Storing Your Bike to Avoid Costly Motorcycle Service

Unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere with perfect driving conditions year-round, it's likely that your motorcycle ends up in the shed or garage during the winter months. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as just rolling the machine onto some blocks and closing the garage door until the ground thaws. Without proper preparation, you put your pride and joy at the risk of corrosion, fuel rot, and rust, often resulting in extra hassle and cost when all you want to do is get out on the road for your first ride of the season. Next time you're packing in your ride for the cold, make sure to follow these tips to increase your chances of getting the engine going in the spring with minimal fuss.

1. See to your gas tank:

If left sitting idle too long, fuel will rot and cause costly damage. Motorcycle service options, once this occurs, tend to be limited to replacing the tank. Make sure you pour in fuel stabilizer and run the engine long enough to work the liquid into your carbs. From there, you can either drain the tank and coat the inside with gas-soluble oil, or fill up the tank with oxygenated fuel. Fuel starts breaking down after about 60 days, so don't forget to go through this process any time you plan on leaving your bike in the garage for an extended period.

2. Take the battery out:

Your battery contacts are another likely target for corrosion, especially if your storage area isn't kept completely free of moisture. If damage spreads to the bike itself, you're in for a trip to the motorcycle service shop- so take the time to remove your battery and wipe down both it and the battery box with a mixture of water and baking soda. Store the battery somewhere cool and dry, and take it out once a month to charge it back up to full on a low-amp setting. Most automotive battery chargers should give you a variety of options.

3. Don't forget plastic, rubber, and aluminum:

Even though these parts of your machine may not be affected by rust as much as the rest of the bike, they are still sensitive to the effects of light, temperature, and moisture. There are few things things you can do, however, to avoid costly motorcycle service down the line. To start, spray down plastic and rubber with a polymer preservative when you are getting your ride ready for winter. There are a variety of brands to choose from, but some DIY-oriented riders will use simple Vaseline or brake fluid- both have anti-corrosive properties. To protect these sensitive materials from UV light, though, you'll need to either store your bike in an unlit part of your home, or keep it under wraps with a breathable fabric cover. Plastic will trap moisture close to the metal, causing more harm than good, so avoid using that old tarp lying in the corner! You can keep your aluminum shining throughout the year by applying spray wax to those shiny surfaces.

To learn more about their options for motorcycle service, Blue Springs residents should visit http://www.bluespringsharleydavidson.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9157114

4 Tips for Performance Engine Building

Are you ready to take your motorcycle or ATV to the next level? Whether you are a casual rider or a serious competitor, increasing the performance of your motorcycle or ATV's engine is a thrill like no other. To feel the full power of your machine's capabilities is a dream come true for many motorcycle and ATV owners. Yet, performance engine building is not a simple task. As such, it is a process that needs to be taken seriously and done with precision in order to guarantee the best results. If you are ready to increase the performance of your motorcycle or ATV, here are a few simple tips to consider.

Tip #1: Replace the Camshafts

If fuel is the lifeblood of an engine, the camshaft is the heart. Therefore, giving your machine a stronger will help determine the amount of power your engine produces. The camshaft also affects where within the RPM range the maximum power will be achieved. Replacing the camshafts with higher-quality parts is generally the easiest and least expensive way to increase an engine's performance, though it can become more costly if you replace other parts and do a little machining along the way.

Tip #2: Increase Compression

Increasing the compression ratio in your engine involves changing the ratio of the maximum piston volume to the minimum compressed volume of the fuel and air mixture in your engine. As a result of the increased compression, the fuel and air burn faster. In turn, this increases both horsepower and torque across the entire RPM range. As a secondary benefit, it also helps your engine burn more cleanly and efficiently. Some methods for increasing compression include surfacing the head, installing a thinner head or base gasket, decking the cylinder or using pistons with a different profile. When raising compression, the goal should be to increase it to the point just before detonation. Keep in mind that you may need to raise the octane of your fuel after increasing compression.

Tip #3: Install Titanium Valves

If your engine came with steel valves, you can increase red line by upgrading to titanium. Not only are titanium valves stronger, but they are also more lightweight. When it comes to increasing performance, reducing weight is always beneficial.

Tip #4: Reduce Friction

Reducing friction within your engine will help your engine achieve its full horsepower potential. To reduce friction, use ceramic bearings and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings. Ceramic bearings are also available for front and rear wheel bearings.

