Sport bikes

Car Donation - Secrets To Getting The Most Money Out Of Your Charity Car Donation

2010-07-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

In the US it's possible to donate a vehicle (while usually a car, it can be a boat or any other form of transportation) to certain charities, and in return be able to claim a tax deduction on your personal income tax return. For vehicle values of less than $500, the value of the tax deduction comes from the donor's own estimate of the car's value, even if the charity receives less money when they actually sell the car. If a charity is evasive, doesn't welcome your questions and doesn't provide clear answers about where the proceeds from donations go you might consider making your car donation to another charity.

The charity will give you some forms to fill out. You can give these to the driver when they come to pick up the car. One of the exceptions to the new IRS regulations allows donors to still deduct the fair market value of their vehicle when they fill out their income tax forms provided the charity materially improves the vehicle. Besides offline you can also donate your car online to individual charities or car donation programs. Checking with programs online can give you a chance to compare the individual charity benefits to you and more in-depth information on their programs.

The charitable organization uses the profit from they make from your vehicle to help fund their specific causes. There are a few exceptions in the new tax law regarding the fair market value section. For example, you may base your deduction on the fair market value of the vehicle if the charity sells it to a needy individual at a discounted price or if the charity uses the car as part of its mission instead of selling it. By donating a car it can eliminate unnecessary spending of money on repairs, advertising fees and the problems or liabilities associated with selling it.

Some charities that run the car donation program instead of hiring a middleman are discriminating about which vehicles they accept, repair and materially improve. They sell most of the vehicles at retail. You might have an old vehicle sitting around on your property or on the street that you don't use very often or ever. You can usually donate a sad-looking car that is running, depending on the charity. If your car is in running condition, consider dropping it off at the charity yourself to save the organization from paying for towing costs.

If you donate your car and you don't intend to deduct the vehicle donation on your tax return, no further action is necessary after the donation. A large chunk of your car donation money should not be taken out for large administrative fees or investments, so ask the charity first. In some cases charitable car donors can still claim the fair market value for their used vehicle. Make sure to have your title handy or at least know where it is when you call in your donation. Cars that are not being used make good donations, enabling many less fortunate people to have an affordable means of transportation.

You can get a car donation tax deduction up to the limits allowed by the IRS. Don't let your unused vehicle go to waste just sitting around gathering rust. Repairable vehicles are accepted provided the vehicle is repairable for less than for what it could sell for.

Regardless of the laws, it's a good idea to protect yourself by having the proper insurance coverage on your vehicle until it's donated. And your vehicle must have all four of its tires inflated to be accepted. For states that require smog certificates or safety inspection certificates, you can certainly donate your vehicle without these documents.

The donor benefits from the vehicle donation by receiving a tax receipt for the highest possible value. When you donate a car, you know you'll get it off your property within a couple of days or so, clearing out much needed garage, driveway or yard space. Oh and your vehicle must not have any major parts missing. If you think that donating an old car is a good way to ease your taxes then why not check into it today. And when you donate your car to a charity you'll benefit in many ways.

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Top 10 Baseball Gloves For the Fastpitch Pro

2010-03-30T03:31:00.000-07:00

1) Nokona AMG1200-TL-MT Trillion 12 inch

Not only is this glove lightweight, but Nokona's kangaroo/steerhide construction provides high durability for any serious player.

2) Wilson A2K FP-CL26 12.5 inch

This glove is made up of only the most premium leather Wilson has to offer. Collaborating with Olympic athlete Caitlin Lowe to design a glove for the skilled softballer, Wilson has crafted a glove that keeps it shape, and assures a great grip with their Dri-Lex technology.

3) Wilson A2000F-ZCAT-L 12 inch

Also featuring Wilson's Dri-Lex lining and their Pro Stock leather, the ZCAT-L boasts Super Skin: a material that doubles the glove's strength while cutting the weight in half.

4) Mizuno GCF1250 12.5 inch Classic

Mizuno tailored this glove distinctively for fastpitch from the web size, fit and comfort.

5) Rawlings Heart of the Hide Dual Core 12.5 inch

One of the most impressive aspects of this Rawlings glove is the incredibly soft leather that significantly reduces the time it takes to break the glove in, but also provides a better feel during game play.

6) Nokona AMG1200-MQ-MT Marquise 12 inch

Like the Rawlings Heart of the Hide, this is Nokona's version of the softest game ready glove.

7) Worth LA125MT Liberty Advanced 12.5 Inch

Although Worth techincally categorizes this as a slow pitch glove, even fastpitch athletes love the 125MT because of it's matchless comfort.

8) Akadema Fastpitch Series ATS77 Reptilian 12.5 inch

The stability this glove offers thanks to the Grasp Clasp Wrist System by Akadema is absolutely unbeatable for solid catching. Also, the shorter distance between the index finger and thumb enhances play intuitively for any female.

9) Rawlings Gold Glove 12.5 inch

This glove provides the Rawlings standards of quality at an affordable price, plus offers a flexible web that makes securing any catch nearly effortless.

10) Mizuno GMVP1258 MVP 12.5 inch

The GMVP from Mizuno provides a great bang for the buck, but overall delivers on quality and functionality. The Power Lock Closure particularly is a great feature as it ensures a secur

What is the Best Golf Ball For Me?

