Started in a small warehouse by Michio Suzuki back in 1909, Suzuki aimed at making better looms for the Japanese silk industry. It was only thirty years after its existence that the company started thinking of diversifying into cars, motorcycles and related machinery. In fact, it was only after the collapse of the cotton market in 1951, that Suzuki seriously got into the motorcycle and car industry.
One of the first two-wheeled innovations by Suzuki was a motorized bicycle called the "Power Free". This bicycle was so ingeniously designed that the government of Japan gave Suzuki a subsidy in order to continue their research in motorcycle and car innovation. As time progressed, the company started to build better and better motorcycles. And by 1962, Suzuki Motorcycles had won their first 50cc Grand Prix World Championship.
By the late 60s, the company had become known and respected in the American and European motorbike world. One of their best-selling machines during this time period was the Suzuki X-6 Hustler, which was the fastest Japanese 250cc for that time.
Suzuki Motorcycles also gained fame in the motocross world. In the 60s and 70s, motocross racing was largely dominated by European motorcycle manufacturers. Japanese motorcycles did not have much of a presence or respect in this arena, but during this time, Suzuki Motorcycles won the World Championship several times between 1971 and 1976 in the 500cc MX race. In addition to this, the company also won every 125cc world championship from 1975 to 1984.
By the late '80s, Suzuki had gained the respect of all within the racing community at the highest levels. One of the best Suzuki Motorcycles of this era was the GSX-R750. Its design and energy was unbeatable and, at that time, it was the lightest bike around in its class.
The Suzuki GSX-R was without any doubt one of the most important and influential motorcycles of the 80s. Even now, twenty years later, you will find the GSX-R line in Suzuki Motorcycles current catalog. In fact you will find it in several sizes ranging from 600cc to 1000cc.
Since the GSX-R750, Suzuki Motorcycles has come with many other successful models and today, Suzuki is a well-known name in the Motorcycling world . The company has won over a dozen World Championships along with many other races. Their long-standing emphasis on innovation as well as their meticulous care in craftsmanship has lead the company from strength to strength for more than 50 years.
For all this Suzuki is now one of the four big names in the Japanese motorcycles industry. If you are planning in buying on changing your ride, their models must be included in your list of possibilities.
Enjoy the Ride!
Senin, 11 September 2017
Rabu, 30 Agustus 2017
Kawasaki Motorcycles - Independent in Thoughts and Actions
The story of Kawasaki Company goes back to 1924, at that time involved into metallurgy and the aircraft industry.
In 1949, they decided to enter the motorcycle industry producing engines that could be adapted to motorcycles.
FIRST KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES PRODUCTS a Motorcycle Engines
In their line you could find a 60 cc two-stroke, as well as a 150cc and a 250cc four-stroke engines developed with technology from BMW; company whom with they had had relationships since their beginnings in the aeronautical industry.
It wasn't until 1954 that Kawasaki Motorcycles produced their first complete motorcycle under the name of Meihatsu (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft Co.).
Almost at the same time, they also tried to introduce their own line of scooters to the market, but they soon realized they couldn't compete against the two giants of the scooters industry for those days: the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon.
And now before continuing with Kawasaki Motorcycles history, I have to open a big parenthesis...
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES
We cannot talk about Kawasaki without mentioning another make that will definitely help Kawasaki become as well as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha one of the big players in the Japanese Motorcycles scene:
--> Meguro Motorcycles: better know in that time as the "senior make and the king of four strokes".
Meguro entered the motorcycle industry in 1937. Having a good relationship with the government, the people at Meguro took advantage of the army orders.
Their first motorcycle was the Z97: a 500cc rocker-valve motorcycle influenced by the Swiss Motosacoche. It's worth mentioning this model was a success for the factory and the Z97 was in production till the fifties.
Along the years, Meguro produced some very nice 250cc and 350cc rocker-valve, single cylinder models as well as high performance twins. All of them with a very strong British influence. Then and thanks to the commercial success they were living, they also launched a rocker-valve 125 cc for their low end range and a twin cylinder 650cc to accompany the already existing 500cc.
