Friday, April 30, 2010

Buying a Motorcycle Helmet - Some Key Facts

Buying a Motorcycle helmet, at most times isn't such a big deal for bikers. Normally, a biker is likely to pick up an inexpensive, yet quite utilitarian motorcycle helmet from a store. He is likely to choose one that looks good and stylish too. In other cases, they may not buy the helmets themselves and ask their friends, relatives and companions to do the same.

In the whole process of helmet-buying, a person needs to clearly know what features he ought to look out for in a good motorcycle helmet. As was said in the case of a majority of bikers, just a few brief, passing glances are simply not sufficient. So what should a biker do, since helmet-buying a serious business? We will see soon.

What Helmet To Buy

There are many people who are of the opinion that helmet buying is not all that serious business. However, take my word, they're wrong! Surveys have revealed convincingly enough, that riders wearing helmets are less likely to crash than non-helmet wearing ones. Even if you meet with an accident you could come out of it with fewer injuries and avoid permanent disabilities, caused primarily due to head or neck injuries. Motorcycle helmets ARE IMPORTANT. The bottom-line is this.

Now, let me tell you that buying a helmet is not all that easy business, because there are factors apart from safety, those regarding comfort for example. The easier way to find out which helmet is of a greater quality is to ascertain if it conforms D.O.T. standard (Department of Transportation, US).

The determining factor that makes a D.O.T helmet is its impact-absorption ability and a strong fastening system that remains intact even in the face of worse accidents. They are well-made as they conform to some sort of a national norm. It is for this reason that it is wiser to choose even a non-expensive D.O.T helmet in place of an expensive one that does not meet D.O.T standards. It also provides additional features such as increased comfort and durability.

Other Functions Performed By A Helmet

There are also other things that a motorcycle helmet does. What? Well, to begin with, they cut out the extreme noise caused by winds while riding. And it also protects your eyes from insects and dirt. The helmet-visor gives you much improved vision.

Still thinking whether to buy a helmet? Don't think; start searching for your helmet right now. Also try to get a pair of motorcycle boots if you can. And don't forget a motorcycle jacket to protect your body - and help you look cool! Always keep in mind the interesting facts above when shopping for all your motorcycle goods.

And for help with your purchases, head online. Open your browser to Google or another top search engine. Type in keywords regarding the items you need, and then review listings that show up. When checking out on a site, watch for a secure browser or the "https" to be there. This means you can rest assured your transaction info remains confidential.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Triumph Motorcycles And Why We Love Triumph Motorcycles

Triumph was of all things British but had a background of German origin. In 1886 a German gentleman called Bettman named his company the Triumph Cycle Company and was later re-named the New Triumph Co.Ltd. In 1902 the new company produced it's first motorcycle and fitted with a Begian unit. The following year sales topped 500, amazingly good for those days. By the mid-1920s Triumph had grown into one of Britain's leading motorcycle and car makers, with a 500,000 square feet plant producing up to 30,000 motorcycles and cars each year.

The Triumph Bonneville was made famous by Marlin Brando, Richard Gere, and Clint Eastwood in their respective classic movies not forgetting Steve McQueen in the 1963 movie "The Great Escape" being acclaimed to be one of the best War movies ever made. Triumph found its bikes in high demand overseas, and export sales became a primary source of the company's revenues, although for the United States, Triumph models were manufactured under license. Triumph has always had its own distinctive character and a long history of creating bikes that become design classics since they first came to market in the 1900s. Last year Triumph sold over thirty one thousand motorcycles across the globe a real success story . Triumph is apparently seriously challenging Harley Davidson in the USA.

Some of the popular models are the Bonneville,Daytona, Rocket III, Sprint, Speed Triple, Thunderbird, Tiger, Trident and Trophy.

Many of the classic Triumph motorcycles tend to hold or increase their value.

I hope you enjoyed this short article on Triumph motorcycles

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Why Braun Electric Razors Are a Wise Choice

Are you in the market for a new electric razor? If so, take the advice of many men who have chosen Braun electric razors to do their facial grooming for them. These razors are the subject of many a conversation between guys who are interested in looking their best.

Why is an electric shaver the best choice for you? What is wrong with shaving as men have done for many years, and get rid of your excess hair with a bladed razor and some sort of shaving cream? If you would take the time to add up what you are spending in a year's time on disposable razors, razor blades or cartridges, and shaving cream, you would probably be surprised at the total. Once you purchase a razor like the Braun Freecontrol 1775 or the Braun 8595 shaver, then you can go for a long period of time without having to buy anything else to complete your shaving routine.

Many men feel that the close, smooth shave that they receive from a Braun electric razor is worth any price. The fact is, most Braun electric shavers are very reasonably priced. Surveys have shown that most men spent more money buying disposable shaving equipment and the accompanying accessories like shaving cream than they did purchasing and maintaining an electric razor.