2010-03-30T03:21:00.000-07:00

Choosing a golf ball can be challenging! The selection of balls does not even fit in one aisle at the golf discount store! Choosing the best golf ball for your game really comes down to trying a few different brands and see which one performs well for you. Here are some suggestions for choosing a ball and brand from the vast selection. Keep in mind that golf balls will vary by distance, trajectory, spin, feel, and also budget.

Novice golfers, women, and kids will typically have a lower club head speed, lower trajectory, and less feel and control. These types of golfers can benefit most from some extra distance with all their golf shots. If you fall into this category, consider trying the new TreoSoft, the latest offering from Bridgestone Golf Balls. This ball has a softer compressing core which will add distance for a player with a lower swing speed. This Bridgestone golf ball also has a durable cover and comes in around $22 per dozen. Another great choice for this level of player is the Maxfli Noodle. Again, the Noodle is a softer ball which will help add distance to a moderate swing speed. The Maxfli Noodle comes in at a great price too, usually around $20 or less for a dozen!

Intermediate golfers will have to consider their weaknesses to determine the best ball to try. If distance is a problem, you will want to consider the Bridgestone B330-RX ball or the NXT Tour from Titleist Golf Balls. Both provide exceptional distance and maintain some level of feel and control. The Titleist ball comes in around $30 per dozen, while the Bridgestone rates a touch better but comes in around $42 for a dozen balls. Yet another choice for adding distance is the Top Flite Gamer V2, which costs $20 per dozen and claims to provide less spin off the driver face and more distance. If distance is not a problem you should consider Srixon golf balls. Specifically, the Srixon Z-Star ball is a multi-layer ball that will provide great feel, control, and they claim it gives excellent distance control with putts. This Srixon ball comes in around $40 for a dozen balls, and also comes in a Z-Star X for added distance.

Low handicap golfers demand no less than the best of both worlds. There is a clear choice for this group, and most players will consider it to be the 'Best Golf Ball' available. The Titleist ProV1 ball is the hands down winner and can be found in golf bags everywhere. This Titleist ball provides maximum distance and trajectory, excellent feel and control, with great softness and feel. The Titleist ProV1 is packed with industry technology and backs it up with first hand performance. Though it is on the expensive side at around $48 a dozen, it is the best selling ball on the market. That fact alone speaks toward it's the claim of 'Best Golf Ball.' The ProV1 is also surprisingly durable for a softer feeling golf ball. This Titleist ball is without a doubt, the best golf ball for the low handicap player.

About Money Management In Sports Betting

2010-01-01T04:13:00.000-08:00

One of the keys of the sports betting world that many people seem to miss is that money management is just as important as learning to pick the games themselves. Without successful money management, all of the solid handicapping in the world won't mean a hill of beans. With that in mind, what is the proper way to manage how much money you place on each bet? The simplest way is to stick to a fixed bet amount, which will give you a chance to have a profit at the end of the month.

One of the dirtiest little secrets of the sports handicapping industry is one that the sites try to keep hidden as much as they possibly can. They want, more than anything else, for people to be in the dark about what they do. For 9 out of every 10 sites, money is made by using affiliate advertising. How this works is fairly simple, and it should raise major red flags in your head. They allow bookies to advertise their online book at the tipping website, hopefully enticing you to sign up with that sports book. When you do sign up, the bookie will give a certain percentage of your losses back to the tipping site.

When we give out our picks, we expect them to hit at a rate of at least 66%. That is a number that we have successfully passed each and every year, so there is a reasonable expectation that our picks will do that well. Given the odds of the picks that we give out, if you are to make bets of the same amount each time, you will come out with a profit at the end of the month. Since we are confident that we will hit 2 out of every 3 picks, you should go with this type of money management system in order to ensure the most profitability. The problem comes when people start varying their bet amounts. When that happens, the one miss out of three can be more devastating than it should be.

Creating a Sports Theater in Your Home

2010-01-01T04:12:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, I can't seem to do anything just one thing at a time. I have to be able to do multiple things all the time and that includes watching sports events. Watching one sports event at a time just doesn't work for me, I want to watch multiple sports events and Satellite Sports TV with the right TV makes it easy.

Using either a split screen picture, picture-in-picture (PIP), or multiple televisions you can watch several sports events at the same time. In the world of sports, this is really great because you can watch different sports events at the same time and then be able to switch between the sports events to watch the one with the action at the moment.

Today watching several sports events at the same time is a very simple process. To setup your own sports theater, you need a satellite TV receiver with multiple sports channels and a TV setup to display multiple sports channels. Satellite TV Sports allow you to have multiple sports programs on the same TV or separate TV's at the same time.

If you want more than two sports programs at once, Sports Satellite TV also has packages where you can add additional TV's, up to four per dish, onto one satellite system. This means you can be watching four different sports programs at once. Being able to watch four sports events continuously can really make you a sports authority. Being a sports authority means you can talk sports with anybody and having seen the sports event you will know what is actually happening.

Without a huge amount of money, you can watch up to four sports programs at the same time and do it within a reasonable budget. There are several different ways you can watch multiple sports programs.

One is using several TV's and the correct satellite TV receiver to watch two to four sports channels at the same time. Satellite TV providers have receivers that will do either two TV's or split screen of two channels on the same TV. Using this kind of satellite receiver, you can use a big screen TV to do side-by-side split screen or use multiple smaller TV's to watch different receiver channels at the same time.