But it was in 1958, when Meguro tried to get rid of their British influence, when things started to go wrong...
Based on a winning prototype of Mount Asama (one of the biggest races that time), Meguro Motorcycles produced three nice and elegant machines with overhead camshaft: the 125cc E3, the 250cc F and the 350cc Y A. Unfortunately these bikes turned out to be too heavy and didn't get the buyers' attention. Meguro will soon return to rocker valve models.
Meguro Motorcycles remained as one of the top 10 manufacturers till 1960, but due to some bad decisions, as the ones mentioned above, the company started to decline and was soon bought by Kawasaki.
In 1960 Meguro signed an initial agreement with Kawasaki Motorcycles, and in 1962 they had completely disappeared.
....And this brings us back to Kawasaki Motorcycles...
In 1960, the company decides to give a serious push to the motorcycle division of Kawasaki Aircrafts:
They take out of the market the Meihatsu brand, they build their own plant of low end and low powered machines and buy Meguro.
These brilliant moves and decisions made Kawasaki Motorcycles have one of the widest range of models in the market. Kawasaki Motorcycles could offer at that time (1960's) from a 50cc moped-scooter to a powerful, high end and beautiful 650 cc twin cylinder motorcycle.
Its also important to mention that due to their very own nature, Kawasaki Motorcycles has always played the role of Maverick in the industry and that a feeling of independence from their main competitors has always been present.
Since then, many stories have been written, many models have been produced and many races have been won on Kawasaki Motorcycles, the truth is...
Nowadays Kawasaki Motorcycles is one of the major players in the industry and following their tradition, they nowadays offer a wide range of products for all kind needs and likes.
Enjoy the ride!
In 1949, they decided to enter the motorcycle industry producing engines that could be adapted to motorcycles.
FIRST KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES PRODUCTS a Motorcycle Engines
In their line you could find a 60 cc two-stroke, as well as a 150cc and a 250cc four-stroke engines developed with technology from BMW; company whom with they had had relationships since their beginnings in the aeronautical industry.
It wasn't until 1954 that Kawasaki Motorcycles produced their first complete motorcycle under the name of Meihatsu (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft Co.).
Almost at the same time, they also tried to introduce their own line of scooters to the market, but they soon realized they couldn't compete against the two giants of the scooters industry for those days: the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon.
And now before continuing with Kawasaki Motorcycles history, I have to open a big parenthesis...
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES
We cannot talk about Kawasaki without mentioning another make that will definitely help Kawasaki become as well as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha one of the big players in the Japanese Motorcycles scene:
--> Meguro Motorcycles: better know in that time as the "senior make and the king of four strokes".
Meguro entered the motorcycle industry in 1937. Having a good relationship with the government, the people at Meguro took advantage of the army orders.
Their first motorcycle was the Z97: a 500cc rocker-valve motorcycle influenced by the Swiss Motosacoche. It's worth mentioning this model was a success for the factory and the Z97 was in production till the fifties.
Along the years, Meguro produced some very nice 250cc and 350cc rocker-valve, single cylinder models as well as high performance twins. All of them with a very strong British influence. Then and thanks to the commercial success they were living, they also launched a rocker-valve 125 cc for their low end range and a twin cylinder 650cc to accompany the already existing 500cc.
But it was in 1958, when Meguro tried to get rid of their British influence, when things started to go wrong...
Based on a winning prototype of Mount Asama (one of the biggest races that time), Meguro Motorcycles produced three nice and elegant machines with overhead camshaft: the 125cc E3, the 250cc F and the 350cc Y A. Unfortunately these bikes turned out to be too heavy and didn't get the buyers' attention. Meguro will soon return to rocker valve models.
Meguro Motorcycles remained as one of the top 10 manufacturers till 1960, but due to some bad decisions, as the ones mentioned above, the company started to decline and was soon bought by Kawasaki.