APCycle.com is where you can find a Phoenix motorcycle mechanic. We specialize in performance engine building and Dyno tuning for the greater Phoenix Arizona valley. Contact us today for your phoenix motorcycle and ATV repair and tuning. Call Today: 520-252-3566

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9150127

Safely Shopping for Used Motorcycles

There's nothing like going to a dealership, finding the perfect brand-new motorcycle, and being the first person to ride it off the lot without having to worry about who owned it before you and how they treated it. That can be a very expensive feeling, though. For a lot of people, buying new is just out of the budget. Used motorcycles are more affordable than new ones and, with some research, you can find one that's just as nice as a brand new bike.

Price is usually the biggest factor in deciding whether to buy new or used. Used motorcycles are cheaper than new bikes, even if they're in the same condition. When you buy used, you can avoid the setup, delivery, and dealer fees. Besides that, any vehicle loses a chunk of value as soon as it's driven off the lot. While many pre-owned bikes need some work done, there's not always a guarantee that a new one won't need any work done either.

What to Avoid

- History of Stunting: Unless you plan on doing some stunts yourself, it's probably best to avoid anything with a history of stunting. Stunts can be really hard on the transmission, engine, and the bike as a whole.

- Salvage Title: A motorcycle usually has a salvage title if the cost to repair the bike is more than it's worth. If you know a lot about mechanics and engines, feel confident fixing it up, and enjoy a challenge, then you might not mind a salvage title. If you're just looking for something to start riding right away, you might want to steer clear.

What to Look For

- Low Mileage: Like cars, you want a motorcycle with a lower mileage, if possible.

- Clean Title: A bike with a clean title is a bike with no major issues. A clean title indicates that a motorcycle should be good to go without any major repairs.

- Trustworthy Seller: While you can find good deals online and in classified sections, you generally want to find a seller or dealer who knows what they're talking about. Plenty of dealerships have huge inventories that you can browse on the computer.

The most important thing to remember when looking at used motorcycles is that it takes time. Be careful not to get too attached to anything without looking it over for damage, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you might have. While it may seem riskier to buy used, remember that buying new doesn't guarantee no trouble. Sometimes a bike with a warranty will require considerable time in a shop waiting for warranty approval or waiting for parts. Plenty of used motorcycles are in the same condition as new ones. If you take the time to find a bike in good shape with a clean title, you can get a great deal that will serve you for a long time if treated right.

To learn more about their options for used motorcycles, Blue Springs residents should visit http://www.bluespringsharleydavidson.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9155875

Modern Wheels for Today's Cars

Modern wheels are doing wonders for our cars, but our roads are not getting better for all our modern cars. Choosing wheels and tyres for your car should be easy. They should last as long as possible as it is a pricey car accessory. Make a decision on what wheel to buy by visiting a wheel and tyre retailer that will help you choose the best product available.

One of the latest wheels on the market for today's cars is the 19-inch wheels on the new cars. The trend of large wheel sizes has been coming along for quite some years. This is especially favoured amongst young men who buy their first car. Even hybrids like certain Fords and Hondas ride on 17 or 18 inches. This was never seen before but now it is trending. To think those 15 inches were as large as you could go on an Accord just a few years ago. Perhaps this is another reason why people opt for SUVs to drive around city streets. However, Range Rovers often run on 20 inches and even the new Volvo gets 22 inches on the highest trim levels.

The latest wheels are available in different sizes and colours. There is the Hawk series which is available to use on any vehicle. This range includes the Hawk BKI, BKML, DGI, DGML and the famous Hawk SI. These wheels have spokes that need much attention when cleaning. Their colour range includes black, black and gold, and silver. They are also available in different sizes.

The BSX Range is very popular and is mostly used on mini busses and passenger or racing vehicles. This range includes the BSX, BSX 16 4 Orange, BSX Silver Mirror LIP Polish 1, BSX GBM and BSX WM. They too come in different sizes and colours. Another range that's also very popular is the CQ range. These wheels are available in black and chrome and suit any modern car. The CQ wheels options range from CQ2 to a CQ8. These wheels have less spokes and are easier to clean.

There are wheels called muscle wheels for the bigger cars on the market. These wheels are available in various colours namely silver, chrome and black. They range in sizes from a 15 inch to a heavier 20 inch. Most of these wheels come with accessories such as bullet lug nuts to protect your wheels from theft, the center caps for branding purposes and valve stems to decrease tyre deflation. Modern wheels will not only let your car look stylish but also increase the value of it.

Today's cars look very impressive with these modern wheels and tyres on them and even if they are dirty which is seldom, they still look amazing.

