bunch of blogs: Motor

Entries from June 2008

6 Ways You can Save Money in Obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate

June 30th, 2008

Flying lessons are expensive and your learning doesn’t stop there. There are solo flights you have to perform in order to earn the required number of hours for you to get your private pilot certificate. But there are ways to keep your costs down. Here are some tips to help you save money while earning your private pilot certificate:
Have a plan.
Make sure you can handle the lessons and that you understand the kind of demands flying will require. Go to a local flight school and participate in discovery flights, preferably in different aircrafts. Interview pilots and flight instructors and find out how flying lessons are taught and what training aircrafts will be used.
Shorten your learning time.
When you’re in, always schedule all your flight training. If possible, don’t miss class. Shorter intervals between your lessons will help you retain what you’ve learned better. That means you don’t have to repeat any lessons to refresh your memory. This will help you save money.
If you want the cheapest way to save money in obtaining your private pilot certificate, take your lessons everyday. When the interval between lessons is this short, it’s easier for you to grasp the lessons and monitor your progress. You can also develop an intuitive understanding of your aircraft more quickly. Other than that, you can use the discounts offered for block time at your flight school.
Study ahead.
It pays to know what your next lessons are, so you can come to your lessons prepared. Your flight instructor will give you a study schedule to follow. Read about future lessons in advance. This helps you learn faster while shortening the time spent on your training.
Go small.
Try to take your pilot training using smaller aircraft. Rentals of these planes are cheaper by the hour compared to larger models. A Piper J-3 Cub, for example, will only cost you around $50 an hour while the latest Cessna plane can set you back by at least $120 an hour.
Be loyal.
Stick to just one aircraft if possible. This will help you get used to how the plane performs and to the nuances of operating it. This will shorten the time before you can fly solo and obtain your private pilot certificate.
Aim for quality.
You will need at least 60 hours of flying time to obtain your private pilot certificate, so your pilot training better be good. What your flight instructor teaches you and how you learn will be major contributing factors to how long before you earn your hours and later, your private pilot certificate.

Radio Controlled Cars - Big Boy Toys At Diverse Prices

June 30th, 2008

Fans of radio controlled cars (RCs) come in all ages, all shapes, and all sizes. How much does it cost, you may ask? Before you commit to this hobby though, you have to consider a few factors, such as; How much am I willing to spend on this hobby? How much of my time can I commit for the repair, and maintenance of my toys? Do I just want to drive my toy around the block, or do I want to race it? Luckily, there are RCs for just about any option you choose.
Toy-Grade RCs
Toy-grade RCs can be bought at prices between $20 - $100 and some of them may not be actual scale model replicas of the actual vehicles. Many scaled models are priced reasonably at below $50 to a little over $100. An example of this is the Ferrari Enzo 1:12 Scale RC Electric Car that can be had for less than $30. This comes complete with accessories such as a rechargeable battery, a LCD Transmitter, a 9v battery and charger. Many of the good quality ones though are in the $50-$100 range of this category. Some of the more popular brands are Nikko, HPI, Traxxas, Team Associated, and Tyco (some of these brands are considered as Hobby-Grade, depending on the model you choose).
Hobby-Grade RCs
Expect to spend more than $100 for the initial price tag of hobby-grade RCs. Many say that a good starting point would be the HPI Dash Porsche 911 Body, which is a hobby-grade electric RC, approximately $120 in some online stores, and can run 23 mph, out of the box.
For faster cars with more than 40 mph, then you would have to get a nitro-powered RC. In addition to your initial investment, though, you will have to regularly replace oil, fuel, and other parts on a regular basis (pretty much like a regular car), so you have to factor in those costs. The range for these would be $200-$300, and the really good ones are made by HPI, Associate, and OFNA.
When money is not an issue, and you want a really fast RC that can run between 50-60 mph, then expect to shell out between $300 to more than $1000 for a car. Popular models in this category are the 1:10 Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec RTR Car, and the 1:8 OFNA Nitro Ultra Series, both having speeds up to 60+ mph, and these can be had “out of the box”. Other brands in this category include Serpent, BMT and others.
So whether you are a beginner, or a serious hobbyist, there is definitely an RC priced just for you.