So, if you really want to be "The Sports Authority" and get all the sports events that you can handle, then going with satellite and multiple TV images is really the way to go. The two main things to look at are the TV's and satellite TV receiver being used. Dish network provides several options including a high-definition DVR system that allows you to do split-screen automatically from the unit itself. This means using your existing TV, you can watch different sports events right on the screen at the same time.

If you want to have more sports, you can use separate receivers and multiple TV's to get up to four sports events from one satellite dish. TV's like the Mitsubishi 65 inch big-screen allow you to have split screen right on the television in a native mode. This means you can have multiple satellite inputs viewed on two screens and switch between sports events on the two sides. By setting up favorites on your satellite remote, you can then quickly flip between different sports events on each one of the split-screen sides.

To get even more events you can either add additional TV's or get a different kind of TV that handles what is known as picture-in-picture. This will allow you to have multiple sports events on the screen at the same time. These TV's tend to cost a bit more money and some models are a little problematic. So be careful with which TV's you select for this particular methodology, but it can be great for watching multiple sports events.

The lesser expensive method is to simply pick up some low-end TV's to use as side monitors and have your main television showing the sports program you want to watch at the moment. Use the side TV's to monitor other sports programs on different receivers and switch to the sports event with action on the main TV when you see it happening on one of the monitors.

Using satellite TV receivers and a few TV's, you can have a home Sports Theater that will make you "The Sports Authority". So put your Sports Theater together now and start having those sports parties with all your friends.

Latest Cars 2010

2009-11-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

2010 Yamaha V-Max VMX17 Sport Bike

2009-11-02T05:09:00.001-08:00

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 Super Sport Bike

2009-11-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

Meet the big daddy of Hummer

2009-08-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

2008 BMW M-Zero with most attractive

2009-08-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

2009-07-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

If you're going to ride in a sidecar why not make it a really cool sidecar?

I bet that's what Francois Knorreck said to himself when he started working on this unique motorcycle-car, 10 years ago. That's right it took him 10 years and $20,000 to complete this masterpiece he calls the Snaefell. He used a Laverda motorcycle and put together the car using whatever parts he got his hands on.

Great effort, this crazy project is right up there with the 1967 Mustang Trike.

The most luxurious bike

2009-07-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Extremely Hi-Fi - Mercedes Imprint

2009-07-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

2009-06-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

Ford GT40

Car racing is the ultimate display of engin

eering and driving dynamics. It is a test of man and

machine on the aspects of speed, acceleration, aerodynamics and enduran

ce skills. The earliest racing cars were built with what we now know as simplest of the technologies, but which were revolutionary then. As the engineers a

nd designers learned from mistakes, cars got racier and leaner. Some g

reat racing cars owe their existence to some innovation.

When Ford lost its bid to buyout Ferrari at the last moment in early 60’s, it vowed to set a greater example than the Italian sports car company. Ford set out to make its own sports car. The company came up with the stunning Ford GT40. Ford and Ferrari fought hard to win events since it was launched in 1966. The GT40 won Le Mans in 1966

as well 67, 68 and 1969. The Ford GT40 endurance racer was the first car to exceed 200 mph speed. They defeated Ferrari’s at several events. By winning Le Mans and several other racing events, Ford demonstrated that the traditional V8 engine typical to American cars was sufficient to compete in world racing events.

Matra Simca MS670

When Le Mans that was essen

tially, a French event was dominated by other European, a lone French sports car company

announced its desire to win the 1969 Formula one and Le Mans, ahead of the race. As FIA had changed rules to allow every sports car to receive only 3 litre prototype engine, Matra’s option were limited. Matra fitted the Simca with V12 engine wit

h 60 degree block angle, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinders

which demonstrated high level of build standards. The car however faced a disappointing run in 1969. The company refined it to give it more boost. The new car for 1970 was called the

MS670 which sported a barchetta body and a rear wing. This car won convincingly at the Le Mans in 1970. It grabbed the imagination of sports car enthusiasts and was named one of the greatest win.

Jaguar XJR-12

Jaguar has had a long history of racing. It won the Le Mans for 7 consecutive times with the last one being in 1990. It was also the last British car to

win the Le Mans. The XJR-12 was installed with the same aspirated V12 engine that was fitted in XJR-9. The FIA rules were relaxed and the sports were allowed to have engine with any capacity and any number of cylinders but had to weigh a minimum weight of

1000 kgs, The XJR-12 embodied smart looks and performance. The team of four Jaguars raced at the 1990 event. They were ahead of the Porsches and Nissans. At the finishing line two Jaguars grabbed the second the third position at the racing. It demonstrated that enduranc

e of the sports car in toughest conditions like the Le Mans which is a 24 hours event.

Ferrari 250

This Ferrari Grand Touring car was the most beautiful car ever driven on racing circuits. The GTO was designed in such a manner that it had

gained the perfect balance and aerodynamic abilities. It was called the ballet dancer of motor racing, by racing enthusiasts. In its very first race, the 250 GT won the Mille Miglia event in 1952 and also gave its best performance at the Le Mans. The GTO was termed as the the top dog in racing. It went to win many races till 1964, untill it was relegated to behind lines by the Daytona Coupe.

Porsche 956

The 956 is a remarkable Porsche sports cars holding some phenomenal record in motorsports. It was created after the FIA brought in new rules in 1982, allowing participants a limited amount of fuel per car per race. The 956 was given a turbocharged aluminum flat six engine and a new aluminum monocoque construction, which was new development in racing cars then. It gained superb aerodynamics which gave it its seductive looks. Due to the technology 956 generated over three times more downforce than Porsche 917. There was a remarkable change was in the fuel economy too as it got a 2.7 litre engine producing 620 bhp power. The 956 enjoyed four consecutive victories at the Le Mans 24 from 1982 to 1986.

