small towns, and offer a wide range of routes from which to choose.
4. Search online job markets (Monster, Careerbuilder, etc.) for newspaper delivery jobs. If this is your first job, and you don't have a work history, it may be best to contact the potential employer by email or telephone. Explain your situation and let them know your availability and then allow them to contact you if they have a position available that fits your requirements.
5. Call the numbers listed in classified ads and ask to speak with the person in charge of delivery services. Make sure to use a professional tone when speaking with the person in charge of hiring. First impressions are important, no matter what the occasion. Introduce yourself and let her know which routes you would be interested in working.
6. Complete any required applications, and provide information about your driver's license and auto insurance. Be sure to include at least two contact phone numbers, and an email address so that you can be easily contacted should the newspaper decide to employ you.
Tags: delivery jobs, newspaper delivery, auto insurance, driver license, Make sure
The Street Bob ethos sees many of H-D's typical fripperies stripped away.
Harley-Davidson is a U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer. Typically, it is easy to find Harley-Davidson parts for purchase if the factory part number is available, but less so when only the model year and bike description is known. Workshop manuals are usually held by reputable agents and service locations; the staff may be prepared to look up a part number.
The FXDBI Street Bob
The Street Bob was yet another Harley-Davidson factory stab at the mass-production of a personal customization. In the immediate postwar period, motorcycles took on a new identity as a method of personal expression. Riders interested in increased performance removed extraneous parts from their Harley-Davidsons to increase acceleration, top-end speed and handling characteristics. The Street Bob, formally referred to as the FXDBI, was a custom cruiser that mimicked this stripped-down look by minimizing, among other things, chrome parts that did little but ornament the motorcycle. Sold new in model year 2007 for $13,195, it used a fuel-injected 88-cubic-inch engine exhaling through dual staggered shorty pipes, a six-speed gearbox with a belt drive and disc brakes all round. As of 2012, the FXDB line remains in production.
Seats
Seats that fit the Street Bob also fit Dyna, Super Glide, Wide Glide and Fat Bob models. This makes finding a replacement seat a simple project but perhaps a difficult choice. Some seats manufactured specifically for the 2009 model year and later may not fit the 2007 machine without a little modification.
Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts
The original seat on the 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Bob was 26.8 inches above the ground. The part number is 51475-07; Harley-Davidson confirms this is a solo seat that fits the 2008 model year also. As stocked at Ronnie's Harley-Davidson, a mail-order specialist vendor for original Harley-Davidson parts, the part is priced as of January 2012 at $192.49 retail, $163.49 discounted.
Custom Seats
Many aftermarket parts companies manufacture seats to fit the 2007 Street Bob. Representative of these are C&C's part No. 1405, a low-profile solo unit; their part No. 1435 is a fast-back, two-up seat and their part No. 1455 is a sports touring two-up seat featuring a removable driver's backrest. Mustang Motorcycle Seat's part No. 75595 is a single piece, two-up fastback seat with integral back support for the rider. The Le Pera Bare Bones seat sold as part No. 801-466 by J and P Cycles is a narrow-profile solo seat intended to complement a sleek overall design.
Tags: model year, part number, Harley-Davidson parts, solo seat, their part
An oil cooler is not a stock option on any Harley-Davidson model; however, if you have increased the torque and horsepower of your motorcycle, it is important to cool the oil, as these changes cause a rise in oil temperature. An aftermarket oil cooler is a simple and effective addition to your Harley-Davidson. Once you install the oil cooler, the assembly will keep oil regulated to normal running temperatures.
Instructions
1. Remove the bolts that hold the voltage regulator in place with a wrench. The voltage regular is located just in front of the motor in between the floorboards of your motorcycle. Allow the voltage regulator to hang down by the cable that connects it to the motorcycle.
2. Remove the oil filter by hand -- allowing the oil to drip into a drain pan. Separate the halves of the oil filter adapter that came with your aftermarket oil cooler. Place the rear piece of the adapter in place on the 1-inch locknut where you removed the oil filter. Tighten the locknut with a wrench to secure the rear half of the adapter.
3. Install the screws -- covered with Locktite -- with a screwdriver to connect the other half of the adapter to the motorcycle.
4. Install the angled brackets included with your oil cooler onto the mounting studs of the voltage regulator. Place the bolt into the left side of the bracket but do not tighten at this time. Reinstall the voltage regulator onto the angled brackets and tighten the bolts with a wrench to hold the voltage regulator in place.
5. Place the ground wire from your oil cooler onto the stud on the right hand side of the voltage regulator. Place a nut over the stud and tighten with a wrench. Also tighten the bolt from the left side of the angled brackets installed earlier.
6. Install and tighten with a wrench the hardware and mounting screws through the cross-member and oil cooler.
7. Install the oil line provided with your oil cooler onto the filter adapter and tighten the clamps of the hose with a wrench. Install a new oil filter.
8. Determine the length of oil line you need and cut off the excess and discard. Connect the other end of the oil line to the oil cooler. Tighten the hose clamps with a wrench.
9. Route the red wire on the oil cooler up the frame to a switched power source. Remove the headlight by removing the screws that hold the trim ring surrounding the headlight with a screwdriver. Pull the headlight out and connect the red wire to the switched power source after you cut the wire to the appropriate length.
10. Reinstall the headlight and the trim ring. Tighten the trim ring screws with a screwdriver.
11. Place the oil cooler cover over the oil cooler assembly and tighten the screws that hold it in place with a screwdriver.
Tags: with wrench, voltage regulator, with screwdriver, angled brackets, cooler onto, that hold
Harley-Davidson is of the only major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression.
Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer founded in Wisconsin in 1903. Although Harley-Davidson's are known for being well-engineered, like any machine they can still occasionally have mechanical problems. It is recommended that a certified mechanic conduct any extensive machinery work on the motorcycle for safety reasons. However, any Harley rider can pursue a brief troubleshooting and repair session at home with ease.
Instructions
1. Check the fluids in the upper portion of the front forks and the shocks. They must be topped off and fully-sealed. An oil leak can cause loss of control, reduce contact patch integrity, and force tires to bounce on rough pavement.
2. Adjust the carburetor to lessen a rough idle or to eliminate sputtering when starting. To do so, turn the carburetor screw with a wrench until you get a desired fuel flow to run the motor smoothly.
3. Test the battery to ensure maximum power. An auto supply store will usually test the battery for free. Batteries generally fail in three ways: not charging; not holding the charge; or not releasing a charge under load. The headlights won't work with one of the first two problems. If the battery isn't releasing the charge, the headlights can still work but the engine won't turn over. Replace the battery if needed.
4. Inspect the bike for any visible damage. Harley-Davidson recalled many 2008 models for cracks in the fuel filter shell, and they recalled several 2009 and 2010 models to reinforce the front fuel tank mounts. A crack in this area can result in a loss of fuel pressure, which causes frequent stalls and loss of performance.
5. Ensure that air pressure is at an appropriate level. Allow the bike to remain stationary few hours, then test again. Low air pressure can indicate a leak in the air tubing extending from each shock, or fork tube, to the Schrader valve. Be sure to also inspect the tubing for kinks, cracks or leaks. Replace any tubing, or fittings, that are damaged.
In the state of Texas, anyone aged 16 or older who completes a safety-training course and passes a driving test can receive an unrestricted license to operate motorcycles on public roads. Motorcyclists in Texas in the market for a new or used bike can find dozens of motorcycle shops throughout the state, particularly in large metropolitan areas. These Texas motorcycle shops frequently sell parts and may service bikes as well.