A1 Wheel and Tyre is a private family owned and operated company specialising in the warehouse and distribution of wheels and tyres to the automotive fitment trade. The company has a well established operation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Visit our website for details and images of our mag wheel range.

Feel free to contact us on Tel.: 011 832 1091 or Email: sales@a1wheelandtyre.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9138222

Functions and Features of Police Lights and Sirens

Police lights fall in the category of public safety equipment, and are one of the most unique types of lights that are utilized by the government authorities. The lights' being unique and distinctive is of high significance, since there are many responsibilities placed on the police. In order to maintain the security of the city and the citizens, they have to present themselves in as distinctive way as possible. To respond to the scene, they use a different variety of lights and sirens.

LED Light

The multicolored lights on the police vehicles today are usually LED that gives their cars a significantly different look. Additionally, the lights and the siren speakers on their car are of high frequency that makes them visible and audible from quite a long distance. It is the high visibility of their cars that protects them emergency situations.

The reason - why LED lights are deployed to make light heads, dash lights, bars, mini bars, and lights for interiors, front and rear - is the cost-effectiveness, durability, and various other plus points and features of LED.

Advantages of LED lights -

Small & efficient - LED bulbs are small, and even after being small, they glow quite efficiently. Owing to technological and design-allied advancements, these bulbs are used in various devices of today, including computers and laptops' keyboard, mobile phones, etc.

Cost Effective - The tiny bulbs are actually a two-lead, P-N junction diode semiconductor, which emanates the shine when activated with a suitable amount of voltage. Not many resources are deployed in the manufacturing and lighting up of these bulbs; thereby these are pretty economical, as compared to ones of ordinary contrivances.

No heating, no melting - LED bars and dash lights do not heat up due to excess use, while the lights of earlier generations would get very hot and would sometimes melt the lens plastic. No matter which color of LED is being used in the bar, the heat is no longer a major issue.

Broad design options - As these bulbs do not consume much energy, the manufacturers are paying attention on the design and compatibility of LED products.

Siren & Speaker

A typical police car is incomplete without a siren and speaker. Sirens are often used as a sign of warning, at different places, for different occasions. Apart from police car, sirens are also observable on ambulance and riot control, army, firefighting and politicians' vehicles. Different vehicles use different tones and intensities of alarm. Speaker is used to spread the noise of the alarm, and to broadcast some message from the police car.

A police car is incomplete without police siren and light. The article talks about some of key functions, features and advantages of theirs, read on.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9140650

What Are the Popular Tyre Brands Available for Cars?

There are quite a variety of tyre brands available for the everyday driver and they have the option of choosing any one of these brands. So what are the popular tyre brands available for your car?

Nexen. These tyres are designed for driving performance and are able to function is all weather conditions. There are many designs available including an eco-friendly tyre for those who want to lower their carbon footprint.

Toyo. Toyo tyres are quality products that are suitable for different driving situations such as everyday driving, racing and off-roading.

Barum. Barum produces quality tyres that are affordable yet have good performance. These ones are suitable for the everyday driver that has a budget to consider.

BF Goodrich. BF Goodrich has range that caters for cars, 4x4's and utility vehicles. Their variety is vast and suitable for most drivers.

Continental. I think everyone has heard of Continental tyres because they cater a variety of products for wide set of vehicles which include cars, trucks, busses, agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles and marine vehicles

General Tyre. They have been around for over one hundred years and are still going strong. Their range includes performance tyres for cars and SUV's, plus a range of winter tyres. The winter ones are probably best suited for those who live in icy or snowy areas. You'll also find tyres that are suitable for commercial vehicles.

Goodyear. These are also a well-known brand and many people have had a set in their driving lifetime. They are most popular in the passenger vehicle arena and for their run-flat tyres that offer safety when you have punctured the tyre and need to get to a wheel and tyre repair centre quickly.

Michelin. Who hasn't heard of the Michelin man? This icon has made Michelin popular amongst everyday drivers. There are tyres available for any make of vehicle and any model.

Pirelli. These are also a popular brand amongst everyday drivers but they are also known for the performance driving tyres. They are also known for the motorcycle performance tyres. They cater mostly for passenger vehicles and racing cars.

These are the most popular brands of tyres available for drivers who own cars, SUV's, 4x4's and commercial vehicles. It is just up to you as which tyres you choose which would depend on the type of vehicle that you have as well as what performance output you're looking for.

Minty's is amongst the leading tyre suppliers in South Africa, and is recognized for our high standard of customer service. We have built a reputation amongst our customers and ensure that they receive tyres and alloy wheels of the highest quality, amongst the largest brands nationwide.