In 1960 Meguro signed an initial agreement with Kawasaki Motorcycles, and in 1962 they had completely disappeared.
....And this brings us back to Kawasaki Motorcycles...
In 1960, the company decides to give a serious push to the motorcycle division of Kawasaki Aircrafts:
They take out of the market the Meihatsu brand, they build their own plant of low end and low powered machines and buy Meguro.
These brilliant moves and decisions made Kawasaki Motorcycles have one of the widest range of models in the market. Kawasaki Motorcycles could offer at that time (1960's) from a 50cc moped-scooter to a powerful, high end and beautiful 650 cc twin cylinder motorcycle.
Its also important to mention that due to their very own nature, Kawasaki Motorcycles has always played the role of Maverick in the industry and that a feeling of independence from their main competitors has always been present.
Since then, many stories have been written, many models have been produced and many races have been won on Kawasaki Motorcycles, the truth is...
Nowadays Kawasaki Motorcycles is one of the major players in the industry and following their tradition, they nowadays offer a wide range of products for all kind needs and likes.
Enjoy the ride!
Senin, 14 Agustus 2017
Yamaha Motorcycles - Creativity and Spirit of Challenge
"If you are going to do something, be the best"
Ginichi Kawakami, Yamaha Motor Company First President.
Yamaha Motorcycles, under this motto, employing all its creativity, and with a very strong spirit of challenge, became what it is now: one of the biggest players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.
But Yamaha's history doesn't start with motorcycles...
It is back in 1877 that Torakusu Yamaha started with the Nippon Gakki Company that later would become Yamaha Corporation: an important manufacturer of fine musical instruments.
As the company grew, they explored several fields of opportunity in the textile industry and others.
During the World War II, the company set up a factory to produce airplane propellers. This plant played an important role in Yamaha's entry to the motorcycle industry as you will see.
After the war, Yamaha Corporation had to find new ways to use the tooling and experience that had been accumulated during their times in the airplane industry, and it was then when Yamaha Motor Corporation was founded.
It's important to mention that even though this new company was just another branch of Yamaha Corporation, it was placed under an independent management. In this case, under the guidance of Ginichi Kawakami; which turned out to be a brilliant move.
Before producing their first motorcycle, Ginichi Kawakami traveled a lot establishing what would be very useful relationships. He also sent out his engineers to Europe and had them learn how to build motorcycles, particularly from DKW; whom with they kept an underground and unofficial long lasting relationship.
One proof of this is that nowadays, the only two manufacturers in the world of mass-produced five side-valve engines are Yamaha an Audi (DKW - Auto Union).
One of the most important legacies from this international relationships were all the skills learnt by Yamaha's engineers on two stroke engines know-how. Other manufacturers as Suzuki would not reach the same level of development in this area till seven years later.
Not to wonder why the first bike from Yamaha Motorcycles the 125 YA-1 was fairly a faithful copy of the 1949 DKW RT 12. The only two important differences were the four speed gearbox instead of the original three speed gearbox, and a gear transmission replacing the primary chain drive.
IMPORTANT MODEL FROM YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES
>>> Yamaha YA-1
Even though the Yamaha YA-1 - baptized "Acatombo" (Red dragonfly) by its fans - had "nothing in special" and was more expensive than its competitors, it almost immediately became a great success.
It was reliable: before putting it into the market, the prototypes were tested along 10,000 miles of rough rides . Even the big boss himself, Ginichi Kawakami, rode the bike without any incident from Hamamatsu to Tokyo.
It was beautiful: with this model Yamaha was the first manufacturer to put special attention to the decoration of the motorcycle. This task was given to GK Design in Tokyo. It's worth mentioning that this firm has designed the "look" of most Yamaha motorcycles to date.
It was fast: the YA-1 obtained excellent overall results in the most important local races of that time: Mount Fuji (third place) and Mount Asama (first place).
