Global warming, high gasoline and oil prices have several companies and many experimenters working on battery powered Motorcycles. Advances in battery technology and super efficient motors have made the electric motorcycle practical. Also fuel cells have started to appear on some models. Thin film fuel cells and other fuel cell technology promise an exciting future.

The first mention of electric motorcycles in patents was in the 1860’s but we have come a long way since then. Modern electric motorcycles are super efficient, have almost no emissions and require less maintenance.

The advantages of electrics are Lower fuel costs. It cost about one tenth as much to ride an electric. They are almost silent with almost no emissions and lower maintenance costs. The disadvantages are higher up front costs, and shorter range.

Although Gas powered motorcycles get extraordinary gas mileage–with many getting more than 50 miles per gallon–they emit more pollution than even large SUVS because they aren’t equipped with equivalent emissions-control technology.

With new emissions standards, SUVs are 95 percent cleaner than motorcycles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While motorcycles could help reduce oil consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions, these gains come at the price of dirtier air.

Electric motorcycles eliminate tailpipe emissions, keeping pollution out of the city, and they can be powered with clean sources of electricity. What’s more, electricity costs less than gasoline. Most of the advances have been in battery technology.

Electric motorcycles are practical today because of advances in battery technology. Lead-acid batteries, which have been used in electric motorcycles in the past, are very heavy, provide a short range, and last for only a couple of years.

Some of the commercial models uses nickel metal hydride batteries. This type of battery is lighter than lead-acid batteries and more durable Lithium-ion batteries, in turn, are lighter than nickel metal hydride, and new chemistries have made them durable as well, lasting as long as or longer than nickel metal hydride batteries.

These cycles are powerful and capable of high speed. In 2006 the word speed record for the quarter mile was set at 9.1 and 135 miles per hour. Later that year the record was broken again by the same team, this time 8.9 seconds at 145 moles per hour.

Most of the production models are limited to 70 miles per hour or less. This is because they are set up for city riding. This helps extend the range, which is one of the weak points now.

Major advances in fuel cells promise an exciting future for electric cycle and cars. In one university study shows that it should be possible to make thin skin fuel cells the size of a couple of cans of coke that would power a whole house.

Many companies are using hydrogen as a fuel, but ethanol and many other substances can fuel them. The major thing that is holding back electrics right now is price. With some of the models selling for $15,000 they’re not exactly for everyone.

But prices will drop, batteries will improve and new technology in fuel cells will make the electric cycle and car a practical reality soon.

The author has a long history in electronics. Spending several years as a Broadcast Engineer and a self-employed communications technician.
He is the owner of http://www.bikerleatherz.com.His new site is http://www.gutzleather.com

Your biker leather can be damaged by excessive moisture and dryness but with proper care Motorcycle jackets, boots, chaps and saddlebags can be kept looking very nice and last for years.

Check out these simple tips and your leather will look beautiful and last for years.

Generally speaking people like leather because it is easy to care for. It is not, however, indestructible.

In general, the more heavily finished a leather surface is, the more resistant it is to spills and stains.

Untreated leather absorbs, and is easily stained, by oils. Abrasive cleaners, and organic solvents can also harm it. Soap and water is good for routine cleaning, but commercially available leather cleaners may work better.

The latter often contain lubricating materials, which are intended to keep leather supple. Really dirty leather may require the use of a mild detergent solution but care should be taken, because some detergent solutions may not be pH balanced, containing compounds that could harm the leather.

Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. It is also a good idea to damp-wipe rather than soaking the leather with water.

If you love the smell of leather, the touch of it, the sense of protection it offers as well as the way it makes YOU personally feel, then read the top 10 leather care tips and additional information.

1.Unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids; a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to prevent permanent stains. Be sure to use a product that will not clog the pores. Leather needs to breathe.

2.When using a commercial cleaner to clean you item be sure to get matching items cleaned at the same time. There may be a small color change after cleaning. This is natural and to be expected. If you get matching items cleaned at the same time this won’t be a problem.

3.Prevention is the best cure. Treat your new item as soon as it arrives. Store in a dry environment, don’t use harsh household chemicals and avoid preparations that contain alcohol.

4. If your leather gets wet hang it on a padded hanger and allow it to dry air dry. Apply a little conditioner when the leather is nearly dry.

5.Small repairs can be done with rubber cement. For example if the hem in a skirt is starting to unravel a little rubber cement saves the day.

6. For spills: Wipe up excess liquid immediately with a clean clothe or sponge. If necessary use clean lukewarm water and let the leather air-dry.

For spots and stains: Apply a mild, non-detergent soap solution with a clean, wet sponge. Rinse well and let air-dry.

Especially stubborn dirt may require a detergent solution, but care should be taken.

For butter, oil or grease: Wipe excess butter, oil or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a butter, oil or grease mark.

7. Use Caution if using mink oil or other animal fats they will darken leather.

8. Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can pull color.