The Old Bike Shop
The Old Bike Shop is on Empire Central in northwest Dallas. The shop focuses primarily on routine maintenance and repair service. The technicians at the shop have certification through Harley Davidson and can work on any type of V-twin engine produced from 1936 onward. The Old Bike Shop also takes used motorcycles on consignment, allowing owners to show their bikes at the shop's showroom in order to locate a buyer. The shop also has an onsite museum of motorcycle history that customers and the public can tour. The Old Bike Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Motorcycles Unlimited
Motorcycles Unlimited is on FM 1960 Road West in West Houston, Texas. All of the technicians and employees that work at the shop are motorcycle riders or racers, according to its website. The shop sells used bikes on consignment, dealing in late models, such as those from the 1990s and onward. Motorcycles Unlimited offers service and accident repair on all types of bikes. Additionally, the shop performs customization jobs such as improvements to suspension systems or engines. The store also sells parts and motorcycle gear. It maintains a standard selection of inventory and can special order many other items. Motorcycle Unlimited is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Alamo Cycle Plex
The Alamo Cycle Plex is on IH-10 West in northwest San Antonio and opened during the 1960s. The family-owned motorcycle shop sells new bikes, including those made by Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha. In addition, the dealership carries a selection of pre-owned motorcycles accepted that were accepted as trade-ins or purchased by the shop. The store's technicians inspect all used vehicles before selling. Financing is available for qualified buyers of new and used bikes.
The service department at Alamo Cycle Plex performs routine maintenance and repair work on all types of motorcycles as well as watercraft and all-terrain vehicles. The shop also sells parts both online and at its location in San Antonio. The Alamo Cycle Plex is open Tuesday through Sunday for both sales and service.
Bud's Motorcycle Shop
Bud's Motorcycle Shop is on South First Street between Cumberland Road and Hendron Lane in Austin. The family-owned business began in 1979. The shop sells customized chopper motorcycles built onsite. It also takes use bikes on consignment. All of the service technicians at Bud's Motorcycle Shop have certification through Harley Davidson. The shop offers tune-ups, lube jobs, bodywork and can also perform overhauls and upgrades to existing parts. For customers' convenience, the shop offers free pick-up and drop-off of motorcycles coming in for service. Bud's Motorcycle Shop also sells used new and used parts. The shop's hours and days of operation vary.
Tags: Alamo Cycle, Alamo Cycle Plex, Bike Shop, Cycle Plex, Motorcycle Shop, also sells, Motorcycles Unlimited
Small Computer System Interface, or SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy"), is a type of bus used primarily in high-end computer workstations as well as servers. SCSI is also known for having much higher-performing hard disk drives compared with parallel and serial ATA. These drives are also appropriately much more expensive. Set up a three-drive SCSI system based on U160/U320 specifications.
Instructions
1. Install the SCSI host adapter into the computer. Use a PCI slot close to your drive bays.
2. Set each SCSI drive with a different SCSI ID--ideally, the boot drive with ID 0 and so on. It is recommended to use sequential numbers.
3. Install the three drives to the computer in numerical order, drive ID 0 lowest, drive ID 2 highest. Install them right next to each other. Attach the LVD cable to the host adapter and drives. The single connector that is far away from all of the others is the one you attach to the host adapter. Then attach the nearest connector to drive ID 0, and each subsequent connector to the next drive.
4. Attach the LVD terminator to the last empty LVD cable drive connector. Plug power connectors into all three SCSI drives.
Harley-Davidsons have been a symbol of the American road for decades. Popular with outlaw bikers and police officers alike, the Harley-Davidson is inseparable in popular imagination from the motorcycle itself. For those interested in buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, knowing the engine specifications is the first step toward knowing what bike is best for you.
Dyna Street Bob
The 2011 Dyna Street Bob retails for around $13,000, depending on the options. The bike is more than 7 1/2 feet long with a seat sitting a little over 2 feet above the ground regardless of whether you are on it or not. The bike has a ground clearance of almost 5 inches. The steering head has a rake of 29 degrees. The engine has a displacement of 96 cubic inches with a six gear chain transmission. The bike boasts fuel economy rates of 54 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city.
Sportster Nightster
Harley-Davidson's 2011 Sportster Nightster retails for around $10,000 depending on coloring and options. The bike has a steering rake of 30.4 degrees and a trail of 4.6 inches. The tank holds 3.3 gallons of gas with a running order weight of 562 lbs. The bike boasts 79 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Sportster Nightster gets 57 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg in the city. It has a chain transmission system with five speeds.
Heritage Softail Classic
The Heritage Softail Classic starts at $17,000 but might cost more depending on what color and options you choose. The bike has a 31 degree rake with a 5.8-inch trail and a 64.5-inch wheel base. The air-cooled engine has a displacement of 96 cubic inches, gets 54 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the city and boasts 92.2 feet inches of torque when running at 3,000 rpm. The engine runs on six gears. The bike's wheels have both chrome and laced aluminum and steel.
Road King
The 2011 Road King starts at around $17,000. The bike has a ground clearance of more than 5 inches with a rake of 26 degrees and a trail of 6.69 inches. The air-cooled engine runs on six speeds with a chain transmission. The displacement is 96 inches and the bike gets 54 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city. The gas tank holds up to 6 gallons of fuel, meaning that you can go about 300 miles on a single tank.
Tags: highway city, chain transmission, gets highway, gets highway city, rake degrees, Sportster Nightster, air-cooled engine
A fairing bra is a durable shield designed to protect your motorcycle's paint job from road grime and stone chips. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide fairing bra is custom manufactured to fit perfectly over the fairing of any Road Glide built after 1998. Because it consists of only one solid piece, it is easy to put in place. All you need are a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Follow the instructions carefully when installing the fairing bra and work slowly. If you have trouble locating any of the parts, consult the diagram in the Road Glide bra's instructions provided as a resource.
Instructions
1. Remove the screws, washers and nuts that affix the windshield to the fairing. Have a friend hold the windshield in place.
2. Place the fairing bra over the fairing so that the holes in the top of the bra line up with the windshield holes you just freed up.
3. Replace the screws, washers and nuts.
4. Pull the headlight cover off the bra.
5. Place the loops at the bottom of the headlight opening over the studs on the fairing's headlight casing. The studs are located right behind the loops.
6. Snap the headlight cover back onto the bra.
7. Remove the nuts and plate that affix the right side of the fairing to the engine guard mount. The nuts and plate are located on the lower half of the side of the fairing.
8. Line up the corresponding holes on the fairing bra over the holes for the nuts and plate that you just removed.
9. Replace the nuts and plate.
10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 on the left side of the fairing's engine guard mount.
11. Loosen but do not remove the screws that hold the inner and outer halves of your Road Glide's fairing together. These screws are located on the back of the fairing just below the windshield. Slide the metal tabs affixed to the fairing underneath the screws. Re-tighten the screws. Take care not to scratch your Road Glide's paint while inserting the tabs.
Tags: Road Glide, nuts plate, side fairing, your Road Glide, engine guard, engine guard mount
A hydraulic suspension system uses hydraulic pumps that lift the suspension up and down. The pumps are powered by multiple batteries, because the more batteries in the system, the faster the car will lift. These setups are typically found in lowrider vehicles, and the batteries have no way to charge other than using a battery charger. If you've never done this before, it can seem daunting, but it's not a very complicated process.
Instructions
1. Pop the trunk of the car and locate the batteries for the hydraulic setup. Count the number of batteries in the system and multiply that number by 12. This is the amount of voltage available in the hydraulic system.
2. Disconnect the wiring between the batteries by either removing the wingnuts on the terminals or using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the battery cables to the side.
3. Connect the positive terminal from the first battery in the chain to the negative terminal on the second battery using the ratchet or a wingnut. Do this again for the next battery in the chain until you have three batteries connected.
4. Connect the negative clamp on the battery charger to the negative post on the first battery, then the positive clamp on the charger on the positive post on the third battery. Adjust the knobs on the battery charger to read 36 volts, then turn it on to automatically charge the batteries. Repeat this process for every bank of three batteries that you have. If you have less than three, adjust for either 12 or 24 volts on the charger if you have one or two batteries.
