Archive for July, 2009

How To Chose the Motorcycle Helmet for You

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Hardly anything else comes even close to the exhilarating feel of driving a motorcycle. Yet even the most avid of motorcyclists know that properly selected equipment, especially a motorcycle crash helmet, comes before anything else. To reinforce safety, many states require motorcyclists and the passengers that ride with them to wear helmets, whether they’re on streets, freeways or highways.

So before you get started with your 2-wheeled adventure, take the time to select a helmet to help ensure your motorcycle experience will be a safe one.

Fit is the foremost importance. Each person’s need is unique. The size and even shape of your head are important considerations. A helmet is practically a personal thing. Ideally, each rider should have a helmet specifically fit for that person. At the very least, the helmet should have a tight fit all around – from the forehead all the way to the back of the head. A good snug fit is when you can barely place a finger anywhere around the helmet. Helmet padding tends to compress 10 to 15% from its original volume, even more so for cheap motorcycle helmets, so be aware to make allowances for that.

While getting the best fit is important, comfort is also paramount. When fitting a helmet at the store, like a Bell motorcycle helmet, see if you can try it on for more than 5 minutes. After that much time, take off the helmet and check to see if there are red marks on your forehead and nape. Marks usually indicate that the helmet is too snug. While it may not be an issue for 5 or even 10 minutes, wearing a helmet that tight for half an hour may cause a lot of discomfort for you.

Check to make sure the straps to secure the helmet to your head are strong. Two ring fasteners are best. While snap fasteners are easier to buttun up, they tend to unbutton during an accident.

As much as possible, find a helmet that’s brightly colored like red, yellow or orange. This is so that you’re more visible on the road. It may not go with your outfit, but at least people you’re safer. If there aren’t bright colors available, at least get one that has reflective properties, such a reflective paint or has reflective tape all around the helmet.

While it is not required, having a helmet approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation ensures that the helmet design has gone through rigorous safety tests. To know whether the helmet is approved, you should check for a Snell logo sticker usually on the inside of the helmet.

To find discount motorcycle helmets or even vintage motorcycle helmets, check out http://www.motorcyclehelmets4less.com.


Cheap Electric Scooters For Sale With Free Shipping

Electric Mobility Scooters

Piaggio Scooters

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Piaggio scooters are produced by the Piaggio Company in Italy and USA. Vespa was the first of the Piaggio scooters to write the history of motorcycles and alternative means of transportation, after World War II. In Europe, Piaggio is the largest scooter manufacturer, while at the international level, Piaggio scooters occupy a fourth position in the top of the best reputed brand names. The fuel efficiency, the stylish look and the technological superiority make the biggest advantages of Piaggio scooters.

600,000 Piaggio scooters are produced and sold every year, and unlike car sales, scooter sales have increased over the last twenty-four months. Given the deep economical crisis that affects countries worldwide, people are more and more interested in low-consume vehicles, to cope with the money shortage. Plus, it is definitely easier to cope with the heavy traffic in the urban jungle when you ride a two-wheel vehicle that is both sleek and rapid. Other than these, the costs on insurance, registration and maintenance are a lot lower for Piaggio scooters and other small motorcycles than for cars.

Plenty of Piaggio scooters designs are available to suit any taste, requirements or needs Thus, all the cc categories provide four-stroke engines with cooling devices, with or without MP3 and other features that make riding comfortable and safe. The cooling system differs from model to model, and while some rely on water for the cooling process, others use special liquids to keep the engine within optimal parameters. An alternative to the gas powered Piaggio scooters is the hybrid version that incorporates both a gas engine and an electric motor.

The possibility of saving even more money on gas has increased the popularity of the hybrid Piaggio scooters that marked a new stage of evolution in the development of vehicles. Compared to the fuel consume of a car, the 1.67 liters per 100 km specific to Piaggio scooters sounds like a dream come true. Although fuel economy deserves all the credit, the designers of hybrid Piaggio scooters did not overlook performance, because these vehicles surely don’t lack power for their class. Thus, a hybrid scooter could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h within no more than five seconds.