In fact it was this aggressive attitude in the sporting world that helped Yamaha Motorcycles gain fast acceptance even though they made a late start in the motorcycle scene (in comparison to Honda and Suzuki).
In other words: Yamaha Motorcycles showed the world they had arrived to be considered good and fierce competitors from the beginning. Particularly to Honda and Suzuki.
Other important models from that time were:
>>> The Yamaha YD-1 (the competition for the Suzuki TP of that time)
Some technical specifications:
Yamaha YD-1
15 hp
70 mph.
185,000 yen
in comparison to:
Suzuki TP
18 hp
80 mph.
195,000 yen
>>> The Yamaha YDS-1
The dream bike of all young Japanese between 1959-1960.
Some technical specifications:
20 hp
333 lbs.
85 mph.
Direct rival of the Honda CB72
Since then, the history of models and victories goes on and on...
Today, Yamaha Motorcycles is one of the major players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.
Just to give you an idea of how important Yamaha Motorcycles have become:
- The 2004 Moto GP was won by excellent rider Valentino Rossi on a Yamaha motorcycle.
I could go an and on writing about Yamaha Motorcycles, victories, challenges and models but I would need a whole book
You will find a pictorial history of Yamaha Motorcycles from 1955 to 2001.
Enjoy the ride!
Ginichi Kawakami, Yamaha Motor Company First President.
Yamaha Motorcycles, under this motto, employing all its creativity, and with a very strong spirit of challenge, became what it is now: one of the biggest players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.
But Yamaha's history doesn't start with motorcycles...
It is back in 1877 that Torakusu Yamaha started with the Nippon Gakki Company that later would become Yamaha Corporation: an important manufacturer of fine musical instruments.
As the company grew, they explored several fields of opportunity in the textile industry and others.
During the World War II, the company set up a factory to produce airplane propellers. This plant played an important role in Yamaha's entry to the motorcycle industry as you will see.
After the war, Yamaha Corporation had to find new ways to use the tooling and experience that had been accumulated during their times in the airplane industry, and it was then when Yamaha Motor Corporation was founded.
It's important to mention that even though this new company was just another branch of Yamaha Corporation, it was placed under an independent management. In this case, under the guidance of Ginichi Kawakami; which turned out to be a brilliant move.
Before producing their first motorcycle, Ginichi Kawakami traveled a lot establishing what would be very useful relationships. He also sent out his engineers to Europe and had them learn how to build motorcycles, particularly from DKW; whom with they kept an underground and unofficial long lasting relationship.
One proof of this is that nowadays, the only two manufacturers in the world of mass-produced five side-valve engines are Yamaha an Audi (DKW - Auto Union).
One of the most important legacies from this international relationships were all the skills learnt by Yamaha's engineers on two stroke engines know-how. Other manufacturers as Suzuki would not reach the same level of development in this area till seven years later.
Not to wonder why the first bike from Yamaha Motorcycles the 125 YA-1 was fairly a faithful copy of the 1949 DKW RT 12. The only two important differences were the four speed gearbox instead of the original three speed gearbox, and a gear transmission replacing the primary chain drive.
IMPORTANT MODEL FROM YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES
>>> Yamaha YA-1
Even though the Yamaha YA-1 - baptized "Acatombo" (Red dragonfly) by its fans - had "nothing in special" and was more expensive than its competitors, it almost immediately became a great success.
It was reliable: before putting it into the market, the prototypes were tested along 10,000 miles of rough rides . Even the big boss himself, Ginichi Kawakami, rode the bike without any incident from Hamamatsu to Tokyo.
It was beautiful: with this model Yamaha was the first manufacturer to put special attention to the decoration of the motorcycle. This task was given to GK Design in Tokyo. It's worth mentioning that this firm has designed the "look" of most Yamaha motorcycles to date.
It was fast: the YA-1 obtained excellent overall results in the most important local races of that time: Mount Fuji (third place) and Mount Asama (first place).
