TAG | Vehicles
The expenses involved in keeping our vehicles running after a volcano ash fallout can be astronomical. Vehicles are often essential equipment in our mobility, and therefore using precautions in maintaining their mechanical soundness will be crucial in having transportation. Just scratching our windows if we don’t keep wiping the blades with water is one of the many concerns. This is a good time to be a mechanic or mechanically inclined.
-use a cloth and water to frequently wipe down the blades in order to avoid scratching the windshield.
-The alternator will need to be cleaned with compressed air at the garage, every 500 miles or so for a few months, depending on the severity of the ash fallout and dust spreading.
-Wheel brake area will need to be cleaned every 50 to 100 miles during dire road conditions from ash fallout, again with compressed air.
-Have the air filter in the vehicle cleaned. You can also help clean it by blowing air from the inside out. Talk to a mechanic about cleaning it effectively however. And if you don’t have an air filter, you shouldn’t be driving the car.
-One of the more costly expenses due to the frequency needed, will be changing the oil and oil filters. This means you may need to change them every 50 to 100 miles, or every 400 depending on the severity of ash fallout. You do not want the engine ruined.
Stock up on water and cloths for the car, as you will need these to keep the windshield area and wipers cleaned.
-As with anyone involved in this type of cleanup, filter masks, respirators, goggles, and hats or another type of head cover will be not only helpful, but for most of those items, crucial in keeping your health.
Don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. Every department in towns and cities will be dealing with the same transportation issues but on a larger scale. Services will not be available or not available with the speed and efficiency you are accustomed to, so response times for police, ambulance, coast guard, military utilities and other government offices will be very slow or non-existent for a while so patience and innovative alternatives may be necessary.
Are you thinking about purchasing a gas powered motor scooter? Well, if you are, gas powered 300cc motor scooters are a great choice to start with. Most people who buy scooters are concerned that a scooter is legal in traffic. This is a valid concern. Anyone who has ever driven a car at one time or another I am sure has had a chance to be behind a scooter and wished the scooter would just move to the far side of the road.
There speed was just as slow as a slug. Well, with a 300cc scooter you can stay with the traffic. I would not recommend taking a motorized scooter or any scooter on the highway. Yes, they do have the capability to travel at high speeds but the speed necessary to keep up with highway traffic may overwhelm a scooter. They are just not designed for that type of traffic interaction.
Some scooters are almost just like motorcycles. They carry the same characteristics in that some scooters can read top speeds around 70 – 80 mph. With these scooters being able to read those types of speed they are perfect for zooming around town and replacing common uses for cars. Let take a look at the kind of distance that can be achieved per fill up. Most gas powered 300cc motor scooters are able to accomplish 65 to 70 mpg. That is exceptional millage. they have a gas tank in most models that can hold 2.9 gallons of fuel. In terms of filling up if you used your scooter all month you would probably have to fill the scooter up maybe 3 to 4 times a month if that. Lets compare that to a car. With the way gas prices are going these days and the poor gas mileage that most cars and SUV’s have you would be lucky to not have to fill a car up twice a week.
Operating a gas scooter is much simpler than operations of a motorcycle. Most gas scooters don’t come with gears, they are automatic making them much easier to operate. But the scooters that do have gears are usually only high and low gears. Still much easier to operate than motorcycles. All the owner will have to do is jump on, turn the key and twist the handle for gas. That is it and the scooter will swiftly move to its next destination.
Maintenance for a scooter is pretty much like the maintenance on a car and truck. Old for the scooter motor should be changed every 2000 miles and a complete tuneup should be done every 5000 miles. This may differ if the owners manual say anything different. It is recommended that a higher grade fuel be used for a scooter. 87 octane fuel is cheaper than all the other choices but it is not refined as clean as 93 octane fuel. 93 octane has an agent added to the fuel that will guard the inside of the engine and help to keep it clean over your long ownership. Lastly, change the fuel filter often as this will keep muck and build up from entering your engine and producing damage. Also, check the spark plugs every 2000 to 3000 miles and regap them with a regaping tool if they need it. This should save your scooter and have it on the road for years to come.