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Electric Mobility Scooters

Electric Dirt Bike – A Quick Read

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Alternative energy is big today so people think about it.  They think about ways to stop using gasoline which tends to pollute.  An electric dirt bike can accomplish this.

One company that produces these is Zero Motorcycles. Zero electric dirt bike is quiet, and performs well. Zero Motorcycles makes such a bike.  The electric dirt bike they make is quiet and runs very well.  They couldn’t handle all the orders in 2008.  There were only 45 of these made by this time.  Their goal is to produce 2000 in 2009.  They intend to roll out a street version as well.

An electric dirt bike is ideal for people who want to ride off-road in barren areas near cities. This could include wilderness trails in suburban developments. Normal bikes would draw the anger of neighbors. They’re very loud. But the electric version hums along quietly. That’s why it’s becoming popular.

One issue with an electric dirt bike is the price.  All things equal, an electric bike will cost more than a like gas bike.  They also have limited range.  This is about 40 miles per charge.  That’s only a 2 hour ride.  People sometimes ride for an entire day.  The bike can’t be recharged while on the trail.

Some veteran off-road riders see the electric dirt bike as a novelty. They don’t think it will last. One rider, also an editor of a motorcycle magazine, said “this is a good second bike, but not something most enthusiasts would want to own as an only bike.” But other people call them sexy and fun.

The founder of zero said he became interested in building an electric dirt bike in about 2002. He was formerly an aerospace engineer, but later became a motorcycle designer. He disagreed with people who think electric cycles are slow and boring. He dislikes off-the-shelf parts so many of the parts on his bikes are custom designed.

The big problem with an electric dirt bike is the battery. Lithium ion batteries can last a long time but they’re hard to cool. Zero had to develop a quick cooling material to surround the batteries. The pack that they came up with costs nearly $4,000 to replace. It lasts for six years. The battery takes about two hours to fully recharge. That’s not bad. The motor has 23 hp and can go from zero to 30 in under two seconds. Zero says that experienced riders are blown away by the performance.

Speaking of costs, the zero is about $7,000, this electric dirt bike also costs $300 to ship. They’re only sold online. The overall goal for the company is to become big.

Expect to see an electric dirt bike very soon somewhere in your town.

Electric Scooters and Mopeds

Cheap 50cc Scooters

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Many people willing to buy a small two-wheel vehicle end up looking for cheap 50cc scooters online. A scooter is a cheap acquisition, plus, its fuel consume is very efficient and the operation raises no challenges. Cheap scooters cost somewhere around $1,000, but almost all the big manufacturers have more economical and affordable lines to correspond to the budgets of the less wealthy. So, you can get a brand name for little money. You can find cheap scooter deals with authorized retailers or online, and get the vehicle delivered anywhere in the country.

Cheap 50cc scooters serve for commuting purposes and they pose no special conditions as participants to road traffic. The category of cheap scooters is very extensive; for instance, it even includes electric models produced for children use. The smaller versions don’t travel with more than ten miles per hour, but the mobility they provide could prove enough for one with limited needs. People with mobility problems gain a lot of un-hoped possibilities thanks to the possibility to move around with such an electrically powered vehicle. Moreover, electric cheap scooters also make an environmental choice many of us should consider.

There are cheap scooters you can buy for a few hundred dollars and cheap scooters that will cost you a few thousands. Simplicity of design implies affordability, and such vehicles normally work on gas. The electric versions are not too expensive either, but there is zero pollution and the very little noise. The concept of cheap cannot be applied to all users because there are lots of subjective factors that influence the choice of the vehicle. The way you conduct your search for products is directly related to the budget, that ultimately dictates the purchase.