In fact it was this aggressive attitude in the sporting world that helped Yamaha Motorcycles gain fast acceptance even though they made a late start in the motorcycle scene (in comparison to Honda and Suzuki).
In other words: Yamaha Motorcycles showed the world they had arrived to be considered good and fierce competitors from the beginning. Particularly to Honda and Suzuki.
Other important models from that time were:
>>> The Yamaha YD-1 (the competition for the Suzuki TP of that time)
Some technical specifications:
Yamaha YD-1
15 hp
70 mph.
185,000 yen
in comparison to:
Suzuki TP
18 hp
80 mph.
195,000 yen
>>> The Yamaha YDS-1
The dream bike of all young Japanese between 1959-1960.
Some technical specifications:
20 hp
333 lbs.
85 mph.
Direct rival of the Honda CB72
Since then, the history of models and victories goes on and on...
Today, Yamaha Motorcycles is one of the major players in the worldwide motorcycling scene.
Just to give you an idea of how important Yamaha Motorcycles have become:
- The 2004 Moto GP was won by excellent rider Valentino Rossi on a Yamaha motorcycle.
I could go an and on writing about Yamaha Motorcycles, victories, challenges and models but I would need a whole book
You will find a pictorial history of Yamaha Motorcycles from 1955 to 2001.
Enjoy the ride!
Senin, 31 Juli 2017
Motorcycle Tires - Why Should You Care?
One of the most important parts of any vehicle is its tires. Not only are the tires subject to a large amount of wear and tear, but also their durability depends largely upon how you maintain them. But before we go into the details of motorcycle tires maintenance, let us first understand how you should determine which tires are best for you.
One of the most trusted sources to which you can speak about the kind of tires that would suit your needs the best should be the dealer from whom you purchased your bike or your bike repair mechanic. Since both these parties do not have any interest in giving you wrong information, they make a good starting point.
Besides your dealer and mechanic, you can also look up for information on motorcycle tires in: tire guides, magazine reviews, manufacturer official sites and a few serious forums on the Net. This will help you to re-affirm the information that you have gained from your bike dealer / mechanic.
One of the simplest ways of determining the correct brand for tire choice is to look at the tires which are being utilized by other motorcyclists in a competition. If any particular brand strikes you to be most commonly used, it might do you good to check out that particular brand first.
It's VERY IMPORTANT that you also check for what your user's manual recommend. You don't want to end up messing up with the performance of your motorcycle because you chose motorcycle tires that do not fit the requirements for your bike and kind of riding.
While choosing your motorcycle tires, you must categorize tires according to their performance level, their wet grip ability, durability and mileage, load carrying capacity etc.
Of course, price is a critical factor as well, but always make a considered choice while deciding upon your tires. Nowadays, there are several financing options available which you can lighten the burden on your shoulders.
Assuming that you have purchased your tires and are happy with them, let us now checkout some of the ways in which you can make your tires last longer.
Tires are constantly being subject to a lot of dust, scuffing, and abrasions, mud etc. Thus, it is crucial to keep them in optimal condition in order to get the most out of them. Here are some great motorcycle tire maintenance tips for you:
MOTORCYCLE TIRES MAINTENANCE TIPS
-> Use a mild detergent to clean your tires.
-> Rinse the tires properly and do not use harsh chemical washes onto them. This will lead to faster corrosion of the wheels.
-> It is also important that you wash and wax your wheels on a weekly basis. If you have a aluminum wheel, then use a corrosion protector as well in order to make it look nice and shiny all the time.
-> Please bear in mind to always check your tires every time that you get on it for air pressure.
-> Regularly check for any cracks, stuck debris or loose nuts and bolts.
Enjoy the ride!
One of the most trusted sources to which you can speak about the kind of tires that would suit your needs the best should be the dealer from whom you purchased your bike or your bike repair mechanic. Since both these parties do not have any interest in giving you wrong information, they make a good starting point.
Besides your dealer and mechanic, you can also look up for information on motorcycle tires in: tire guides, magazine reviews, manufacturer official sites and a few serious forums on the Net. This will help you to re-affirm the information that you have gained from your bike dealer / mechanic.