Another reason that Braun electric shavers are a wise choice is the fact that they are very gentle to sensitive skin. Men with sensitive skin can suffer rashes, razor bumps, and more when their skin is affected by shaving with a bladed razor. Electric shavers glide over the skin with no drag, and have the ability to remove beard hair and other facial hairs without aggravating the skin.

Teenagers who are just beginning a shaving routine may have problem skin. In this case, shaving with a regular bladed razor could prove to be painful and the results unsightly. The Braun electric razor gently trims the facial hairs of these teens with no repercussion. Many young people find that they become so fond of shaving with an electric razor that they have no plans to switch to the alternate method of shaving.

Braun electric shavers are easy to maintain, and can be easy to repair as well. Braun shaver parts can be ordered from online vendors, and will arrive at your home or office quickly in most cases. If your shaver should need Braun razor parts, there is no need to wait for a small appliance repair shop to get your beloved shaver back in working order.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Don't Buy an Overpriced Scooter

Purchasing a scooter for a child or for yourself can be exciting but you want to make sure you purchase one from a reputable company and for a fair price. If this is your first time purchasing a scooter there will be several dealerships that try to sell you refurbished scooters for full price or even try to over price you.

Direct manufacturer's advertise all over the place about their current sales or great prices on scooters. They lead customers to believe that buying directly from them that they will not only be getting the best model available but that they will also be paying much less than if it was purchased at a store or retailer.

The Buy Direct and Save pitch is often thrown in the face of many customers via newspaper advertisements, radio broadcasts, and even Internet ads. However if you read before choosing a place to shop you will find that research shows that most people who buy directly from the manufacturer end up spending quite a bit more than if bought else where. The reason this happens is because most buyers are unaware of a good model or brand as well as the actual payment that they should be paying.

To most customers it would make sense to buy directly from the company that creates the scooters because it would cut out the middleman therefore causing the price to drop, but of course this is not the case. Another downside from purchasing through them is that usually the scooter you will end up purchasing is of less value than one that you would have bought locally. Make sure to inspect all aspects of any scooter that you are considering purchasing to make sure there is nothing wrong with it.

If you are dealing with a new dealership or someone that is an individual ask to see the original sales papers or receipt from purchase. You want to make sure that its not something that may have been damaged before and has been repaired just enough to unload it onto someone without their knowing.

Depending on where you live you will find overpriced scooters such as high trafficked tourist spots, airports, museums, theme parks and other places where lots of walking is involved. If you are vacationing near an ocean, skating park, lake, or other places similar to these you will also find that people flock to scooter shops. This is the best way to get around areas that are low on taxis. The prices for taxis on resorts or islands are usually really high so its cheaper to rent a scooter for a day of shopping or sight seeing.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Breaking In Your Pocket Bike Engine

Don't let the excitement of your new purchase overwhelm your good sense. A new pocket bike must be broken in correctly if you want the bike to function correctly. If you do not take the proper steps, you will dramatically decrease your engine's life. Opinions vary significantly on the correct way to break in a bike. We will discuss two widespread methods to break a pocket bike in. The most common method is often called "heat cycling." Heat cycling means you run the engine at idle or barely above idle for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. After this time the engine will be right below the normal operating temperature. Then you turn the engine off and let the bike cool down. Once the engine is cool, you turn the bike on for another 10 minutes and then shut it down again. Do this process for a total of three to four times. When you have finished this process, run the bike at an easy pace for about 1 full tank of gas. Don't put stress on the engine and avoid high RPM. When you have run through the tank of gas, your bike is ready to go and can be used at normal speeds.

The second method, called "racing break in" is less commonly used, though it is more fun. First, warm the engine for 5 minutes by letting it idle on the stand. Slowly bring the throttle up to figure out where the clutch engages. This way you can avoid getting ejected by applying too much throttle when riding. Then you hit the track. Take the first lap slowly to warm up the tires. On the second lap you can hit the gas and ride for 10 to 15 minutes. By accelerating, decelerating and hitting varying RPMS you will break in the engine. Remember to make sure that the engine has been sufficiently warmed up. Although you don't have to ride the bike too hard, you also shouldn't ride so slowly that the clutch never completely engages or you will burn out the clutch. You will be able to tell when the clutch is fully engaged by the sound of your motor and the feeling of the bike. It may be necessary to adjust the clutch to the rider's weight.

When you are breaking your bike in, your oil and gas mixture will be slightly different than during normal riding. Some experts say that it is best to use a richer mixture of oil (40 parts gas to 1 one part oil) during break in instead of the standard ratio of 50 to 1, while others will say you should always stick with the normal mixture. Read your instruction manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. During break in you should use non-synthetic oil. This helps the piston ring to seat fully. After the first gallon of gas, you should use full or semi-synthetic oil.

