Perfecting Motorcycle Riding

The racetrack isn't the place to learn to stop. Track days are expensive, time-consuming events that happen only a few times a year but you can ride around an empty or abandoned parking lot for free nearly any day of the year. Save yourself time and money by practicing your braking and steering inputs in a parking lot so you can spend your track time working on high-speed maneuvering. All you will need is an empty parking lot that is free from gravel and oil, a measuring tape, an hour of your time and some cones or chalk or some other way of marking the ground.

Measure out 10-feet and mark both ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. Measure another 10-foot line that touches the edge of the previous circle and mark the ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. You should have two 10-foot circles side by side. Begin riding around the first circle at 15 mph.

You should be looking at the other end of the circle as you spin around the circle. Try increasing your speed slightly. Does the bike feel more or less stable at higher speeds? Change your body position so that the bike is leaned over but you are sitting upright with your weight resting on the outside foot peg. Does the bike feel more or less stable the farther the bike is pitched over and the more upright you sit?

Move on to trying a figure 8 by riding clockwise around one circle and counter-clockwise around the other circle. This will help you ride with your feet light on your toes to aid how well you transition from one side to the other. Now we move on to practicing braking. Draw a chalk line and mark a line off every six inches behind that line for 4 feet. Ride at 25 mph with our heads looking up at the horizon and our peripheral vision searching for the line.

As we approach the line we apply the front and rear brakes and stop in as little time as possible. Did you keep your head up, staring at the horizon the whole time? If not repeat the process until you feel comfortable looking off at the horizon even as the bike dips forward under heavy braking. Notice how and where your tire finally came to a stop. Repeat this drill until your can reduce the amount of space it takes you to go from 25 mph to a controlled stop. Try applying more or less front and rear brakes until you feel the tires start to go into a slide. This is the upper threshold of your braking and a parking lot, not racetrack, is the best place to learn to stop better.

Novitec Tunes the Alfa Romeo 8C

The German-based car tuning specialists at Novitec have a long history of tuning Italian cars. The company is divided into a number of branches based on the type of cars they modify. There's Novitec Tridente for Maserati cars, Novitec Rosso for Ferrari, and for the other Italian automakers such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo, there's Novitec.

One of the most celebrated designs to come from an Italian automaker in the past decade has been the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The car was built to honor the eight-cylinder racing cars at the height of Alfa's motorsport success. The 8C proved to be immensely popular, and from this popularity, spawned a convertible variant. Just in time for the warm summer months, Novitec has introduced a tuning program for the Alfa Romeo 8C Spyder.

Since the topless sports car is roughly based on the Maserati GT and uses a similar engine, Novitec called in their Maserati division to tune the engine. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine was fitted with a supercharger driven by the engine's crankshaft via cogged-tooth belt. The supercharger was designed to provide an even power band, even at low speeds.

Maximum boost pressure is set at 0.37 BAR (5.37 PSI). In addition to the supercharger itself, Novitec Tridente has also added a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator and larger fuel injectors. The entire engine upgrade is completed with advanced car tuning, in which Novitec has recalibrated the injection and ignition mapping for the optimum power output.

Since the Alfa Romeo uses a Maserati-based 4.7-liter V-8, it also boasts one of the most attractive exhaust notes in the industry. To make it even better, Novitec has installed a stainless steel sport exhaust with a flap system that varies the volume of the note depending on the engine speed and throttle input.

The result of the engine tuning is an astonishing 600 horsepower (441 kW) at 7,300 RPM and 433.63 lb-ft. (588 Nm) of torque at 5,400 RPM; an increase of 150 horsepower (110 kW) over stock. This added power helps improve the acceleration time for the Alfa Romeo 8C by cutting the 0-62 mph time down to 3.9 seconds. Top speed is also increased from the stock 180 mph (290 k/h) to 189.52 mph (305 km/h), making it the fastest Alfa Romeo model.

Novitec has kept the body and overall design of the Alfa Romeo 8C Spyder stock, as to preserve the already popular appearance. The only exterior modification for the 8C is Novitec's three-piece NA3 wheels. Measuring 9Jx21 up front and 11.5Jx22 at the rear, the five double-spoke wheels are fitted with sporty Pirelli 255/30 ZR21 front and 315/25 ZR22 rear tires. Finishing the stance is a threaded coil-over suspension with adjustable ride height and damper rates.

Novitec will also custom tailor the interior with a large selection of fine leather and alcantara for Alfa Romeo 8C Spyder owners.