One of the simplest ways of determining the correct brand for tire choice is to look at the tires which are being utilized by other motorcyclists in a competition. If any particular brand strikes you to be most commonly used, it might do you good to check out that particular brand first.
It's VERY IMPORTANT that you also check for what your user's manual recommend. You don't want to end up messing up with the performance of your motorcycle because you chose motorcycle tires that do not fit the requirements for your bike and kind of riding.
While choosing your motorcycle tires, you must categorize tires according to their performance level, their wet grip ability, durability and mileage, load carrying capacity etc.
Of course, price is a critical factor as well, but always make a considered choice while deciding upon your tires. Nowadays, there are several financing options available which you can lighten the burden on your shoulders.
Assuming that you have purchased your tires and are happy with them, let us now checkout some of the ways in which you can make your tires last longer.
Tires are constantly being subject to a lot of dust, scuffing, and abrasions, mud etc. Thus, it is crucial to keep them in optimal condition in order to get the most out of them. Here are some great motorcycle tire maintenance tips for you:
MOTORCYCLE TIRES MAINTENANCE TIPS
-> Use a mild detergent to clean your tires.
-> Rinse the tires properly and do not use harsh chemical washes onto them. This will lead to faster corrosion of the wheels.
-> It is also important that you wash and wax your wheels on a weekly basis. If you have a aluminum wheel, then use a corrosion protector as well in order to make it look nice and shiny all the time.
-> Please bear in mind to always check your tires every time that you get on it for air pressure.
-> Regularly check for any cracks, stuck debris or loose nuts and bolts.
Enjoy the ride!
Sabtu, 15 Juli 2017
The Motorcycle Helmet You Want May Not Be As Safe As You Think!
Choosing the right Motorcycle helmet can make a difference....
....literally between life and death. But how does an ordinary guy in the street make an informed decision about what kind of helmets give the best protection? There are so many makes, models and styles. Not to mention DOT approved, Snell approved, ECE approved! It is enough to make you go goggle eyed when confronted with so much information.
Tests have shown that it is perfectly possible to suffer a fatal injury falling off a stationary bike if you hit your unprotected head on the kerb, so clearly choosing the right helmet is important.
But which one?
Wouldn't it be easier if someone just said, "Look, when you are in a crash, you need to protect this part of you head, because this is the part that is most likely to get hurt"...
Well that's what I thought. But it wasn't that easy. The kind of information you need to make that kind of call requires someone, somewhere to look at a whole bunch of motorcycle crashes, look at the motorcycle helmet damage, assess where point of impact occurred and put the information into a form that allows ordinary motorcyclists (like you and me) to make a decision for themselves.
However, the good news is that if you look hard enough, the information is available. A study was carried out a few years ago by Deitmar Otte, at the Medizinsche Hochschule in Hannover, Germany on the damage incurred to helmets worn by motorcyclists involved in accidents. His analysis was extremely detailed; in fact it was far to detailed for me to go into here, but it was extremely important.
What I am going to do is tell you in a nutshell, what parts of your head are most likely to be hurt in a motorcycle accident, based on Herr Otte's findings. The rest is up to you...
Take a motorcycle helmet and look at it from the front. Now imagine it is divided into three sections; the top (the cranium area) the middle (the area most likely covered by the visor) and the bottom (on a full face helmet, this would be the chin guard area). If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, and you hit your head you would have a 35% chance of the impact occurring to your chin area, 10% to your visor area, and 22% chance of the impact occurring to your front cranium area.
Now turn the helmet around. Looking at it from the back, divide it in two down the middle. In an accident, if you hit you head, you have a 16% chance of impact occurring on the back of you head to the left side, and a 17% chance of impact occurring on the back right side.
Conclusion? Well, this is only my personal conclusion but I would say the following...
The safest helmets are full face helmets...
Second would be three quarter helmets with visors...
Third would be half helmets...
