Children and Motorcycles

Watch Out I95
Image by Michele Eve via Flickr

Many children grow up in families where motorcycles are a part of life. I can remember my husband taking our boys for rides as soon as they were old enough to walk. This was scary for me as I don’t have a great deal of motorcycle riding experience. However, my husband has been on them since he was a toddler so it was just a natural process for him.

Most children love riding on motorcycles, but the issue is very controversial. I am an overprotective mom, so it is hard for me too. However, all of my children love riding on them and I trust my husband to have their best interest in hand all the time. I really hate it when my children are on the highway because I know accidents can happen so quickly. We do make sure they were long sleeved shirts and pants. They also have helmets to wear that fit them properly.

They make motorcycles for children to ride on their own by the time they are four or five years of age. My children all learned how to operate one as soon as they were able to ride a regular bike without training wheels. Of course the motorcycle, called a 50, is very low to the ground and doesn’t go very fast. When I look back at it now, I think it was very good practice for them to learn about operating vehicles.

This is not to say that everything went smooth! My oldest son crashed his motorcycle into a fence when he was seven as he lost control. I think me tried to stop but panicked and pushed the gas more. My other son loved to go as fast as he could, so we were hesitant to move him up to a larger bike because with the size came more power. Children should never be left to ride a motorcycle without the proper safety equipment and without parental supervision.

Since children can’t legally ride their motorcycle on the street, they have to ride them on dirk trails or motorcycle trails. Make sure the type of motorcycle you purchase for them is designed for such rough terrain. You should also consider purchasing them a helmet that has a full face cover. It is common for children to crash their motorcycle, and hitting their chin or mouth on the handle bars is also common.

If your child is a rider on a motorcycle with another adult, make sure that adult has a license to operate a motorcycle. Smaller children can ride on the front of the motorcycle but they are encouraged to ride on the back. Make sure they always wear a helmet even for a short ride. Children are allowed to ride on a motorcycle on major highways, but this is a personal decision for the parent. I will tell you it is not one I am comfortable with for my own children.

Never allow your children to operate a motorcycle with another child on the bike. This can lead to the child trying to show off and for accidents to happen. It also shifts the weight of the bike when you add an extra person, and the child operating the motorcycle may not be able to handle the extra weight.

While operating or riding on a motorcycle can be dangerous for a child, it can also be a great deal of fun. They will have fond memories of it as well. Parents have a responsibility to keep their children safe while operating a motorcycle. Don’t share helmets among your children as they won’t fit each of them properly.

Many children enjoy operating a motorcycle, and parents will find that it can help them become more responsible. They also learn valuable skills about operating vehicles and safety at a very early age. Children who wear safety equipment as a child will continue to do so as an adult. They also develop skills to make them safer drivers so that when they are old enough to operate a motorcycle on the street, they have plenty of experience.

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Lamborghini Sports Cars – Automotive Legends Both in Styling and Vehicle Performance

For the legendary Lamborghini sports car stable of fantastic ultra high performance and styled vehicles it all started with ordinary Fiat automobiles and tractors.

Mr. Lamborghini – fully named – Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini got his start with Fiats and then went on to a large successful manufacturing concern that grew from a small manufacturing shop into a major producer of tractors. However at a certain point in every person’s life they search out to complete what their real passion is. In the case of Lamborghini was finely styled and crafted motor cars. At 60 years of age, an established manufacturer of agricultural tractors – Mr. Lamborghini – decided that he could a better job of building a high end, beautifully styled, performance racing automobiles than either of the two dominant Italian auto firms of that auto industry sector – Ferrari and Maserati.

The first product out of the door had a chassis that was multi-tubular; the engine was front mounted sporting a 3.5 liter 12 cylinder V-12 engine. The V-12 engine itself was fitted with six Weber carburetors and ran four overhead camshafts. It all clocked at 360 ultra smooth horsepower with the transmission drive being through five speed stick shift. Suspension involved a coil and wishbone independent suspension set up. In one word it was wow – both in terms of performance of the hop as well as the automotive styling.