Tags: battery charger, batteries system, battery chain, first battery, three batteries
While nothing compares to seeing them on the big screen, you can find free movie trailers to watch on the Internet much more easily and for a far lower cost. More and more, studios are releasing them online for free viewing and download, many times in HD video, in order to further promote their products beyond the theatre. There are a number of places on the Internet to find free movie trailers to watch, though the ones listed below are primarily official distribution sites for the studios.
Instructions
1. Find the official website for the film in question. Many studios will provide not only free movie trailers to watch on the official sites of their productions, but other promotional materials such as: wallpapers, TV commercials, information about the film and its characters, and more.
2. Visit Apple's website to find a huge number of free movie trailers to watch. The ones available here are also available on the iTunes music store. The benefit of downloading them from Apple is that they are available not only in HD, but also in the proper format to be transferred to the iPod or another portable media player.
3. Go to Hulu to find streaming options for free movie trailers to watch. Here, you will also find full TV shows and older films to watch online for free. New TV shows are usually available from one day to one week from their original air date, and various older shows and films are available as licensing allows.
4. Check AOL's Moviefone website to find not only free movie trailers to watch, but also local theatre listings and show times. Some theatres even allow for tickets to be purchased online in order to save time waiting in line.
Tags: trailers watch, movie trailers, movie trailers watch, free movie, free movie trailers, free movie trailers
Owners who ride a Honda Ruckus usually do so for their gas-saving engines and compact design that make them great motorbikes for city driving. The design of the Ruckus is solid and fashionable but lacks personality. Although these bikes are relatively small in size and short on creature comforts, it is possible to ads a little flair and style to your Honda Ruckus with aftermarket options such as wheels, tires, paint graphics and performance upgrades.
Instructions
1. Install aftermarket rims. The stock rims on the Honda Ruckus are basic moped rims and add unnecessary weight to the bike. Aftermarket rims are lighter and stylish. They also come in colors that can complement the color scheme of your Ruckus. When upgrading rims, it's common to upgrade the tires at the same time. It's possible to upgrade to tires with tread designs commonly found on street bikes that have several hundred more horsepower than the Ruckus.
2. Upgrade to a high flow exhaust muffler. The stock muffler used on the Ruckus is restrictive, i.e., horsepower is being robbed by the exhaust system because gases cannot escape the engine quickly enough. A high flow exhaust muffler will not only add a few decibels to your bike's exhaust note, it will reduce back pressure and allow for more horsepower gains.
3. Install a Ruckus graphic kit to personalize the paint scheme. Popular on dirt bikes and four-wheelers, graphics kits are popular with scooter enthusiasts as well. Adding graphics will allow you to add personal flair to your Ruckus.
4. Install ape hanger handlebars. Ape hanger handlebars were made famous when people started to install them on custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These handlebars sit high so you have to reach out to hold them. They give a bike a custom look but can take some time to get used to. However, they will surely turn heads on a Ruckus.
Cannondale's Jekyll offers supple suspension and relatively lightweight.
Cannondale became a leader in bicycle innovation in the 1980s with the development of their lightweight yet strong aluminum frames. During the 1990s Cannondale further solidified their role as an industry leader with their groundbreaking suspension technologies. The Delta V was introduced at the dawn of the 1990s, but it was the Super V model that proved a full-suspension bicycle could be compete with the best bikes on the market. The Jekyll model of the 2000s carried on Cannondale's legacy as a top-shelf bike manufacturer.
Frame
The backbone of this mountain bike is Cannondale's aluminum Jekyll frame. This frame employs a single pivot design that provides for more rigidity for increased pedaling efficiency and handling prowess than designs built around multiple pivot points and linkages. The mainframe and swing arm of this Cannondale are both built out of aluminum alloy and are linked by a Fox Float air shock providing 4.5 inches of suspension travel at the rear wheel.
Fork
The Jekyll 700 comes equipped with Cannondale's HeadShok Fatty DL suspensions fork. This fork is an air-oil design equipped with a switch to turn off the suspension for long hill climbs. The Fatty DL provides 3.2 inches of suspension travel. This fork moves on a set of 88 needle bearings which creates less friction than the standard bushing design, allowing for more responsive tracking over stutter bumps. The Fatty DL equipped on the Jekyll 700 is disc brake specific and does not include mounts for traditional V-bakes.
Gearing
Cannondale's Jekyll 700 full-suspension bike offers 27 speeds with most of its shifting equipment being furnished by Shimano. Mounted onto the rear wheel is a 9-speed cogset with gears ranging in size from 11 teeth to 34 teeth. This bike is outfitted with a Cannondale PX3 crankset mounted to a Shimano STX bottom bracket. This crankset comes equipped with a 22-tooth climbing gear and a 32-tooth middle ring, while this gear's big ring has 44 teeth for top speed pedaling. A Shimano XT derailleur handles shifting duties for the rear gears, while a Shimano LX front derailleur handles shifting for the front gears.
Cockpit
The Jekyll is outfitted with Cannondale-branded T-6061 aluminum alloy handlebars mounted to a Headshok Si stem and headset. Mounted on these handles bars are a set of Shimano Deore shifters and Magura Julie brake levers that are connected to a set of Magura Julie disc brakes.
Wheelset
The 2001 model year Jekyll 700 was equipped with a 32-spoke Cannondale Expert Disc wheelset, while the 2002 model came from the factory with a set of 32-spoke Mavic X223 rims laced to Shimano hubs.
Tags: equipped with, Cannondale Jekyll, aluminum alloy, comes equipped, comes equipped with, derailleur handles, derailleur handles shifting
The 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak is a V-twin cruiser that is part of Kawasaki's Vulcan line of motorcycles. It is primarily aimed as a competitor to Honda's VTX lineup as well as an alternative to a Harley-Davidson V-Rod. The first model was produced in 2002 and, as of 2010, remains in production with a few minor modifications.
Dimensions and Instruments
The 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak is 94.9 inches in length, 43.3 inches in height and 33.5 inches in width, with a wheelbase length of 67.1 inches. The bike has a ground clearance of 4.9 inches and a seat height of 27.6 inches when adjusted at its lowest setting. The 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak has a dry weight of 637.1 pounds and a fuel capacity of 4.49 gallons. The bike is fitted with a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, warning lights, turn signals and a drag-style handlebar that has a width of 30.5 inches.
Engine and Transmission
The 2002 Mean Streak has a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 50-degree tandem V-twin engine in an SOHC configuration with two intake valves and two exhaust valves. A bore and stroke of 4.0 by 3.5 inches, combined with a compression ratio of 9:1, produce an engine displacement of 1470 cc with a power of 72 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and a torque of 79.7 ft.-lbs. at 3,000 RPM. The Mean Streak can do the 1/4-mile in 13.9 seconds at 94.2 MPH and has a top speed of 115 MPH. The bike gets an average fuel economy of 34.5 miles per gallon. The engine is controlled by a five-speed, multiple-clutch transmission.
Chassis
The front of the 32-degree rake chassis is fitted with a 43 mm inverted fork suspension, a 130/70R17 Dunlop 220F STG tire and a 12.6-inch diameter, two-disc, single-action, triple-piston calipers brake. The rear is fitted with a dual damper, adjustable suspension with a 170/60R17 Dunlop 220 STG tire and an 11.8-inch single disc brake. The suspension travel for the front and rear is 5.9 and 3.4 inches, respectively.
Tags: Mean Streak, 2002 Kawasaki, 2002 Kawasaki Mean, Kawasaki Mean, Kawasaki Mean Streak, fitted with, height inches
When a bulb fails in your Optoma projector, you may be tempted to call a service technician to replace it. If you have never worked inside a projector, you may be intimidated by the idea of removing the cover and accessing the internal components. But replacing the bulb is a simple process that you can complete in minutes and save a lot of money. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn the power off to your Optoma projector. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Let the projector cool for at least an hour.