Last would be novelty helmets.
There are lots of reasons people wear helmets. However, if safety is you main consideration, then take a good look at the full face helmets on the market, take some time and find one which you can wear comfortably on every ride.
....literally between life and death. But how does an ordinary guy in the street make an informed decision about what kind of helmets give the best protection? There are so many makes, models and styles. Not to mention DOT approved, Snell approved, ECE approved! It is enough to make you go goggle eyed when confronted with so much information.
Tests have shown that it is perfectly possible to suffer a fatal injury falling off a stationary bike if you hit your unprotected head on the kerb, so clearly choosing the right helmet is important.
But which one?
Wouldn't it be easier if someone just said, "Look, when you are in a crash, you need to protect this part of you head, because this is the part that is most likely to get hurt"...
Well that's what I thought. But it wasn't that easy. The kind of information you need to make that kind of call requires someone, somewhere to look at a whole bunch of motorcycle crashes, look at the motorcycle helmet damage, assess where point of impact occurred and put the information into a form that allows ordinary motorcyclists (like you and me) to make a decision for themselves.
However, the good news is that if you look hard enough, the information is available. A study was carried out a few years ago by Deitmar Otte, at the Medizinsche Hochschule in Hannover, Germany on the damage incurred to helmets worn by motorcyclists involved in accidents. His analysis was extremely detailed; in fact it was far to detailed for me to go into here, but it was extremely important.
What I am going to do is tell you in a nutshell, what parts of your head are most likely to be hurt in a motorcycle accident, based on Herr Otte's findings. The rest is up to you...
Take a motorcycle helmet and look at it from the front. Now imagine it is divided into three sections; the top (the cranium area) the middle (the area most likely covered by the visor) and the bottom (on a full face helmet, this would be the chin guard area). If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, and you hit your head you would have a 35% chance of the impact occurring to your chin area, 10% to your visor area, and 22% chance of the impact occurring to your front cranium area.
Now turn the helmet around. Looking at it from the back, divide it in two down the middle. In an accident, if you hit you head, you have a 16% chance of impact occurring on the back of you head to the left side, and a 17% chance of impact occurring on the back right side.
Conclusion? Well, this is only my personal conclusion but I would say the following...
The safest helmets are full face helmets...
Second would be three quarter helmets with visors...
Third would be half helmets...
Last would be novelty helmets.
There are lots of reasons people wear helmets. However, if safety is you main consideration, then take a good look at the full face helmets on the market, take some time and find one which you can wear comfortably on every ride.
Jumat, 30 Juni 2017
How to Choose Chevy Truck Seat Covers
You are proud of your Chevrolet truck and want to keep it
looking as new as possible for as long as you can. Because
of this, you should make the decision to buy Chevy truck
seat covers. When you place seat covers over your current
seats you will have a custom looking vehicle and all the
while be protecting your investment and ultimate resale or
trade-in value. However, choosing the perfect Chevy truck
seat covers is not as easy as you might think and you
should consider the following tips before you start
shopping.
Size and Fit for Your Truck
The make, model, and year of your truck affects the type of
seat you have, so buying Chevy truck seat covers is not as
easy as just picking up a one size fits all option, unless
you don't mind ill fitting seat covers. You will need to
make sure you know the make, model and year of your truck
so when you are shopping in stores or online you will be
able to see which Chevy truck seat covers will fit your
truck and those that want. The reason this information is
so important is to ensure that you get a quality seat cover
that has a custom fit and appearance. If you buy a seat
cover that does not require this type of information, it
will most likely take away from the look of the truck
rather than add to it.
Waterproof
Also, when you are shopping for custom looking Chevy truck
seat covers you need to be sure you also buy covers that
are waterproof. Many covers are made with fabrics that have
a new waterproof technology while remaining soft and
smooth. When you buy waterproof covers you ensure that
every inevitable rain storm and spill that gets your covers
wet won't affect your real seat upholstery. Be sure they
are also easy to remove and wash.
looking as new as possible for as long as you can. Because
of this, you should make the decision to buy Chevy truck
seat covers. When you place seat covers over your current
seats you will have a custom looking vehicle and all the
while be protecting your investment and ultimate resale or
trade-in value. However, choosing the perfect Chevy truck
seat covers is not as easy as you might think and you
should consider the following tips before you start
shopping.