Motorcycle Frame Sliders

Insurance is a good thing. Whether it's a full coverage policy or a cable locking your motorcycle to a pole in bad neighborhood, if buying or installing something reduces your anxiety then it is a good. To help ease your anxieties build a set of frame sliders to protect your motorcycle in the event of a low side to a parking lot tip over thanks to an errant driver. This project will cost less then $30 and you will need to purchase the following: 4 skateboard wheels or roller skate wheels with bearings, threaded rod, four nuts, a hacksaw, pliers, hammer, random washers and loctite.

Start by going to a local thrift store in search of an old skateboard or roller skates. The condition of the wheels doesn't matter as their sole purpose is to be sacrificed to save your bike from getting damaged. Once you have the wheels, go to a hardware store and purchase at least 4 feet of 5/8th-inch threaded rod. Purchase four nuts that screw onto the threaded rod and some loctite. If you don't have pliers, a hammer or a hacksaw, purchase them now.

First, stick the threaded rod through your motorcycle's hollow axle. Slip a wheel over each end of the axle and include a little extra space for the width of the nuts. It is better to have a little extra room then not enough. Once you have the length required, mark the cut off point with your finger and remove the threaded rod. Spin a nut onto the threaded rod to the point where your finger is marking and proceed to cut the threaded rod with a hacksaw. When you are finished cutting, spin the nut off the freshly cut edge to chase the threads.

Repeat this process for the other wheel. Assemble one side with a wheel and a nut and feed the threaded rod through the axle. Install the other wheel and nut and check for fit. Use miscellaneous washers to shim up the rod to allow the wheels to spin freely, which will help them survive the crash better. Once everything is installed, drip some loctite on the end of the nuts and tighten the nuts snug.

Cut the threaded rods flush with the nut then make two cuts forming an X perpendicular to the rod's threads. Hit the X with a hammer to deform the rod's threads and ensure the skateboard wheels don't vibrate loose. Repeat this process for the other wheel. This is just another way to improve your motorcycle experience through making your own parts. The next time you come outside in the morning to find someone knocked over your motorcycle, nothing important will be damaged, which is one less thing to be anxious about.

Motorcycle Audio - Accessorize With A Helmet With Speakers

Motorcycle riders are very much interested in accessorizing their helmets. In fact, there are many options available in the market if you too are interested in this work. Having a simple helmet makes a person feel bored but at the same time if it is accessorized and many useful and functional accessories are added to it, they feel much better wearing it. There are many accessories that are used to enhance or beautify motorcycle helmets. One of the most talked about thing is helmet with speakers.

Motorcycle audio has been the one of the most talked about things these days. The best use of it is when you are trapped in a jam or stuck in the traffic. Listening to your favorite music will also not make you irritated and frustrated. Helmet with speakers are of great use when you are driving alone on a long road and in a remote area. There was a time when music was allowed and played only in cars. But now motorcycle audio has made everything completely different and the approach is special and typical as well.

The main thing is that the music that is played would not distract other riders and this is also very important. Helmet with speakers allows the rider to listen to the music and no one else gets disturbed by this. The helmets are also subject to maintenance and you should take utmost care of cleaning and keeping your helmet updated. There are many ways in which you can accessorize your helmet. However motorcycle audio means a completely different thing and enjoying the music while riding a bike is a new and unique experience, no doubt.

There are different options when you opt for motorcycle audio and depending on your preferences and budget you can choose the one that suits you the best. You can have the mp3 audio or the satellite radio or you can even have a CD driver as audio system in motorcycle. You have options to listen whatever you like and even add up more and more alternatives if you wish.

There are many capabilities attached to satellite radio and you can opt for the one that is most liked by you. It is advisable that you buy such a system that can be upgraded easily. This is because there is advancement in technology always and you need to be updated to keep pace with the advancing world.

Mobile Auto Detailers Can Now Take Payments Via iPad - No Portable Credit Card Terminal Needed

One of the most difficult things for a mobile auto detailer is getting paid. Many folks will have you come to their home or office and clean their cars every week, and then have you send them a bill. Your best customers will leave the keys and the money at the front desk at the end of the month or housekeeper, as you clean their car. Others will send you a company check, and sometimes it takes a little while for them to remember to put that in the mail to you.

You can talk to just about any auto detailer, and often when they are done detailing a car, the customer will ask them if they take credit cards or ATM. If they don't, there is often a little bit of a problem and the auto detailer has to wait until the person can come up with the cash or write them a check. That's unfortunate, because as a mobile service business you have to keep moving and making money. Chances are you also have to pay your workers, and therefore you must maintain adequate cash flow.