Although the styling of those early Lamborghini models may be considered standard Italian sports car design – designs which have worked their way into the so called standard “sport scar designs “and “sport scar flair”, at the time it was new and innovative and for the most part if was twenty five years ahead of anything produced in the good old U.S.A. . The one American sports car which might be considered an exception to that point was the Chevrolet Corvette. For years to come nothing else really matched or was similar to the clean aerodynamic lines and styling of the early Lamborghini classic autos.

Even then Lamborghini had such innovative products the establishment and reputation of the Lamborghini product line was no easy road to hoe. Although the first cars were produced in 1963 it was not for two years later – at the Turin Motor Show that the car began to attract solid interest and for the reputation of the car and its studio to grow and begin to become accepted for what it should be.

The first real product of record for Lamborghini was what was marketed as Miura T 400 model automobile. Its first year of manufacture was the 1966 model year. The basic layout and design of the Miura T 400 was a mid-engined coupe with a slightly larger version of the overhead cam engine – the classic V-12 laid out transversely behind the two seats of the car. The rear wheels were then driven by this engine through” spurs gears”. Interestingly the gear boxes and rear axles were Lamborghini products all by themselves -so they shared a lineage that was unique and not the same as any other of the competitor’s models.

What was performance of this little cat? The V-12 engine could pour out a total of 385 barrel horsepower. Top speed of this little coupe was over 180 miles per hour. It could more than carry its weight with the local Italian contenders – even the famed Ferraris.

If the was one complaint from drivers or riders it was of noise levels in the car’s cockpit. It can be said that this was the price to be paid for success or in this case speed and performance. If you cannot stand the heat don’t stay in the kitchen. Certainly the buyers of Lamborghini fine motor cars who bought the product and established the revered name for its performance and advanced styling and forgo this small shortcoming or foible as the car as an assumed fact – even a luxury.

The next model in the Lamborghini stable was introduced approximately two years later. The entire life of the production run of the popular Miura model was nine years – with two cars being produced a week ( a production figure of only 100 or so cars a year). The name of this vehicle was the Espada. For the new Lamborghini model, the Espada, Lamborghini went back to a more standard front engine layout. Perhaps this was in response to concerns over noise levels in the cockpit of the Miura and the need to produce a more “standard” or “civilized “vehicle product. No one really knows what went on in the mind of the genius Ferruccio Lamborghini. However what was retained for sure were the Lamborghini basics – the four liter V-12 massive highly tuned engine with whizzy overhead cams and multiple choke carburetors all putting out massive automotive performance and handling.

In the end it can be said that the Lamborghini automotive and automotive styling and performance legends are more than unique and reek of power, thrust and acceleration.

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The Classic Automotive Product The Ford Model A Motor Auto

Creating a replacement for the phenomenally successful; Model T Ford will always be recognized as one of the toughest tasks in all the entire history of the automobile industry. Later successes in an established industry are always easier – the groundwork has been done. It is early on in the marketing cycle of a car , an industry or a sales territory is where the greatest efforts are usually required and the results success or failure are more dramatic. Mr. Henry Ford was confident and eccentric enough to want the Tin Lizzie to remain in production forever. Announced in 1908, the machine that put the world on wheels was destined to notch up just over 15 million sales before Mr. Ford accepted the fact a new model was vital and essential.”Sixty-four today and the biggest job of my life is ahead” Ford exclaimed as work began on the Model A, which was given the designation as the first car ever produced by his company , back in 1903. Believe it or not Ford Model T production ended nearly six months before the first of the newcomers was delivered : the hiatus appearing all the more extraordinary when you appreciate was then a one model automotive car company. In terms of cars for sale; the immense River Rouge plant built nothing for the almost a half of 1928.