After your first ride look the bike over for any loosened fasteners. You should also periodically check your spark plug to verify that you are using the correct fuel mixture. If your ratio is correct the plug's insulator will be a medium tan-ish color. However, if you see that your plug is white-ish or grey than you know that your engine is running lean.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Importance of a Swiss Army Knife

A Swiss Army knife is one of the most important essentials for Boy Scouts because it is still, and will always remain, a go-to tool. They are so advanced today, that you'll find more than tools, a can opener and knife. You can find such knives with a flash drive, flash light, scissors, corkscrew, saw, and flint and steel combinations. Whatever it is, there is a knife that's perfect for people of all personalities.

It's a useful tool to keep around, even if you're a Boy Scout or not. By keeping one around, you can make a quick repair, upload some important files, shed some light in a dark space or start a fire. It's also a good tool to keep around for defensive purposes.

If you buy such knives, it's important that you have the necessary accessories that come with it, too. To have a good knife is to protect it at all costs. It has been known to help armies of people in different situations.

No one wants to be stranded somewhere without a Swiss Army knife or a damaged Swiss Army knife. It literally could be the difference between life and death. Many people today carry it around on their key chain while some carry it in a pouch attached to the pants. Either way, it's important to carry around a knife and keep it in good condition.

If you go online to buy your Swiss Army knife, you can find a number of varieties and sizes.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

RegCure Review - Can You Trust This Product?

The RegCure review below is completed on version 1.5.0.0 and is the most up to date version of their registry fix download products.

If your computer freezes commonly, you have slow computer performance, or if computer internet slow downs are driving you crazy, the RegCure registry optimizer can repair your files and bring your performance back up to par.

RegCure is known as one of the top brands of software available for the above symptoms. You are in good hands with this product but the review to follow will give you additional details to help you guide your purchase decision. There are many positive aspects of the product but also a few weaknesses that will be addressed.

How Easy Was the Program to Load and Utilize?

The customer window that downloaded was on our test computer within just two minutes. The navigation was easy to follow and offered main choices in main window. The software is built for both advanced users as well as newbies since file repair can be individually selected (in case techies want to select only certain files for repair). Those who are non technical and want to just fix all Window registry problems detected by the software can do so without worrying about the software being too assumptive.

Does RegCure Offer any Features of Interest?

An attribute that caught my attention was the RegCure support extensive FAQ/knowledge base at their website.

Another key feature that impressed me was the number of options for settings in the user window of the software. We all like choices of how we would like to manage the products we use for our own convenience.

What Scan and Repair Options are Available?

All of the main needed Windows registry cleaner scan options were present. Choices include Com/Active X, Uninstall Entry, Font Entry, Shared DLLs, Application Paths, Help Files Info, Windows Startup, File and Path References, Program Shortcuts, Empty Registration Keys, and File Associations.

What Weaknesses Are Present in RegCure?

After a rigorous RegCure review, there aren't as optimization options as another top brand we tested called Registry Easy. In addition, I had some problems removing some errors found in the File/Path References category in the primary repair run. The next attempt did the job.

While preparing to use their product I had a couple of support questions that arose. Though ticket numbers were issued for my inquiry, I was never contacted back. Fortunately, I was able to easily run through their repair process "unscathed."

A pleasant feature add on for their software would be some additional optimization tools like Registry Easy has (Internet Explorer plug in remover, junk file removers, and evidence cleaners), but these element aren't a necessity since this is intended to be a registry repair fix and not a system optimizer.

What is Our Recommendation Based on Problems Fixed?

With all attributes considered, RegCure is included as one of our best three choices of the top six best registry cleaners that were reviewed. Again, Registry Easy will stay as our top pick because of the dominating amount of repair and optimizer features provided for the price.

In our initial free scan, RegCure found 1,696 errors in my registry. After running the repair on the errors found, we scanned with two other PC registry fix software products and just 41 File/Path Reference errors were detected. This provided the confidence in the product that we required prior to stamping our seal of approval on this software.

Though this RegCure review shows some favorable features for their software, be sure to download the free version and test for errors before diving into your purchase. Also be sure to also run a free disk defrag in your accessories on your PC to ensure slow performance isn't caused by other problems.

Friday, April 23, 2010

How to Check Your Motorcycle Before Riding It

Checking your motorcycle before you ride is very important for your safety. This will help you ensure that your motorcycle is in good condition. When your motorcycle is in top shape, you will less likely encounter an accident on the road.

Aside from wearing gears like leather motorcycle chaps, jackets, and helmets, checking your motorcycle before you leave can save your life. You have to monitor various parts every time. Keep in mind that if you fail to see that your brakes are loose or not working, you can end up crashing into another automobile or on the railings at the side of the road.

Knowing the how to check the various parts will make each of your trip safer. Here is a helpful guide to checking your motorcycle:

1. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation developed an acronym that you can use as a checklist when checking your motorcycle. This is the T-CLOCS. This stands for the tires, controls, lights, oils, chassis, and stands. The acronym is very useful. This will help you avoid missing anything when you are checking your motorcycle. You also have to remember that the T-CLOCS have sub parts that you need to look into as well.