Motorcycle Boots Buying Basics

June 29th, 2008

Most people take a considerable amount of time when buying motorcycles. They scrutinize and check everything from models to features, appearance to price and maintenance. The same care and inspection should also be done while choosing motorcycle accessories, particularly motorcycle boots.
In order to improve safety and ease of riding, every biker must have a pair of reliable and dependable motorcycle boots. Wearing proper motorcycle gear, especially the boots, will make long journeys comfortable and safe.
Here are some tips that will help you find a good pair of motorcycle boots:
Boot material
Unlike driving shoes, motorcycle boots are exposed to several elements, such as mud, heat and water. Thus, it is important that you chose boots that are made of durable materials, such as leather and rubber soles. You can also opt for boots that are water resistant so that you won’t be bothered by splashes of water when you are riding your bike.
Design
Motorcycle boots come in different colors and designs to fit your mood and lifestyle. However, it is wise to choose a design that’s not only based on appearance, but also durability and safety features.
It is important to select a pair of boots that provide ankle coverage to not guard your ankles but also to help your feet handle different bike maneuvers, such as sliding, tipping over, etc. It’s also advisable to look for boots with upper-part shell protection.
Aside from the upper design, you should also pay attention to the sole design. Ensure that the boots you are going to buy provide very good grip both while using the bike or for walking. Remember that your feet are exposed to oil, water and mud while on the road.
You should also pay particular attention to the foot design of your boots. Ensure that your motorcycle boots provide a good grip of you heel and ankle to prevent unnecessary accidents. Also look for a shifter pad, even if your bike has a heel shift. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Lastly, look for a design that doesn’t have trimmings or laces that could get trapped on shift levers or other parts of the motorcycle.
Ventilation
Look for motorcycle boots that let your feet breathe. Just imagine how your feet might feel when they are next to the engine? High quality leather materials provide good ventilation.
The foot is one part of the body that carries all the weight and brunt of motorcycle riding. Thus, it is imperative that we buy a good pair of motorcycle boots that will help protect our feet.

5 Things You Should Know Before You Sign a Contract

June 27th, 2008

Security from any fraud and unscrupulous activities should be a serious concern for anyone who is into sales, lease, jobs, or any kind of services that entail certain provisionary agreement and settlement.
Whether a party is a first time or an expert person, the industry and the services that go with it presents the concerned person with risks and challenges that you cannot underestimate. Every time that a person is engaged in a commercial transaction in the society, he or she is in danger of submitting their selves to probabilities of fraudulent activities.
That is why contracts were made to ensure the security of both parties involved.
Generally, contracts are created to provide solid information about the agreement that transpired between two or more parties and that any details stated therein are bounded by certain laws and regulations. Hence, it is extremely important for a person to know the important details of the contract before he or she signs and submits to the pact.
Here is a list of some of the things people should know before they sign a contract. Knowing these will surely protect them from any discrepancies or any fraudulent activities that may happen.
1. Be aware that a contract is a legal document, bound by legal provisions and stipulations.
As defined, it is a “legally binding,” printed arrangement signed by two or more factions or groups, which entails their commitment to each other.
With the term legal, this means that any provisions stated therein are bounded by law, in which, any act, made by a particular party or all of the parties concerned, that constitutes as non-conformity to the details of the agreement will be held liable with the law.
This means that anybody could be imprisoned or held in custody with the law unless other wise the concerned party is proven not guilty.
Hence, it is important to be meticulous about the details of the contract before signing it to avoid any potential risk.
2. Make sure that you are dealing with trustworthy and reliable companies
It is extremely important to know first who the concerned person is dealing with. Therefore, it would be better if an individual or a party would try to do some investigations and background checks first before they sign the contract.
If in the event that a person or a party is in doubt, it is best to follow their instincts and forego the signing of the contract.
3. Know the fine print
The problem with most people is that they assume every detail as part and partial of the whole agreement, thinking that everything will be stated as agreed verbally, and that there will be no harm if they will not read thoroughly the fine print.
This should not be the case; otherwise, they can get into trouble with the parties involved or with the law.
People should bear in mind, that the law fully assumes that any person or entity that has agreed to sign in a contract has fully understand the details stipulated therein. Hence, there is no excuse for any party who claims that they had missed certain details in the contract.
4. Make sure that all of the details about the contract are fully stated.
This means that all information pertinent to the agreement should be stipulated clearly and completely. For example, for service contracts, be sure that the beginning date and ending date of the service is clearly stated.
5. Make certain that there are no blank spaces in the contract
Before signing a contract, concerned parties should try to inspect the document meticulously and ensure that there are no blank spaces present. This may pose greater risks if left unattended, especially if their signatures are already affixed on the contract.
All of these things are boiled down to the fact that people should be very careful about transactions, deals, or agreements that they commit to. It is relatively important to be aware and knowledgeable of the details of the contract before signing it.
You may have heard that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. This is true, therefore, it is better to be fully aware of it than to be in trouble with the law in the end.