2. Loosen the two screws on the bulb cover with a Phillips screwdriver. Open the cover to access the bulbs. The cover is hinged to avoid misplacing it.
3. Remove the two screws from the bulb unit using a Phillips screwdriver. Safely set the screws aside. Grab the handle of the bulb unit and lift it up out of the projector.
4. Insert the new bulb unit in the same alignment as the one you removed. Secure the unit with the two retaining screws, tightening the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
5. Replace the bulb cover and tighten the screws. Plug the power cord into the wall and turn the projector on to test the new bulb.
Tags: bulb unit, Phillips screwdriver, your Optoma projector, bulb cover, Optoma projector, power cord, with Phillips
When it comes to HD (High Definition) television, a potential HDTV customer will encounter a variety of marketing terminology that can lead to confusion. "LCD HD" indicates a type of flat-panel display, while "Full HD" indicates the quality of an HD signal.
HD Basics
To qualify as "high definition," the image must be at least 1280 x 720 pixels. This is known as "720p," where the "p" refers to progressive scan, a display method that refreshes the screen all at once for more fluid motion.
720p and 1080p
The next step up from 720p is 1080p, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels, progressively scanned. 1080p is the highest-quality of HD signal, so it is sometimes referred to as "full HD"-the "fullest" form of HD you can have.
LCDs
LCD refers to Liquid Crystal Display. This is one type of flat-panel display technology. Others are plasma, DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon).
LCD HD
Therefore, "LCD HD" refers to a liquid crystal display that is capable of at least 720p. Such a display is not necessarily capable of 1080p.
1080i
1080i can also be "full HD," since the term refers to image resolution and not necessarily the scan method. The "i" stands for "interlaced." While progressive scan refreshes the screen all at once, interlaced scan refreshes every other horizontal line on the screen.
Tags: 720p 1080p, Between Full, Difference Between, Difference Between Full, flat-panel display
The Harley-Davidson Softail Custom is a big-twin chopper.
The Harley-Davidson Softail Custom is a sleek looking, big-twin chopper with retro lines and a fat rear tire. The rear drive sprocket with its dull finish, however, is frequently the object of customization among owners. There is a nifty, bolt-on cover that can add a chrome finish to an otherwise dull appearance. The length of time to install a sprocket cover on a Softail Custom will vary upon skill level, but will generally take one-and-a-half to two hours to complete.
Instructions
Remove the Rear Wheel
1. Block the motorcycle with the rear wheel off of the ground.
2. Remove the cotter pin from the rear axle nut with a pair of pliers.
3. Unbolt the rear axle nut with an SAE open-ended wrench. Tap out the axle with a rubber mallet. Set the axle aside in a clean place to avoid contamination with dirt or debris.
4. Allow the rear wheel to slip forward, causing the drive belt to loosen. Slip the belt off of its pulley and drop the tire from within the rear fender.
Install the Sprocket Cover
5. Set the rear tire on a work bench with the sprocket side facing up.
6. Loosen and remove the five bolts securing the sprocket to the wheel with an SAE wrench.
7. Place the sprocket cover in position on the sprocket.
8. Put two drops of thread-locking fluid on the threads of the sprocket bolts just prior to assembly.
9. Install and torque each of the five sprocket bolts to 55 to 65 ft.-lbs. with a torque wrench.
10. Reinstall the rear wheel in reverse order. Torque the rear axle nut down to 60 ft.-lbs.
Harley-Davidson uses the Nippon-Denso (ND) type starter units. ND combines the starter motor and solenoid to form a single unit. Starter/solenoid units usually come with the same black wrinkle paint as the engine and/or transmission cases. Purchase custom covers in chrome, frequently with embossing or engraving, through Harley-Davidson Motor Company or the aftermarket to dress up and customize the bike; install the covers with basic mechanic's tools to quickly boost the aesthetics or curb appeal of your bike.
Instructions
1. Locate the starter unit behind the rear cylinder of the engine, on top of the transmission.
2. Remove the two acorn nuts from the end of the solenoid studs, using a wrench.
3. Slide the solenoid cover onto the solenoid studs. Use caution when handling the cover to avoid damaging the cover or contacting the electrical connections on the solenoid and starter.
4. Install the acorn nuts onto the solenoid studs. Tighten the nuts securely, using a wrench.
The Honda VLX 600 was a cruiser motorcycle. It was also known as the "Honda Shadow VLX," or under its internal company name of "Honda VT600C." The motorcycle featured clean lines, and a low chopper style seat. It entered production in 1988. Initially the bike was available in candy blue and wineberry red. In 1991 Honda introduced the first model available in black, and it was the only color available for that year's edition. The last edition of the Honda VLX 600 exited the production line in 2007.
Trims
Honda had two available models for the VLX 600. The two models were the standard production version of VT600C, and the deluxe edition which was dubbed VT600CD. The deluxe edition was also called the "Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe." It entered production in 1993 and was available in a two-tone color. The bike had wider, slightly reshaped handlebars. It also sported a chrome engine case and valve cover. The deluxe edition was discontinued in 1998. The last version came with solid aluminum foot pegs, and hand rubber trim bands.
Performance
The Honda VLX 600 used a V2 four-stroke engine. It had a displacement of 583cc or 35.57 cubic inches. The engine was liquid cooled, and had a carburetor fuel system. The transmission type was a standard chain with a 4-speed gearbox. The suspension system was made of a front 39mm fork, and an adjustable seven-position single shock rear suspension. The brakes were a single disc front brake and a standard rear drum brake. The bike had a 63-inch wheelbase, and a riding height of 25.6 inches at the lowest position. The tear-shaped fuel tank was able to hold 2.90 gallons and had a reserve of 0.90 gallons. The average top speed of the VLX 600 was 100mph.
Pricing
The VLX 600 was a good starter bike because of its low ride height and small figure. Used models and parts are still largely available. As of 2010, a standard version Honda VLX 600 will cost from $2,145 to $3,068. The deluxe version can cost up to $4,295. These prices will vary greatly based on mileage, production year, and condition.
Harley-Davidson offers motorcycles in seven distinct model lineups.
William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson founded the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903. Their first motorcycles were built in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed. Harley-Davidson categorizes its motorcycles into seven distinct families: Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC, Touring, Trike and CVO. Harley-Davidson also makes police and fire/rescue motorcycles. The company offers 32 different motorcycles for the 2011 model year.
Sportster
The Sportster is the longest continuously produced Harley-Davidson motorcycle, introduced in 1957. The Sportsters have either an 883cc engine or a 1,200cc engine. There are six different Sportster bikes for the 2011 model year. Sportster model motorcycles have the XL at the beginning of their model designation.
Dyna
Harley-Davidson classifies its Dyna family as Big Twins, for their large 96 cubic-inch V-Twin engines. The Dyna family has belt final drive, a teardrop-shaped air cleaner cover and exposed rear shock absorbers. There are four motorcycles in the 2011 Dyna lineup. The Dyna line has the FX at the beginning of the model designation.
Softail
Harley-Davidson introduced the Softail line in 1984. It was inspired by the work of bike customizer Bill Davis. The Softail combines the look of a hardtail frame with the comfort of a functioning rear suspension system. The shock absorbers on the Softail motorcycles are set in a horizontal position out of view. The Softail bikes have 1,584cc engines. There are six motorcycles in the 2011 Softail lineup, and they have the FL at the beginning of their model designation.
VRSC
VRSC stands for V-Twin Racing Street Custom. Harley-Davidson has two motorcycles in the 2011 VRSC lineup. The VRSC bikes feature the liquid-cooled, 1,250cc, Harley-Davidson Revolution engine, extra wide rear tires and a fat custom look.
Touring
Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles are designed for comfort and storage capacity. There are eight motorcycles in the 2011 Touring lineup. The Touring lineup also includes the option of a sidecar for even more passenger room.