2. The first on the list is tires. When checking the tires, make sure that it has the right level of air pressure. See to it that it is well inflated but not over the required rate. The tires are important because they are the objects that transport the entire machine. If the air is not the right amount, you will surely have difficulty balancing the bike.

3. The next items that you have to check are the controls. Most of the controls are on the handle. See to it that that the throttle, front brake, clutch, and the rest are working properly. You have to remember that there are also controls on the side of the motorcycle. Check those as well.

4. The next thing you have to check is the lights and other electrically controlled equipments in your motorcycle. All the lights should turn on when needed. You also have to see to it that the signals work when you use them. Try sounding the horn too. This is a very important device. It is the only way you can get the attention of the drivers and pedestrians who are not paying attention on the road.

5. Check the oil container and the rest of the fuel you need for the trip. You can check the gas by dipping the stick into the gas tank. Pour more gas if needed.

6. Check the frame or chassis of your bike as well. Include the other visible parts like the chain or belt.

7. Check the stands of your motorcycle too. You would not want your bike to lie on the ground because the kickstand is not working.

Before you wear your leather motorcycle chaps and the rest of your gears, check your bike properly first. This will ensure a smoother trip.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Gas Motor Scooters - The Truth Will Shock You

Many people already know that Gas Motor Scooters offer incredible gas mileage benefits compared to cars. Most cars get you about 20 mpg where the average scooter can get you up to 85 mpg. This is especially wonderful news with gas prices inching up to $5.00. However, this is not the only advantage for choosing a gas motor scooter. Here, are some of the other advantages most people are unaware of:

1. Cheapest Gas Vehicle on the market. The cost of a gas scooter compared to car is a bargain. The average new car can easily run you well over $15,000. A new gas scooter can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000. This is quite a price difference when you think you could have five scooters for the price of one car.

2. Lower Repair Costs. Gas Scooters offer lower repair costs because they get in less accidents than cars and their design is simpler than cars. This means you will spending less on repairs due to less accidents and less expensive parts. This is good news for those who are cost conscious as they try to stick to their budget.

3. Potentially Better Insurance Rates. You can often get better rates on a scooter than you can on a car. The lower accident percentages work in your favor as they keep your rates down. This is another hidden cash savings benefit of gas motor scooters.

4. Safer Than Cars and Motorcycles. Since gas scooters are normally designed for highway use and the worst accidents tend to occur on highways, buying a scooter keeps you away from the worst danger. Plus, the scooters design is small and sleek allowing it to avoid accidents rather than withstand the impact of them. At the end of the day, we would all rather avoid them than be in them.

5. More Environmentally Friendly. With greater gas mileage, you also get lesser emissions. At a time when we really can lower our carbon footprint with little impact on our daily lives, it only makes sense to set a good example for your family and friends.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Caring For Your Pop Up Gazebo

Pop up gazebos add to the appearance of your back yard space. They require some minimal care in order to get the most out of your investment. Follow the next suggestions for caring for and maintaining your new pop up gazebo.

* When you get the gazebo home go ahead and get familiar with how to get the gazebo up as well as take it down. It is possible to damage the pop up if you install it or take it down incorrectly. When you store the pop up gazebo be sure to pack it properly to avoid possible damage.

* If you are using the gazebo when it is windy outdoors be sure to secure it well. They are constructed of a light weight material and they can easily be blown over or into the air in windy conditions. Pop up gazebos come equipped with guy ropes. These are to be used for additional securing of the gazebo in windy conditions. Be sure to utilize them.

* Be sure to pack your gazebo away only after it has dried completely. If you can not wait to pack it until it is dry you risk mildew occurring. This is virtually impossible to remove or to clean from the gazebo. If it is not possible to wait for it to dry fully, just pack it temporarily and then re-pack it as soon as possible.

* If you notice wear and tear in the gazebo it is best to get these repaired right away. If left unattended the repairs will only become worse with time.

* Many of us really enjoy using our pop up gazebo. Remember to take good care of it and to maintain it according to directions. Do expect periodic wear and tear especially as it ages, however if these are taken care of right away, your investment will last for many years to come.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Snell Approved Motorcycle Helmets

The majority of motorcycle injuries often include some type of head injury, it is so important that you be wearing a good quality helmet when you are riding your motorcycle. However, with so many brand names out there today, how do you choose which one has the highest standards for crashes? All motorcycle helmets, by law must pass a Department of Transportation or DOT test and that sticker can be found on all motorcycle helmets, if it's not there, don't purchase it. Going above and beyond the DOT testing is the Snell Company.

Snell Memorial Foundation or SMF approved motorcycle helmets are tested in the Untied States only - Europe has there own brand of testing - and Snell require a higher standard of safety issues such as impact tolerance. Operating since 1957, Snell has been independently testing other manufacturer's helmets for safety concerns. Snell does not manufacture helmets themselves, only tests them. And they are a non-for-profit organization whose soul purpose is 'research, testing, education and development of helmet safety standards.' The SMF standards deal with the structural impacts and very high energy distribution centers upon impact.