AVOID RIP OFF THROUGH USED CAR HISTORY CHECK

June 27th, 2008

Buying a secondhand car is not a bad idea. In fact, used car classifieds on the net have recorded highest earnings ever of used cars which clearly suggests Americans acceptance to purchasing used cars.
According to a study conducted in 2003 by J.D. Power and Associates, there is an increase in the number of hours people logged on to the net browsing for used-vehicles and shopping online.
This suggests that people show an increase in confidence in buying used cars online and recommends the process to others. But before you get into the hype of used car buying online, there are some things that you need to consider to avoid problems and unfair transactions.
Vehicle History Report
Perhaps the first thing that you will need doing is to request a vehicle history report. Most auto dealership sites provide such information for no additional charges while other independent commercial authorized car sales agencies provide exclusive car history roster detailing information regarding the car’s condition before and after the reconditioning process.
The United States has more than 150,000 car dealer listings which can provide you information regarding the latest secondhand vehicle price listings and specifications.
First, you will need to determine which type of vehicle you like and how much you can spend on it. Second, look for a vehicle dealership across the net and find reliable reviews.
Lastly, deal with authorized used car sellers who will direct you to the selection of used-cars according to how much you are willing to spend and what model you would like to purchase.
Used Quality Vehicles
Even after you have been using the car for just a month or two and plan on selling it for the purpose of purchasing a new model, it will lose half of the actual value upon resale. This gives consumers a competitive advantage in ensuring a good car product upon acquisition without having to spend way too much money.
Reading reviews, evaluating car specifications, and dealing with the most reliable classified sites in the market give you a chance to negotiate with the prices and are road maps to getting more of what you deserve in procuring the best used vehicle available.
With more than 1 million used cars marketed each year, surely you will get one that is best for your budget and needs.

2006 BMW Sports Cars

June 26th, 2008

BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke has long been conceived all over the world as “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” The company has proven this statement true in the past years.
The current models of BMW sports car will attest to that statement.
Here are some of the current models of BMW, with their corresponding characteristics.
-BMW M3 2006
Engine specifications:
BMW M3 has an in-line, 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 11.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 248 KW power and 333 HP at 7900 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features:
The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
BMW M3 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.35 drag coefficient, body side moldings, and 3771 lbs. curb weight.
-BMW M5 2006
Engine specifications:
The BMW M5 2006 car has a V10, and 3.2 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 12. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 373 KW power and 500 HP at 7750 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features:
The car has brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
The BMW M5 is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with a responsive suspension.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.31 drag coefficient and 4012 lbs. curb weight.
-BMW 6-Series
Engine specifications:
The BMW M5 2006 has a V8, 4.8 liter capacity engine with a compression ratio of 10.5. It has four valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 268 KW power and 360 HP at 6300 rpm (SAE).
Brake Features
The car has electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, four disk brakes with ventilated disks, cornering brake control, and four-wheel ABS.
Handling Features:
BMW M3 car is equipped with stability control, immobilizer and limited slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine management control the electronic traction. It is also equipped with an adjustable responsive suspension.
Aerodynamics Exterior features:
The car has 0.3 drag coefficient, and 3814 lbs. curb weight.
With all the features these cars have, BMW truly is the “Ultimate Driving Machine.”