Trike
Harley-Davidson has two three-wheeled motorcycles in its 2011 Trike lineup. The Trike motorcycles have 103 cubic-inch engines and bat-wing style fairing.
CVO
The Harley-Davidson CVO, or Custom Vehicle Operation, motorcycles are limited-edition custom versions of standard Harley models. For the 2011 model year Harley offers four motorcycles in the CVO lineup. Each of the CVO models features a 110 cubic-inch Screamin' Eagle engine.
Tags: motorcycles 2011, 2011 model, 2011 model year, model designation, model year, beginning their
There are several reasons for buying wrecked motorcycles, from needing parts for a bike you already have, to buying a bike as a project to repair and restore. Wrecked motorcycles are much cheaper up front than a new bike, but they can require a lot of time and work to really bring up to standard. If you want to buy a wrecked bike or two, though, it isn't a hard process. You just need to find someone who's selling.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of motorcycle you want, and what condition you need it to be in. You should have a make and model in mind, as well as a year or range of years that you're interested in, to narrow down your searching. If, on the other hand, you just want to browse and see what catches your eye, then you can shop with an open mind.
2. Check through your local newspaper's classifieds, and through Internet classifieds on sites such as Craigslist, for wrecked motorcycles in your local area. If you find a motorcycle that's being sold locally, you can go and look at it, and verify the condition it's in before you by it. Seeing the state of the bike with your own eyes can be very helpful.
3. Shop via the Internet for wrecked motorcycles. You can find ads for wrecked motorcycles on sites like eBay, but other sites like Wrecked Bike specialize in selling non-working motorcycles. You need to carefully weigh the condition the ads claim the bike is in and examine the pictures provided, but shopping for wrecked motorcycles in this fashion can give you access to a much larger market.
Tags: sites like, wrecked motorcycles, wrecked motorcycles, your local
Business vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 pounds can qualify for a 100 percent business tax deduction.
When businesses buy equipment, they get to take a depreciation tax deduction and write off the cost of the equipment over several years. Section 179 of the tax code allows a small business to take a 100 percent tax write off of qualifying equipment in the year it is purchased. One of the restrictions to write off vehicles under Section 179 is a 6,000 pound weight minimum.
SUV Tax Break
The Section 179 tax deduction became better known in 2003 when the write off limit was increased from $25,000 to $100,000 and business owners discovered they could buy large sport utility vehicles -- SUVs -- in their business name and write off the entire cost of the vehicle on their business taxes. The limitation was that qualifying vehicles must be above 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). The deduction amount for SUVs has been reduced; for 2010 the maximum first-year deduction for a new, large SUV is $25,000.
Section 179 for Business
A business can still take a full deduction for the purchase of vehicles that have a more functional business purpose. The basic limitations are the vehicle must have a GVW between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds. Trucks in this weight range are commonly known as 3/4-ton and 1-ton vehicles. In 2010, the maximum limit for the Section 179 deduction is $500,000 for all qualifying equipment. Trucks must be used for business at least 50 percent of the time and can be financed or leased.
Qualifying Truck Types
For a business planning to purchase new trucks, Section 179 allows a range of business use vehicles. The types of vehicles that qualify are heavy-duty pickup trucks with a bed at least 6 feet in length, cargo vans (except for the half-ton models) and passenger vehicles designed to carry nine passengers or more, such as shuttle buses.
The 2010 Jobs Act
The deduction limits for section 179 were scheduled to be limited to $250,000 in 2010 and only $25,000 in 2011. The Small Business Jobs Act passed in 2010 increased the limit to the $500,000 level. A business is limited to the purchase of $2 million of Section 179 qualifying equipment during the tax year to qualify for the full $500,000 deduction.
Tags: qualifying equipment, vehicles that, 2010 maximum, full deduction, Section deduction, their business
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, was once known as the home of brewing companies, but now many major corporations, including Harley-Davidson, A.O. Smith and Midwest Airlines, have headquarters there. Milwaukee has a population of over a million people who enjoy its public parks and pavilions. The Milwaukee County Parks System is so well-maintained with so many services that it won the National Gold Medal for Excellence in 2009 from the National Recreation and Park Association.
Kulwicki Park
Kulwicki Park is located off Coldspring Road and South 108th Street, near the Root River Parkway. Kulwicki has a reservable picnic area, restrooms, a softball diamond and a recreational trail called the Oak Leaf Trail. Kulwicki Park is also the location of the Brooks Pavilion, a 75-seat pavilion managed by the Greater Greenfield Lions Club. The pavilion has its own kitchen facilities, with chairs and tables provided. Reservations must be made through the Lions Club. As of July, 2010, rates for the pavilion are $175 for up to four hours. Additional hours cost $40 per hour. A security deposit of $150 must be paid in advance as well.
Kulwicki Park
10777 W. Coldspring Road
Milwaukee, WI 53228
414-327-8908
countyparks.com
Kinnickinnic Sports Center
Kinnickinnic Sports Center is located close to the Kinnickinnic River Parkway, between South 20th Street and South 16th Street. The park features a segment of the Oak Leaf Trail but is mostly a team sports complex, with facilities for basketball and two softball fields. The park also has a "tot lot," a small playground for children with swings, climbing apparatus and sand.
Kinnickinnic Sports Center
3070 South 20th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
414-643-0120
ci.mil.wi.us
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is located on Howell Avenue between Montana Street and East Oklahoma Avenue. The park has its own band shell and is one of the sites which participates in the Milwaukee Parks' summer concert series. In 2010, the "Chill On the Hill" series is held every Tuesday during the summer and features a variety of different kinds of music. The concerts are organized by the Bay View Neighborhood Association and are suitable for all ages. Humboldt Park has a picnic area, playground, wading pool, restrooms, horseshoe pits, tennis court and baseball diamond. The park also has a pavilion near the lagoon. The pavilion has a cathedral ceiling and can seat 120. The pavilion is equipped with a kitchen, tables, chairs, stove, refrigerator and coffee maker. From January, 2010 through December, 2011, rates for the pavilion are $195 for up to three hours, with each additional hour and extra $65.
Humboldt Park
3000 S. Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-257-8005
county.milwaukee.go
Tags: Humboldt Park, Kulwicki Park, Kinnickinnic Sports, Kinnickinnic Sports Center, Sports Center
Oil rigs offshore use seismic exploration to find deposits for drilling.
Seismic exploration is the use of seismic waves to find natural oil and coal deposits. This technique works because sound waves travel at different speeds through different densities in the Earth's crust. The differences in speed allows geologists to determine which layers are at which depths and drill accordingly. This can be done on or offshore, and is one of the first steps in finding viable deposits for drilling.
History
In 1855, Luigi Palmieri developed the first seismograph, but it wasn't used for exploratory seismology until John C. Karcher and a team of scientists including Dr. D. W. Ohern, Dr. W. P. Haseman, William C. Kite and Dr. Irving Perrine, conducted the first experiments in 1921, in the areas outlying Oklahoma City. The tests confirmed that the subsurface below could contain oil. Eight years later, they were the first team to strike crude oil via reflective seismology.
Equipment
The equipment used in exploratory seismology has evolved over the years, becoming more sophisticated. Palmieri's seismograph used mercury and electricity to detect seismic activity. Landside seismology once involved creating waves in the ground via explosives, which would then cause the earth to shake and give wave readings geologists could use for drilling purposes. However, this was very destructive to the land. Today, special trucks are used to generate the vibrations needed to detect oil deposits. Similarly, offshore drilling uses a large air gun to create the measured vibrations.
Types of Imaging
With more sophisticated technology came the ability to make better images, and today geologists can make two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) renderings of drilling locations. The 2D seismic data is used to map out a location and develop a cross-section of the underground landscape. A 3D image is a much more realistic rendering of the seismic data, but it is also more costly, and 4D images build on the 3D picture, and add the ability to track changes to an area over time. These images would not be possible without computer-assisted exploration, or CAEX, which is used to organize the data into meaningful patterns.