Contact us on Tel: 011 661 4338 / 011 661 4339 or Email: amalgam@mintys.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9144109

An Easy to Follow Guide to Care for Your Car Battery

Regardless how beautiful or expensive your car is, if it has a malfunctioning battery, the entire package will be futile. Many car owners, especially those with brand new cars often take battery care for granted, thinking that it will always be in its best state. But it's a no-no. The last thing you'll need is a car that will not start because of a dead battery. But the good news is, you can spare yourself from the expensive service charge and free yourself from the worry of being stranded somewhere by doing a simple 10 minute battery checkup and applying essential maintenance tips.

Aside from having a set of wrenches always ready, a hydrometer, cable puller, post cleaner or side terminal are all a must-have. You can purchase these things from an auto parts store. You should also bear in mind that battery service can be skipped, given that the mechanic it during periodic servicing, but regular maintenance is still necessary.

Clean the car cables

The very first thing that you have to do is to clean the top of your car battery and get rid of any corrosion from the cables. You can do this using a tablespoon of baking soda, water, and a non-metallic brush. After flushing it with cool water, disconnect the cables but be sure to begin from the negative part. Then, loosen the cable clamp bolts and give it a gentle twist. When you have finally removed them, clean off the corrosion that is often around the battery terminals with your post cleaner.

Check the electrolyte level

Do this by gently prying off the covers of your car battery cells. The mixture of acid and water in the battery or known as electrolyte should be approximately ½ in deep. If water is necessary, be conscious to only use clean distilled water without overfilling the cells. Then don't forget to check the case of the battery for cracks. In case a crack is present, immediately replace your battery.

Check and charge the battery

The electrolyte level in each cell should be checked. You can squeeze the ball and draw a solution to the tester. Hold the tester and take note of your reading, then squirt the solution back to the cell. Remember that a fully charged battery is supposed to have 1.265 or higher reading. If the reading is fair or lower, recharge it.

When putting the new battery, disconnect the negative cable first 

Be sure to remove the battery hold-down clamp. When disconnecting the cables, start with the negative, then positive. Also, remember to replace your current battery with one that has a higher rating.

Lift out the old battery

Do this by tying a heavy-duty strap to ears (side) of the battery and lift it out gently. Be very careful because the acid in the battery can be dangerous.

Reinstall clamps and cables

Carefully lift the new battery and put it in place. Then, connect the hold-down clamp and connect the cable to the positive terminal, the negative afterwards.

Felisa is a passionate writer who enjoys writing articles related to business, travel, cars, health, beauty, and e-commerce among others. She writes for Laredo Supply Co. Battery Center that specializes in different types of batteries, especially the hard to find ones. She posts most of her articles on Laredo's Twitter account @laredosupplyco managed by Social Labor Group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9141646

New Aston Martin DB9 for the Luxury Ride

Aston Martin DB9 is here for quite a while, but now it offers all new features and a complete transformed look. It seems as the British car maker it putting all the efforts to maintain customer interest. The new DB9 is being built as the most powerful version and supported by a number of stunning upgrades both inside and out.

It keeps the same 5.9-liter V12 engine, which is common to most of the Aston Models for the past few years. However, this new model is capable of generating more output - generally increased by 30 horsepower to 540, which the torque is unchanged delivering the same 457 pound-feet. As claimed by its manufacturer, the DB9 GT model can do 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds and can reach up to the top speed of 183 mph. The six-speed automatic transmission sends the power to its rear wheels, and offers electronic shift-by-wire manual control.

Aside from its additional horsepower, the improvised DB9 has got some extra computing power in the form of AMi II touchscreen infotainment system by Aston. This feature has been pulled from the Vanquish and includes a revised menu setup making it effortless to use, as per the car maker.

The British luxury car maker also claims to have incorporated features like hands-free text messaging facility, customisable screen background themes and vehicle status information. In this package, users also get Bluetooth streaming audio.

The exterior has got only a few modifications, however, it can be distinguished by some styling factors kept specific for the model. It has got black anodized brake calipers, 10-spoke alloy wheels, improvised headlights and taillights, rear diffuser and a black front splitter. These small changes actually make this GT look more like a DB9-based Virage.

You have got a number of ways to personalise your new DB9 with options like different interior trim materials, fibre trim, two steering wheel choices - one designed to appear like the one from Aston's One-77 supercar, and another one encapsulated in Alcantara. It has also got some standard features like dual front, full length side curtains, dual side and airbags alongside traction and stability control systems as well as brakeforce distribution.