Helmets must pass all four categories, quality control, retention system, environmental resistance and energy management in order to receive the Snell seal of approval. It is said that a Snell helmet is able to 'shrug off' all the things most probable to happen to the motorcycle helmet before it crashes and just after a crash. Leading to a wide inconsistency in performances is the fact that many manufacturers will test their own helmets which already have received a DOT certification, which could be the lowest possible rating.

There are four reasons to have the Snell certifications:

1. The riding of motorcycles can pose the risk of death or other permanent impairments due to head injuries.

2. The protective capacity of a motorcycle helmet is hard to measure.

3. The proper use of motorcycle helmets can reduce the risk of permanent impairments and death.

4. Snell certifications, backed by random sample testing identifies and maintains the highest levels of head protection available.

Snell currently purchases and test motorcycle helmets from the abundant supply available, in order to continually test and monitor the quality of the helmets available today. Testing is performed in a Snell research facility and only by trained Snell researchers. The following are Snell's standard testing procedures - Impact management, how well does the motorcycle helmet do with a collision against a large object; Extent of protection, the area of the head protected by the helmet; Retention system strength, are the chin straps satisfactorily strong enough to hold the helmet through a head impact, and finally, Helmet position stability, is the helmet going to stay in place - on the head - when it's needed?

Snell's standards are some of the most stringent in the world. They exceed DOT, The Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). They only test one thing and that is motorcycle helmets and they do it well.

Monday, April 19, 2010

How to Find Cheap Gas and Cut Costs

With gas prices rising to levels not seen in years, finding cheap gas has become a necessity. Here are some tips to help you find the cheapest ones in your vicinity.

Use the Web to Find Affordable Gas

There are websites that list down the cost of the gas in specific areas. Look for these websites with a search engine. When you get there, enter your city and the zip code. The site will show the gas prices in the location you specified.

Use Widgets, Mobile Phones or GPS

You can also download a widget on your computer. This will help you find the most affordable gas in your area. There are many widgets for tracking gas prices available on the Net. Finding cheap gas is possible using your mobile phone too.

Your mobile phone will send you a text message showing the gas prices in your location. If the phone has Web browsing capabilities, you can check the prices online. Some GPS devices can also locate low cost gas in the area.

Go to Low Income Areas

Gas is more affordable in low income areas. Compare the cost in your location with those in low income areas and you will see the difference.

Tip: bring cash along, as some low cost gas stations may not accept credit cards. Only look for affordable gas near you. Travelling far will increase your gas usage.

Tips to Save Gas

Change the oil every three months or every 3,000 miles. If the oil is not changed regularly, the vehicle will be forced to work harder and utilize more oil. Unless the weather is very hot, reduce or turn off the air conditioning.

Roll down the car windows so you can get some fresh air. You should also have a bottle of water with you so you do not get dehydrated.

Check Your Tires

The air pressure affects the way cars use up the gas. More gas is used if the tire pressure is low or if the treads are worn out. Pump the tires to make sure the pressure is high. Get new tires if the treads are worn out.

Drive on the Freeway Whenever Possible

Stop and go traffic eats up a lot of gas. Driving on clear freeways will help you manage gas more effectively.

Other Tips

Check the carburetor. If they are not configured properly, it will consume a lot of gas. You should have the carburetor assessed by a mechanic. Examine the fuel injectors. If they get plugged, it will affect the gas consumption. Buy fuel injector cleaners so they continue to work smoothly.

Finally, have your vehicle undergo regular check up. Aspects you should have looked into are the ignition system, spark plugs and air filters. Also have the ignition rotor and distributor cap assessed and changed if needed.

Finding cheap gas and using them judiciously can save you a substantial amount of money each month. It takes some time to locate affordable gas, but it will be worth it when you see how much you save.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Repair Manual For a Lubbock Sewing Machine

A Lubbock sewing machine repair is based on the same principals as any other sewing machine as this machine is an antique and if any one owns one they have probably inherited the machine from their great grandmother or picked one up in an antique shop. I can't tell you to read the manual as there probably isn't a manual and I'm not sure if there are any obtainable either. These types of machines are very basic and don't have all the modern gadgets that modern sewing machines have. Like any other machine be it modern or be it an antique the machine needs basic maintenance like oiling and cleaning all the parts from thread fuzz.

Much older models do not have foot pedals but have either a hand driven wheel at the side of the machine or else a treadle which is a platform that you place both feet on and motion the treadle backwards and forwards which in turn makes the machine turn and sew. If you own a Lubbock and you are experiencing problems such as a tight tension or your thread keeps breaking while your sewing or the machine is making a noise you can repair these problems yourself.