Thus, you can shop for cheap scooters in the older lines of famous producers. This is the way to make a good deal for an Aprilia, Honda or Yamaha scooter, and be certain of a quality level unparalleled by other manufacturers. The least costly vehicles available in the scooter category are Chinese, but the sad truth is that these cheap scooters are those with the most numerous technical troubles. If you have a look over online complaints, you’ll see that local products and scooters produced by companies with an irreproachable reputation should be the number one choice.

Co-submitted by: Womens Bike Frames.

Scooters

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Motorcycles and scooters belong to the same family of two-wheel vehicles, but scooters have a driver platform and they follow a step-through design. Motorcycles are heavier and normally have larger wheels. Plus, scooters have the advantage of being easier to drive both than cars and motorcycles. These are just a few of the reasons that have made people use them extensively in crowded cities worldwide, as a viable alternative to public transportation or driving.

The first scooters were designed before World War I and they were part of the first motorcycle lines such as Lambretta and Vespa. In fact these models made the history of the vehicles we have today, and the first real evolution was noticeable during World War II when Lambretta and Vespa increased their popularity. The early scooters had small wheels, reduced storage space, level floorboards and manual transmission. The continuously variable transmissions were introduced in later years, and the four-stroke engines replaced the two-stroke gearbox unit.

Scooters are designed for personal transportation, and a cylinder capacity between 50cc and 250cc is suitable for the purpose. There are producers that manufacture larger scooters with more powerful engines than these traditional categories, but they are not as popular as the small versions. All the traffic conditions and additional requirements specific to scooters seem by far the most convenient on the market because they are the least demanding. Just think of licensing, registration and insurance: the regulations the conditions are a lot better for scooters than for cars.

For many Europeans and Asians, scooters are the most practical urban means to travel and commute because the low costs, the comfortable sitting position and the time saving are remarkable. In fact, while the sales of automobiles have decreased, those for scooters have gone up. This is justified by the fact that scooters could satisfy some family vehicle needs when there are not enough funds to purchase a car.

The reduced fuel consume makes scooters environment friendly and a real source of money savings, and such an advantage definitely influences a buyer’s choice. Manufacturers have also designed hybrid scooters that work both on gas and on batteries, and in the coming years a powerful electric design is expected for release. The green alternative is more costly but the investment is recovered through the fuel savings.

Co-written by: Bike Frame Protectors.

Suzuki Scooters

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Suzuki scooters are funny, comfortable and ultra modern. They serve well for commuting and personal travel purposes, being widely used in crowded city areas. Plus, with Suzuki scooters you can enjoy a great fuel consume with a reduced level of carbon emissions. Thus, besides protecting the environment you’ll also save time by moving faster to your destination.

Suzuki scooters have been designed out of a huge experience in the automotive realm, both with cars and motorcycles. Suzuki scooters are excellent choices for commuting, they enjoy a high reliability and safety level on the road and they are highly efficient in terms of fuel consume. Thus, you can travel around 48 miles with a gallon of gas. Plus, Suzuki scooters meet all the road regulations and are easy to operate.

Another strong point of Suzuki scooters is the low price for high quality. And when you can’t afford to buy a car, but you are compelled to move around the city a lot, then, a scooter could be ideal for the situation. Suzuki scooters are widely used in Europe, Asia and the United States, and they are popular with teens and adults alike. Sleek, trendy designs will always catch the eye of those who want to be fashionable.

However, from the technological point of view, there are some weak points if we consider the fact that some Suzuki scooters still use drum brakes while most of the manufacturers have completely replaced them with disc brakes. The injection engines have a limited fuel consume, and the gas emission is kept very low due to the same technical feature. Suzuki scooters make a surprising combination of traditional and modern elements. The controls are simple and easy to use, so that riding this two-wheel vehicle is pretty simple.

You can compare the various Suzuki scooters either online, or in dealers’ shops. The possibility to try the scooter and see how it works is definitely preferable to the online search because direct contact with the product is the one that convinces a potential buyer to make the purchase or not. Choose only certified Suzuki dealers because they can provide spare parts and technical assistance in case you need any.

Co-submitted by: Front suspension mtb frame.