Racing Bikes And The Future Of Racing

2009-06-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Road bikes or racing bikes are designed to go as fast as possible while making sure of the rider's safety. They are mostly featured as skeletons of bicycles, but there is a reason why it looks so bare. This is because everything is toned down in order to save weight and improve aerodynamics, which is crucial if you want to go as fast as you can. These two factors will help give more speed. There are many gears for the racing bikes, but they are clustered together so that the biker can choose immediately which gear to use for the occasion. Its riding position is hunched over to offer less wind resistance. Some will favor drop handlebars, which will cost the rider to hunch over more. The tires are very thin and very high pressured, and one mistake on a hole can puncture it.

Types of Racing Bikes

There are several types of racing bikes. The most common is the standard racing bike, which is perfect for road riding. The riding position is hunched over, but still high enough which enables the rider to see where he is going. It is also very fast.

Another would be the time trial bike, which is designed to go as fast as possible around a circuit or an oval on a closed-off road. The riders are very much hunched over. Some would prefer the use of extensions on the handlebars for added comfort, to get a better grip on the handles and to get their hands forward. Others would still attach smaller front wheels to modify the riding position to something even lower than the usual.

Another would be the track racing bike, which is raced indoors on oval circuits. There is a single fixed gear with no brakes. A rider can only stop by slowing down the way he pedals, and the gear makes it impossible to suddenly stop pedaling. This racing bike is stripped down to the absolute minimum with no extras to make it lighter and faster.

Remarks for the Racing Bikes

On the plus side, racing bikes are very fast. The slick tires offer very little drag on the road, and the aerodynamic position keeps the wind drag to a minimum. On the other hand, because the bicycle is very skinny, it is often called as uncomfortable by other riders. The tires do not absorb much of the vibration when it comes to rough surfaces, and the hunched-over position can be very painful to the neck, back, and wrists.

Whatever your speed thrill though, the racing bike will probably outstrip it. Racing bikes are fast, light, and very versatile. They can pass through very narrow places and leave that police car in the dust. If ever things get sticky, racing bike rider will just pull his throttle downward, and the next you will see is the dust in your eyes.

Buying Racing Bikes

If you are interested in buying a racing bike, you can look for websites offering such in the Internet. You can also look at newspaper ads and bicycle magazines. They feature racing bikes for sale that there will so many for you to choose from. You have to remember though that if you are going to buy it online, you should check first if the website is legitimate so as not to waste money.

World is most expensive car

2009-06-04T02:03:00.000-07:00

Yamaha R15 150cc Vs. Bajaj Pulsar 220cc - Comparison

2009-05-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

While reviewing these two bikes, its quite evident that the Yamaha R15 and the Bajaj Pulsar 220 were designed for two totally different riders. The Yamaha R15 would feel like heaven in the hands of the bloke who’s idea of fun is all about pushing it to the limit on the twisties and setting the quickest lap timings. Ride it at low revs through crawling city traffic and you will be disappointed. On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 would make a good everyday commuting machine and a quick, competent tourer for the weekends.

My pick? Well. I see more of myself in the latter description, so I am going to go with the Bajaj Pulsar 220. However, if you look at the ratings, the Yamaha R15 is on top more times than the Bajaj. It also seems to be much better built and should hold together longer than the Pulsar, before the panels and other things start working loose. Which means that overall, test-wise, the R15 should be our winner. However, there is a proviso to this. If you aren’t going to ride fast, enjoy the R15's stellar handling and all, if you’re just going to plod to office everyday, you might just find the Yamaha just a bif too committed.

Then again, the Yamaha YZF-R15 is Rs 18,600-odd more expensive than the Pulsar 220. To riders like me, to whom speed and handling are paramount, the Pulsar isn’t even going to be on their minds after they have tested the R15. If that’s who you are, the varying prices shouldn’t really make a difference in your decision. Yamaha R15 is for you then!

Kawasaki Ninja 650R - Middleweight Bike, Heavyweight Fun

2009-05-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

These days you can buy a bike for just about any purpose: off roading, racing, street racing, off roading AND street racing, touring, commuting, and anything else you can think of. Unlike years past, where manufacturers had relatively limited lineups, anyone can buy any bike to do anything they'd like. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why we have the glorious Kawasaki Ninja 650R as an option for motorcycle enthusiasts today.

It carries a potent 650cc engine that produces roughly 75 horsepower and 45ft-lbs of torque. Yes, that's roughly 50 horsepower less than today's 600cc super-Sport Bikes (such as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R or Yamaha R6), but that's exactly how Kawasaki, and the riders who adore this kind of motorcycle, want. Unlike the super-sports, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R's 650cc power plant is a v-twin (like the Suzuki SV650R), and v-twins love one thing above all else: torque.

You will not need to rev the Kawasaki Ninja 650R to 14,000 rpm to make power, nor will you find a twitchy and barely controllable power curve either. What you will find is a powerful and fast machine that loves to put down all of its power before 9,000 rpm, adores corners, and will take nearly every situation you throw at it will grace and civility. That is, until you mash the throttle, lean hard into corners, and ride this bike as hard as each cc will allow.