Controversy
Even with the more environmentally friendly drilling exploratory practices, seismic exploration is not without its controversy. Much of debate centers on the use of air guns in offshore exploration. The guns are said to disrupt the migratory patterns of numerous species, particularly whales. Some studies have shown damage to the nervous systems of fish as well.
Tags: deposits drilling, exploratory seismology, more sophisticated, seismic data, seismic exploration, used exploratory
While many bikes look similar, they may behave in completely different ways based primarily on their engine size, configuration and intended use. Before deciding on a bike, be sure you understand these basic differences.
Instructions
1. Determine what kind of motorcycle you want. You can find off-road bikes, scooters, street bike, power and touring motorcycles and vintage rides. There are more, but these are likely the types you'll be deciding on.
2. Decide what size engine you want. A highly tuned, four-cylinder 600 cc machine as much more power than a single-cylinder. A straight-four--four cylinders arranged in a straight line--are common in sports bikes. Harley-Davidson favors the V-twin, which is big and heavy, not really suited for sportiness and quick handling, but for cruising. Two-stroke engines are only found in off-road bikes in the U.S. because they don't meet emissions standards otherwise.
3. Pair your engine with the model you want. You may find some models of motorcycles come equipped only with one kind of engine. Other body types, however, can often handle a small range of engines. If you're a beginning ride, you may opt for steady cruising found in a V-twin, like Harley-Davidson, Honda Goldwing and some BMW models.
4. Do your research if you're buying vintage. Vintage motorcycles are rare and expensive. If you find one for cheap, it's likely missing some key components. Check on this as much as possible. Vintage bikes are for the enthusiast, but usually the one who knows tinker around with the mechanics. If you ride it often, it will need some upkeep.
Vance & Hines slip-on mufflers are easy to install, improve performance and enhance exhaust tone.
Slip-on mufflers are an affordable alternative to full exhaust systems. They provide improved performance, better fuel economy and deeper exhaust tone than stock pipes alone. Vance & Hines chrome slip-ons are available in a range of styles for Harley-Davidson Softails. All are installed the same way.
Instructions
Stock Muffler Removal
1. Loosen but do not remove the heat shield clamps, the clamps holding the mufflers onto the head pipes and the exhaust flange nuts from the cylinder head flanges.
2. Remove the hex head flange bolts that hold the muffler onto the muffler support bracket. Slide the stock mufflers off of each head pipe. Package them in a box with protective packing material.
3. Remove the stock exhaust clamps and set them aside to be reused with the new mufflers.
Install Slip-ons
4. Wash your hands before installing the new slip-ons. Remove the new mufflers and heat shields from the packaging and place them on a clean, nonabrasive surface such as a blanket, a towel or a piece of carpet.
5. Slide the stock exhaust clamps onto the muffler body. Ensure the nut is accessible upon completion of the installation. Slide the mufflers onto the nose of the head pipes.
6. Attach the mufflers to the muffler support bracket -- per the diagram in the instructions -- using the supplied hex head bolts and the nuts and washers. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
7. Tighten the exhaust flange nuts onto the cylinders. Ensure the mufflers are level. Tighten the muffler mounting bolts. Tighten the clamp that holds the muffler onto the head pipe. Follow the diagram included with the instructions to tighten the hose clamps. Slide the hose clamps into the clips that are inside the muffler heat shields. Ensure the screw heads will be accessible upon completion of the installation.
8. Slide the heat shields onto the muffler bodies per the diagram included with the instructions. Ensure the muffler is recessed 1 inch into the heat shield. Rotate it until the bottom edge of the heat shield is in the 6 o'clock position. Tighten the hose clamps. Check the clearance of all the exhaust system components. Double-check the installation to ensure that all the components are adequately tightened. Clean the new pipes with chrome wax, chrome polish, alcohol or ammonia before starting the motorcycle.
Buy a Professional High-Definition Video Camera. In another posting, I covered the ins and outs of buying an HDV camcorder. Although the manufacturers would describe HDV as a professional format, in this article we'll look at high-end alternatives that would be typically used in series television production or for feature films. Prices here are for reference only, and unless noted do not include any accessories or lenses.
Instructions
1. Look into HD CAM. This format was introduced by Sony in 1997 as an HD Version of Digital Betacam. In its first incarnation, HD Cam was a 4:1:1 format with a bit rate of 144 MB/s.
HDCAM SR was introduced in 2003. It uses a higher density tape and records in 10 bits at 4:2:2 color sampling or in full 4:4:4 RGB at a bit rate of 440 Mb/s. For a great look at the format's capability, check out George Lucas' "Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones." It was the first major studio motion picture to be shot entirely on HD without any film in the process at all. Lucas used the HDC-F950 HD camera, recording on the HDCAM portable recorder (SRW-1) and the studio recorder (SRW-5000) on BCT-SR tape.
The F23 is the latest CineAlta film style camera capturing full 1920x1080 pixels on 3 2/3 inch chips with a choice of frame rates from 1 to 60P in full 4:4:4 RGB. It can record to hard drive and tape simulaneously. It replaces the HDC-F950 camera with enhanced highlight handling and gamma control. It rents for $3000 a day at Band Pro, and is available for purchase. Expect to spend well past $100K for it.
2. Don't side-step the Viper. Thompson's Viper FilmStream Camera uses three 9.2-million pixel CCDs to capture 4:4:4 RGB color in 10-bit RAW data without electronic camera signal processing. The camera's aspect ratio is either 16:9 or wide screen 2.37:1. It records in 1080P or 1080i at 24, 25, 50 and 60 fps. The Viper is best know for being used as the primary camera on Michael Mann's "Miami Vice" movie. Vipers can be purchased for around $170,000.
3. DVCPRO HD, is Panasonic's 4:2:2 high-def format. It records at 100 Mb/s and is noteworthy because it not only records on tape, but on P2 cards similar to what digital still cameras use. This is the high-definition format used by the speed boat reality television series, "Liquid Extremes."
One camera, the AJ-HDC27 VariCam HD has a variable frame rate from 4-60 frame per second in one frame increments. It uses three 1280 x 720 pixel CCD's and sells for $45,000.
At the bottom end of this format is the AG-HVX200P which handles 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24p, 1080/30p, 720p. It records in both HD and SD at DV-50 which is a true standard definition 4:2:2 format or in DVC Pro. The aspect ratio can be switched from 16:9 to 4:3. The 3 CCD's are only 1/3" so the camera is not designed for shoulder mounting, but it's a very cost effective way to break into a high end HD format. The AG-HVX200P comes with a Leica lens and lists for only $5,995
4. The most recent HD camera buzz is around the RED Digital Cinema, introduced at the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters' convention. It's said to mark a sweet spot between performance and prices. The camera's proprietary CMOS image sensor records 12 million pixels at up to 60fps with an exceptional dynamic range of 66 dB. It's considered a true 4K HD camcorder, recording 4520 scan lines of data per frame in the native RAW format, a massive upgrade from the 525 lines of standard definition television. Red's advocates include Director Steven Soderbergh of "Traffic" and "Ocean's Eleven" and director Peter Jackson of "The Lord of the Rings" who shot a 12-minute short to demonstrate the camera's capabilities. These units are only now starting to ship from a long waiting list. Its price is only $17,500
Tags: 1080 1080, Video Camera, 1080 1080 1080, aspect ratio, format AG-HVX200P, HDC-F950 camera, High-Definition Video
If you work with motorcycles or perform your own transmission fluid changes, you will have been introduced to gear oil and specifically hypoid oil at some point in your mechanical learning. That said, most people have no idea what hypoid oil is, much less what it is used for.
What is Hypoid?