Schwinn Scooters

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Motorcycle lovers know how good a choice Schwinn scooters can be: travel satisfaction guaranteed. The brand reputation was built in time and it is now stronger than ever, because people have learned to recognize and appreciate value when they see it. Schwinn scooters give what-we’d-call a smooth ride without the user having to worry about gas consume. In fact, style and quality define the technical features and the design of all the company’s products.

The unmatched style of Schwinn scooters is supported by the affordable transportation variant they provide, particularly since the four stroke engines have a reduced fuel consume. Obsolete mechanic pieces like steel wheels, drum brakes and link suspensions are a NO-NO with Schwinn scooters. And even if you are a fan of the retro style, you’ll surely like it limited to the look not to the construction. Therefore, Schwinn scooters provide a complete range of modern features.

There are hydraulic front suspensions, lightweight alloy wheels, a smooth-working engine and front disc brakes. Schwinn scooters are backed by a 2-year warranty  and provide all the comfort you can think of to ride on the streets of a crowded city without being affected by the traffic conditions. Moreover, Schwinn scooters solve a great deal of the storage space problem. Many of the Schwinn designs are longer from saddle to handlebar, with more room for legs and storage.

Although Schwinn brings a real history in two-wheeled urban transport, the scooters are not frozen in time in terms of design. The company sticks to their accumulated experience but constantly tries to innovate and improve as well. Schwinn scooters are stylish, urban, fun and trendy, plus, the advanced technologies used in the manufacturing keep one comfortable by the shock absorbing capacity of the suspensions. Schwinn scooters are highly friendly for the environment because of the low level of emissions and the reduced gas consume.

Schwinn scooters production is also run in parallel with alternative company programs that have nothing to do with the automotive industry: the company supports anti-breast cancer campaigns. Anyone riding such a scooter automatically contributes to spreading the word of action and helping more and more women to defeat this disease. All in all, such humanitarian involvement contributes to the strengthening of the company’s reputation, and Schwinn scooters surely keep up with the demands of a modern man inhabiting the urban jungle.

Co-written by: Bike Frame Bars.

Suzuki Scooters

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Suzuki scooters are funny, comfortable and ultra modern. And commuters know best how advantageous it can be to turn to a scooter instead of taking public transportation or using the personal car. Suzuki scooters bring a very low carbon emission, plenty of comfort and mobility in the conditions of urban heavy traffic. Thus, besides protecting the environment you’ll also save time by moving faster to your destination.

The experience of Suzuki company in the design and production of vehicles is a legend by now and even if the scooter line is new, it is created out of tradition in the automotive industry sector. Suzuki scooters are excellent choices for commuting, they enjoy a high reliability and safety level on the road and they are highly efficient in terms of fuel consume. Thus, with a gallon of gas you’ll be able to travel 48 miles on the average. Plus, Suzuki scooters are easy to operate and meet all the road regulations.

Another strong point of Suzuki scooters is the low price for high quality. And anyone who can’t buy a car but still needs to move around the city, will find the scooter money saving offer pretty tempting. Suzuki scooters are well sold in Asia, the United States and Europe, and their popularity is high with both adults and teens alike. Sleek, trendy designs prove fashionable and appeal to the buyer.

However, from the technological point of view, there are some weak points if we consider the fact that some Suzuki scooters still use drum brakes while most of the manufacturers have completely replaced them with disc brakes. The fuel efficiency results from the use of injections, and the emissions kept very low due to the technical design. Suzuki scooters can therefore surprise one by their combination of modernity and tradition. The controls are simple and easy to use, so that anyone can ride such a small two-wheel vehicle.

Look at various Suzuki scooters comparatively to see which would be best for you. Take a test ride if possible and ask about the technical specificity of each model; unfortunately, when shopping online, you don’t have such options. Choose only certified Suzuki dealers because they are authorized to provide technical assistance in case you need it.