There was a very interesting article recently on Kurzweil's Accelerating Intelligence Online titled "Square launches iPad point-of-sale service" on May 24, 2011 - partially republished from InformationWeek on May 23, 2011. the article stated; "The cost to merchants is a 2.75% transaction fee for swiped credit cards or 3.5% + 15 for credit card numbers entered manually. "We think that this obsoletes credit terminals and cash registers," said Square CEO Jack Dorsey."

Luckily, Google payments is also coming out with a similar program and working in conjunction with VeriSign, and folks will be allowed to pay online, via their mobile personal tech device such as an iPad, tablet computer, or smart phone.

This is a bonus to anyone who operates a mobile service business, and having been in the auto detailing industry for a number of years, I can't think of a better technology to come available for this sector.

It will surely increase sales, and make things very easy, that is if you are wise and sign up for such a service so that people can deposit money directly into your bank account, or through PayPal. Being able to collect mobile payments means you can make more money, maintain your cash flow, and not waste your time trying to collect, or wait for a check to come in the mail. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it. If you run a mobile service business, and you have any comments or questions, please shoot me an e-mail.

Making a Cafe Racer

Across Europe, post-WWII veterans removed every part that wasn't necessary and modified their motorcycles to make them faster to race outside of cafes for bragging rights. Known as Rockers or Ton Up Boys, they were the British equivalent of American Graffiti and their café racer motorcycles became synonymous with the brash men who raced each other on motorcycles from one café to another at speeds near 100 mph, known as "the ton." So if you are looking to convert your vintage motorcycle into something more café raced out, start by doing some research.

Originally café racers were British twins like Triumphs, Nortons and BSA, but if your motorcycle's look looks a little tired then spruce it up with a café racer look. One of the first things café racers did was remove any unneeded part. Unless the law requires them, remove conveniences like mirrors and turn signals as well as chain guards, fenders and superfluous gauges or switches. If you are going to use a mirror, buy a retro Napoleon Bar End Mirror. Keep track of your speed by wiring up a minimalist bicycle speedometer for $15. After removing all of the bike's unneeded weight, café racers sought performance to go faster then the next guy. Removing their stock handlebars, flipping them end over end and reinstall them upside down, gave café racers a more aerodynamic riding position to increase the likelihood of reaching "a ton," or 100 mph. Modern riders can buy a set of Clubman bars to give their bike the same look.

To further aid their aerodynamics, café racers would install small gas tanks since they were only racing about town. Look at online sites like Craigslist or eBay to find a smaller tank that fits your look. To further solidify the café look your bike is going to need a single, stainless steel headlight that mounts to your fork stanchions. Expect to spend $50 for a headlight that uses a modern H-4 bulb and another $20 for the accompanying bracket. Now that your bike is looking and riding the part make it sound like a café racer by removing some of the packing in the exhaust cans. This will help the bike breath a little easier while making the bike sound a bit sharper. Top off the look by getting yourself a black leather jacket, tight Levi jeans and leather boots so you can look as authentic as your bike does now.

Make Life An Adventure - On Two Wheels

I had the opportunity to meet some of the world's great motorcycle adventurers recently, and the really interesting thing was just how much they are like everyone else. The difference is that whereas we all dream, they have acted on their dreams.

I was down in Amado, AZ, at the Overland Expo, which is a gathering intended to bring people who dream about adventure touring together with people who do it, and with vendors who make products geared specifically for this type of excursion. The place was packed.

Adventure touring, or overlanding as they call it, is said to be the fastest growing niche in motorcycling, with popular models being the Kawasaki KLR650, the Suzuki DR-Z400, the Yamaha WR450F, among others. Unlike road touring, big power is not the people doing these rides look for first. In fact, as a simple rule of thumb you can ponder this adage: If you can't pick it up by yourself it's not an adventure motorcycle.
To listen to some of these people tell their stories of their adventures is both inspiring and daunting. There was Ted Simon, who wrote Jupiter's Travels about his four-year ride around the world. Also Lois Pryce, whose ride from Alaska to the tip of South America is recounted in her book Lois on the Loose, and whose trip from England to Cape Town, South Africa, is told in Red Tape and White Knuckles. Both those rides were on 250cc Yamaha machines. And there were others.

It wasn't just the distances they covered, but also the seemingly insurmountable problems they somehow surmounted and incredible struggles their journeys at times required. Not to mention outright dangers, ranging from passing through countries at war to running out of gas in the middle of the Sahara Desert with nobody else around for miles to being jailed by local "authorities" intent on separating you from your cash. How many among us have the gumption to push a heavily laden motorcycle through miles of knee-deep mud or ride a road that rains have turned into a river through an area where anything off the road holds the potential of triggering land mines?