The term "hypoid" has more to do with the construction of engine gears than it does with oil. Early automotive engineering involved gears that meshed with each other straight on. When you think of gears, this flat face-to-face gear teeth approach is what we learned as kids in cartoons and marketing images of big machinery. However, automotive design soon figured out this gear approach was inefficient and also very loud when running. Thus, the "hypoid" design was invented which basically has two gears shaped like Christmas trees mesh with each other at 90 degree angles or similar.
The hypoid approach reduced gear-meshing noise and it allowed greater torque pressure for stronger drive. The design was so successful every car and vehicle today uses it as a standard transmission design. Due to the higher pressure on gears as a result, the lubrication needed has to include ingredients to provide more protection for the gears. This special gear oil is designed not to deconstruct under higher pressure.
Gear Oil in General
Gearbox oil or fluid is used in all sorts of vehicles. It provides lubrication in transmissions, wheel axle differentials and other parts of machinery. The viscosity level on gear oil is much higher than normal engine oil to make sure gears don't grind against each other. Over time, if not cleaned out and flushed, old gear oil can turn to sludge and will slow down gear spin, thus reducing engine performance. This is why transmission fluid change is recommended regularly along with engine oil changes.
Hypoid Oil Differences
Particularly for manual transmission and similar constructs, hypoid gear oil is the recommended lubricant. It's a gearbox oil, just like others, but the ingredients are different. This type of gear oil is mixed with additives designed to increase its resistance to breakdown under high temperature and mechanical pressure produced by hypoid gearboxes.
Regular Care Saves Dollars and Performance
As with all engine fluids and oil, regular maintenance and changing can extend the life of a vehicle and its performance. The most obvious benefit is lubrication; well-lubricated parts have less probability of chipping, breaking or grinding against each other under pressure. Another feature of oil is that it catches bits of dirt, metallic shavings from engine parts and other sediment. Flushing this oil fluid out regularly gets rid of all this material and exchanges it with fresh, new lubricant. Not changing the fluids will allow this sediment to build up, which then gets caught in the gears and causes breakdowns.
Some experts recommend using synthetic gearbox fluid over natural petroleum-based products. Synthetic fluids do last longer and thus get credited with more performance. However, if you think about the flushing aspect, both oils then get changed at the same time, so the benefit is discretionary to the owner.
Conclusion
Hypoid gearboxes are an advancement in engine design and efficiency, but they require special lubrication to function properly. This additive-mixed fluid, hypoid oil, is the standard for transmissions and will continue to be until gearing design is changed to something more advanced. Both motorcycles and cars use hypoid oil, but given that motorcycles use more of a straight-on gearing design, cars are the predominant users.
Tags: each other, against each, against each other, gearing design, higher pressure, transmission fluid, What Hypoid
This Harley has driving lights flanking the headlight.
Harley-Davidson driving lights mount on the front forks of Softails. The driving lights may add slightly to your view of the road at night. They add significantly to the recognition by oncoming drivers that you are there. The pattern formed by a headlight and two driving lights is conspicuous, and driving lightbulbs are often yellow, so even drunks are inclined to slow down when they see you coming. The popular Heritage Softail Classic, styled to look like a mid-'60s hog, comes equipped with three lights as standard equipment. If that is the effect you are trying to achieve, numerous aftermarket vendors, including Harley and Kuryakyn, sell driving light kits. These instructions are specific to recent, fuel-injected Softails.
Instructions
Remove Fuel Tank
1. Remove the electrical caddy cover by pulling on it with both hands. Pry the fuel pump fuse out of the electrical caddy with a small, flathead screwdriver.
2. Start the engine in neutral and run the engine until it dies. Run the starter for four more seconds.
3. Disconnect the fuel supply line by pulling up on the chrome sleeve of the fuel tank quick-connect fitting and pulling down on the fuel supply line.
4. Unscrew the bolt that secures the seat tab to the rear fender. Recent Softails use a Phillips screw, which must be removed with a screwdriver. Older Softails use an Allen bolt, which comes off with an Allen wrench.
5. Remove the seat to access the battery compartment. Disconnect the negative battery wire from the negative terminal with an open-end wrench.
6. Remove the instrument panel by loosening and removing the acorn nut on the panel with an Allen wrench and pulling up. Unplug the fuel pump module connector under the instrument panel.
7. Push a 5/16-inch-diameter bolt in one end of a foot long piece of 5/16-inch rubber hose. Tighten a hose clamp around the hose and the bolt with a flathead screwdriver.
8. Cut the hose clamp from one end of the crossover hose with side blade pliers. Very quickly replace the crossover hose on the fuel tank fitting with the open end of the 1-foot hose while directing the flow of gasoline from the free end of the crossover hose into an adequately sized gas can.
9. Clean up spilled gasoline with rags. Carry the rags outside if you are working in a garage.
10. Disconnect the crossover hose and the continuous venting vent line. Remove the front tank mounting bolt, flat washers and acorn nut with an open-end wrench.
11. Remove the rear mounting bolt, flat washers and nut with an open-end wrench. Disconnect the fuel gauge connector under the left side of the fuel tank with your hands.
12. Lift the tank straight up to remove. Set the tank on a well-padded surface in a well-ventilated place.
Install Lights
13. Install the left-hand and right-hand side specific mounting clamps that came with the driving light kit on the right and left fork tubes using the four buttonhead screws that came with the driving light kit. Tighten the screws to between 70 and 80 inch-pounds of torque with an Allen socket and a torque wrench.
14. Route each lamp wire through the hole in each mounting bracket and secure the lamp to each bracket using a clamp block, lock washer and retainer from the kit. Tighten the retainer to 18 foot-pounds of torque with an open-end socket and a torque wrench.
15. Position the inner nesting rings from the kit on each lightbulb. Connect the black wires to the bulb spade terminals next to the bulbs' indexing tabs. Install the gray wires on the remaining spade terminals.
16. Attach the bulbs and the inner nesting rings to the outer trim rings with the Phillips screws included in the kit. Slide the conduit tubes from the kit over both lamp wires.
17.Set the light kit wiring harness relay in the seat pan. Route the long leg of the harness along the frame spine under the seat.
18. Plug the white wire connector into the "B+" connector on the lighting kit wiring harness. Loosen and remove the nut on the ground wire stud in the seat pan with a socket wrench and socket.
19. Slip the black, ground wire ring over the ground wire stud. Replace the ground wire stud nut. Secure the driving light kit wire harness to the adjacent wiring harnesses with the cable straps included in the driving light kit.
20. Route the driving light wiring harness past the steering head. Route the lamp switch leg of the harness along the left side of the handlebar to the clutch control.
21. Unscrew the boot from the small lamp switch in the kit. Install the switch into the switch mounting bracket in the kit and replace the boot on the switch.
22. Remove the lower screw and washer from the clutch control clamp with a Torx driver. Position the tab of the driving light switch bracket over the screw hole and replace the Torx screw and washer. Tighten the screw to 70 inch-pounds of torque with a Torx socket and torque wrench.
23. Loosen the headlight trim ring clamp with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the headlight trim ring.
24. Pull the connector block from the headlight bulb prongs. Remove the rubber boot from the back of the headlight lens.
25. Squeeze the wire retaining clip ends to unhook them from the notches in the headlight assembly. Pivot the wire retaining clip away from the headlight bulb and remove the bulb from the headlight assembly.
26
Route the unconnected wire from the handlebar switch through the grommet into the headlight housing. Splice that wire to the yellow (low-beam) headlight wire using the electrical connector included in the driving light kit.
27
Reinstall the headlight bulb.
28
Slide the heat-shrink tubing included in the kit over the white wire in the driving light wiring harness. Strip the ends of both lamp wires with a wire stripper.
29
Splice the white wire to the lamp wires with the three wire connector included in the kit with a wire crimping tool. Cover the splice with the heat shrink tubing and shrink the tubing with a heat gun.
30
Clip the driving light wires to the lower fork steering bracket using the adhesive-backed clips from the kit.