A Lubbock sewing machine repair is quick and easy and here are a few suggestions:

• These are old machines and the first thing you need to do is clean the machine parts and oil the machine by inserting sewing machine oil into all the holes that are specifically there to put oil into
• Check all the arts and make sure there is no dust and dirt caught up in the bobbin shuttle as well as all the other machine parts
• If the tension is tight the thread will keep breaking at the needle and then you will need to adjust the tension
• If the treadle will not move backwards and forwards you might need to oil it and also check to see if there is not any fabric jamming the treadle
• Also check your bobbin case and make sure there is not any loose threads as this will prevent the machine from sewing as well as jamming the machine

These types of machines were made to last a lifetime and become heirlooms. Even if the machine is an antique a Lubbock sewing machine repair can be done because if you take the machine to a repair shop it could be costly.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Tips to Purchase Bread Maker Machine

Freshly baked bread is a favorite dish of every individual. With the help of a bread machine, it is possible to prepare bread of different shapes and sizes. This kitchen appliance can be used to mix various ingredients. There are certain considerations that should be taken into account while purchasing a superior quality dish maker. There are many appliances that feature dark, medium and light setting. It is judicious to purchase an appliance that consists of a window at the topmost position. A bread maker with an inbuilt window makes it possible to monitor the progress of baking. There are a variety of different sizes in which the kitchen appliances are presented. While purchasing a device it is necessary to have a clear idea about the exact place where one wishes to store it. It is also necessary to have a clear understanding about the size of the family for which the appliance is being purchased. It is a preferable option to purchase a low capacity machine for a small sized family. One can always purchase a large sized appliance if there are several family members.

There are special types of baking appliances that makes it possible to add additional ingredients such as fruits and nuts. There are certain machines that make it achievable to add cheese, nuts and fruits. There are certain varieties of appliances that consist of a delayed timer. The timer makes it possible to prepare dishes automatically. Many appliances consist of a keep warm setting. The keep warm setting makes it possible to preserve the dishes in a warm state until it is consumed. It has to be borne in mind that preserving food dishes in a keep warm setting for a long duration can make the dish taste flat. One should confirm the warranty period so that it is possible to avail the benefit of replacements in case of damages. There is no second thought about the fact that the bread maker is a prized possession.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Typical Pros and Cons of Waterbeds

When you look at a waterbed, you may wonder what they are. They are actually beds that have hard sides that help support a mattress that is filled with water. The sides may also be made of foam inside a fabric to surround the water mattress. These were originally designed to prevent bed ridden people from developing bed sores.

These beds have a heating device attached to it and this is regulated by a thermostat. The heating pads located underneath the bed helps make possible adjusting the temperature the way you like.

Most of them are made of vinyl. This is why you should keep a vinyl repair kit with you always. There may be several or just one chamber of water. They could also be made of both air and water chambers.

A mattress with only one chamber is called a free flow mattress and when you move around on it, the water sloshes back and forth before settling down. A fiber batting water bed is ideal for you if want your bed to be more stable. The sloshing of water is not that much in such beds. Interconnected chambers also make them more stable.

There are a few things that you should remember while buying these beds. Since water is heavy, your floor should be strong enough to hold it. If the bedroom is situated upstairs, you should consider reinforcing your floor.

Electricity is required to regulate the temperature. So, make sure that you are ready for some extra electricity consumption. If you want to move it around, it can prove to be difficult. You will need to drain the water out, disassemble it and then assemble it and refill it again.

You should be prepared for leaks. You will need additional products. A heater, mattress cover and conditioning materials are some of the things you will need. However, if you buy one, your asthma and allergies will be much controlled. And since it adjusts according to the shape of the body, sleeping on it is more comfortable.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

My Schwinn S1000 Electric Scooter Saves Gas Money, is Cheap, Easy to Use & Great For the Environment

If you are an adult who wants to save gas money doing local errands and short local trips under 10 miles round-trip, you might want to consider using an electric scooter, a cheap, hassle free , excellent method of transportation that helps the environment too. I use the Schwinn Stealth 1000 Electric Scooter (Schwinn S-1000) which is perfect for me. Licenses are not required in most places for the Schwinn S-1000 (though I would check locally) and about the only thing you really need is a helmet and to weigh under 250 pounds.

I am a total klutz and the S-1000 is incredibly easy to use as the balance is so good and the ride is super comfortable. It took me 1 hour of practice in an empty lot and I've ridden the scooter ever since, easy as pie. Believe it or not, I prefer to ride in the street in the bike lanes where the ground is smooth rather then going over the cracking sidewalks. The scooter goes up to 15 miles per hour and you can go as far as 15 miles with it till the battery is empty, though I think 10 miles is a more reasonable expectation. Charging the battery is super easy as you just use a small charger connected to any electric outlet in your home and connect it to your scooter. Takes about 10 seconds to plug in and about 6 hours to charge. The battery lasts about 6 months, and costs about $125 for a new one and is very easy to put in requiring no mechanical skills.

What I like about the Schwinn Stealth 1000 Electric Scooter is it's cheap, around $410 or so - it will probably cost you $50 for a bike place to put it together, and requires little maintenance primarily because of its direct drive system. I had an earlier Schwinn Electric Scooter with a Cable drive system, and the cables kept getting tangled up and it was costing me $75 a pop to fix. With the Schwinn S-1000, after about 8 months, I've had no repairs or maintenance charges, which I attribute to its direct drive system.