Although far more complex than its predecessor , the parts count was 40 % higher, and most of these automotive components were new – the Model A is a miracle of simplicity by today’s modern standards – mechanical and of course electronic. Today’s vintage classic car fans appreciate the fact the Model A was designed to be fixed by blacksmiths of what was then the outback wilds of North Dakota. Key features of the Model A vehicle included a traditional frame-type suspension, transverse leaf springs, front and rear hydraulic dampers, a conventional ignition system, a safety-glass windshield, and a brake for each wheel. Like the Tin Lizzie, the newcomer was offered with an assortment of two door and door bodies, from a roadster and phaeton to sedan and taxi. Prices started at $ 460 in 1928.

It has been said about driving a Ford Model T that the driver should forget almost everything that they know about and are familiar with driving. For a driver sitting at the wheel of a Model T it is as if he is a driving novice. The only thing rather conventional about the setup for driving a Model T is the steering wheel. Not so with a Ford Model A. Anyone who can handle a standard manual transmission with proficiency need have no qualms about driving the Model A. The 3.3 liter engine’s four cylinders provide strong torque at very low engine revs, so there is no need to work up on down the three speed transmission. When one does, the shift’s silent simplicity will make you wonder why a vintage Bentley’s “cogs” can be so difficult to master.

The Ford Model A can maintain a cruising speed of 50 miles and hour with top bursts to a maximum of 65 miles per hour. This is all the more amazing when one considers that the engine is a 40 horsepower 4 cylinder engine running at 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm).

The Model A was remarkable in that it set a new standard with high quality that provided a rugged , more than reliable and characterful motoring , in an economical fashion all in return for more than a sensible amount for purchase price of an automotive product of its time from the market leader of its day – The Ford Motor Company.

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Top Notch Car Care: Taking Care of Your Motor

Your car may be one of the possessions that you rely on every day; to get to and from work, to collect your weekly grocery shopping or just to visit friends and family. Keeping it in tip-top condition should therefore be high on your priority list so you avoid inconvenient breakdowns or problems.

Keeping your car in check also makes it safer for you and your passengers when you’re out and about. When it comes to selling your car in the future you may also find that a well kept vehicle will sell for a higher price, so there are numerous benefits to carrying out a spot of regular car maintenance.

When it comes to safety you need to make sure your tyre threads aren’t wearing too thin, so periodically check their thickness – there are specific tools you can purchase to help you do this. In Britain it is a legal requirement to have a tyre thread thickness of at least 1.6mm so use this as a guide.

Rotation is another useful tyre maintenance tip. Uneven tyre treads can result in uneven braking and poor handling. To avoid this simply start rotating your tyres; especially on front wheel drive cars where the front tyres wear faster. You should also check your tyres on a weekly basis for any wear, tears or bulges – and don’t forget to include the spare tyre as you never know when you might need it.

Engine oil is another safety essential that needs to be regularly maintained. If you were to run out of engine oil it would probably mean the end of your engine and a very costly bill to pay before your car was back on the road again. Keeping engine oil levels topped up should be one of your main priorities when it comes to car maintenance.

To check the oil level of your car, make sure the car has fully cooled down and always have the engine switched off. Locate the engine oil dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean in order to get an accurate reading. If levels are running low then get yourself to the nearest garage and top-up immediately.

It is also an idea to keep your car as clean as possible – especially during the winter months when salt is used on the roads – to help protect the paintwork. You can invest in all sorts of car cleaning tools from alloy cleaner to wax polish that won’t leave unwanted scratches behind.

What’s more, if you are trying to keep an eye on your budget then parking your car in a garage can protect it from any natural elements that could cause damage, whilst also helping to lower the cost of your car insurance cover at the same time.

As you can see, taking care of your car does not have to be a chore and from doing so there is potentially a lot to be gained.

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How to Choose the Right Type of Motorcycle

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

Cruisers include bikes made by Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson among other manufacturers. When you sit on this bike, your feet will be facing forward. Most cruisers require you to keep your hands up and your spine straight. Choppers are a common type of cruiser. These are designed for comfort on long rides, not necessarily great speed. Many cruisers are custom made for their owners.

