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  • Motorcycle – You Know You Want it, But Do You Know How to Ride It?

    2010 - 02.09

    I’m a firm believe that our Creator gave us thumbs so we could ride motorcycles (well, not really, but it sure sounds good!) Or why, as some believe, we humans were evolved from primates (yes, they have thumbs too!).

    Riding a bike is a very inexpensive, exhilarating way to get around. Whether you’re out for a quick trip to the store or traveling from state to state for a rally or just to visit relatives, riding is the way to go.

    As I’ve mentioned in prior articles, safety and training are number one. Nothing comes before that. From managing different terrains, such as dirt roads or wet roads, to riding with all of those formidable cars on the highway, proper training is a must. Anything worth doing takes time. If you believe that riding a bike is important, then the training needed to make it a safe hobby for you will take time.

    Not all of us own our own bike when we take lessons. If you don’t own yours when you take lessons, try to do the lessons on a bike that will be similar to the one you want to get for yourself. Not always easy to do, but if you can manage that, you will get the most out of your training that way. Don’t use a bike that is too heavy for you or not manageable for your size/height. You’re wasting your time and could potentially hurt yourself or others. Wait until you have access to an acceptable bike before you try lessons or practice.

    Find a reputable place to take your lessons. The investment this requires, to get appropriate training for riding a motorcycle, more than pays off in the end when you encounter a quick-thinking situation that could mean catastrophe if you handle it the wrong way.

    Once you have your endorsement, practice – a lot! We get good at things as we do them. In the very beginning, find a parking lot or dead-end street with minimal interference to practice. As you get more comfortable, go somewhere a little busier that has a few more obstacles to maneuver, different terrains, more curves and turns. Keep working your way out there as you get comfortable. Don’t overdo it, but try not to stay in your ‘comfort zone’ if you are certain that you can do more.

    When it is raining, take your bike out as much as you can and ride it – in a very safe area with slow speed – get the feel for how that wet pavement feels under those tires – over and over. That way, when you are caught one day in the rain (and you will be) and can’t find a place to pull off until it subsides, you won’t have to endure that ‘wet pavement under your tires’ feeling for the first time when you are away from home.

    What it comes down to is the time you take to put yourself in ‘uncomfortable’ situations in a ‘comfortable’ area, like near your home, will prepare you for when you do get caught in a sticky situation. Spend a ridiculous amount of time doing this – please! The only result can be that you are a better, safer rider. And you, your loved-ones, as well as the loved-ones of someone else on the road will be very thankful for your efforts!

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Malinda_Henderson

    Caring For Your Car Or Truck During the Winter

    2009 - 12.22

    When winter hits, there is less and less quality time to wash your vehicle and do general maintenance. This is particularly true of those of us who live in northern climates, as the cold and the lack of sunlight can really affect how we go about doing work on our cars. Here are some quick tips for taking care of your car or truck during the winter time.

    1. Washing. Washing your car in the winter can be tricky. Not only will the water freeze quickly, it will be hard for you to find the time or the patience to actually do it. Obviously, you don’t want to do this in your driveway, as the water will freeze on your vehicle as well as the driveway, making it harder than ever to actually get up it. Take your car or truck to the nearest self-serve wash and bring along towels and stuff to dry your vehicle off. These are great because they are always heated and allow you to take the time to properly clean all of the truck accessories you have of the salt that can absolutely destroy the body and parts by letting rust take hold. When you are done, be sure to wipe down as much of the vehicle as you can because otherwise the water can freeze quickly and that would be bad on things like your brakes and doors.

    2. Maintenance. What happens if your car or truck is due to have an oil change during the winter months and you are the sort who likes to do it yourself and not have to rely on others for the service? The simple answer is to prepare your garage before you undertake the task. By purchasing some space heaters and turning them up to high, you can blast hot air into your garage and actually make it somewhat bearable to do the work. I would recommend letting the space heaters work their magic for a few hours at least so that there is a reasonable amount of warmth in the garage. If all else fails, you can position the heater nearer to yourself so that it is a little more bearable to actually perform the oil change.

    3. Breakdowns. Should this, for whatever reason, happen to you, it is best to have some sort of kit in your car that contains blankets, candy bars, hats and gloves, a flashlight as well as a cell phone. Having these things handy will keep you from getting frozen by the temperatures outside and you can call a towing company or simply someone nearby for help.

    Taking care of your car or truck during the winter can seem arduous, but if you do it right, it isn’t really that much of a problem. Follow these tips and your winter will be more productive and your car will come out the other side better off than in previous years.

    All of your car and truck accessories are going to last longer and look better if you take care of them during the winter months.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Volk

    Three Things to Know About International Harvester Truck Parts

    2009 - 12.22

    Many people today look at modern cars and realize that they are being robbed. Among other things, hybrids and other modern cars are filled with expensive parts that stop working within just a few months of the warranty being up. Under those circumstances, it should come as no surprise that people are still looking for International Harvester truck parts.

    Even though these vehicles may be obsolete, owners are still finding that they are mechanically sounder than new vehicles. Therefore, if you live near a junk yard, or have access to old cars, you may find that you can make a good profit on International Harvester truck parts.

    Finding and Refurbishing International Harvester Vehicle Parts

    No matter how you look at it, there are dozens of places where you can find junked International Harvester vehicles. This includes junk yards, estate sales, back yards, and flea markets.

    Even though these vehicles may no longer be functional, they may have dozens of good parts, or ones that can be cleaned up and refurbished with a minimal amount of effort. All you will need to do is take the time to dismantle all of the parts, and then find out what each one needs.

    Locating Buyers for Obsolete Truck Parts

    Chances are you would be surprised to find out that there are a number of people still looking for International Harvester truck parts. This includes enthusiasts that want to keep their vehicles running. You will also find that a significant number of people are seriously fed up with the lack of quality found in new vehicles.

    As a result, many of them are looking to older vehicles that have a much more reliable track record. In many cases, they may not even mind purchasing an older vehicle that needs some work. Once they know that they can locate parts for the vehicle in question, they will be very happy to buy from you.

    Rebuilding Your Own Truck

    If you are personally tired of paying high insurance rates plus egregious interest payments on new vehicles, then you may be interested in purchasing a vehicle that was manufactured by International Harvester. As you conduct your research, you are sure to find all kinds of interesting information about these cars and trucks.

    You can also look for parts dealers, as well as forums that will give you information on how to rebuild these vehicles. Even if you have no mechanical aptitude, there is nothing quite like spending a few months repairing and rebuilding an older machine.

    As you learn more about the differences between new and old motor vehicles, you are likely to conclude that older ones are of more use than new ones. Today, vehicles manufactured by International Harvester are obsolete from the perspective that you can no longer get new parts for them.

    On the other hand, the ability to buy refurbished or used parts makes them very relevant to people that are tired of spending hundreds of dollars a month for motor vehicles that do not deliver as much as they used to.

    Learn more about the International Truck Parts and Harvester Truck Parts from Brian Garvin & Jeff West.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Garvin