9.Do not use waxes, or silicone formulas or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to “breathe”.

10.To remove gum from leather heat it with a hair dryer until it is completely dry and then rub it off with a dry cloth. If there is any marks left apply some conditioner.

With proper care, leather out wears denim 20 to 1. I’ve heard stories where a good quality, well-maintained leather jacket can last as long as 50 years! Find out everything you can about your leather jacket, get the right stuff and set aside time for mandatory cleaning. If you don’t do it yourself, then pay a pro to clean your leather jacket for you. You can thank me later for that tip!

The author has two online stores With beautiful leather clothing. http://www.bikerleatherz.com and http://www.gutzleather.com

Ever heard of cars without mufflers? Well, get ready to cover your ears. Mufflers may look like some tube somewhere in the engine but you’d be amazed at what it can do with regards to a vehicle’s noise level. Here are some top facts you need to know about them.

What is a muffler?

A muffler is a tubular acoustic device that is inserted in the exhaust system. It is designed to reduce noise. Inside it, you will find a tube set with holes on them. They work in the same manner like a musical instrument by reflecting waves that transmit sound caused by the vehicle engine. In this way, some of the waves are cancelled out.

How does a muffler work?

The key to knowing how mufflers work is to know and understand the concept of canceling sound first. To cancel out sound is to make a wave of sound that is precisely the opposite of some other wave.

This would mean that if the engine produces a certain sound wave, the muffler would produce the exact opposite of this sound wave consequently making the two waves out of phase. If the waves are out of phase, zero amplitude is produced called destructive interference.

So if the sound wave produced by the car engine is at the maximum, the muffler will be producing the same wave at the minimum. When the two waves hit your eardrum, you hear nothing because the waves when added add up to nothing. In order to cancel out sound, a tube set is found inside a muffler. These tubes are made to produce waves that reflect and get in the way with each other.

This is how it happens. The sound waves get inside the tube at the center into the muffler’s body and then go into another chamber called the “resonator”. The resonator, equipped with a specific length and some air, is the chamber that’s responsible in creating a wave that wipes out a definite sound frequency. It is here that sound waves are canceled out. After going into the resonator, the sound waves take a turn and leave through the last pipe, leaving the muffler.

What are the other kinds of mufflers?

Glass Pack Muffler. This muffler works by simply absorbing sound waves to reduce sound. Active Noise-Canceling Mufflers. The system used in this type of muffler incorporates a speaker and a microphone set. A computer is utilized to monitor and give a signal to the speaker. Most industrial generators use this type of muffler.

James Brown writes about http://www.digitaldiscountcodes.com

The BMW does not only produce cars; as a matter of fact one of its most earliest products was their motorcycle. The R32 BMW motorcycle was the first to be introduced, back in the year 1932. Decades ago this R series further developed and had their own trademark both in the racing world as well as in the commercial market.

The “boxer twin” engine came with the first BMW motorcycle and had cooled cylinders sticking out from opposing sides of the machine for a superior cooling mechanism, which was very unique for that time. In addition they also produced the K, G, and F series shortly after that. One unique feature was the addition of the lockable differential technology, which gave the motorcycles the capability for off-road use as well.

Measuring up to the Brand’s Name

One of the primary reasons as to why people love the BMW motorcycle, compared to other widely known brands is that they give both a relaxed and comfortable ride as well as a sporty feel to them. Additionally, they have a very majestic and big look, however they are very light in essence, which is excellent for when you’re riding off-road.

Back in 1993 a revolutionary change came into the R series BMW motorcycle. The newly introduced BMW R series motorcycle were now oil cooled and were equipped with four valves per cylinder. After that in 2004, double spark plugs per cylinder were added, together with a balance shaft.

This gave the motorcycle much more power, rising to 100 hp or a capacity of 1200 CC. If your desire is to have a very powerful but also comfortable motorcycle, you probably will not want to miss this BMW motorcycle series. This is basically because the motorcycle can be used for both common daily usage as well as rough riding.

Sophisticated Performance Classes For Everyone

At present BMW has four primary motorcycle series, they include the G, F, R, and K series. The classes of engines are actually what the series are based on. The current F. series was introduced back in 1994 as the F650, with an engine that has four valves, single piston, with a 650 cc four stroke design and chain drive.

It was initially introduced as an entry-level BMW motorcycle, and subsequently was redesigned about six years after that with a different label, the F650GS. Presently, the most notable F series motorcycles are the 800S sports series motorcycle and the F800ST sports tour version.

The off-road versions of these motorcycles were introduced as G series and manufactured in cooperation with Aprilia. This particular series of BMW motorcycle is equipped with a 650 CC engine capable of producing 53 BHP. In a heavier range is the K series BMW motorcycle, that is competitive to the Japanese premier sport motorcycles.