And, after that, you'll be left with a feeling of euphoria. It's the sensation that fans of the middleweight motorcycle are all too familiar with and it's something that every motorcycle rider, be they a cruiser fan or a crotch rocket fan, lusts after. Pure, utter euphoria- made possible by a wonderfully balanced motorcycle that caters to its riders tastes perfectly. Its suspension is stiff during hard riding, yet amazing compliant during cruising, and the engine can be a dormant house cat or a hell-bent tiger out for blood. How you ride it, and how you command it to be, is how the bike will please you.

Middleweight riders adore bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R simply because it is so balanced: not too much engine, just enough suspension, and surprising economy to even it up. Quarter mile times in the mid-high 11 second range are the norm, and sub-four second 0-60 times are common. There aren't many sports cars that can match those times, and you can bet that the sports cars that can sure can't do it while averaging 45mpg and costing less than $9,000 brand new.

Yet the Ninja 650R, with it's sexy bodywork and comfortable riding position, can do all of those things. The riders of this bike, the lucky few who truly cherish it for what it is, know a joy that some people will spend their whole lives trying to attain.

Imported Bikes In India

2009-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Bikes are a great passion among Indian men. The high-performance, stylized bikes are being purchased despite their exorbitant price, by boys, especially in their youth. Though often much talked of, imported bikes likes Kawasaki and Suzuki are seen on roads in much lesser number than Hero Honda and Bajaj Bikes. Indian bikes are more commonly seen or roads, whereas the Imported bikes, because of their heavy price, remain only with the rich businessmen and sports persons. The reason such bikes are being imported and not produced in India is because Indian manufacturers are not yet ready to launch such automated, futuristic high-speed bikes. Though Hero Honda has produced some revolutionary bikes like Hero Honda Passion Plus, Karisma and CBZ, Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha bikes are often been imported to India, keeping in mind their wide demand. Few impressive Imported Bikes in India are:

Suzuki Hayabusa: It’s a sport bike introduced by Suzuki in 1999. After that Suzuki developed various Hayabusa bike versions like Suzuki Hayabusa 2007, Suzuki Hayabusa 2008 and others. All are till date famous for their high speed and engineered build.

Kawasaki Ninja: This is a revolutionary, high performance, impressive bike that is revered by the bike aficionados in India. Mainly the prerogative of rich kids and sports freak, the Kawasaki Ninja (ZX12R) has 1199cc DOHC, liquid cooled 4-cylinder engine that gives 178 bhp. The speed stability and comfortable handling experience makes Ninja a challenging and adventurous riding experience. Its popularity can be judged from the fact that celebrities like Salman Khan stylishly ride it on the roads. The price has been high, but even this has not been able to steal thunder from this stylized bike.

Yamaha R15: The Yamaha YZF R15 is a revolutionary bike launched in 1998. With an inflated price of (average) Rs.90,000, it became an instant hit in the national market. More than performance and mileage, the YZF R15 is famous for its killer looks. Prior to Yamaha R15’s entry to Indian Automobile industry, Hero Honda Charisma and Bajaj Pulsar had captured the roads, but after the curtains were raised, Yamaha R15 managed to absorb all the attention.

The Imported Bikes can make a pretty good hole in your pocket, as you have to pay heavy duties/taxes too, but if you have the money to buy them, these bikes are worth the hype and price.

Bike Helmet Safety

2009-04-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

It was a year or so ago, but I can’t forget about the news story I saw on television about the bike helmet. I can’t remember the show, but I think it was 20-20. What it had to say about the helmets was interesting, and once someone said it, it was not all that surprising. However, it was not something most would realize on their own though it made a lot of sense. They said it was not always safer to wear a helmet while on a bike, and the reason made a lot of sense.

They did some experiments and came to the conclusion that drivers are not as careful around riders that are wearing a bike helmet because they assume they are more advanced riders. Those without a helmet will find cars giving them a lot of room when they go by, but the ones with a bike helmet got about half of the space, if that. The reasoning behind this is that the helmet signifies experience, and that means drivers don’t have to be careful. That’s not true, but that seems to be the unconscious thought for more drivers.

Does that mean that most should not wear a bike helmet? Certainly not, especially when it comes to children. They should always have one because there is nothing funny or easy about a head injury. Some parents think their children should take their bumps and bruises, which is true for the most part, but they should always have their heads protected when riding a bike. It might not be cool, but it can save a life.

When buying a bike helmet, think about function before style. I have looked at them, but have yet to buy one because my daughter does not ride very often. However, if friends start coming around to ask her to go riding, she will be wearing a bike helmet. I have noticed that some are better than others, and this is one thing you may not want to buy from a discount store. For the reassurance that you are buying something that will work if an accident were to occur, get your helmet from a sporting goods store. That way you know you are getting a better quality item. If you don’t have such a place near you, you can get them online. You can also look for recommendations online to see what other parents think are the best brands and styles.

Top 5 Fastest Bikes in the World

2009-04-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

1. Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird 178mph (286 km/h)

2. Yamaha YZF R1 176mph (283 km/h)

3. Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille 175mph (281 km/h)

4. Ducati 1098s 169 mph (271 km/h)

5. BMW K1200S 167 mhh (268 km/h)

Mountain Bike Racing

2009-03-27T10:34:00.001-07:00

Who can race?

Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: gender, age and ability. So even if you are just beginning to love the sport or if you have been riding for several years, there is a race for you.