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The Importance Of Wearing Motorbike Helmets
0 Comments | Posted by Pius Ephenus in motorcycles
Are you protecting your head when you ride your motorbike? Motorbike helmets are one of the most important considerations of all safety concerns, especially when you consider the current statistics stating that brain injury is one of the most dominant causes of motorbike fatalities. Realizing this importance can make wearing helmets easier to accept psychologically, as many current riders currently have a mental block and choose not to wear them. It is good to see that the governments have stepped in to make it mandatory, both, for the riders as well as the pillion riders alike.
Motorbike helmets are made with one purpose in mind; to protect the skull (and thus the brain) from impact by absorbing the force of the blow in an accident. Naturally then, the first consideration when shopping for motorbike helmets should be the material which the helmet is made of. There are lightweight helmets made of extremely strong, crack resistant plastics which do a great job of protecting you without making you feel as if youre wearing something heavy. You can generally tell how impact resistant a helmet is by looking at its shape and size. Remember that a helmet is an investment in your own safety, so always go for the best helmet you can afford.
Comfort is the second most important thing to think about after safety. There are full face helmets which are quite comfortable to wear; full face motorbike helmets also happen to be the safest kind to wear. Your helmet should fit snugly, feel soft at all points of contact with your skull on the inside of the helmet, be comfortable to wear and of course, it should have DOT approval stickers (these will be placed on the rear of the helmet).
The second kind of motorbike helmet is the half face one that is also a good protection and at the same time offers a fuller view of the road, allowing the feel of unity with the road that one whizzes past. The visors that cover the face and protect the eyes from wind and dust should be tough, clear and scratch proof. All the inner linings and padding should be clean and finished properly. Look out for itchy endings. The inner material should be able to soak sweat and made of quality material so that it doesn’t stink.
Some of the major manufacturers of quality motorbike helmets are the Iron Horse Helmets, Nola, and Bell that also add elements of comfort in addition to providing safety. They have incorporated easy flow ventilation systems, and anti-fog properties keeping in view the fact that a biker’s terrain and delight know no boundaries.
Mobility scooters, there are so many brands and models to chose from that researching and reading reviews can be confusing. An electric scooter can offer you freedom and pride without having to relie on help with others. Mobility scooters come in many capacities, colors or styles such as 3 wheel or 4 wheel. It pays to do your research and review you options before making that purchase.
Many lightweight mobility scooters have a capacity of 250 pounds. Some of your lightweight scooters can be folded or collapsed to be put in a trunk or car. Many other higher capacity scooters may requires a lift. In many cases the scooter may be covered by insurance but the lift may not. Again always check with your insurer before making that purchase.
Most lightweight scooters three wheel design. These electric mobility scooters can get around in the house a little better including tight areas. Four wheel models can consist of more rugged designs and usually have a higher load capacity and are more stable. They are more likely to have a greater range due to design for outdoor use, but range can depend on many factors. Some factors to consider when your buy a mobility scooter is capacity, range and battery charging times.
Also consider range and charging if you have a short range you will be spending more time charging. At some point you may need to replace batteries. Over time a rechargeable battery will lose its ability to take a full charge and your range could decrease.
Expect a range on 3 wheel lightweight capacity models of around ten miles. With four wheel models the range can sometimes exceed 25 miles. It depends on the electric mobility scooter you purchase.
When considering a mobility scooter you will need to analyze your situation and decide what uses you scooter will best be used for. When considering indoor or outdoor use there are many things to consider. Will you be using it for golfing, long dog walks, many errands downtown or around town. If you are carrying extra weight on the scooter it could reduce your range. Things you need to consider is how will you be using your electric mobility scooter.
Tires are another factor to consider because air filled tires may be prone to flats but give a better ride that solid core tires. Solid core tires will last longer and flats will not be an issue. Pneumatic tires will need to be checked often for optimal wear and performance. What tires you choose will depend on model or use such as indoors or out.
There are many things to consider when you buy a scooter for mobility. Always check with Medicare or your medical insurance to make sure your purchase is covered. Just make sure you have reviewed all your options and done your research before making that purchase.