More than Cool: Choosing a Motorcycle Jacket

June 26th, 2008

Getting a motorcycle jacket does more than raise your coolness factor. It also offers a lot in terms of protection, especially for long drives under natural and manmade elements. To choose a motorcycle jacket for protective purposes and for style, here are a few tips:
Buy for protection first.
The purpose of a motorcycle jacket is to protect you against the wind, sun, dust, rain and road debris like pebbles and whatnot. You might like the feel of the wind against your chest, but in colder weather, this is just not recommended. A jacket should protect your skin against scratches in case of road accidents.
If you want more ventilation, then choose jackets that are vented. These allow the wind in to circulate between your jacket and your body, so you won’t feel as hot on warmer days.
Choose a leather motorcycle jacket
One of the most popular choices for a bike jacket is leather. These are tough, water resistant and able to withstand wear and tear. Besides, the more aged they are, the better they look.
If you’re buying leather, choose one that is supple and soft. While these may be more expensive, they will score high points for the comfort that it will provide you, especially if you’re planning to go on long rides. Look for heavy stitching on the hems and lapels. Good stitching is the mark of good craftsmanship and therefore of quality.
Inspect the jacket for consistency in texture and color, unless of course you’re looking for two-toned leather. The jacket should be consistent from the sleeves to the back and front and not look that three different cows contributed to it.
You might want to consider a motorcycle jacket that is thick enough to give you protection, but light enough to be comfortable. Thickness is more often than not directly proportional to weight and the thicker the jacket is, the more protection it will give you. If you will be spending a lot of time on the road, you might want a thicker jacket for better durability.
Price = Quality
You don’t need to spend a lot for a motorcycle jacket. Good ones normally start at about $60 while more expensive and detailed ones can go for $500 up. Custom-made leather jackets can cost more and will take more time to make, so be sure you’re willing to wait.
Don’t be afraid to shop around for good quality and price. When you find one that you like, wear it to see if it’s a good fit or not. If you’re going to be a true blue rider, you and your jacket will be together for a long time.

What Makes a Fusion Scooter a Great Buy

June 26th, 2008

Fusion Scooters have been in business since 2001. If you’re looking for an affordable but high-quality scooter, Fusion is absolutely the place to go to!
Assembly Time: A Fusion scooter takes about ten minutes to assemble. It’s so simple and easy that if you wish to have one shipped to you, you won’t have any problems getting your Fusion scooter set up and ready to use immediately!
Product Specification: A Fusion scooter uses a 250 watt, fuse-protected 24V motor. It comes equipped with aluminum mag type wheels, and a heavy duty brake system and front shocks. Turn signals come with beeping sounds while its headlights are bright enough to keep you from getting lost even on the darkest streets.
Ease of Use / Convenience: As for driving in comfort, your Fusion scooter has a battery level indicator to let you know in advance how many more minutes you can use your scooter before recharging. And speaking of charging, a Fusion scooter comes with a Quick Charge feature that powers up your vehicle in less than five hours. The seat of your Fusion scooter is built to accommodate two healthy-sized individuals and there’s even a handy carrying basket to store all your things. Maximum load for your Fusion scooter is a whopping two hundred and twenty pounds!
Service and Repair: Electric scooters in general don’t need regular maintenance compared to gas scooters. If and when you do find something wrong with your Fusion scooter, you can depend on the company to provide you with first-class service. The company’s representatives are quite friendly and always willing to lend a hand to their customers.
If you’re looking for spare parts to replace broken ones on your Fusion scooter, the company always has available stock for the following: brake cables and drum assembly, throttle, handle bars, mirrors, clamps, key switch, seats and seat posts, charger indicators, baskets, wiring, fuse holder tubes, foot pads, chains, trims, motors, decals, axles, frames, turn signals, lights, and other hardware.
Design: Fusion scooters come in exciting colors like canary yellow, pink, blue-violet, bright green, ebony black, and red.
Purchase / Payment: If you wish to buy a Fusion scooter, you can order right now from their website. The company accepts credit card payments from Visa, Master Card, and Discover. US money order payments are also accepted. Upon confirming your proof of billing and email address, your order will be shipped immediately.
If you want to start touring your town in style, comfort, and ease, buy a Fusion scooter now!