31
Reinstall the fuel tank. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
32
Reinstall the fuel pump fuse. Replace the electrical caddy cover. Replace the seat.
HD camcorders feature high-quality recording and are compatible with HD televisions, but some camcorders are better than others and knowing what to look for will help you choose the best HD camera when shopping.
Size
The small size of Mini HD camcorders may hinder some features, so see how much optical zoom the camcorder has. The more zoom the better, because it will be a better lens and you can do more with the camcorder.
Types
Choose a media type that suits your needs. With expandable media such as SD cards, you can store as much footage as you want with multiple cards, but a hard drive-based camera limits your recording time. Media such as tapes and mini DVDs are outdated compared with newer technology.
LCD Screen
Large LCD screens make recording and viewing footage a lot easier. A screen that rotates more than 200 degrees makes reverse shots easy and can avoid sunlight glare when taping outside.
Considerations
See how much you can expand your mini HD camcorder use. Check if it is tripod ready, allows extensions for lighting and microphones, or if it can output to computers and televisions using HD and standard cables.
Misconceptions
Just because it is labeled HD, does not mean it will give you the best quality. Look for three CCD lenses and large lenses, and avoid any cameras with pin-hole or dime-sized lenses because the quality is often fuzzy and lacks any true focus ability.
Replace a Rocker Box Gasket on a 1200 Harley Sportster
The 1,200cc Harley-Davidson Sportster XL and XR models come equipped with a two-piece, aluminum rocker-box cover assembly that houses the rocker arms, valve stems and upper pushrod ends. Engine oil is pumped up to the rocker boxes, where it lubricates the top-end components before being evacuated by the oil scavenging system. High mileage and extreme conditions cause the gaskets in the rocker boxes to fail and create a potentially serious oil leak. The rocker box gaskets can be replaced with specialized tools and basic mechanical skills.
Instructions
Removing the Fuel Tank
1. Place the fire extinguisher close at hand. Don safety glasses.
2. Open the left side cover located below the seat, on the left side of the bike, by hand. Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse panel with a fuse puller.
3. Start the engine with the ignition key. Allow the engine to run until it stalls and dies. Turn the engine over with the ignition key to purge any remaining fuel from the lines.
4. Turn off the ignition and reinstall the fuel pump fuse in the fuse panel, by hand. Remove the main fuse from the panel with a fuse puller to prevent accidental starting of the engine.
5. Lift up on the quick-release sleeve on the fuel hose from the point where it exits the fuel tank, then gently pull down on the fuel hose to separate it from the fuel tank. Clean up any spilled fuel with a clean shop rag.
6. Remove the fuel filler cap from the fuel tank. Insert the fuel transfer pump's pickup hose into the fuel tank while holding the bike vertical on level ground. Lead the fuel transfer pump discharge hose into a clean container, approved for gasoline storage. Pump the fuel tank empty.
7. Remove the forward and rear fuel tank mounting bolts from the bike with an Allen driver, ratchet and wrench. Lift the fuel tank off the bike and store in a safe area. Cover the fuel tank with clean shop rags or with a clean blanket to protect the paint.
Remove the Rocker Boxes
8. Lift the bike with a bike lift, so that the rear wheel is off the ground. Ensure that the bike is stable and secure on the lift before proceeding.
9. Remove the four outer rocker box-cover screws and sealing washers from each rocker box, using an Allen driver and ratchet. Lift the outer rocker box covers from the engine. Discard the used sealing washers and the rubber rocker box seal.
10. Place the transmission in first gear with the shift lever. Rotate the rear wheel forward, by hand, until both valves on the rear cylinder are closed.
11. Remove the two small screws on the spark plug side of the rocker box with a wrench. Remove the three bolts and washers with a wrench.
12. Remove the four rocker-arm retainer bolts, in a cross pattern, using a wrench. Loosen each bolt 1/4 of a turn, until the pressure from the valve springs is released. Lift the inner rocker box from the engine. Remove the inner rocker-box gaskets with a gasket scraper. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 for the front cylinder.
Reassembly
13. Place the new inner rocker-box gasket onto the front cylinder head, with the gasket bead facing up. Place the inner rocker-box cover onto the head and start the four rocker-arm retainer bolts by hand. Torque the rocker-arm retainer bolts to 18 to 22 lb-ft of torque in a cross pattern, using a torque wrench and socket. Tighten each bolt 1/4 of a turn, until the target torque is met.
14. Rotate the rear wheel forward until the rear cylinder pushrods are in the down (or valve closed) position. Repeat step 1 on the rear cylinder.
15. Install and torque the three bolts in each of the inner rocker boxes to 135 to 155 lb-in with a torque wrench and socket. Install and torque the two screws in each inner rocker box to 135 to 155 lb-in with a torque wrench and socket.
16. Place the rocker-box rubber seal into its groove on the top edge of the inner rocker box. Place the outer rocker-box cover in position on top of the inner rocker box.
17.Place a new sealing washer onto each rocker cover screw. Start the four screws in each rocker cover by hand. Check the rubber seal and ensure that it is still in the groove before proceeding. Torque the rocker cover screws to 120 to 168 lb-in with a torque wrench and Allen driver.
18. Position the fuel tank onto the frame and install the fuel tank mounting bolts by hand. Torque the fuel tank mounting bolts to 15 to 20 lb-ft with a torque wrench, Allen driver and wrench.
19. Push up on and hold the quick-release fuel line connector by hand. Push the fuel line up onto the fuel pump nipple, then pull down on the quick-release to snap it into position.
20. Reinstall the main fuse in the fuse panel, by hand. Close the left side cover.
21. Lower the bike off the bike lift and rest it on the jiffy stand. Refill the fuel tank. Start the engine and observe the rocker box areas for leaks before driving the bike.
Tags: fuel tank, fuel tank, inner rocker, torque wrench, Allen driver, with torque, with torque wrench
Checking all three fluids regularly will prevent wear caused by lack of oil.
Regular oil level checks are an important part of maintaining a 1998 Harley-Davidson Fatboy, but it's not enough to check only the motor's oil supply. Unlike other motorcycles, Harley-Davidson machines use three separate fluids to lubricate its motors, transmissions and primary drive systems. The levels and conditions of these fluids should be checked often, especially before a long ride, to prevent wear and damage caused by oil starvation. The procedure is easy enough for most people to accomplish in less than 15 minutes.
Instructions
1. Start the motorcycle and take it for a short, five-minute ride to warm up the motorcycle's oil supply thoroughly. Turn off the motor and place the motorcycle on a stand in a vertical position.
2. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank under the right side of the seat. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag and reinsert it completely into the oil tank. Withdraw the dipstick and inspect the oil level in relation to the indicator marks on the dipstick. Add a small amount of 20W50 motor oil into the oil tank to raise the oil level to the dipstick's full mark. Recheck the oil level and reinsert the dipstick into the oil tank.
3. Pull out the dipstick from the right side of the transmission housing. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag and reinsert it completely into the transmission housing. Withdraw the dipstick and inspect the transmission fluid level in relation to the indicator marks on the dipstick. Add a small amount of transmission fluid into the transmission housing to raise the fluid level to the dipstick's full mark. Recheck the fluid level and reinsert the dipstick into the transmission housing.
4. Remove the bolts from the perimeter of the large, round clutch inspection cover on the outer primary cover with a Torx-27 screwdriver. Pull the cover and its gasket away from the outer primary cover. Note the primary fluid's level in relation to the bottom of the clutch assembly housed within the primary cover. Add small amounts of primary fluid to the primary through the clutch inspection port to raise the primary fluid level until it touches the bottom of the clutch assembly. Reinstall the clutch inspection cover and its gasket onto the outer primary cover. Refasten the clutch inspection cover's bolts with a Torx-27 screwdriver.
5. Remove the motorcycle from the stand then lower it onto its kick stand.