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The Best Motorcycles Clothing: What Youll Need To Get Started
0 Comments | Posted by Pius Ephenus in motorcycles
One of the essential parts of preparing to ride a motorcycle is ensuring that you have the right motorcycles clothing on hand. These pieces of clothing are something which every motorcyclist needs to invest some time and money in acquiring in order to protect themselves on the road; despite what you may have thought, its not just for looks.
Leather motorcycles clothing is intended to protect riders from injury if they get into an accident. Leather is a lot tougher than other fabrics and certainly tougher than skin, which can prevent road rash and even disfiguring injury in the event of an accident.
No question about it, leather motorcycles clothing is the right choice. Knowing this, youll be prepared to start looking for your own motorcycle clothing for the road. There is plenty to choose from and some pieces are essential. Others, however can be passed up, at least for the moment. There is one thing which you absolutely do need: a leather motorcycle jacket.
A jacket is a vital piece of motorcycle leather clothing and provides protection to much of your body. Covering the back, the chest, arms and midsection, a jacket can prevent a lot of damage to your skin. While this is the most expensive part of a set of motorcycles clothing, no motorcyclist can afford to be without a good leather motorcycle jacket.
Next most important is a good pair of leather gloves. These, obviously will keep your hands safe from harm while also helping you to get a firm grip on the handlebars of your motorcycle (theyll also keep your hands nice and warm on your rides). Having your hands and arms covered also prevents injury from any debris which may fly up from the road.
Leather chaps are starting to become a popular purchase out of all of the various kinds of Motorcycle Leather Clothing. While many people may not see them as stylish looking, they will protect the legs just as the jacket protects the arms and chest. With all of the debris that could be kicked up towards you at any moment, your legs can be somewhat protected by the leather chaps. Since riding a motorcycle is a dangerous hobby, it is important to make sure that you are being smart about it and picking up everything that you can to better protect yourself.
You should think of safety first when you ride; a jacket and a pair of gloves are definite must-haves for every motorcyclist and a pair of leather chaps is also something you should consider. No one cares how they look once they get into an accident- remember that and be sure to choose motorcycle leather clothing that keeps you safe on the road.
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Motorcycle Club Mentality Versus The Biker Gang Mentality
0 Comments | Posted by JR Rooney in motorcycles
I want to talk a little about the Brotherhood mentality versus the gang mentality in the Motorcycle Club world . Now for those of you who may be asking what is the difference? I will set up a scene to help give you an idea! At a small Bar a member of a Motorcycle Club walks in he sees four Bikers playing pool, He can tell they are a bit nervous, They see his patches and they know who he is with. Now how does he act? Does he walk over to the pool table knock the 8 ball in the pocket say games over and tell one of them to buy him a beer? Or does he walk over introduce himself and let them know when they are done shooting pool they are welcome to stop over at the bar have a beer and talk with him! One is the gang way of thinking the other is the Brotherhood way of thinking! I really don’t think I need to tell you which is which!
Now one thing everyone needs to remember is all of the original Motorcycle Clubs Started out with the idea of being a tight nit group of Brothers and just about all of these Motorcycle Clubs got along. Don’t forget many of the men who started the first MCs where returning home after serving their country during times of war. They were looking for that feeling of Brotherhood here at home that they had been left behind. These were good men seeking adventure, looking to ride their Motorcycles and have a good time with others like themselves. Today most Motorcycle Clubs have gone back to that way of Club thinking, There are very few Clubs left that still have the Gang Mentality that was seen mostly during the 70’s threw 90’s. During the late 90’s things had just gotten too far out of hand and most Motorcycle Clubs began to realize the Gang Mentality was not the way it was meant to be and it was not the way they wanted it to be anymore, This was not what the Clubs were started for ! Many Clubs who had been friends were now fighting with each other. No one wanted to wear club support gear and things were just not fun anymore. These MC’s had all started their Clubs with the same ideals and ways of thinking, How and why had they grown so far apart that they now hated each other!