I would recommend you get your local bike shop to put a small basket on the back of the scooter if you do errands because I don't believe Schwinn Electric Scooters still come with baskets. Most of the time, because the balance of the Stealth 1000 is so good, I just put any packages on the front part of the floorboard where they seem to balance perfectly.

For local travel, the Schwinn Stealth 1000 is the greatest thing since sliced bread too me.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

How to Ship Your Motorcycle to a Rally

Want to ride the Black Hills of South Dakota, but don't want to spend half of your vacation just getting there? How about concentrating on enjoying the party at Sturgis or Daytona without the worry of a long haul home? Shipping your motorcycle is easier than you think, as long as you work with a reputable shipper, you can enjoy your trip more, and ship your bike without worries or hassles.

A few things to think about when you ship your motorcycle:



Can your bike be shipped in "ready to ride" condition? Unless you want to spend the first day of your trip unpacking and putting your bike back together, make sure your bike is shipped "ready to ride." This way, you don't need to drain the gas, disconnect the battery, crate or palletize, and your bike will be ready to play when you are.

Will your motorcycle be protected? Find out what kind of rig your bike will be shipped on. You don't want an open truck, or one where your bike will be wedged in with furniture or livestock. Consider working with someone who specializes in motorcycle shipping, so there are appropriate tie-down and suspension systems to protect your bike.

Door-to-door or pick up point? Find out if you can request your bike be picked up and dropped off right at your door or if you need to bring it to a pick-up point. Door to door delivery is a little more expensive, but the time and hassle savings are often well worth it.

Do you have enough insurance? Make sure your bike is insured for the full value in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Some shippers include insurance in the rates, with options to purchase more if you need it.

Plan well ahead.  Shipping cross country averages from 7 to 28 days. If you need your bike by a specific day, make sure you plan ahead.

Inspect your motorcycle.  Check out your vehicle and photograph or note any dings or scratches prior to shipping. Detailed documentation will help if an insurance claim needs to be filed.

Did you remember your keys? Attach your keys to your bike's handlebars with a plastic tie wrap. Also remember to bring a spare set with you. Or if you are sending the vehicle to another party, you can opt to ship the keys through an overnight carrier or with certified U.S. mail.

Shipping your motorcycle can open up a whole new world of cycling vacations. With a little planning, wherever you want to go, your bike can meet you there! 

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

GBC C800pro Electric Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

The GBC C800pro plastic comb binding machine has been around for years. It used to be called the Ibico EPK21 and at one point was actually orange. The color has changed but the machine really hasn't. Still, everyone knows that just because a machine has been around for a long time it doesn't mean that it is high quality. This review will take a quick look at the features, strengths and weaknesses of the GBC CombBind C800 pro binding machine. Take a look for yourself and evaluate whether this machine is right for you.

Strengths and Features:

One of the most important features to note when looking at the C800pro is its heavy duty electric punch. The punching mechanism uses a foot pedal activator that is included with the machine. The foot pedal allows you to hold your document with both hands during the punching process. This means that you are able to ensure that the pages are flush and square with every cycle helping to eliminate costly mispunches. The foot pedal and electric motor also greatly increase punching efficiency and reduce the risk for repetitive motion injuries.

The specs on the C800 Pro say that it can punch up to 25 sheets of 25 pound paper. However, in my experience most users are going to want to punch 20 or less. If you try to consistently punch the maximum number of sheets you will more than likely find that you will end up overloading your machine at times and have a difficult time fitting pages into the punching slot. However, this is true of any electric comb binding machine.

Unlike some of the other smaller GBC electric comb binding machines, the C800 pro also includes a depth of punch margin control and 21 fully disengageable die pins. These features allow the C800pro to be used for binding very thin books with combs as small as 3/16" or very thick books with oval shaped combs up to 2" in diameter. They also enable this machine to bind documents that are longer than 11" in length. However, binding longer documents with the C800pro will require a two step punching process and may require inserting some of the comb rings by hand. This does not make this machine an ideal solution for organizations that do a lot of legal sized binding.

Possible Weaknesses:

Although the C800pro is one of the best electric machines in its class there are a few things that are worth noting about the machine. First and foremost is the cost of the replacement motor. Unfortunately, the replacement motor costs as much to replace in the C800pro as an entire new machine. This is not usually a problem until the machine has been in service for a number of years. However, if the motor does burn out you can expect to buy a new binding machine. With this in mind, you will want to be careful when punching clear covers on the C800. No more than two plastic covers should ever be punched at a time on a machine like this. Punching more than two clear covers can ruin your motor or dull your punching dies.

The C800pro is designed for letter size, A4 size and half letter (landscape) documents. For users who primarily use these sizes of paper this is a great machine. However, it is not ideal for punching or binding legal or 11" x 17" documents. Several machines in the same class as the C800 are designed for legal punching and binding and might be better choices. However, these machines will still be difficult to use with 11" x 17" paper.