Who organizes the race?

Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by local communities. And most participants can be your friends and neighbors. How many joins this race? Depending on its popularity – maybe 30 or 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that they are less competitive as they are often participated by average riders like you. So if it is your first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find if there are race events nearby.

Why race?

Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better than in casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips. Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?

Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35. This usually includes t-shirt. Regional races are a bit higher. Often, gift certificates and bike gears are given and prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc. So there are several chances of winning. When they speak of the "depth", it means the number of places that is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are "five deep", that means prizes are given from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it is not about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?

Know if you should be "self-supporting", meaning you have to provide everything you need during the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch powerbars while riding or get water-bottle from your pit-crew as turn a lap. These are important details to know.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking race. First, do not mess with other riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and use him as shield block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is fun and camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else's bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?

Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to familiarize the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need a night before.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do some final check with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day's event.

Bike World

2009-03-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Motorbikes are considered heartthrobs in the automotive world. Bikes are conventional, and normal bikes are used by ordinary, middle-class people who cannot afford to buy themselves a car. It would not be an overstatement that 90 percent of people who step into their professional lives and start earning buy a motorbike as a means of transportation. They can take their feet off the ground and flutter away on their vehicles.

These motorcycles are economical in many ways. Some third world countries have started producing their local scooters and bikes so that almost any person who manages to save a little amount of money can afford a scooter easily.

This goes for countries that are on their way towards development. Motorbikes are not hard to assemble and there are people who have managed to build their very own bikes.

It does not consume as much fuel as cars do and they can easily adjust themselves between cars in the parking lot!

It is hard to categorize bikes because now the ordinary Yamahas are beginning to come in the markets with the same features as those of trail or heavy bikes. Not exactly the same but a lot of features are being installed in all kinds of bikes. They are now more comfortable and smooth to ride on.

Bikes are of numerous types. An ATV drift has become dominant over the past few years. In ATV, there is a raptor 700R GYTR edition; its key features are much more advanced. It is appealing for bike lovers as it has special graphics system, all new skid plates and more powerful engine that can make this bike race in all sorts of riding environments. It is capable of riding smoothly in deserts, dunes and even thick woods. It is basically a sports bike and it is used in bike racing and over the years it has earned the reputation of the best racer in the world.

Such bikes are expensive and belong to the sporting world. They used to be rather plain featured as we have seen the trail bikes that come with extra shocks and special wheels. The latest bikes have no comparison; they are a complete package. Their bodies are light weight; they have bigger, smoother, comfortable cushion seats. And their over all performance is much more satisfying than people could imagine. Motorbikes are a joy to ride.

An Amazing New Sports Car

2009-03-22T23:51:00.001-07:00

Here is a truly amazing new sports car – the KTM X-Bow. It is amazing in the way it looks, the way it is made and in its performance. So what is so special about the way it looks? Well, it has open wheels, with cycle type fenders, but you can hardly see them. At the front there is a big cowl which hides the wheels, but beneath that is a narrow chisel nose that is the front of the body, the engine being behind the cockpit.

On top of the engine is a curved cowl that acts as a cover, and provides some downforce at speed. Then, twin radiators are mounted each side of the engine, just behind the cockpit, where they partly conceal the engine and rear wheels. If you look from the back, you can see the rear suspension and a big muffler across the back with the exhaust coming straight out. This mufflers acts as a safety crash member, taking the impact in a crash.

One more thing that is different: the instruments and controls are all mounted in the hub of the steering wheel.

Austrian, with mid-engined layout

So who has produced this unusual sports car? KTM, the Austrian maker of high-performance off road motor bikes. Like KTM motorcycles, the X-Bow is a hot performer, without any creature comforts, and has shaken up the sports car world.

It has a carbon fiber body, made in Italy, which is one reason why this is a lightweight car, although not as light as the Lotus 2-11 or Caterham CSR, two competitors.

What is normal about it? Well, like the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-11 sports cars the engine is mounted cross-wise in unit with the transaxle behind the cockpit, an arrangement which allows the use of a power train of a mass production front-drive car. In this case, the power train is the Audi two-liter turbo unit, developing 240 bhp.

All about performance without any frills

Like the Caterham and Lotus 2-11, the KTM X-Bow is all about performance. It can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and 100 mph in 8.5 seconds, which puts it up in the supercar category. For example, The acceleration is faster than the Audi R8, Jaguar XKR or Porsche Carrera S. It is matched by some other ultra-lightweight super sports cars like the Lotus 2-11, and is a little slower than the Caterham CSR, which reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Even so the performance is remarkable.

In some respects, the KTM X-Bow seems inspired by the Caparo T1, although it is slightly heavier and has half the power. Overall, the KTM X-Bow is an amazing addition to the sports car world.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Crotch Rocket

2009-03-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R motorcycle is a top-of-the-line crotch rocket. As one of the most popular crotch rockets or sport bikes in the motorcycle category it is probably most well known for its speed. It came into this world in 1999 and with ongoing testing it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

It enjoyed an excellent reputation among sport bikes however in 2000 the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers decided that they would have to change some of the specs. They were worried about the regulation that was bound to happen among various governments and they didn't want to have any problems.

So in 2001 and the following years through 2008, they added what is called a timing retard to the fifth gear and a rev limiter. This changed the maximum speed to 186 mph from the 198mph that was enjoyed on the earlier model.