Need Motorcycle Parts? Buy Online

June 26th, 2008

With dozens of online stores selling motorcycle parts these days, it shouldn’t be much trouble to find one who could get you the best choice for a great price. If you’re knowledgeable about motorcycle parts enough to order online, this method of buying is not only convenient, it’s also fast and easy. Since most online stores keep their overhead to a minimum, you get more discounts for a wider variety of motorcycle parts.
Many of online purchases include easy-to-install parts like lights, air filters and exhausts because these could be ordered easily by non-technical bikers although it would help to know more about motorcycle parts and numbers for more specialized order.
Here are a few tips and info about getting motorcycle parts:
Know the part and number.
Motorcycle parts come in models and sizes indicated by a number or numbers, so when ordering online, make sure you know what exactly you need. Some sites charge a little extra for an online look-up.
Expect a few days for delivery.
Unlike offline stores, online stores need anywhere from 24 hours to 7 working days for your order to reach your doorstep. If you need it fast, paying for extra shipping cost can cut down shipping time significantly.
Sites to check for info and a look-see:
www.cycle-parts.com
Carries motorcycle parts for Triumph, Bombardier, Polaris, Ski Doo, Arctic Cat and Sea Doo other than their Harley, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki parts. To get the discounted price, include the part number with your order. Otherwise, you will be charged the regular retail price.
www.jcmotors.com
Sells parts and accessories for Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and BMW motorcycles. Their site offers a convenient drop-down menu that lists parts to choose from: brakes and rotors, chains, sprockets, steering stabilizers, handlebars and controls and various parts for body work. They offer a satisfaction-guarantee service for every order, so check out their site for more detailed info.
www.metricthunder.com
Features separate pages for different brand name parts like Suzuki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Kawasaki. There are also separate links for motorcycle and specialty parts and accessories.
www.american-made.com
This site boasts of having more than 13,000 parts for Harley Davidson motorcycles at a discounted price. You might also want to check out their ’specials’ page, which regularly features huge discounts on selected parts and accessories. Inquiries may be emailed through info@american-made.com.
www.necycle.com
If salvaged motorcycle parts is more your interest, check out this site. They have thousands of used parts in stock and requests can be made for free. If you also want aftermarket parts, there’s www.aftermarketmotorcyclespartsnow.com, which sells parts for all major motorcycle brands at a good discount.

Tips In The Proper Maintenance of Gas Scooters

June 26th, 2008

Scooters have become a popular transportation choice for most people who are brave enough to travel along with four-wheeled vehicles without the protection offered by a closed sedan or other closed vehicles. And why not when it is cheaper and a lot easier to operate and maintain.
Here are some of the most common reasons people buy scooters:
For fun
To avid traffic
Good for strolling along the neighborhood
Easy to maintain
Cheaper than most vehicles
While there are a lot of positive aspects to buying a scooter, there are however rules that you need to follow to make sure that the scooter functions well and lives up to its purpose. It is ideal to read the scooter manual as soon as you get it to make sure that you know everything there is to know abut the operation and maintenance of the scooter. It is also important to read the manual for the proper maintenance of the scooter. Here are some tips to make sure the gas scooter purchased last month lasts for a long time and performs efficiently:
The following subjects are addressed in Maintenance:
First off, a scooter owner should make sure he knows the most important parts of the scooter such as the following:
Tires
Spark plug
Brakes
Carburetor
Chains
Throttle
Oil and gasoline tank
How to make sure the scooter is properly oiled
Most scooters have 2-stroke engines so there is no need to change its oil. However, there is a need to come up with a mixture of good quality 2-stroke oil and gasoline (25:1) before filling up the gas tank to make sure the engine is properly lubricated. Oils for 2-stroke engines are available in most hardware stores. Scooter owners who aren’t sure of this should consult an expert because the wrong mixture can damage the engine.
Tires
The scooter tires should be filled with 85 psi (of air). Make sure the tires are inflated properly for efficient performance. Scooter tires with low pressure will make it lose power.
Spark Plug
Make sure there is a sparkplug took kit when you buy the scooter because the spark plug is an important part of a 2-stroke scooter. A light brown or golden spark plug means the motor is fine but a white spark plug (electrode) means the motor is hot. When it becomes black then it is time to get rid of the oil, gas or carbon clogging it. Keeping the spark plug clean will be easy but first, you need to use a wrench to remove the spark plug.
Brakes
The scooters brakes are very important for safety and there is no reason to get into an accident because of faulty brakes because they are easy to maintain. Adjusting the breaks is easily done when there are two people doing this.
Air Filter
Regular cleaning of the air filter is important as it protects the engine from dirt and substances that are abrasive. A screw is needed to remove the air filter cover. A dirty air filter should be cleaned using a power air spray.
Chain
Keep the chain of the scooter lubricated and tight to avoid jerking when the scooter is accelerated. Find the chain guard and lubricate the chain through a hole located on top. Checking the sprockets of the chain will ensure safety while driving.
Throttle
No matter what type of throttle the scooter has (twist or hand throttle), it is important to keep them clean to ensure smooth operation. The throttles can be easily adjusted by adjusting the cable tension.
Carburetor
It is best to have the carburetor checked by a mechanic who knows what he is doing because there is plenty of adjustments to be done here.
Maintaining the scooters parts doesn’t require the owner to be an expert mechanic. In fact, it only requires a little patience and of course, a love for his scooter and his safety. The basic parts of a scooter can be checked regularly even at home. The complicated matters should however be left to the experts like the breaks and the carburetor to make sure no further damage is done.