Fortunately, it isn't necessary to risk your life in order to go adventuring on your motorcycle. The people who write the books are the ones who have gone to extremes. For the rest of us who aren't as hard core, all it really takes is to take a week's vacation and go ride somewhere you've never been before. Sure it still takes preparation. If you've never ridden a that KLR 650 on goat trails you had best get some practice before setting off on a seven-day ride through the Rocky Mountains. You'd also better talk to some people who have done these things before about the right kind of tents, sleeping bags, and other gear you'll need.

But in the end it's all about challenging yourself. Challenging yourself to make the commitment to go, to do the necessary research and preparation, and then to actually ride the ride. Many people shake their heads and tell themselves they just can't do these kinds of things: They have jobs, families, commitments. They don't have the money for the bikes and gear or they can't take the time off.

These are valid concerns but one common theme cropped up again and again at the expo: If you really want to do this kind of adventuring you will organize your life to make it possible. Do you really need a 5,000-square-foot house when a 2,000-square-foot house would free up enough money to buy the bike and the gear and leave you with a much smaller mortgage that would then free up more money for more trips? In short, it's priorities. Do you have real dreams, or are they fantasies? Real dreams really can come true, but you are the one who has to make that happen.

New Motorcycle Handlebars

Whether you are looking to get more leverage, a better riding posture or looking to give your modern motorcycle a vintage look; installing handlebars is one of the easiest and most notable modifications you can do with $75 and 50 minutes. You will need basic hand tools. First, think about the goals of your ideal handlebars. While Clubman style bars look great and impart an English circa 1960s look to your bike, they are uncomfortable for longer rides. Think about your goals and choose set of bars that helps you obtain your goals.


Start by buying a set of handlebars and a new pair of grips. Next, loosen the bolt or screw that keep your left and right-hand switches attached to the handlebars. Remove these switches from the bars and let them hang by the wayside for the moment. Remove the clutch and brake lever and the perches they both sit in. Zip-tie the brake master cylinder to the upper triple tree clamp or some other location so long as it doesn't hang off the bike.


The throttle tube is attached to the throttle cables so you will have to slacken the cables to unclip the throttle tube and remove the tube from the handlebars. Use a razorblade to cut the old grip off the throttle tube, which we need to reuse. Install the larger of the two new grips overtop the throttle tube and secure the grip stationary with safety wire.

Remove the old handlebars via the four pinch bolts located on top of the triple trees. Put the new handlebar in the clamps and hand tighten the four pitch bolts. Slide the new grip over the left handlebar and secure the grip via safety wire. Slide the throttle tube with new grip over the right handlebar and reattach the throttle cables. Properly tension the throttle cables and make sure you have routed the cables correctly.

 Install the right and left switch housing and tighten their accompanying bolts/screws. Loosely install the clutch lever and brake master cylinder and lever. Sit on the bike and figure out your preferred angle of handlebars, clutch lever and brake lever. Once you found a position you like tighten all of their bolts to specifications. Whether you are looking to make your motorcycle more fashionable, functional or fun, a new set of handlebars is the easiest way to make your motorcycle more you.

How To Get Your Motorcycle License - The Steps Involved

If you're thinking about driving a motorcycle for the first time this year, you better think about whether or not you can legally do so first. In order to legally ride a motorcycle, you have to have either a motorcycle permit or a motorcycle license. Here are the options that you have for getting a motorcycle license.

One nice thing about the process of getting a motorcycle license is that there is more than one option for doing so. You can either choose to go directly for your license by taking the rider test, or you can go through an educational course in which you learn important riding skills and safety knowledge.

Before you can do either though, you have to get a motorcycle permit which allows you to legally ride a motorcycle on learning/instructional basis. This permit is not a full fledged license so there are limitations on your driving. For example, you can't drive a motorcycle with a passenger on board. If you have any questions about the limitations you face with permit, check the rules and regulations within your state.

The Motorcycle Safety Course

If you've never driven a motorcycle before and feel that you would benefit from learning important rider skills and safety tips, then perhaps the rider course is the way to go. This type of course is typically held at a local technical college, or their may be held at local businesses. Check around in your area if you cannot find one at a local college. If you live in a bigger city, you will probably have more luck finding one.

During the safety course you will learn many new driving skills that will help you become a better driver in real life. Not only that, but you will also learn many different safety tips and techniques that will help make you safer on the road and more aware of your surroundings while driving.

Upon successful completion of the rider course, you will be presented with you motorcycle license and you will be free to ride wherever and whenever you like.

The Motorcycle Rider Test

If you don't want to mess with taking a rider course because you feel you are experienced enough as it is, then you can go straight to taking your rider test with the local department of transportation in your state. One thing worth mentioning is that many states are eliminating the rider test, ultimately forcing you to go through a rider course in order to get your license.