It has six gears however most will keep it in third pretty much for tooling around town and up to 60 mph on the local tracks.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R has a cool 3-way switch on the right handle bar. Choices are - one for full power and response and the other two switches reduce action and output.

And of course - it's a crotch rocket so you're going to be sitting close to the ground. It sits a little lower than some other models and the bars are not as narrow. But most crotch rocket lovers like this.

The translation of Hayabusa from the Japanese language is peregrine falcon. Thee peregrine falcon can travel faster than 200 mph. This Suzuki motorcycle certainly meets that definition.

In 2008 the crotch rockets or sport bike competition soared when the BMW K120S and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R were brought to the marketplace.

Suzuki is no longer called the GSX1300R in some countries because Suzuki dropped it and they call it simply the Hayabusa.

The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R can go a quarter mile in 9.62 seconds at 149 mph. It can go from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and from 0-180 in 15.9 seconds.

The 2009 models come in white and silver, black and gray, black and gold and silver and gray. In 2008 the Hayabusa sold for $12,000 or so. Although now, individual deals can be made with local dealers. And if you're lucky enough to find a used Hayabusa that's not all beat up, that's good too and can save you a lot of money.

So if you're thinking about buying a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R sportbike you'll get a high performance motorcycle - sport bike or crotch rocket that you'll be proud to own, do endless motorcycle stunts and wheelies and love to ride! But don't buy this crotch rocket - motorcycle as your first bike. Repairs can be expensive and one spill can end up causing a lot of damage. Get a used older bike and practice on that unless you're an experienced rider now.

Manufacturer: Suzuki

Model: GSX-1300R

Engine: Liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC

Displacement: 1298 cc

Bore and Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0 mm

Carburetion: Keihin EFI, 46 mm Throttle body

Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh, wet mulit-plate

Wheelbase: 58.5 in (1485 mm)

Seat Height: 31.7 in (805 mm)

Rake/Trail: 24°/3.8 in (97 mm)

Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gal (22 L)

Oil Capacity; 3.7 qt (3.5 L)

Front Tire: 120/70ZR Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial

Rear Tire: 190/50ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Radial

Peak Horspower at crank: 180 hp @ 9800 rpm

Measured Peak Horsepower at wheel: 165 hp @ 9400 rpm

Peak Torque 102 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm

Claimed Dry Weight: 474 lbs (215 kg)

Measured Wet Weight: 540 lbs (245 kg)

Imported Bikes In India

2009-03-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Imported Bikes can make a pretty good hole in your pocket, as you have to pay heavy duties/taxes too, but if you have the money to buy them, these bikes are worth the hype and price.

Choosing Perfect Bike

2009-03-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

As people grow up they start having wonderful fantasies and these are developed as a result of others showing them. Most of the younger generation would love to own bikes which could be sped with. But while choosing your favorite, there should various things that have to be considered and taken into account.

While shopping for the first bike the most important thing to consider is the price range and your budget. There are wonderful motorcycles which cost a lot for you and look really handsome and stylish. There are premium varieties of bikes such as Ducati and even Harley-Davidsons which could be over expensive. But these are the motorcycles chosen by most of the teenagers due to its fame and popularity. These are those bikes which could be just dreamt by the ordinary people. If you are going to ride it for the first time then these models are not for you. As for experimenting bike riding, it is always advised to start off with the modest models. These are recommended for experts as they have wonderful experience in bike riding.

For those entire debuting bike riders, the best choice would be to choose used bikes which are available easily at affordable prices. This is because it is the best way to become expert and own fascinating models sooner. The used bikes will be having the same power as the new ones and due to this reason it becomes easier and safer to learn in these bikes for the beginners. It is also not much good for the experienced riders to humiliate the new riders on fancy bikes. It is always cooler to ride faster on a slow bike rather than to ride slowly on fast bike.

The most dangerous bike for all those new comers is the sports bikes which could really put the debuts in real trouble even risking their lives. This is because the sports bikes are light weight and even have horsepower and this helps in faster pace even top speeds. Many of the youngsters prefer to own a 1000 cc super bike but it is not recommended for the starters and is highly advised due to its great risks.

The hospitals and cemeteries had got various clients who had tried out the 160 horsepower liter bike. It is highly recommended to undergo a training class before trying any kinds of bike. The perfect choice would be to join classes offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Apart from providing training they also let you to use small motorcycles as part of it.

Whatever be your choice of bike ranging from a fancy bike to touring bike to sport bike to a cruiser to a standard style bike, all that is to be taken care is to get the bike that you feel very comfortable. After taken the right decision the next step is to go out for shopping. While shopping, sit on the bike with the kick start stand down and check whether feet touches the ground and if not then it would be better to choose a lower seat bike. Hence, following these steps in bike shopping would let you choose the perfect one for you.

Some Tips Before You Buy a Sports Bike

2009-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you want speed in your life then go for sports bikes. However, not only these bikes are known for speed but also for excellent acceleration, maneuverability and deceleration. Before you go and buy a sports bike here are some things that you should know about these bikes.

Salient features of sports bikes

1. In sports bikes you get a powerful engine for helping you drive faster and a light body which is easy to control

2. The braking system of the sports bikes have both brake pads and multi-piston calipers and each are clamped into rotors

3. Advanced adjustment system and materials are found in suspension so that both stability and durability can be achieved

4. The tiers in front and rear are larger and wider than the other motorcycles so that you can get more speed and good angles.