A sport bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called “crotch rockets.” They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

Naked bikes are bikes that have few extras. These street bikes are not covered with shiny body panels and do not have screens. They are simply an engine and a seat with the necessary controls. Functionality and performance are the main goals of these bikes.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters

While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider’s feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road bikes, which are sometimes called dirt bikes, have small, lightweight engines. They have simple construction and have little to no bodywork, because they are not designed for show. The tires are designed for rugged trail riding, and are large and knobby to aid the bike in maintaining traction. These bikes are used for off-road sports, not as a means of transportation. They are usually not street-legal.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Get Your License

Before you can ride your bike, you need to have a motorcycle license. Check with your local DMV to find out the rules and regulations in your state regarding motorcycle riders on the road. You may need to take a motorcycle riding safety course. Remember, very little stands between you and the pavement when you are on a motorcycle, so you need to make sure you know how to handle the bike safely. Be sure to practice riding in a variety of conditions, especially wet conditions, before you head out on the open road. If you are not fully prepared for varying road conditions, you could be putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk when you take your bike on the road.

Getting the Right Gear

One of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a helmet. Some states do not require a helmet, but it is a very necessary piece of safety equipment. You will want to get a leather coat and gloves to protect your skin when you ride. Eye gear is required in all states, even those that do not require helmet use. Make sure you purchase eyewear that is designed to be used by motorcycle riders.

Finding the Right Bike

Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

If you decide to buy from an individual, you need to spend some time searching motorcycle classifieds. You can find these online or in your local paper. If you want something very specific, shopping with Internet motorcycle classifieds is going to be the best option. You will have a larger base of motorcycle owners from which to choose when you shop online.

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Harley Davidson: King of Motorcycles

Harley Davidson. The name means motorcycles. In business for over a hundred years, the company is universally acknowledged as the manufacturer of some of the world’s finest motorcycles, and justly so.

Beginning in the mind of William Harley and the backyard of his friend, Arthur Davidson, the pair created a ‘motorized bicycle’ that has evolved into the standard for fine two-wheeled transportation.

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, their first bike didn’t even have enough power to make it up the small hills of the town without pedal assistance. The pair were undaunted. Within a few years they were producing vehicles for the military fighting WWI and it’s been the standard for military and police bikes ever since.

From 50 motorcycles produced at the original factory in 1906, the company has grown to produce millions that are sold around the world.

‘Harley’, ‘Choppers’, ‘Hogs’ and other nicknames became attached over the years. Choppers are bikes that have a front fork angle extended, moving the handlebars back. ‘Hogs’ came into being when live pigs were ridden around on the back seat after winning a race. But whatever you call them, Harley Davidson motorcycles – with the exception of a short-lived hiccup in the 1970s – have always been the gold standard of bikes.

Their large, powerful engines and distinctive pipe sounds make them recognizable before they even round the corner. Seeing one cements the impression that the viewer is watching greatness drive by.

They figure prominently in the major rallies, the Daytona in Florida in March, the Laconia in New Hampshire in June and the Sturgis in South Dakota in August. Thousands of Harley owners attend and there are inevitably a few dropped jaws at the sight of some of the customized versions.

The Harley Owners Group, H.O.G., founded in 1983, now has over 1,000 chapters with over a million members worldwide. Many don’t even own a bike. But the passion for this exemplar of motorcycle engineering is the same, even so. You don’t have to own a Rolls Royce to appreciate one as an example of excellence in motoring design.

Beyond the bikes themselves, there are co-branded jackets, helmets and hundreds more items carrying the Harley Davidson winged emblem recognized the world over. Though they contribute a modest percentage to the over $5 billion in annual revenue, the advertising is priceless. As if anyone needed to be told that Harley Davidson makes motorcycles!

There are thousands of Harley Davidson forums online – three times as many as there are for Yamaha. One of the few serious competitors for the crown of motorcycle design. BMW, Victory, Honda… many strive – some come close – but Harley Davidson remains the champion. A title they are unlikely to relinquish anytime soon.

After all, there’s only room for one at the summit of the tallest peak.

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