Co-authored by:

Tank Scooters

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Produced by a Chinese company, Tank scooters are promoted all over the world for a pretty modest price, and so far, lots of people have bought them. There are three categories to take your pick from: the 50cc scooters with 35mph maximum speed, the 150cc that reach 68mph and the 250cc variant that goes up to 78mph. Designs and color vary too, so that these small motorcycles are considered almost versatile in nature. Moreover, spare parts can be found without any difficulty in case you need repairs or replacements. One other attractive side of these vehicles is their affordability, as they can be purchased for only $1,299.

Tank scooters are very sporty and urban, being designed according to good quality standards. Maybe the product is not exactly the best in its class, ratings include it in the mid category. The bright side is that Tank scooters include stepless automatic transmission, they can be ridden by two passengers and they can be used on the freeway. The structure is reliable and solid, and the engine has enough power to correspond to the road demands. Moreover, there are alarm systems and remote controls installed for most Tank scooters, and they are to be purchased as such.

There are also some bad bits about Tank scooters, and you can find quite a number of negative reviews online. A weak spot is the low tank capacity of not even a gallon. Moreover, the mileage per gallon is 90. Despite the fact that Tank scooters can be used on the freeway, riding at high speed could prove uncomfortable because of the instability of the small wheels. Therefore, you may not feel that comfortable riding in such conditions. Another complaint is formulated against the vagueness of the instructions that are translated in a very poor English. Online manuals would be of real use if you find one uploaded by a good English speaker.

You can also find some video support and plenty of written materials for Tank scooters; search for the keyword and you’ll get the results. Anyway, very much in contrast with international brand names, Tank scooters are not without flaw, and their cheap price could be the reason why. Keep in mind the fact that anything that is really cheap, or way below the regular market price, is manufactured with low cost materials. The technological standards may not be at the highest, which also stays valid for quality inspection as well. Therefore, when buying Tank scooters it is good to know what to expect, or else you’ll feel duped.

Co-written by: Bike Frame Adapters.

150cc Scooters

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

Designed mainly for urban usage, the 150cc scooters are a very popular means of personal urban transportation. Superior in size to the 50cc scooters, the 150cc version can reach approximately 55 mph given the fact that there are speed limitations within the city. If you want a low-consume alternative to a car, such vehicles make an excellent choice. The initial purchase cost of 150cc scooters is somewhere between $1,500 and $2,200, but you can find more expensive versions too. Superior visibility is one other advantage of 150cc scooters , because, even if they are not the heaviest on the road, they still get more easily noticed in traffic as compared to lower cylinder capacity.

In comparison with motorcycles, 150 cc scooters can’t boast neither with power nor with speed; yet, they enjoy a better popularity worldwide because of their easiness of use and safety. International manufacturers design 150 cc scooters according to an original style specific to their companies only. Brands that are worth mentioning here include Honda in Japan, Bajaj in India, or Salsbury and Cushman in the US. The low complexity of the designs makes the scooters easy to operate even in the conditions of heavy traffic.

Many 150cc scooters are built according to ultra-modern technical standards. They have air-cooled fours-stroke engines and the cruise speed can reach even 64mph. Plus, disc brakes have become a common feature for both the front and rear wheels. The aerodynamic design, the windshield, the headlights, represent other important characteristics to take into consideration when shopping for 150cc scooters. Some manufacturers even produce deluxe variants with ergonomic seats, MP3 audio systems and anti-lock brakes. These are the kind of elements that make the prices of 150cc scooters climb way out of the reach of the average budget.

Nevertheless, we should make it clear that the features we’ve just referred to are available with all sorts of designs and cylinder capacities, and they don’t come exclusively with the average 150cc scooters. Plus, the modern complexity of the equipment gives one further explanation for the potential high costs of some vehicles. In conclusion, it suffices to say that the market of 150cc scooters is incredibly varied so that anyone can find a good model according to personal needs and budget limitations. Get more details from authorized dealers and test any vehicle before buying it.

Co-written by: Bike Frame Pads.