5. If fairings are used in sports bikes then they are shaped in such a manner that the aerodynamic drag is reduced to a large extent

There are various types of sports bikes available in the market and these are:

1. Entry level: These are for those who want to practice before riding on an excellent sports bike. These are inexpensive bikes and are also lightweight and durable. The engines are made in such a way that they offer you both longevity and durability. The best part of these bikes is they are perfect for riders of any height and weight.

2. Small capacity: The engines of these bikes range between 125 cc to 400 cc and are available as both 2 strokes and 4 strokes cycles. They are ideal for the riders with short statures and with light weight. These bikes also have short wheelbase and lightweight thus making the handling easier and similar to the high capacity sports bikes

3. Hyper sport: Those of you who prefer bikes with high speed acceleration for them these bikes are ideal. The motors that you would find in these bikes range between 1000 cc and 1400 cc. These are heavier than the super bikes and therefore provide excellent stability

4. Super bikes: These bikes are made for those who want to compete in bike racing. These bikes have larger engines ranging between 800 cc to 1200 cc.

5. Super sport bikes: These bikes are also built keeping in mind the need of the racers. The power of the engines range between 600 cc to 800 cc.

6. Sport touring: If you want to go for long rides then you should opt for sport touring bikes. Though these bikes are less powerful and heavier in comparison with the other sports bikes, they are preferred because of the comfort that they offer. They offer storage facility and make you feel comfortable while riding.

Honda Cbr1100xx - Super Blackbird

2009-03-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

There is something just so utterly intoxicating about the way Honda's Super Blackbird blends such enormous raw power with such velvety-smooth refinement.

By rights, 152 claimed horses - which still equates with over 130bhp at the rear wheel - should make the 223kg Blackbird a big handful, yet somehow Honda's wizards have managed to break those horses, and train them to perform a synchronized ballet that would be the envy of Spain's famed dancing stallions...

Then there's the fact that some 10 years after its introduction, the Blackbird is still on the pace despite receiving very little in the way of modifications or upgrades.

Released late in 1996, the CBR1100XX went from carburettors to electronic fuel injection in 1999, and then received a catalytic converter and updated headlights, instruments and screen in 2001 - throw in the odd change in colour scheme here and there, and the Blackbird has really undergone very little in the way of tinkering.

And really, why would it? Pointing the bike down Victoria's Great Ocean Road recently, it showed it can still hold its head high, with a formula that really hasn't dated since its inception.

The Blackbird's turbine-like four-cylinder engine develops big torque and big power, with crisp fuel injection that places both at your beck and call. There are no flat spots to speak of, in fact there's nothing but bulk oomph pretty much throughout its entire rev range, from just off idle to its indicated 10,750rpm redline.

On the road this translates to a pure delight, although it's perhaps not as involving as other less-powerful machines, as even on a road with quite a variation of turns you can simply pick a gear and stick with it.

The Blackbird was the world's fastest production bike when it first hit the streets, a mantle it retained for over two years until Suzuki introduced the GSX1300R Hayabusa in May of 1999.

While it's not quite as strong as the 'Bus or Kawasaki's ZX-14 or even ZX-12R, there's still plenty here to keep you entertained, and you'll need to watch that right wrist like a hawk if you want any chance of retaining your license...

Stopping is a particularly important issue on a bike like this, and the twin-disc, three-piston Nissins are right on the money. Honda's Dual Combined Brake System (DCBS) is employed, which won't please everyone but will be appreciated by others. If you're not looking to break lap records at Phillip Island, it shouldn't be an issue - and if you are you should really be looking for something lighter anyway, like a Fireblade.

The suspension, though relatively low-tech, does a beautiful job, but tends towards the plusher end of the spectrum, at least in terms of sportier hardware.

The 'Bird's on the money in the comfort stakes too, with a firm but supportive seat, a good screen and slippery bodywork to allow you to scythe through the air. Those on the tall side may find legroom a bit wanting, but there's still enough there to ensure multi-day tours will still be on the agenda, aided further by the 'Bird's optional factory panniers ($1750). So what exactly is the Blackbird's focus? At 223kg (dry) it's too heavy to be a pure sportsbike, yet it's too fast and has too sporty a ride position to be a true tourer.

Really, it's a power-packed all-rounder and a hyper-tourer on the open road - provided you can find roads on which you can actually explore its potential (try Germany).

But even at legal speeds, that engine will always see you coming back for more. Happy birthday Blackbird - may your reign in the Honda stable continue for many years more.

SPECS: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Engine: 1137cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder

Bore and stroke: 79 x 58mm

Compression: 11.0:1

Fuel system

: electronic fuel injection

Power: 152bhp @ 9500rpm

Torque: 119Nm @ 7250rpm

Transmission: six-speed

Frame: alloy twin-spar

Front brake: twin 310mm discs with three-piston Nissin calipers

Rear brake: single 256mm disc with three-piston Nissin caliper

Front suspension: 43mm forks, non-adjustable

Rear suspension: Pro-Link monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound

Wheels: three-spoked alloy

Tyres: Dunlop D205 Sportmax; 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55R17 rear

Seat height: 810mm

Wheelbase: 1490mm

Claimed dry weight: 223kg

Fuel tank: 24L

Price: $18,790 plus ORC

Colours: Iron Nail Silver Metallic or Darkness Black Metallic

Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres

The New Pulsar DTSI 350 cc

2009-02-27T09:42:00.000-08:00