Typically there will be a written portion of the test and then an actually driving portion of the rider test. In order to get your license you will have to pass both portions. During the rider test you will be evaluated on a number of different riding skills such as starting, braking, signaling, turning, speed, awareness, and motorcycle handling in certain types of specialized turns.

How To Fix Your Car Into A Showstopper

Modifying your car can drastically change its appearance from a regular daily driver to one that resembles a racing hot rod. It doesn't matter if you drive a domestic vehicle or a foreign one; with the proper mods and tweaks any vehicle can look amazing. Fixing up your automobile can also be a lot of fun. Common mods include lowering, adding some blinged out rims and adding in a state of the art stereo system with lots of speakers.

The easiest way to add a new dimension to your auto is to install some sweet rims. In order to get a feel for what type of rims you prefer you can surf auto blogs online and take a look at some sweet modified rides. Perhaps you want eye catching chrome ones or perhaps more subtle alloy wheels suit you more. Be sure not to choose wheels that weigh a ton since these can actually affect the speed of your car. Alloy wheels are best if performance is important to you. Make sure not to pick wheels that are too big or too small since this can hinder overall performance.

Keeping your auto is clean is very important if you want a good looking ride. Always pick up after yourself and make sure to clean your vehicle on a weekly basis. Wipe down the exterior with a cloth and wax it on a regular basis. Vacuum the floors and mat with a portable vacuum cleaner. Don't forget to wipe down the wheels too in order to keep them looking new. Air freshener is another nice touch to make your car smell nice.

Here are a few more easy ways to spice up your vehicle. You can tint your windows if you want an edgier and more aggressive appearance. Always check the local rules in your city in regards to tinting as it may be illegal in some areas. Some clear lights can also make your auto stand out instead of using the standard yellow lights that most cars come with.

Depending on your budget, you can also work on the entertainment aspect and install an amazing sound system. Another option is installing a DVD player and adding in screens in the headrests which allows passengers to enjoy movies and television. Make sure to get frequent hand washes and get it waxed and polished on a regular basis. You can also change the color by painting it or perhaps incorporating a design, such as stripes on the exterior.

No matter what changes you decide to make, remember that fixing up your car is supposed to be fun. So make sure you have fun and don't be afraid to show off your ride once it's in showroom condition.

How Harley Davidson Has Revolutionized The World

Think motorcycles and the name "Harley Davidson" comes to mind. Harley Davidson is synonymous with world class top quality motorbikes today. Harley Davidson was founded in 1901 when William Harley had a smacker of an idea - he thought it would be cool to attach a motor to a bicycle and the rest, as they say, is history!

A Brief History

William, together with his friend, Arthur Davidson started working on this project in a wooden shed, which had the worlds, "Harley-Davidson" scrawled on its door. Their tireless work resulted in the first Harley Davidson bike which was launched in the year 1903 - a mere two years after Harlet had thought of it!

And today, Harley Davidson is a force to reckon with. In the new millennium, this company flooded the global market with a stunning array of different types of motorcycles. What is more, this company is now the best and biggest in the motorcycle industry, owning 60% of the market share! And looking at the breakneck speed at which they are still growing, things are going to be this way for a long time to come.

Beware!

But, because of this, Harley Davidson is not really your average man's bike. It is pretty expensive and not everyone can afford it. But if you save up for a couple of years, it should be within your reach and I can guarantee that you will not regret this investment. But beware of fakes. There are a lot of people selling motorcycles which are branded under names such as "Harly Davidson" or something like that and you should be careful not to be tricked by any of them.

In fact, the best way to tell whether you are being fooled is by the price. These motorbikes are unbelievably cheap when you compare them to the original Harleys. There are plenty of legitimate Harley-Davidson dealers all over the world - in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and just about anywhere in Asia.

Parts and Seconds

It is best to go to them. Once you have a bike, you might need a number of accessories and parts. Again, you should only stick to originals from Harley Davidson. In fact, you might even get your own custom built bike, complete with racks, chrome fenders, chrome screws and even bolt covers. You could even go a step ahead and have your bike painted in colors of your choice. But just be sure you're not being taken for a ride.

A lot of times you can buy used Harley Davidson for good prices, if you are not willing to be all that much. These too, can be found at authorized Harley David dealers'. In fact they give you a wide range of financing options and maintenance deals which you just cannot resist. Plus, you even get a document which certifies that your bike is legal. So if you are looking to save money but still want a Harley Davidson motorbike, then this is your best way to go about fulfilling your dream!