Well the answer to how is during the 50’s and 60’s the golden age of the Brotherhood years of Motorcycling, The Motorcycle Clubs were really huge. During this great time many of the Biker Movies that came out showed Motorcycle Club Members as Bullies and Thugs. The Bikers in these movies would pick on those weaker then them, take over small towns and the Clubs in these Movies all fought each other just like the street gangs of the time! So of course over time many new Bikers came to believe that this was the way it was. So when New Clubs started this was how they would act and the Original Motorcycle Clubs now had members who where young kids looking to prove how tough they were by starting fights with each other. The Original Motorcycle Club Members had been threw real wars together and they were as hard as nails and had nothing to prove to no one! But many younger members felt that they had something to prove and would imitate the Biker Clubs from the Movies they had scene and soon it was Biker against Biker, Brother against Brother, MC against MC. Thus began the Dark age of the Motorcycle Gang Mentality years.
Now for the question Why did this Happen? Well When something Changes the way of thinking and being of Groups like the Motorcycle Clubs so far from their original ideals, You have to ask was it just an accident these movies did this? Or was there more to it? Was there a plan behind it? Is there someone or some group out there that would benefit from having these large groups of Motorcycle Clubs who are run in a very military fashion and are made up of many ex-Military Members fighting against each other? If these Clubs all got along and worked together the world could be a very Different place! The Motorcycle world certainly would be! Are there people out there who are afraid of this happening?
Today there are very few Clubs left that have the Gang Mentality. Most have gone back to the Brotherhood way and the word Gang in the Motorcycle Club world has become almost the equivalent of a racial slur. Now as Motorcycle Clubs are beginning to go back to the way it was at the start and trying to put the past behind them, I am noticing that there are more and more Biker movies and TV shows Coming out. Will these shows show MC’s in a good way? Will they go out of their way to stir up the quarrels of the past? Will they show us as mindless Bullies much as the Movie Wild Hogs did? Most Important will we let them influence how we really are? Or have we learned from our past? If all continues to go well we could soon be making our way into the Second Golden age of Motorcycle Club Brotherhood back to where it all Started !!!
All Bikers need to ask themselves, Are you part of the Problem or part of the Solution?
I am Your Bro LJ James with AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com
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Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club a Run for Awareness
0 Comments | Posted by LJ James in motorcycles
Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club a Run for Awareness
Do you remember the Story of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia ? Carlie was the Little girl from Long Island NY who while staying with her Mother Down in Florida was Kidnapped and Murdered on Super Bowl Sunday, 2004. Her abduction was captured on video in front of the car wash where she was Kidnapped by Joseph P. Smith,Who has since been found Guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and kidnapping.
The story was carried nationwide and was heartbreaking to all who heard it. Now there is an old saying that every dark cloud has a silver lining and if that is true then the silver lining here is Matt Barbis, Carlie’s Cousin who started the Rose Brucia Educational Foundation (http://rosebrucia.org) with the Mission of reducing child abductions.
Matt goes around to Schools and preforms Puppet Shows and teaches children how to react and what to do if someone ever tries to adduct them. As you can imagine Matt’s Mission does not come without its costs and the Foundation runs on Donations from Groups,Individuals and Businesses.
Matt who Rides a Motorcycle had seen the good that Bikers on Long Island do to Raise Money for those in need, He wanted to Start a Motorcycle Run to help raise Money for the Foundation. A Motorcycle Run is a lot of work and Matt was Referred to the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club (http://Mortalskulls.com) Who do a Run and/or Benefit every year.
When the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club heard about Matt’s story and what his Mission was they quickly decided that this would be the run and benefit they would be doing for many years to come. What better cause can there be then keeping Children Safe? said one of the Members.
For the past 3 years now on the 3rd Sunday in June the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club have hosted the run and raised money for the foundation. The run starts every year at the Bellmore NY Train station on Sunrise Hwy, with sign up from 10:30am till 12pm, and has ended at local Long Island Bars with live Music, food, Appearances by local New York Celebrities and so much more. The recommended Donation for the event is $10 per person and Run Shirts are available for an additional $10 with every penny of the Proceeds going to the Rose Brucia Educational Foundation. The Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club Thank all who have come out to help and Support the event every year! This Fundraiser has quickly grown into a huge Long Island NY event, With the continued Support of the Long Island biker world and appearances by Celebrates it will continue to grow for many years to come!!!
I am Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com