Size and Fit for Your Truck
The make, model, and year of your truck affects the type of
seat you have, so buying Chevy truck seat covers is not as
easy as just picking up a one size fits all option, unless
you don't mind ill fitting seat covers. You will need to
make sure you know the make, model and year of your truck
so when you are shopping in stores or online you will be
able to see which Chevy truck seat covers will fit your
truck and those that want. The reason this information is
so important is to ensure that you get a quality seat cover
that has a custom fit and appearance. If you buy a seat
cover that does not require this type of information, it
will most likely take away from the look of the truck
rather than add to it.
Waterproof
Also, when you are shopping for custom looking Chevy truck
seat covers you need to be sure you also buy covers that
are waterproof. Many covers are made with fabrics that have
a new waterproof technology while remaining soft and
smooth. When you buy waterproof covers you ensure that
every inevitable rain storm and spill that gets your covers
wet won't affect your real seat upholstery. Be sure they
are also easy to remove and wash.
Sabtu, 17 Juni 2017
How To Install Truck Running Boards
If you are a pick up truck or SUV owner, one of the most popular accessories for these types of vehicles are running boards. Running boards are particularly useful as they allow easier access to your truck's cabin in addition to simply "lookin' good". You can outfit your vehicle yourself with running boards by following three simple steps. Depending on the brand of running board you purchase, the procedures involved may vary somewhat.
Lund running boards are industry hot sellers and the company helps make installation a breeze by outlining how to get the job done:
1. Insert the square head bolts into the extruded channels on the underside of the board, then attach the Multi-Fit brackets loosely with supplied washers and nuts.
2. After determining mounting position on the truck, the end caps and step pads are attached with matching black rivets.
3. Mounting methods vary slightly with application. Multi-Fit Running boards are bolted in place with clip nuts and bolts at factory holes. Tighten after determining alignment is correct.
That's it! Before you know it your running boards are securely in place and ready for use.
When shopping for running boards, please note that the quality of the products marketed can vary. A top of the line running board such as those sold by Lund or Westin running boards is typically made out of tough polymer materials or diamond plated aluminum and will, therefore, adequately hold your weight and resist deterioration. You can order running boards that light up, choose boards that have a wide step area, and even select running boards that allow you to paint the shell yourself.
Running boards are made for SUVs from the Kia Sorento to the Ford Expedition, and for trucks from the Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Sierra Denali. Mounting kits are usually sold separately, so before completing your order make sure that all the parts as well as instructions are included with your shipment.
Lund running boards are industry hot sellers and the company helps make installation a breeze by outlining how to get the job done:
1. Insert the square head bolts into the extruded channels on the underside of the board, then attach the Multi-Fit brackets loosely with supplied washers and nuts.
2. After determining mounting position on the truck, the end caps and step pads are attached with matching black rivets.
3. Mounting methods vary slightly with application. Multi-Fit Running boards are bolted in place with clip nuts and bolts at factory holes. Tighten after determining alignment is correct.
That's it! Before you know it your running boards are securely in place and ready for use.
When shopping for running boards, please note that the quality of the products marketed can vary. A top of the line running board such as those sold by Lund or Westin running boards is typically made out of tough polymer materials or diamond plated aluminum and will, therefore, adequately hold your weight and resist deterioration. You can order running boards that light up, choose boards that have a wide step area, and even select running boards that allow you to paint the shell yourself.
Running boards are made for SUVs from the Kia Sorento to the Ford Expedition, and for trucks from the Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Sierra Denali. Mounting kits are usually sold separately, so before completing your order make sure that all the parts as well as instructions are included with your shipment.
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