This particular series is exceedingly fast and can achieve speeds of up to 280 kmph. The design of the current R series was constructed on the basis of the older R series, but much improved. And the latest R’s, which are the R1150R, R1200S, and the R1200R, are capable of producing 122 hp, and is nearly as powerful as the low-end luxury car.

Corbin Newlyn is an avid follower in the automotive industry. You can find more valuable up to date information from at http://www.bmwproonline.com and at http://www.bmwproonline.com/bmw-regional/bmw-philadelphia/

At this point in time, you might have made a decision to shop online for a motorcycle. It is true that nothing may stop you or make you take a u-turn. But before you go ahead, the following tips may be of great help to you. You may just be looking for a motorcycle or you might be leaning on a particular make. There is a lot of information over the internet. The question is, what amount and what quality of research will you carry out to ensure that you get what you want and at your budget.

First and foremost, you are not into direct contact with the seller and if you conclude on a deal without taking the prescribed steps, the sale contract will be binding on you. Repudiation will be impossible at law. Every businessman is out to make profit even at your own detriment, although there are some few honest dealers. So ensure that you are dealing with the manufacturer directly. Dealing with agents will imply that the agents’ fees will be added to the total price you pay. No agent is there to work for free. Weigh every possible price against the others and choose on the best one that will cost the smallest amount of your finance.

When shopping online, take note that there are certain things which might not be disclosed to you. The subject of disclosure is mainly the product and the price. Taxes and expenses for delivery may be included. So check out for the actual price to see if taxes and may be custom duties are included.

Another fact is that you are shopping online and there will never be that prospect to come face to face with the dealer to test the bike. This is mostly the case with used motorbikes. You will not have the opportunity of verifying any existing defects. For example, an oil leakage or worn out brakes and tires may mean the bike is not in good condition. These will automatically affect the price of the bike. The best option is to get access to auction sites. Items like motorbikes and other engine propelled devices are always sold at a cheaper rate when auctioned.

Check out for other accessories that you may want to use simultaneously with your intended bike. If it is being offered by the same dealer, it will be advisable to buy them from the same source as these will be sold at a reasonable discount.

How do you intend to pay for your new motorbike? To pay in installments or hire purchase is usually an easy means to acquire a bike. What I would advocate is to make a once and for all payment and in cash only. There are a lot of hidden dangers when using your credit card or making bank transfers online. First your credit card number might be stolen and take note that each time you pay in installments, you get charges deducted for making that payment from your account. Thus the final amount you pay for the bike will be more than the initial price.

James Brown writes about http://www.digitaldiscountcodes.com

A Harley Davidson isn’t a motorcycle, a mindset, a ride, or a hog. It’s an entire culture within our national fabric complete with leather clothes, wild rides, thousands of t-shirts and darn good people. When you purchase a Harley you are entering a whole new world with friends in every corner and a way of life stretching out before you like a long scenic stretch of highway. For folks wanting to purchase a Harley who aren’t close to a dealership or who simply like to do things online there are several ways to be a part of this vibrant community.

Straight To The Dot

Harley-Davidson is a dealer site that really packs a punch. You can view videos of their motorcycles in action and get 360o pictures along with a full description and options available. You pick the motorcycle by picture so you don’t have to go through a bunch of names to see a bike you like. They also have a database of pre-owned Harleys and a great program called “Try-a-Bike” where you can see a list of demo ride events offered in cities around the country. Another bonus for people not quite sure if a Harley is for them, is found on the “Experience” page where you can go to plan a trip and rent a Harley while you are there. For great descriptions and community spirit, the dealer site is the place to start.

Local Dealers

Not only does Harley-Davidson have an amazing site, but each local dealer also has a site full of amenities and helpful links. As an example: Barnett Harley-Davidson in El Paso, Texas has a list of current bikes in inventory, internet specials, and clothing you can purchase online for you or a hog loving friend. A step in a more practical direction, the site also shows financial calculators, and lists financing options for customers with weak credit, and customers wanting to buy a privately owned Harley Davidson. You can also link to the Harley’s Owner Group (H.O.G.) in El Paso or see photos of the store and area. Each local website is different but they all offer helpful advice and sales online.

Blogs About Hogs

If you want advice from the riders themselves or just want to share thoughts and feelings about the Harley experience, there are hundreds of blogs on the internet directed to and written by Harley owners. Some blogs are highly technical parts manifests or advice on everything from oil changes to trickle chargers. Others are more introspective travel dairies of people who have undertaken a cross country journey on their bike. There are blogs that list the most helpful dealerships or where you can stop along a cross-country trip if you need a good meal or quick repair. Harley collectibles from Zippo lighters to leather chaps also have their own blog sites where collectors can buy and trade, discover release dates and relate tales of where they acquired their object.

Harley-Davidson is more than just a brand, it’s a people who like loud bikes, long rides, and shared experiences. Getting your Harley online is one of many ways go along for the ride.

James Brown writes about http://www.carstruckspartsaccessories.com