Construction:

The GBC C800pro is extremely well built and most users can use it for more than a decade without ever having a problem. All of the important components on the machine are made of high quality steel including the punching mechanism, comb opener, punching pins, handle and case. The foot pedal is strong and sturdy and the chad tray is oversized to accommodate a large number of punching chips. It is also worth noting that the machine is fairly compact and takes up less space than other similar pieces of equipment.

Conclusion:

The C800pro electric comb binding machine has been around for years and there is a reason. It is one of the best electric comb binding machines available on the market. It has almost all of the features that you will ever need. Plus, it has a proven track record in the field. GBC's one year warranty on this machine is adequate for most users. However, if you are concerned about the potential of high repair costs you might consider putting the machine under a maintenance contract. Still, I would highly recommend this machine for offices that do large amounts of comb binding or for organizations that are looking for a high efficiency electric comb binding solution.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Buy Your Dream Bike For Thousands Less - Salvaged Motorcycles!

When buying a motorcycle there are many things to consider, but it seems the first thing people consider is the price. Most people simply look to older or less desirable bikes to satisfy their low budget, but I am here to tell you that there is a great alternative: Buying Salvage.

Salvage motorcycles are typically bikes that have been wrecked, but also consist of theft recoveries, repossessions, freight damage, etc... A salvage motorcycle can be purchased for considerably less than a bike with a clean title and in most cases the salvage bikes are in just as good of mechanical condition! There are many cases where a brand new motorcycle is dropped at a very low speed and is turned over to an insurance company and salvaged, even on bikes with as little as 50 to 100 miles! So, to sum it up, these sorts of bikes are now going to re-enter the market with a salvage title at a highly reduced price!

Consider getting that bike you day dream of for $1500, $2500, or even more below the market price... Seems too good to be true, right? Well it isn't! This is a complete and total reality in the world of motorcycles and now is the time for you to realize that buying salvage could be your best option.

When a motorcycle is wrecked, the insurance company determines whether they will repair or total the bike. This is determined on a case by case basis and doesn't really follow any sort of pattern. Most of the time the bike is salvaged due to numbers such as how much is owed, how much to repair the bike, and how much the payout will be to the owner. Therefore, most of the time bikes are salvaged it really has very little to do with the actual condition of the motorcycle! Just because a bike is salvage does not mean that it has frame damage, engine damage, or anything of that sort. The common misconception is that bikes are salvaged when the frame or other major component is damaged and unusable. Sometimes this is true, but 99% of the time this is definitely not the case! In addition, frame damage many times consists of minor scratches to the paint in the frame; is that really enough damage to scare you away from an amazing deal?!?

Another major factor that scares people away from salvage motorcycles is title registration. Many people out there will tell you how hard it is to register a salvage motorcycle, but how many of them have actually done it? With very minimal research and time you can get your salvage motorcycle registered and issued a clean title! Each state has a different set of salvage registration laws, but many of the states follow a similar pattern. Salvage inspections are typically inexpensive and take up very little time.

In summation, salvage motorcycles are a great way to get your desired bike for a killer price! Salvage is not a code word for damaged or totaled, It is simply a term used by insurance companies and state title registration offices to label the bike as having gone through an insurance company. Now go search the web for Salvage Motorcycles and see what kind of amazing deals you can find!!!

Cheap Gas Scooters - What You Need to Know Before Buying

One thing all consumers can agree with is they don't like parting with their money. For this reason, cheap gas scooters can be very appealing for those who are on a budget or trying to save some cash. However, buying a cheap gas scooter can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. To help you avoid buying a bad scooter, we have put together the following tips:

1. Be willing to sacrifice certain features. If you are willing to opt for a smaller engine, you can save some serious cash. Although 50cc engines are not the most powerful, they are very effective for most people's needs. Plus, they usually get better gas mileage. Do an analysis of your needs to see if a smaller engine would work for you. Also, see if there are other features you could do without. Creating a priority list can help you find a scooter that has what you absolutely must have and save you money but cutting out the non-essentials.

2. Consider buying used models. This is a great way for getting some top model scooters at a bargain price. If you are interested in Vespa for instance, this is what you would need to do if you are working on a budget. Used scooters work great as long as you stick with manufacturers that have an established reputation.

3. Experienced mechanics can take a chance on new companies. If you know your way around a scooter and can do your own repair work, you can save some cash by taking a chance on new companies and manufacturers. They will usually offer cheaper prices to try to get you to become a customer. The knock on them usually is about getting parts and finding mechanics who can do the repair work. However, if you are handy with a wrench and have some scooter knowledge, this becomes a non-issue for you.

4. Don't be afraid to bargain with the salesman. Often times, you can get the salesperson to come down on their price. This isn't as lucrative as used car bargaining, but you can get some cash savings if you are willing to make the request and shop at other places. For this reason, don't be afraid to make a counter offer.