The super model is already available to order and allows you to enjoy the most luxurious ride of your life. You can choose DB9 Convertible and Coupe to drive in style and feel the luxury that Aston Martin is known to offer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9136506

Exotic Cars: Expectations and Realities When Looking for One

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of exotic cars? Is it a popular sports car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Or maybe you prefer some of the latest muscle and luxury cars around, like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, or the Ashton Martin V12 Vantage S.

Whatever rare car you're dreaming of, you should know from the outset that it takes more than a bulging briefcase of cash (or a check with dozens of zeros) to get your own exotic car of choice. Look back to the first time you've bought a car. Snagging the car of your dreams requires more than just walking into that dealership: you've got to negotiate your loan rate (if any), discuss the terms, request to upgrade or modify some things here and there, and so on. Let's discuss the process of buying an exotic car.

An Opportunity of a Lifetime

There are many exotic cars to choose from, especially if money is no object, but it's certainly going to be easier said than done to decide on 'the one'. One of the first things you should do is to set your budget: say, like $200,000. Setting a ceiling automatically lessens the stress of choosing from possibly dozens of options to a more manageable list.

Next, since you're looking for an exotic car, you need to define for yourself the "exoticness" of a car. Do research online, list down your preferences, and learn the nomenclature associated with luxury cars or sports cars, including what sort of engine they've got and so forth. That way, you can be upfront with the dealership's salesperson by saying the details of the car you want. Remember to tell him/her your preferred price range as well, and don't be afraid to round it up so you'd have a wider range of models on the top of the heap.

Keep in mind that dealers rarely allow potential car buyers to test drive a car right of the bat. To help you decide on which exotic cars to consider, search online and read unbiased reviews or test drive videos of your shortlisted cars.

Do note that rare cars that are reviewed online might not be available in your market, so make sure to list down several options and rank them based on your personal criteria.

Dos and Don'ts

Do show proof with regards to your financial capabilities. Ask the sales staff to inform you about different maintenance plans, gearing options, brands, and models that are currently available or will soon be. The more you're able to engage with the salespeople, the likelier it is for you to get a decent plan at the lowest price.

If you want a car that crosses state lines, don't be afraid to do some cross-country traveling to get it.

When permitted, take the lucky car/s for a brief spin in order to get a good feel of the vehicle, from its purring engine to how fast it can really go.

If you want online tools that can assist you in locating any exotic car that you deem fancy enough to be part of your car collection or garage, visit websites like Cars.com, eBayMotors.com, and AutoTrader.com.

Finally, make sure to check an exotic car's mileage, condition, options, transmission, and other parts that you deem important before making a final decision.

If want to rent an exotic car in Las Vegas, visit Exotic Car Rental Las Vegas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9139150

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Driving Experience

Think of Aston Martin and you can expect a line of powerful, dashing and smart sports cars. Of course, every car by this British car maker is a great model to drive in, but the brand didn't have anything like a party piece - this is why Aston Martin V8 Vantage came into existence.

Aston engineers kept the tried-and-true 4.7-liter V8 engine under the plan but re-designed the valved air intake system, and improved the spark strategy. These changes happened to accrue more air to the engine at the higher rpm, and also ignited the gasoline more effectively. All these factors cause more power generation and more efficiency.

With modifications came an engine paired to either a seven-speed automated manual or a six-speed manual. It produces 361 pound-feet of torque and 430 horsepower. In addition, the engineers expected the car to reach 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds and could make up top a top speed of 190 mph.

To ensure V8 stops and goes well, engineers got inspiration from GT racing series and worked with a quick-ratio steering rack and high performance brakes. With the price kept at the lower slot, it is taken as an introductory model to this British luxury car maker range.

If you have driven V12 Vantage S Roadster, you may not feel comfortable driving a cheaper version or a less powerful engine. Also, you would not expect it to offer an enlivening driving experience. You may find your theories wrong after driving this great car. Just a few shifts, and you will become accustomed to heavy yet intuitive clutch, the weight and directness of steering, positioning and heft of the gearbox shifter and its linkage. After a few minutes of ride, you can feel as if you are not driving a simple car, but operating a new appendage, and you will find the car becoming a part of you.

Speaking honestly, no other car would feel as intuitive as V8 Vantage. Take this car for a drive and you would not realize the burden of driving a car. It offers superb grip and can shift the transmission quickly. The handling is confident, and you can drive on road without any fear of losing the grip or control. Every component hits perfection and you will love the experience.

V8 Vantage carries the legacy forward and offers ultimate facilities like any other Aston Model - be it 2013 DB9, Volante or any other model.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9127023