Motorcycles & Cars

Archive for May, 2009

150 Mpg On A Gas Bicycle

Today more than ever people are looking to save money on transportation. As the cost of gasoline continues to rise you will see more vehicles designed to be less fuel thirsty to requiring no fuel at all. One of these vehicles that are starting to become popular and very affordable are motorized bicycles. These are fully functional bicycles that have engines attached to them and get up to 150 miles per gallon. I have been seeing them sporadically around town and they always catch my eye as they wiz by. They are usually on simple beach cruisers and mountain bikes with riders of all ages.

In the summer of 2008 during the peak of the gas prices I decided to build a motorized bicycle. I had recently purchased a mountain bike and decided to put one of these 2cycle engine kits on my mountain bike which took many hours to complete. The build was challenging for me as I have never done this before but rewarding because of the joy it is to ride.

Also not needing a license to ride these motorized bicycles was a plus as I wanted to avoid dealing with licensing. What is required in order to ride a motorized bike is that you be 16 years of age or older and always wear a helmet. So now when I want to get around town I can jump on the bike and go for a cruise. The motor does not take away the functionality of the bicycle.

I can pedal the bicycle with the motor turned off just as if it were a normal bicycle or when I get tired of pedaling turn the motor on. This is possible because the motor has a separate drive chain from the normal bicycle chain. This feature is important to me because I can get exercise when I want and not have to switch bicycles. Riding the bike without the motor on is also important when you are in areas that don’t allow them or quiet areas. Operation of these bikes is really simple and requires you to pedal and release the clutch while giving it throttle to turn the motor on.

To turn the motor off you just disengage the clutch and push the engine kill button that’s it. They are single speeds and come with a standard 44tooth rear sprocket which is the best for all around riding. These bikes can be easily modified to go faster but with the standard 44tooth sprockets you can reach speeds of 20 mph even with riders weighing 260 pounds very impressive! I now can leave my car parked more because I have an alternate means of transportation and most importantly I am not spending as much in gasoline which makes me feel like I made a wise investment.

1000 miles later the motorized bicycle is still running great and has proven to be bulletproof. Maintenance has been light and simple as it is continuing to prove to be a great investment. I also found some great support info through a company in Northern California who sells assembled motorized bicycles and ships nationwide. On their support page they have frequently asked question that are very informative. For question they also have a live chat area and other ways to contact them. They also touch on the significance of the green affect you will have on the environment riding one of these small engine bicycles instead of driving when possible.

About the writer:  The Author says it’s worth it to take a look at their pictures videos and FAQ’s from their website if you are considering such a vehicle in the future. Visit: http://www.savegasmoney17.com to find out more.

5 Reasons Why A Motorcycle Battery Charger Should Be On Your Shopping List

Car battery chargers are common items of vehicle maintenance equipment theyre cheap portable and easy to use. But if you ride a motorcycle a battery charger is often one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in the average bikers workshop. There are several good reasons why if you havent already bought one a motorcycle battery charger should be on your shopping list.

Motorcycle batteries are much smaller than car batteries and loose their charge relatively quickly. Wet cell batteries also require topping up with distilled water more often and when carrying out regular maintenance on a motorcycle battery they may require a booster charge to bring them back up to the correct voltage. Motorcycle battery chargers quickly recharge the average motorcycle battery getting you back on the road within minutes rather than having to wait overnight for the battery to charge.

Motorcycle batteries are exposed to the elements to a much higher degree than car batteries and so are more susceptible to losing their charge due to cold weather. Motorcycle battery chargers are designed to deliver a rapid charge to a battery that has been affected by cold weather enabling you to start the engine quickly and use the motorcycles internal charging system to finish the job.

A motorcycle battery charger is compact taking up very little room in your garage or workshop. If you carry out your own servicing detaching the battery and doing a full check and recharge means that your battery is ready for action when the next sunny day comes along. This means that you can get out and enjoy a good ride without having the frustration of a bike that wont start because the battery is flat!

Letting the battery run flat repeatedly can actually damage the internal plates that are an integral part of the batterys structure. This can become expensive very quickly as motorcycle batteries are costly items. A motorcycle battery charger will pay for itself very quickly by keeping your battery in tiptop condition. It also means that you are doing your bit for the environment as batteries cannot be recycled and go to landfill. By maintaining your battery youre saving money and the environment.

Another good reason to use a motorcycle battery charger is to increase the potential lifespan of the battery itself. Motorcycle batteries take lots of abuse from heat and vibration to weak charging systems and too many powerdraining accessories. If youre a dedicated allweather rider accessories such as heated grips or even fog lights can quickly drain a small battery. Once the bike has been parked up attaching a trickle charger will boost the battery ensuring that its ready to go when you next start the bike up.

If youre serious about motorcycle riding or just a fair weather rider who only takes the bike out on sunny days motorcycle battery chargers are a musthave item in your workshop. You check the oil you check the petrol so why not check the battery? Without it your bike isnt going anywhere and youre missing out on all those fun rides for the sake of a flat battery. Motorcycle battery chargers are cheap portable and efficient and if you havent invested in one already they should definitely be put on the top of your shopping list.

About the writer:  Alan Cooke sent the useful information on Motorcycle Battery Chargers. A detailed description on Motorcycle Battery Chargers is found here for those interested.

4 Top Ways To Keep Yourself Safe On Motorcycles

Everyone who owns a motorcycle can understand the importance of safety. Motorcycle riders and the act of riding a motorcycle have received a somewhat dangerous connotation thanks to the dangers that can come from riding a motorcycle. While many people who ride motorcycles realize that safety is important they are missing some small or large things that they could be doing to increase their safety on a motorcycle. While it is true that motorcycle riding can become habitual just like driving it is never to late to attempt to change your ways in order to keep you and those on the road around you safer. Some of the following tips are obvious whereas others may not be. It is important to realize that some people miss even the most basic ideas surrounding safety on a motorcycle. These top four tips will help you to be more safe on your motorcycle.

1. Drive a Safe Speed

Many people tend to get caught up in the exhilaration and excitement that comes from riding a motorcycle. The adrenaline rush that comes from riding a motorcycle can lead to excessive speeds. If you are trying to be safe on a motorcycle it is important to attempt to maintain a safe speed. The speed limit is not a suggestion; it is the safe speed to go in the area that you are in. By trying to stick to the speed limit you are ensuring that you are doing what you can to be safe on your motorcycle.

2. Know Your Surroundings

Knowing your surroundings while driving a motorcycle is more important than many people realize. Just like driving a car it is important to know what is around you; know how many lanes the road has how many cars are ahead of you and behind you and the features of the road. If you notice potholes keep note of the road. If you notice cars be sure to keep an eye on them. It is important to know your surroundings to make sure that you can react appropriately at any time.

3. Wear a White Helmet

This tip is small and may seem insignificant but may actually be able to help keep you safe as you ride your motorcycle. Many people realize the important of wearing a helmet whether it be for protection on the bike or protection in an accident. Wearing a white helmet can actually help you in a different way however. By wearing a white helmet you are making yourself more visible to drivers and will make them more aware of your presence. This can help to make you safer.

4. Stay Focused

Making sure you stay focused on the road is the best way to be able to react in any situation. By making sure that you are not distracted and that you are able to focus on the road you are ensuring your safety.

About the writer:  Click here to learn more about safe on motorcycles at The MotorcyclePedia.